Gonzales Contradicts Prior Statements, Confirms Existence Of Other Spying Programs
Gonzales Contradicts Prior Statements, Confirms Existence Of Other Spying Programs
In his testimony today before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was asked by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) to address inaccuracies in his 2006 testimony in relation to the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping program. “There has not been any serious disagreement about the program that the president has confirmed,” Gonzales said at the time.
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) recalled that former Deputy Attorney General James Comey testified to a much different version of events. Comey said he had refused to sign on to an extension of the program “amid concerns about its legality and oversight.”
Today, Gonzales said Comey was referring to “other intelligence activities,” appearing to confirm that the Bush administration is operating more than one warrantless domestic spying program. In a heated back and forth with Specter, Gonzales stated:
The disagreement that occurred was about other intelligence activities and the reason for the visit to the hospital was about other intelligence activities. It was not about the terrorist surveillance program that the president announced to the American people.
Watch it:
Today’s testimony contradicts what Gonzales had said previously. In June, Gonzales claimed that both he and Comey were referring to the same domestic spying program. “Mr. Comey’s testimony related to a highly classified program which the president confirmed to the American people sometime ago,” he said.
If Gonzales’ testimony is accurate today, then he is confirming the existence of a new administration spying program.
Transcript:
SPECTER: Let me move quickly through a series of questions there’s a lot to cover. Starting with the issue Mr. Comey raises, you said “there has not been any disagreement about the program.” Mr. Comey’s testimony was that “Mrs. Gonzales began to discuss why they were there to seek approval” and he then says “I was very upset, I was angry, I thought I had just witnessed an effort to take advantage of a very sick man.”
GONZALES: The disagreement that occurred was about other intelligence activities and the reason for the visit to the hospital was about other intelligence activities. It was not about the terrorist surveillance program that the president announced to the american people.
SPECTER: Mr. Attorney General, do you expect us to believe that?
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Well, duh!!! if you STIll believe anything this admin tells you, I have some beautiful land in Florida…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:24 amI hope there is another spying program. The more the better!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:25 amOk. If impeachment is off the table for the Pres, can we at least get rid of this guy? Especially if he prosecute the soon to be coming contempt charges?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:25 amYeah for Big Brother…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:25 amThe more the better!
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Lord knows what they’ll catch you doing. What happens when the livestock sells you out, Cynicon?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:27 amI can appreciate they have “a lot to cover” — wake me when they get to the U.S. Attorney firings. At least the lies for that might be interesting.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:28 amI wish that just once someone would say to the Bush enablers, “you know if you spent one tenth the amount of time spying on Osama bin Forgotten that you spend spying on innocent American citizens, you would have likely caught bin Forgotten in 2003.”
Just once I’d like to hear someone say that.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:28 amROS, I had the vocal chords cut on all my sheep. They’ll never rat me out now!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:28 amSpeedy Gonzales spies on everybody’s seester.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:30 amWelp time for the Republicans to side with the Democrats and impeach!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:30 amWe know they’ll do the right thing!
of course he was hiding something – that’s what these people do.
If this one came out in to the public, that means there’s probably even more spying programs. They don’t do it to “protect” us. It’s pure, unadulterated power. plain and simple.
The government lovers out there claim that we should have nothing to worry about if we’re not doing anything wrong – they have no problem giving up liberty because they’re living in fear. Cowards.
But, there’s plenty to worry about when you have an out of control government….
“If You Aren’t Guilty, What Are You Afraid Of?”
July 24th, 2007 at 11:31 amhttp://www.populistamerica.com/if_you_aren_t_guilty__what_are_you_afraid_of
Cynicon Implant,
So you would be ok with a random car stop and search program since you have nothing to hide?
How about house searches in the night? No problem right?
And body cavity searches of your wife and daughter are ok with you? After all, they have nothing to hide. (I am assuming you are white male Christian, and willing to bet big bucks you fit the profile)
It’s a slippery slope when you start throwing away civil liberties so casually. Why don’t you move to a country with a more authoritarian form of government? You can trust Big Brother to keep you safe.
You certainly don’t belong in the USA, we cherish our civil liberties and democracy.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:31 amI thought we KNEW there were more spying programs. I mean, that’s where Rove’s microtargetting program gets it’s data.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:32 amComment by nanlichi
You’d have better luck reasoning with a fencepost…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:34 amBush didn’t announce the program, it was leaked, and he was confronted with it.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:34 amYou certainly don’t belong in the USA, we cherish our civil liberties and democracy.
Comment by nanlichi — July 24, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Sacrificing civil liberties and democracy is a small price to pay to keep the Bee People from attacking.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:35 amThey’ll never rat me out now!
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Hate to let the air out of you this morning and poke holes all thru your story, but inflatable sheep don’t have vocal chords. Hope you don’t feel too deflated. I’m sure you’ll find a way to patch things together and get a rise out of somebody.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:35 amnanlichi,
Let’s take it even further. Cynicon obviously shouldn’t mind if the FBI put surveillance cameras in every room of his home since he doing nothing wrong.
Right Cynicon?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:36 amGonzo: “Can I finish my story”?
It’s a story alright…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:36 amSure, Gonzo! Sure! Now that he’s been caught lying red-handed, he’s making #hit up, that’s clear. This AG has besmerched the office and the entire DOJ with his overt lies and sycophantic collusion with George W. It’s time for Gonzales to hit the road. The american people have absolutely no trust or faith in their Dept. of Justice nor their President and his Cabal at this point. They’re “outta here”!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:37 am#14 At least a fencepost makes sense. It sits there and holds the fence up.
Trolls…. well…. they don’t make much sense, do they?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:37 amSacrificing civil liberties and democracy is a small price to pay to keep the Bee People from attacking.
Comment by Safety Mom
Oh no, the attack of the Killer B’s?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:37 amWhy Gonzales doesn’t spare himself and the President further embarrassment is beyond me!
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2007/07/ag-alberto-gonzales-is-back-on-senate.html#links
July 24th, 2007 at 11:37 amThe truth…
The WHOLE truth…
and
NOTHING BUT the truth.
Lying sack of s…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:37 amIt matters little if there is ONE or MULTIPLE spying programs. For the record, they’re ALL illegal!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:38 amIs there anyway that all of Gonzales problems can be linked to Clinton?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:38 amThat would make it so much easier!
So what’s the issue here? Gonzo’s obvious perjury before Congress is clear when he stated that he and Comey were referring to the identical program. That’s perjury. Now he’s pretending there are other spy ops occurring, and if there are, I believe he’s just further indicted both himself and his president. One illegal spy program is bad enough but multiple illegal spy programs?? Let’s see – doesn’t that add into more “impeachable offenses” against the people of this country? Last time I looked, it did.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:40 amOh no, the attack of the Killer B’s?
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — July 24, 2007 @ 11:37 am
But I thought the bees were all dying out…
July 24th, 2007 at 11:40 amAnd 1984 was a critic to the then present Communist State. Oh, the irony.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:40 amEverything Gonzo and the Chimp are running against the people of this country in terms of spy programs is totally and patently illegal.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:41 amArt: shit. Lying sack of shit.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:41 amAmerica’s ‘Top Cop’ lying repeatedly to Congress to protect bubble boy.
A sad day for America.
Aborting the word Justice is no easy task. It takes hard work and a ton of lies.
Alberto, you should be ashamed of yourself. You had your chance. You blew it. You will go down in history as the worst Attorney General and, perhaps, one of the biggest liars this country has ever seen.
Congratulation, if this was your intent. Fcukstick.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:41 amIsn’t that why we invented the FISA court in the first place? It certainly wasn’t meant to be a faux agency to make it appear that things were being done with warrants, was it? That’s what Bush has made it though.
Think back to the genesis of FISA for a moment. It had to do with warrantless wiretapping for which Nixon left office before his obvious impeachment. It was intstituted to prevent abuses of power which run contrary to the laws and the constitution of this country. Enter Bush Cabal – making a mockery of the FISA court and trampling every reason this court was created. Out with them all. The people are getting absolutely sick of seeing their disgustingly criminal faces before us.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:43 amThe only thing the AG is certain of, is that he hasn’t got a clue.
