General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Edward Snowden is a self-regarding idealist whose warnings of tyranny ring hollow [View all]rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)cause. The Constitution states that the warrant must be specific as to the person and the specific information. Compiling data on all Americans does not meet that criteria. I dont give a crap how secure you want to be, I aint giving up the Fourth Amendment.
Have you noticed that the Republicans have been pretty quiet about this mess. I am not at all surprised as the programs in question ARE REPUBLICAN BUILT AND RUN programs. And it's Republicans running the programs. It's been Democrats speaking out for more transparency.
There are two sides here.
One side wants more transparency, more assurance that our Constitution isnt being violated. And that side is the Democrats. Including Pres Carter, Ms. Plame, Mr. Wilson, Sen Wyden, Sen Udall, Rep Grayson, plus many other Democrats in Congress. Three previous whistle-blowers confirm the need for further investigations. This side believes in the Constitution over promised security. I choose this side.
The other side wants to maintain the secrecy. Give up Constitutional rights for the promise of security. They want to continue the Spy programs started under Bush and continued WITH THE SAME PERSONNEL under Pres Obama. This side wants to punish Snowden severely to scare others that might dare to reveal what's behind the secrecy curtain. This side wants to allow private corporations to collect data on all Americans and compile it and analyze it. This is the Republican side.
Which side are you on?