Parlez-vous français, NSA?.

Regardless of the debate over the classification or characterization of Edward Snowden, his unauthorized collection and release of top secret information and documents about the NSA spying program has damaged American interests.  Some say that espionage might be the world’s oldest profession. I have no doubt that all of the European nations, especially France and Germany, are engaged in spying on each other and other targeted nations. From what I have read they have similar programs to those used by the NSA. I cannot image a nation passing up a chance to spy on its neighbor or it its leaders based solely upon an egalitarian right to privacy. The only cardinal rule is; don’t get caught. Today’s terrorists melt into the general population and become unassuming, one of us. Nations have learned a lesson from America’s scandal; don’t get caught spying and take precautions against the “Edward Snowdens.” What nation wants its spying activities to be front page news?  Bernard Squarcini, former director of France’s DCRI, said that spying on allies is all in a day’s work. We should acknowledge the fact that the spy business has gone super hi-tech. It now takes full advantage of the Internet, an open and free highway of information. CBS’s hit TV show, “Person of Interest,” serves as a stark reminder of what today’s “machines” are capable of doing. Let’s shed the facade of indignation and accept the fact that all nations engage in eavesdropping on each other.