[wmeredith]

The NSA existing in a state that doesn't stop terrorist attacks is the status quo (it's the same as them not existing at all). It doesn't need proving.

If they want to spy on everyone in the world all the time and their reasoning is that it makes Americans safer, then the burden of proof is very much on them.

[gbhn]

Not to mention that terrorists aren't the only thing the president is charged to protect citizens against.

[sliverstorm]

the burden of proof is very much on them

But who do they have to prove it to? The public, or the people they actually report to?

[wmeredith]

They're salaries are paid in tax dollars. The public is who they report to.

[sliverstorm]

Indirectly, yes, but you are oversimplifying.