>Re: Spying Thread #1079284 Message #1079641
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>I agree that wiretapping needs to be done in some cases during wartime. I have no problem with the government listening in to all my overseas phone calls to countries that sponsor terrorism or to suspected terrorists or even suspected terrorists in this country. The problem is the FISA law. It appears that president Bush is operating outside the law and that is NEVER okay. FISA allows for 72 hours period when U.S. citizens are wiretapped within the U.S. The President cannot operate outside the law no matter what and cannot change the law to suit his immeidate needs. Yet it needs to be done so the law needs to change in this case. It does NOT fall within the purvue of the powers of the President. The law can be changed under classification if necessary, but there needs to be specific authority for the wiretapping and the RETAINING of the information period.
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>I have yet to see real documentation or references that legalize what is currently being done in respect to wiretapping and retaining of the information gained from U.S. citizens after 72 hours outside of FISA or in contradiction to FISA law. I hope I do, because if not, then this is a gross abuse of authority. I am just waiting for the information from any source and hoping it will happen soon. Something could be implemented now which will cover this and that would be ok too if congress supports it. I think everyone agrees that it needs to be done but it must be made clearly legal and within his authority as President.
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Everything I have read says the president has powers way beyond FISA. For the protection of our country - it must be so. I believe he acted within the scope of his authority and I don't think he is some rogue who would take such action lightly. He knew he was authorizing activity that would help keep us safe. Note the fact that we haven't had any 9/11 events since then. I have heard there have been many interceptions that have allowed us to block the terrorists. I wish they could reveal them, but I know that would damage the effort by letting the terrorists know what we know.