Russian Sanctions, NSA MYSTIC and the Hobby Lobby Case

Russia annexes Crimea, resulting in sanctions and reverse sanctions between the US and Russia. The United States has banned about 30 Russians, mostly government officials and oligarchs, and a bank from doing business in the US. In response, Russia banned nine US officials from visiting Russia, including John McCain, who facetiously groused about his cancelled Siberian vacation. A program known as MYSTIC, revealed in the latest information drop from Edward Snowden, shows the NSA has recorded all phone calls to one country. "It's an awesome capability," says Rich Lowry. The Supreme Court hears arguments this week about whether the Hobby Lobby has the right to not cover contraception for its employees.

Today's panel includes Robert Scheer (C), Mike Pesca (C), Rich Lowry (R) and special guest Dahlia Lithwick.

Banner image: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the ceremony signing the laws on admitting Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation, March 21, 2014. Photo: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office