Think Progress

Bush’s domestic surveillance targets remain unknown.

Glenn Greenwald responds to the New York Times’ assertion this morning that President Bush’s domestic surveillance activities “appear so far to have been aimed at mostly people believed to pose a terrorist threat, not a political threat.”

This passage…is simply misleading. There is no basis whatsoever for claiming that Bush’s NSA warrantless (and illegal) eavesdropping activities were “aimed at mostly people believed to pose a terrorist threat, not a political threat.” It is true — as [reporter Scott] Shane writes — that “there is no evidence” that the administration used its eavesdropping powers against, say, political opponents, but that fact is not exculpatory, because there is “no evidence” at all, one way or the other, regarding how the administration eavesdropped.

There has been no disclosure by the administration of any kind — not to Congress, nor to courts, nor to anyone else — of information revealing who was subjected to the administration’s warrantless eavesdropping program, a program which (by its terms and by design) was conducted in complete secrecy.

Read Greenwald’s full essay.



148 Responses to “Bush’s domestic surveillance targets remain unknown.”

  1. Krazny says:

    oh yeah like this list will see the light of day, as long as Cheney sits in the VP office.


  2. stopthecons says:

    That’s just how they want it – so we’re all thinking that maybe it’s us!

    The reality, though, is that the 4th amendment is unambiguous…and the Constitution itself gives the federal government no authority, whatsoever, to act in such a way.

    Get the criminals out. now.

    Some interesting reading on this issue:

    “Freedom in a Surveillance State”

    http://www.populistamerica.com/freedom_in_a_surveillance_state


  3. MsJoanne says:

    After what happened in NYC during those protests, do we really believe anything the government has to say about this?

    Shutting down dissidents. Welcome to fascist America.


  4. Zooey says:

    Might Congress move a little more swiftly on this matter if they knew THEY were targeted?


  5. MsJoanne says:

    Perhaps that’s why they aren’t moving quite as quickly.


  6. Sue says:

    so, Quakers are more terrorists types than acting as a politcal group, ….ok…..mostly


  7. Zooey says:

    Perhaps that’s why they aren’t moving quite as quickly.
    Comment by MsJoanne

    I think they would become quite indignant about having been targetted, and would call for heads to roll. They don’t care about the American people getting the same treatment, because they don’t really represent us anyway.


  8. toasterhead says:

    I can’t wait till the Bush “Family Jewels” are released in 2050 or so. It’s going to be the size of the Manhattan Yellow Pages.


  9. Yellowsubmarine says:

    Gosh, I remember way back when, all the trolls were saying the surveillance program was only targeted at foreign terrorists, and it was for our safety.

    Now its basically accepted the program also has domestic targets.

    When will it be accepted that they were spying on political threats?


  10. Katie says:

    That damn liberal press. There they go again.

    The NY Times carrying water for the Bush Administration. Not a lot of surprise there.


  11. TerrytheTurtle says:

    USATODAY (usually a worthless comic outside my hotel room door each day) did a credible job of covering the CIAs illegal domestic surveillance of (WTF?) dangerous revolutionaries like Brit Hume.

    Hayden said that was a “very different era”….. yeah right, and I’m George Bush’s poodle.


  12. Jay Randal says:

    Nope Bush spied on the entire Congress and on us on TP as well.


  13. Tom3 says:

    Bong Hits 4 Jesus!


  14. question mark says:

    This is related but somewhat off topic. Sorry. I just tried to access, read, comment at both Huffington Post and Crooks and Liars and the comments are not there. Are they being hacked? Or am I just paranoid? I wouldn’t put it past em.


  15. Jay Randal says:

    Reason why Congress caves to Bush Regime is because of all the dirt dug up on Reps and Senators by spying on them. Call it extortion and blackmail.


  16. Styve says:

    Where are the trolls?? ~~sound of crickets~~


  17. Tom3 says:

    legalization of marijuana is legitimate political discourse.

    here in colorado, denver voters passed decriminalization

    and colorado voters narrowly voted it down statewide.

    no criminal penalty for under an ounce.

    colorado is a medical marijuana state, but lame compared to cali.


  18. MsJoanne says:

    Katie, I think Jay Randal might have hit the nail on the head. Let’s assume you have a MINOR league Mark Foley event or lifestyle in your background and Rove catches wind of that? I mean, they already pulled the original “gate” why not a repeat performance?


  19. WC says:

    This is related but somewhat off topic. Sorry. I just tried to access, read, comment at both Huffington Post and Crooks and Liars and the comments are not there. Are they being hacked? Or am I just paranoid? I wouldn’t put it past em.

    Comment by question mark — June 27, 2007 @ 10:29 pm

    Just saw a note on crooksandliars that they were having technical problems; looks like it’s back up.


  20. Mycelium says:

    Remember when Russ Feingold tried to censure Bush over this very same issue? The dems left him high and dry. Bet they’re having second thoughts now that they realize the spying might be on them.


