The government must give proper weight to both keeping America safe from terrorists and protecting Americans’ privacy. But when Americans lack the most basic information about our domestic surveillance programs, they have no way of knowing whether we’re getting that balance right. This lack of transparency is a big problem. Al Franken Read Quote
National security laws must protect national security. But they must also protect the public trust and preserve the ability of an informed electorate to hold its government to account. Al Franken Read Quote
It’s hard to have that debate around secret programs authorized by secret legal opinions issued by a secret court. Actually, it’s impossible to have that debate. Al Franken Read Quote
When you live in New York, one of two things happen – you either become a New Yorker, or you feel more like the place you came from. Al Franken Read Quote
There’s plenty of room for humor in politics, God knows, but it’s a serious business. Al Franken Read Quote
I am a Minnesotan, and not just because I root for the Vikings and the Twins. I like the Minnesota-nice sensibility. I like the liberal tradition; I like the Hubert Humphrey tradition fighting for civil rights. Al Franken Read Quote
My dad loved comedians, especially George Jessel, and he loved Henny Youngman and Buddy Hackett. Al Franken Read Quote
My dad didn’t graduate from high school, ended up being a printing salesman, probably never made more than $8,000 a year. My mom sold real estate and did it part time. Al Franken Read Quote
