I am getting the odd sense that some don't like Snowden because he made the establishment look bad

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160. That's sure to be it.

I'm just a simpleton because I pointed out that we've trusted the government for generations with our personal and professional correspondence. Obviously, I just don't get it. Since I'm not adequately outraged by the same things as all the cool kids; I'm just stupider.

That's ridiculous. We've been hearing about data mining for years. There have been movies made about it. I've programmed databases. The concept isn't that complex. It isn't that I'm ignorant of it; I'm waiting for the specific stories to determine how folks were damaged. So far all I've heard are horrific scenarios of possible abuses. In that respect the potential for abuse with the mail system is a perfect analogy. The ability to spy was always there. There are examples of rogue mail carriers who didn't properly do their job, it's a risk you take when you use the system.

The fact that data mining enables companies to manipulate consumers is not a problem of government over-reach because 'consumers' are using the telecom system. Would you give up the right to use their service to protect your privacy? Then go ahead and do it.

If you have some specific action that I should take that shows that we are taking a stand against government over-reach, tell me what it is. I'll gladly join in with anyone who has a plan to rein in the government, but I don't really think whining about it day in and day out is accomplishing much. Unless giving people the impression that the sky is falling gives you a sense of accomplishment.