The problem for the government here is the difference between intelligence gathering and criminal investigation.
Intelligence gathering by definition requires looking at an enormous mass of material to determine which of it requires more careful observation. Look at the criticism of the government after 9/11 for not having prevented the attacks. The only way they could conceivably have done so is by separating the signal of the attackers plot out of a nearly infinite amount of background noise.
I suspect a major reason why the NSA is looking at “everything,” is political correctness. Somewhat similar to searching everybody by the TSA.
Can’t focus on the more likely dangers, that would be profiling. So they are forced to gather data on everybody if they want to have data on the real threats.
Not saying they’re right in doing so, just that this is the dynamic at work.
Thats possible but I don’t think so. They are doing this because they can. They now have the technology and the (unconstitutional) authority to do this. They sit back and build a case that they might be able to find an enemy this way and of course it fits into Bam bams agenda.
Its how govts and people in positions of power have always functioned when they don’t have any controls.
BTW FU NSA