The argument can go either way, given that, as Kristol and Schmitt pointed out (in defending the program, not criticizing it - see #20), even terrorists call people for non-terrorism-related activity, such as renting rooms, making purchases, etc.
I'm not saying that it's not justified to tap those numbers, nor am I saying that it's necessarily illegal. I'm only saying that may not meet the probable-cause standard. And if that's the case, then the Carter-era EO doesn't provide a precedent for this program, contrary to the thread's claim that it does. That's my only point.
"I'm only saying that may not meet the probable-cause standard. And if that's the case, then the Carter-era EO doesn't provide a precedent for this program,"
So, DO you think he broke the law?