[shauryamanu]

Why doesn't govt improve its own machinery instead of trying to spy on its citizens? Do they think this way they'll improve the society? Like China?

[DocTomoe]

The first function of a state is to ensure the continued existence of the state. Which is threatened a lot more by civil uprisings as compared to an external actor, especially in a time when international relations are relatively stable (current security events being the formerly-normal that is today's extreme). Another "storm on the Capitol" is so much more damaging to the US as it exists today as compared to a border skirmish with the Chinese over Taiwan.

[FortiDude]

The state wouldn't fear civil uprising if it made its citizens' lives half decent

[_5uxp]

all about power

[beebeepka]

Tell me which country doesn't spy on its citizens.