Fun facts about the NSA: 1). There were limits imposed on teaching encryption techniques by the NSA. These limits were taken away in the early 90's. I have read this in military technology books at my school, but sadly I can't find any online sources. I'm pretty sure they were legit (they were in the military science section) but my failure to find other support is making me question myself. 2). The existence of _NSAKEY 3). Differential cryptanalysis was withheld by/from academia (but NSA strengthened DES against it) 4). The NSA has made severe investments into probabilistic CPU's, and enjoys tricking others into believing they are focusing on quantum computers. NTRU and other encryption standards most likely exist that are already strong against Shor's algorithm. The benefits and cost of a qc make it a very big in-joke.

In no way do I doubt that the NSA has the best intentions for the USA. But, I do have doubts about whether or not their beliefs, and how they impose their beliefs, might be actively discriminating against things that could rise the tide for everyone. I think that sharing technology will always be seen as a form of dissidence and aiding the enemy, while I guess I'm stuck believing that transparency and the sharing of knowledge are all we can do to help others question themselves. The need for security and the desire to predict the moves of others can make one scared of stepping openly and boldly towards what is best for all. I hope they are sleepless not out of fear of the enemy but out of fear of becoming their own enemy. I don't doubt most already are, but I have a habit of getting quite sad when I think about what wonders they hold from us all.

But who am I but another armchair idiot with an internet connection.