  21. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Comment by question mark — June 27, 2007 @ 10:29 pm

    I just went to C&L, and there’s this message:

    “Update: We know the comment section is down….The techies are working on it..Thanks…”

    It’s at the bottom of the (now) second story down, about the 50 high school presidential scholars who gave Bush the letter saying:

    “We do not want America to represent torture.”


  22. WC says:

    Glenn hits the nail on the head with this:

    Moreover, the Bush administration’s claim that they only eavesdropped on Terrorists has never made sense, given that it is precisely under such circumstances when obtaining a FISA warrant is easiest. One would need to bypass the FISA court only in those circumstances where one was uncertain about the ability to obtain judicial approval — i.e., when one sought to eavesdrop on someone other than people likely connected to the Terrorists.

    YES!

    I’ve been hammering this for quite some time. Bush complains that the NSA does not have time to go to the FISA court to wiretap a known or suspected terrorists, because the process takes too long and the target might get away.

    Yet on a domestic-domestic call, which easily could involve terrorists, Bush says, yeah, we go to the FISA court.


  23. TSop says:

    There is plenty of evidence, however, that Bushco has gone to great lengths to politicize the Justice Department and to impede any oversight. Does anyone in their right mind believe that the surveillance program did not target political opponents? C’mon.

    Greenwald is da man!


  24. Publicus says:

    This is an administration that can tell the difference between their political opponents and actual enemies of the state. I would be very, very surprised if this illegal surveillance isn’t targeting people and organizations who sole “crime” is opposition to the war or support for civil liberties.

    Of course, the irony is that the Bush administration – by violating our unalienable rights, the U.S. Constitution, and their oaths of office – ARE enemies of the state.


  25. orionATL says:

    there really is no reason to believe that the bush admin’s wiretapping , actually telephone tapping (cell phones were included), did not include:

    - foreign diplomats

    - american diplomats

    - soldiers criticizing the iraq invasion from iraq

    - members of anti-war groups in the united states

    - members of congress who had access to classified info that the bush admin did not want revealed.

    - members of the bush administration who might reveal unpleasant truths about the invasion and occupation of iraq

    - members of the electronic and print media who expressed opposition to the war

    the hallmark of the bush administration is to use whatever means of intimidating is available to use to suppress opposition.

    the ruling assumption in any investigation of bush admin telephone tapping should be:

    if they could do it;

    they did do it.


  26. RUCerious says:

    I’d like to know how the NYT knows that the surveillance isn’t targeted at domestic political disssidents?


  27. Gregor Samsa says:

    There has been no disclosure by the administration of any kind — not to Congress, nor to courts, nor to anyone else — of [...] a program which (by its terms and by design) was conducted in complete secrecy.

    This is the country that the Bush loyalists, blind followers and assorted cultists have wet dreams about: One where the Leader is not accountable to anyone, anywhere, at anytime, for any reason, and he can conduct whatever program he fancies.

    This is the type of authoritarian society they dream about as long -of course- as the Leader is a Republican, and they’re told that it is for their own good. Because the Leader knows what is good for them better than they do.

    The Bush administration has set such a bad precedent in so many areas, I am afraid of what future administrations may be able to get away with.


  28. Tom3 says:

    Chimpy is a dumbass, a puppet, a figurehead.

    We all know now, beyond a doubt, that Cheney is running things.

    Chimpy is too stupid and wussy to shut Cheney down.

    It is no secret that several government agencies, including the Pentagon, have been spying on peace marchers.

    I bet my photo is in one of their files. I hope I’m not on their no fly list because of it.

    We don’t live in a democracy anymore. We live in a police state.


  29. MsJoanne says:

    Tom3, yup! Welcome to Fascist Amerika!


  30. willyloman says:

    After what Gonzo did politicizing the Justice Department to make way for the Republican election machine Rove, how can you not think they were using this survalence against political rivals?
    What would they have to hide, otherwise? Why work so hard to hide it if they were only looking into real threats to security? You would think they would be proud of it.


  31. Zooey says:

    What would they have to hide, otherwise? Why work so hard to hide it if they were only looking into real threats to security? You would think they would be proud of it.
    Comment by willyloman

    I think they were targeting everything that moved — watching everyone they possibly could — and they didn’t know what the hell they were doing.

    Gotta hide that.


  32. willyloman says:

    Could be, but Rove was very selective about what US Attorneys would be replaced and who would be put into thier positions.

    They certainly video taped alot of people at rallies and marches and used facial recognition software to put names with the faces.

    And they went as far as to put plants undercover into some of these groups. Now, if they would go that far to keep track on the opposition groups, why not listen in?


  33. willyloman says:

    I just realized something…

    I’m oppressed! I’m one of the oppressed! Yea!


