ACLU v. NSA Lawsuit Seeks End to Bush's Illegal Spying

		The ACLU is suing the NSA for violating the Constitution by illegally spying on innocent Americans. This spying without probable cause sends a chilling message to all of us that our conversations are not our own. Read more about the case and our clients. The fourth ACLU advertisement in a series calls for a stop to illegal spying. Demand action: Our system of checks and balances must be maintained if American democracy is to be preserved. Contact Congress today and call for the appointment of a special counsel. Dear T., For over eighty-five years the ACLU and its members have been there to stand up for freedom when our leaders disregard and defy the Constitution. We follow in that tradition today with the filing of ACLU v. NSA, a lawsuit seeking an end to the secret program of illegal electronic surveillance, authorized by President Bush. Our lawsuit claims that this spying program violates Americans' rights to free speech and privacy under the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution and that the president has exceeded the limits of executive authority under separation of powers principles. The suit was filed in federal district court in Michigan, on behalf of several prominent journalists, scholars, attorneys, and national nonprofit organizations (including the ACLU) who frequently communicate by phone and email with people in the Middle East. Though our president claims he can authorize warrantless spying on Americans, this surveillance program is illegal. The ACLU has launched an intensive effort to put an end to the program and restore lawfulness to government and law enforcement activities. In addition to the ACLU v. NSA lawsuit, we've launched a multi-channel ad campaign, a widespread call for congressional hearings, and are urging the appointment of a special counsel who can independently investigate the actions of this administration and prosecute any and all crimes committed. In the coming days, watch for news about our suit and other continuing efforts. Partisans in Washington have already been scrambling to undermine inquiries into the NSA scandal, but this lawsuit is grounded in our most basic American principles, and not driven by the tides of politics or spin. Please continue to stand with us. Look for our advertisements in print and on the Web. Join our call for a special counsel and urge your friends to do the same. Your support has been, and will continue to be, fundamental to our success. I'm never more proud to lead the ACLU than on days like today when we take the bold steps needed to preserve fundamental Constitutional principles. Through our actions, we will see that justice prevails. Sincerely, Anthony D. Romero Executive Director