Ex-NSA Head on NSA domestic spying: “This Activity Was Not Authorized”

[Ms. Clio]

Wednesday, May 17th, 2006
Ex-NSA Head Bobby Ray Inman on the National Security Agency’s Domestic Surveillance Program: “This Activity Was Not Authorized”

Last week, Admiral Bobby Ray Inman, who headed the NSA from 1977 to 1981, spoke in New York at a forum sponsored by the New York Public Library and the Century Foundation. It was part of the library’s “Live at the NYPL” series. Besides an article at the website wirednews, Inman's statements have received almost no media attention, even though he's believed to be the highest ranking former NSA official to speak out about the program. At the forum, he disputed the Bush administration's claim that Congress authorized the secret spy program when it authorized the President to use force following the September 11th attacks. Inman also said the program clearly contradicts the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which Congress passed in 1978, at the time he was head of the National Security Agency.

BOBBY RAY INMAN: My own view, this activity was not authorized by a resolution to use whatever force you need to do. There clearly was a line in the FISA statutes, which says you couldn't do this.

[jaysunb]

1. Sigh...I'm afraid God will have to point this out to

Congress.......

[magellan]

2. Ya mean that long-haired liberal hippie, Jesus?

Or George Burns?

[Bozita]

3. Could it be Pat Robertson?

In his spare time, he talks directly to God.

He once steered a hurricane away from Virginia.

Whatta guy!

[Ms. Clio]

4. kick