Bush & Nixon

Dear editor:

Ever since 9/11 President Bush has claimed that everything that he does is “crucial to our national security,” including eavesdropping on U.S. citizens on American soil without the benefit of permission from the special FISA court, as required by law. He is quite blunt in his intentions when he states, “I will continue to do this as long as I am president of the United States.” His belief is that as President and Commander-in-Chief he is authorized to do whatever he deems necessary to protect our freedoms. That notion is nothing more than a repetition of thoughts by the only US President forced to resign his office, Richard M. Nixon, who stated, “When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.” Mr. Nixon learned otherwise, and so should Mr. Bush.

Perhaps Mr. Bush should pay more attention to the words of the respected newsman, Edward R. Murrow, who memorably told us, “We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”