July 19, 2007

Attn John Doe: Keep Quiet or Get Sued

I give the Republican party a higher failing grade than I give to Democrats. That doesn't mean I trust the Republicans.

Congress has considered a measure that would protect citizens from being sued if they report suspicious behavior that is potentially terror-related. According to Michelle Malkin, Democrats have succeeded in deflecting the measure despite a clear majority in both houses.

In the Polipundit post about this, I commented that Republicans called for public pressure on the measure, but they were listless about rallying such support.

No surprise that the Democrats don't want to do anything anytime that might restrain any trial lawyer anywhere under any conditions, but could the Republicans also be playing politics here?

Might they let the measure fall just short, at least for a time, in order to create a national-security campaign issue? I don't want to believe that, but I'm unable to disbelieve it.

Update 20070731: The immunity provision has been restored in somewhat diluted form. Analysis, links, and a sensible call that a pro bono organization be formed to protect John Does from legalistic retaliation are here.

No comments: