Bush's Spying Ability

The White House and Congress are trying to come up with an agreement on a domestic spying bill. President Bush wants to expand his power by being able to spy on Americans without a court order. I think it’s a successful element for protecting our nation’s security, but it still needs to guard our civil liberties. Many of the provisions could be a threat to the Bill of Rights. The White House wants to undermine the power of the courts by enforcing a spying program, and have it legally protect the telecommunication companies who helped in the spying act; its Bush’s warrantless wiretapping operation. Bush defended himself by claiming it was a time for fast action. Even if he was under pressure for time, that still does not give him the right to not abide by the rules of the Constitution; his powers do not surpass the law of unreasonable searches and seizures. However, an amendment was made that took away the court’s approval for spying, but that expires in August. Bush now wants protection against the telecommunication companies that helped him because the lawsuits against them could seek out private information. I think if they give immunity to these companies then its sends out the message that spying is an acceptable, legal act. I think they should resolve this problem exactly how they would resolve all other cases which means the lawsuits should be able to proceed. I do agree that is does reduce judicial review as well because it gives the executive too much power if they can spy without a warrant or cause.