Protecting Civil and Privacy Rights
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In "A Law Terrorism Outran" [op-ed, May 21], National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell claimed that the Bush administration merely wants to modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. But the administration's proposal would allow the National Security Agency to listen to millions of Americans' phone calls without warrants, even those who have no contact with terrorists. It is broadly worded enough to allow the government to obtain the content of all international calls and e-mails of Americans.
His reference to technological changes since 1978 also misleadingly obscured the fact that Congress has repeatedly updated FISA at the administration's request, including USA Patriot Act changes making it easier to get wiretap warrants. But the administration secretly violated it anyway.
If the administration really wants to address a glitch caused by rerouting calls to the United States between foreigners abroad, it would endorse a bill introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). Their measure would fix this while reiterating the warrant requirement for Americans' communications and helping to restore the rule of law. That bill would "protect the civil and privacy rights of our citizens," as McConnell says he intends. The administration's proposal would not.
LISA GRAVES
Deputy Director
Center for National Security Studies
Washington
