Will our Democrats that lined up to quell the threat to the Republic that was MoveOn do anything about this:
Three telecommunications companies have declined to tell Congress whether they gave U.S. intelligence agencies access to Americans’ phone and computer records without court orders, citing White House objections and national security.
Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell “formally invoked the state secrets privilege to prevent AT&T from either confirming or denying” any details about intelligence programs, AT&T general counsel Wayne Watts wrote in a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Qwest and Verizon also declined to answer, saying the federal government has prohibited them from providing information, discussing or referring to any classified intelligence activities.
Apparently in the New Order federal government = executive branch.
The last time I read the Federalist Papers I got the impression that Congress was actually a part of the federal government. In fact, it was supposed to be first among equals, if truth be told. In any other era this would be an awe inspiring power grab. It’s merely par for the course these days. Read the article, you’d never know there was a question about what they’re doing.
The Bush Administration will get away with this, because the Democrats won’t have the gumption to do anything about it. And their threats not to consider granting telecom immunity unless they get answers? Don’t hold your breath. The telecoms will get absolution. Even if they don’t, it won’t matter because Bush will use the state secret privilege to stop the lawsuits against them.
Here’s an idea, Congress. Abolish the state secrets privilege, or circumscribe it so that judges don’t just act as rubber stamps. Put it in the funding bill when you cave and fund Bush’s war for another 6 months. At least get something for our money.
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