Bush Administration Argues in Support of Warrantless Wiretaps (pay no attention to the last 6 years)

[deminks]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/25/AR2007012501434.html

The Bush administration argued in court papers filed today that both a lawsuit and a ruling challenging the constitutionality of its warrantless surveillance program should be thrown out because the government is now conducting the wiretaps under the authority of a secret intelligence court.

In a filing with the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Justice Department lawyers argue that the lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union and other plaintiffs should be considered moot because the case "no longer has any live significance."

The ACLU said the government's claims have no merit and it plans to file a response to the arguments Friday.

The brief represents the latest volley in the legal battle over the controversial spying effort run by the National Security Agency that was dubbed the "Terrorist Surveillance Program," or TSP, by the Bush administration.

[peacebird]

1. nope - they don't get to say what they did in the past doesn't matter.

They broke the law. They knew it. Gonzales admitted last week that they knew they were "pushing the envelope". They broke the law, they are not above the law. THAT is the significance.

[FightingIrish]

2. It's the Gonzales Principle

Once you stop breaking the law, you are no longer liable for having broken it. I guess it's time to let everyone out of jail.

[C_U_L8R]

3. So with that same line of reasoning..

someone shouldn't be prosecuted for the bank they robbed yesterday
just because they aren't robbing a bank today.

Didn't everyone learn this stuff in kindergarten ???
What is wrong with these republicans ?? Not enuff lovin'??

[Vincardog]

4. ARe they going to say they stopped torturing people too? So now no crimes against humanity.

Have they restored The US constitution so now they never violated every right we are due?

Have I mentioned lately how these NeoConvicts disgust me?

[Trillo]

5. K&R

I recommend stories that I think are important, whether I like them or not. Sometimes something that is important for others to see, imo at least, should be on the greatest page for greater exposure.

[Luckyduck]

6. caught on video

"A wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed....
Constitutional guarantees are in place."

after being caught illegal wiretapping

"Do I have the legal authority to do this? ... the answer is absolutely."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc3Ujivxd_0

Bush knows he has broken the law, the courts know it- why doesn't Congress?