As I’ve stated before on this forum, during my 33 years with the Agency, i had never seen one instance of US Persons being targeted WITHOUT a warrant. I’ve never seen one instance of US Persons being targeted WITH a warrant. Those of us who spent our careers out on the tip of the spear are a very close-knit community. If such treachery had been afoot, we would’ve known. Rather, we were continually reminded of our responsibilities under EO 12333. If my Agency ever did this, it was without my knowledge or approval.
Not to disparage your service, but I'm pretty sure there was a lot that went on that you didn't know about...unless you're the former director of one of the alphabet soup organizations, that is.
Jefferson warned us to jealously guard our freedom (including the 4th Amendment), which is why it is wise for all Americans to assume if the government can do something to spy on us, they are doing it.
Gov. Butch Otter of Idaho, back in 2001 when he was a US Representative, was one of only three Republicans who voted against the so-called "Patriot Act". I'll never forget his words when asked why; he said it was too much power for the government to have. Right on, Butch.
So while I thank you for your service, your assurances that you never saw any wrongdoing going on, well, they're not reassuring. At best, it's naive, and at worst, it's pi**ing on my leg and telling me it's raining.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
Pardon me, but by “Agency” do you mean CIA or NSA?
IIRC, CIA is only allowed to focus on foreign matters.
I don’t know if the NSA even knows or cares what they can and cannot do.