Inter Arma Silent Leges. Or something like that.
Mike, you refer to the NSA's charter. I thought that for the NSA had to get a FISA warrant to monitor an American? Could you clarify please?
Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if what Bush did was illegal. And Congress DID NOT know. Him briefing the Congressional leaders means a handful of people knew. I understand that if he actually took it to Congress, it wouldn't be secret anymore. IMO, Bush is on very thin ice. But he's not going to get in trouble for it because it's war time. And if it really did prevent attacks I think it was worth it. Illegal, but worth it. Kind of like the suspension of Habeas Corpus during the Civil War. Or the Emancipation Proclamation, arguably.
I believe in his speech he said he did it about 30 times. I don't see why it couldn't have gone through FISA, as FISA requests are rarely denied.
PD
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