LIVE THREAD: SJC hearing on the NSA surveilance program - C-span 1; 9:30 am EST

[ken5050]

Good Monday morning, once again, fellow political jinkies. The NFL season may be over, but the political season inside the Beltway is 24/7/365. So join us, if you can, as those wacky Dems on the Senate Judiciary committee reprise their pitiful efforts to once again smear President Bush and score political points..

[Peach]

Gonzales: Congress gave president authority. Congress confirmed president to use all appropriate and necessary force against AQ.

It is broadly worded. Our enemies operate secretly. In this new kind of war, it is necessary and appropriate to take all steps to know what enemy is plotting before they act.

How can anyone conclude it isn't necessary ato intercept phone calls from AQ?

[Calpernia]

Gonzales: The program expires every 45 days and may be reauthorized but only if a determination that AQ continues to be a threat to America.

Remember what you said before about the comics being planned?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Be sure to get your number, ... the room is getting crowded!

[Mo1]

He's nailing it

[MEG33]

Thanks, Peach!

[MEG33]

Go Gonzales!!

[Peach]

Gonzales: Some Congressmen hav esuggested they didn't mean the force resolution to authorize wiretaps. We are a nation governed by written laws, not the intention of laws.

In this case, those plain words could not be clearer. The force resolution did not limit the president from using some tactics against AQ.

Nor did the resolution force the president to only fight AQ in other countries. The resolution mentions fighting at home as well as abroad.

[Momto2]

Quote "AT HOME" and "ABROAD".... HE is doing GREAT!!!

[TomGuy]

Lindsay Graham was a-rockin' an' a-whistlin'

[Pukin Dog]

POW!!

"The WRITTEN LAW! Not the unwritten intentions of members of Congress. "

SMACK!! POW!

Its BATMAN!!

[prairiebreeze]

Thanks for the updates, checking back in it looks like Gonzalez is doing well...?

(my dog was giving me pleading looks so I took him out. Back now trying to catch up.)

[Fury]

Sessions: I'm sure the AG won't perjure himself in any way and I remember having a conversation with Myers and Rumsfeld and one of the saddest days in their career was having to come into a senate committee and raise their hand as though they'd lie to this country. Having to routinely stand up and give an oath when they are under oath basically and must tell the truth. It's a question of propriety.

I don't know if I agree with the example that Senator Sessions provided. When I was in the military, I was subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury (I was not the target of the grand jury). I was sworn in, even though perhaps I could have been prosecuted under the UCMJ for lying (I didn't) to the grand jury.

[Bahbah]

Cornyn listening carefully, Graham rehearsing the wonderfulness of his appearance in his own mind.

[Mo1]

Oh this is gonna be a fun hearing

[Pukin Dog]

It better be. I could be fishing.

[G.Mason]

Ping bump!

[Peach]

Gonzales: Mentions Hamdi case. President does use FISA. But some people don't udnerstand how it really works.

72 hour provision - the AG must make a determination that all statutes of FISA were appropriate in advance.

[conservativebabe]

LOL!

Mornin' everyone. This is gonna be fun.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Gonzales: Congress gave president authority. Congress confirmed president to use all appropriate and necessary force against AQ.

It is broadly worded. Our enemies operate secretly. In this new kind of war, it is necessary and appropriate to take all steps to know what enemy is plotting before they act.

How can anyone conclude it isn't necessary ato intercept phone calls from AQ?

*******************************************************************

Fantastic statement!!!!!!

[Semper Paratus]

After this if Bush sends up Gonzalez for a SCOTUS vacancy the Senate 'rats will go nuts.