On Thursday June 19, 2008, leaders of Congress and the White House reached an agreement to approved telco amnesty, legalize and then expand President Bush’s Secret Spy Program. All citizens should know that when the bill is enacted, your email, website, phone calls and any other digital communication will be unprotected.

Who will have access to this information and for what purposes?  How will it be protected?  How long will it be until this sweeping new power is abused?  What precedent does giving immunity to corporations who collaborated with illegal government activities set?  After all, I stick to my cell phone agreement.  Shouldn’t they?

With legal action pending against major telecommunications companies, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt said courts will make the call but predicted, “The lawsuits will be dismissed.” FERRARO, Thomas (2008), Spy bill to shield phone companies from lawsuits, Reuters, [19 June 2008]

“I think the White House got a better deal than even they had hoped to get,” said Senator Christopher S. Bond, Republican of Missouri, who led the negotiations. LICHBLAU, Eric (2008), Deal Is Struck to Overhaul Wiretap Law, The New York Times, [20 June 2008]

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