Bush to America: my corporate cronies more important than your security

by: Jay Stevens

Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 22:08:44 PM MST

One quick thought, here's what Bush had to say about the current fight over telecomm immunity and the FISA bill in Congress:

One of the most important tools we can give [law enforcement] is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning. Last year, the Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, the Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1. This means that if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger. The Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. The Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We have had ample time for debate. The time to act is now.

In short, if retroactive immunity for telecomm companies who helped the administration break the law and spy on Americans without warrants is denied in any FISA bill passed by Congress, Bush will endanger ongoing, legitimate terrorist investigations by vetoing it. Once again, Bush & co (yes, I mean you, Senator Rockefeller) demonstrate that they value the interests of their corporate cronies above everything else, including national security.

Kind of a nice symbol for the past 7 years, eh?