OPen Letter to Congressman Hoyer

Rep. Steny Hoyer
House Majority Leader,
H-107 Capitol Building,
Washington, D.C. 20515


Dear Rep. Hoyer,
It’s with great dismay that I read accounts suggesting that you are involved in efforts to reach some compromise over the illegal warrant-less wiretapping program conducted by the administration.
Naturally we want to do everything possible within the law to protect our national security, but we damage that security and our liberty when we allow powerful entities such as the government and giant telecommunications companies to violate the law without consequences.
I sincerely hope that these reports are mistaken and you will either directly nor indirectly, through action or inaction, aid in this attempt to immunize lawless behavior. We can hope that the next administration will be more respectful of the Constitution and the law, but even if the next president is commendable in every regard there are future presidents to consider. Our system recognizes that not all men are virtuous and that even virtuous and well-meaning men (and women) need checks on their power lest abuses result.
It is vital that this episode of lawless not be swept under the rug and that no compromise be passed that does not require a full, public airing of the lawbreaking. Without this we cannot protect our liberty over the long run.

Seth Owen