The 2008 FISA bill which will pass the Senate on Tuesday significantly raises the stakes on the Marijuana legalization front, but not for the reasons that might come to mind. Its not about how warrantless surveillance might help them catch drug smugglers, dealers, or users; if only the factors which join the FISA and Pot issues were that mundane.
Actually, it IS all about "how you think" and "what comes to mind" - quite literally. Its about your right to control your own consciousness, and to the privacy of your thoughts. Intercepting your phone calls, emails, and text/instant messaging may be all the rage at the NSA today, but just wait a few years. The next wave of personal electronics will be a lot more "personal" than your iPod, PDA, GPS, or Cellphone is right now.
Regardless of whether or not you personally enjoy the use of entheogens, whether you are Progressive or Libertarian in your politics, the First Amendment implications of the Marijuana debate will directly impact the Fourth Amendment future of all Americans. (more...)
