Why won't the GOP give the telecoms their day in court?

The Supreme Court recently ruled that even detainees held in Gitmo have the right to a trial.

Why are the GOPhers blocking the many telecoms from clearing their good name?

The very same telecoms who participated in helping the Bush Administration spy without warrants.

Why?

be a partisan issue. Even Republicans agree *'s questionably legitimate regime is to blame. They just don't want to substitute the federal government as plaintiff, which would only transfer the liability to the taxpayer.

The FISA bill won't stop lawsuits from people who were actually spied on ... civil suits are not prohibited. But the telcos? They've been told that the information they were given is classified, hence the need for a FISA court finding that the transmission was in writing.

So the FISA bill will end up with a day in court. One day, with no windfall for attorneys. Sounds like a good deal, if you actually look at the details.

It's so frustrating when partisan interests get in the way of real progress. It's tempting to tune everything out - but the Senate floor debate has been illuminating.

...if I recall correctly, it was almost impossible for anyone to prove they were being spied on!

So, how could they sue if there was no proof, or if they were prevented from seeing the evidence against them?

I think that's against the very basics of American jurisprudence.

a little deeper, you'll see that the whole caper was exposed by one honest technician, who didn't like a wire going into a room he couldn't enter. That's kinda how the Watergate break in was uncovered ... a taped over door latch, remember? And a security guard who wondered why ...

So please, before railing against American jurisprudence, which is more British than anything else - understand that those who are damaged can seek compensation, but if the intelligence gathered did no harm ... then why should civil lawsuits go forward with the power of discovery - only to reveal what is, after all, our national security apparatus?

So, while the sentiment may be, get the bastards - if you actually heard the amendments debated as they were voted down, you'd understand that the GOP is motivated by fear and shame. I prefer that we use our opponents' weaknesses to our advantage, rather than squandering the opportunity seeking payback.

Gather up some links and whatnot, and explain that so others can better understand what happened.

I used to research for a living, so I avoid it whenever possible. But if you ever want support for a specific assertion I make, I'll be happy to find a proper source.