Somebody go back and get a shitload o’ clues!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:43 amBut I thought the bees were all dying out…
Comment by toasterhead
Can’t read? I didn’t say “bees”, I said “B’s”.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:44 amGonzales is a clown….and a$$clown. He’s so overtly deceitful that it’s almost comedic. He’s a total embarrassment to this country and has no business still continuing as our attorney general. What a sham!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:44 amLies upon lies, upon more lies. Is there anyone in congress who will hold this administration accountable?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:44 amAs Americans lose faith in their government, anarchy and then dictatorship will quickly follow.
Is there anyway that all of Gonzales problems can be linked to Clinton?
That would make it so much easier!
Comment by Pee Wee
Of course. “Clinton did it too!” There, easy.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:45 amRU: Are we even certain that his has a JD degree? How did he get it? No doubt he had someone sit in for his exams because he hasn’t got a “clue” with regard to innate intelligence, knowledge of the law, etc. He’s a sham.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:45 amRU: I think Ijust answered my own question here – he got his JD degree via mail order, that’s it.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:45 amI love the way this is worded by TP:
“If Gonzales’ testimony is accurate today,” – “if” being the operative word.
You know it’s outta hand when you really can’t believe a word out of the mouth of the country’s Attorney General!
I mean, c’mon!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:46 amWhy would anyone even buy a used car from this lying c*cksucker?
I can’t believe he’s got an army of Bushie drones sitting behind him for CYA. Someone needs to call the Sargent of Arms in to have this liar arrested on the spot for purjury!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:47 am#2 Cynicon Implant
I hope there is another spying program. The more the better!
Translation: “Dammit! Why do I still have rights?! Will somebody please take them away from me?”
July 24th, 2007 at 11:47 amveritas ~ didn’t Kellogs Sugar Corn Pops have a JD degree inside them about the time Gonzo was a kid?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:47 amVeritas,
If you were to pick the ABSOLUTE opposite of what an AG should be in this country (Other than Osama bin Laden or Charles Manson) could you find anyone other than Gonzo??
July 24th, 2007 at 11:48 amLet’s take it even further. Cynicon obviously shouldn’t mind if the FBI put surveillance cameras in every room of his home since he doing nothing wrong.
Right Cynicon?
Comment by Crump’s Brother
I must have missed the part where they said they were going to put cameras in everyone’s house.
CB, there’s a lot of ground between “you can’t spy on anybody because it violates civil liberties” and “they’re going to put cameras in everybody’s house”.
If you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:49 amSpecter to Gonzo:
1. “What credibility is left for you?!”
2. “Do you expect us to believe that?!”
3. “Not making any progress here let me move to another topic.”
July 24th, 2007 at 11:50 amIf the Dems don’t take Gonzo down after this, will it be more spinelessness or collaboration?
July 24th, 2007 at 11:50 amIf the Dems don’t take Gonzo down after this, will it be more spinelessness or collaboration?
Comment by NoOneYouKnow — July 24, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Yes.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:53 amI must have missed the part where they said they were going to put cameras in everyone’s house.
CB, there’s a lot of ground between “you can’t spy on anybody because it violates civil liberties†and “they’re going to put cameras in everybody’s houseâ€.
If you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
With microwave surveillance, they don’t need to enter a house. They can do it from outside. And you will never know they spied on you – until they decide to interrogate you, without access to a lawyer.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:54 amIf you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
I love the Rambo lingo.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:54 amIf you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 11:49 am
This poorly reasoned comment suggests that the Bush administration knows who the bad guys are, when obviously they don’t have a clue.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:54 amAG=Anybody’s Guess, or Absolute Gonzo
July 24th, 2007 at 11:55 amGood morning Ru and Veritas.
I think we ought to separate the issues:
1. Surveillance — OK or not? (I say OK to a degree)
2. Gonzo is a dope (I say yes)
I think we can all agree that Gonzo is conclusive evidence that affirmative action hiring results in incompetent people ending up in jobs they are not qualified for.
We should eliminate all affirmative action immediately.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:56 amCynicon, since the choice of who to surveil might as well be arbitrary, I propose that surveillance be focused on you. Let’s see how many terrorist attacks are prevented.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:56 amCynicon Implant,
“If you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.”
I don’t mind wiretapping bad guys. Nobody does. Nice try at that classic strawman argument.
The Bushies are data mining American citizens. If they tap my phone without a warrant, that is a violation of the law. It’s that simple.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:56 amIf you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
“any surveillance of bad guys…” WTF??? That’s a deliberately dishonest statement. What I object to is simply the Bush Admin’s refusal to allow any oversight of their surveillance. Sure looks like it runs contrary to the intent of FISA to me.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:56 amCynicon Implant-Its all OK to have your rights slip slide away, until it’s your own.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:57 amIf you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Bad guys – Yes.
Good guys – No.
Who determines which is which? FISA court.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:57 amGonzales Lies to Congress. Again.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:58 amWith microwave surveillance, they don’t need to enter a house. They can do it from outside. And you will never know they spied on you – until they decide to interrogate you, without access to a lawyer.
Comment by barfly
Man, are you paranoid or what? Get out the tinfoil hat, barfy
July 24th, 2007 at 11:58 amI think we can all agree that Gonzo is conclusive evidence that affirmative action hiring results in incompetent people ending up in jobs they are not qualified for.
We should eliminate all affirmative action immediately.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
“Gonzo is conclusive evidence that affirmative action hiring results in incompetent people ending up in jobs they are not qualified for.”
Was Gonzo an affirmative action hire? Another dishonest statement. You’re on a roll this morning. Go for the hat trick, Big Fella!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:59 am“We should eliminate all affirmative action immediately.”
Comment by Cynicon Implant
So, you’re arguing for a withdrawl from Iraq? That’s the biggest affirmative action going on right now.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:59 amMan, are you paranoid or what? Get out the tinfoil hat, barfy
Comment by Cynicon Implant
You did it! Hat trick!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:59 am#57 Sure looks like it runs contrary to the intent of FISA to me.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
AND the US Constitution, AND the Rule of Law, AND the concept of the founding of this country, but what the Hell, none of those have ever mattered to the BushCo Boyz & Girlz Club. They get what they want, and “cheney sulute” the rest of us. Sad thing is, they are finger-saluting the Trolls here and they are too in Dubya-love to even see it!!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:00 pmStupid troll strawman alert!! Troll accuses anyone with a problem with illegal surveillance of not wanting “any surveillance of bad guys”! Please do not take bait! I repeat, please do not take bait!
As people who can read see, the article above refers to “the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping program” which is illegal. No one here (except trolls) is discussing justified surveillance after getting the appropiate warrant (and even having 48 hours, I believe, after said surveillance has already taken place to retroactively obtain warrant).
July 24th, 2007 at 12:00 pmThis poorly reasoned comment suggests that the Bush administration knows who the bad guys are, when obviously they don’t have a clue.
Comment by VerbalKint
Seems to me they could use surveillance to determine who the really bad guys are. Call me crazy.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:00 pmJuan C.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:01 pmThanks for filling that in for me, but I think most of the people here got the gist of it. :)
Yes, they can enter your house and not inform you until they decide to interrogate you.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:01 pmWith this administration a bit of paranoia is a healthy thing.
Bigger government with expanded powers?
It’s a good thing.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:01 pmCall me crazy.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
OK, Crazy. It’s a much more apt moniker…
July 24th, 2007 at 12:02 pmthey are finger-saluting the Trolls here and they are too in Dubya-love to even see it!!
Comment by upside00
I am not a GWB fan by any stretch. I just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pmFiengold is handing Gonzo his ass!!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pmSeems to me they could use surveillance to determine who the really bad guys are. Call me crazy.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Not only are you crazy, you are a f*cking loon.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:03 pmYou did ask for it, heh
OK, Crazy. It’s a much more apt moniker…
Comment by barfly
LOL – good one man.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:04 pmWas Gonzo an affirmative action hire? Another dishonest statement. You’re on a roll this morning. Go for the hat trick, Big Fella!
