Lo and behold, we have a welcome development here. Somebody just got FEISTY, and I mean that in the best overall sense. Yes, we have this little thing we like to call the separation of powers, except it's a big thing, or at least should be.
Balance. Restraint. Wisdom.
Even bigger, human dignity and the defense of human rights in its exercise. This is our authority. Our mandate. Ideals aside, whatever is causing some fighting spirit from our cowardly lions is most welcome, embrace your power.
The CIA is the president's responsibility, the buck stops there. There is no 4th wing of government, unless you're talking about the people themselves, the grassroots.
So this is a truly extraordinary flare-up, in some respects. Many of us have already shot our flares, and still the optimistic among us expect the president to come to his senses as well, and lay the beatdown deserved.
This is about leadership, and institutions, not individual blame. We need to get this right, correct the course, kick a little ass on the edges to keep individuals honest, but ultimately just cement in law and constitution what needs to be done - amendments or the max short of that for a fundamental right as a private individual for privacy and as a public to the freedom of information (and all proper whistleblower protection).
The promise of America, if we ever seize it.