Balancing Freedom and Security (NSA Investigation by Congressman Morgan Griffith, VA-9)

The Roanoke Times ^ | August 20, 2013 | Congressman Morgan Griffith

[Timber Rattler]

I believe that, among other things, what makes America great are the freedoms and liberties our Founding Fathers correctly recognized as part of the natural law and incorporated into our Constitution’s Bill of Rights. The oath I took as your congressman was to support and defend that very Constitution.

Revelations that the National Security Agency has been using Section 215 of the Patriot Act to collect records of American citizens who have not been suspected of doing anything wrong troubles me and others from across the political spectrum.

Beginning on June 25, I have been requesting access to legal opinions and briefs that are part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court record. Each document I have requested has been discussed directly or indirectly in the media. These documents are held by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which is the House committee assigned to provide oversight of the NSA surveillance programs. I have yet to be granted permission to review these documents.

[Timber Rattler]

Morgan Griffith is my hometown Congressman and was the guy who beat Rick Boucher in 2010. He's been doing his own independent investigation of the NSA's domestic spying program, but is getting stymied by both the Rats and the GOP-E (i.e. Boehner, Cantor, McCarthy). He's hammering hard but needs help to shed some sunlight on this obnoxious next of career statists.

[Timber Rattler]

And just for the record, Griffith was one of only a few House Republicans who refused to vote for the Patriot Act’s extension in May 2011, despite heavy arm twisting by McCarthy.

[Norseman]

I see he’s a Republican, but at some point I think a few Democrats are going to start singing the same song. If they don’t, and fairly soon, I believe they’re in danger of losing a significant portion of their base, particularly among the young.

Thoughts?

[Timber Rattler]

Well, Grayson, Wyden, Leahy, and even the old witch Pelosi herself have woken up about what has been going on. I suspect that the detestable Section 215 of the Patriot Act is going to inevitably be amended to at least try and rein in some of the domestic spying. Too many high-powered Congress critters are ticked off about being lied to.

Q&A: Senator Ron Wyden on NSA Surveillance and Government Transparency

[Norseman]

Well, it will be interesting to see the Dems and the GOP finally “working together” as our President is always demanding. Wonder what he’ll think of the outcome, if you’re correct and the Act is amended to forestall what he’s been up to?

[i_robot73]

Well, it’s good to see it only takes a prick of their own thin skin to get anything done. Not like it was anti-4th right out of the gate. /s

Where were the repeal bills he wrote up? Any face-time to get the word/warning out after the extension? Sorry. All I see is another opportunist.

[Timber Rattler]

All I see is another opportunist.

Damned if you do, and damned if you don't, eh?

[i_robot73]

No. When one is consistent, out-in-front and fighting...there’s no damnation.

But when they pick/choose their battles, pound their chests and fecklessly allow the fire of passion to die to ash with no forward momentum, yeah, they’ll get my condemnation.

There are only a few taking it to the airwaves, and causing waves. Griffith ain’t one of ‘em (so far?). As far as I’m concerned, he’s a voice from the dog pound/sidelines; ping me when he DOES something.