[mylife]

Imagine if you will, what chaos would ensue if someone, started a rumor that you were cheating on your wife, and they sent pictures of you with another woman.

They could be innocent pictures.
Now find a correspondence that has some racy humor in it, perhaps completely innocent.

Trust is gravely damaged.

[OneWingedShark]

Imagine if you will, what chaos would ensue if someone, started a rumor that you were cheating on your wife, and they sent pictures of you with another woman.

They could be innocent pictures.
Now find a correspondence that has some racy humor in it, perhaps completely innocent.

Trust is gravely damaged.

But does the government deserve this trust?
Has the government had a history of doing unlawful things and then covering for itself?

1. I seem to recall Murtha declaring guilt of Marines… only to be let-off/protected because he was found to be a government employee.
2. I seem to recall something about a freezer full of cash.
3. I seem to recall Waco's it's ok because they were [alleged] pedophiles justification.
4. I seem to recall that Lon Hiroichi (and superiors) are walking free and clear after a brutal murder.
5. What about the general non-prosecution of police who perjure themselves?

Which of these is conducive to supporting the underlying assumption you make that government should be trusted?

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." — George Washington

Your arguing that if we really trusted fire we should bring it out to the livingroom floor, instead of keeping it locked away in the fireplace.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Your example is interesting, but in this case the 4th amendment is clear. There MUST be probable cause and a warrant must be issued and it must be specific. Collecting all data about everyone is a violation.