it makes a lot of sense to have a transparent set of rules that are applied equitably to every citizen, regardless of their demographics or background. It soun

it makes a lot of sense to have a transparent set of rules that are applied equitably to every citizen, regardless of their demographics or background. It sounds like your response is based on broad ideological convictions that have little to do with the commenter's argument. He or she is arguing that the NSA is not equivalent to the FBI because the FBI, in this case, did follow established procedures to obtain a conviction. If you want a society where the individual is completely at the whims of mysterious and unknown forces that can destroy their life utterly for no apparent reason at all, well then carve out special exceptions for some while reserving harsh punishments for others. In order for this comment to be relevant, you'll have to establish how it relates to the details of this case.