So, what is the big deal about phone numbers?

[clydefrand]

It is because of terrorism that requires lots of new ways of tracking them down. If they can find out just who is calling the terrorists or who they are calling, can save a lot of lives if they can be stopped before blowing people up, etc..
If you aren't a terrorist, what is the big deal.? They are NOT getting you actual conversations, just who you called and who called you. Once a terrorist is found, THEN they (CIA/NSA) can file for a warrant to tap their phone lines, in which case they ARE collecting conversations. The fact that W refused to even hear about terrorism that started all this stuff. Blame the W presidency for this one.

[morningfog]

1. I blame bush, Obama and the entire war on terror propaganda.

It is not just numbers called, either. The NSA is also data mining web searches via google and facebook activity. This is far more extensive than phone numbers, which is still wrong.

[Xipe Totec]

2. Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

[Puzzledtraveller]

5. You believe in that relic?

We are the borg!

[randome]

3. It's the old 'Purity of Essence' gambit!

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[font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font]
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[Bjorn Against]

4. The politicians should provide us with their phone records

If they are not terrorists then they should have nothing to fear by allowing us to see which lobbists they have spoken with.