NSA collection of phone data a blow to freedom? #tellusatoday

A federal appeals court ruled on Thursday that the National Security Agency's program to collect data on Americans' phone calls is illegal. Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:

Good. That's a lot of freedom to trade for the sake of security. With freedom comes risks.

—Tom Kane

How is the collection of phone connection data a big problem? The government is not listening to the call, so a search warrant is not required. We are at war, and we can't let conspiracy fanatics stymie America's means to keep our people safe, as unobtrusively as possible. Terrorists do not deserve protection under our laws.

—Gregory Burton

If you find yourself discussing this issue in terms of Republicans and Democrats, you need to step back.

This country worked a lot better when we sacrificed all to protect the Constitution, instead of sacrificing the Constitution to protect lives.

—Mitchell K Clasen

The freedom of Americans is enabled by this program and others that you cannot see. People would rather cry foul than appreciate or support what goes on behind the scenes that affords you your rights as an American.

—Steve Jenkins

I'm glad that it was considered illegal, and I hope the same happens in the challenges before other federal appeals courts. Isn't it obvious that this is going to lead to huge invasions of privacy?

—Robert Reitmeyer

As soon as we have a major security attack, the same people will be yelling, "Why didn't the government know about this?" People give out more information on Facebook and think nothing of it. We are at war, people.

—Connie Hunt

The solution is not to gather the data in mass amounts. Instead, focus on suspects. I don't have a problem with the NSA taking my data, but it's a waste of effort.

—Ron Galinato

We asked what followers thought of a court decision that an NSA program collecting phone data is illegal. Twitter comments edited for clarity and grammar:

The program ostensibly feels invasive and wrong. But didn't the Patriot Act give the go-ahead? Beware your representative's voting record.

—@MontanaRusa509

Congress appears indifferent, at best, to the decision. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who wants to renew the Patriot Act, has support.

—@TimmyBermuda

The court's decision sacrifices national security for political correctness.

—@mnoormo1

Finally! A judgment against Big Brother watching our every move. Enough is enough.

—@UncleJimsWorld

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