State Secrets Defense Rejected In Wiretapping Case 269
knifeyspooney writes in with an Ars Technica report that a federal judge has issued a strong rebuke to government lawyers attempting to invoke the "state secrets" defense to quash a lawsuit over warrantless wiretapping. This is not the high-profile case the EFF is bringing against the NSA; instead the case is being pursued by an Islamic charity that knows it had been wiretapped. "At times, a note of irritation crept into [Judge] Walker's even, judicial language. At one point, he described the government's argument as 'without merit,' and characterized another as 'circular.' He also seemed impatient with the Justice Department's refusal to provide any classified documents addressing Al Haramain's specific claims for review in chambers. 'It appears... that defendants believe they can prevent the court from taking any action under 1806(f) by simply declining to act,' wrote Walker."
Oblig. (Score:0, Funny)
whos next (Score:5, Funny)
Ok, let me get this straight... (Score:5, Funny)
... so first we have a president whose second name is Hussein, and now Muslims are bringing freedom to America?
Re:Is this the "charity" in question? (Score:5, Funny)
Why not? Wikipedia is infallible. It's not like just anyone can go and edit it.
Re:National Insecurity (Score:5, Funny)
No, don't you see?!? Terrorists are a forgetful bunch. If the courts order the feds to turn over their wiretaps, the terrorists are going to read the conversations they've had and will enact their dastardly, forgotten plans!
"Oh man! I totally forgot Osama wanted me to blow up that bridge! Thank you, NSA, for reminding me!"
It is essential for national security that we not release the tapes so the terrorists aren't reminded! We have to keep their plans secret from them! /joke
Re:Ok, let me get this straight... (Score:5, Funny)
I welcome Muslims to America, especially if they bring shawarmas and hashish.
Re:Ok, let me get this straight... (Score:2, Funny)
... so first we have a president whose second name is Hussein, and now Muslims are bringing freedom to America?
Oh, you're going all 1984 on us are you?
Well, let me tell you something, I won't fall for it! I've been educated by the boxes! The folks who yell on there tell me that War is Peace and brings Freedom. They tell me that wiretapping American citizens and violating their Fourth Amendment rights is to keep us free! They also say that Civil Liberties are for pinko Liberals who hate America and if you do nothing wrong then you have nothing worry about! Freedom of Speech is OK as long is doesn't criticize America! We are a Christian nation it says so in the Constitution and on our money - In God We Trust - there's your proof! We're at WAR! The Islamo-anti-Israel-fascists are out to destroy Freedom everywhere and we have to be spied upon to be free!
How dare you try to trick us with your educated elitist ways! Books? Hah! Get with the modern times and listen to the very wise men on Fox and AM radio!
Re:Is this the "charity" in question? (Score:5, Funny)
Fed 2: "Aren't they that outfit who collects used clothing for inner-city youths?"
Fed 1: "Yeah, but you know. Their names sounds terroristy, plus how else are we going to justify our budget to the intelligence committee?
Fed 2: "Crap. Well, go make a Wikipedia page about them. Make it real scary. Lotsa bad guys, and make the UN hate 'em too. And put 'Al Qaeda' in there too, for good measure."
Fed 1: "Man, if the boss finds out about this..."
Fed 2: "Chill out, man. We're omnipotent. We'll just tell CNN and Fox News to stay quiet and everybody will forget about it as the next news cycle rolls around."
Fed 1: "Good plan, chief. What could possibly go wrong?"
Re:Gnome users come from... (Score:3, Funny)
I assume this wasn't all invented by Shampoo by any chance?
Re:really? (Score:5, Funny)
George W. Bush:
Great president?
Or greatest president?
Ok, I'll put you down for "great'.
Re:National Insecurity (Score:5, Funny)
You know... it's always disturbing to me when my jokes get modded insightful, or when my serious posts get modded funny.
Re:Well? (Score:3, Funny)
You checked at Guantanamo on just why each of the prisoners there was imprisoned?
Dick Cheney, is that you?
Re:Consider the litigant (Score:4, Funny)
Yea, those Muslims keep getting preferential treatment these days. Damn them and their powerful lobby groups.
Re:National Insecurity (Score:5, Funny)
Was that meant to be sad world-weariness or wry irony? You need to be clearer! I don't know whether to mis-moderate you Funny or Insightful!
I believe you meant "misundermoderate."
Re:Is this the "charity" in question? (Score:3, Funny)
You can't go all "24" on someone just because.
That's a great turn of phrase. I'm sure Jack Bauer would get a kick out of it.