Because for the first time, there is documentary evidence of massive government spying on the United States population. Until this week it was all hearsay from whistleblowers and unnamed sources.

Because we care about individual rights and believe that no one should have access to our private communications without our permission.

Because we're at a critical juncture in world history, and one of the roads ahead leads to the unprecedented concentration of power in just a few hands.

I certainly agree with what you said, by my comment was more of a meta post rather than regarding this particular topic. The same thing happened when Steve Jobs died.

At a glance, there seem to be 4 or 5 unique aspects to this story that appear on the front page, despite multiple sources parroting each other.

> The same thing happened when Steve Jobs died.

People and events resonate with, move or touch other people.

Most other people, I should say.

I guess because even the most skeptical people can no longer deny what is in front of their eyes. What surprises me most is that this is even news at all.

It hit a nerve about what this community cares about. That isn't that surprising, though, right? We also routinely have posts about the TSA, cryptography, and other security topics.

I understand the issues with the specific topics, but how much new/unique value does having 28 submissions about the _same_ thing have?

This is one of those outrage things I take it?

You are outraged, check.

It's good to reward the media with pageviews when they write about important topics.

Just made a post about this very same thing (deleted it btw.) I'm not THAT interested in the NSA bs, and if I was I certainly wouldn't need a separate post for every news organization that covers the topic.

Looks like HN readers are just fighting for karma with these posts :(

Herd effect. Happens every few months when enough of the stars align.

Answer: Reports on surveillance of Americans fuel debate over privacy, security.

DURR!