How have others been explaining why privacy is important?
From the poll: (http://www.washingtonpost.com/page/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/...) "Q: What do you think is more important right now - (for the federal government to investigate possible terrorist threats) or (for the federal government not to intrude on personal privacy)?"
That's not really an a/b question.
The real question in my mind whether we believe that every corner of our nation and our lives is a small part of a warzone, in a "cyber war".
That's the disconnect between people on HN and the NSA/military types. They are playing a different game.
Remind them that the government is composed of individuals, like police officers that stalk the exes they abused through phone records.
"Your rights matter because you never know when you're going to need them."
privacy = rights