Hey, at least he replied. My Congressman, Peter Welch, D-VT, of the state’s 1st [and only] VT congressional district, replied to a recent email of concern (scroll down) I sent him regarding what amounts to be a Congressional roll-back on vigilance.

Ed note: I appreciate Rep. Welch’s consistent replies to any remarks that I may have made in the past — some of which are actually supportive. I’m grateful for his responsiveness.

Checks & Balances. Who can argue with Congressman Welch when he notes, below, that it is the “responsibility of Congress to provide vigorous oversight of the executive branch?”

Trust Freedom? However, when the congressman says that we “should trust the strength of [America's] freedoms…envied by most,” I toss that phrase around, turn it upside down, send it up against the wall, through the spin-cycle, and even try to read it backwards — and all I come up with is, “Trust freedom?” Is there a manual on that? Am I missing something? That must live in the Constitution someplace. A B.S. in political science and I must admit that I have absolutely no idea what he is talking about. Trust Freedom. Nope. Nada. Zip. Boom?

Pyrrhic victory? My chief concern is while both sides of the aisle duke it out over authority and surveillance tactics, we may awaken one morning with an entirely new landscape.

Here’s the letter –

 

March 17, 2008

Dear Mr. O’Neill,

Thank you for contacting me in support of the Protect America Act (PAA).

The PAA gave the Attorney General the authority to issue year-long program warrants for surveillance of people reasonably believed to be outside of the United States without review by the secret intelligence court that has been overseeing these activities for thirty years. I believe that it is the responsibility of Congress to provide vigorous oversight of the executive branch to ensure that the proper balance is maintained between protecting our security and safeguarding our Constitutional rights and freedoms.

I understand the threat of terrorism is real and believe we must take aggressive measures to stop those who wish us harm from doing so. Americans enjoy a level of freedom that is envied by most and cherished by all who live here. During challenging times, our country should trust the strength of these freedoms, not make exceptions that undermine our core values.

Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. While we disagree on this issue, I hope that you will continue to be in touch on matters important to you.

Sincerely,

PETER WELCH

Member of Congress