We don't know their thinking in the decisions. We do know Qwest's thinking. Just because the other three companies went along with it doesn't necessarily mean that they thought it was legal. At least we know that Qwest didn't think it was legal - therefore it was not a clear-cut lawful thing as your post suggested.
The only reason this issue is being discussed is because our media are fundamental dishonest. Shameful. We should send journalists to jail. This bullshit has gotten out of hand ...
All we know is what Qwest gave publicly as a reason. It's entirely possible they had other reasons, from fear of the public backlash that is now occurring to political opposition among senior management to the administration. As cautious as telco managements tend to be, I seriously doubt the other three companies would have gone along if they had any doubts as to the legality of their actions. But I could easily be wrong. I haven't researched the issue myself. I'm sure there will be endless discussions of it in the media, and hopefully the legal issues will be fleshed out.
The mantra all along from this administration has been that during a time of war, that the executive branch can do whatever it wants in the name of national security, without the approval of congress. Essentially, they have been saying, don't pay too close attention to what we are doing....just trust us. I think this is exactly what the founding fathers were afraid of, as a situation like this makes abuse of power so easily actualized. Whether or not we know of the legalities with certainty, or who will eventually decide what is legal (it hardly seems right that the attorney general of a particular administration would be the one to decide what is legal), you will have to admit that this administration is exceptionally secretive in nature, and mostly unwilling to work with the congress. One of Murtah's complaints about Bush Jr. was his unwillingness to keep the congress informed about the Iraq war. Murtah commented that Bush Sr. met with congressional leaders weekly to keep them informed (something Bush Jr. has refused to do) and Bush Sr. listened to their comments and reactions, but did what he wanted. At least he listened to different points of view. Honestly AAA, does this administration really seem interested in a balance of power between the three branches of government, with proper over-sites in place? I think in the beginning, the American people gave Bush a pass, thinking that he meant well, so it really didn't matter what he has done. As time has gone by, and Bush has lost the faith of many, even within his own party, he is being held to the proper scrutiny....and we will see over time what really has been happening. If you subscribe to power corrupting, then the 90% approval rating and type of adulation and support Bush received post 9/11, it is not too much of a stretch to think this administration abused their power in their over zealousness. Even if their intentions are 100% pure (which I doubt, given human nature) we still need for a strong republic to have a balance of power between the 3 branches of government, and we also need the fourth branch of government, which is a free press that can keep the people properly informed.
No, just distrust the media. Seems you need to put words in other's mouth to manufacture your issue out of thin air. Small time Z ....