The Independent Review Of NSA Surveillance Programs Is Not Exactly Independent

Reuters

Independent Review of NSA Surveillance Not Exactly 'Independent' -- The Atlantic

A panel of so-called independent experts appointed by President Obama to review the federal government's surveillance programs "has effectively been operating as an arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the NSA and all other U.S. spy efforts," according to a report from the Associated Press. They write:

The panel's advisers work in offices on loan from the DNI. Interview requests and press statements from the review panel are carefully coordinated through the DNI's press office. James Clapper, the intelligence director, exempted the panel from U.S. rules that require federal committees to conduct their business and their meetings in ways the public can observe. Its final report, when it's issued, will be submitted for White House approval before the public can read it.

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My Comment: It appears that the deck has been stacked for a positive review.