The Imperial President and the NSA Spying Scandal

by Jack Random

“The American people expect me to do everything in my power under our laws and Constitution to protect them and their civil liberties.”

-- George W. Bush, Radio Address 12/17/05

The Facts: Created in 1952, the National Security Agency (NSA) was charged with eavesdropping and surveillance of foreign adversaries. In 1978, confronted with the excesses of the Nixon administration, Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, establishing a secret court for legal review and authorization of surveillance on citizens within the United States.

The Admission: The president personally authorized by executive order domestic spying by the NSA without a warrant or judicial review.

The Claim: All targets were Al Qaeda related.

The Crime: Bypassing legal review and, thereby, circumventing congressional mandate.

The Excuse: In the wake of 9-11, intelligence agencies cannot be delayed by procedural red tape.

We have heard the opening salvos in a scandal that proceeds directly from the Oval Office and every thinking person must ask: Has there ever been a clearer example of executive arrogance, abuse and mendacity? Reminiscent of the Iran-Contra affair, the president has employed the imperial power of the White House to overrule the law of the land.

“Trust me,” the president seems to continuously implore but no president (with the possible exception of Dick Nixon) has proven himself less worthy of trust than George W. Bush.