WaPo "analysis" piece on NSA spying

Interesting and worth a read, the Wapo has an analysis piece on the NSA spying. Unsurprisingly, the congressional briefings, whose content is in dispute, were carried out by Cheney.

And just a little historical framework that's bound to be brought out by the Bush supporters. There is a significant history of presidents overstepping normal bounds within "wartime", although these examples were all done within the public's sight. The defense would go something like, "well, this isn't nearly as bad as..."

The Sedition Acts. 1798 - John Adams, gave the president the ability to imprison or deport "aliens" or US Citizens who criticized the government. 1 alien deported, 10 convicted of sedition.

1861 - Abraham Lincoln passed a number of laws and policies during the Civil War which were restrictive, declaring Marshall Law and suspending Habeus Corpus.

1918 - The Espionage and Sedition Acts passed by Wilson were used to raid the homes, seize the assets, and imprison administration critics.

WWII - The internment of Japanese Americans, which was also authorized by Executive Order justified by a "war president."

If you want to learn more about Governmental Abuse of Power, visit your local library.

But don't check anything out, or you'll go on the list. It's up to 80,000 and counting.

(Note: I use the wikipedia entries because they're quick and easy. If you're really interested in any of this, do some looking to find more vetted and thorough histories.)