On Wednesday, Congress voted against FISA Reauthorization, Section 702. Given the ongoing discussions surrounding government surveillance and the labeling of American citizens as ‘terrorists’, Dan Frei strongly emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights and transparency in governmental activities. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly safeguards our right to privacy and ensures that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for their actions. Any attempt to undermine this fundamental protection goes against the principles upon which our nation was founded.
The labeling of US citizens as ‘terrorists’ erodes the trust between the people and their government and illustrates the disdain politicians in Washington have for everyday Americans. The members of Congress who voted against the renewal of FISA, such as Congressman Tim Burchett of TN or Andy Biggs of AZ, are not terrorists. President Trump is not a terrorist. This kind of vitriol and name-calling coming from my opponent, Congressman Don Bacon, is unhealthy for seriously addressing the issues our country faces. Ad hominem attacks are not a useful form of civil discourse. Even when we don’t agree, we can’t resort to labeling our fellow Americans and people that disagree with our viewpoints as something as disparaging as ‘terrorist’.
Yesterday was not the first time my opponent, Congressman Don Bacon, negligently used the word ‘terrorist’ to paint many constituents poorly. The people who gathered at our nation’s capital on January 6th were not terrorists. There have been instances where FISA has been used for political purposes, raising questions about its accountability and transparency. The secretive nature of FISA proceedings raises serious concerns about government overreach and the violation of constitutional rights. As conservatives, we believe in limited government, individual liberty, and the rule of law. It is essential that our government operates within the bounds of the Constitution and respects the rights of all Americans. You cannot justify surveillance under the guise of safety. Ben Franklin described this best when he said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Law-abiding citizens deserve better and do not deserve to be denigrated, especially by their representatives.
