Perhaps the President is on to something. If he needs to get a bill through Congress just wait until the day before they are due to go on break to ask them. Seems they always work hardest when they are about to head off for one of their many paid absences.Even though this important legislation passed it came with a six month string attached. But at very least it is a fix that is workable, even if it will have to be brought up again to made permanent.
In all serious what needs to happen is to send FISA to the junkyard. It does not lend itself well with the rapid time frame necessary to obtain intelligence. The process is slow, outdated and an outmoded legal framework that hasn't kept abreast with technology. Imagine that, a government program that is a relic of the Cold War.
In 2007 the old system of copper wires have passed away and the era of "light" is now the standard. Faster and infinitely more reliable. It is now possible for a person in Paris to call a friend in Italy via a switch in Chicago Illinois. That is why the FISA issue was taken up.
When our soldiers obtain a cell phone number from the pocket litter of a detainee our intelligence personnel need to be able act on it. Without having to spend 48-72 hours getting permission from a FISA court judge.
I am actually amazed that this was acted upon before the congressional break. Perhaps are Democratic congress people aren't nearly concerned about this administration violating civil liberties as long as it happens in a foreign land.
