FISA Me Once, Shame on Me...
The Cato Institute is begging us to ask whether or not they actually believe in liberty and small government. They've allowed their legal VP to opine in the WSJ that the president ought to have legal authority to wiretap just about anything, everything, and anyone that he pleases so long as he mentions "terrorism" or "national security" while he's doing it. I won't link to the original piece, as it is too disgusting, but Julian Sanchez's detailed take-down is a must-read for anybody interested in the issue.
As Stephen Colbert, riffing on Patrick Henry, once said: "Give me liberty... or do whatever it takes to make sure I don't die."
As Stephen Colbert, riffing on Patrick Henry, once said: "Give me liberty... or do whatever it takes to make sure I don't die."
Labels: liberty
posted by Kindred Winecoff at
7:28 PM
2 Comments:
Cato doesn't "allow" its scholars to publish op-eds drawing particularly conclusions. Cato scholars (like me) are given wide latitude to do their own research and reach their own conclusions. The fact that a particular Cato scholar publishes an article taking some position doesn't mean that's Cato's official position.
In this particular case, a number of Cato's scholars disagree with Roger's position and have said so publicly. I'm not aware of any other scholars who have concurred with Roger's position. So while Cato itself doesn't take positions on issues, the bulk of its scholars are certainly not on Roger's side of the debate.
Tim -
Cato, as an organization, has a strong and public ideological bent. I understand that muzzles aren't handed out on the first day of work there, but to have a VP writing op-eds in support of a law such as this... it doesn't look good for the organization. if Cato's ideal is liberty and less government intrusion, then this looks really bad.
on the other hand, it would look just as bad if Cato went around firing everybody that held to a controversial. i understand that it's a bit of a conundrum. but it doesn't make your organization look real good.
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