On FISA

Slate.com dissects the FISA bill as is stands. A few timely quotes:

"It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."

David Hume (1711 - 1776)

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)

"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty."

John Adams (1735 - 1826)

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”

"Irresponsible power is inconsistent with liberty, and must corrupt those who exercise it."

John Calhoun (1782 - 1850)

"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army."

Edward Everett (1794 - 1865)

"It would indeed be ironic if, in the name of national defense, we would sanction the subversion of those liberties which make the defense of the nation worthwhile."

Earl Warren