MI5 to gain powers to "bug" MP's

[Fiona]

It is reported today that Tony Blair wants to abolish the rules against spying on MP's.

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/pol...icle338691.ece

The attack on civil liberties in the UK continues, with apparently no floor under it

[fable]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiona It is reported today that Tony Blair wants to abolish the rules against spying on MP's. http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/pol...icle338691.ece The attack on civil liberties in the UK continues, with apparently no floor under it

A kindlier, more articulate George Bush.

[Fiona]

More perfidious, methinks

[Magrus]

*nods* I think Blair is following Bush and his cronies around like an eager puppy on a leash. They want in on whatever it is may happen if the US government is successful in their plans, and want to see to it opposition will be shut down before then.

[Fiona]

I actually thought this wouldn't be allowed in the US. Did Bush not do it surreptitiously? Was that because he did not believe he could get it through? Maybe I'm giving more credit than is due but with all its faults I believed that the US was more apt to defend civil liberties of this sort. Perhaps I'm being naive about that

[fable]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiona I actually thought this wouldn't be allowed in the US. Did Bush not do it surreptitiously?

Yes, he did. The executive branch of the judiciary (not to be confused with the Supreme Court, which Bush would dearly love to control--and just might, soon) has moved from becoming a prosecutorial wing dedicated to nation-based consumer advocacy to defending the president at all costs, and that's why everybody's settling in for a long, hard legal battle on this issue. Bush is basically using money initially slated for taxpayer-related concerns to argue in favor of anti-taxpayer, anti-civil rights practices: our government is filled with these ironies.