[bobsunshine]

And this is from the NY SUN;

This "without court order" was so clear that even President Carter, a Democrat not known for his vigilance in the war on terror, issued an executive order on May 23, 1979, stating, "Pursuant to Section 102(a)(1) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1802(a)), the Attorney General is authorized to approve electronic surveillance to acquire foreign intelligence information without a court order." He said, "without a court order."

Now, Section 1802 does impose some conditions, including that "there is no substantial likelihood that the surveillance will acquire the contents of any communication to which a United States person is a party." But the law defines "United States person" somewhat narrowly, so that it would not include illegal aliens or, arguably, those who fraudulently obtained legal status.

And if Section 1802 isn't enough, regard section 1811 of the same subchapter of the United States Code, "Authorization during time of war." It states, "Notwithstanding any other law, the President, through the Attorney General, may authorize electronic surveillance without a court order under this subchapter to acquire foreign intelligence information for a period not to exceed fifteen calendar days following a declaration of war by the Congress." Again, mark the phrase, "without a court order."

[lugsoul]

Have you heard the Administration claim that it is NOT using this surveillance program against US citizens or permanent residents?

You are just shilling disinformation. It is really sad.

[Peach]

President Bush also stressed that the NSA surveillance program is "limited" to those with "known al Qaeda ties and their affiliates." And he noted that one party in the wiretapped phone calls must be outside the country.

[lugsoul]

Why do you keep ducking the question? Are you that committed to confusing the issue? Are you getting paid to do this?

The provisions YOU cite say explicitly that they are not to be applied to the communications of "US persons" - US citizens and permanent residents. Period.

Yet somehow you want to argue that this law creates an exception that allows surveillance of US persons? Why? Under what provision?