The
poll put forward the following question to those involved:
Would you be willing to give up some civil liberties if that were necessary to curb terrorism in this country, or not?
At least 40% of respondents were in favour, with 49% against, 9% said it would depend, and 2% had no opinion.
Amongst other questions, a majority of those surveyed were also open to increased camera surveillance on the streets and in public places, with 81% in favour, and 18% against.
79% of respondents were also in favour of using
facial recognition technology to scan for terrorists at public events.
When it came to the issue of increased government monitoring of cellphones, emails, and internet communications, 59% were opposed, with 38% in favour.
Former congressman Ron Paul (R) had recently
spoken out against the Boston police operation in it's manhunt against one of the surviving bombers, his sentiments were echoed by stand up comedian and political pundit Bill Maher on his
HBO show.