> To be clear, they say that there is no evidence that bulk meta data surveillance is useful in catching terrorists.
Which is sophistry. The goal of defense policy is to minimize attacks, not maximize counterattacks. Superior communication intelligence is a powerful deterrent to attacks. No sensible person wants to be the next Osama bin Laden or Dread Pirate Roberts. At this point all that is left is non-sensible attackers like the Shoe Bomber and the Penis Bomber.
Which is sophistry. The goal of defense policy is to minimize attacks, not maximize counterattacks. Superior communication intelligence is a powerful deterrent to attacks. No sensible person wants to be the next Osama bin Laden or Dread Pirate Roberts. At this point all that is left is non-sensible attackers like the Shoe Bomber and the Penis Bomber.