…for a district court judge found today that the NSA spying program is unconstitutional. This will undoubtedly set up a Supreme Court showdown or, as Think Progress notes, start a renewed push for the Specter legislation to “compromise” on the program.
For now, consider it a big win for privacy and the rule of law in America — but as Think Progress points out, the early spin on it is that it’s a terrorist-friendly ruling. Sigh. Lest we forget that America’s part in the intelligence on the Gatorade Bombers was all obtained using FISA warrants, all within the letter of the law. We center-left folks don’t mind surveillance on those who wish to kill us. We just want to make sure the government’s got a warrant. That’s what differentiates us from the KGB and Gestapo.
A big tip of the hat to News Hounds, where I saw it first.
Update: Glenn Greenwald has a fantastic, thoughtful analysis on this ruling.
Discussion of Cue up the “activist judge” rhetoric… is now closed
Our courts are Terrorist sympathizers! Destroy the courts!
This is coming from the same cadre that produced a judge who was revealing and purportedly pleasuring himself during trials where he was sitting on the bench. Gives new meaning to lawyers taking pro bono cases!