https://www.eff.org/action
Offline action taken. I protest and don't just sit on my ass. I spread the word. Comments on hn is just one mechanism. I fully agree with you though, get off your ass and do something.
I wasn't implying you weren't an activist, but I do think posting a link to the EFF will result in a better response than a chain mail.
I'm not one to compare the holocaust with mass surveillance anyways.
Cheers for coming back and trying to add a little sensibility to the discussion :).
You can make lists and ask for upvotes, but instead why don't you go and do some activism. Get off your ass and organize meetings, raise hell until you get people to care about the things you care about.
Sending chain letters on HackerNews is the most Masturbatory thing you can do on the internet besides the deed itself.