There is nothig earth shattering or even NEW in the disclosure of the existence of ECHELON. Pretending that reporting on ECHELON somehow lets terrorists know of it’s existence is completely laughable. The ONLY new item that was brought to light is that the FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which establishes a legal regime for "foreign intelligence" surveillance separate from ordinary law enforcement surveillance. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95- 511, 92 Stat. 1783 [codified as amended at 50 U.S.C. §§ 1801-1811, 1821-1829, 1841-1846, 1861-62].) was being used outside of the bounds drawn up for it, meaning without the required warrant, that as it stands, can be requested up to 72 hours AFTER the surveillance is enacted. That provision somehow seems to fly in the face of the statement that GW Bush has made saying that the surveillance was carried out without a warrant because there was no time to OBTAIN that warrant. Additionally, GW Bush also ignored the FISA requirement that information concerning the surveillance be submitted to the house and senate intelligence committees. (electronic surveillance must be certified by the Attorney General and then noticed to the Senate and House intelligence committees. § 1802(a)(2). A copy of the certification must be filed with the FISC, where it remains sealed unless (a) an application for a warrant with respect to it is filed, or (b) the legality of the surveillance is challenged in another federal district court under § 1806(f). § 1802(a)(3). Common carriers must assist in the surveillance and maintain its secrecy. § 1802(a)(4). )
For more on the history of ECHELON click "read More"
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CNN — President Bush’s approval ratings do not appear to have changed significantly, despite a number of recent speeches he’s given to shore up public support for the war in Iraq and its historic elections on Thursday. 
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