Bush Acknowledges Approving Eavesdropping…..A violation of federal law….

Jennifer Loven (Associated Press) reports that Pres. Bush has now publicly admitted that he personally authorized secret surveillance of US citizens. The admission breaks with Bush’s habit of denial and ambiguity.

Loven reports that, drawing on images of Franklin Roosevelt’s “fireside chats,” Bush defended his actions claiming:

"This authorization is a vital tool in our war against the terrorists. It is critical to saving American lives. The American people expect me to do everything in my power, under our laws and Constitution, to protect them and their civil liberties and that is exactly what I will continue to do as long as I am president of the United States."

What Bush doesn’t seem to get is everyone who abuses power justifies it by claiming that it’s done for the “common good.” If asked, Saddam Hussein would say the same thing.

The problem is there are laws against secret surveillance of US citizens, which, by definition, means it's not for the common good.

12/17/05