  34. Tom3 says:

    karla rove already has the 2008 election strategy underway.

    part one is to blame the democrats for the iraq war continuing.

    done.

    part two is to get the iraq oil giveaway bill signed into law.

    part three is to get iraq to okay our permanent bases there.

    part four is to keep 50,000 troops in iraq but send 100,000 home for christmas. or right before the election.

    if the democrats run on iraq in 2008 they will lose.


  35. Tom3 says:

    karla rove already has the 2008 election strategy underway.

    part one is to blame the democrats for the iraq war continuing.

    done.

    part two is to get the iraq oil giveaway bill signed into law.

    part three is to get iraq to okay our permanent bases there.

    part four is to keep 50,000 troops in iraq but send 100,000 home for christmas. or right before the election.

    if the democrats run on iraq in 2008 they will lose…big.


  36. RUCerious says:

    It’s pretty clear that in Seattle the US attorney was targeted for not prosecuting cases of voter fraud that the FBI agreed had insufficient evidence. Against democrats. In an election that was won on two recounts. I’d bet my ass that they were surveilling lots of folks connected to said investigation.


  37. RUCerious says:

    I remember one of my tactical sergeants during NCO academy telling me, there’s no sense in having a weapon if you don’t use it.
    If they had the ability to do surveillance, given the Rovian mindset, it’s a weapon. And they’d use it.


  38. Glen says:

    Sweet Mother of God, Glen Frigging Greenwald……ENOUGH!!!! New cast of characters please!!!!!!!!


  39. JPark says:

    Like…Glenn Reynolds? Thanks, I’ll pass.


  40. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    If they had the ability to do surveillance, given the Rovian mindset, it’s a weapon. And they’d use it.

    Yeah, but do you think Rove learned that at the NCO Academy? I know it wasn’t part of NCO Leadership School in the Air Force. But that was just a short course we had to take.


  41. Zooey says:

    #33 – willyloman

    A great Monty Python bit from Holy Grail came to mind….

    Dennis: Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I’m being repressed!

    King Arthur: Bloody peasant!

    Dennis: Oh, what a giveaway! Did you hear that? Did you hear that, eh? That’s what I’m on about! Did you see him repressing me? You saw him, Didn’t you?


  42. Tom3 says:

    whats a tactical sergeant? i haven’t heard of that grade.

    my dad was a technical sergeant in ww2. i think it was called a t-3

    then the army went to specialist grades

    in battle, the sergeant is the guy who doesnt get killed but gets a squad into position to kill the enemy.


  43. Zep Tepi says:

    A political threat is the same as a terrorist threat.

    National security is economical security.

    If the democrats run on iraq in 2008 they will lose…big.
    Comment by Tom3

    I have to respectfully disagree, all the GOP candidates at this time are running on Iraq, except Ron Paul. It wouldn’t seem that they are following Karls plan. The Democrats tried to make George follow benchmarks. He didn’t. The did bow to Georges request for more money, HIS Request.. The Kurds are already selling oil and allowing others to drill without an oil law in place.


  44. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Comment by Zooey — June 27, 2007 @ 11:40 pm

    And when Bush walks by people, they can quote another part of that scene:

    Peasant 1: Oh, he must be a King.

    Peasant 2: How can you tell?

    Peasant 1: Well, he hasn’t got shit all over him.


  45. Tom3 says:

    you are in big trouble if you weigh the same as a duck.


  46. Jane E. Schneider says:

    Comment by Zooey — June 27, 2007 @ 11:40 pm

    My exact thoughts — lordy, we do think alike, don’t we? No wonder Wayne likes you so much! ;-)


  47. freedomrings says:

    A complete nation of self absorbed idiots should be under surveillance. They can observe the idiocy and laugh for days. When they come to kill you, you will simply think they are bringing you a café latté. You all trust the plutocrats when push comes to shove.


  48. Zooey says:

    Peasant 1: Well, he hasn’t got shit all over him.
    Comment by Wayne A. Schneider

    Right! Heh.


  49. JPark says:

    freedomrings, so YOU wouldn’t be under surveillance? You are on TP. I am actually hoping they come and get you.


  50. Zep Tepi says:

    A complete nation of self absorbed idiots should be under surveillance.

    Yeh, them boob-tube Paris Hilton watchers should be under surveillance. We must have the most bored surveillance people in the world if thats their focus.


  51. Tom3 says:

    just watch, the repukes will get chimpy to withdraw 2/3 of our troops in iraq before the election.

    that will defuse the iraq issue enough to weaken the dems.

    and the repukes just got mccain-feingold thrown out by the supremes

    get ready for the $hit to hit the fan.


  52. JPark says:

    You trust the plutocrats, that is true. TP and the normal people posting here are not big fans. Thanks though.


  53. willyloman says:

    “follow the goard!”

    “follow the sandal”

    No the goard!


  54. RUCerious says:

    #40 Wayne, hell no. He probably picked it up from a book he read by a guy named Machiavelli.


