Ridge backs U.S. wiretaps but advises amending law(blah,blah,blah)

[Algorem]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060210/NEWS28/602100410


Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said in Toledo last night that President Bush was well within his right to use wiretaps without court orders for national defense.

But Mr. Ridge also said he favored amending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to give some oversight.

Mr. Ridge made his comments during a brief news conference at the Great Hall of the Toledo Masonic complex on Heatherdowns Boulevard before speaking to about 600 people at the Junior League of Toledo's annual Toledo After Hours Gala.

The former governor of Pennsylvania and Army veteran of Vietnam said today's wiretapping technology has outpaced the law, but it shouldn't stop Mr. Bush from using the technology to save American lives...