The nation's top intelligence official [J. Michael McConnell] has confirmed that a federal court did rule the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program was in violation of the law, prompting the mad rush in Congress this month to overhaul key espionage provisions.
How interesting. Let me see if I understand this then: Congress voted on a bill, that they hadn't fully read before voting, which made legal that which a court recently ruled illegal. Wow, very impressive.
Here's the first big question that came to mind:
How many terrorists have we apprehended as a result, direct or indirect, of illegal wiretaps? I'm thinking we certainly would have heard of them because the administration likes nothing better than convincing Americans they should continue to live in fear.
Example from the same article:
Even as he disclosed new details about the espionage programs, McConnell made criticisms that the public debate has given Al Qaeda and other organizations insight into U.S. eavesdropping operations. "The fact that we're doing it this way means that some Americans are going to die," he said.
Damn all of us critics anyhow. Now we'll have the blood of American innocents on our hands!! Or not, Mr. McConnell. I'd love to walk around in the firm belief that my government always acts in my best interests. Except that same government has shown time and time again they can't be fully trusted. That's why oversight programs are in place - to make sure the few rotten apples like you don't abuse your powers and adhere to your responsibilities.
And why did Congress scrap their agreed upon legislation updating FISA to the 21st century? Caroline Fredrickson wrote a good piece on this earlier this month.
At a high level:
What is perhaps even more unfortunate is the extent to which the proposed changes are based on misinformation, dissembling and outright falsehoods by administration officials eager to cut corners and avoid judicial oversight or public scrutiny.
There are many things to dislike about how the whole vote process played out. Now we hear that legislators are regretting their votes. In a way, it was a good thing the vote occurred before a long break. Now they get a chance to hear for a good period of time how frustrated their constituents are.
So I have a very simple request to all Colorado congresspeople: work to fix this legislation. The administration will throw a fit and Republican Senators will continue to filibuster, I know. But I also don't care. Stand up on this issue now and until it's changed back. It might even do wonders for the public's viewpoint on the Democratic-led Congress and help solidify our majority next year.
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