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FBI Says Paper Trails Are Optional
WerewolfOfVulcan writes "According to this Washington Post article, the FBI says that it doesn't have to comply with even the unconstitutional provisions of the Patriot Act when asking for phone records. Apparently that whole due process thing doesn't include them. Funny thing is, they've apparently already been doing it for years." Quoting: "Under past procedures, agents sent 'exigent circumstances letters' to phone companies, seeking toll records by asserting there was an emergency. Then they were expected to issue a grand jury subpoena or a 'national security letter,' which legally authorized the collection after the fact. Agents often did not follow up with that paperwork, the inspector general's investigation found. The new instructions tell agents there is no need to follow up with national security letters or subpoenas. The agents are also told that... they may make requests orally, with no paperwork sent to phone companies. Such oral requests have been made over the years in terrorism and kidnapping cases, officials said."
You know, I am no fan of W. I voted for him the first time, but voted for Bendarak(sp) the last time.
However, statements like "current administration in general needs to stop wiping their ass with the Constitution!" just make me smile. I smile to keep from cussing.
Clinton did more to "wipe his ass" with the Constitution than W could get away with in his wildest dreams! He issued more "Executive Orders" than any other president, or about any GROUP of presidents (take a look at the "War and Emergency Powers Act" sometime). He told his AG to "find a way around the 4th Amendment".
Clinton was just more slick about it. They don't call him "Slick Willy" for nothing!
There is not a damn bit of difference between Republican and Democrat anymore. Just different sides of the same coin.
Vote Libertarian! If nothing else, at least it's different.