From ReddHedd at firedoglake:

Up ’til now, there has been little to no Congressional oversight on this — only a big, fat Republican party rubber stamp with the occasional lone Democratic voice in the wilderness calling for more consideration of rights issues. With the latest NSA domestic spying disclosures, perhaps we have entered a period where there will be some debate about the merits of these proposals and how many rights it is appropriate to sacrifice on the altar of temporary security.

But one thing that has to be discussed is how far is too far? How long does the Preznit and his merry band of cronies get to grab the Constitution by the throat? Is it endless — or just until the end of this Presidency, and then they’ll re-evaluate depending on who wins election in 2008? And if that is the case, doesn’t that answer the question as to whether this is a political as opposed to a true philosophical shift?

Saving the President and the party’s political ass because you got caught with your hand in the Constitutional cookie jar is an understandable reaction — after all the 2006 elections are fast approaching. But for Republicans and Democrats, this is a moment of truth: are you elected to represent the interests of your constituency for the long-term, and do you take your oath to protect and defend the Constitution seriously? Or is it truly all about holding onto power and covering each other’s asses? You choose.

But know that we will be watching your choices. Now is the time for true patriots to stand up and be counted, regardless of party.

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
– Benjamin Franklin

Do what the Founders did. Think about the threats to their personal and family safety during the time of the American Revolution. The men and women who fought for this nation’s freedom, who sacrificed personal comforts and safety in order to bring forth a nation born in liberty, they set up a government by and for the people so that we would no longer have to endure the whim of a King. Do not throw all of that back in their faces simply for political expediency.

Put your nation first.