If they want to restore trust, they don't need this panel.
The safest, most prudent thing at this point? Replace the leadership at the NSA with one who hasn't already lied to us, have the new leadership fully brief Congress, and have the Supreme Court review intelligence programs and activities.
Not as a punitive measure, simply to assess the true state of affairs and restore trust in the agency and in the government.
If Congress and the Supreme Court are still satisfied with the programs -- if agency activities are found to be truly necessary, and within the bounds of the law and constitution, they get to continue -- no harm no foul.
If on the other hand the administration won't replace the leaders, and won't place the programs in front of the Supreme Court, well, there's only one way to interpret that: the programs and activities must be illegal, unconstitutional and embarrassing to the government.
Re: Get rid of the liars, then use our "checks & balances"
If they want to restore trust, they don't need this panel.
The safest, most prudent thing at this point? Replace the leadership at the NSA with one who hasn't already lied to us, have the new leadership fully brief Congress, and have the Supreme Court review intelligence programs and activities.
Not as a punitive measure, simply to assess the true state of affairs and restore trust in the agency and in the government.
If Congress and the Supreme Court are still satisfied with the programs -- if agency activities are found to be truly necessary, and within the bounds of the law and constitution, they get to continue -- no harm no foul.
If on the other hand the administration won't replace the leaders, and won't place the programs in front of the Supreme Court, well, there's only one way to interpret that: the programs and activities must be illegal, unconstitutional and embarrassing to the government.
No mistake at all
Hmm. What are the odds this was just a slip up?
Getting to scoop up all of Wasingtion DC's thought, feelings, hopes, dreams and alligences during a critical election year.
The NSA is just too smart for that to be a mistake.