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Sort of the invisible unicorn argument. I can't really say how many invisible unicorns are in the room with me right now. Could be dozens, if they're small, quiet, and quick to get out of the way.

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Not entirely, it's more of the "that word 'proof'/'proves' doesn't mean what you think it means" argument.

My point is entirely aimed at the linguistic use of "proves" than anything else.

As always, the burden of proof lies with the party making the existence or effectiveness claim. It is on the surveillance proponents to prove their effectiveness.

I don't have a burden of proof because I have nothing to prove, I'm not making a claim one way or another.

The person I was commenting to, however, IS making a claim. Maybe your burden of proof applies to him?

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