Report: Phone companies to get immunity from spy lawsuits

[EV_Ares]

Reuters reports that U.S. phone companies would be given immunity from lawsuits for helping the government eavesdrop on Americans under a compromise nearing approval in the House.

"We're very close to having an agreement" on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), said House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer. A vote could come Friday, and congressional aides and a lobbyist told Reuters it probably will pass overwhelmingly. The Senate is expected to concur, clearing the way for President Bush's signature.

Bush, his Republican allies and the telephone companies have insisted on retroactive protection for participating in the president's warrantless surveillance program after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The Hill also says an agreement is near.

Link: http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/06/report-phone-co.html

[ixion]

1. stories like this are so disheartening...

:(

[liberal N proud]

2. America is gone

There is no justice in this land when criminals such as the bu$h regime are allowed to perpetrate these crimes and others without any retribution.

They have sold democracy and the American way and for what?

[Blarch]

3. immunity from what ?

OOOOhhhhhh....

The crimes against the constitution.

[ColbertWatcher]

4. But, is retro-active immunity legal?

Can't this be overturned?

Can't people sue anyways?

I say take the bastards to court anyway.

[KharmaTrain]

5. Obama Can And Needs To Shut This Down...NOW

He can tell Hoyer and Rockafeller not to move any telcom/FISA legislation until AFTER the election. The issue is too politically charged and this bill won't have much affect on this current regime but will on a future one...thus let the next President be the one who determines where this sell-out goes. If the Blue Dogs don't like it, they can go pound sand...and any Democrat who tries to push any time of immunity should be put on notice NOW that they're being watched...not just by the telcoms, but by the public as well.

Looks like we'll be back on the phones again soon trying to shut this crap down once again. For those who keep harping about Pelosi being the problem, here's a textbook case where Hoyer's "leadership" shows its hand...the same one that really keeps impeachment off the table.

[Terry_M]

10. I don't think Obama will get into the middle of this mess...

And if he doesn't it's because of a lack of spine.

[Imagevision]

6. Just another tool put in play for Bushco not being investigated

[RandiFan1290]

7. Y'all must have a bad memory!

Don't you remember the democrats 2005 promise that if they were elected they would continue the failed policies of the Bush criminals? They are just obeying their constituents.

:sarcasm:


Great job, Nancy and Steny!

[tritsofme]

8. Sounds like the compromise was, "give us everything we want"

as usual.

[Terry_M]

9. Goddamned useless bastards.

We need to stop voting for them. This is a big and important step in forgiving this administration....

[mdmc]

11. one corporate party with two right wings

But lets just blame Nader:woohoo: