some one said:
Ever heard of cointel-pro?
Cointelpro 101 is a documentary that I have watched multiple times.
I believe that kind of stuff is still going on, and has never stopped.
I am of the opinion that the PRISM program and other similar programs, the War-on-Terror, and War-on-Drugs... are likely all extensions of Cointelpro, and all this info will be used against minorities, progressives, and increasingly- upset poor people of all kinds.
Say/do something that could bring about positive change, and risk getting yourself targeted.
Anyone who thinks they have nothing to hide, or worry about is wrong; everyone breaks the law in some way- mostly peacefully (drugs, prostitutes, etc).
The argument has been made that the intelligence people don't care about hippies and their gardens...
I disagree... anyone who is a "Key Agitator" for civil rights could be targeted with, incarceration, blackmail, or death. This means that if a reasonably popular person starts demanding their rights, they will be punished severely (even if peaceful).
Anything done that is a crime, or highly embarrassing, etc. can be utilized either in a public way, or a private way to silence people who demand civil rights, justice, or fairness.
Anyone who has not seen Cointelpro 101, do so, it's very relevant to this topic; I sometimes make DVD copies just to give away.