FDL: FISA today

[Coexist]

http://firedoglake.com/2008/01/29/fisa-heritages-misleading-hyperbole-and-the-rule-of-law/#more-16540
There are rumors about backroom negotiations between the GOP and Dem leadership wherein the GOP is offering consideration of some amendments -- some at a 50 vote margin, some at a 60 vote margin, and some not considered at all. Mitch McConnell is again working to cover Dick Cheney's ass while disrespecting the oversight and restraining role of his own balance of powers duties in the Senate -- not exactly trustworthiness in action. We'll be watching along with everyone as events unfold this morning and bring you updates as we get them.

In what may be my most amusing moment in the FISA fight, the Heritage Foundation wet their Depends because Americans stood up in droves to say "enough!" to the lawbreaking disrespect of the Bush Administration and the rubber stamp obeisance of the Republicans in the Senate. And Congress heard their message loud and clear.

<snip>
There are reasons restraint is written into the law and why third party oversight is essential. The capability to surveil is an awesome and intrusive power, one that the state must exercise with care and always balance with some outside oversight as to whether there has been overreach. Otherwise, there is substantial risk of politically and personally directed abuse, which brought about the original FISA laws in the wake of the intelligence community being used to feed the Nixon Administration's rampant paranoia.

National security must be balanced against civil liberties concerns. Otherwise, we are merely another police state whose allegience is to the rampant whims of a unilateral executive rather than the steady application of the rule of law.