Let's not kid ourselves.

[Jester Messiah]

3. Maybe this is an opportune time to discuss the proper role of domestic intelligence agencies.

Is there a need for them? Does the job that they do really need doing? If so, is there a way to do it in a more above-board fashion, or must it by necessity be done in the shadows? Is civilian oversight doing what it ought?

Lots of questions. I don't think we can just say "to hell with 'em, they're evil let's get rid of them" without risk. Or, if we do, then we need some kind of replacement for them. In the end I think it's a nasty job but somebody's going to have to do it.