  55. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Comment by freedomrings — June 27, 2007 @ 11:45 pm

    No disrespect intended, but I just don’t see myself walking up and knocking on your front door anytime soon. I’m afraid of how, and with what in hand, you open the door.


  56. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Wayne, hell no. He probably picked it up from a book he read by a guy named Machiavelli.

    Comment by RUCerious — June 27, 2007 @ 11:49 pm

    You’re right, I forgot. He co-authored that book in another incarnation.


  57. Tom3 says:

    a majority of the supremes are catholic now.

    that is really disturbing. that is not representative of the population


  58. freedomrings says:

    Comment by JPark — June 27, 2007 @ 11:48 pm

    Oh why does JPark hate America so much? Why is he genetically challenged? Prey for him even though he hates freedom so and defends the brown shirts!


  59. Zooey says:

    My exact thoughts — lordy, we do think alike, don’t we? No wonder Wayne likes you so much! ;-)
    Comment by Jane E. Schneider

    Wayne obviously has extremely high standards. :)


  60. RUCerious says:

    Prey for him? He can do his own damn hunting!


  61. freedomrings says:

    Comment by Wayne A. Schneider — June 27, 2007 @ 11:50 pm

    You trust congress and they did the unspeakable. Stick a fork in it America is DONE. You are now on your own! Why do you hate the United States like JPark? Why are you such an idiot?


  62. Zep Tepi says:

    freedomrings, so YOU wouldn’t be under surveillance? You are on TP. I am actually hoping they come and get you.

    Comment by JPark

    Hells Bells, I have been under surveillance for years, LONG before I ever posted anything on this political website because of some dumbass pilots son I worked with. My life has been pure hell for nothing whatsoever.

    Trust me, if you were being surveilled they would be leaving little signs around just to mess with your heads and to let you know they have been in your home.


  63. Tom3 says:

    I’m preying for ilk season.


  64. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    You trust congress and they did the unspeakable. Stick a fork in it America is DONE. You are now on your own! Why do you hate the United States like JPark? Why are you such an idiot?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 27, 2007 @ 11:56 pm

    Are you affiliated with The Joker’s crew, freedomrings?


  65. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Only the best for me! :)

    —–

    I’d like to know how the NYT knows that the surveillance isn’t targeted at domestic political disssidents?

    Comment by RUCerious — June 27, 2007 @ 10:58 pm

    Gregor Samsa summarized it nicely.

    And the solution to what future administrations might get away with is to find an honest Democrat or Republican and thro…(doubling over in laughter)…ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha….ha-ha….I’m sorry…(wiping tear away from eyes)…I thought I could keep a strai…ha-ha-ha-ha…oh…ha-ha…keep a straight face, and…

    GIVE ‘EM THE BIRD!
    VOTE FOR A THIRD!


  66. freedomrings says:

    I am actually hoping they come and get you.

    Comment by JPark

    See you do support the jackboots! Why do you lie so? Why are you an idiot JPark?


  67. Tom3 says:

    Anybody who still supports Chimpy and Cheney should have a psychiatric evaluation to see if they are a threat to themself or others. A 72 hour hold is typical. Put them in a rubber room for three days.


  68. freedomrings says:

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 28, 2007 @ 12:00 am

    ????????????? No


  69. willyloman says:

    Wait. I thought you were the Jack boots, freedomrings? he supports you, and your calling him an idiot?

    Why is blogging so difficult?


  70. Jane E. Schneider says:

    Comment by freedomrings — June 27, 2007 @ 11:52 pm

    While we all, I’m sure, appreciate the fact that you have not added your “General Strike” mantra a dozen times in boldface after each of your posts, you need to take rejection of some of your ideas a little better.

    Not to mention, what Bartlebee said the other night about you rings true. You shouldn’t be trusted.


  71. Tom3 says:

    I always say, you can’t have a police state without the state police.

    When they come to take me away, it won’t be some foreign troops, it will be cops from my neighborhood handing me over to DHS

    Welcome to the New World Order. Your detention cell is waiting.


  72. freedomrings says:

    Congress and Bush played the sucker bet today and most of you wanted the amnesty bill. Now you will know pain. The country has been completely destroyed now. Depression will be here shortly.


  73. Jane E. Schneider says:

    See you do support the jackboots! Why do you lie so? Why are you an idiot JPark?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:02 am

    What are you on, freedomrings?


  74. Tom3 says:

    anybody who supports chimpy and cheney is supporting jack booted thugs trampling over our rights. duh. anybody knows that, even the chimpylovers.


  75. freedomrings says:

    Comment by Jane E. Schneider — June 28, 2007 @ 12:04 am

    Another idiot. The country was destroyed yesterday by congress and BARTAwhatever is an idiot too.Why do you all hate the USA?


  76. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 28, 2007 @ 12:00 am

    ????????????? No

    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:04 am

    Well, you sure sound like you are!!!


  77. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    This has to be a name-jacking!


  78. willyloman says:

    The country has been completely destroyed now. freedomrings

    Yeah, its been doing so well in the last couple of years..

