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In many cities, surveillance cameras are being installed, and their residents are always told it is for their safety. Being here in Libby, I have not been too concerned about this loss of personal privacy and freedom, because I thought that people in small towns in Montana would not want to be under government surveillance, as I have always felt that rural Montanans still value their freedoms and love America and what it stands for.

But now here in Libby, the mayor has proposed installing government surveillance cameras downtown. Libby is not that small of a town relative to many in Montana, but if it can happen here, I thought I had better warn other citizens of small towns in Montana that government surveillance cameras could be installed in their towns as well.

I have been in downtown Libby for more than 25 years, and I never thought I'd have to be concerned about being under government surveillance when I walk out of my office.

So, if it can happen here, it can happen in your town as well. Our freedoms are being continually eroded, and cameras will just continue to get cheaper, so what will be the future trend of this slippery slope? I just thought people throughout Montana should be aware of this trend toward government surveillance even in small towns.
Yes, it can happen to you, too.
Wayne Hirst
President
Libby Downtown Association

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