'The libertarian critique provides an essential check on the surveillance state. But liberty cannot survive unless a free society can be defended...'

A very thoughtful piece, from Cathy Young, at RCP, "No Simple Answers on Security and Freedom":

We need federal legislation that provides strong penalties for any misuse of data obtained through national security programs. We also need more public accountability and public debate on these issues—which is why NSA leaker Edward Snowden, whatever his motives and morals, has performed a valuable service.

The libertarian critique provides an essential check on the surveillance state. But liberty cannot survive unless a free society can be defended. And, if libertarians downplay the threat posed by our enemies, they undercut their credibility in opposing the threat posed by the intrusive state.

The key there on Snowden is "whatever his motives and morals," because obviously those attributes are deeply in doubt.

Via Instapundit.