This is an interesting take on the situation, although it's one that I would normally dismiss as tin-foil hat thinking. Given the source and clear reluctance in

This is an interesting take on the situation, although it's one that I would normally dismiss as tin-foil hat thinking. Given the source and clear reluctance in making these assertions, however, it's definitely a perspective worth including in the discussion. If Wolf is right, it certainly seems like a risky move on the part of the NSA (or related organization) - one that could easily backfire, since for the most part it's just fomenting more negative sentiment toward government in general. The shock of these "revelations" will subside and the country will likely go back to business as usual (as it does after most shocking revelations"), but with even less trust in its leadership. As for discouraging whistleblowing, they have so far missed the mark - for the most part Snowden has come across as pretty difficult to hate, even for people who disagree with his actions.