As you continue to explore this area, you'll find pretty quickly that your family member's experience as a local elected official doesn't have that much relevan

As you continue to explore this area, you'll find pretty quickly that your family member's experience as a local elected official doesn't have that much relevance to NSA surveillance. Other than that, you're mistaken but well-intentioned, and I encourage you to read up on this topic. I might suggest my articles about government and the law over the last 15 years or so as a starting point.