There is a lot invested in these programs: time, money, careers, political capital, probably even some level of genuine belief in their efficacy/righteousness.

There is a lot invested in these programs: time, money, careers, political capital, probably even some level of genuine belief in their efficacy/righteousness. I'd actually be more concerned if they started walking it back and dangling out some "bad apples" for the cameras. The fact that they're sticking to their guns means there's a fighting chance for the whole apparatus to be crushed by a finally-outraged-and-united public. > it is not surprising to me in the least that other countries are not bending to our will While the level of spying is still technically nebulous for U.S. citizens, the leaks describe extremely clearly that all non-Americans are fair game. That the home of some of the largest internet companies has been pro-actively snooping on every single world citizen is not going un-noticed.