Pre-9/11 wiretap bid is alleged

Why is this a surprise to anyone?

A former Qwest Communications International executive, appealing a conviction for insider trading, has alleged that the government withdrew a $200-million contract after Qwest refused to participate in an unidentified National Security Agency program that the company's top lawyer said was illegal.

Nacchio's account, which places the NSA proposal at a meeting on Feb. 27, 2001, suggests that the Bush administration was seeking to enlist telecommunications firms in programs without court oversight before the terrorist attacks. The Sept. 11 attacks have been cited by the government as the main impetus for its warrantless surveillance efforts.

More here.

Same church different pew...

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/04/70619