Steve.

True. The technology power is widespread.

The U.S. government has another great power. It is the "power" for obtaining the "cooperation" of successful billion-dollar corporations, including communications and security corporations. Why use technology when you can "ask" for information?

Oh, I just remembered a third government advantage. The U.S. government does not have turn a profit or justify its expenses or financially succeed. A lot of accountability is lost when you are spending other people's money.