Bush says feds can open mail without warrant
`President Bush quietly has claimed sweeping new powers to open Americans’ mail without a judge’s warrant.
Bush asserted the new authority Dec. 20 after signing legislation that overhauls some postal regulations. He then issued a “signing statement” that declared his right to open mail under emergency conditions, contrary to existing law and contradicting the bill he had just signed, according to experts who have reviewed it.
A White House spokeswoman disputed claims that the move gives Bush any new powers, saying the Constitution allows such searches.’
January 5th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
“He then issued a “signing statement” that declared his right to open mail under emergency conditions …”
Well, if this statement is literally true, then that’s good news – maybe if he’s so busy opening people’s mail he’ll forget to send another 20,000 troops to Iraq.
January 5th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I’ve read a bit about those signing statements. Previous US presidents have apparently vetoed many laws during their terms. Bush Jr. hasn’t vetoed any, but he’s invented [or hijacked] this signing statement business just so he can attach statements that basically nullify the laws, even though he’s technically passing the law by signing it.
Crazy. 🙂