FISA and Telecom Amnesty

Normally, I just read and skim the news for what is happening in our government/politics, but what I've been reading lately about Congress and the new FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) amendment has left me incredulous. Back in 2005, Bush was caught illegally spying on US Americans w/o a warrant (clear violation of the 4th Amendment) through the telecoms (Comcast, AT&T, etc.). What's even more sad is that even though Congress and the Senate are in democratic control, they are touting that the new amendment is a "compromise", when in fact is basically legalizes the spying and gives amnesty + immunity to the telecoms.

Very sad state of affairs, and doesn't bode well at all for what can come in the future. Probably the most revealing quote to describe this debacle (from Sen. Bond) is:

"I'm not here to say that the government is always right, but when the government tells you to do something, I'm sure you would all agree that I think you all recognize that is something you need to do."

So yea... whatever the government tells you, you should do, regardless if it is legal or not? Obviously has never read the Army values, nor follows them:

Loyalty is the faithful adherence to a person, unit, or Army. It is the thread that binds our actions together and causes us to support each other, our superiors, our family, and our country. Open criticism and being disloyal to leaders, soldiers, and the Army destroys the foundation of the organization and results in diminished mission accomplishment. However, loyalty should not be confused with blind obedience to illegal orders. We all take the oath to obey the orders of superiors appointed over us "according to law and regulations".

Sigh, we'll see what happens and if this Amendment gets passed...

P.S. I guess my blog became political for the day. :P