I typically keep this blog non-political, but with recent events I thought I would say something. In a democracy one cannot have other people doing one’s own talking; a democracy does not work that way.

In the last few days there has been news stories about President Bush authorizing the NSA to spy on Americans in the United States.

Does this bother me? Hell yes. No matter what political party you are on, you should be outraged. This system of government that we are in is ruled by law; not by one man or a King. There are three branches government: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive. The Legislative Branch makes the law. The Judicial Branch interprets the law and make sure they apply by the Constitution. And the Executive Branch approves and carries out laws pass by the Legislative Branch, and creates policy. No where does the Constition say that the Executive Branch creates new laws.

Spying on and/or searching Americans within the United States must have a court order as stated by the Constitution, and have probable cause. What the President has done has broken - at the very least - The 4th Amendment. The 4th Amendent is very clear:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

By ignoring the law of gaining a warrant the President has effectively made his own law in violation of the Constitution. In addition, he has breached his oath of office (bold type is mine):

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

There has to be an investigation of this spying by Congress. If the Executive Branch of the government can create their own law, then we do not have a Democracy anymore. And if the investigation finds President Bush has overstepped his authority, then Congress must impeach to preserve the democracy we once had.