First Shot Against Warantless Spying

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge ruled Thursday that the government's warrantless wiretapping program is unconstitutional and ordered an immediate halt to it.

U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor in Detroit became the first judge to strike down the National Security Agency's program, which she says violates the rights to free speech and privacy as well as the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

''Plaintiffs have prevailed, and the public interest is clear, in this matter. It is the upholding of our Constitution,'' Taylor wrote in her 43-page opinion.

Cue the right-wing pundits and politicians. Here's a challenge. Count up the times the phrase "activist judge" is used by them. The number will probably reach so high it will make Will Hunting's head spin.

Of course, for a Bush Administration unconcerned with pesky little things like laws, judges, Congress or the Constitution, I'm sure the program will go unabated.

For those who find things like this important, she is a President Carter appointee.