On Tuesday the Senate handed the White House a major victory by voting to widen the government’s power to spy and to give legal protection to phone companies that were involved in President Bush’s eavesdropping without a warrants. The Senate did two things. The first thing it did was reject amendments that involved civil liberties. Secondly, it voted to endorse legislation for the White House. Bush tried to enforce the House to follow the lead of the Senate quickly. This lead the Senate to vote in favor of Mr. Bush’s wiretapping actions, this was supported by the Republicans but some Democrats and liberal groups viewed this outcome as being branded and weak on terrorism. The White House strongly supported the bill that allows the government to eavesdrop on foreign communications, as long as Americans are not the targets. The Senate will add a critical provision according to the White House: shielding phone companies from any legal liability for their roles in the eavesdropping program approved by Mr. Bush after Sept. 11 attacks. Many phone companies are facing lawsuits from customers who believe that the actions were illegal. Senator John D. Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat stated, “This, I believe, is the right way to go for the security of the nation.” Congress has a deadline for Saturday for the current law, the Democrats would like a two-week extension, but Tuesday was agreed upon for the immunity. (The New York Times 2/13/08 p.a1, a17)
This story is viewed as the most important because it has to do with legal protection for the United States. If you are into politics or you are not the law will affect the way our country works. This story displays a combination of prominence, proximity, service, and impact. This law can establish many great things for the United States and allow our president to have a better understanding to what is going on in other parts of the world. (The New York Times 2/13/08 p.a1, p.a2)
I believe the most important story of the week was on Tuesday in Islamabad, Pakistan when the new army chief of Pakistan, President Pervez Musgarraf ordered military officers to withdraw from the government’s civil departments, this was a brave step for him to make. He ordered that the military distance themselves from politics. These actions that are being taken are important because what occurs in Pakistan can effect what occurs in the United States during this time. (The New York Times 2/13/08 p.a8)
On Tuesday Justice Antonin Scalia physically interrogated a suspect due to a bomb threat. (The New York Times, 2/13/08, p.a17) The president of the American Federation of teachers, Edward J. McElory announced on Tuesday that he would not be holding the same position, which is expected to put Randi Weingarten into the position of president of teachers. (The New York Times, 2/13/08, p.a16) On Thursday in Washington the Democratic House leaders are trying to plan a force vote. (The New York Times, 2/13/08, p.a22) In Baghdad, Iraqi on Tuesday the security forces in the southern city of Basra are searching for two CBS television journalists
