A federal judge on Thursday struck down President Bush's warrantless surveillance program, saying it violated the rights to free speech and privacy, as well as the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in Detroit is the first judge to rule on the legality of the National Security Agency's program, which the White House says is a key tool for fighting terrorism that has already stopped attacks.
This case was brought on by the ACLU.
I am going to disagree with many of the conservative people on this issue. I listened today as the Right attacked this judge for her decision and they talked about her past.
I have always said the warrantless surveillance program was legal until a judge ruled the act unconstitutional. Many on the left claimed it was already an illegal activity. That was an incorrect statement, until today.
As it stands right now, the warrantless surveillance program can continue until the appeals process is complete. The administration said it would appeal to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.
So really, this is "much to do about nothing." The decision is not retroactive. No crimes can be placed upon the Bush Administration because this is new territory and other American Presidents have done similar activities during a war.
It would be hypocritical for me to cut down this judge for her decision. I believe in the American system. I think her decision was wrong. I believe this was a tool for catching terrorists and I think the 6th U.S. Circuit Court will overturn this decision.
But, I'm not going to make fun of this judge. She was placed there by an American President. (Jimmy Carter) She has a right to be there.
I did, however, make fun of the ACLU. In a childish fashion, I painted "hippie headbands" on the ACLU's photo.
"Smoke one for me.."
