Broadly speaking, while the NSA’s spying is illegal, horrible, and despicable, they are not known to be used for political intimidation and censorship.
I can very loudly protest against the president, or the NSA itself without fear of retribution.
*Exceptions exist but these principles are 10000x stronger than China.
That's happening today, in China. It's not, in the USA.
For example, you are allowed to go in front of the capital right now and spread the word of FBI actions re MLK. If you did this in China, you'd be sent to a reeducation camp, or simply killed and your organs harvested.
I can very loudly protest against the president, or the NSA itself without fear of retribution.
*Exceptions exist but these principles are 10000x stronger than China.