The major problem with Bush's defense of wiretapping

[bspence]

I just read this on http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10891443/">MSNBC.com:

“This program has been reviewed carefully by lawyers at the Department of Justice and other agencies,” Gonzales said on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity & Colmes.” “We firmly believe that this program is perfectly lawful. The president has the legal authority to authorize these kinds of programs.”

Isn't the law in our country decided by JUDGES? They find a couple of like-minded lawyers who agree with them, and then they do as they please!!! Lawyers may give their opinions on what is legal and what isn't, but ultimately it's left for our judges to decide.

This is the major fallacy with their argument! Why hasn't ONE Democrat or liberal spokesperson brought up this very valid point? If they have, it isn't getting reported.

[Loonman]

1. Execurive decides what is law in a monarchy or dictatorship

Et tu, Alberto?

[bluethruandthru]

2. I'm still waiting to hear exactly why Bush can't get approval

from the FISA court either before commencing spying on someone...or getting the approval up to three days later! If what he's doing is so righteous..why can't he get the proper approval? We all know it doesn't have anything to do with having to get info quickly..since he can get the appoval after the fact. So, what's the reason?

[bspence]

4. On Hardball

Some former FISA judge was on Hardball and he said that one of the reasons why they defend going around the FISA court is that there are just too many phone calls and e-mails being intercepted to be processed through the courts. This former FISA judge, however, said that provisions from the founding of the court in the late 70s allowed for certain types of "wide net" surveillance.

This is simply a case of the Bush administration doing whatever the hell it wants.

[ananda]

3. Also.

Isn't the law made by legislators and interpreted by judges.. not made and interpreted by the unilateral executive branch?

That's what Gore said, that the "unilateral" executive must be made accountable and subject to checks and balances... which it is not right now.

Sue

[Village Idiot]

5. It only makes sense, given that those lawyers who coached Alito...

... were the ones who interpreted the NSA program as "legal" to *.

Alit0 gives a 5 to 3 SC majority for the Naz.....er....I mean * admin.

[bspence]

6. Any suggestions where I could send this where it would do any good? n/t

[KansDem]

7. We have an "activist President"

Isn't the law in our country decided by JUDGES?

He decides what is legal and what isn't by "legislating from the Oval Office."