US House approves Bush eavesdropping program

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2006/September/theworld_September1003.xml§ion=theworld

WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a wiretapping and surveillance measure that would empower the Bush administration to obtain access to private US citizens’ phone records in the fight against terrorism.

The vote was 232 to 191.

‘House Republicans don’t support privacy for terrorists and won’t allow them the ability to harm innocent Americans. That is why we voted today in favor of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA),’ House Speaker Dennis Hastert said after the vote. snip

Until early this year, the secret eavesdropping ordered by the administration of President George W. Bush earned widespread public scorn for infringing on the rights of ordinary Americans.

[Tatiana]

1. At what point do we say we have a Constitutionally-derelict Congress?

Notice how they frame the issue: "House Republicans don't support privacy for terrorists..."

When what WE need to be saying (over and over and over again) is "House Republicans don't support privacy for America's law-abiding citizens and are out to harm innocent Americans..."

[Jack Rabbit]

3. When they passd the Patriot Act

They simply haven't redeemed themselves since.

[Jack Rabbit]

2. It still deserves widespread public scorn

This is a White House fishing expedition, not competent intelligence gathering.

This White House is not to be trusted to use these powers only the purpose intended.

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. No need to worry, later when it comes out that bush abused this

thing & used it on political adversaries he will be sure to launch one of his famous "in-ves-tee-gay-shuns" ya see? In other words, he can comment on it....