To the Editor:

I'd like to share something with all of you who believe that you can't trust the government now. (Fox News and Rush Limbaugh will inform you about it.)

The National Security Agency phone tracking program looks at nothing more than your calling record. It doesn't listen in on your personal conversations (unless there is threatening evidence of terrorism suspicion). That would be a total invasion of privacy.

This program is a very reasonable use of authority in a time of war. Tell me I'm wrong.

Then, please explain President Clinton's "Echelon" program, in which any e-mail you sent or any phone conversation you had would show up on the biggest global surveillance program.

Clinton demanded warrantless spying before Congress, saying, "The president has inherent authority to conduct warrantless physical searches."

You're all peachy with Clinton digging into your personal lives, but when Bush does way less than Clinton, it's an outrage. We weren't even at war then, but Bush is a Republican, a so-called liar, and a Bush. It's all delusions.

The government is doing this to save you from terrorist attacks.

How about more appreciation for our country? How about an excuse for Clinton's spying?

Nate Byrne

Crystal Lake