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Oklahoma Newspaper Calls Pelosi’s Stance on Terrorist Surveillance Law a ‘Shell Game’

March 24, 2008 in Main Page | No comments

An editorial in The Oklahoman points out that the House Democrats refuse to negotiate in good faith on a terrorist wiretapping law that passed the Senate over a month ago by a vote of 68-29. The Oklahoman suggests that Speaker Nancy Pelosi is betting the terrorist wiretapping measure is “too technical for many Americans to follow.” To read the entire editorial click here.

The Oklahoman

Shell game: Surveillance stance risks U.S. security

Editorial-Tuesday March 18, 2008

The Democrat-controlled U.S. House, which has balked at giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that cooperated with the government’s warrantless surveillance program, offered little more than some sleight of hand last week.

Under legislation that eked by on a 213-197 vote Friday, firms could defend themselves from dozens of lawsuits in secret, before a judge but without the plaintiffs present. In Washington, the Democrats’ tactic is known by its scientific name: the fig leaf.

They’re having to cover up because the Senate already passed legislation with telecom immunity, as the White House requested. The larger measure modernizes the law governing surveillance of suspected enemies’ communications.

The House is standing alone. (We note Rep. Dan Boren was one of 12 Democrats breaking ranks with leadership to vote no). The House’s bill probably won’t get through the Senate, and President Bush will veto it if it does.

…

Democrats risk exposing themselves. They’re betting the issue is too technical for many Americans to follow. Republicans, who probably haven’t been grateful enough for the national security edge Democrats have ceded them over the years, surely will take that bet.