Yes, it happened again. Fifty-seven sniveling cowards in Democrats' clothing decided it would be better to expand the powers of the most corrupt administration in US history and enable them to continue to violate the civil liberties of US citizens in a way that was until now illegal rather than upholding the Constitution as their oaths of office demand. These 57 traitors to the principles outlined in the Constitution knew that FISA was passed in response to the Nixon administration's use of our national security apparatus to spy on innocent Americans, they knew that what BushCo was doing was illegal and directly violating the Constitution, and they decided to legalize it anyway. And why? Because they're afraid of being perceived as weak and would prefer to safeguard their own jobs by actually being weak.
Ben Franklin used to say, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." In thinking about recent events and Franklin's famous quote, I began thinking about what other Founding Fathers might have to say about our current situation. After quickly perusing my books at home, here's what I found:
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.
-- Thomas Jefferson
The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing.
-- John Adams
Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice.
-- John Adams
If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; may your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
-- Samuel Adams
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
-- Thomas Paine
He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.
-- Thomas Paine
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel.
-- Patrick Henry
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.
-- James Madison
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
-- James Madison
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.
-- John Quincy Adams
Feel free to add your own.