    This is the thing that brings it all down, huh.


  79. freedomrings says:

    What are you on, freedomrings?

    Comment by Jane E. Schneider — June 28, 2007 @ 12:07 am

    This thread moron! What delusion are you under?


  80. Zooey says:

    Ok, freedomrings has gone off again…..

    Off to a different thread!


  81. freedomrings says:

    The alien invasion is the final humiliation and so many here support it. You are dead to me from this point on. None of you can assemble or listen to common sense. You deserve a police state when you support dismantling the Constitution. Why do you hate Americans so much?


  82. freedomrings says:

    Comment by Zooey — June 28, 2007 @ 12:14 am

    Your on your own now! Pointless!


  83. willyloman says:

    Something tells me that freedomrings has been invaded by the aliens before. In the mothership? Anally?

    Come on… near the crop circle?


  84. freedomrings says:

    Oh why do you all cast freedom away? How dare you. How dare congress. How dare shrub. Jab in the fork America is DONE!


  85. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    The alien invasion is the final humiliation and so many here support it. You are dead to me from this point on. None of you can assemble or listen to common sense. You deserve a police state when you support dismantling the Constitution. Why do you hate Americans so much?

    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:15 am

    Are you talking illegals… or space-men?


  86. freedomrings says:

    Why oh why do you all hate freedom


  87. Jane E. Schneider says:

    “The alien invasion…” Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:15 am

    …is coming to take you away?


  88. willyloman says:

    I think he is talking about what happened to him the night he found the crop cirlce.


  89. freedomrings says:

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 28, 2007 @ 12:21 am

    Another retard on the thread. Why do you hate Americans like you do?


  90. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:24 am

    Because the government is run by Muslim agents.


  91. freedomrings says:

    Why do you all hate freedom? Why do you betray you flag? Why are you so foolish? Why do you want anything that shrub wants? Morons!


  92. timeisart says:

    You see these slack jawed dim bulbs everywhere; the ones that buy the private seat scams are the same ones who sincerely believe government spying on citizens is really in our best interest. If you want to be informed on how a professional spying operation works, check out the movie, “The Lives of Others.”


  93. Zooey says:

    Why oh why do you all hate freedom
    Comment by freedomrings

    You’re being ridiculous. We don’t need to to think for us. Why don’t you take a break?


  94. Jane E. Schneider says:

    “Now you will know pain.” Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:06 am

    It’s already painful reading your bogus comments. Now, go away before we taunt you a second time.


  95. willyloman says:

    Don’t betray the flag. Wrap up your illegal invasion in it. Like a fish in paper.


  96. freedomrings says:

    Because the government is run by Muslim agents.

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 28, 2007 @ 12:25 am

    Why are you a moron? Why post disinformation when America was destroyed from within? Why do you detest Americans? You are dead to me.


  97. willyloman says:

    “and your mother smells of elderberries”


  98. Jane E. Schneider says:

    “You are dead to me.”
    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:29 am

    So, apparently he likes to talk to dead people.


  99. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    You are dead to me.
    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:29 am

    OK.


  100. freedomrings says:

    Why do you hate freedom. Why does congress hate the Constitution? Why are you such idiots and liars?


  101. Jane E. Schneider says:

    “and your mother smells of elderberries”
    Comment by willyloman — June 28, 2007 @ 12:29 am

    I feel like we’re doing the Fish Dance with this lunatic.

    (Ah, you can use Monty Python references for SO many occasions!) :D


  102. willyloman says:

    Why can’t I stop the voices? Why must I wear the tin-foil hat? Why?


  103. freedomrings says:

    Comment by Jane E. Schneider — June 28, 2007 @ 12:30 am

    That is a metaphor you piece of walking garbage! Why are you an idiot? Why do you despise freedom?


  104. freedomrings says:

    Comment by willyloman — June 28, 2007 @ 12:35 am

    Because you are an idiot whop hates freedom and despises liberty like the rest of the trolls that post here! You are garbage if you support congress and congress supports the shrub!


  105. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Yo, freedomrings! You might want to give that IV drip a little counter-clockwise turn. I think you got it flowing a little too fast.

    Yeah, yeah. I’m an idiot, too! There’s a freaking news flash!

    Well, then, all any of us idiots can say is, “It takes one to know one.”

    Goodnight, freedomrings. Keep that weapon close at hand while you sleep. The jackboots might be coming to get ya!

    Or maybe not. (You haven’t done anything you hope they never find out about, did you? Ever?)

    I’m off to bed. Have a good night, everyone. Peace on Earth.


  106. freedomrings says:

    You had a chance and now it is too late. The aliens will rally around the shrub now as their new lord. The nation has been mortally wounded. Why do you hate Americans so?


  107. timeisart says:

    Is it unalienable or inalienable? Wikipedia says its both.

