The measure, the “Resolution to Renounce the National Security Agency’s Surveillance Program,” passed by an “overwhelming majority” by voice vote, along with resolutions calling for the repeal of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act and reaffirming the party’s pro-life stance, according to Reince Priebus, the RNC chairman.
Among other points, the resolution declares “the mass collection and retention of personal data is in itself contrary to the right of privacy protected by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” a claim embraced by civil libertarians of both parties.
This seems a surprising turn from a party whose infrastructure stringently defended the Bush Administration's national security apparatus that, among other things, allowed the NSA to monitor phone calls of American citizens without a warant.
Whether or not this is a purely political ploy remains to be seen. It's easy to talk a big game - or pass a big resolution - while a party is in the minority. It's entirely different to actually do something about it when you're the ones pulling the levers of power.