You may have heard both BellSouth and Verizon issued denials of their involvement in the NSA domestic spying program.  AT&T is the other one named in the USA Today story that broke last week about these companies giving the government wholesale access to their telephone system records, and they have yet to issue a clear denial of participation.  The administration itself has offered no such blanket denial or explanation.

Does this mean the story was false and the companies are not involved in what could only be described as a blatant disregard for our laws and rights?  It’s doubtful.

Why do I say that?  On May 5, and that date can be no coincidence in this regard, Bush signed a Presidential Memorandum granting the Director of National Intelligence, John Negroponte, the power to authorize companies to conceal activities related to national security (specifically, see 15 U.S.C. 78m(b)(3)(A)).

Essentially, Negroponte is now able to authorize companies to blatantly lie if the Administration deems it reasonable and necessary.  Given the track record of this president and his cronies, you’d be a fool to think that won’t be abused and utilized to cover up illegal activities.

So, are Verizon and BellSouth being sincere and honest in their denials?  Probably not, and now there’s no way we can ever be certain.