"We tried to come up with a technique that would not require legislation," said Clint Brooks, advisor to the director of the National Security Agency,
Another ominous, foreboding quote.
I think this neither ominous nor foreboding. This statement was apparent within a week or so of the original announcement. The only thing new about it is that it confirms what I've thought for over a month: that the executive branch is trying to do an end run around the legislature. I was quite happy to see this, since now we can argue from this position not on the basis of surmise, but of quotation. This single quotation will be enormously useful in getting the legislature to take specific and bill-oriented action about the wiretap chips. In the checks and balance system, the legislature makes laws; the executive makes them happen. The executive is not supposed to go charging off and making de facto legislation. I would recommend that this quotation be spread far and wide. Put it in .signature blocks. Call for a return of the checks and balances system of government. Eric