The Bush administration has gained access to financial records from a vast international database and examined banking transactions involving thousands of Americans. “Treasury officials did not seek individual court-approved warrants or subpoenas, instead relying on broad administrative subpoenas for millions of records.” The program has not received specific Congressional approval or authorization.
Congratulations Paris Hilton. Yesterday, the House voted to cut the estate tax, exempting from taxation “individual estates up to $5 million and couple’s estates up to $10 million.”
Gen. George W. Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Iranian support for extremists inside Iraq has shown a “noticeable increase” this year. “We are quite confident that the Iranians, through their covert special operations forces, are providing weapons, IED technology and training to Shia extremist groups in Iraq,” he said.
In April, President Bush blamed high gas prices on “boutique fuels,” localized fuel blends that help states meet clean air rules. But a new EPA task force study proves Bush wrong.
In the words of Justice Antonin Scalia, passing a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning “dilutes the very freedom that makes this emblem so revered.” Read more
