US Senate Votes Immunity For Telecoms

Ktistec Machine writes to let us know that the telecom companies are one step closer to getting off the hook for their illegal collusion with the US government. Today the US Senate passed, by a filibuster-proof majority of 67 to 31, a revised FISA bill that grants retroactive immunity to the telecommunications companies that helped the government illegally tap American network traffic. If passed by both houses and signed by the President, this would effectively put an end to the many lawsuits against these companies (about 40 have been filed). The House version of the bill does not presently contain an immunity provision. President Bush has said he will veto any such bill that reaches his desk without the grant of immunity. We've discussed the progress of the immunity provision repeatedly.

Re:Stunned

[veganboyjosh]

One of these days I'll be going "I told you so!".

That'll stop the downmodding, for certain.

Re:Who voted for it?

[Belial6]

"Worth noting: Barack Obama voted against telco immunity. Hillary Clinton couldn't be bothered to show up."

That is because she is the candidate with experience. This is just part of her "Comprehensive Government Reform" [hillaryclinton.com] agenda. Clearly she abstained from the vote as a way to show how she is going to change government, since voting against the telco immunity simply wasn't on the table.

Re:protest? chance of stopping this?

[UnknowingFool]

Protest marches don't work when the media is controlled.

That's why I like old school solutions. Marching with pitchforks and torches. Looting and pillaging every Starbucks on the way. Ah, I miss the old country.

Re:Stunned

[Anonymous Coward]

You seem pretty sure of yourself for someone who hasn't read the secret annexes to Directive 51.

Re:Stunned

[KDR_11k]

but you don't even HAVE a sig!