As for Chertoff? He's a bushie shill. One Reichstadt wasn't enough... so they are laying the foreshadowing for another one

I think it went down the drain like Bush's plan to trick America into believing Terrorist plans are "being planned" as we live our lives in fear.

Interestingly the vocal opponents to the efforts made to infiltrate and eliminate terrorists threat (those that have posted here) are from Canada and Tennesee. If the CANADIANS would put in some type of effort, we wouldn't have to keep catching the terrorists attempting to cross over from Canada to the US!

But – since that isn't likely to happen and since the Democratic-lead congress is more interested in "hearings" than getting the job done of passing meaningful legislation, I'm tuning up the guitar for this nations soon-to-be new national anthem (kumbaya).

This isn't fear mongering, this is called protecting the citizens in a POST 9-11 world and as for our forefathers who I do respect, as well as the country that I proudly served 6 years for, these times are very different than what was envisioned many years ago.

I believe England and Scotland and others have cameras EVERYWHERE and those cameras helped capture some dirtbags recently.

Are they trampling on their peoples rights or are they just simply protecting them?

We adapt or DIE.

1) Let's allow them to keep training at our Aviation Schools.

2) Let's let the "enemy combatants" at Gitmo to have 3 square meals, 8+ hours sleep, refrain from any derogatory remarks about their religion, and give access them access to our courts and by-pass a military tribunal.

3) Sure – Mr Terrorist – use US cell phone satellites, US Internet access, and we'll just look the other way.

I know you’re bent on death and destruction of America, having attacked us many times (USS Cole, World Trade Center bombings, US Embassies overseas, Twin Towers, etc) but perhaps if we just stop being so intrusive into your conversations – you’ll leave us alone.

Uh huh – it’s ALL just fear mongering. These terrorists really are nice people – just misunderstood. Let’s hold hands and sing a healing song… Nancy and Harry, lead us off here…… kumm byyyy yaaaaaaaa

This makes absolutely no sense. What does "modern technology" have to do with obtaining a warrant? Under current FISA laws you can begin surveillance IMMEDIATELY and obtain a warrant within 72 hours retroactively if need be. Why would this need to be changed? If the NSA is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Americans that they have to spy on, then they should hire more personnel and perhaps more FISA judges. I know oversight of any kind is an anathema to this administration, but they cannot just do away with laws to protect the civil liberties of Americans simply by crying "Terrah!!!"

"Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff told CNN this month that the United States has seen increased activity by al Qaeda and knows al Qaeda wants to launch an attack on the United States. "

Ok, well I guess after 6 years of constant fearmongering, I am just a little skeptical at this point. If they are expecting terror attacks, why are they talking to the media about it? I suspect they are trying to enact lesiglation that would attempt to render the past 5 years of law breaking moot. Don't let them get away with it congress. I wouldn't enact a damn thing until I found out the entire scope of the CURRENT warrantless wiretapping program.

If this was used for any purpose other than what it is intended for I would be as upset as you fine "people" from CA.

I know, I know, your rights are being trampled on and you will not be able to openly talk to your friends in Iran, Iraq, Syria etc, etc,I apologize for the government and I also apologize for those buildings getting in the way of the planes.

There are routers that connect every country these days. So saying they'll only intercept traffic that reaches US routers is false because ALL traffic goes through Echelon.

It must be so convenient to have your privilidges. Are you connected to CNN Top Brass? Just wondering since the rest of us are required to include our Name, City and State before our comments will be posted. And I thought that famous line, "It's Who You Know...... was just Hype! But apparently it's true!