mr. ruppersberger for any opening comment. >> thank you mesh chairman and thank you panel for coming here today. hopefully we will be able to get the ax on the table and the american people to understand what we do why we do it and how we are attempting to protect our national security and i would like to thank the people on the national intelligence. with all the criticism leveled at these programs is important we not forget these men and women are doing what we have told them to to do within the confines of the laws of united states of america that we passed in doing so to keep us safe. the most important thing we can do here today is to let the public know the true facts that we can gauge in a meaningful process of reform that will enhance transparency and privacy. while maintaining the necessary capabilities to protect our nation. there has been a lot in the media about the situation. some right in some wrong. much as been mischaracterize which is not helpful to those of us who are serious about the privacy and national security. after these leaks came out the chairman and i'm members