President weakens espionage oversight (Board created by Ford loses most of its power)

[sabra]

Source: Boston Globe

Board created by Ford loses most of its power

WASHINGTON - Almost 32 years to the day after President Ford created an independent Intelligence Oversight Board made up of private citizens with top-level clearances to ferret out illegal spying activities, President Bush issued an executive order that stripped the board of much of its authority.

The White House did not say why it was necessary to change the rules governing the board when it issued Bush's order late last month. But critics say Bush's order is consistent with a pattern of steps by the administration that have systematically scaled back Watergate-era intelligence reforms.

"It's quite clear that the Bush administration officials who were around in the 1970s are settling old scores now," said Tim Sparapani, senior legislative counsel to the American Civil Liberties Union. "Here they are even preventing oversight within the executive branch. They have closed the books on the post-Watergate era."

Ford created the board following a 1975-76 investigation by Congress into domestic spying, assassination operations, and other abuses by intelligence agencies. The probe prompted fierce battles between Congress and the Ford administration, whose top officials included Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and the current president's father, George H. W. Bush.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/03/14/president_weakens_espionage_oversight/

[Ian David]

1. Can we fucking impeach him NOW?!?! n/t

[Magleetis]

2. It will be no surprise

When the McCain campaign knows in advance every move of of his Democratic challenger.

[alfredo]

7. You know they already know.

[Fridays Child]

3. And a Democratic majority in Congress will do nothing about it.

But that's okay because Americans are deaf, blind, and dumb. x(

[bemildred]

4. These attempts at butt-covering will continue whille the Bushites are in power. nt

[goforit]

5. Hip hip horray!!! The TYRRANY is official!!! Just get a new phucking flag!!!!

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. What a rat bastard he is.

Who said this guy was an American? It's like he has no problem selling out our country.

[Supersedeas]

8. since when does the Unitary Executive have to explain anything to Americans