Introduction
Leadership is a very diverse and risky social aspect that requires application of emotional intelligence for every leader to enhance social and economic justice. Emotional intelligence involves an individual’s understanding of oneself as well as recognizing the interests of others. However, the situation is usually difficult since it is not possible to attain Pareto efficiency in every decision that a leader makes. As result ethical dilemma arises among the leaders, citizens and the rule of Law. Ethics refers to the generally acceptable code of conduct that commits the leaders of all aspects to respect the rule of law and civil rights of an individual.
Ethical issue: Wiretapping Technology
The Home land security division in the United States has been involved in counter-terrorism activities as one of its objectives to ensure that all citizens are secure. In a bid to ensure that terrorism and other forms of criminal activities are mitigated, the United States government passed into law Homeland Security Act 2002 that gave law enforcement agencies mandate track all terrorists through wiretapping technology. (Mullikin, Rahman, & Rahman, 2010).
Wiretapping technology involves the use of technological means to monitor suspect’s communication networks such as Emails and cell phone communication. However, ethical concerns were raised about infringement of privacy rights of all citizens that are entrenched in the federal constitution. Additionally, the Protect America Act of 2007 was enacting to allow homeland security and other intelligence services to acquire devices that would enable them track suspected terrorists in the United States. The enactment and implementation of this Act contravenes the core values of Homeland Security agency that emphasizes on safeguarding civil and privacy rights for all citizens. (Mullikin, Rahman, & Rahman, 2010).
Opponents felt that the government had exceeded its mandate to provide security for all citizens, and it was illegal and unethical. The issue has continued to raise concern especially with the passing of Cyber security Act 2009 that resulted in uneasiness among citizens.
Conclusion
Terrorism activities have increased in the global arena and thus affected the economic growth of all nations. Therefore, all possible mechanisms should be applied to ensure that the vice is mitigated to salvage the world’s social and economic stability. Therefore, it is the government’s role to provide security for all citizens regardless of race, religion or social status. However, privacy rights should be safely guarded against the unethical infringement. The United States government, the citizens and all interested parties should converge to discuss the modalities of implementing wiretapping technology to ensure that privacy rights and nation’s security concerns are addressed, and an amicable solution obtained.
References
Mullikin, A., Rahman, S. M., & Rahman, M. (2010). Ethical Dilemma of Governmental Wiretapping. Computing Research Repository, 2(4), 32-39.
