Let me start by saying I am not stating a position on whether this is true or not. I am also not looking for a Clinton bashfest.
If this activity proves true then it may be exactly the kind of abuse of power which the Bush adminsitration has been accused of. It really depends on whether it was properly supported by FISA warrants.
From the liberal stndpoint. If it is proved true will you finally hold Mr. Clinton's feet to the fire, or will the defenders rally together and deny any wrong doing no matter what the findings are?
From the conservative standpoint. If the actions are true and supported by proper FISA warrants will you take the highroad, accept that no wrong doing occurred and move on?
Lastly, if the actions are true and there is no FISA warrant, should Congress undertake hearings on the matter?
2006-12-13 00:16:05 · 9 answers · asked by Bryan 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
sasuke: Actually there is some question as to who the target of the wiretapping was. There is a possibility that the wiretapping was in relation to her association with Theodore Forstmann an American citizen. While FISA warrants are not required for foreign surviellance, they are definitely required in the case of American citizens and the Bush administration has not disputed this fact.
2006-12-13 00:39:24 · update #1
m1a1mikegolf: I wish that we could say that government decisions always reflect rational behavior, but this is just not the case. Ample evidence of this can be seen in a scandal like Watergate. It should be noted that these allegations are not being made by the American media or Republican poiliticians, but rather stem from a British investigation. So this would seem to negate any strong political motivation. If they are true I would be really interested in the rationale behind the wiretapping. My real interest here is not whether this event occurred, but whether people can properly place blame or absolve on blame based on the nature of the events.
2006-12-13 05:05:07 · update #2
Very interesting question and I must admit I was going to jump on the 'bashfest bandwagon' but won't. Since I'm not an attorney and not well versed on the law regarding the governments legal authority to wiretap in these instances (limited knowledge) I would have to say that this situation be greeted with the same enthusiasm as was the Bush administration wire tapping 'scandal'. Now regarding the Bush wiretapping, setting aside the legalities, as a citizen of the US I don't have a problem with our government listening in on conversations being conducted by those who would threaten my family, your family, and our way of life. I could care less whether Uncle Sam hears every word of a conversation I have as I have nothing to hide! I also understand the ramifications of setting aside laws and constitutional issues 'just because' but I wonder if this particular situation we find ourselves in doesn't warrant some bending of the rules from time to time. I have a bigger issue with the media and politicians making things such as this public as I fear it is almost tantamount to giving the enemy information. As far as the government wire tapping Princess Diana's cell phone, well I would imagine they should have a VERY good reason to do such a thing. I just can't imagine her being involved in any activity that would cause grave danger to the stability and/or national security of our nation or hers for that matter! Not that she couldn't have but I just don't find it probable given her apparent shy nature. Furthermore, it would damage the relations between us and Great Brittan should the allegations be proven simply because of their love of Princess Diana. That all being said, if it is against the law and there needs to be some type of punishment then let the cards fall where they may. Again, an uneducated comment by a very patriotic American.
2006-12-13 00:34:10 · answer #1 · answered by Leigh P 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Clinton is no longer in office! NO way screams about who the liberals love to raise taxes more then the Republicans! However Republicans want to investigate into A president who is no longer in office. Who do you think so pay for this investigation? How do we pay for it?
She was not a us citizen! So maybe he wanted to go out with her. He was a womanizer. Do you think that the british Monarchy has any real goverment power?
Investigate if you want but don't cry over taxes when the democrats takes over! There is a war to pay for plus any another spending that has been done by congress including a tax raise given by the republican congress for the next democrat congress coming in to enjoy. Just add this little investigation to it. Over a former President who no longer holds office!
2006-12-13 00:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by wondermom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well wiretapping by the US government has gone on for years. it is kinda funny that some democrats have yelled about wire tapping that has been done, but they did not mind passing the bills in to law under pres. Clinton. because of wireless phone technology the govt. probably can listen to every phone conversation in the world. at one time they knew the cell phone that belonged to Bin Landen and were tracking him through his usage. at least until it was reported on the news. so sure they know all leaders of the world phone numbers.
2006-12-13 00:46:24 · answer #3 · answered by rap1361 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't hold your breath about any investigation period! if after the Juanita Broderick rape allegations on President Clinton and he never denied it outright what makes you think they would investigate something that might have happen 11 years ago.
2006-12-13 00:24:15 · answer #4 · answered by Ynot! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So what? Every country has been busted spying on every other country. Israel was busted spying on America. Should the US stop all aid to Israel?
ynotgayle –
It has been alleged that Bush is murdering hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. I have not heard him specifically deny that charge. I guess that makes him guilty, huh?
2006-12-13 00:47:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest that you ask if the allegations even make sense.
Stop and think here. The US does not have unlimited intelligence resources - why should we have even bothered to monitor her?
2006-12-13 03:45:57 · answer #6 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would make no dif.she is not an american citizen so as the bush administration has shown no warrant is needed.if clinton was wrong to do it ,so is bush.cant have it both ways.
2006-12-13 00:20:55 · answer #7 · answered by sasuke 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
America snoops on the rest of the world, but isnt accountable to anyone.
2006-12-13 00:31:22 · answer #8 · answered by Jomtien C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I won't hold my breath waiting for any Clinton-worshipper to admit to any of his wrongdoings.
2006-12-13 00:31:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