Tags for This Article:

Freedom (1272)  Domestic Surveillance-Wiretapping (301)  ACLU (180)  Domestic Spying (159)  FISA (87)  Constitutional Crisis (63)  Fourth Amendment (32)  Duopoly (12) 

Populum Tag Cloud
       Control Panel
Fine tune your search to access content
Articles
Diaries Products
Events All
All time
Last 6 mos
Last month
Last week
Last 24 hrs
From:
Month  Day   Year

To:
Month  Day   Year
Alphabet
Popularity
Count ON
Count OFF
This Level
Sub-levels

 

 

 

Tag(s): ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Add to My Group
June 19, 2008 at 22:21:10

Headlined on 6/19/08:
Duopoly Expands Spy Powers; Grants Telcos Immunity

by Rady Ananda     Page 1 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

 

Tell A Friend

View Ratings | Rate It  

Our corporate-sponsored Congress further shreds the Bill of Rights by expanding the government's power to spy on us, and grants immunity to the phone companies that have been criminally cooperating with BushCo's illegal domestic spying program over the past several years.  In a vote expected shortly, the FISA protections of the past 30 years will be gutted. 


Image found at http://www.truthawaits.com/boycott_the_war.html 

Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU's Washington Legislative Office, reports:

"Congress is poised to once again pass disastrous surveillance legislation, now upping the ante with a thinly-veiled giveaway to some major campaign donors.

"This bill allows for mass and untargeted surveillance of Americans' communications. The court review is mere window-dressing – all the court would look at is the procedures for the year-long dragnet and not at the who, what and why of the spying. Even this superficial court review has a gaping loophole – 'exigent' circumstances can short cut even this perfunctory oversight since any delay in the onset of spying meets the test and by definition going to the court would cause at least a minimal pause. Worse yet, if the court denies an order for any reason, the government is allowed to continue surveillance throughout the appeals process, thereby rendering the role of the judiciary meaningless. In the end, there is no one to answer to; a court review without power is no court review at all.

"The Hoyer/Bush surveillance deal was clearly written with the telephone companies and internet providers at the table and for their benefit. They wanted immunity, and this bill gives it to them.

"The telecom companies simply have to produce a piece of paper we already know exists, resulting in immediate dismissal. That's not accountability. Loopholes and judicial theater don't do our Fourth Amendment rights justice. In the end, this is politics. This bill does nothing to keep Americans safe and is a constitutional farce.

"The process by which this deal has come about has been as secretive as the warrantless wiretapping program it is seeking to legitimize. While members and organizations who would seek to fiercely protect the civil liberties of Americans have been denied a seat at the table, one wonders how present the powerful telecom lobby has been.

"Leadership should be leading to protect the Constitution, not bowing to pressure from Republicans, the White House, and the telecommunications companies.

"The ACLU is asking Congress, as the final minutes tick by, to stand up and do the right thing."

The ACLU asks you call your Members of Congress immediately and lodge your objection.  Word on the wire is that Senator Patrick Leahy will filibuster the vote, which provides Americans with some extra time to take action.

FISA Background

In a 19-page report (sans exhibits) entitled, History Repeated: The Dangers of Domestic Spying by Federal Law Enforcement, the ACLU provides a history of federal abuse of power, warning that "we have once again entered into an era of unwarranted surveillance and harassment...." 

Beginning with a brief comment starting with the 1950s, the report first focuses on the harassment and surveillance endured by American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and describes how University of California president, Clark Kerr's career was deliberately destroyed by the FBI for exercising his First Amendment rights in a way that was critical of federal police agencies. 

Based on an investigation led by Senator Frank Church, the FBI's egregious assault on US citizens was cataloged, and is highlighted in this report. His report prompted Congress to enact protections and guidelines soon to be overturned in Congress' new gutless FISA bill. 

History Repeated also provides a legislative history, revealing how John Ashcroft, serving as Attorney General in 2002, gutted the 1976 Guidelines on General Crimes, Racketeering Enterprise and Terrorism Enterprise Investigation. The monetary history is also detailed, showing that BushCo doubled the funding for domestic spying from 2001 to 2006, while the annual number of terrorist prosecutions declined by two-thirds since 2002. It notes that all prosecutions have declined since 2001. 

