The National Security Agency was created as a unit to crack code communications during World War I. It is an ancient and one of the largest intelligence organizations in the United States. It operates under the Department of Defense and reports to the Director of National Intelligence. Its responsibility is to protect the United States government's communications and information system. It accomplishes its mission by eavesdropping on electronic systems, using subversive software to sabotage and intercept people's telephone conversations and Internet communications. The US government also had access to financial transactions between banks, around the world, via SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Transactions). The NSA's activities should be viewed positively as it moves to diminish the NSA's capacity in favor of our freedoms. will jeopardize our safety. With less information available to the NSA, the president is likely to make poor decisions and put Americans' safety at risk. So the greater the mass of information, the better the upcoming decision will be. It would be unwise to diminish the NSA's power, because doing so would embolden individuals or groups who harm Americans. Freedom and security are inversely proportional. Extra security always comes at the expense of freedom. Protecting privacy and reducing disruption would mean greater exposure to large security breaches. This is what we don't want. The invasion of an individual's privacy can be embarrassing due to the interaction between phone calls and computer users. But the NSA cannot lawfully use information gathered through surveillance to deprive any person of his or her rights without justifiable cause. For example, if you are a drug dealer or a petty thief and the NSA becomes aware of that...... means of paper...... nothing with the fear that your data could be intercepted. This also harms industry, businesses and consumers. NSA has both advantages and disadvantages, as we have seen above. I personally believe that the NSA should continue its service. Our safety comes before our freedom. Would you rather die or would you rather protect your data? NSA surveillance is for our safety. The media is just creating hype and making it into a big scene. People should understand that the NSA only collects your data, not listens to your phone conversations or reads your messages. They only test people with alarming behavior. If you haven't done anything wrong, you don't have to worry. Considering their previous record, they managed to stop 42-50 terrorist plots. Just imagine that if there was no NSA, we would have 42-50 attacks like 9/11. People need to see the positive aspects of the NSA.