[Glamyclitlemi]

One of the great principles in the US Constitution is that of checks and balances, or the separation of powers. And we all know the result which stemmed from this inspired principle, that our government was divided into three branches of government, each branch having particular powers.

Now we have the executive brand and the legislative branch duking it out over the Presidents war powers. Did President Bush exceed the authority, rights and powers through his NSA wiretaps? No one knows for certain, so the debate is a worthy one.

As for me and my house, I say, “Tap away, President, tap away!”

I think it is the right thing to do on many levels. Civil libertarians are much more concerned with the potential violation of rights than they are concerned about allowing the President to do that right thing. That is an unbalanced perspective.

Well, Civil-Libertarian-Rights-At-All-Costs, I deserve the right to be protected from terrorists, and I take exception to your willingness to make it easier for terrorist to terrorize.

I doubt my rights have ever or will ever be threatened by allowing the President his wiretaps. At the same time, I most certainly have no doubts terrorist use phones to make their nefarious plans.

Therefore, I repeat my stance herein, “Tap away, President, tap away!”

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Senate target: Bush's war powers
In coming days, the Senate will ask tough questions about the Patriot Act and NSA wiretaps.

By Gail Russell Chaddock | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

WASHINGTON - Since 9/11, the Bush White House has moved aggressively to expand presidential power in wartime, at the expense of Congress. Until recently, the Republican-controlled Congress went along.

Even bipartisan concern that Samuel Alito would too enthusiastically support broad presidential powers was not enough to block his confirmation to the Supreme Court Tuesday.

But that deference may be ending. The Senate, especially, is gearing up to make the case that power between the executive and legislative branches is unbalanced.

Next week, the Senate begins the first hearings on the president's authorization of eavesdropping without a warrant.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0201/p...spo.html?s=hns