    The term inalienable rights (or unalienable rights) refers to a set of human rights that are said to be absolute, not awarded by human power, not transferable to another power, and incapable of repudiation. Several different sets of inalienable rights have been suggested by philosophers and politicians. Inalienable rights are defined as natural rights, but natural rights are not required by definition to be inalienable.


  108. willyloman says:

    “Because you are an idiot whop…”

    A whop? Is that a racial thing? Did you go racist on me?


  109. freedomrings says:

    Comment by Wayne A. Schneider — June 28, 2007 @ 12:41 am

    You are walking, talking garbage! GFY


  110. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    GFY

    Comment by freedomrings — June 28, 2007 @ 12:44 am

    What makes you think I’m not doing that now?


  111. willyloman says:

    freedomrings; you don’t get to play with sharp pointy things, do you?


  112. freedomrings says:

    A whop? Is that a racial thing? Did you go racist on me?

    Comment by willyloman — June 28, 2007 @ 12:44 am

    You are nothing like clever and that will not work! GFY You hate this nation and the taxpayers too.


  113. freedomrings says:

    You are part of the destruction. None of you lifted a finger to stop it! Shame on you all! FcuK you traitors!


  114. freedomrings says:

    Go on and post all of your crap but simply “give shrub what he wants” shame shame shame!


  115. freedomrings says:

    Why do you hate America so?


  116. freedomrings says:

    Traitors and betrayers destroying the USA for the love of money and pride. Shame on you!


  117. freedomrings says:

    You had a chance and chose to trust the Government this one more time. Blood sucking lawyers represent you and you let it happen over and over again. Because of inaction there are little “free speech zones” GFYourselves!!!!!!!!!


  118. freedomrings says:

    At least 20 loopholes. GFYourselves you should all be ashamed. Many of us spent the day writing and calling the blood suckers because none of you are more than cowards and can’t FcuK to save your breed. Stick the knife in and drain out the last of the life blood.


  119. JPV says:

    I’ve been hammering this for quite some time. Bush complains that the NSA does not have time to go to the FISA court to wiretap a known or suspected terrorists, because the process takes too long and the target might get away.

    Comment by WC

    HE’S BLATANTLY LYING!

    They have the right to start wiretapping immediately, and then they can get the warrant within 72 hours…

    50 U.S.C. Sec. 1805(f):

    (f) Emergency orders

    Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, when the Attorney General reasonably determines that—
    (1) an emergency situation exists with respect to the employment of electronic surveillance to obtain foreign intelligence information before an order authorizing such surveillance can with due diligence be obtained; and
    (2) the factual basis for issuance of an order under this subchapter to approve such surveillance exists;
    he may authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if a judge having jurisdiction under section 1803 of this title is informed by the Attorney General or his designee at the time of such authorization that the decision has been made to employ emergency electronic surveillance and if an application in accordance with this subchapter is made to that judge as soon as practicable, but not more than 72 hours after the Attorney General authorizes such surveillance. If the Attorney General authorizes such emergency employment of electronic surveillance, he shall require that the minimization procedures required by this subchapter for the issuance of a judicial order be followed. In the absence of a judicial order approving such electronic surveillance, the surveillance shall terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for the order is denied, or after the expiration of 72 hours from the time of authorization by the Attorney General, whichever is earliest. In the event that such application for approval is denied, or in any other case where the electronic surveillance is terminated and no order is issued approving the surveillance, no information obtained or evidence derived from such surveillance shall be received in evidence or otherwise disclosed in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding in or before any court, grand jury, department, office, agency, regulatory body, legislative committee, or other authority of the United States, a State, or political subdivision thereof, and no information concerning any United States person acquired from such surveillance shall subsequently be used or disclosed in any other manner by Federal officers or employees without the consent of such person, except with the approval of the Attorney General if the information indicates a threat of death or serious bodily harm to any person. A denial of the application made under this subsection may be reviewed as provided in section 1803 of this title.


  120. ipod says:

    of course dubbya can’t disclose who he’s spying on – for the same reason that he can’t tell anyone when he’s going to pull the troops or tell anyone how he’s going to stop global terrorism – because he doesn’t want the enemy to know his every move,right? – didn’t he at one time say something similar?


  121. ipod says:

    basically he can’t tell anyone anything and he cleverly disguises it a verbal mutilation of the english language because everyone apparently is now al quaeda – so he needs to speak in a kind of code that nobody can understand – makes perfect reverse sense to me


  122. rockyroad says:

    Let’s see,

    There is no basis whatsoever for claiming that Bush’s NSA warrantless (and illegal) eavesdropping activities were “aimed at mostly people believed to pose a terrorist threat, not a political threat.”

    Carnivour. Europeans have been concerned about it for quite a while. Why do they so distrust the US? Because they (rightfully) believe that it was used to intercept bids that allowed US contracors (Halliburton, Boeing, G.Dynamics, etc.) to out bid their manufacturers based upon inside information. They honestly believe that the US used Carnivour technology to undermine them. Huh. It worked so successfully that good ole dick and his oily cooherts have used it domestically as well as internationally to rig bids. How do I know? B/c I know. We need those records -who visited with the evil eye? When did they meet? What happened next?


