There could be a bug in there.
Suppose you work for the NSA, and suppose you have family and friends to deal with over the holidays, all brimming with questions about all the illegal spying you've been doing. Well, the NSA is looking out for you, with this handy set of
talking points they provided to employees for Thanksgiving.
- NSA does not and will not steal industry secrets in order to give US companies a competitive advantage.
- NSA performs its mission exceptionally well. We strive to be the best that we can be, because that's what America requires as part of its defense in a dangerous world.
- More than 6,000 NSA cryptologists have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Twenty have died in the line of duty helping our troops accomplish their missions.
- The men and women of NSA take an oath to the Constitution. As private citizens themselves, NSA employees are acutely aware of the importance of upholding the Fourth Amendment, and they uphold it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- We encourage the American public to work with us to define the way ahead in balancing transparency and national security. We embrace public dialogue.
Those are totally natural-sounding talking points for sitting around the holiday table. Who could harbor any suspicions about their relative after hearing those spontaneous and heartfelt statements about our nation's intelligence services? The particularly nice touches are the guilt—we're dying for you in Iraq and Afghanistan—and the fear—we're in constant danger!—and that invitation to
rat on your neighbors engage with the NSA. Because nothing says "we embrace public dialogue" like reciting talking points to your loved ones.
Can't wait for an updated list for Christmas.