Republican Senator Believes Secret NSA Spying Broke the Law
Arlen Specter (R-PA), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has used some strong language to criticize the illegal warrantless spying program. He called the Bush administration's justifications "strained" and "unrealistic", and he apparently believes the administration has violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which clearly requires that warrants be obtained. Here's a link that cites Specter's remarks:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060205/ap_on_go_co/domestic_spying
Still not sure how this is not a blockbuster story. We have an administration that has admitted to spying on Americans without following legal procedures that require court approval of a warrant. Even members of the president's party think the warrantless surveillance (which is ongoing, by the way!) is illegal. Does it matter if the president has broken the law, and has defiantly pledged to continue breaking the law?
Not yet. But the Judiciary Committee begins hearings tomorrow on this matter. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will be the first witness. Look for him to try to distract the committee by bringing up red herrings. Hopefully the committee will focus on the specific question of whether the administration broke the law. If Republicans have the courage to find what is obvious, that the secret warrantless spying was illegal, it is to be hoped they will also find the courage to hold the administration accountable. That is probably wishful thinking, but it shouldn't be. In this country, no one is supposed to be above the law.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060205/ap_on_go_co/domestic_spying
Still not sure how this is not a blockbuster story. We have an administration that has admitted to spying on Americans without following legal procedures that require court approval of a warrant. Even members of the president's party think the warrantless surveillance (which is ongoing, by the way!) is illegal. Does it matter if the president has broken the law, and has defiantly pledged to continue breaking the law?
Not yet. But the Judiciary Committee begins hearings tomorrow on this matter. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will be the first witness. Look for him to try to distract the committee by bringing up red herrings. Hopefully the committee will focus on the specific question of whether the administration broke the law. If Republicans have the courage to find what is obvious, that the secret warrantless spying was illegal, it is to be hoped they will also find the courage to hold the administration accountable. That is probably wishful thinking, but it shouldn't be. In this country, no one is supposed to be above the law.
posted by Chris Edelson at 1:25 PM
3 Comments:
I am wondering what they are going to do about it - be patriots or be partisian. I'd bet partisian.
I am trying to be hopeful--one Republican in the House has been pretty critical and vocal--she has called for congressional investigation. Can't remember her name off hand--she is head of a subcommittee, 45 years old, strong background in intelligence, graduate of a military academy, Rhodes Scholar. NY Times had a piece on her today.
By the way, I won't be posting that much at least for the near future. Have taken a new job that will be taking up my time and involves similar work--some of it involves writing that will go on a website and involves issues similar to some of the things I've discussed here. It's at a nonprofit. Thanks for your comments and for linking to my site!
Heather Wilson. I haven't made up my mind about her motives yet. She's in a very tight race in NM. When the administration came out right behind her saying they'd brief the committees I was very suspicious - now I'm kind of taking a wait and see attitude. If you write and post to a new site I'd like to read your stuff. Send me the link once you get started. Good luck in your new endeavor!
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