Instead of worrying about terrorism or high crimes by this administration, the FBI has focused in recent years on peace groups, environmental and animal rights activities (lions and tigers and bears, oh my!), feminists, and feeding-the-homeless activists who suggest our government spend its funds on "Food Not Bombs."   

 1  |  2

 

In 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews. All material offered here is the property of Rady Ananda, copyright 2006, 2007, 2008. Permission is granted to repost, with proper attribution including the original link. In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Tell the truth anyway. Sign this petition: http://www.electiondefensealliance.org/ny_levers_petition

Contact Author
Contact Editor
View Other Articles by Author

 

Bookmark this page: (what's this?)

NETSCAPE      DIGG THIS      Add This Page to Mr Wong!           NEWSVINE      DEl.ICIO.US      Looksmart Furl      My Web      Tag!RawSugar      Blink List     (More...)
Comments: Expand   Shrink   Hide  
19 comments

August Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.
August AdamsAugust Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.

The Democrats are WORSE then the Republicans

Excellent article, the political cartoon in your article really says it all.  They are all part of the one party system.  The Democrats are touting this as a bill that is "much better" then the Senate bill.  Not for the people that were spied on.  Not for the PEOPLE.  Not for the rights of Americans.

It is amazing.  The democrats have done nothing but further destroy the rights of the common man.  They are part of the one party "MONEY" system.  

This bill gives the telecom companies exactly what they want - immunity through a back door expressway.

People 0 - Corporations - EVERYTHING

Really, enough is enough.  So tell me again - what kind of change are we going to get in November?  If you believe we have to just keep waiting patiently - then you are not mad enough.

Do SOMETHING! 

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 442 comments) on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:59:19 PM
 


Masters degree in social work. Activist 40 years worth. Favorite quote, "we had to destroy the city to save it" hobbies taxedermy,music,saving souls and respirating
robert braunsteinMasters degree in social work. Activist 40 years worth. Favorite quote, "we had to destroy the city to save it" hobbies taxedermy,music,saving souls and respirating

listening

 I think it is wonderful that our government is interested in what Americans think and talk about. I'm sure they are merely fishing for new ideas. They are aware that the ones they are kicking around are passe. When the president looked into Putin's eyes he saw Kgb tactics in the little weasel. They will never compete dffectively with the gaspacho either. It is no small wonder that they listen to us,they got nothing else to do. What sounds like gaspacho and policed the german people in the late thirties?

 

by robert braunstein (26 articles, 0 quicklinks, 13 diaries, 98 comments) on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:08:13 PM
 



Wolfie

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED

The one party that operates our congress and executive has confirmed

that they are an amalgam of hate, criminality, and repression.

Bush and everybody else are murderers, torturers, and thugs.

We have lost our freedom. We have lost our country. We have

lost our way.

by Wolfie (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 32 diaries, 1189 comments) on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:29:11 PM
 



Wolfie

RANDY IS DANDY

Celebrate, celebrate, dance to THEIR music. We are the three doggies in

the night. Sunspots are gone, so we might as well vote Republican and buy

Hell-aburton stock.

I want our great and glorious government to give amnesty to any one with 

a wealth over five million dollars. It is only right. It is only fair that if you

wish to find fault of the rulers then you will next expect them to pay

for their share of the commonwealth.

Ha , ha, ha , and woofity woof! 

 

by Wolfie (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 32 diaries, 1189 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 1:11:27 AM
 


Charlie Levenson is a writer and activist in Portland, Oregon. In addition to serving as the Manager of Electronic Communications for a social/athletic club in Portland, he instructs in Digital Media at Portland State University, consults on communications strategy, and occasionally writes/directs videos.
Charlie LCharlie Levenson is a writer and activist in Portland, Oregon. In addition to serving as the Manager of Electronic Communications for a social/athletic club in Portland, he instructs in Digital Media at Portland State University, consults on communications strategy, and occasionally writes/directs videos.

The One-Party System

I have always argued that the Democrats were a bit better than the Rethuglicans and that we had to support them.

If this bill passes in a Democratically-controlled House and split Senate, where the Dems could EASILY stop it from passing and let NO bill go forth, rather than this despicable one, I will have to re-think my support of the Dems AT ALL.

