the trouble with spying and secrecy

[Andrew Fletcher]

I personally don’t have trouble with the idea that some things should be kept secret from the American people during a time of war. Obviously, when you are trying to destroy an organization like al Qaeda that seeks to kill Americans, it is better not to let everyone know what you’re doing at all times. That’s why we live in a representative democracy as opposed to a rule by referendum. Most people aren’t qualified to make the decisions about how war should be waged.

The trouble with what the Bush Administration has done is the process and justification they are giving for are keeping these things secret from the American people. While it appears that Congressional leaders were briefed, that does not change the facts of the situation. The Bush Administration used the power of the state to spy on people without going through the clear process that is required by the legislative branch. I don’t care if a few members of the legislative branch were informed or not—they still decided to spy on people without getting it approved by judges. That’s illegal, no matter how you look at it.

Unlike many people who are upset, I’m actually open to the idea that the President might have to break the law in order to protect the country. We don’t live in a perfect world and sometimes quick actions are required. However, that is what the presidential pardon is for. If President Bush had to spy on people without warrants, I think it would be ok in certain circumstances. However, I’m only ok with it if the President is transparent with the American people after the crises has passed and makes it publicly clear that violating the constitution was an exception, not a rule.

The trouble with the Bush Administration is that they believe violating laws passed by the legislative branch is a prerogative of the presidency. Ultimately, the executive has the right to suspend whatever laws they deem necessary. Bush and his people want an imperial presidency, unrestrained by either the legislative or judicial branch. To me, this is terrifying.