Drones – Bigger (and Smaller) Than You Think

Early on during Rand Paul’s filibuster, I posted the following:

I think the Rand Paul filibuster now in progress may become a seminal moment in American politics.  And that not only because it is an actual old-fashion talking filibuster not seen in years.  There aren’t many issues on which Americans are united, but domestic drones is one such issue.  Left, right, or in between, people do not want drones flying over their houses.

And I think drones are becoming a big issue.  And, yes, it actually does cross party and ideological lines. One of many examples: I never thought the day would come when I would quote Sen. Pat Leahy (D-People’s Republic of Vermont) favorably, but he has said, “While there may be many valuable uses for this new technology, the use of unmanned aircraft raises serious concerns about the impact on the constitutional and privacy rights of American citizens.”

Bill Straub has written the best summary I've seen of the issues surrounding domestic drones.  Drones are both interesting (mosquito-sized drones?!?) and useful.  But I and many Americans do not want their properties spied on by them.  One poll even has almost half of Americans thinking they have the right to shoot drones flying over their properties without their permission.

I’m not ready to shoot one quite yet.  But I am ready to raise hell if I see one flying over my property.  And I am far from alone.

The Rand Paul filibuster is only the beginning of domestic drones as a big political issue.  I predict they will be a big issue in the 2016 presidential election.

The Rand Paul Filibuster: Becoming an American Hero UPDATED

Just a note to say I think the Rand Paul filibuster now in progress may become a seminal moment in American politics.  And that not only because it is an actual old-fashion talking filibuster not seen in years.  There aren’t many issues on which Americans are united, but domestic drones is one such issue.  Left, right, or in between, people do not want drones flying over their houses.

Sen. Paul is grabbing this issue and running with it like nobody else.  And it is good policy, defending Constitutional freedoms, and it is good politics as well.  In short, by combating and in effect filibustering domestic drones*, Rand Paul is becoming an American hero.

You heard it here first.

(*Yes, the presenting issue is the Brennan nomination.  But the real issue of the Paul filibuster is domestic drones and their potential abuse.)

UPDATE:

Sen. Mike Lee has joined the filibuster.  ‘Cause even heroes need their potty breaks.

UPDATE 2:

Now Sen. Ted Cruz is joining the filibuster, too!  I thank God he’s my senator!