Public Opinion: Should Telecommunications Companies Get Immunity as Part of the FISA Overhaul?

They're getting protection under the FISA revision—was it the right thing to do?

By U.S. News Staff

July 10, 2008 RSS Feed Print

The Senate voted Wednesday to overhaul the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, legislation that included, among other provisions, protection for telecommunications companies from lawsuits over their involvement with the U.S. government's warrantless wiretapping program. Critics charge that the telecommunications companies should not be shielded from crimes they and the government might have committed, while proponents say that the companies should not be punished for helping the government fight terrorists. Should the telecommunications companies receive such immunity? Post your thoughts below.

Previously: Iran test-fires missiles. How should the U.S. react?

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One of the most important rights to our form of government is the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. That is a right which cannot be lawfully infringed. One of the methods of petition is through the court system. There are cases pending before the courts for redress of the grievances against the telecoms. By granting immunity to the telecoms, particularly before knowing the details of what happened, Congress and The President have infringed our right to petition for redress. In attempting to interfere with the court system's prerogative to rule on whether a law has been infringed, they have also violated separation of powers.

Without the ability to petition for redress, this is a hollow "democracy" indeed.

Robert Bushman of CA 2:54PM July 14, 2008

all the dems that changed their vote got an average of $8000 from the telcoms. now we have no chance of knowing what information the nsa collected because the injured parties can't have it known in court. welcome to tyranny. here in NC i emailed all of my state lawmakers asking them to oppose the real id. "your papers please" checks and balances are things of the past. it's a new american century. thanks kristol!

no rights richie of NC 1:10PM July 11, 2008

Who is in favor of this bill? What are the merits of this bill that justify the need for retroactive immunity to ANYTHING?

Why did this bill pass when it appears to have little or no public support?

Jim of PA 11:26AM July 11, 2008

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