First of all, I'm American. I've been having a bit of a moral crisis over this NSA issue. I know I should be upset at the executive branch for invading privacy even if that just means collecting metadata but I also understand the utility of having the ability to monitor anyone who may pose a national security threat. It seems to me that the most recent revelations are simply that these programs exist, not that they are being used for sinister purposes. If the NSA's data was being used to harass people for their political affiliations, then, I'd be more concerned. Until that happens, though, this program only exists to protect Americans from threats to our way of life. I understand the idea of a slippery slope, but I don't really think it's a good reason to not do something. We should be tackling abuses of power when they happen, not stopping programs that may have utility because they could hypothetically be abused. I suppose, Reddit, that my thinking boils down to this on balance, the NSA's programs cause more good than harm. This might not always be the case, but right now, in June 2013, I believe that the NSA's programs can stop real threats against us without being used for sinister political motives, and, until they do, should be supported. Even with this reasoning though, I'm feeling really uneasy about my position. Where am I wrong? Where am I right? Reddit, if you can, change my view.
I can't really be upset about the NSA's activities, since it seems that they are designed to help keep us safe.