FISA - a matter of principle

An open letter to Barak Obama -


Senator,

I recognize that you must compromise on some issues in order to win.

I think that compromise on this issue is a mistake.

For me, this is a matter of significant principle. It is part of our culture and our law that we suffer consequences when we commit crimes. We suffer those consequences even if we are persuaded by another to violate the law. Even if we are persuaded by a President to break a law, we still suffer the consequences. In this example, not all of the telecom companies who were asked to spy on Americans agreed to do so. Either because of their good judgment, their respect for the Constitution, or because of a fear of punishment, they behaved morally.

Judgment, respect and fear may be necessary to keep people and corporations within the bounds of civil society. We cannot afford to take away those forces.

If George Bush wants these companies to avoid punishment, he can PARDON them. Then it will be on his conscious and his legacy.

Respectfully,