The Eavesdropping Kerfluffle

Late last week the New York Times ran a story discussing one of the techniques used by the administration to monitor potential terrorist activity. Since then it has come out that the story was released then in order to help sales of a book. Also, we have had Democratic and some Republican lawmakers foaming at the mouth over the revelation that the National Security Agency is listening to conversations between US citizens and people overseas with known ties to Al Qaeda. I'm not in Peoria but I'm close enough to be able to say the average person just isn't going to get all that worked up about this for a few reasons. First, 95% of Americans don't make any overseas calls let alone calls to Al Qaeda. Secondly, most of us couldn't care less about the possibility of them hearing what we say on the phone. We realize our conversations are not what they are looking for since my wife telling me to get milk at the grocery store isn't a big deal. But beyond the lack of individual concern is the fact that the administration has explained the need for this action well enough that even a reporter should be able to understand. Most people will understand that war is not like law enforcement. Prior to 9/11, the FBI's methods was one of investigating crimes after they have been committed. Now, it is clear that it is more important to stop the attack than to obtain the evidence in a manner which will hold up in our criminal favoring court system.

The administration must continue to beat the drum on this and the president needs to keep speaking directly to the American people. If explained frequently and clearly people will understand that the main offense here was the leak of this information.