if the legal scholars (one quoted here) are right, the 4th amendment was primarily to protect political dissent, the new FISA bill will be a vital part of our democracy if it, in its final form, reflects that. there are many examples here of how domestic spying has been used over and over to bring down, put down and otherwise maim those who disagreed with those in power. while the author doesn't describe this bill or what aspects are necessary for that function, in this era of secrecy and imbalance of power in our government this is an important warning.

The criminal politicalization of the justice department provides a backdrop for this story that greatly increases it's immediacy and relevance. It would surprise me very greatly if this administration has not already grossly abused their wiretap accesses and engaged in politically motivated wiretapping of political opponents. And they can blackmail those whom they have not yet exposed, including those in their own party whom they want to keep in lockstep. Potential evidence of this is suspected to be the reason bush has irrationally insisted on telecom retroactive immunity, do avoid discovery proceedings that might lead to his impeachment.