The FBI's statement was a blatant use of empty language. They claimed to use "logical investigative steps" to determine if a crime was committed. That statement could mean almost anything, from obtaining a warrant to track a specific terrorist to implementing sweeping wiretaps on every phone in the United States. The FBI's response was so vague it was hardly a response at all. The FBI should be specific in their policies -- not hide their wrongdoings behind the veil of national security.

"In any case where the records of a private person are sought, they may only be obtained through established legal process."

Puh-leeze! Established when and overseen by whom? This is b.s. in the extreme. There has been one lie after another about this program - we're supposed to believe them now? I don't think so. Congress should be cutting the funding for all of these spy programs until the administration & its minions fully comply with oversight and the law.

Well obviously a crime was committed when they leaked the name of a CIA operative so let's review Dick Cheneys, Scooter Libby's, Karl Rove and George Bushes phone records to prosecutors of Scooter Libby.

Right. And we should assume, without any evidence either way, that their actions are illegal and immoral? It seems like the next question is an obvious one: FBI - what do you mean by "established legal process?" If phone records were obtained for private individuals (e.g., ABC News reporters), were warrants issued? If not, why not?

Mr. Ross - your move.

Oh, come on, Justin! You need to TRUST the Bush administration! Just trust them -- they know exactly what they're doing, and you don't need to worry your poor little head none, you silly citizen.

Learn your place, and you'll do just fine. Get all uppity and talk about your "rights," try to find out what's going on, and... well... ask ABC News what will happen.

The bottom line is the FBI allows itself to be a tool of politicians to go after political enemies. The FBI needs real oversight. Civilian oversight that has real teeth. There are countless examples of them going after political targets to achieve political ends.

Sounds just like something our good ole PM Tony Blair - or one of his party's ministers - would (often does) spout at the nearest press op... You think our incumbent parties are sharing the same copy of Government for Dummies?

According to "G",

"Well obviously a crime was committed when they leaked the name of a CIA operative"

Um, sorry, it's not "obvious" that a crime was committed; no one has been indicted for the alleged outing. Get informed -- it's the least you can do.

"...so let's review Dick Cheneys, Scooter Libby's, Karl Rove and George Bushes phone records to prosecutors of Scooter Libby."

Um, how do you know they haven't?