Can we all agree that we need spies?

[last1standing]

11. I disagree with that.

I believe we need spies because other countries have spies. We need to know what they're doing. Would I prefer that none of us had spies. Yes. Do I think that's even remotely feasible? No. Because other countries do have, and will continue to have, spies, we need them as well.

That doesn't mean they shouldn't be restricted by check and balances and it doesn't mean those restrictions should be no more than rubber stamps that effectively serve no purpose. We need strong laws restricting any search and seizure of US citizens, whether on US soil or elsewhere, that forces the agency wanting the warrant to present factual information of why they believe the specific person (note not persons) should be searched, for how long, and by what means.

It isn't a question of having it both ways, it's about establishing a necessary program but ensuring it has clear limits to its authority based on law and Constitutional limits.