John Tierney: “over history, and particularly since 1970, we have been able to find balance of getting the necessary intelligence…”

“over history, and particularly since 1970, we have been able to find balance of getting the necessary intelligence collection and also having the protection of our liberties and our constitutional rights; through wars, in fact through the Cold War, which are much more severe existential threats than we see today, to a Cold War where we had nuclear powers that we thought were ready to attack us. We didn't know when and we didn't know to what degree. We never found it necessary to totally abdicate our constitutional rights and privileges. It is unnecessary for us to do that. It is shameful that some think that now is an opportunity for us to do that. The legislation before us today allows us to, in timely ways, collect all of the intelligence we need. It allows us to do it before a court order in cases of emergency. It allows us to do it without delay. It allows us to have provisions for oversight. It allows us to do everything to protect this country and it protects our civil liberties. We have a situation with phone companies now wanting immunity. They've always had immunity. The question is did they go for it. Did they have a court order or did they have the proper certification? Why won't the White House let all Members of Congress see that? It would answer the questions if they saw the documents.”