  123. enuf says:

    Although the problem seems obvious, let me spell it out. If dubya et al can rig bids, fire impartial justices for political reasons and tinker with science, they can use the NSA to determine who’s undermining their policies and screwing with their stock options. Somewhere in this mix is the NYPD that has taken it upon itself to infiltrate non-GOP groups like the Sierra Club and your grandma’s sewing circle to insure that they’re not terrorist orgs . . . now, when I talk to Granny and try to convince her that dub’ya ain’t Ike, who BTW clearly warned against the military industrial complex, the NSA gets a bing, screws my renewable energy IPO for the homeless and tags me a “terrorist” – oops – me and grammy are no longer simply “terrorists”, we are “al quaeda” (sp?). anyway, you get the point.

    Gramma – get your vest! Dub’ya’s comin’ and that death penalty seekin Gonzo is hot on his tail! He don’t care ya got old timer’s and no insurance . . .akkkkkk .. . .looks like Cheney’s lit and has a shot gun! Make like Ann Coulter and . . . .I don’t know . . . fart!


  124. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    Oh, hey, look at me. I’m a typical Liberal-Defeatist, not to mention an Islamo-Stalinist. Since, I have no fukcin’ idea who is being watched I’ll just start assuming shit!!!

    Typical Leftist ignorance.


  125. Paul in LA says:

    “It is true — as [reporter Scott] Shane writes — that “there is no evidence”…”

    That’s FALSE. There is evidence of the misuse of surveillance by the rightwing gov’t.

    The FBI has been caught using National Security letters to spy on antiwar groups.

    The evidence of major crimes is also quite blatant, so the smokescreen media’s contention — upheld by Greenwald — that this particular issue exists in a vacuum is HILARIOUS.

    The violations of classification standards by the Office of Dan Quayle adds hundreds of felonies to the list of Bushco’s crimes.


  126. enuf says:

    Wow!

    PRIMVS INTER PSRES – Zowie! Anger issues run amok! Psycho – ever see it? You got Grammy in a rocker?

    Mine would knock your cross side of the noggin’ Look at you : )

    I only got eyes for you ; > ) ooh when you talk that way to me . . . . you . . . you . . . Liebral-Defeatist . . . Look at you! Please, are you also an Islamo-Stalinist ? so hot . . . say it ain’t so . . . . ooh la la . . . assume what you like hot boy . . . .


  127. PRIMVS INTER PARES says:

    Comment by enuf — June 28, 2007 @ 6:15 am

    You can joke all you want.
    We both know that you have been brain-washed by the pro-Islam Left.

    You are a typical ignorant Muslim Shiteater ™


  128. enuf says:

    Back in the late 90’s, C-Span aired hearings on Carnivour. At that time, the debate was whether or not it should be deployed domestically. Also at that time, European nations were accusing the US of using it in England and France. They were quite upset. Post 9-11, not a word about it. The surveillence technology didn’t disappear, the issue did. Carnivour is alive and well and living on a computer to which your fingers are attached.


  129. enuf says:

    #124

    You are an idiot.

    I am a tree huggin’, fiscally conservative independent.


  130. Jake says:

    “Bush’s domestic surveillance targets remain unknown”

    Thank God you people were not around during WWII.


  131. enuf says:

    Humm . . .

    I’m the decider . . . errr . . . dick, domestic. . . ? that means – like crawford – no . . . well sort of . . . not like when you were the gov … talk to Carll (got to see to the hiddy hole).

    Karl . . . . surveillence . . . humm . . . kind of like the sound of that . . . surrrrr —–vail (kinda like what those al-kaada chicks wear) – - – lance – Lance, wasn’t he a friend of my brother’s – remember that whole cowboy Silverado deal in Denver? Shit, my Rangers couldn’t even get to first that year. . . . pretty much sux. Where were we?


  132. Jake says:

    enuf:

    Putting aside any feelings you have against Bush personally, during wartime, is it good or bad for the President of the United States to be able to spy on the enemy?


  133. enuf says:

    Oh Jake,

    You’re here too : )

    Semantics . . . who is the enemy? Are American citizens’ thoughts a crime? Are all of the folks in Iraq lobbing bombs the enemy? Are dark skinned Middle Easterners the enemy? Seems to me, if thousands of Iraqis landed on American soil and started shooting in the name of freedom, I would probably comsider them the enemy.

    In fact, when my government starts spying on me, telling me what I can and cannot wear (I choose styles that shout “Bongs 4 Jesus”), kicking me out of public political rallies for the bumper sticker on my car and subpoenaing my book store for my purchase records . . . I consider my governmment my enemy. Am I al Qaeda:? apparently.