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Cynicon is just parroting the prejudice views of the Right:
July 24th, 2007 at 12:04 pm“Let’s see, Gonzo is hispanic and has a high-level job. Therefore, he must’ve got there because he was given some advantage within the system. Certainly, no hispanic could ever achieve something like this without ‘our’ help.”
Man, are you paranoid or what? Get out the tinfoil hat, barfy
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Microwave image converter
July 24th, 2007 at 12:05 pmDocument Type and Number:
United States Patent 4280055
Link to this page:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4280055.html
Abstract:
A microwave detector and microwave image-to-visible image converter is prded for a microwave receiver which employs an array of electroluminescent devices. Circuit means is also provided to bias these devices close to or beyond the point where they become relaxation oscillators in order to further sensitize them to microwaves. Finally, active optical means is provided to increase the visible intensity and/or contrast of the visible image.
OK, Crazy. It’s a much more apt moniker…
Comment by barfly
You’re the one who thinks the govt. is going to microwave your house and then swoop in to take you away.
How the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:05 pmWhen is Sen. Arlen Specter going to stop playing games and start the charge to get rid of this liar? It is a joke that Gonzales keeps his job. In the real world if a department head screwed up this bad his ass would have been shown the door a long time ago. I thought Bush ran his white house like a business??? Ooopps guess he does – all of his businesses had bottomed out too!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:06 pmI am not a GWB fan by any stretch. I just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
It is not ok with me, to give up my rights and privacy because you are a pants-pissing coward.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:07 pmIt is also not ok with the document that is the basis of our government, the Constitution.
“I just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.”
Move to Singapore, if you don’t like America. They have the sort of police you desire. But the rights you want to give up without a fight are also my rights, so stfu.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:07 pmSounds like Alberto is fixin’ things. What a joke this man is.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:07 pmThey rarely ever attacked us before. Yes, there were a couple times, but we’ve been just fine without all this spying the administration is doing.
It is just your kind of docile thinking which the Bush admin wants, because they can just keep adding a few more things, some more things, more things to invade our privacy, and defend it by saying we need it to defeat the terrorists.
You know the thing about boiling a frog in hot water? That applies here.
The more YOU agree to have these things happen by the terrorists in the White House, the more you allow those terrorists and the ones over seas to “win”.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:07 pmand if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
See? Democracy is useless when people are so ignorant.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pmI just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
No one ever said anyting about stopping all surveillance. You continually distort the argument. And you simply dodge the oversight issue completely, which is what a large part of this is about. FISA, anyone??
July 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pmYou guys are more insane than usual today. Bad batch of kool-aid?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pmHow the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
What a useless strawman. Can’t you do better?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:08 pmIf Gonzales’ testimony is accurate today . . .
You can put this premise in the if-pigs-had-wings category. Gonzales is obviously lying about his lies — which in turn conceal the lies of others in the Cheney Administration. At this point, trying to figure out what these idiots have been up to for the past six years is like trying to unclog a sewer pipe with your bare hands.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:09 pmComment by Cynicon Implant
Under what conditions would you accept your surveillance? What would be acceptable and just what would be going too far for you? I have much talk of slippery slopes… Gays being allowed to marry will lead to polygamy and bestiality, Marijuana decriminilazation will lead to herion addiction, speaking out against an ill-advised war will cause the demoralization of troops. Does these surveillance deal follow the same alledged patterns?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:09 pmI agree sharon. Bush would have been kicked to the curb a long time ago if this was a business. But since it’s our govt, he’ll continue to push his mucked up brand of fear, patriotism, religion and more fear. All the while this country is financially and morally going bankrupt.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pmand if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
mmmm…I think the German Nazy supporters have the patent on that one.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pmSacrificing civil liberties and democracy is a small price to pay to keep the Bee People from attacking.
Comment by Safety Mom — July 24, 2007 @ 11:35 am
If this position is valid, then how about a Constitutional amendment? Going about it by enacting an UNCONSTITUTIONAL secret program is a strong indication that saner heads won’t agree, SM.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pmCynicon Implant,
“I am not a GWB fan by any stretch. I just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means giving up some privacy or civil liberties, then I am OK with that.”
I’ll fix this for you
I am not a GWB fan by any stretch. I just think it is prudent to perform surveillance given the terrorist threat — and if that means wiping my ass with the fourth amendment, then I am OK with that.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pmSee? Democracy is useless when people are so ignorant.
Comment by Juan C
Sounds like an argument for totalitarianism, Juan. Or was that just an ignorant statement.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pmWho cares how many illegal wiretapping programs there are? They’re, well, ILLEGAL!!!
The Toy Emperor admitted to breaking FISA. Who’s here to uphold the Law of the Land??? ReichWingNuts? [chirp... chirp... chrip...] Dems? [chirp... chirp... chirp...]
ITMFAs NOW!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:11 pmYou guys are more insane than usual today. Bad batch of kool-aid?
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Actually, we’re being more civil than usual. Very few cuss words here this morning. What we are doing is calling you on all the misleading statements and false arguments you keep tryint to palm off here.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:12 pmHow the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
What a useless strawman. Can’t you do better?
Comment by barfly
Not a strawman at all. Just a legit question designed to reveal why we have little to fear from expanded surveillance.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:12 pmROS, I got no beef with you. At least you argue logically.
Not sure what you mean by false arguments…
July 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pmOr was that just an ignorant statement.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
I actually think it was frustrated cynicism and sarcasm, but that’s just my opinion.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pmGonzo is going down.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pmCYnicon Implant,
When the Dems are in power in 09, will it still be OK for them to spy in you and find out that you are not “one of them”? Or maybe come and get all those “unregistered” guns in your basement? Or all that ferilizer and diesel fuel out of your storage shed, after all, you might be a terrorist.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pmJust a legit question designed to reveal why we have little to fear from expanded surveillance.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
How?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pmNo one ever said anyting about stopping all surveillance. You continually distort the argument. And you simply dodge the oversight issue completely, which is what a large part of this is about. FISA, anyone??
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — July 24, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Exactly. There’s no reason the administration can’t do all the surveillance they need without a FISA warrant, which they can legally get AFTER they begin the wiretaps.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pmHow the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Ever hear of John Poindexter’s TIA or Talon?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pm“Not a strawman at all. Just a legit question designed to reveal why we have little to fear from expanded surveillance.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 12:12 pm”
Really?????
So then I guess the tracking of money is just a sham as well???? Hell there are TRILLIONS of bills out there and TRILLIONS of electronic transactions everyday, yet those are tracked…..
NEXT!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:15 pmIt is probably no surprise to anyone that our president and his administration have, yet again, hid the truth from the American public. Similar to the dealings with the war in Iraq, this administration has been feeding lies to the public. Now the war has proven to be a failure and is causing more violence, terror and poverty in this world. According to the Borgen Project, it only takes $19 billion dollars annually to eradicate world hunger and poverty. However, our government has already spent more than $450 billion dollars over this fruitless war in Iraq. It is time for the Bush Administration to take a real interest in the lives of the American people as well as people who are in desperate needs around the world. Stop the lies and stop poverty now.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:16 pmAshcroft was in the hospital but “we didn’t know he was ill”. Yeah! people go to hospitals for vacations! No wonder these morons can’t find Bin Laden. They would add two plus to and come up with five!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pmwithout a FISA warrant
Comment by toasterhead — July 24, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Oops! I meant “with” a FISA warrant. Oh my stars!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pmYou guys are more insane than usual today. Bad batch of kool-aid?
Comment by Cynicon Implant
You are all for giving up all your rights and liberty because you are afraid, yet you call us insane?
Do you have any idea of the foundation this Country was based on?
Go read a bit on why this Country rebelled against King George, you ignorant twit.
