"Here's what now should be taken as an operating procedure in any discussion of the NSA..." [View all]

[WilliamPitt]

"Absent that, here's what now should be taken as an operating procedure in any discussion of the NSA and/or the surveillance state. First, everything they say is a lie, or, at best, a quarter-truth. Second, any argument based on the fundamental premise of "Trust us," should cause the person making the argument to be laughed out of government service forever. Third, any defense based on the alleged safeguards of either the FISA Court, or the responsible committees of the Congress is prima facie worthless, whether it comes from your favorite pundit, your favorite congresscritter, or, especially, your favorite President of the United States. Fourth, Edward Snowden, International Man Of Luggage and flawed human being, has blown himself a helluva whistle here."

- Charles P. Pierce

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/The_Snowden_Effect_And_What_Should_Happen_Now