I don’t like the fact that my cell phone provider is in on this. What if I’m having a conversation, and it’s abot some of my political beliefs (they aren’t mainstream) and I’m getting listen apon by some Government thug, and he doesn’t like what I’m saying. What if, he thinks, I’m some kind of “Dangerous radical”. What happens then?

I’ve never bought the argument that “if you aren’t doing anything wrong, why worry”. Have always found that to be a corwardly way of thinking. Reguardless if you aren’t doing something wrong, you should always Question Authority.

The Supreme Court only confirmed that testing the legitimacy of secrets, as evidence in open court, at risk of our national security, should not be entertained.

This is arguable.

Court Rejects ACLU Challenge to Wiretaps
Feb 19, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Supreme Court dealt a setback Tuesday to civil rights and privacy advocates who oppose the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping program. The justices, without comment, turned down an appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union to let it pursue a lawsuit against the program that began shortly after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

ACLU officials described the situation as a “Catch-22″ because the government says the identities of people whose communications have been intercepted is secret. But only people who know they have been wiretapped can sue over the program.

A lawsuit filed by an Islamic charity met a similar fate. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year ruled against the Oregon-based U.S. arm of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, concluding that a key piece of evidence is protected as a state secret.

In that case, the charity alleged the National Security Agency illegally listened to its calls. The charity had wanted to introduce as evidence a top-secret call log it received mistakenly from the Treasury Department.

After all…if they aren’t guilty then they don’t have anything to worry about….right? Forget all that about being innocent till proven guilty and the burden of proof being on the accusers. The ACLU types have already branded the companies guilty.

What? You say the plaintiff is sure that the defendant is guilty?? No way!

They are innocent until proven guilty and all we’re asking is for the opportunity to do so.

It frustrates me, because these companies were most certainly under the impression that they were doing their patriotic duty in helping to protect Amercia. Furthmore, the companies were most likely under the impression that they were not breaking any laws.

Awww, just breaks your heart. It’s not like they have hundreds of lawyers to advise them before making such a decision. Or in reviewing that decision. Over the course of 5 years.

It’s ludicrous of you to suggest that they were just naively blinded by patriotism. They were aware of the relevant laws; or they were so dumb they hired a staff full of useless lawyers. They made a decision. They should live with the consequences of it, like everyone else.

Last but not least, if the companies thought they were doing the right thing, then why should they be dragged through costly court battles to prove that?

The same reason every other defendant has to. That’s how justice works in this country. That’s why the plaintiff bears the burden of proof.

To date, no one has brought forth any legitimate evidence to the public that their privacy was actually violated by the program. Most folks support the program, and no one even acted alarmed until the ACLU started stoking fears. The whole reason the ACLU lost in their attempt was because they couldn’t prove any standing.

You’re confusing the suits against the government with the suits against the telecoms. But either way, if you’re right that no one has standing against anyone, who needs immunity? A couple Motions to Dismiss and the whole thing’s over.

Most folks support the program, and no one even acted alarmed until the ACLU started stoking fears.

[edited]. I smashed my keyboard the day that story broke. I don’t get my news from the ACLU. It just so happens we have a common enemy.

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Jeff,

Your last comment which contained profanity was deleted. This one would have been had it not involved so much effort on your part. You’ve been a good poster …let’s not ruin it.

Lobo