Gov't Files Statement of Interest in AT&T Case (states secrets)

[deminks]

The United States filed today a "Statement of Interest" in EFF's class-action lawsuit against AT&T, which accuses the telecom giant of violating the law and the privacy of its customers by collaborating with the National Security Agency (NSA) in its massive and illegal program to wiretap and data-mine Americans' communications.

The statement advises "the Court that the United States intends to assert the military and state secrets privilege in this action. In addition, the United States will also move to intervene and to seek dismissal of this case."

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/archives/004612.php

For info on the original suit see:

http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.php/20060406031301790

and:

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/BIZ15/604140369/1086/BIZ15

and an excellent summary here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shayana-kadidal/secret-court-proceedings-_b_19956.html

[lvx35]

1. When did AT&T become the state? nt

[Trillo]

3. Back in the 80s when they were broken up,

one of the rationales offered in the opinion pages was that they were a threat to the state because they'd grown too large (IIRC).

Now, it seems, we find out a different truth.

[leveymg]

4. See "The President's Analyst", c. 1968

It'll tell you all you need to know.

[eppur_se_muova]

8. "I was right! I'm not paranoid! They really are all out to get me!"

LOL at that recollection.

[leveymg]

2. The assertion of state secrets affirms the substance of the allegations

We should all send a nice check to EFF for filing this suit. You should also read the complaint. Confirms that Bush has been spyng on ALL of us.

AT&T is the common carrier for most of the long-distance service in the US, and practically all int'l calls. If your call went out over their lines, which it probably did, Dubya was listening, thanks to AT&T's recording of your calls, and voluntary turnover of the tapes to NSA. All of of the tapes for four years -- 60 terrabyes worth.

Let's give AT&T, W, and the boyz and girlz at the NSA a big DU shout-out!!!!!!

[SlipperySlope]

5. I think that if anybody ever takes me to court...

I think that if anybody ever takes me to court I will assert that my actions are secret and declare the case dismissed.

[NVMojo]

6. This is important! KICK!

[robinlynne]

7. This is scary!

Do we have a lawyer present? Can they do this? i know they don't have to obey the law, but legally can they do this?