[IsThisObvious]

Yes, avoiding my point by picking at the word choice when the context made it clear that I was talking about oversight by the population, not indirect ones is a totally valid reply.

Similarly, if word never filters back, they can't exercise indirect oversight through elected officials, because they're incapable of even knowing that they should be electing officials based on how they will resolve those issues.

[tptacek]

Huh? You don't feel like you know enough to vote against your representatives today, or to discern whether you should vote for their opponents? Do they support PATRIOT? Do they support FISA as it stands? If yes to either, vote no.

Again the problem isn't oversight, but rather (in this instance) that you realize that most of the population doesn't agree with you, and won't vote a representative out of office solely because of their position on FISA.