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Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano plans to kill a program begun by the Bush administration that would use U.S. spy satellites for domestic security and law enforcement. Why? She consulted with state and local law enforcement officials and learned that they had far more pressing priorities than using satellites to collect information and eavesdrop on people. As you can imagine, the decision is causing a stir on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Jane Harman, a California Democrat and House homeland security committee member had this to say about Napolitano’s bold move: “I thought this was just an invitation to huge mischief. It shows real leadership on the part of Janet Napolitano.” Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., had this to say: “If it is true, it’s a very big mistake. This is definitely a step back in the war on terror.” What do you all think about this? Would this be a step back in the war on terror? Or was a prudent decision based on real feedback – it sounds like state and local law enforcement was not even using the data? We welcome all thoughts and feedback.

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Yesterday, the NY Times broke a story about how the National Security Agency (NSA) has been intercepting private e-mail messages and phone calls of Americans in recent months — on a scale that went beyond legal limits set by Congress. Several intelligence officials and lawyers briefed on the matter said that the NSA had been engaging in “overcollection.” Within a matter of hours after this story broke, the Justice Department issued a statement saying that it has basically taken care of the problem.

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