From Bush's radio address today:
In the weeks following the terrorist attacks on our nation, I authorized the National Security Agency, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, to intercept the international communications of people with known links to Al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations. Before we intercept these communications, the government must have information that establishes a clear link to these terrorist networks.My interpretation:
This is a highly classified program that is crucial to our national security. Its purpose is to detect and prevent terrorist attacks against the United States, our friends and allies.
Yesterday, the existence of this secret program was revealed in media reports after being improperly provided to news organizations. As a result, our enemies have learned information they should not have.
And the unauthorized disclosure of this effort damages our national security and puts our citizens at risk. Revealing classified information is illegal, alerts our enemies and endangers our country.
Trust me. I'm the president and we don't need judges or courts to make sure I'm not violating the 4th Amendment. I decide these things! As Supreme Ruler, I mean President, I took an oath. Isn't that enough for you people? Look, my fingers aren't even crossed.[bang bang]
Now that the anti-war activists, I mean terrorists, know about this program, they may stop using the phone and other communication devices, and that sucks cause we can't find out what they're doing in our country. I mean, they may start using messenger pigeons and stuff now, and we can't intercept those as easily.
I don't know why you people are so angry that I told these guys they could spy on whichever American they decide might have some tie to Al Qaeda, without any checks by any other branch of government. I'm more upset that someone told on us. Why aren't you people outraged about that?!
Now I will use my presidential powers in the war on terror to halt the rebuttal by the Democrats.
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