Politicians Receiving Money For Supporting FISA, Wiretapping
 Friday, June 27th, 2008

Last week we gave you downlow on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) provision that grants immunity to giant telecoms for wiretapping without a warrant. Barack Obama has said that he approves of the Act, but not the immunity provision; not many other politicians have come forward to oppose granting legal immunity to the telecommunications corporations. And now we find out why.

Maplight.org has unearthed some seriously shady business. House Democrats who changed their vote to support the FISA Bill received $8,359 on average in PAC contributions from Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. (We knew about AT&T and Verizon, but Sprint, too?)

We're sure it's not only Democrats...let's be serious.


1. You have huge leverage here to make a difference. We know that cell phone companies charge outrageous fees to end your contract(s), but when your contract is up, if you have one of these carriers: SWITCH! And if you don't, don't sign up with them! There are plenty of other alternatives: T-Mobile (which is international), Boost Mobile, Nextel, Alltel, local carriers. Are you okay with these companies essentially paying politicians to support wiretapping of innocent Americans without search warrants? We're not!

2. Spread the word! E-mail or post a message on your MySpace or Facebook. There's power in numbers, and we're up against some huge businesses.

3. Very important!: Check this list of representatives that accepted the dirty money. If a Rep from your State and/or District is on it, contact them right away and let 'em have it!

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