>It is laws, and not technical means, that prevent rampant, systemic oppression.

Which is exactly why it's so dangerous to have a secret court, with secret rulings, NSLs, and to make everything a secret in the name of national security.

>What we have learned, essentially, is that the NSA — a spy agency whose attention is focused internationally—does exactly what it is supposed to do.

It's interesting that Americans are only getting uncomfortable with mass surveillance now that they know there is a possibility it's being done to them. It's as if all foreigners should be presumed guilty and have no right to privacy or basic respect.

It hardly seems sporting to complain that the Guardian's article is imperfect when the official information about surveillance consists of direct lies while testifying under oath, and people who release information through unofficial channels are charged with treason and face (literally) death or life in prison if they're caught.