NSA Surveillance Watch: Specter Skeptical of Domestic Spy Program

Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Arlen Specter (R-PA) during the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Capitol Hill, January 11, 2006.

ASSociated Press: Specter Skeptical of Domestic Spy Program

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee expressed skepticism Sunday over President Bush’s domestic eavesdropping program, joining a chorus of Republicans and Democrats who are questioning its legal justification.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., who will hold hearings next month on the decision to allow the National Security Agency program without court approval, said he has told Bush administration officials that he believes they are on shaky legal ground.

Bush has pointed to a congressional resolution passed after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that authorized him to use force in the fight against terrorism as allowing him to order the program. The program authorized eavesdropping of international phone calls and e- mails of people deemed a terror risk.

“I thought they were wrong,” Specter said on ABC’s “This Week.” “There still may be different collateral powers under wartime situations. That is a knotty question.”

First, Senator who the FRACK cares what you think. The President has greater responsibilities to protect the United States from Al Qaeda and he has done a good job. Wouldn’t you say that has been the case? Damn, we have to ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to be protected from terrorists?

Second, Senator, if you have a REAL concern file a lawsuit and litigate the issue. Flap doesn’t think you will win – nor do you.

A number of members of Specter’s committee, including GOP Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas, have expressed doubt about the administration’s legal basis. The hearings, planned for early February, will feature Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Specter, speaking in general terms, noted that impeachment and criminal prosecution are possibilities in the event a president acted unconstitutionally.

But Specter added: “I don’t see any talk about impeachment here. I don’t think anyone doubts the president is making a good-faith effort. He’s acting in a way that he feels he must.”

Right, Senator let’s impeach the President.

Let’s do it now…….Good Grief but you are a MORON.

Previous:

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