[mrsmith]

"The aforementioned executive order amends FISA "

Executive orders are not law nor do they amend law.

This was a directive from one president that resolved, to his satisfaction, the conflict between FISA and his inherent powers.

Nonetheless it's good to remind people that Dem- and all- presidents had the same view as president Bush. The media never will!

[mnehring]

http://www.thisnation.com/question/040.html

Executive Orders (EOs) are legally binding orders given by the President, acting as the head of the Executive Branch, to Federal Administrative Agencies. Executive Orders are generally used to direct federal agencies and officials in their execution of congressionally established laws or policies. However, in many instances they have been used to guide agencies in directions contrary to congressional intent. ...


Executive Orders do not require Congressional approval to take effect but they have the same legal weight as laws passed by Congress. The President's source of authority to issue Executive Orders can be found in the Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution which grants to the President the "executive Power." Section 3 of Article II further directs the President to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." To implement or execute the laws of the land, Presidents give direction and guidance to Executive Branch agencies and departments, often in the form of Executive Orders.