Really? Because from your original comment, the NSA is circumventing protections that are in place to spy on US citizens

That is exactly what you are suggesting. These rules should not be "bent" because there are legal mechanisms to investigate that are being blatantly bypassed to make things easier

First, artificialLimbs comment has been edited and toned down significantly since it was first posted.

Second, my personal opinion on how intelligent agency’s operate is irrelevant. I am only trying to inform on my understanding how they sometimes operate in relation to the original far more interesting article.

Checks and balances are obviously essential and are the priority in all cases.

Finally, while I don’t believe in the boogie man, people, anyone, can be bad.

>> First, artificialLimbs comment has been edited and toned down significantly since it was first posted.

No it wasn't. Unless you could see what I typed into the web form before I hit submit.

>> while I don’t believe in the boogie man

Well you should. They're here. They are the NSA, the FBI, the CIA, and other government agencies that regularly operate out of bounds of legality. If the horrible things that they have done and continue to do don't shock you and create the desire for their radical change or elimination entirely, you are stupid or malicious.

Apologies if I’m mistaken, I just thought I recalled it being phrased differently. I’m not renowned for my short term memory.

I’m not American and so have little interest in their internal politics other than as a spectator.

I think you should be interested, because whether you like it or not the politics and actions of these organisations effect everyone globally

That's why we should all care