This topic is posted earlier in the General Forum but it's getting very little attention there - so maybe it's in the wrong forum - so I'm re-posting it here hoping that DU'rs will find this the most compelling issue facing our system of governance, as much as it is an issue of Constitution rights protected by the Bill of Rights and demanding immediate attention.
Will the Democratic Party (leadership and rank and file) step up to the plate right this minute and demand that the media and everyone else understand what is going on and what this means to every single citizen?
Will DU help take the lead on this issue? Does anyone here care?
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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x599975Democratic chairman of Intel committee says canceling NSA hearings mistake
RAW STORY
Published: March 7, 2006
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence rejected a proposal by Vice Chairman Sen. John D. Rockefeller to conduct a Congressional review of the NSA warrantless spying program Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement released by Rockefeller's office to RAW STORY, a single line stands out: “As one of the few members of Congress who have been briefed on this program, I can honestly say the worst mistake we could make at this juncture is to legislate or attempt to amend FISA without having all the facts.”
“Today was an important day. There was a lot at stake for our country and all Americans, but my Republican colleagues would prefer to operate in the dark.
“Without knowing all the facts, I fear that any proposed legislation could have the unintended effect of jeopardizing the potential effectiveness of the program, while at the same time granting the President unfettered authority.
“Make no mistake about it, this program has the potential to be a valuable tool in the war on terror. But, it has to be done within the law, it has to have proper congressional oversight and it has to withstand judicial scrutiny.
“Last week, I spent six and half hours at the NSA going over the answers to 450 legal and operational questions I submitted. It was important for me to gain a more complete knowledge of the program and it was important for me to share with my colleagues the relevant questions we should be answering.
“As one of the few members of Congress who have been briefed on this program, I can honestly say the worst mistake we could make at this juncture is to legislate or attempt to amend FISA without having all the facts.”
http://rawstory.com/news/2006/Democratic_chairman_of_co... .................................
Senate panel rejects bid for NSA inquiry By David Morgan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republicans on Tuesday agreed to expand oversight of President George W. Bush's domestic spying program but rejected Democratic pressure for a broad inquiry into eavesdropping on U.S. citizens.
Sen. Pat Roberts (news, bio, voting record) of Kansas, Republican chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said the committee voted to create a new seven-member subcommittee that would scrutinize the eavesdropping under a plan approved by the White House.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060308/pl_nm/security_eave... 
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