Did Congress Pass Legis allowing Bush to Violate the Law-illegal spying?

[katty]

cont'd at:
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rob_kall_051219_did_congress_pass_le.htm

Did Congress Pass Legislation Allowing Bush to Violate The Law Against Illegal Spying?
Will they continue to allow him to keep doing it now that he's confessed? If WE THE PEOPLE don't act on this, and demand an end to it and serious, legal repercussions, the USA is lost.
by Rob Kall


http://www.opednews.com

Bush spends a few years, with the collaboration of right wing psycho members of congress, ordering a spy agency that's not supposed to operate in the US to spy on US citizens.

The sycophant mainstream media pick up the spoon-fed Republican spin that it was about national security. They fail to ask the big question. What the hell were you doing violating federal laws against non-court-authorized spying? If the nation was in danger, why couldn't you get court authorization? Why did you use the NSA to spy illegally. Why not use legal agencies that have conventional rules, oversight and protections?

But these pathetic media pawns, these stenographic transmitters of the right wings lying spin didn't ask any of these obvious questions. Or they gently offered them and let Bush's evasions pass.

That leaves the alternative media to ask the questions. And we can ask the right questions. The problem is, we don't get to ask Bush, or the NSA, or the criminal congressmen who he told, who abetted if not collaborated in his crime.

We don't get to broadcast an answer to millions of viewers.

But at least we are taking a shot at seeking the truth. At least we are concerned about the truth and about the law and about the safety and future of American democracy.

Somehow, this insane situation can not stand. Bush broke the law. His confidant congressional partners in crime also broke the law.

[madeline_con]

1. Also, check dailykos

Gonzales: Congress Gave President The Authority To Spy On Americans
by georgia10

Mon Dec 19, 2005 at 07:06:49 AM PDT
In this morning's interview with Katie Couric on the Today show, Couric asked Attorney General Alberto Gonzales what authorized the President to conduct warrantless spying on Americans. Gonzales trotted out the "inherent authority" excuse, one that has been effectively shattered by Armando here and here. But then he also said that the President also was authorized by Congress to commit this act. Specifically, he said that Bush was granted this power under the authorization for war. I presume he was talking about the Authorization for War passed on September 14, 2001.

Having scoured the authorization (read it here) I can't find anything that would grant the President the power to skirt the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

http://www.dailykos.com/

[feelthebreeze]

2. You can't find it because...

nothing in the law of this Democracy allows the perversion of the constitution and it's 4th Amendment disallowing this kind of action. It is breaking our law, pure and simple and we must not allow any person or group to let this happen. These are indeed dark days, and the responsibility of our Democracy now must rest with We the People. We have forgotten how to lead this Nation and have given away so much of our inherent responsibility. No matter what is said, this is an impeachable action and must be stopped. It does not matter who says it is all right. I know the answer and the answer is no.

[madeline_con]

4. The RW pundits will argue...

The "...he determines..." clause ad nauseum.


"USE OF FORCE" RESOLUTION
September 14, 2001

a) IN GENERAL- That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks ..."



http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/terroristattack/joint-resolution_9-14.html


They've gotten away with everytrhing else. Where's this impeachement committee we've been promised?

[feelthebreeze]

5. Note that it gives power under the constitution, not in spite of it...

Nu-uh, No way. Nothing allows the demolishing of my Constitution. I do not give him this right, nor does my Democracy. As Sen Feinstein put it(paraphrase)... If this is true, we might as well pack our bags and go home. Well guess what, I am home and I am not packing anything except his bags. Now really is the time for impeachment and I will see this happen. There can be no justification for this crime against Democracy, no mattert what the controlling minority says. It is promised and it will be granted. My forefathers did not die so that this would be our legacy.

[Village Idiot]

3. Domestic Surveillance - Election 2004

What was the connection?