The Crux of the Domestic Spying Scandal

I don't know why so many people bury the following. I found it deep in Juan Cole's post of today:

In fact, with all its powers, it is hard for the Federal government to point to any successful domestic investigation and prosecution of al-Qaeda-type terrorists in the US.

So, why spy?

(Oh, dumb question.)

As with the big expose of the Homeland Security Department in the WaPo, it does not seem as if the Bush Administration can do anything right (except put $$$$ into their friends pockets.)