The votes are in and consensus seems clear: Democrats and Republicans both find the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs distasteful and want a rein on federal powers.
Twitter launched #StopTheNSA in recognition of the officially declared “The Day We Fight Back” day, dubbed Tuesday, Feb. 11. Expressing kudos for the effort were those of all political ilk — Democrats, Republicans and others, from the American Civil Liberties Union to Amnesty International to Tumblr, Mediaite reported.
Democratic Sen. Tom Udeall tweeted: “Proud sponsor of #USAFreedomAct 2 protect privacy & civil liberties, reform the #NSA & #FISA court.”
Self-declared Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted: “The NSA is out of control. #NSA #StopTheNSA.”
Firebrand liberal Rep. Alan Grayson tweeted: “I support ’The Day We Fight Back’ protest against NSA domestic surveillance. Mind your own business, NSA!”
And conservative Sen. Rand Paul tweeted: “I invite you to join me in the fight against the NSA surveillance program. Today is the day we begin to fight back.”
Meanwhile, the pro-tea party group FreedomWorks joined with the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute to rally for support for #StopTheNSA, with separate tweets calling on activist action, Mediaite reported. Google joined the call, too, tweeting, “It’s time to reform government surveillance. Join us in speaking up to Congress.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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