If they are TRYING to drive progressives from the party, they are doing a great job of it.

by Charlie L (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 677 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 1:12:00 AM
 


In 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Rady AnandaIn 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Breaking: Duopoly PASSES spy bill; protects telcos

House Approves Spy Bill Protecting Phone Firms 20 Jun 2008 House passes surveillance bill --The 'Compromise' allows for expansion of government powers -- wiretapping with out warrants in 'emergency' situations' -- and for telecom immunity for 'past and future' cooperation with the US government.

News reader: http://www.legitgov.org/

by Rady Ananda (112 articles, 262 quicklinks, 31 diaries, 904 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 12:45:23 PM
 


concerned citizen of planet earth
erik mouseconcerned citizen of planet earth

It's not immunity for the Telecoms at all

Sure Verizon, AT&T et al are big campaign contributors and have ginormous lobbying armies but the infatic quest for immunity is not about them.  It's about setting president so that those who ordered the illegal wiretaps can not be prosecuted.  By saying the Telecoms did not break the law they are creating the basis for their own defense.  But don't fear my little liberal lambs there is still hope for accountability here.  First, remember and repeat - ex post facto.  And second, remember Joe Nacchio.  He was the CEO of Quest, the only Telecom that refused to comply with the illegal taps.  He has stated in a number of interviews that the request first came to him in FEBRUARY of 2001 - 7 months BEFORE 911.  Now here is the important part boys and girls, the proposed new law of capitulation provides immunity for requests made as a result of the events of 911.  We need congress to do their jobs and get people on the witness stand.  And engage inherent contempt already!  I want to see a 500 fold increase in congressional guard - with tasers and brown sound cannons damnit!

by erik mouse (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 106 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 7:42:13 AM
 


In 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Rady AnandaIn 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Time to heat the tar & pluck the chickens

Congress ignores us because we do not hold them to account, the way the populace has always held tyrants to account.

Our own rich history of publicly flogging public officials, tarring and feathering them, and sometimes chasing them off the territory at the point of muskets is what public officials recognize as true authority - that which is naturally invested in We the People.

And when that stopped working, we revolted - kicking them out permanently.

 

by Rady Ananda (112 articles, 262 quicklinks, 31 diaries, 904 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 1:46:44 PM
 



Wolfie

REVOLUTION IS CHANGE.

Change of mind. Change of will. Change of thought. Change of

enlightenment. Change of viewpoint. Change of heart. Change of

acceptance. Change with growth. Change with desire. Change with

meaning. Change with deliberation. Change of your acquaintances. Change

the way your child is taught. Change the channels of communication.

Change our lives.

by Wolfie (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 32 diaries, 1189 comments) on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:48:10 PM
 


I'm an anti-civilizationist and election boycott advocate in San Diego. For reasons not to vote in faith-based elections with secret vote counts for candidates you cannot hold accountable if they fail to represent you, check out the discussions, articles, and videos on my website http://noinnovember.ning.com
Mark E. SmithI'm an anti-civilizationist and election boycott advocate in San Diego. For reasons not to vote in faith-based elections with secret vote counts for candidates you cannot hold accountable if they fail to represent you, check out the discussions, articles, and videos on my website http://noinnovember.ning.com

I heard Obama voted for it also.

 

This is getting so tedious. Whine, whine, complain, complain, but in the end, go out and vote for them.

Here's the pledge for No in November:

The United States government has refused to ensure free, fair, honest, transparent elections, and has ignored clear, regular and widespread evidence of election fraud and deception--the political parties and candidates ask for my vote but cannot ensure that my vote is counted. Once elected, officials no longer take my vote into consideration and cannot be held accountable, so my vote is not a voice in government and therefore not a true vote.

The United States government is comprised of a President who is in breach of his Presidential oath and of legislators and officials who have passed unlawful and unconstitutional bills and who have placed themselves above the law.

I reaffirm the final authority of the people to grant or to withhold the mandate to govern or enact laws in our name and I withdraw my vote from these compromised and discredited elections. I do not delegate power to any representative to govern or enact laws in my name. I do not consent to unjust government in which I have no voice.

