[inquest]

Don't you think finding people's phone number and e-mail address on computers of known terrorists is probable cause?

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.

[amutr22]

"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?