As the NSA data-gathering hype continues, it would be well-advised to focus on the core issue of protecting our Constitutionally-mandated individual civil liberties.

And, as for suggestions that ‘new communication technologies require new laws to protect them’, it would be a good idea to remember what we’re talking about…

Speech (communication) needs protecting. Just because there’s new methods (email, cell phones, etc) doesn’t mean a new law is needed…it’s still just ‘communication’.

Our U.S. Constitution is brilliant because it addressed core principles that don’t change simply because we evolve culturally or technologically.

Methods may change, but core principles of privacy, communication, & assembly don’t. How does using email or a cell phone change the definition of communication?

The Bill of Rights is in place to protect us from government intrusion.

The real issue is who we allow to interpret that founding document.