There’s been a lot of talk in the mainstream media and blogs such as talkingpointsmemo about the recent passage of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008. Unless you’ve actually read the text of the version passed by the House, it’s difficult to understand exactly what’s going on. Basically, every politician in congress is scared to death of the possible consequences of not renewing most of the FISA amendments. There’s also been the threat of a presidential veto if the bill didn’t include protection for telecoms who participated in the warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, the house did what it always does: pass a quick and dirty bill so they can go on break and look like they got something done. While the wording of the section protecting telecoms has been watered down, it still does exactly the same thing. If this version of the legislation is enacted as is (which is now quite likely) it will truly be a sad day for our country. The constitution of our country was blatantly violated by the administration and they are going to get away with it because almost no member of congress has the backbone to stand up to them.