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January 17, 2007
We Don't Want No Stinkin' Checks and Balances
Q: Hey Mr. President, if you like the Terrorist Surveillance Program so much, why are you not going to seek to renew it?
A: Because I don't want it subject to judicial review.
That's the message we've gotten, loud and clear, from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, as he explains that the TSP is now subject to FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) review. AG Gonzales added, "Accordingly, under these circumstances, the President has determined not to reauthorize the Terrorist Surveillance Program when the current authorization expires."
Just so it's clear. The president is going to kill a program that he has argued benefits the USA, for the sole reason that it's now subject to FISA.
Given FISA's longstanding reputation as a rubber stamp, I find it very telling of Mr. Bush's bad intent that he feels he can no longer operate his Terrorist Surveillance Program.
The degree of secrecy and unchecked surveillance this administration seeks is downright frightening. This is not the way a healthy democracy runs, and Mr. Bush has damaged this nation's health by demanding to undertake actions and operate programs such as this absent any checks and balances whatsoever.
Media reference: AP Story posted at CNN
(link updated 2/24/07)
Posted by Pat at January 17, 2007 03:23 PM