"The Secret Federal Court was NOT informed"

That's because they only had an SCI, and it wasn't in their scope to know.

Then why is the court demanding to know about this Bush secret authorization ? It may be Bush that will be his own hangman.

What a BS answer. They did not know that Bush ignored the law that created their court. Only the chief Judge was told. One judge resigned over the Bush actions and now this court wants answers.

Proof is that to obtain a Wire Tap the President under the 1978 law is REQUIRED to go before the court for a warrant. Even during time of war, the President must obtain court approval 15 days after the fact. BUSH did not obey this law.

First, Bush is not having the Justice Dept (FBI) conduct these wire taps. He has authorized the NSA to conduct these wire taps without the court order required by FISA Even during war, FISA requires wire taps but does allow after the fact permission up to 15 days if we are in fact at war. It does NOT allow wire taps without ANY court approval. The Roving wiretaps require court orders and Bush himself said the Fed was obtaining court orders for these roving taps under the Patriot Act.

The court itself has demanded to be informed what Bush is up to and one justice on that court has already resigned over the Bush actions. This issue MUST be resolved and ONLY the courts can decide this legal issue as to weather Bush has violated the law.

“Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans believe the National Security Agency (NSA) should be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 23% disagree.

Like with the Iraq war, just watch those poll numbers in support drop like a rock as soon as the results of the action become evident to the American people.

Thanks Government for spying on me for my own protection, please install a camera in my shower to ensure the use of soap!

You're very clearly twisting the intent of the 72 hour window.

Since we "are" dealing with US security it "should" be the NSA doing it. Evidently you can't read either! Show me where it says court orders are required for roving taps. The court can demand all it wants. Between FISA and it's amendments and the patriot act, GW is required to tell them nothing unless it goes beyond the 72 hour limit. I can show proof to back me up. Can you say the same? Somehow I doubt you can.

The law states that a judge must be notified that surveillance has begun and that they must follow up with an application as soon as possible, not to exceed 72 hours. Not if they find anything, but for each "emergency" situation.

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.

It's pretty clear from this text that the intent of the 72 hour window is to obtain the authorization if it can not be obtained beforehand. The intent is not to give the Attorney General free reign to tap anyone he wants with or without cause for no longer than 72 hours. Do you think all 18,000 of these cases could be classified as "emergencies"? If so, where are the prosecutions that have resulted from these essential, emergencies?

I believe there is a provision in FISA during time of War (I do not know if that applies today) for up to 15 days to obtain a warrant after the fact. Bush failed to obey ANY provision of the FISA law!

Bush failed to obey ANY provision of the FISA law!

Let me guess, you have a shoe box underneath your bed that has undeniable proof that "Bush failed to obey ANY provision of the FISA law."

My point: how exactly would you know everything that happened? Can you bring forward proof or personal testimony on any of this? Are you an intelligence official who oversaw this collection project? Do you, COL, have access to secrets that we don't have?

All you can do is jump to conclusions based on what you read from newspeople and propagandists who have already jumped to their own conclusions. For crying out loud, let the investigation occur and wait for the results.

Until then you have absolutely nothing to stand on but conjecture.

Island Dog

Bush has stated publicly that he authorized the NSA to conduct wire taps WITHOUT obtaining the warrants required by FISA. What more proof do you want? Do you not accept the word of King George W?

FISA requires a warrant either prior to or within 72 hours in non war times or 15 days in time of war. Bush has stated he has authorized the NSA to conduct wire taps with NO Warrants. That is the issue. The 1978 law does not give the President the authority to wire tap without warrants. Judge Alito has stated that ALL people must obey the law. Then how does Bush justify not following the law that was created to control wire taps by the Federal government?

The provision in question is that Bush authorized the NSA to wire tap without the required warrants. I am not talking about the entire law JUST the Wire Taps without Warrants which is what has been taking place PER BUSH!

The issue is does Bush have the authority to ignore the FISA requirement to obtain a warrant for the NSA to wire tap? YES or NO!