I am voting instead for true government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and to this end I pledge to work with everyone who joins this petition to establish citizen ownership of transparent, participatory democracy.

You can sign the pledge here.

Here is where you can learn more with links to places where you can discuss it.

We don't need a revolution. All we need to do is to stop delegating our power to people we cannot hold accountable.

If there is even a slightly lower voter turnout in the November election than there was in the primaries, it will send a clear message to the world that we want change and that we see no hope of change within the current system.

Thank you for an excellent article, Rady. Once they have our mandate, they do as they darned well please. Being able to vote in rigged elections every few years has no relation to being able to hold representatives accountable.

Washington DC: Gone Phishing

It is if we reported identity theft to the proper authorities and they told us, "Thank you for reporting this. Unfortunately, the law says that we have to allow the thief to continue to use your credit cards and bank account for two to six years before we can act. At that time you may file another report, but until then you must pay for any debts that they run up."

We need to protect our national treasury at least as well as identity theft laws protect our credit cards. And the thieves who have been robbing us blind are not going to do it for us.

 

by Mark E. Smith (21 articles, 30 quicklinks, 100 diaries, 1325 comments) on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 3:24:58 AM
 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am retired after working 33 years as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration, and I am a card-carrying member of the ACLU.
Blaine KinseyABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am retired after working 33 years as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration, and I am a card-carrying member of the ACLU.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH

I read your thoughtful article before submitting my most recent article about FISA and the sad demise of the rule of law.  Having followed  this issue closely since December 2005, I am depressed by the prospect that the terrorists in the Bush Administration (including The Decider) probably will never be held accountable for their crimes.  However, some of my nerves are still twitching.

by Blaine Kinsey (9 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 33 comments) on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 9:56:53 PM
 


In 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Rady AnandaIn 2004, Rady Ananda joined the growing community of citizen journalists. Focused mainly on elections, her blogs also address religious, gender, sexual and racial equality, as well as environmental issues; and are sprinkled with book and film reviews on various topics. She spent most of her working life as a legal investigator for private lawyers, and five years as an editor. She currently serves as a senior editor at OpEdNews.

All material offered here is the property of Rady A...

to see more of bio, click on member name

thx - here's one link to this story

In NSA Domestic Surveillance Began 7 Months Before 9/11, Convicted Qwest CEO Claims Ryan Singel writes on October 11, 2007:

Did the NSA's massive call records database program pre-date the terrorist attacks of 9/11?That startling allegation is in court documents released this week which show that former Qwest CEO Joseph Nacchio -- the head of the only company known to have turned down the NSA's requests for Americans' phone records -- tried, unsuccessfully, to argue just that in his defense against insider trading charges.

Nacchio was sentenced to 6 years in prison in 2007 after being found guilty of illegally selling shares based on insider information that the company's fortunes were declining.  Nacchio unsuccessfully attempted to defend himself by arguing that he actually expected Qwest's 2001 earnings to be higher because of secret NSA contracts, which, he contends, were denied by the NSA after he declined in a February 27, 2001 meeting to give the NSA customer calling records, court documents released this week show.    

by Rady Ananda (112 articles, 262 quicklinks, 31 diaries, 904 comments) on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 5:04:01 PM
 

 

19 comments

 

Tell A Friend

 


Copyright © OpEdNews, 2002-2008

Blog Ads

 

 

 

 

Most Popular Articles
in the Last 2 Days
(by Recommend Emails)

Obama Must Appoint a Consumer Protectionist as FDA Commissioner by Stephen Fox

Documentation on Sarah Palin's IQ, Academic Record, and Job Performance Posted by Stephen Fox

Bailout Fraud: Does the bailout pass the smell test? by Paul Craig Roberts

Resignation letter from the McCain Palin Campaign by Robyn Crane

BREAKING: Florida Dems Told to Vote by Phone by Rady Ananda

Aries Full Moon October 14, 2008 by C.L. Pagano

What you should know about Barack Obama by miles mathis

On Naomi Wolf's Sounding the Alarm by Dr. Dennis Loo

Johnstown, PA McCain-Palin rally, view it and weep for America by Ed Tubbs

This is Your Nation on White Privilege Posted by Siv O'Neall

Go To Top 50 Most Popular