@JTT,
What I meant JT is that anybody with a modicum of intelligence knew it was happening simply because it is possible that it can happen.
The idea that it protects us from terrorism is laughable and fit only for the calming of nervous aunties. It is an employment and career opportunity for no other reason than that it can be. And it is obvious that its capacity to be extended is demonstrated by the investment in the service of the extensions and the associated contracts: the sight of which would induce Rip Van Winklism in all but the most dedicated.
It is a perfectly natural occurrence when human nature meets electricity. One might be surprised, astonished even, if it wasn't happening. Electricity has traditionally been seen as "uncanny". And a most wonderful temptation.
All Mr Snowden has done is put some faces out of joint. The next big thing will ease it from our consciousness. A virus, say, that lays us out like the air extraction fans in a molasses plant lays out flies when the morning shift starts them up. Or news of a giant asteroid which is closing in on us at six inches a millennium.