The fix is obvious: keep the ability to do traditional "wiretapping" when backed up by a search warrant documenting probable cause. Rein in the newer blanket permissions that don't require probable cause. Bolster punishments for government abuse of gathered information, as in "fishing expeditions". Sure, it would be more convenient in doing search and seizure if lots of pre-gathered information were available, but that wouldn't be reasonable in the case of the innocent.
And remember what's known of the role of the NSA in helping win the cold war. These agents are soldiers, too. They've risked all and sometimes died just like soldiers who operate in the open, but could never receive the recognition that above-ground GI's get. I don't know of any problem with the whistleblower's argument (as I currently understand it) that we should be alarmed if basic freedoms are threatened, but the fix isn't to demonize operatives every bit as valuable as he. If the public gets clear on the value of our lives and persons, and the politicians don't give us the protections we and the constitution require, then we deal with the politicians, not the soldiers.
And the first thing I did in reaction to these events was not to gripe on Facebook or Twitter and not even to post this blog. It was to send $35 to the National Cryptologic Museum. This project works to build a new facility to preserve the history of the NSA, and is near the National Vigilance Park, which preserves listening post aircraft similar to those lost in service. If we forget the significance of our own heroic actions and those of our forefathers, the cost will be our souls.
