This story probably only hints at the truly terrifying power that the NSA can bring to bear. I do not think anyone is disputing the need to collect intelligence

This story probably only hints at the truly terrifying power that the NSA can bring to bear. I do not think anyone is disputing the need to collect intelligence but the scale and scope of the NSA's no-holds-barred all the information all the time approach needs to be reigned in. At this point (ironically) it may be fair to start treating them as one of the biggest threats to the functioning of democracy in the US. Not terrorists, not violent militia, not soft money, not Income inequality - but an agency with virtually unchecked powers, opaque budget, no due process that Govt. Officials themselves daren't speak against for fear of embarrassment or worse.