6/6 News

McCain compounds wiretapping problem

A recent statement from the McCain campaign asserted McCain’s often-criticized view that Bush’s warrantless-wiretapping was lawful, bringing the hopeful President even closer to Bush’s executive power grabs.

The advisor, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, posted in the National Review that Bush’s authorization of NSA international and email monitoring was within the bounds of the Constitution. “Neither the administration nor the telecoms need apologize for actions that most people, except for the A.C.L.U. and trial lawyers, understand were constitutional and appropriate in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”

The criticism has compounded because in a Boston Globe interview six months ago, McCain stated he would obey the 1978 statute requiring a warrant for spying.

NY Times

Democrats may back down on FISA

House Democrats may be ready to compromise on last year’s controversial FISA bill. A version including retroactive immunity for telecom companies managed to pass in the Senate but was stalled until winter recess by the House.

Recently House Intelligence Committee chair Silvestre Reyes said he was “fine” with the wording proposed by Senate Republicans that allows immunity.

The ACLU has responded quickly, stating “Congress should remember that the majority of Americans are against unwarranted and warrantless surveillance.”

Raw Story

Congress passed $3 trillion budget

Congress passed a $3 trillion budget yesterday, which included modest increases in domestic programs but was criticized for piling on the national debt. It’s the first budget passed in an election year since 2000, Democrat Steny Hower proclaims the first budget passed in an election year since 2000 “a demonstration of our ability to govern effectively.”

Republicans attacked the Democrats for loading onto Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. “We shouldn’t be doing this to our children” says Rep. Paul Ryan.

Budget Committee Chairman John M. Spratt defended the budget. “President Bush told the country we could have it all: guns, butter and tax cuts, too, and never mind the deficits. It takes a long time to turn this battleship around, but that’s what we do in this budget.”

Washington Post

New poll reveals Iran diplomacy is favorable

A recent Public Agenda poll reports that nearly 50% of Americans say diplomacy with Iran is the best solution to the “current situation.” That’s a nearly 15% increase since last fall. The poll also reports that a mere 7% favor military action.

Think Progress