They did NOT listen to your phone calls. Repeat: They did NOT listen to your phone calls

[fredamae]

4. Maybe they didn't/don't

listen in in real time But they certainly have it All stored for a later date--to be used at the whims of the contractors (NOT "Our people"-Corporate Contractors) and whomever future leaders are....

It's cool if you're "ok" with it---I'm not. Perhaps the "Bigger Picture" might offer clues about how this could go terribly wrong for ordinary citizens.
The fact that many lawmakers are alarmed by this is well, alarming to me.

I think all testimony, opinions, interpretations of laws, constitution and recognition of the differences between constitutionality and legality should be examined.
Next, what good does this sort of data collection do For us? Why is this sort of Security Task contracted out to begin with? Doesn't it alarm you that a young man with a short employment history has this sort of access? Who else does? Are they trustworthy? Why do they have this much access at such a "low level"?
How much does it cost us? Harm VS Benefit definitely plays a role here.
Do Corporations use this gathered info to track us online? Have those confidentiality laws been violated?

Just listen...before forming an opinion.