AG's memo raises questions on Patriot Act

[Mojorabbit]

Suggests it's not needed for domestic spying
WASHINGTON -- A footnote in Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales's 42-page legal memo defending President Bush's domestic spying program appears to argue that the administration does not need Congress to extend the USA Patriot Act in order to keep using the law's investigative powers against terror suspects.

snip
Thus, legal specialists say, the administration is asserting that Bush would be able to keep using the powers outlined in the Patriot Act for Al Qaeda investigations, regardless of whether Congress reauthorizes the law.

snip
The Patriot Act, the Justice Department said, affected far more than Al Qaeda. The act made changes to surveillance laws for use against foreign spies and terrorists who are not affiliated with Al Qaeda. The act also made it easier to use surveillance information as evidence if the administration prosecuted an Al Qaeda suspect in court, the department said.

Pressed by the Globe during a briefing last week, White House spokesman Scott McClellan refused to answer directly when asked whether Bush had the power to authorize the FBI to keep using Patriot Act-style techniques when hunting for Al Qaeda suspects even if Congress lets the law expire.


snip

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/01/25/ags_memo_raises_questions_on_patriot_act/

[truthisfreedom]

1. nice. bushco says "we can do whatever we want, and if you cross us, you

are f***ed."

"we don't need no stinking badges."

[ewoden]

2. So I suppose any act . . .

which has not been reautorized still carries the weight of law. Oooooo my, Googling is gonna start right away. Wonder if somebody can find some juicey ones to pin on Georgie's shorts.

[IndianaGreen]

3. If we don't impeach Bush and Cheney now

they will do away with the '08 elections on the basis of national security.

[Judi Lynn]

4. You'd better believe it. They are NOT going to go quietly, seeing they

didn't arrive legitimately, either.

[me b zola]

5. bush*inc gets scarier everyday

They now operate with the flimsiest of facades. Soon they will no longer feel as though they need the least bit of pretense.


I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!!!!!!!!

[fasttense]

6. Is there any law brush has to follow?

Oh that's right he's the King of the US. I forgot for a moment, he is above the law. So when we get a Democratic President, will the repukes object to his kingly behavior? I mean they are establishing the precedent and we have yet to declare a war.

[Spazito]

7. Stated simply, bush is claiming "The Divine Right of Kings"

and absolute power.

Link to info on the divine right of kings:

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/DIVRIGHT.HTM

[VegasWolf]

9. Well, it is easy for Bush since there is no opposition party worth a damn.

:puke:

[jillan]

8. and now the Supreme Court

will go along with it.
There's no stopping * now.

[Mojorabbit]

10. There seems to be no one in power

willing to stop him.

[leQ]

11. slate's got a good one on king george

http://www.slate.com/id/2134845/nav/tap1/