“Give me liberty or give me death” — Patrick Henry
July 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pm“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” — Benjamin Franklin
Did anyone else catch Gonzales’ last statement in the video? “We didn’t know he was ill”, referring to Ashcroft as he’s lying in – wait for it – a HOSPITAL BED.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pmHe hasn’t confirmed other domestic warrantless programs at all in that testimony. ONly that there were other programs, which we all already assumed. I think he should still be thrown in the clink, you understand, it’s just that the headline here is wrong.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:17 pmSounds like an argument for totalitarianism, Juan. Or was that just an ignorant statement.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
It is the truth. You voted an idiot AFTER you suffered the worst terrorist attack under his admin. I mean…Nicaraguan kids know much more about whats happening in the world than you.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:18 pmHow?
Comment by Martha Stewart
Oh, you’re still mad because you had to do time and Frist didn’t.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:19 pmOff Topic:
RUCerious. Love your subtle, but witty Mel Brooks references. Heck, I use them all the time. My personal favorite…
“dey said you wuz hung!”
“and dey wuz right!!!”
Okay, sorry, make on topic:
July 24th, 2007 at 12:19 pmA Gonzalez contradiction?
Huh! Whoda thunkit?
Makes me, ohhhh so proud, that his from my state, and has worked with a friend of mine at Kellogg
Yeah, proud indeed.
NOT!!!
Lets leave Gonzo in, it’s better for the Dems come November
July 24th, 2007 at 12:20 pm“Not a strawman at all. Just a legit question designed to reveal why we have little to fear from expanded surveillance.”
Comment by Cynicon Implant
But it failed in that regard. The government could spy on all of us. You’re forgetting the TIA program.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:20 pmThanks guys. You all type faster than me. It’s not fair…
July 24th, 2007 at 12:21 pm#109 Do you have any idea of the foundation this Country was based on?
comment by no-chit
You are forgetting that he probably skipped that part of US History 101…. Just like Dubya, Cheney and Gonzo did when they were in school.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:21 pmHow the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Doesn’t it embarrass you to sound like such a total idiot?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:22 pm“Oh, you were talking about the stolen OATMEAL cookies? I was talking about the PEANUT BUTTER cookies.”
Alberto Gonzales, age 9
July 24th, 2007 at 12:22 pmIn sworn testimony to his mom
DRxJ ~ **taking a short bow**
July 24th, 2007 at 12:24 pmThanks!
Now, where’s all the white women??
Cynicon:
July 24th, 2007 at 12:24 pmI really would like to hear your boundaries. What surveillance would be too much for you?
sorry for my many grammatical errors @ post 114
July 24th, 2007 at 12:25 pm(must be excessive carb overload for lunch. But dang, those dawgs were good!!!)
ROS, I got no beef with you. At least you argue logically.
Not sure what you mean by false arguments…
Comment by Cynicon Implant
If you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
“If you don’t want to allow ANY surveillance…”
To me, that’s a false argument. Who the hell said anything about allowing NO surveillence? You’ve created a false premise – the infamous strawman – and it almost assuredly seems as though I’m now supposed to defend THAT position – “NO surveillance”. That’s a false argument.
It’s not about whether we whould do more surveillance, less surveillance, or no surveillance. It’s about the Bush Admin’s continued refusal to follow FISA. It’s about the OVERSIGHT!!!
Later. (Still) got a day job to go to.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:27 pmWe don’t just need to get this guy out of the DOJ, we need to export this “WetBack’s Ass” back to Mexico.
I’m sure he was mowing/lawn blowing Bush’s drive when he was appointed legal aid to the Bush administration. With that red bandanna around his neck, he just stood out as what a Attorney General should look like.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:29 pmSeems to me they could use surveillance to determine who the really bad guys are. Call me crazy.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Using your logic, Crazy, the government could spy on you and your family for a year before they found out they should be spying on the guy next door. That’s ok with you?
That’s why we have the 4th Amendment and the FISA court — to protect the “not bad guy’s” rights.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:32 pmWe don’t just need to get this guy out of the DOJ, we need to export this “WetBack’s Ass†back to Mexico.
Comment by J.D. Miller
Get lost you f*cking racist.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:33 pmThis revelation means that our government was engaged in widespread domestic spying unrelated to terrorism without court approval. This activity, therefore, was in direct violation of Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (18 United States Code Sections 2510 – 2520), which requires a search warrant to eavesdrop electronically. Since Gonzales has now admitted that the program had nothing to do with terrorism, this criminal administration cannot justify it with any excuse whatsoever.
This criminal administration must be impeached NOW! Speaker Pelosi and her sycophants need to jump all over this. Too bad that they’re just a bunch of yellow-bellied cowards wearing diapers all the time to hide the fact that they can’t stop peeing in their pants every time a Rethuglican opens his or her mouth.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:36 pmComment by J.D. Miller — July 24, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
Please ignore the whiteboy
July 24th, 2007 at 12:37 pmWe don’t just need to get this guy out of the DOJ, we need to export this “WetBack’s Ass†back to Mexico.
I’m sure he was mowing/lawn blowing Bush’s drive when he was appointed legal aid to the Bush administration. With that red bandanna around his neck, he just stood out as what a Attorney General should look like.
Comment by J.D. Miller
Gonzo was born in the US Just Dumb Miller. Your racism is STUNNING, however, and an example of what’s wrong with homeschooling or trailer park schools.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:37 pmThis corrupt administration is falling apart at the seams: illegal wars, illegal torture, firing prosecutors who are investigating Repubs, firing others who refuse to indict Dems on flimsy charges…
The country is in danger of turning into a despotic state. Please check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNR7EDgWnL4
Conyers says he will submit articles of impeachment if he can get three more Reps to co-sign. Demand that your Rep do so NOW.
http://www.house.gov/writerep
July 24th, 2007 at 12:40 pmGonzales will not be fired nor allowed to resign. He knows too much about the illegal and unethical actions of this administration and probably has proof of these as well. There’s too great a risk he would morph into a whistleblower. Also, what if, by some error, Bush chose an honest person to take Gonzales’s place? Heaven only knows what incriminating facts a real AG would discover and, perhaps, use to make a case for indictment or impeachment of Bush and his cronies.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:41 pmJuly 24th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Get lost you f*cking racist.
Comment by Zooey
Nice catch on this one, all of you who nailed him. This one might just be a plant to make the whole site look racist. Proud of ya!
July 24th, 2007 at 12:42 pmI hope I won’t be seen as racist if I suggest the Abu Gonzalez be sent to Gitmo.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:45 pmAlright everybody take a breath.
While I hate Gonzales as much as the next lib, him saying they were having a disagreement over “other intelligence matters” is not an admission that there are other spying programs at all. He’s obviously just making a generic lie to cover his ass. He could be referring to Guantanamo Bay, or anything else that links intelligence with the DOJ. You can’t just read into it because Comey said they were discussing the surveillance program… it’s obvious Gonzales is trying to say they weren’t discussing ANY surveillance program. He may be a snake but he’s not so stupid as to say “No, we weren’t discussing the surveillance program you were talking about, we were discussing the surveillance programs you guys dont’ know about yet.”
When we make assumptions like this and get all crazy about it that’s when the cons jump in and make asses out of us. Learn to read facts, not read what you want to read.
July 24th, 2007 at 12:58 pmI thought it was impossible to trump George W. BUsh in the Incompetence Dept.,….but, damn Gonzo has done it !! GO BONZO…I MEAN, GONZO !!!
July 24th, 2007 at 1:01 pmNixon used illegal spy programs to target his domestic political enemies.
Why wouldn’t Bush do the same? He couldn’t afford to lose in 2004, and his crime family can’t afford to lose in 2008. Spying on the opposition … using any old excuse … would be basic.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:01 pmTheSimulacra said:
“He’s obviously just making a generic lie to cover his ass.”
According to you, am I allowed to have a major problem with that? Is it considered normal and expected for the country’s Top Cop to lie whenever he needs to cover his ass? And, for that matter, why does he need to “cover his ass” at all?
