[leokun]

Decades in jail? For what? I do not like the NSA's overcollection, but decades in jail ought to be reserved for violent types and people who you can easily demonstrate have ruined people's lives (through ponzi schemes and fraud).

[a3n]

The rule of law is government's fundamental contribution to civilization. It may not be sufficient, but it's definitely necessary. In context, it's sacred.

Most government employees, particularly members of the military, directors of agencies (Alexander is both), cabinet secretaries, judges, members of Congress and the President, take an oath of office. The first or second thing in the oath is usually an affirmation to protect and defend the Constitution. In the President's oath, it's one of only two things: do your best at being President, and protect and defend the Constitution.

I swore that oath when I joined the Navy. I was only in for six years, I've been out more than thirty years, but I still consider myself bound to that oath. I've long been disenchanted by my government, but I still hope for the Constitution's health and longevity. It may be "just a goddam piece of paper," but it symbolizes our commitment to each other.

I'm tired of watching the NSA and the rest of the government treat the Constitution as just a piece of scrap paper.

Yes, decades in jail are appropriate for fundamental crimes of such depth and sweep.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=oath%20o...

[leokun]

There's a lot of personal anecdote in your reply but little justification for why decades of jail are appropriate responses. It just seems like you think if you feel it intuitively that everyone else should just accept it. Sorry, I don't agree, and you're not very convincing.

[makerops]

Counterfeiting laws in the US seem to be unreasonably harsh, the reasoning is, that it is such an insidious crime due to the fact it can undermine the fundamental trust in our economy and government. The NSA scandal has done at least one of those things.

[lignuist]

> but decades in jail ought to be reserved for violent types and people who you can easily demonstrate have ruined people's lives (through ponzi schemes and fraud).

Like Manning?