Show Me Your Package, Mr. President

U.S. says opens some private mail in terrorism fight

"U.S. officials can open personal mail arriving from abroad as part of the fight against terrorism, and do so when they deem it necessary to protect the country, a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman said on Monday.

"News of the little-known practice follows revelations that the government approved eavesdropping on U.S. citizens without judicial oversight after the September 11 attacks, which sparked concern from civil liberties advocates and some lawmakers who called for congressional hearings. "

Let's be perfectly clear on one thing, here: The government did not approve eavesdropping on U.S. citizens without judicial oversight. The Bush Administration approved it. When you say that the government approved these things, it indicates that Congress had a notion that this was going on and that proper checks and balances were observed.

They weren't, as indicated by the countless congressmen who were apalled to find out what was going on.