I have read/heard (radio/tv comments)that the "spying has been by way of picking up signals in cyberspace and running them through the computer by the millions to pick up a clue to some person or number they have gleaned. They follow the signals and listen/read emails that are currently going on. These signals from cell phones and computers have no expectation of privacy in cyberspace (recall the famous cell call among Repubs spied on by Dem operatives who picked it up on their cell, gave it to the Dems, and caused a big stink). Of course, when picking up a happening call/email, there is no time for a warrant, no matter how fast Nepolitano on Fox says it could be done. Often, even when applications for warrants are finally presented, they are sent back for more info.
I also heard two phone company employees saying that when these clues are snatched from space, there is no way to even know which phone co. to go to for info about a warrant.This spying is not like they have a person in the US whose home or office phone they are going to bug.
Now, the MSM and Dems are making a big thing about the feds having a 72 hour window to apply after the fact. But someone else on radio said if they DID apply after the fact and got a warrant, they could not share the total info with the FBI, CIA, etc.-- they could only give the side gleaned from the international side. After the info trouble re. Jamie Gorelick's statute tieing the hands of info sharers, it would not make sense to share just half the info.
Any comments re. this, anyone? vaudine
As it happens, an agent of Saddam Hussein [an American citizen who had received oil vouchers from the regime ] donated substantial funds to the defense fund of the Democrat who participated in the leak of that call between Gingrich and Boehner [and maybe others] after the Republicans sued.