[deafeningblow]

Threats never have to enter the equation. At that level people can disappear, cars malfunction, health happens.

If you're running for president, you've scratched the right backs and suppressed any distasteful political ideas you may have had. You aren't a threat because you've been vetted by the power structure already.

I do agree that the surveillance state now exists to maintain power in all spheres. Exposing yourself is handing over a large chunk of that power, which is where I disagree with your sentiment.

Just think of the value of knowing what your foreign competitors are up to, on national and economic levels.