A couple of weeks ago, as a citizen of the State Of Kansas, I submitted my opinion to Sen. Pat Roberts, Intelligence Committee Chairman (there's plenty of jokes to go along with that, but I'll leave those to the commenters...) regarding the NSA Wiretapping developments.
As like most of the community here, I oppose it vehemently.
Sen. Roberts' e-mail reply is in the Extended.
Dear Mr. Xxxxxx:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the National Security Agency (NSA).
I appreciate your taking the time to write.
Recently, as a result of a breach of national security, the media
reported that the president has authorized the NSA to intercept
international communications of individuals believed to be linked to al
Qaeda. As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I have
been fully briefed on this program, and I find that it is consistent with
U.S. law and the Constitution.
It is important to remember that we are a nation at war. Those who
attacked our country on September 11, 2001 want to attack us again.
Responding to this direct threat, and reflecting his constitutional
responsibilities and authorities to protect the American people, the
president authorized a program intended to detect and prevent another
catastrophic terrorist attack on the United States.
As the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, with jurisdiction
and oversight responsibilities over the NSA and other intelligence
agencies, I understand the importance of protecting civil liberties. This
program is thoroughly reviewed for legality approximately every 45 days by
the Department of Justice and is monitored by the General Counsel and the
Inspector General of the NSA to ensure that civil liberties are being
protected.
Again, thank you for writing on such an important issue. I look forward
to your continued advice and counsel.
With every best wish,
Sincerely,
Pat Roberts
First, what does the leak have to do with anything? How can Republicans deflect the issue when their own credibility should be zero to none after Plame?
Second, invoking 9/11 is so cliche. Does he have to remind us that we're at war. Why did the President have to create a new program when one was already in place to "detect and prevent another catastrophic terrorist attack"?
Now, most importantly...who is overseeing this program every 45 days according to Sen. Roberts?
Office of General Counsel - DOJ
Rafael A. Madan...and...what are his professional activities...?
Key passage...
Professional Activities:
Federalist Society
National Lawyers Association
Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Virginia
Member, Vice-Chairman, Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (1989-present)
Republican National Hispanic Assembly (1990-1991)
I wonder if he's going to be biased?
So, what do you think of the Sen. Roberts response? It sounds like he's drinking the Kool-Aid.
I sincerely hope that there are consequences for his decisions on this matter. It's up to all Kansans to make that choice. Unfortunately, I don't think most of us are informed enough to make that decision.
Get informed: Kansas Democratic Party.