July 24th, 2007 at 1:05 pmPlease!!!
Somebody explain why Gonzo is not impeached???????????
If they cannot impeach Conzo, and I mean impeach for removal from his position. Then there is not one action that can be brought on any of the criminal actions of this administration.
Why don’t they ask Gonzo if he also (as Sarah Taylor did), Took an oath to the President????
July 24th, 2007 at 1:12 pmAccording to you, am I allowed to have a major problem with that? Is it considered normal and expected for the country’s Top Cop to lie whenever he needs to cover his ass? And, for that matter, why does he need to “cover his ass†at all? – margaret
You missed my point entirely. OF COURSE he shouldn’t be lying. This kind of direct contradiction of previous testimony is what we should be getting angry about, not this paranoid inference that the vague phrase “other intelligence matters” is an admission of the existence of other spy programs.
And trust me, I don’t doubt that there are other constitutionally dubious (I’m being generous) spy programs ongoing within our various Big Brother agencies. My point is that we’re reading into this way too much and anybody who isn’t already on our side reads this stuff and thinks we’re full of as much crap as anybody else.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:14 pmGonzo is the time-killer.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:16 pmHow the hell are they going to keep tabs on 300 million Americans? It ain’t possible.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — July 24, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
That’s the point, genius.
If they can’t watch us all, then they have to choose which of us they’ll watch. The criteria they use to make that choice needs to be reviewed by the FISA court to ensure the surveillance is legally justified.
This really isn’t all that complicated.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:17 pmI don’t think that any government surveillance program is going to find any actual terrorists. They may find a few wannabes who are too dumb to be dangerous, but real terrorists are probably too smart to be caught using conventional communications. They probably assume that the government is listening so they find another way.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:22 pmFolks – you are missing a very important fact about this newly-revealed program – the acting AG, his staff and the Director of the FBI were going to RESIGN over its continuing! Whatever it was, it was VERY OBVIOUSLY illegal.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:25 pmThe government lovers out there claim that we should have nothing to worry about if we’re not doing anything wrong – they have no problem giving up liberty because they’re living in fear. Cowards.
Comment by stopthecons — July 24, 2007 @ 11:31 am
————————————-
Yet strangely, the GOPers who make this arguement never turn it around and apply it to this oh so secretive administrations. From Cheney’s energy task force, to FOIA denials, to Sara Taylor, Harriet Meirs, Joh Boulton, etc etc, if there’s been nothing wrong done, why are they trying so hard to hide so much????
July 24th, 2007 at 1:29 pm#128 – This revelation means that our government was engaged in widespread domestic spying unrelated to terrorism without court approval. This activity, therefore, was in direct violation of Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (18 United States Code Sections 2510 – 2520), which requires a search warrant to eavesdrop electronically. Since Gonzales has now admitted that the program had nothing to do with terrorism, this criminal administration cannot justify it with any excuse whatsoever.
This criminal administration must be impeached NOW! Speaker Pelosi and her sycophants need to jump all over this. Too bad that they’re just a bunch of yellow-bellied cowards wearing diapers all the time to hide the fact that they can’t stop peeing in their pants every time a Rethuglican opens his or her mouth.
Exactly!
So… if not the Dems… who then?… in our government… is there to uphold and enforce the law?
Imagine what would happen if someone was openly selling drugs (that only got people high, but never killed them) on the street corner next to the WhiteHouse. That guy would be arrested and thrown in jail to stand trial for breaking the law.
Now imagine the guy IN the WhiteHouse breaking, not just one, but many many laws. What’s happening to him? Nothing.
Disconnect? Anyone? Dems? Someone? Anyone at all?
ITMFAs NOW!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 1:29 pmFORGET GONZO! Go out and remove every Democrat in Federal office. Use your imagination in deciding the appropriate method of removal and disposal. The Repugnant ones, being cowards and chickenhawks all, will scatter with the four winds before we have gotten rid of half their slavish Democratic protectors.
The Democrats are now the guilty party, they refuse to apply the legal sanctions that are clearly available to them and are playing politics with the Constitution. This is not a drill folks.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:44 pmThis is really sick stuff. We have that pr*ck at the head of the Justice Department. Get him out NOW!!1
Karen
July 24th, 2007 at 1:47 pmTREASON is the operative word. What Gonzales is entrusted with lying about and covering up is the acts of Treason of the Bush/Cheney Administration. We have a rogue criminal White House that is the puppet of the NEO-CONSERVATIVES who are bankrupting our Treasury, destroying civil liberties, ignoring the Constitution. This will go down as the most corrupt administration in the history of our replublic. Innocence has been lost. It is no longer persuasive that we seek to “establish” Democracy overseas when we CRUSH it here at home. America needs a Second American Revolution to cleanse the stench of corruption in Washington. And yes Democrats included, Americans are watching that acts of TREASON are not being prosecuted. The American government and entrenched interests need to be destabilized before The great American experiment comes to an end and Fascism takes over completely.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:49 pmGonzo is merely a functionary of the Republican Party that politicized the DOJ to do the Party’s bidding. If Leahy doesn’t issue a contempt of Congress and if Conyers doesn’t initiate impeachment hearing of this Party hack then something is far more wrong with the government than we realize.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:51 pmThe only alternative to the criminal & fascist Republican Party and the cowardly Democrats appears to be the Libertarian Party. They aren’t very well organized but they stand for individual rights (including the Second Amendment right to bear arms), respect for the rights of others, the supremacy of the Constitution, traditional (as in Goldwater) conservatism, economic and fiscal responsibility, a non-interventionist foreign policy, and social progressivism. When I think of libertarians, I think of people riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the New Hampshire slogan: Live Free or Die.
They’ve got their share of wackos, but I can’t think of a better place for disaffected traditional conservative republicans and pissed off democrats to get together and hammer out a better future for this country.
I don’t want to hear anything more about Hillary, Obama, Ghouliani, and McCain. I can’t stand any of the bullshit candidates now running for President. All of them suck.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:52 pmThe only alternative to the criminal & fascist Republican Party and the cowardly Democrats appears to be the Libertarian Party. – Mason
Or just think for yourself and hope others will follow? Crap, that doesn’t work does it.
As much as I respect the Libertarians for their social progressivism, they’re far too extremist for my taste. I don’t understand why they’re okay with the government funding a military that protects its citizens from outside dangers, but won’t support environmental regulations which protect the nation’s citizens from inside dangers like the kinds corporations get away with dumping into our atmosphere and waterways.
Also the guy who they ran for president last election stated “If I want to walk down the street carrying an rocket launcher I should be allowed to.”… I don’t think they’re quite ready for prime time.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:00 pmThe other programs are classified. They probably involve using NSA assetts like Plame CIA and her work on the domestic political groups that got the NSA in trouble with monitoring all communications.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:06 pmRE: #153
I said that the libertarians have their share of wackos. Why not consider the possibility of what might happen to some of the libertarians more extreme views if hundreds of thousands of disaffected traditional republicans and pissed off democrats joined the party and worked together to shape it into a powerful force.
Could they not forever reshape the face of our now broken political system?
Anyone have a better idea? I’m certainly willing to seriously consider any new idea at this point.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:10 pmDid we expect suddenly he would start telling the truth?
July 24th, 2007 at 2:11 pmi’m overseas – do you realize how hard it was to find the “live” coverage of this?(!). not on yahoo, or abc news, or msnbc, or rawstory – and of all things c-span hid it way back – there were no indicators on cover pages – i had to adeptly search to the senate judicary page and even THERE it was hidden – exactly what it was and where to click. what a bunch of whores – everyone. america is so corrupt is stinks to the core. after all that shit trying to witness the hearing – to then see the ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, duck and weave like a whore caught in a crack room.
the whole think stinks to high heaven. america is just done. from head to toe liars, thieves and whores.
why couldn’t even raw story post it live?
