[gnaffle]

NSAs job isn't just to prevent terrorist attacks, it's also to gather and analyse information for the US government and to keep US communications secure. I don't know whether or not they're "cost effective", but I don't think anyone would doubt that they've given the US a huge strategic advantage.

[CamperBob2]

I don't know whether or not they're "cost effective", but I don't think anyone would doubt that they've given the US a huge strategic advantage.

It's tough to say. They say their mission is vital, but then their mission is literally to lie for a living.

[mpyne]

No, their mission is to protect U.S. communications and break everyone else's. They don't have to "lie for a living" typically since typically no one knows to ask them questions :P