Bush Admin. opening mail without a warrant, How is that Constitutional?

Question

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/485561p-408789c.html


Or are we just over the Fourth Amendment now?

Answer 1

It isn't. But the American people havelet him get away with warrentless wiretaps and other electronic spying, with keeping files on millions of Americans, with torture, denial of due process, etc.

So e figures he can get away with it. And given the lack of outrage on the part of the public so far, it looks like he's right.

Don't count on having any civil rights in ten years--because at the rate things are going, you won't.

Answer 2

Because the President made a "Signing Statement"... which ANY President can do and have done... which can make something "illegal" legal. Just as Clinton issued a signing statement to assasinate Osama bin Laden when it is stated law that assasination is illegal for the government. SO, it is constitutional until the Supreme Court of the United States of America declares it unconstitutional.

In his statement Bush said he will "construe" an exception, "which provides for opening of an item of a class of mail otherwise sealed against inspection in a manner consistent ... with the need to conduct searches in exigent circumstances."

Bush cited as examples the need to "protect human life and safety against hazardous materials and the need for physical searches specifically authorized by law for foreign intelligence collection."

As someone else here pointed out... similar procedures were in place during World War II.

Answer 3

When Bush took the oath of office he replaced Constitution, with signing statement

Go big Red Go

Answer 4

Why am I not surprised that "Abu" believes in breaking the constitution? or the destruction of civil liberties. Abu's only defense is to put down the source like a good Hannity follower. Unbelievable!


(watch how ABU will report me like he has done for all my answers)

Answer 5

private mail systems such as fedex, ups, etc. have always reserved the right to open any package they feel is a threat regardless of a search warrant. why do you think so many drug dealers use usps to get their drugs into the country? its about time the govt followed suit with the rest of the world. isn't that what you dems have been screaming about? being more like the rest of the world?

Answer 6

So what?

What makes someone or anyone think that the President who doesn't even read the daily intelligence briefing addressed to him, will read someone else's personal mail! ?

Answer 7

short answer: the patriot act, worst law in American history, and it wasn't even read by the ones who ratified it.

long answer: under the patriot act, the govt can essentially open mail, tap into phones, enter your home, and search your body cavities without a warrant. this is all legal if they state that they thought that you can be a threat to national security aka. a possible terrorist, which allows them to do anything to you, even lock you up indefinatly, without a trial. it is an unfortunate situation, and hopefully the new democratic congress will do something about it.

Answer 8

It isn't but when did that ever stop him, think of it this guy can read the mail of political rivals and use it against them, all in the name of terror. It just isn't right, the more I learn about this man the worse I feel about allowing him to steal the 2000 election.

Answer 9

The oversight committee is checking into it

Answer 10

Because Bush said so, and apparantly he thinks that his title gives him absolute power, and his supporters agree.