richmomz

it should be noted that Daniel Ellsberg has stated that he supports Snowden in both his decision to leak the information, and his decision to flee

Link to relevant article written by Ellsberg, which confirms this: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/daniel-ellsberg-nsa-leaker-snowden-made-the-right-call/2013/07/07/0b46d96c-e5b7-11e2-aef3-339619eab080_story.html

For whatever specific reasons, Obama does seem to run scared of them. As the NYT reports today, those agencies don't seem to be fearing what they'll hear from him Friday.

Do you think it's possible that these agencies might be using their surveillance powers to control/manipulate people in positions of power (including the President)? I personally don't think it's that far fetched considering that some of Snowden's disclosures have revealed that the NSA does monitor elected officials and candidates. Not to mention the fact that the NSA didn't even deny it when asked directly a week or two ago.

I think there's been a fear for a long time that some of these agencies might one day become more powerful than the government they allegedly serve - I wonder if that day has already arrived?

"Shut up and take my tax money!"

I'm guessing that's a prerequisite to even be considered for higher office now. They have to ensure the puppet-strings are firmly attached before wheeling a candidate out on to the public stage.

My family came to the US from a (then) Communist bloc nation that had a nasty habit of "indefinitely detaining" politically undesireable citizens. I'm saddened to see that our nation is starting down an eerily familar dark path, but you guys give me hope for our future.

On behalf of those who have come to this nation to seek a better life, and want to keep it that way for the future of our children, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.