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In reply to the discussion: Why the Ruling Class is So Upset About Edward Snowden [View all]BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)23. The "power elite" isn't so "tiny". That's the problem
4 million with security clearances. That is about 3% of Americans employed full time. That is very much an U versus Them thing. And nearly a million have top secret clearance.
How much is the budget? We are not allowed to know, but it surely isn't "tiny". It is probably something approaching a half trillion dollars a year in the Security Industrial Complex.
When that many dollars are involved, the number one priority is not to protect Americans, but to protect those dollars.
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There was an article linked from this site about WHY the NSA seeks surveillance over every person.
The Stranger
Jul 2013
#5
To the extent that we knew something was going on, this sums it up perfect :
GoneFishin
Jul 2013
#21