What President Bush said was that he had authorized wiretaps that were not submitted to FISA, either before or after the fact. He has stated that this authority was given to him under the declaration of war on Iraq. There is some dispute about that, particularly from Tom Dashle, former Senate Majority Leader.

This thread has been discussing whether or not we believe Mr. Bush did something illegal. Also, whether or not it is ok, given the times that he authorized wiretaps on people without following the letter of the law.

I can understand both points of view. From my perspective (which is only my perspective), I believe that we have courts which were put there to preserve a balance of power in the United States government. I count myself as a patriotic American, someone who loves, supports and defends my country. I also believe that, as an American, I have a right to free speech (as does everyone else) by virture of the first amendment: "Congress shall mkae no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

I have neither something to hide nor am I looking for an excuse to attack our leaders. Nor do I fear surveillance. I object to surveillance which is not authorized by a court according to the laws of this country. And that is true for me whether or not we are at war. And I understand there are those who don't agree with me on that point.

I am also not attacking my country. This is a great country with great people. For over 200 years we've had changes of power with only one major civil war. And we are still together. How amazing is that!

I also don't know where any insults have occurred. I'll go back over my statements, but I don't believe I have insulted anyone, including Mr. Bush.