"Compare the Constitution & the Bible for us Mr. President" (Wash Note)

January 31, 2006

President Bush: On 20 April 2004 States Must Get "A Court Order" Before Wiretapping Suspected Terrorists


In a speech in Buffalo, NY on April 20, 2004, Bush states that "a wiretap requires a court order." He goes on, "When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important to our fellow citizens to understand when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution."

Mr. President, square that with the nation now. You are implying that constitutional law requires you -- as President of the United States -- to secure a court order before wiretapping.

You said it. Plain as day.

How do we know when you are telling the truth to Americans -- on sacred matters dealing with the Constitution, presidential authority and its limits, and the system of checks and balances in this country?

Were you lying? Will you admit it? Or was this obfuscation, to give you the benefit of the doubt, permitted because we are in a so-called national security crisis and you are President?

Compare the Constitution and the Bible for us, Mr. President. I hate making this kind of comparison because I believe that the Constitution of this country is more sacred than the Bible, but I want to get on your turf Mr. President.

more at:
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/001215.php

mentioned the Patriot Act. Is there any way that he can point to that reference and say that the wiretapping he is doing now was a separate matter?