In the comments to today's latest NSA diary by Joan McCarter, there's some excellent thinking and questioning by Loge, among others. But I think there's more to be said, as people seem hellbent on over-reacting to the NSA situation. And, in response to PhilJD, it's certainly not that we don't give a shit.
But my first question is, do we all suddenly think POTUS is a liar? And while we're at it, do we suddenly all think Ron Wyden is the font of truth? This is Ron Wyden, co-sponsor of ... oh, never mind.
Here are a few key things we know so far.
1. NSA is scooping up millions of phone numbers and related activity. Unless POTUS is lying, no actual conversations are being recorded -- certainly not without going through a few hoops that Bush would have thumbed his nose at.
2. Actual terror activity has been thwarted by this program.
3. Unless POTUS is lying, NSA is not reviewing emails or other communications from actual Americans within actual America.
I know it's fashionable within Republican circles to call Barack Obama a liar. If it becomes fashionable at Daily Kos, we'l need to take a hard look at what Daily Kos is supposed to be.
Under no circumstances should we be giving any President a free pass. But please tell me (and I'm sure many will, in detail) exactly why we are so willing to make the assumption that Barack Obama is lying.
I'm not going to reprint the litany of his accomplishments, you've all seen them many times before. But try to remember that this is the guy who pledged to end two wars and has done/is doing so; pledged to get universal healthcare and got more than anyone else in 50 years of trying; and is fighting awfully hard in the face of astonishing odds to tackle issues no Democratic President has dealt with for decades, such as immigration, gay marriage and gun control.
This man is a liar?