Why do telecom companies need protection in the FISA legislation?....What were they collecting?

[marmar]

I certainly hope the truth of all this comes out......And I hope we as a nation can handle it if it does.

[Bitwit1234]

1. I think that's what they want to keep secret also.

Just what the heck they were collecting.

[kurth]

2. It's a state secret

and when the monkey says "state secret", everybody says "yes, sir" and shuts up.

[annabanana]

3. Everything, apparently.

Most of it illegally.

[JDPriestly]

4. It is bizarre that they don't want us to know.

Many people say, "I don't have anything to hide so I don't care." How can they know that if they don't know what is information is being collected?

[tekisui]

6. And, if the telecom's have nothing to hide,

why fight for immunity?

[JDPriestly]

11. Precisely.

[havocmom]

5. Yes, if everything is OK like the junta says, why the need for protection

Gee, ya think maybe things aren't on the up & up? ;)

I do take it as a good sign that they want retro-active protection for what they participated in. Says to me that they aren't sure the junta is gonna keep control of the government and there may be a time of come-uppance not too far off.

[RogueBandit]

7. The President directed them

The President directed them to illegally spy on Americans. He knew and they knew it was illegal. Now they want to not be held responsible. Just like a mob, of the criminal type.

[robinlynne]

8. I read recently that under the FISA law ONE (or EACH) illegal wiretap is prosecutable by

5 years in prison plus a 5,000 fine. CAn you imageine how many illegal wiretaps these people did? And too if they are guilty, Bush, and his people may also be found guilty. So of course immunity is everything to him!

[spanone]

9. it does beg the question

[L. Coyote]

10. My source said ALL communications were routed outside the USA to circumvent the law

We know Bush admitted illegal spying on US citizens. The extent is not admitted. The Rs want to make this issue evaporate because it threatens to expose Bush's crimes. There are already 40 lawsuits.