NSA data gathering criticized from all sides: #tellusatoday

We asked our Twitter followers: What do you think about the NSA gathering phone records from Americans to fight against terror? Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Unjustified. Even as an act of prevention against said terrorist threats, the program violates our basic democratic rights.

— @knox_casey

As a libertarian I had a problem with the Patriot Act in 2001. I felt at that time it violated the Fourth Amendment and believe more so now.

— @McHaleFrank

The NSA surveillance story reinforces why an entity like WikiLeaks is so important.

— @ElissaAngela

Congress is upset because the NSA is doing exactly what it is authorized to do when Congress passed (and renewed) the Patriot Act.

— @jmspool

Is the Obama administration the worst when it comes to invading privacy or the worst at keeping these invasions secret?

— @tompaulson

I can't hate on people using currently legal means to fight terrorism. Hate the Patriot Act instead.

— @SteveComics

Google motto, 2000: "Don't be evil." Google motto 2013: "Don't be evil, but don't worry about helping the NSA be evil."

— @EpicureanDeal

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or search #tellusatoday on Twitter.