Seems to me that as the technology exists to do all that Amos refers to, there is nothing to stop them doing it all now, or no indications that they haven't done so in the past. It would only ever come to light if they tried to produce evidence acquired by such illiegal" methods before a court of law.

Kevin quoted a rather good poem about King Alfred in another thread. Here is one, by James Hogg, that sums up your (American) situation at present:

"Why dae ye smile? Noble Elliot of Lauriston,
Why does the joy candle gleam in yer eye?
Yer bold Border Ranger, beware o' yer danger
Yer foes are relentless, determined, and nigh."

The circumstances and occasion referred to in the poem centres round a large raid across the Anglo-Scots border by a large number of English riding families. Jock Elliot, knows that attack is imminent, but smile at the prospect because he has taken the necessary precautions to thwart the attack and protect his people.

In the UK, immediately after the IRA started it's mainland bombing campaign, anti-terrorist legislation was introduced, to counter terrorist attacks and to protect the public. At the time, they were decried as draconian infringements of our civil liberties by many. I personally at no time felt that my civil liberties were being abused. The biggest impact visually was the increase in litter - because litter bins were removed to prevent IRA terrorists from placing bombs in them.

Whatever ammendments are introduced by the current administration are, I am sure, not introduced vicariously, or as part of some great plot against the American people. They are being introduced to assist the efforts and efficiency of thosed tasked with your protection. If events prove that such measures are not necessary then they can be repealled, either by the current administration or its successor.