[Kay Ludlow]

When people tell you they want to kill you, it is wise to be armed and ready. I don't think the collected data is really stopping much in the way of terrorism (although I think amount of firepower in the hands of US individuals is a deterrent). What I think it IS being used for is business espionage (which is not something the GOVT should be doing); providing intel on political enemies of those controlling a couple of oversight committees and probably the White House; threatening elected officials to vote the way ‘The Agency” wants, etc. All are things one would expect in the Stasi, not in US agencies funded by taxpayers.

[Jane Long]

Exactly...much of which is happening now.