Ax, the problem for us lay people, is that we get some information and assume the worst. Supporting statements seemed to dribble out over time. I was under the impression that it was a certainty that the NSA was collecting data inappropriately.
Frankly, I would be very happy to be proven wrong beyond a shadow of a doubt. So far I haven’t been.
I happen to think the NSA and the CIA are agencies we need. I’m not seeking to see either organization shut down, consolidated, or severely hampered. They have an important job to do. I want the job done.
I also want citizen to be free from monitoring unless their is a specific need. I am also willing to allow an agency to jump the gun before getting permission, if it’s a fluid situation supporting the specific need. All I’ve got to say, is that if they do jump the gun, they better be able to support it. Otherwise heads should roll, and prosecutions should result.
The NSA is a massive enigma for most of us. We as a people tend to be highly suspicious of government. That is healthy unless it gets to the point that it is self-destructive. In some instances I think it gets to that point. In some instances I think government agencies go too far also.
I consider this to be a healthy political game, both sides pushing for their interests.
Over the last ten years, perhaps a little more, I have noticed a massive amount of information regarding internet sights and individuals being targeted, or actually even helping collect data.
I’m not sure how you reassure the public on matters like this.
If it weren’t for your experience, you might be a lot more ready to suspect the NSA or CIA.
We don’t have your experience, so we’re naturally going to be more skeptical.
In a nation like ours, there is always going to be friction on this issue.
It’s healthy for the public to be skeptical to a point.
My view of Snowden is closer to the NSA view. I’ve got to tell you though, I’m not liking what I am hearing about the NSA these days.
To say the least, it has a massive public relations problem right now.
I don’t pretend to know everything that goes on; I can only comment on my experience. The people with whom I worked were a patriotic, hard working lot. We knew the rules and played by them. We had a lot more pressing business to carry out, not reading people’s faxed lunch orders to the deli around the corner. And it’s true: if you work on the inside, you have a totally different outlook.