Bush: Protect America, or at Least Its Telecom Companies
First we had "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Then came the Patriot Act. And now, President Bush has co-opted another vague term that's hard to argue with, emptied it of its intended significance, and altered it to mean "let big telecom companies that aided the administration in its dubious wiretapping activities off the hook." Yes, folks, this latest round of rhetorical gymnastics has brought us "the Protect America Act."
First we had “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Then came the Patriot Act. And now, President Bush has co-opted another vague term that’s hard to argue with, emptied it of its intended significance, and altered it to mean “let big telecom companies that aided the administration in its dubious wiretapping activities off the hook.” Yes, folks, this latest round of rhetorical gymnastics has brought us “the Protect America Act.”
AP via Huffington Post:
President Bush said Wednesday that he will not sign a new eavesdropping bill if it does not grant retroactive immunity to U.S. telecommunications companies that helped conduct electronic surveillance without court orders.
A proposed bill unveiled by Democrats on Tuesday does not include such a provision. Bush, appearing on the South Lawn as that measure was taken up in two House committees, said the measure is unacceptable for that and other reasons.
“Today the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees are considering a proposed bill that instead of making the Protect America Act permanent would take us backward,” the president said.
Bonus!: You, too, can learn more about the Protect America Act, thanks to this informative White House fact sheet.
’TIS THE REASON…You know the story. Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media. During this holiday season, you can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearth what's really happening- without compromise. Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.
As always, we wish you truth, reason and the best of the season!
He could get a third chance to form a government in a March election. A win would give him immunity on the corruption charges he faces.
On Thursday, the Vatican's top legal official pointed out that Pope Benedict XVI won't be implicated in any of the sex abuse cases currently under investigation, as he is technically a head of state. Also, the Vatican would like The New York Times to "reconsider its attack mode" regarding the pope.
Eliciting a cry from international and domestic human rights organizations, the Afghanistan government has passed a controversial law giving immunity from prosecution to Taliban fighters -- no matter their deeds -- who lay down their weapons.
We tearfully regret to inform you that an agreement that would legally extend the US imperial occupation of Iraq is at risk of falling apart, as Iraqi officials continue to make the audacious demand that U soldiers and mercenaries be subject to Iraqi law for crimes committed outside the scope of military operations.
Speaking to tribal leaders in Iraq's capital, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki pledged not to sign a deal with the US that didn't include a withdrawal date He also said he would not accept "absolute immunity for anybody, whether Iraqis or foreigners" That's a sticking point for the Bush administration, although a draft deal is said to include limited immunity for U soldiers, along with a pullout date of 2011.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.