Ex-NSA Chief Assails Bush's Warrantless Domestic Wiretaps

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70855-0.html?tw=wn_index_2

NEW YORK -- Former National Security Agency director Bobby Ray Inman lashed out at the Bush administration Monday night over its continued use of warrantless domestic wiretaps, making him one of the highest-ranking former intelligence officials to criticize the program in public, analysts say.

"This activity is not authorized," Inman said, as part of a panel discussion on eavesdropping that was sponsored by The New York Public Library. The Bush administration "need(s) to get away from the idea that they can continue doing it."

Since the NSA eavesdropping program was unveiled in December, Inman -- like other senior members of the intelligence community -- has been measured in the public statements he's made about the agency he headed under President Jimmy Carter. He maintained that his former colleagues "only act in accordance with law." When asked whether the president had the legal authority to order the surveillance, Inman replied in December, "Someone else would have to give you the good answer."

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. I like the use of the word warrantless

It's got a double meaning. "Without a warrant" AND "without merit". Doubly correct.

http://www.cafepress.com/scarebaby/1094932

[kestrel91316]

2. "This activity is not authorized" .......... hahahahahahaha

Bush wanted it done. It got done. That is all the "authorization" needed. Didn't you get the memo??? If Bush decided to do something, no matter how egregious, it is BY DEFINITION legal for HIM to do it.

Welcome to the fascist dictatorship formerly known as the USA.