July 24th, 2007 at 2:14 pmVery rarely do I wish our Congress was more like Thailand’s or Korea’s, but this is one of those days where I would love to see Arlen Specter climb over his podium to go after Gonzo with a shoe.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:15 pmMaybe I dreamt it, but I could have sworn in one of his recent testimony’s that he had mentioned other spying programs?????
July 24th, 2007 at 2:15 pmThere are currently DOZENS of exceptions to the requirement for a warrant.
Why?
Because reasonable people concluded that the public goos was being served as well as preserving the Constitution.
Sadly, this issue is strictly politics. The left sees it mereley as a gigantic opportunity to bash Bush under the massively phoney guise of wanting to protect the Constitution.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:18 pm“Mr.,… Congressman, uh, Senator…uh”
So busy fiddling with his water glass and sticking to his talking points he doesn’t even know who he’s lying to.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:34 pmUn-f*cking-believable… Gonzales is sitting there saying he didn’t know that Ashcroft was that sick. HE WAS IN INTENSIVE CARE!!! WHERE HE HAD BEEN FOR A WEEK!! What a LIAR!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 2:42 pmWhy can’t they nail this guy to a wall.. and then put salt on his and leave him out in the sun to shrivel up.. (Slimey slug that he is).
I can see it now….
The Alberto Gonzales Story… starring Jon Lovitz…
July 24th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI think he’s just lying-in-general, it’s probably beyond his control, cannot help it. It’s doubtful he’s really referring to other programs that are somehow unknown, though there could be some. Just not in any way related to his poorly-worded denial. They have nothing, so you’re going to get illogical answers and hedging. That’s why Sen. Specter–to his credit–was furious. His intelligence was being insulted, like when you catch a kid doing something and they say, “I didn’t want the cookie anyway.”
July 24th, 2007 at 2:45 pmHe knew Ashcroft wasn’t acting Attorney General. Of course he knew. God I wish they could arrest this crime syndicate that has taken over our country. Take away their tools, strip away their protections, force them all in different rooms to be questioned until somebody decides to roll over on the others and throw them ALL in prison for a LONG LONG LONG LONG time!
I want to know WHAT the program of domestic spying was all about that they wouldn’t sign off on because it was TOO ILLEGAL! It was right before the 2004 election. Was it spying on the Democratic candidates? Was it using the intelligence department to try and dig up dirt on them so they could control the elections? Was it about the voter cagin and stealing that election? The voting process itself? I want to know what happened!
July 24th, 2007 at 2:49 pmOh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive…
July 24th, 2007 at 2:50 pmWell DUH is right. They are not worried about these hearings or impeachment or anything. They will have their “2nd 9/11″, instate martial law and suspend the Constitution before the 2008 elections.. and no one will remember these trials.
The Revolution is Now.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:51 pmHelp wake yourself and others up to these realities:
“ZeitgeistMovie [dot] com”
How about – Liar, Liar, pants on fire!!
July 24th, 2007 at 2:52 pmOnce they get their “2nd 9/11″ and instate martial law – no one will remember any of this.
The Revolution Is Now.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:53 pmWow, “Think Progress” doesn’t like it when people share truth. If you don’t say “liar liar!” or “those silly criminals!” and you try to discuss real issues, they shut you up.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:56 pmIf you don’t want to allow any surveillance of bad guys, then don’t complain when the next terrorist attacks occur.******************
July 24th, 2007 at 2:59 pmGet a freakin warrant. You can listen all you want but get a warrant first.
I’m sorry for my juvenile comment. I am just livid. Gonzales is about as corrupt as it gets, and yet, he is the top legal authority of this country. The person who is supposed to be the top protector and enforcer of the law – America’s lawyer (not the President’s).
July 24th, 2007 at 3:02 pmWe are in serious trouble here.
Wow, “Think Progress†doesn’t like it when people share truth.
What “truth” are you referring to that is being “shared”???
July 24th, 2007 at 3:08 pmwho dis?????
July 24th, 2007 at 3:11 pmBy clicking “Post – I Agree” below, you acknowledge that you have read our Terms of Use agreement and agree to its terms.
Be patient, your comment may take up to a minute to appear.
July 24th, 2007 at 3:12 pmWow, “Think Progress†doesn’t like it when people share truth.
What “truth” is being “shared” by WHOM???
July 24th, 2007 at 3:20 pmum can alberto answer without so much mumbling, re-saying and hesitation, or is there that much corrupted information that he cant mumble on one sentence?
July 24th, 2007 at 3:24 pmAs a retired attorney, it is clear beyond doubt that not only must all of these obscene rapists of the Constitution be impeached, they must do heavy jail time. If we fail to reign in this madness, we might as well throw away the concept of impeachment, of ‘no person is above the law’, and of accountability. We can no longer permit Karl Rove, and the corporate media to control the discussion, and thus, the result. Short of open dictatorship, we can’t get much worse than this. Remember the words of the Founding Fathers, and what they sacrificed- don’t let these evil men destroy the dream. It is our DUTY to act, and to follow through.
July 24th, 2007 at 3:29 pmAs the leading law enforcement officer in the land, why has this chuckelhead said not a word regarding the outing of a CIA operative who’s mission was seeking out those who were attempting to obtain dirty bombs to harm the USA??. My understanding of several provisions in the UN-patriot act clearly relates to those who give aid to terriorists not to mention that this was treason and a felony. One would think that homeland insecurity or the AG might express some interest in seeking those responcible..and remember what dubya said those responcible will be brought to justice, to the full extent of the law….Toto,I dont think were in Kansas anymore.
July 24th, 2007 at 3:30 pmmistake my ass….. ‘good question’ was the greatest line in the entire hearing… hold on to you’s hats…….
July 24th, 2007 at 3:31 pmAbsolute power corrupts? Absolutely!
July 24th, 2007 at 3:40 pmIf this were a 3rd rate TV pilot, the network would never buy it. It just wouldn’t be believable. When Bush and Cheney and this whole cast of Lulu’s are out of office, whether by impeachment or term limits (thank you Franklin Roosevelt!) will we wake up as a nation and say, “Did this really happen? What were we thinking?”
In the 20th century, we survived fascism and communism by steely resolve and leadership that put country before party and the welfare of all before the profits of a few. I know we’ll survive this Kingdom of Idiots, too, but I am so sad that so many Americans, both on 9/11 and in Iraq, have had to die because of their criminal incompetence. If someone had given you a paper entitled “Bin Laden Determined to Attack within the United States,” wouldn’t you have done something about it? We know that Georgie Boy must not even have been mentally present that day because of the videotape that someone leaked of Bush’s briefing by weather forecasters before Katrina, where they told him New Orleans was going to be hit full force by a monster storm and where HE DIDN’T EVEN ASK A QUESTION!
I know GW (”Heck of a job, Georgie Boy!”) says he’ll be judged by history, but I think he won’t have that luxury. He’ll be judged by the veterans of Iraq, and they won’t be happy.
July 24th, 2007 at 3:54 pmJust like the rest of the Bush administration, everytime he opens his mouth, he lies like a common thief. They are a disgusting, corrupt lot, and a disgrace to the nation. They keep continuing to cover their fat behinds, and cover their multitudes of crime committed against our nation. So this is the breath of fresh air, honor and dignity, Barbara Bush promised this nation!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 3:57 pmGonzo liesas easily and unhesitatingly as most people brush their teeth.
That’s why The Decider loves him so much.
July 24th, 2007 at 4:05 pmAre there other illegal secret spying programs?? Well DUHHH! of course.
July 24th, 2007 at 4:10 pmAre they being used in a corrupt manner, spying on administration enemies, etc? Of course.
If you haven’t learned by now that this administration is not above using any means available (including these types of illegal spying progams) to gain political advantage, you haven’t been paying advantage.
Is time to pack up Gonzo and send him to Crawford, TX for more Bull S–t education from his trainer Capt. Flight Suit (GWB) no it maybe the the Supreme Trainer the Dick !!!!!!!!!!
The Democrats need to call for impeachmeant Gonzo Now he lieing sack of crap!!!!!!
