The Daily Collegian editorial on the National Security Agency wiretapping program lacks a vital ingredient: factual proof or assertions of theories that justify the Board of Opinion's contention that the program was illegal ("Alberto Gonzales: Executive fails to explain need for spying," Feb. 9).

The board probably knows the program was examined by executive branch lawyers and determined to be lawful, though many political points have been made by the democratic caucus arguing (without substance) that it is illegal. This is not a simple question; even many laws that Congress passes prove to be illegal once the Supreme Court takes a look at them. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act probably would not withstand that scrutiny because it attempts to limit powers that are granted to the executive branch by the Constitution. I'm sure the board is not entirely surprised that the president's rivals in Congress are attempting to usurp his legitimate powers. That's been going on for some 200 years by politicians on both sides of the aisle.

Complicated issues such as this one deserve far more depth of analysis than this sophomoric editorial provides; and stating opinions, without evidence, theory or even expertise, mostly just serves to showcase inexperience and naivete.