Many intelligence programs are carried out in secret on our behalf. We acknowledge their value in securing and protecting our nation, yet we also understand that these programs are run by flawed people.
When public officials make mistakes there are many entities which can and do report it. This public exposure allows public debate and fosters confidence that unjust actions will not be left uncorrected. This feedback loop is critical to the health of our democracy.
Recent events have made many believe that no oversight mechanism is functioning to regulate and restrain secret actors. In the absence of the Mannings and Snowdens how would we have heard about the injustices they exposed? Without this how do we discuss our concerns? Where is the feedback mechanism for secret injustice?