Letters to the Editor
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Maybe not about the Telecoms
These companies were assured that their cooperation was not only legal but also necessary because of their unique technical capabilities. They were also told it was their patriotic duty to help protect the country after the devastating attacks on our homeland. -- Rocky
What is rocky saying here, that the telecoms were duped? Is that a legal defense for breaking the law? For example, Can I get out of a speeding ticket by claiming, "My friend convinced me it was a 65 mph hour zone, and I didn't know it was really a 55 mph zone." Somehow, I think not. However, if my "friend" suddenly went bi-polar and pulled a gun to my head and said, "Start driving 65, or I'll blow your brains out". That would be a valid defense. That is if a trial actually took place. Therefore, if there was government intimidation or threats, this administration certainly would not want that coming out in a trial and amnesty certainly frees them from that particular embarrassment.
Further the quote suggests the admin lied to telecoms when they said it was legal. The administration once again being spotlighted as dishonest is another reason to skip the trial and go straight to amnesty.
Leads me to think telecom amnesty is not about the telecoms but much more about protecting the embarrassing malfeasance of this administration.