“France will not tolerate actions that threaten its security and the protection of its interests,” French President François Hollande said.

Source: French Anger Over NSA Spying Further Strains Europe-U.S. Relations | ThinkProgress

NSA has been caught spying on French Presidents, even after U.S. officials made the commitment not to do so when French President Francois Hollande visited the U.S. in early 2014. I share the French people’s outrage. While it is true that governments spy on allies and enemies alike — supposedly only when the situation warrants such action — does the U.S. have to so brazen about it? Particularly after they made the commitment to the French President not to do so?

I only hope that the French people will understand that the sins of the few do not reflect the hearts and minds of all.

I can imagine the French people may not know what to think. On one hand, the White House issued a statement that denies the allegations: if that is the case, that means the U.S. government’s left hand (White House) doesn’t know what its right hand (intelligence gatherers) is doing. Yet, if you read the statement, it isn’t much of of a denial. It says in part:

We do not conduct any foreign intelligence surveillance activities unless there is a specific and validated national security purpose.

So which is it, White House? Did the NSA spy on the French government and the White House wasn’t aware of it, or did the spying occur for ‘a specific and validated national security purpose’ and you’re not owning up to it? How can you even deny the allegations when the French have physical evidence to back up their claim?

Unbelievable.

Salut.