So I had The Talk with my teenaged son tonight

[Fuddnik]

17. I've been there. And it wasn't even this bad then (1970s-80s)

They used to have to notify someone within 90 days after a court approved bug or tap was REMOVED. The place where I worked got those notices every 90 days for about 2 years.

I found an FBI bug in my apartment, after I was followed by a couple of agents. And I wasn't even a target of the investigation. They were on a fishing expedition for the guy I worked for. I had people I knew were informants trying to talk me into all kinds of stuff.

Think you're not doing anything, and have nothing to worry about? WRONG. If those guys get a bug up their ass, they'll fabricate a case against you in a heartbeat.

That's when I first read James Bamford's "The Puzzle Palace", just to try to understand their capabilities. And I've read everything he's written since.

Technology was pretty much in it's infancy back then. And even then the NSA tried to stay at least 5 years ahead of the state of the art.

Add private contractors, corrupt greedy politicians, ex spooks, and generals to the mix, and you have a horror story brewing right in front of you, that you won't even acknowledge.

Nah, it can't happen to you. You're special.