Privacy Board Clears U.S. Spy Programs

[maddezmom]

By HOPE YEN
Associated Press Writer
March 5, 2007

WASHINGTON — A White House privacy board is giving its stamp of approval to two of the Bush administration's controversial surveillance programs _ electronic eavesdropping and financial tracking _ and says they do not violate citizens' civil liberties.

Democrats newly in charge of Congress quickly criticized the findings, which they said were questionable given some of the board members' close ties with the Bush administration.

"Their current findings and any additional conclusions they reach will be taken with a grain of salt until they become fully independent," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee.

After operating mostly in secret for a year, the five-member Privacy and Civil Liberties Board is preparing to release its first report to Congress next week.

more:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/ap/story.asp?AP_ID=D8NMC0SG0


White House board says surveillance programs OK


WASHINGTON A White House privacy board is giving its stamp of approval to two of the Bush administration's controversial surveillance programs -- electronic eavesdropping and financial tracking.

And it says they do not violate citizens' civil liberties.

The board is headed by Carol Dinkins. She's a Houston lawyer and former Reagan administration assistant attorney general. She's also a longtime Bush family friend and was treasurer of President Bush's first campaign for governor of Texas

Democrats newly in charge of Congress quickly criticized the findings -- which say said were questionable given some of the board members' close ties with the Bush administration.

more:http://www.ktre.com/Global/story.asp?S=6183766&nav=menu118_3

[ShortnFiery]

1. A Call for Congressional Oversight?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Bueller?