Problem is, until somebody's convicted, he or she is a "suspected" criminal. That could include anybody who got in the sites of the investigators. If you're for taking away the constitutional rights of suspects - then you're not a conservative. Because conservatives honor, and want to conserve, the constitution. Because they fear how unchecked federal power could be used if the wrong folks got into power - like Hillary. Power without restraint is a Marxist, Soviet concept. Constitutional restraints - including the 4th Amendment - is a conservative concept.
How do I know, I used to work there and wouldn't mind working there again. You know how these persons being monitored where identified...They called a known terrorist in another country! Well golly gee! they might be bad guys on our soil. We are dealing with people here who don't follow the Geneva conventions.
As for monitoring Americans, the NSA do not have the resources and the manpower to do that. I get a kick out of reports making the NSA bigger then it really is. Also it is illegal to monitor law abiding Americans and the Employees at NSA are more like you then you think. They are just everyday people protecting this country to the best of their ability.
Having worked there and knowing people at the NSA I find it offensive when anyone suggest they are spending their time spying on Americans..It's a blatant waste of their time and your tax dollars. They are too busy watching the bad guys so they won't harm us to waste their time listening to your phone call.