Illegal stuff just fine in Bush's world

Illegal intelligence activities can't be criticized anymore according to Bush:

WASHINGTON - Almost 32 years to the day after President Ford created an independent Intelligence Oversight Board made up of private citizens with top-level clearances to ferret out illegal spying activities, President Bush issued an executive order that stripped the board of much of its authority.

The White House did not say why it was necessary to change the rules governing the board when it issued Bush's order late last month. But critics say Bush's order is consistent with a pattern of steps by the administration that have systematically scaled back Watergate-era intelligence reforms.

Before Bush's change, the Board was required to refer apparently illegal activities to the Justice Department for prosecution. Now, they are not allowed to make such referrals. Of course, this may not make much practical difference, since Bush has ordered the Justice Department not to prosecute anything (except Democrats) anyway.