The Crux of the NSA Spy Crime

[Ugnmoose]

Given that Bush had all the authority he needed under FISA to conduct legal spying activities why did he have to resort to illegal spying? He did so because he was spying on people he deemed personal enemies - not terrorists. This information will come out in the Congressional hearings and through leaks. And when it does even the staunchest of Bushco supporters will run for the exits. This is why Bush fought so desperately to keep the Times from publishing it. He knows damn well that they are now caught with a smoking gun! This is tantamount to Nixon with the tapes. The pressure will build to a boiling point and not even diehard Repukes will be able to splain it away. The feeding frenzy will begin. If Chimpo survives this one - he truly is the crowned King. God help us all!

[marylanddem]

1. Great analysis - and I'd bet Bolton is in here somewhere n/t

[C_U_L8R]

2. Yes.. God help us all

and to hell with Bish

[Burried News]

3. "He did so because he was spying on people he deemed personal enemies"

This has to be it. Because the GOP had control of both houses and could count on a majority to sanction almost anything - BUT they would never condone spying on themselves.

More than anything else Bush has done - this situation elucidates HOW he has controlled everyone - by spying on them. He is the son of a spy and learned his craft at Poppy's knee. J Edgar Hoover would be proud. Hell, Stalin would be proud.

[orwell]

4. At this point...

...it is unclear who the Bushies were spying on. It is clear that the "expediency" excuse is a pile of crap. Under FISA they could immediately wiretap as long as they obtained a FISA warrant within 72 hours.

As FISA warrants are essentially rubber stamps (this is another thing which should be addressed), there is no heft to the "speed" of issuance "national security" excuse.

Most likely, they did this because they have shown a serial disregard for both separation of powers and checks and balances. In other words, they did it because they thought they could get away with it. It would also then not be to great a leap to assume that among the "high priority targets" a few political wiretaps could be included.

With a Repug controlled Congress and "secret hearings", we may never know the truth.