Earlier today, Attorney General Alberto “Abu” Gonzales gave a speech at the Air Force Academy.
Some people will argue nothing could justify the government being able to intercept conversations like the ones the [Terrorist Surveillance Program] targets. Instead of seeing the government protecting the country, they see it as on the verge of stifling freedom.
But this view is shortsighted. Its definition of freedom – one utterly divorced from civic responsibility – is superficial and is itself a grave threat to the liberty and security of the American people.
No, Alberto. That view of freedom – one shared by our founding fathers, hundreds of years of jurisprudence, and me – is a grave threat to you and the fascists you serve. Here, in case you missed it, is the Fourth Amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Keep reading it until you understand, or get the hell out of my government.
Beth
Are we glad that he didn’t get the Supreme Court nomination yet, or is what we got instead still worse?
Maybe it depends on whether you prefer the Fourth Amendment to abortions. Although I don’t think we would have done too well on either issue, no matter what the choice.