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Rather than being upset that intelligence gathering agencies gather intelligence, we might be better focused on insuring that there are measures in place to detect when or if any of the data gathered is misused. As far as I know, none of the recent "exposures"
has included any evidence that some misuse of the data has actually taken place.
If you then say "but I know they must be misusing the data and keeping it secret", then your efforts should be directed at more oversight and strict enforcement for those misusing the intelligence data in some unauthorized, and/or non-intelligence way.
Exposing and prosecuting those who misuse or allow the misuse of intelligence data is only a national security problem to the extent that it exposes the details of the intelligence program that was abused. Just exposing the existence of a program can damage or eliminate its effectiveness. Going after the misusers/abusers and holding them accountable for their actions, should be our objective not some outrage over the existence of the intelligence gathering operation. We should not be calling for the elimination of such programs, but rather for very strict enforcement of harsh penalties for any misuse/abuse.
Luck;
Ken
EX ASA Analyst
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