What is the existance of Echelon? (Score 1)

I've seen posts on /. before about Echelon. It is hard for me to imagine that a system as complex as Echelon can actually function, or even exist. To me this seems like the geeks version of "Send this e-mail to as many people you know and you'll get free clothing..." or one of the other hundred bogus e-mail floating around.
If someone knows of a place I can find real information about this let me know. Otherwise this seems like we(America) don't have anyone else in the world to pick on except ourselves.