Controversy follows domestic spying program

Tunomukwathi Asino Asst Events Editor

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Attorney General Alberto Gonzales defended President Bush’s controversial domestic spying program at a senate judiciary committee hearing investigating President Bush’s policy on wiretapping.

According to CNN, Gonzales said, “The spying program is firmly grounded in the president’s constitutional authorities. T he Constitution charges the president with the primary responsibility for protecting the safety of all Americans, and the Constitution gives the president the authority necessary to fulfill this solemn duty.”

The wiretapping caused controversies because President George W. Bush did not get authorization from the special court that has been set up for Congress to approve domestic spying.

According to media reports, the program authorizes the National Security Agency to conduct electronic surveillance of communications between the United States and other countries.

Dr. James Hedtke, a professor of history and political science, said he did not want to give his opinion on whether the wiretapping was right or wrong. He would rather explain that the president had executive powers. Hedtke said that he feels that the court will say the president has executive powers, but there are laws that he has to follow. Until he can prove that there is a crisis, he has to follow the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Hedtke gave an example of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company versus Youngstown Sheet case. “Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company v. Sawyer established for the first time that limits exist in the exercise of the president’s inherent powers in seeking to safeguard the security of the nation. The president must first use existing law to safeguard security and can only turn to extraordinary measures if legislation proves futile,” Hedtke said.

Hedtke explained that for e lectronic media tapping, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act requires for a president to get an order from a special court within 72 hours. Hedtke said the court has rarely said no.

Danielle Murphy, a freshman psychology, sociology and religious studies major, said, “Anybody who has a problem with the wiretapping has something to hide.” Murphy said that she feels the president has to do what he has to do to secure the country.

Liz Lavin, a freshman English and communication major, does not support the wiretapping. “I don’t agree. Bush thinks he is above the law,” Lavin said. She said that the president should not be allowed to break the law.

Caitlin Jill, a freshman elementary education major, does not agree with the wiretapping. “But I feel that the president has

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Editorial Staff to do what he has to do to keep us safe, as long as they are not listening to random citizens,” Jill said.

Jennifer Bell, a freshman mathematics major, supports the NSAwiretapping. “I feel that his spying program was put in place to ensure the safety of our country. I feel that his plan is clearly justified and in the interest of U.S. citizens,” Bell said. Bell thinks that President Bush’s plan may be somewhat unethical, but in reality, he is just looking to protect every individual in America.

Senators briefed by administration officials about the surveillance termed the information inadequate, and called for more investigation of the eavesdropping. Critics, who include Republican and Democratic lawmakers, have contended that the president’s authorization of the surveillance, which began shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, violated federal laws that require the government to obtain special warrants for any domestic spying.

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