[quote=FlyerInHi]According to surveys, the majority of Americans are OK with the metadata sweeps to identify patterns of behavior and possible terrorist activity.

We could use the same technology to watch and follow potential mass shooters.[/quote]

No they’re not. When the poll really clarifies what happens the support vaporizes. The poll question was worded like “Is it okay if the NSA potentially breaches a persons privacy when pursuing terrorist activities”

That they support. Most probably think that the NSA is on a hot trail and maybe violating a few individuals that are identified somehow. Not the NSA is blanket collecting everything…

And if you ask them point blank “Are you okay with the NSA collecting all your data in the pursuit of terrorism”, I suspect you’ll get answer in the teens.

The one thing that has been consistent is the more information the people have, the less they agree with it.