July 24th, 2007 at 4:15 pmTo commit a heist you need a cadre of morally bankrupt and ethically challenged individuals.
To commit the biggest heist, stealing Democracy from the halls of American Justice, you need the most morally bankrupt individuals this country had seen since the Boss Tweed years.
These goons which have become ubiquitous in the halls of government Gonzales, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Griffin, Wolfowitz, Libby, etc. could make the slime suckers vomit if they were to be dumped in a swamp.
What a sad state of affairs…..
July 24th, 2007 at 4:34 pmIt’s called PERJURY and it’s illegal.
There is no way our government can function at this time of crisis while Gonzales heading the Justice Department. The only thing that Gonzales has accomplished is to tear down some of the great legal accomplishments of our ancestors, enable the criminal behavior of the financial elite and make a mockery of the Constitution.
July 24th, 2007 at 4:36 pmNew spying programs, yet another infringement on our rights by the gov’t. Add it to the ever-growing list of violations:
July 24th, 2007 at 4:50 pmThey violate the 1st Amendment by opening mail, caging demonstrators and banning books like “America Deceived” from Amazon.
They violate the 2nd Amendment by confiscating guns during Katrina.
They violate the 4th Amendment by conducting warrant-less wiretaps.
They violate the 5th and 6th Amendment by suspending habeas corpus.
They violate the 8th Amendment by torturing.
They violate the entire Constitution by starting 2 illegal wars based on lies and on behalf of a foriegn gov’t.
Support Dr. Ron Paul and reverse these trends.
Last link (unless Google Books caves to the gov’t and drops the title):
http://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/book_detail.asp?&isbn=0-595-38523-0
Why Mr. Gonzales, for some odd reason, it seems that your trousers have inexplicably burst into flame.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:03 pmMy mother always told me, ” No one can keep a lie straight”
July 24th, 2007 at 5:51 pmGetting in your car is a big risk
July 24th, 2007 at 6:00 pmGlobal Warming is a big risk
Terrorism in the US is a minuscule risk
We all live with risk every day. I for one am not going to sacrifice everything America stands for to reduce an already minuscule risk. That would be cowardly.
Nothing can stop us now !
CHENEY / BUSH ‘08
July 24th, 2007 at 6:13 pmThis administration must be impeached. bush, cheney, rove, and gonzo. Maybe if they were busy defending themselves or going to prison, they wouldn’t have time to start a war with Iran before they are voted out.
July 24th, 2007 at 6:33 pmThis man needs to get his lies straight. If he thinks for one minute the American people are buying this, hes as ignorant as the President. Well, yea, look who hes taking orders from. There is no justice on Capitol Hill, when lies are considered truth and the truth is buried somewhere out back along with out Constitution.
“An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens”. Thomas Jefferson
July 24th, 2007 at 7:20 pmI used to think that Bush would not fire Gonzales because he didn’t want him writing a book on the Bush White House. Now I think Bush is desparate to keep Gozo in place as AG so he will block any Justice Department investigation of Bush & Co.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:01 pmI cannot understand how the people in this country, the senators, the representatives in Congress, the Supreme Court, can allow lawlessness of law.
We seem to be governed by a bunch of fools. Any other country laughing at us?
July 24th, 2007 at 10:03 pmI used to think Bush refused to fire Gonzales for fear he would write an administration insiders “tell-all” book. Now I think Bush is desparate to keep Gonzales in place as the AG so he can block any Justice Department investigation of the Whie House.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pmNo intelligent life form represented in this thread. Hay, you guys who monitor this site for the “Progressive” need to do some judicious editing. The barrier to entry should be a higher standard of public discourse – pleeeeze.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:33 pmStick a fork in Gonzo, he’s done.
Impeach em all, then we will get to the bottom of these scandalous and traitorous coverups!
July 24th, 2007 at 10:44 pmWith regard to this clip, and Senator Schumer’s first line of questioning today:
It seems obvious to me, and has for some time, that the “other intelligence activities” of which Gonzales spoke today refers to a previous version of the Terrorist Surveillance Program than the revised TSP that Bush confirmed in December, 2005.
Why wasn’t that follow-up question asked, in order to pin down and clarify whether the “disagreements” that led to the Comey hospital showdown related to a previous version of the TSProgram which was, after its revision and 2004 DOJ reauthorization, confirmed by the president in 12/2005?
Understand, as I assume the Senators must, that Gonzales is parsing in such a way that his answers presume that the TSP is two programs. To wit:
1. The TSProgram before Comey and Ashcroft blew the whistle on the TSP in March, 2004.
and
2. The TSProgram after the TSP was modified as a result of Comey and Ashcroft blowing the whistle on the TSP in March, 2004 (which is the version of the TSP that the president “confirmed” in December, 2005).
“There wasn’t any serious disagreement about the program.” That testimony is Gonzales referring to Item #2, which is “the” TSProgram after the DOJ disagreement(s) had been resolved and settled by way of a revised TSP in 2004.
So damn it, Senators: Understand what is going on here. Either Gonzales is separating the TSP program into two – one pre-hospital and the second post-hospital – OR there are other, non-TSP-related (revised or unrevised) spying activities that Bush has not spoken about publicly and of which most of you still remain ignorant.
And just for the record: Continuing to countenance these flagrant AG lies to you and your committee, Senators, while engaging in fruitless, gratituous insults and flagellation of the shameless man in front of you who is deceiving you and us in bad faith at every turn, only means that you are complicit in the lowering of standards of conduct expected of those holding high Executive Branch office in our government, and in the lowering of respect for those of you representing us in our Legislative Branch. Tell your House colleagues to act on impeachment inquiries, of Gonzales’s boss(es) and/or the AG himself, censure him, or otherwise, but cut out the charades that pull us all down into the mud with you.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:49 pmIf the AG of the United States cannot administer justice to himself, and volunatarily step down due to his admitted failures, how can he expect himself to administer justice to the rest of the country? Moreover, how can we as Americans expect justice in this country when we won’t remove the chief law enforcement officer who has admittedly failed in his duties? What does someone have to do to get fired and/or removed from office in this administration? I seriously wonder if there is anything, anything that someone could do that they would have to be held accountable for.
There is no accountability in this country. None. America is in a very serious crisis.
July 24th, 2007 at 11:09 pmAlberto Gonzales is the same guy who as Attorney General of Texas wrote the briefs for executions in that state (George W. Bush managed to kill more people during his Texas governorship than any other governor in the history of the United States – I believe his final — and I do mean, “final,” total was 152). Bush rarely took more that 5-10 minutes reading the briefs (they’re called “briefs” because Bush has a short attention span) and then okayed the state killing – black, white, woman, retarded, he didn’t care. “Kill ‘em all and let God sort ‘em out” was his unofficial motto.
Things haven’t changed much in the White House. “Fredo” Gonzales is still the Hispanic “house boy” and Dubya is still the “Chief Executioner” — insurgent or innocent Iraqis, American soldiers, it doesn’t matter –he’s the “Master of the World” in his own mind.
In reality, or course, he’s a cowardly chickenhawk who served in the “Champagne Unit” of the Texas Air National Guard during Vietnam (and who even went “AWOL” from that). Now, he’s “hollow Prince Hal,” the presumably royal heir who sends other people to die for a war that he would avoid like the plague.
A Pox on the House of Bush.
July 25th, 2007 at 3:35 amPolitisizing the Justice Department shows the extent to which the Repiblican machine is prepared to go. And they have absolutely no qualms about it.
July 25th, 2007 at 5:56 amThey wish to leave in place the operatives to stymie the Democrats when they assume the presidency in 2008-Will it work? With some of the Republican Senators seeing the light there is hope in can be sidetracked. If the Congress is not allowed to legislate then investigate the administration to death!
Uhmmm. Let’s go back just a second. Mr. Comey did testify about the international electonic communications monitoring. He did not have a disagreement with it, and in fact, most of the Congress has agreed that the program is productive and should be continued, but with more Congressional oversight and with Congressional approval.
