>>If the government will not act then a talent drain might be the next best thing.
Is it? While the NSA conducts unconstitutional mass surveillance and has played a huge role in eroding privacy, it also performs a lot of legitimate duties. I personally don't want the country's primary intelligence agency to be populated with a bunch of mediocre people.
Does it? I'd be very interested in what duties it performs that are considered legitimate that are not part of larger system that erodes privacy. As is a program that does not target American citizens in illegal (illegal by everyone's but the NSA and their team of dirty lawyers) that serves a real need.
> I personally don't want the country's primary intelligence agency to be populated with a bunch of mediocre people.
I'd rather that happen and the talent go to the private sector (Commercial and OS) because at least I have a say in which of those I support. As it is now a portion of my taxes fund this machine that infringes on our rights in the name of security.
Maybe. There's a lot we don't know about the NSA. Starting with something as ridiculously basic as what it's budget is. In practice I suspect they answer to the executive branch more than anyone else (hardly ideal) but who knows.
Is it? While the NSA conducts unconstitutional mass surveillance and has played a huge role in eroding privacy, it also performs a lot of legitimate duties. I personally don't want the country's primary intelligence agency to be populated with a bunch of mediocre people.