http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06231/714677-192.stm<snip>
The real point is that no one, including Judge Taylor, is saying that the surveillance of communications should not take place. What her ruling makes clear is that, whatever the Bush administration or Congress does or authorizes, it should do so in full respect of the freedoms of Americans as set out in the Constitution and, particularly, in the Bill of Rights. In other words, carry out the program, but do so according to the law.
The other clear message of Judge Taylor's ruling is that the American courts are not going to lie down and play dead in the face of contentions from Mr. Bush or anyone in Congress that the requirements of the war on terror make it acceptable to disregard the division of powers that lies at the heart of the American system of government, designed to protect the rights of its citizens.
Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Hastert and anyone else can squirm in the face of that clear statement, but Ms. Taylor's words about no hereditary kings and no valid powers outside those granted by the Constitution stand firm and true as guarantees of the freedoms that America stands for, and, if need be, fights for. The Bush administration needs to remember that as it tries to wriggle past the judge's ruling.
PG is Not the Scaife Rag
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