Davis, a former special counsel to President Bill Clinton and friend of President George W. Bush, served on the first board, which was established in 2004 upon the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, and through that experience he learned the value of having an independent oversight body advising the government on matters of terrorism and civil liberties.

 

“While I cannot disclose details, I can say that I was immensely impressed by the multiple levels of checks and balances, supervision and concern, about compromising the privacy rights and civil liberties of American citizens by those responsible for conducting the TSP (Terrorist Surveillance Program),” writes Davis.

 

He argues there is “nothing inconsistent between a strong antiterrorism position and protection of civil liberties.” Unfortunately, though, President Barack Obama has yet to appoint any members to the oversight board, causing the body to languish.

Members of Congress have called upon the White House to act, and Davis seconds this notion.

 

“I hope and expect Obama—despite all the other items on his crowded agenda — will heed these words from leaders of both parties and expedite the appointment of a new Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board,” he concludes.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Time to Restore the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (by Lanny Davis, The Hill)