Intellectual freedom issues are always around in the United States, but recently the issue of surveillance and detainment took a more prevalent turn, perhaps spawned by a Democracy Now! video Friday, where director Laura Poitras spoke about getting questioned by the government on multiple occasions in airports. On Sunday actress Susan Sarandon spoke on a similar topic, only instead of detainment, Sarandon is convinced she's under surveillance.
Sarandon has been known for her vehement disagreement with government policies, especially those surrounding the Iraq war. The Oscar winner and activist recently joined director Michael Moore on a panel where they joked about how they expect the government to keep tabs on them, though much of the conversation was far from superficial.
The actress also spoke out specifically about her phone being tapped and seemed more perturbed than disconcerted by the possibility. According to Dailymail, Sarandon’s run-in with the government has been more extensive than the usual keeping tabs.
“I was denied a security clearance to go to the White House and I don’t know why. Do you know why?”
Sarandon has been a predominant voice in the past for her leftist opinions, often bordering on polarizing, which is why it is pretty incredible she is acting incredulous about the government surveillance. Right or no, when a person puts his or herself out there so predominantly, he or she inherently draws attention. Throughout U.S. history the majority of movers and shakers on both sides of the aisle have found themselves watched, so she should consider herself in good company.