Mr. Comey also had a problem with Mr. Gonzalez going to visit AG Ashcroft in the hospital, presenting a program and asking for authority to proced with it without the AG having the benefit of hearing diverse views from other advisors. He didn’t want Ashcroft “taken advantage of” in that manner. Were there other programs pursued by the Feds? Yes! One of them was the tracking of terrorist fund transfers through international banking sources which has been reported by the NYT and admitted by the Bush Administration. Are there others? Yes! There are numerous NSA intercepts of foreign communications, of photographic monitoring by the US Maping Agency, through the use of electronic “drone” aircraft, etc. We have lots of programs, as rightly we should when trying to interdict terrorist attacks.
Reports of terrorist “dry runs” at airports that is in the news today is just one indicator that we must be vigilant, because the enemy has not given up trying to attack us. I want all of the productive programs we can get! I want to catch terrorists, and I want to be protected the the maximum level possible.
July 25th, 2007 at 11:14 am“Ultimately I have to decide whether or not it would be better for me to leave or just stay and try to fix the problems,” Gonzales said with a rueful smile. “I’ve decided to stay and fix the problems.”
See theres part of the problem … Gonzo thinks only about whats best for himself and Bush … not the citizens of this country he supposedly serves.
July 25th, 2007 at 11:52 amCongress has the power to declare war against all enemies, foreign -and- domestic. In a few months, even Republicans might support a more radical plan to disengage themselves from the Neo Con dictatorship.
http://www.light-to-dark.com/four_lapel_pins.html
The dictatorship is hardly a unitary executive, but a multi-headed politburo-like beast. A C.I.C. simply does not exist.
http://www.light-to-dark.com/but_whats_a_hard_drive.html
July 25th, 2007 at 12:20 pm.
I am a law professor and former criminal defense attorney for 28 years. During that time, I represented many defendants in federal court cases in which the government used wiretap evidence to prosecute my clients. I now teach Criminal Procedure. Believe me when I say that I am thoroughly familiar with federal wiretap law. There is no exception to the warrant requirement. The government must apply for permission to wiretap and no court will grant permission unless the application for the warrant is sworn to be true, sets forth probable cause to believe that the subscriber to the number sought to be wiretapped is committing a federal offense, that all other avenues of investigation have failed to produce sufficient evidence to charge and convict the defendant of that offense, and that conversations unrelated to the offense under investigation will not be recorded. If these requirements are met, a judge will issue an order authorizing the wiretap for a specific period of time, usually 30 days.
When Gonzales admitted that the NSA program did not involve terrorism or terrorist activity, he basically admitted that the program was unlawful because if it didn’t involve terrorism or terrorist activity, the government was required to obtain a warrant under Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
No one has to take my word for it. Just look it up. You’ll find the law in volume 18 of the United States Code, Sections 2510 through 2520. If you look it up in an annotated version of the code, you can read short summaries of all of the cases that have applied the statute.
Yes, Gonzales is dumber than a box of rocks. Worse, he is a smirking crook. He absolutely must be impeached, prosecuted for violating the law, and imprisoned for a very long time.
July 25th, 2007 at 1:53 pmSo Gonzales is staying on to fix the problems he caused? He is the problem.
July 25th, 2007 at 3:36 pmI know for a fact that their was widespread surveillance of the cell phones of rival politicians, media, and suspected bush admin leakers. I know the guy who was getting a lot of overtime putting them in for one of the majors.
This is why the New York Times and Washington Post advised their people to change their cell phones often, but that didn’t help much, because they have the ability to tap the new numbers quickly.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:06 pmI advised this person that he should have a lawyer, as even low level functionaires might be prosecuted some day, but he felt that he was protected under the Patriot Act.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:13 pmBill S. @ 210 and 211 –
Have you considered contacting Henry Waxman’s office about this? Or perhaps Russ Feingold’s office (he’s on the Senate Intelligence Committee and I trust his integrity). Even just anecdotal information from you about this spying that might conflict with what Congress is (or was) being told by the White House might be very valuable to them (and us!). [Feingold would know classified details about the program that Waxman wouldn't, so Feingold might make more sense.] Even if you have to do it anonymously through an email or phone call at first to gauge Feingold’s interest.
[Or maybe instead or in addition, pick a reporter to alert via email like Murray Waas or Robert Parry (reported on Iran/Contra), who would likely be willing to do some shoe-leather work to (anonymously if you wanted) report this story based on your tips (both are trustworthy and haven't sold their souls to placate corporate censors, and will report the truth when they find it).]
Especially if you have any further detail about what “putting them in” means — what sort of physical process was being used to tap cell phones, which “major,” and when most of the work was done, etc. Or details like the names of any particular targets in the categories you mention. I assume your friend/acquaintance wouldn’t be interested in helping us to re-instate the Fourth Amendment (since he indirectly helped violate it), but without naming him, you could do us out here in put-upon citizen land a huge favor by helping to blow the whistle on this brazen criminality by our federal Executive Branch, if you could and would.
Thanks for considering it, and thanks very much for posting your comments about it here for everyone to see.
July 26th, 2007 at 5:33 amThe difference with Nixon was that he didn’t legalize wiretapping before doing it. That and Bush wants to listen in to everyone not just his rival.
July 26th, 2007 at 11:31 amThe program was going on at all of the cell phone companies. They told the technicians that this was wiretapping of “suspected criminals”, but my friend said, if that was so, why were so many taps going in in the DC area. They had some national security paperwork authorizing them to do it. My friend said it was legal under the Patriot Act. The phone companies actually billed the government to do the work. That might be a place to start – F.O.I.A the invoices.
As for the physical “Tap”, I think that it was all electronic. He would just patch the phone through to one of the agencies. They had some technical problems which could have made some of their targets aware that they were being tapped. I think the voice and data went to the the FBI, but it could have been NSA. I think that they were not only interested in conversations, but the network of phone numbers which where called and received.
I didn’t talk to him much about it, so I don’t know many details. I’m not even sure that the techs got anything more than phone numbers, but knowing this guy, he probably learned a lot more. To him it was just a high paying contract job. Just a young guy with a family who needed a job and probably doesn’t think to much about the morality of what he was doing.
I didn’t approve and used to kid him about working for the “Anti-Christ” and advised he get a lawyer for when the country’s attitude changed about all this and they started putting people in jail. He seemed to think that he was protected by the Patriot act.
As for me getting involved, I hate to say it, but I’m just not an activist anymore. I spent a couple of years of my life around another controversial incident about 10 years ago and I just have other ways I want to spend my time these days. I know that the republic is going to hell as we stand by like the Germans before WWII, but I’m still not getting involved. I’m very obsessive and have to be careful about what I get interested in because it becomes all consuming.
I would say that if you are interested, you can go at it from the cell phone companies or from the government side. Besides the Patriot Act paperwork, you might be able to get the invoices easier.
I’m sure that papers like the Times and Post already are well aware of this, as their reporters were targets, and they knew enough to advise countermeasures.
Good Luck.
Bill
July 26th, 2007 at 5:49 pmResponse to 9/11 was over the top, due to the tittilating visuals themselves. Even though vast majority of tenants escaped, the visual damage to the buildings captivated the audience.
“Individuals can do bad things” is not a sufficient reason to quash the US Constitution. A future president could thus decide to react to a simple murder with draconian tactics to protect us ALL from similar attacks on our person. There is literally no difference imo.
The glaring problem is that several other officials took an oath to both uphold our Constitution, and to protect the nation from “domestic enemies”. What led us to war as a result of this attack? Especially with the lack of evidence actually revealed to the American public that Al Qaida did ANYTHING … the vast MAJORITY of Americans believe that trusting this administration about literally THOUSANDS of aspects where evidence DOES exist, but we were simply not SHOWN the “proof” because it would obviously help the enemy. riiiight.
July 26th, 2007 at 9:20 pm#207, Stephen Pitt
“Congress has a right to Declare War [on Domestic enemies].”
Seriously?
July 26th, 2007 at 9:23 pm