The AP says it has obtained documents that contradict the testimony of Alberto Gonzales pertaining to the administration's terrorist surveillance program. I guess we'll see what, if anything, comes of this. Gonzales is standing by his testimony.
Whatever the truth or falsehood is behind the headlines and bits of information we receive regarding the Bush administration--and I doubt we'll ever know the full story--it is undeniable that the power of the State has grown and been concentrated under this presidency. The Patriot Act, the terrorist surveillance program, the Special Access Program all add to the power of the State, especially of the Executive Branch.
Defenders of these programs justify them on the grounds that we are at war with a new kind of enemy, and they have a point. Nevertheless, the continued growth and concentration of power of our government since the "War on Terror" began should concern us all regardless of our political persuasion or opinion on the current war. Because this war as defined has no end in sight, I fear that the State's power will only continue to grow, increasing the risk or corruption and temptation to tyranny.
Remember, the powers that the current president wields in the war on terror will be wielded (and very likely expanded upon) by every future president until the war ends (unless we get a program-cutting Ron Paul type). Does our system of elections guarantee that future leaders will be men or women of honor and integrity, who will use such power for our good and the good of others?
How George W. Bush uses and accumulates this power should concern us. How a future president (insert your worst fear here) will use this power should also concern us, and concern us right now. Right now we are setting the stage...
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