In this case, where wiretapping is a necessity of the times in order to protect the Nation from those who mean us harm, the ruling is a win for Osama Bin Laden.

I want the government to do everything in its power to keep us safe. Uncle Sam isn't interested in my calls to Mom or Aunt Sally. Too many of us warp this into a conspiracy so broad and evil that we miss the intent of the act, which is to protect us from terrorism.

The day this wiretapping is bent to include prosecuting non-terrorist acts, such as phone sex, is the day impeachment proceedings and firings take place.

As for the oft quoted Mr. Franklin, I feel his words of counsel are misplaced in this case. I daresay he would agree with the government's program in that intellegence gathering for the purpose of protecting the Nation is indeed a necessary and proper act.

At the risk of provoking my liberal Pixie friends, which I do not wish to do, I would suggest that the protest would not be nearly as vociferous had Mr. Clinton been the one authorizing it under similar circumstances.