The U.S. Government’s Secret Plans to Spy for American Corporations - By Glenn Greenwald

[1StrongBlackMan]

33. I am saying that the US Government has been spying for corporate interests ...

since we developed the capability to intercept electronic communications ... even before. Nations (including the U.S.) have been collecting economic intelligence of its trading "partners" to gain competitive advantage(s) since the being of trade ... when its done overtly, it's called "economic research", when it's done covertly, it's called "economic espionage."

The only difference(s) here is: 1) the use of 21st century technology; and 2) the disclosure was by GG.

Is that clear enough?

BTW, I am not endorsing the U.S. government's activity; but I have my feet in the real world enough to realize that this conduct can be used for "national good" or "national evil" ... as such, it is, what it is ... we, therefore, enjoy/tolerate the fruits, when done for "good" and punish it when it's found to be "evil" (or, just when it comes to light).

BTWW, I see what you did there (as will all informed posters to this site) ... "I have no idea what your point is; but every informed soul just knows ..." Well, I suggest, your understanding of "informed" is heavily influenced by who said what, and whether it lines up with your position.

Further, it amazes me that some are completely capable of connecting the most improbable data points, when fed by someone they support, and/or, it feeds their pre-held positions; but can't seem to apply commonsense (even to the point of rejecting commonly known information), when doing so would reduce their position to "nothing new." In this case, GG has over the course of the last few years, been disclosing stuff that the government has been doing for decades, and we get all upset; but for someone to point out that the government has been doing it for centuries is blasphemous.