Constitutional contest (Houston Chronicle)

[struggle4progress]

Opposition to warrantless domestic spying creates a welcome alliance of liberals and conservatives.

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

IF there is one issue that can unite principled liberals and conservatives, it is opposition to warrantless government surveillance of American citizens. In an era marked by the constant threat of terrorism, no one questions the need to listen for terrorists' communications. But when the suspects are on American soil — particularly if they are U.S. citizens — the government is required to get court approval within 72 hours after the surveillance begins ...

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution bars the government from conducting warrantless searches and seizures. The Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act recognizes the need to protect national security and gives government broad latitude to conduct electronic surveillance — so long as the surveillance of persons in the United States is subject to judicial review by a special court formed for that purpose.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales stated that Congress authorized warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens when it resolved to give the president authority to wage war against al-Qaida.

However, Congress is not empowered to suspend the Bill of Rights by majority vote. More to the point, Congress explicitly rejected an administration request to use military powers within the United States ...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/3602298.html

Not red meat for our side, but perhaps a good piece to put in the hands of the middle-of-the-road crowd

[LiberalEsto]

1. "Congress is not empowered to suspend the Bill of Rights..."

"Congress is not empowered to suspend the Bill of Rights by majority vote." - Houston Chronicle.

This ought to be tattooed on every member of Congress, as well as the curent Misadministration.

[MatrixEscape]

2. Contest?

How about "crisis"?

It is funny that we are literally having a constitutional crisis and our Resident Erect has clearly crossed the Rubicon in respects to the Constitution and WE the PEOPLE, and yet ... fizzle, pop ... no major deal?

* has challenged the will of the People and what will come of it? I mean the line is drawn so sharply in the sand -- a line I never imagined I would see in my lifetime.

[roseBudd]

3. Clicked through to register a page view for site traffic n/t