Conyers:Today's NSA Hearing, No Limiting Principle To Bush's excesses

[cal04]

Today's NSA Hearing
No Limiting Principle To Bush's excesses
Let me know your thoughts and suggestions

Today's hearing on the domestic wiretap scandal was a true milestone. The witnesses were informed and articulate. The Members were excellent as well. Rawstory has my opening statement, and all of the other statements from the hearing. We had good media coverage, with C-SPAN, ABC Radio, and Radio Pacifica covering live, and numerous other broadcast, print and bloggers were there. AP has a story, and I expect more to come.

Although we were again forced into the basement, all of American heard us today and they now know we will not be silenced while the Constitution is shredded. One impression I came away with was how the witnesses all agreed that rather than improving the situation, the Administration's 42 page brief made things worse, as DOJ offered arguments that were not subject to any limiting principle to rein in the president at a time of unending war. In other words, not only are we being spied on, but we have a president who has laid out an ever deepening paper trail that he is above the law.

Let me offer the following brief observations from the hearing:
Bruce Fein
-- the implausibility of the president's claims are self evident
-- the principle of universal presidential power will lie around like a loaded gun, and if unchecked will be abused

James Bamford
-- Gave us a good history of FISA, the NSA was used by Nixon to wiretap Americans. The DOJ even investigated, but instead of prosecuting, FISA was enacted.

Jonathan Turley
-- Bush's actions constitute a clear crime
-- There is no limiting principle to the president's arguments
-- it is Congress' duty to protect the Constitution

Richard Hersh
-- Recounted how his peace activist group was investigated by DOD.

Carole Frederickson
-- discussed range of abuses by Bush, above and beyond secret spy program -- torture, enemy combatants, racial profiling, wiretapping lawyers, secret courts etc.

Kate Martin
-- explained how the wiretap program was not even an effective law enforcement tool.
-- Bush's actions violate FISA several different ways

Question and Answer
-- Rep. Nadler reminds us that Bush can be prosecuted even after he leaves office because of the lenthy statute of limitations
-- I asked the panelists what actions we should take. Fein says we should have hearings around the country. Turley says we must pursue all legal avenues. I also announced that I was sending a letter to various telecommunications companies asking them for information about the warrantless surveillance program.
-- Rep. Schiff asks the panelists to cast Bush's arguments in the best light, and they all still are wanting.
-- Rep. Van Hollen asks why we even consider laws like PATRIOT Act if Bush can just do what he wants. Tells us that just because the DOJ brief is longer the arguments aren't any better.
-- Rep. Scott asks about Levi guidelines and notes that FBI can investigate Americans with no evidence or suspicion of a crime.
-- Rep. Wexler asks Hersh about his group, which is mostly retirees, grandparents, and office workers.
-- Rep. Dianne Watson (a former ambassador) asks how we can advocate for freedom abroad if the president is above the law here.

If you get a chance, let me know your thoughts and suggestions about this critical issue.

http://www.conyersblog.us/default.htm
Please go and give him your thoughts and suggestions. He has already answered some comments.

[msongs]

1. the basement of the PLANTATION that is... nt

[enough]

2. Thank you John Conyers.

One more time.

[emulatorloo]

3. Kick and Nominating -- thanks you and a big thanks to CONYERS eom

[KoKo]

4. It was excellent and worth a re-watch if you missed hearing it in person.

I've watched it twice and not sorry. Have it on right now while I'm typing.

[burythehatchet]

5. no elucidating comment here

I just wanted to make note of the potted plant behind the panel, wearing the large Bush Cheney badge on his lapel. What a douchebag. That is all.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

6. I was impressed...

... by the quality of the panelists and the depth in which they knew of the matters at hand. It was one of the finest panel forums/hearings I have seen. Each panelist spoke in depth.

[journalist3072]

7. Most definitely kicked and nominated...

What's more, I think it's absolutely disgusting that, during this time when Congress is in recess, and the hearing rooms are not being occupied, they would not even let them use a regular hearing room. Sent them to the basement again!

[Nothing Without Hope]

8. There are VIDEO clips of many of these up at Can-o-Fun

I'll try to post a compilation tomorrow if I can find the time.

ETA: K & R

[understandinglife]

9. K&R

Peace.