The NSA telephone records controversy is a political scandal that erupted in the United States on May 11, 2006, when it was revealed that President George W. Bush had been using the NSA to collect data on the phone calls of millions of ordinary American citizens since 2001. The revelation is seen by many to be a sign of eroding civil liberties in America and one of the first steps down the road of dictatorship.

The Revelation

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On May 11, 2006, it was leaked to the press that President Bush had, through the NSA, been collecting the telephone records of millions of ordinary American citizens. Since 2001, the National Security has enlisted the help of AT&T, BellSouth, and Verizon to monitor civilian calling. Of the nation's four major telephone companies, only Qwest refused to turn over its information. George W. Bush administration controversies