I am quite busy today, and didn't think I would have a chance to blog, but this is quite an important development in Bush's "War on the Constitution."
I try to not be too sensationalistic with my words. I have never equated Bush to Hitler, etc. But I do believe that Bush's actions do constitute a war on the constitution. His incessant use of executive privilege to skirt the constitution is unprecedented for a president, and his "I am above the law" attitude should leave us all feeling uneasy.
Today, a federal judge in Michigan ordered a stop to the NSA program of warrantless wiretapping that scoffs at the legal ways for us to protect ourselves from those who wish to do us harm. The judge in the case dismisses all of the governments arguments as to why Bush may act outside the 4th amendment. (Read the decision here)
None of us want to say that the government cannot target those who are suspected terrorist, or offer direct aid to terrorism. But, as has been proven time and time again, the federal government cannot be trusted to protect our privacy without oversight and checks from the other branches of government.
In our form of government, there cannot be a search or seizure without probable cause in which to issue a warrant.
Conservatives who back the unconstitutional NSA program claim over and over again that the FISA court is overwhelmed and understaffed, and cannot move quickly enough to be able to track and trace the next terrorist plot. I concede that this may be true. But, if that is the case, you enlarge and fund the FISA court to a point where it can function up to par. You just don't say, "well it is broke, so we will forget it." You fix the court first so as to protect the very ideals that we claim to be fighting for. Otherwise, it's just big brother.
Judge nixes warrantless surveillance
Federal Judge Rules Wiretapping Surveillance Program Unconstitutional
Update: WaPo Story
Judge Rules Against Wiretaps
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