The Hayden Hearings

I listened to a bunch this morning, and I think Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) made some of the best points. He basically got Gen. Hayden to admit that the White House broke the law (specifically, the National Security Act of 1947) by not informing all members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees (until yesterday, that is) about the full scope of the NSA wiretapping program. He also dug up some of Hayden's previous quotes from earlier appearances before the committee, and wondered why we should take his word when the other statements appeared to be utter falsehoods. Finally, Wyden showed how there was no independent oversight of this program (Hayden could only come up with the NSA general counsel when asked who holds oversight)

Patsy Roberts, the Chairman, then jumped in and said "I've been briefed about this program 13 times and I'M INDEPENDENT!"

OK Pat. Sure. Have a seat.

Reuters picked up on Wyden's tough questioning.

This guy should not be able to get away with "I'm not a lawyer" or "I was just following the orders from the President." There's a serious issue as to legality and to his character (not to mention his understanding of the Fourth Amendment).