There's nothing "traditional" about the depth, pervasiveness, or reach of the USG's spying. If it's anything like military spending, the U.S. spends more than the rest of the planet combined.
Maybe you can use this to start bridging your information gap.
Russia, China engaging in industrial espionage
Germany is full of Russian and Chinese spies working to get information about top business and technology developments, according to the country’s domestic intelligence service.
Studies show that the German economy loses around €50 billion a year as a consequence, Burkhard Even, head of the counterintelligence section of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, told the audience at a recent security forum in Bonn.
The spying is a mix of official, intelligence service agents, and unofficial business spooks, he said.
Even estimated that of the 500 registered staff of the Russian embassy in Berlin, at least 150 were working as intelligence agents, disguised as diplomats or journalists.
He said that more than four million Russians live in the country as a whole, leaving him unable to guess at how many agents might be hidden amongst them.
But according to analysts and officials, the communist-controlled People’s Republic of China operates the single largest intelligence-gathering apparatus in the world—and its growing appetite for secrets has apparently become insatiable.
From economic and military espionage to keeping tabs on exiled dissidents, China’s global spying operations are rapidly expanding. And, therefore, so is the threat. Some analysts even argue the regime—which is also gobbling up such key natural resources as farmland, energy, and minerals—has an eye on dominating the world.
Estimates on the number of spies and agents employed by the communist state vary widely. According to public statements by French author and investigative journalist Roger Faligot, who has written several books about the regime’s security services, there are around two million Chinese working directly or indirectly for China’s intelligence apparatus.
Britain under attack from 20 foreign spy agencies including France and Germany
"It is estimated that at least 20 Foreign intelligence services are operating to some degree against UK interests. Of greatest concern are the Russians and Chinese. The number of Russian intelligence officers in London has not fallen since the Soviet times."
A Whitehall source told The Sunday Telegraph that Russia uses its massive spy network as an "extension of state power" in an attempt to "further its own military and economic base".
The source said: "If a country, such as Russia or Iran, can steal a piece of software which will save it seven years in research and development then it will do so without any hesitation. Russian agents will target anybody that they believe could be useful to them. Spying is hard-wired into the country's DNA. They have been at it for centuries and they are simply not going to stop because the Cold War has ended."
Officials say Chinese spies have targeted every sector of the U.S. economy
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
US military spending is high because it pays its volunteer soldiers a competitive wage while sustaining a substantial military that is actually capable of fighting despite the fact that it often has to cross oceans to do so. If you are observant you might have noticed a capabilities gap between the US military and the militaries of much of Europe. Since WW2 the US has borne much of the defense burden for Europe, Japan, and various other places.
Many other countries have relied upon conscription, with some dropping it only recently. Germany, Russian, and China have all relied on conscription until relatively recently if they don't still use it.
The US also pays Western rates for its technology and weapons, not Chinese or Russian rates.
As to spying, Russia and China are quite prolific in their spying, including against Germany. Perhaps you don't follow the news about that?
Not really. Sticking to historical events rather than hysterical invention really simplifies the matter.
The US hasn't committed genocide during its existence. The US government ended slavery in its territory (inherited from the European based colonies) although it required force of arms to do so. It's imperialism was limited in scope and time, and is long over. The democratically elected government of the Confederate States of America deserved its fate. Iran was no longer a democracy when the US assisted the return of the Shah to power since an election was faked, the legislature was dissolved, the "Prime Minister" ruled by decree and ignored the traditional check and balance of a constitutional monarch being able to dismiss the Prime Minister.
Actually, Germany has a problem with spying on their own citizens, as this was declared illegal by the European Court of Justice.
Did anyone tell the Germans?
My view is pretty much the reverse - ok entertainer (long, long ago, in a TV show far, far away), but Senator? Ugh.
Strawman? Not so much.
So does the NIC have a legal mission to gather intelligence? Does forging certificates constitute legitimate intelligence collection?
Who can say? Do you have any thoughts on the matter?
Who in the world do you think gathers intelligence?
Only the NSA?
Need a bridge? I have one for sale.
Nearby, on Madison Square Park, is the National Museum of Mathematics, or MoMath, an educational center he helped finance. It opened in 2012 and has had a quarter million visitors.
Amazing, 250k visitors to a math museum? Who knew?
So Cubans are oppressed but Americans deserve to be punished?
Maybe this will help - armed robbery is a crime in both countries and you will go to prison. Only in Cuba would you go to prison for advocating democratic reform of the government. Cubans are in jail for both armed robbery and advocating democratic reform of government. Only Americans committing armed robbery would be in jail, advocating reform of government isn't a crime. Political oppression is a regular fact of life in Cuba. People go to jail for criticizing the government, making Castro jokes, wanting to practice their religious faith, or simply desiring to leave the country. Is that making sense to you?
Your line about blacks in Cuba is nonsensical.
I took one of these person-to-person trips to Cuba two years ago and it was pretty awesome. It's nice to travel somewhere that hasn't been ruined by American interests yet (no Starbucks, no McDonald's, etc.) It wasn't that difficult, you can find tours through chambers of commerce or other travel groups.
The restrictions are not extremely enforceable, but know that the Cuban government is looking after you, too. Don't make an ass of yourself while there. In any case, roving around the country in an air conditioned tour bus was quite desirable,
Some different views on that.
A Graduate of my ‘Commie’ High School Goes to Cuba and Sees Paradise, or How One’s Education Can Warp You for Life
The Lost World, Part I
At this point, it has very little to do with communism. Florida is a big primary state and a big electoral state. Florida has a lot of Cuban-americans who would prefer we invade the island. They have traditionally fiercely opposed lifting the
No, it is still pretty much about the oppressive communist state of Cuba. There won't be any US invasion of Cuba, the US pledged to not do that as part of settling the Cuban missile crisis.
Looking Back on the Cuban Missile Crisis, 50 Years Later
the Soviets removed the missiles already deployed in Cuba, and Soviet ships under sail with missile cargoes returned to Soviet ports. In return, the United States agreed to remove a squadron of already obsolete medium-range Jupiter missiles based in Turkey as long as that part of the deal was kept secret. In addition, the United States publicly pledged it would not invade Cuba.
Activists in Cuba support the continuation of the embargo.
The Time to Help Cuba’s Brave Dissidents Is Now: Why the Embargo Must Not be Lifted
It took the Russians nearly 75 years to throw off communism, and the rest of Eastern Europe about 46 years. Cuba might have a few more years to go, but it will eventually happen.
Oh who am I kidding, thanks to you sucking up to the government's dick when it comes to surveillance
That makes no sense at all..... which is probably why you don't seem to object to Cuba's communist oppression - no sense.
Don't panic.