    Jake, we might have to stop blogging like this . . . you could be deemed “unAmerican.”


  134. Jake says:

    For the purposes of my question, let’s start with “enemy” = “known terrorists plotting to kill large amounts of Americans.”


  135. enuf says:

    Once again, semantics.

    What does “known” mean? Ask Rumy, ask Cheney, I assure you that my definition and theirs is not the same.

    Osama bin Laden is a “known” terrorist. The high school honor student that George senior charged with terrorism in Kennebunkport is not a terrorist, although he was charged as such and is still incarcerated is not. He is a juvenile delinquent who made one fatal mistake . . . . hung out with the wrong kids who randomly lit a dock on fire . . . oops . . . Bush’s boat was docked there. Al Qaeda strikes again! Terror on the homeland.


  136. Jake says:

    O.K., can you answer the question if “known” = “proved beyond a reasonable doubt, particularly when substantiated by DNA evidence”?


  137. enuf says:

    Yes, I would agree. The puishment being life in prison,probably in Leavenworth, no possibility of parole, after a fair hearing before an impartial jury. Clearly, with all of that DNA, he or she would be convicted and justice would be served.


  138. enuf says:

    Not sure you got that. Yes, the terrorist should be convicted by a fair and impartial jury and serve life without the possibility of parole. Solitary would suit me.


  139. Jake says:

    Here’s the question again: during wartime, is it good or bad for the President of the United States to be able to spy on the enemy (as we’ve now defined “enemy”)?


  140. enuf says:

    But, I must ask, what qualifies as “known?

    Those of us that cared to know, knew of Al Qaeda long before 9-11. Warnings of what Bin Laden was up to were clear. Crashing into a major landmark was not inconceivable. Why was dub’ya asleep at the wheel? Was he not a “known” threat? Think Egypt. Think the Korr (sp?). Think the briefing memo that Bush failed to read.

    Think of our soldiers who face terror daily, a pres who skipped out on National Guard duty, who never considered that his daughters were of age to serve, of a VP who got five deferrments, of Wolfowitz who orchestraded the whole damn thing but never served, of the civilian Pentagon led by Rummy, who had never set foot in Iraq but refused to take any advice fromm the commanders on the groung, ad nauseum . . .


  141. enuf says:

    I actually can spell . . . that grammer school . . . Ms. Fesperman, I am ashamed.


  142. enuf says:

    Getting back to your question about spying on the “enemy”.

    Of course, in a war, you are going to spy on your enemy – however you may define enemy. You, as Commander in Chief, however, should never be so paranoid that you perceive your electorate as your enemy. For God’s sake, it you believe that you were legitimately elected, you’d have a little faith. Even though, having seen dub’ya snort a———–down in Dallas (perhaps he had a cold) and thought (think) he’s a complete bozo, he’s the Pres and so I want him to succeed. If he needs to spy on foreign soil, so be it. But when he starts in on Americans at home, I want transparency. I want to know why. I want to at a minimum know that he had a legit warrant authorized by a judge based upon probable cause that is written and that I can look at. Kind of like your credit report. If there’s a bunch of crap provided by my former boyfriend’s wife’s sister and I can’t get on an airplane, I want to know why. Unfortunately, it has also been my experience that when you provide “strictly confidential inforamtion” to government agencies, it somehow comes back and bites you in the ass. Don’t trust it, nor should you.

    Wow. Proving way too much info.


  143. enuf says:

    Here I am, enjoyig a conversation with a twelve-year-old.


  144. nofltwlt says:

    The main target of the illegal domestic wiretaps was surely GOP members of congress who continue to support Bush/Cheney and subject our nation and its citizens to the abuse of this administration.

    Can you say blackmail? There is nothing else that can explain the devotion to our idiot president and his disgusting v.p.


  145. Jake says:

    I’m not 12 years old — are you? I provided the definition of “known” above. Thanks for your answer though.


  146. enuf says:

    Jake, cheer up : ) You’re a troll. I’m not supposed to like you; however, I’ll bet that we agree more than we disagree and I thoroughly enjoy disagreeing with you.

    nofltwlt – I don’t get the premise. How could dub’ya/Cheney blackmail GOP members of congress into silence? Why would they?


  147. Not Canadian says:

    no criminal penalty for under an ounce.

    Comment by Tom3

    Very progressive Colorado, Bravo!


  148. rockyroad says:

    Jale.

    Where did you go? Of course I know that you are an adult. I was just kidding.



Jump to Top

About Think Progress | Contact Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy (off-site) | RSS | Donate
© 2005-2009 Center for American Progress Action Fund
View Most Popular

Advertisement

What We're About

Featured

image
Subscribe to the Progress Report



imageTopic Cloud


Visit Our Affiliated Sites

image image
Reports


Got a hot tip?
Have a hot news tip? We'd love to hear from you. Use the form below to send us the latest.

Name:
Email:
Tip:
(required)


imageArchives


imageBlog Roll