And you thought Patriot Act II was something! Spy chief wants expanded powers.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18046106/

WASHINGTON - President Bush’s spy chief is pushing to expand the government’s surveillance authority at the same time the administration is under attack for stretching its domestic eavesdropping powers.

National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell has circulated a draft bill that would expand the government’s powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, liberalizing how that law can be used.

McConnell, who took over the 16 U.S. spy agencies and their 100,000 employees less than three months ago, is signaling a more aggressive posture for his office and will lay out his broad priorities on Wednesday as part of a 100-day plan.

Critics question whether the changes are needed and worry about what the Bush administration has in store, given a rash of allegations about domestic surveillance and abuse of power. “Congress should certainly be very skeptical about proposals to give this government greater powers to spy on its own citizens,” said Caroline Fredrickson, the Washington legislative office director for the American Civil Liberties Union.

We're the laughing stock of the world. Trashing our own constitution for fear of the boogyman.

or will they do it anyway and lie about it like usual?

Seems to me they've been doing it anyway and were proud of it.. what changed? No idea, I see no details or elaboration in these reports at all.

Now who are we going to believe George Bush? Gates?

Or wise Ben Franklin?

I'll go with Ben, thank you.

to make it legal. Methinks they are worried about lawsuits. Deservedly.