''We cannot continue to operate in a system where the government takes steps to counter terrorism...without any regard for protection of lives, sources and legal methods,'' said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., who as intelligence chairman has been briefed extensively on the efforts.

In a letter, Roberts asked National Intelligence Director John Negroponte to order an assessment of damage caused by...the government's most classified programs. He said he was particularly interested in the impact of...the Bush administration's warrantless surveillance program and its program to monitor terror finances.

Minor editing to remove superfluous verbiage and emphasize the important points. We will get firmly behind Sen. Roberts and push for just such an investigation....as soon as he actually asks for it.