Bush - "We're not trolling"

via CNN:

AT&T, Verizon and BellSouth telephone companies began turning over records of tens of millions of their customers' phone calls to the NSA program shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, USA Today reported, citing anonymous sources it said had direct knowledge of the arrangement.

The telephone companies on Thursday declined to comment on national security matters, and would say only that they are assisting government agencies in accordance with the law.

"We have been in full compliance with the law and we are committed to our customers' privacy," said Bob Varettoni, a spokesman for Verizon.

The White House defended its overall eavesdropping program and said no domestic surveillance is conducted without court approval.

The White House has claimed to get court orders in the past:

When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so.

only to find out they were pulling our legs. You're credibility on protecting civil liberties, Mr. President, is non existent!

Flash