Live and Let Spy?

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Coulter's argument is not only misguided, it's misleading. But she is not alone. The problem of convoluted coverage of the issue has gotten so bad that Media Matters for America published a list of the 'Top 12 media myths and falsehoods on the Bush administration's spying scandal.' This mythology includes the idea that the courts would slow down anti-terrorism efforts (warrants could be issued up to 72 hours after the spying began) and the framing of the issue as something only Democrats care about.

The fact is, both Republicans and Democrats do care. Prominent Republican Sens. Arlen Specter, Lindsey Graham, and Dick Lugar have all expressed doubts about the legality of domestic spying. Sen. Lugar even has called for hearings on the issue. As his colleague Specter said, 'There is no doubt that this is inappropriate.'

Go there >>Top 12 Media Myths and Falsehoods on the Bush Administration's Spying Scandal

Go there too >>Bob Barr: The President Violated the Law

Related Links:

• William Safire: 'I'm With the Critics'
• Matt Goes Ga-Ga for Coulter
• Lugar Supports Investigation of Bush's Spying Program

Related Links from the Utne Archive:

• Civil Liberties Forecast
• Memo: U.S. Spy Agency Bugging Phones and E-Mail of Key Security Council Members

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