Posted on 02/10/2006 8:26:59 AM PST by Jay777
The American Civil Liberties Union expressed disappointment at the closed-door hearing held today by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the warrantless spying by the National Security Agency. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and General Michael Hayden, the deputy director of national intelligence, are expected to testify. The hearing coincides with revelations that the head of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) was warned that information illegally obtained by NSA may have been used to obtain wiretap warrants.
“Our democratic system relies on transparency and candor from the executive, and so far, we have seen neither,” said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. “The White House was quick to defend the program, but when pressed for the facts, it has refused to provide them. Congress must conduct oversight and let the American public know the answers to the critical questions surrounding this illegal program. An aggressive public relations campaign and secret hearings cannot restore the public’s confidence.”
Some lawmakers have suggested that Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act needs to be modified. However, the ACLU believes that there is no need to change the existing law, but there is a need to properly enforce it. FISA specifically requires judicial review for the surveillance of domestic targets; the ACLU noted that the president took an oath to “faithfully execute the laws” and does not have the authority to choose which laws to follow.
(Excerpt) Read more at aclu.org ...
The American Civil Liberties Union expressed disappointment
“The White House was quick to defend the program, but when pressed for the facts, it has refused to provide them. "
Yeah. We'll just put all the 'facts' out there for our enemies to see. (including the ACLU)
I think the ACLU has harmed our country more than the terrorists could ever hope to. Glad to see them unhappy for a change.
ACLU: An aggressive public relations campaign and secret hearings cannot restore the public's confidence. Didn't I see a poll where 77% of the people polled approved of the surveillance?
Since when did classified intelligence programs require "transparency"?
This is truly idiotic.
What idiots. Congress decided to hold the session behind closed doors. It has NOTHING to do with the Executive. Also, try demanding access to Pentagon Troop Deployments or what the US Nuke War strategy is. I know this really drives the Hate America Left nuts but you do NOT have a right to know everything our govt does. The rest of us have a right to expect our Govt to keep us safe. Our Rights triumphs the ACLU's hysteric partisanship.
Ms. Fredrickson sure does know how to "turn a phrase" when she's really miffed. I know how to do that too, Ms. Fredrickson, and here's an example: "kiss my a$$, dimwit!!". I hope the lady got my message.
The Muzzies and ACLU types are using eachother as "useful idiots".
Each one is hoping to come out on top before the other does.
Who ever does come out on top, the blood of the other will flow.
Right out of the Leftist Totalitarian playbook.
You can read all about it in "The Thoughts of Chairman Mao", an inspirational book written especially for the ACLU and Islamo-fascist types.
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