2013/8/9 Sean Alexandre <[1]sean@alexan.org>

   Or, maybe it was cover-up, to get the information "legally." But I'm
   guessing
   they really couldn't get what they wanted.

   This. They don't want to show people what power they have. So they use
   the "most public method", letters. They are very, very, very aware of
   what you might guess. You have to remember they could legally prevent
   him from saying he even received letters, they have done so in the
   past.

   Why haven't they now? Might it have to do with you assumptions? Or is
   it as innocent as genuinely not wanting to cause more harm than needed?

   Do you think the NSA is innocent?

References

   1. mailto:sean@alexan.org