A grassroots non-partisan campaign has begun to lobby congress to block to nomination of General Michael Hayden as Director of the CIA.

General Michael V. Hayden is the creator of and primary defender for George Bush's illegal warrantless wiretapping program. Now Bush has nominated him to take over Porter Goss' position as Director of the CIA.

On January 23, 2006 Hayden was asked about spying on political enemies of the Bush administration "...are you targeting us and people who politically oppose the Bush government, the Bush administration? Not a fishing net, but are you targeting specifically political opponents of the Bush administration?". He looked at the questioner, did not answer and called on a different questioner. (National Press Club)

In his testimony on October 17, 2002 Hayden told a congressional committee investigating the 9/11 attacks that any surveillance of persons in the united states was done consistent with FISA. As thinkprogress.org reports, he was fully aware of the presidential order to conduct warrantless domestic spying issued the previous year.

These two incidents only scratch the surface of Haydens disregard for liberty, the constitution and human rights.

As the Bush administration ramps up the campaign promoting his nominee, a grassroots campaign (STOPHAYDEN.ORG) has been launched to counter these efforts. The web site is  http://www.stophayden.org

First Bush appointed Gonzalez (the originator of the justifications for torture and illegal imprisonment of those labeled enemy combatants). And now he wants to appoint Hayden (the creator of the program to illegaly spy on innocent Americans) to head the CIA.

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