Yesterday, Republican Representatives left the House in protest of Democratic refusal to condone the Senate-passed bill to expand domestic spying expansion. According to the New York Times:

“The measure extends, for at least six years, many of the broad new surveillance powers that Congress hastily approved last August just before its summer recess” and “The Senate plan also adds one provision considered critical by the White House: shielding phone companies from any legal liability for their roles in the eavesdropping program approved by Mr. Bush after the Sept. 11 attacks. The program allowed the National Security Agency to eavesdrop without warrants on the international communications of Americans suspected of having ties to Al Qaeda.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/us/13fisa.html?_r=2&sq=Vote%20of%2068%20to%2029&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=1&adxnnlx=1203108617-l12lqLI81aiiNZCQtBZAyA

Hillary, absent due to her presidential campaign, called her vote nay even though she voted pro when the Patriot Act was first passed in 2001. Barack, refraining from issuing an official statement, inferred in an earlier debate that he was against the bill. John McCain voted for the bill. President Bush, saying “There is still a threat on the homeland” delayed his trip yesterday, trying to put pressure on the House for renewal.

What does this mean for Americans? While some argue “I have nothing to hide” and others “Big Brother” I find this bill a blatant offense against our Bill of Rights

“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.”

and another way to protect the profits of Big Business.

Is voting for Ron Paul the only answer? When is a mainstream candidate going to support a anti-domestic spying version of the pro-life movement’s “seamless garment.” Is this issue a slippery slope? History tells a tale of the importance of precedence, George Washington’s strong presidency, factionalism and the two-party system to name a few. Where will America go from here? Corner store check points? Universal ID cards? I worry the 1984 will become 2008.