Bush's war on terror

This uproar over Bush's use of the NSA to listen in to communications between parties (U.S. citizens or not) with al Qaeda connections is a legal one. Does Bush have the authority to O.K. these or not? As we consider whether or not Bush is on some J. Edgar Hoover like escapade, we should keep in mind what the Congressional reaction to 9/11 was. On Sept. 14, 2001, Congress unanimously declared that ``the president has authority under the Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism,'' and authorized ``all necessary and appropriate force'' against those involved in 9/11 or threatening future attacks.
Now I guess the question becomes one of whether or not Bush's use of intelligence methods to listen to certain conversations was necessary and appropriate. That is an argument the President should welcome.