Democrats Seek Probe of NSA Eavesdropping

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060227/ap_on_go_co/eavesdropping;_ylt=AtC0P6SsMpoPzTa6JpdrmtCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OXIzMDMzBHNlYwM3MDM-

Democrats Seek Probe of NSA Eavesdropping

By KATHERINE SHRADER, Associated Press Writer Mon Feb 27, 1:04 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should appoint a special counsel to investigate the legality of the Bush administration's eavesdropping program, 18 House Democrats told President Bush in a letter released Monday.


The lawmakers said the surveillance of terrorists must be done within the bounds of U.S. law, but complained that their efforts to get answers to legal and factual questions about the program have been stymied — "generally based on the feeblest of excuses."

"If the effort to prevent vigorous and appropriate investigation succeeds, we fear the inexorable conclusion will be that these executive branch agencies hold themselves above the law and accountable to no one," wrote the lawmakers, led by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., a member of the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees.

A White House spokeswoman, reached Sunday in advance of the letter's release, declined to comment immediately.

[Disturbed]

1. Above the law and accountable to no one

This describes the entire Neo Fascist Regime of America.

[HereSince1628]

2. I suppose it is good that they did this, but we all know its not going

anywhere.

There would be complaints if house dems did nothing. Maybe this can help them in their reelections.

[Greeby]

3. Yeah, a probe alright

Up his ass till it picks his nose :evilgrin:

[rodeodance]

4. according to this article-this group has been turned down by 2 gov.

agencies already.


......The lawmakers initially asked the independent watchdogs at the Justice and Defense departments to open inquiries. Both declined.

Justice's inspector general Glenn Fine said he lacked authority, and deferred to the department's Office of Professional Responsibility. That office has said it is investigating the conduct of the department's lawyers, but not the program's lawfulness.

Congress' investigative arm, the General Accountability Office, similarly declined to open a review, noting the administration would be expected to designate the necessary documents as foreign intelligence materials and limit access to them.

The Democrats see "ample precedent" for a special counsel, citing the Justice Department's appointment of U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to investigate the leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame.

[rodeodance]

5. hey, msnbc actually did a newsspot on this just now.

[rodeodance]

6. short--but hey--at least msm mentioned it.

[Tiggeroshii]

7. I think we'll see something tommorrow

That when Specter's hearings are scheduled, right? If Comey or Ashcroft speak revelations in contrast with Gonzalez, we might be able to see something good happen in the near future.