The deficiencies reported by the IG are administrative issues. No information was used inappropriately. There were no instances sited where individual rights or liberties were infringed upon. In addition to identifying significant problems, the report discusses the effectiveness of the use of NSLs as a proven and useful tool in protecting the American citizenry from acts of terrorism. The report also concurs with the FBI that NSLs have contributed significantly to the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence missions.

     Put into context, if Congress takes steps to limit FBI NSL authority or diminish the PATRIOT Act, the only beneficiaries will be terrorists. Taking away or limiting important counterterrorism investigative tools makes us much more vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The responsible and sensible path of action for Congress is to ensure counterterrorism authorities are properly used. It would be inappropriate to diminish mechanisms and capabilities to protect our country.
     [Mark Levin read this excellent analysis on his Monday radio show. Scroll down on the page. The article appears below the first few columns.]