There has always been a large contingent within (and outside of) the AA fellowship that hoped AA would be a tool to get us heathens back into the church. The woman who introduced the founders was one such person, and there have been many throughout the history of the fellowship.
But it hasn't worked, despite the seeming evidence. It is possible, even easy, to attend meetings and practice the program without having to indulge in thinly disguised Christianity. FWIW, it's also possible to be both an Atheist and an AA member.
The often overlooked key is to let each member define what the word "God" means. Its a founding principle
In summary, it said NSA good, politicians in Washington bad. The same politicians who are now getting people riled up, all because they want to take the NSA down a notch or two.
Snowden's "leaks" and the controversy in their wake, are part of a carefully thought-out campaign to take power away from the NSA.
ITM!
Are there objective methods for assessing this ability?
Why yes, there are objective methods. Here's what you should look for:
their IT group is ineffective, loathed by all other departments, and runs at of what the CFO has deemed appropriate
Living on Earth may be expensive, but it includes an annual free trip around the Sun.