If Republicans Did Get Intel From Israeli Spies, They Could Be Charged Under Espionage Act

[Gman]

The allegations have been strongly denied by Republican lawmakers, including House Majority leader John Boehner. When asked about the Israeli intel, he claimed he was “baffled” by the allegations. And don’t expect him to budge from that position any time soon because the implications of admitting to the charges would not only be political suicide, but possibly criminal.

In a cruel irony, Republicans who were so adamant about sending Wikileaks leaker Chelsea Manning behind bars under the Espionage Act, may find themselves sitting next to her — for the exact same crime.

According to U.S. law, “espionage” is defined loosely as “The act of obtaining, delivering, transmitting, communicating, or receiving information about the national defense with an intent, or reason to believe, that the information may be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation.” Further clarifying, the Espionage Act, as part of title 18 of the U.S. legal code, states that accepting any sensitive intel that is harmful to U.S. defense or interests is a federal crime, carrying sentences of up to life in prison or execution depending on the state. Even “less severe” sentences are staggering. Chelsea Manning, for example, received 35 years in prison for handing over classified documents to Wikileaks.

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/03/24/if-republicans-did-get-intel-from-israeli-spies-they-could-be-charged-under-espionage-act/


This is serious shit.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

1. Even if they did. They won't be. nt

[1StrongBlackMan]

2. True ...

I know this isn't a popular opinion here; but, just because you can, doesn't mean one should.

In this case, sending Boehner or a member of the republican to prison would likely tear this nation apart.

I know ... I know ... laws and stuff.

[Dragonfli]

10. I know, laws and stuff, they are just for the little people.

Politicians and billionaires are rightfully held above such trivial restraints as well they should be I suppose.

[F4lconF16]

26. Seriously.

That poster and I have our disagreements, but that's just wrong.

"I know ... I know ... laws and stuff."

That's some messed-up thinking right there.

Not advocating for prosecuting Boehner is one thing. If they'll defend letting war criminals get away with torture and bankers with trillion dollar fraud, it's only logically consistent to defend them now.

But "laws and stuff"? Are you fucking kidding me? Not only does it not matter that these people broke the law, but the law itself doesn't matter. What an insult to everyone those twisted -------- harmed.

When our rulers openly defy the law, it's time for a new system to be put in place. This one needs to go, and now.

[global1]

11. Do The Right Thing And Let The Chips Fall Where They May......nt

[Fred Drum]

14. absolutely correct

still, i can fantasize about Loretta lynch kicking down some doors

[Scuba]

27. Wrong. "Sending Boehner or a member of the republican to prison would likely" start the healing.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

28. Actually if it were proven that any laws were broken. They need to be put away. I don't understand

this childishness about our little sensitivities being hurt by punishing corruption. The reason why these sacks of shit republicans keep upping the ante every couple of years is exactly because they know they'll get away with it. It's time for people to grow the fuck up. If we can't jail our corrupt officials when they break the law but have no problem jailing anyone who can't afford a halfway decent lawyer. We're no better than a lot of the nations we look down upon.

So yes. If that opinion is unpopular. There's a very good reason for it.

[ncjustice80]

30. Maybe, maybe not.

I would lo e to see the republikkkan criminals packing Gitmo

[misterhighwasted]

3. Start with arrogant War hero Cotton. Haul each one before the court &

..one of them will squeal on the ones who originated the covet mission. Who actually wrote the letter?
Bet the trail runs far deeper than expected.
Probably leads to prick Cheney..
Everyone who signed The Letter deserves to be charged equally. No exceptions or excuses.

Charge them all & let the chips fall where they may.
The underhanded shit needs to be called to account.

[Gman]

7. That's my thinking. Cheney has the deepest CIA contacts

And no doubt many are still loyal to him.

[dissentient]

4. This would be great if the scandal ended up very deep and wide

that could sink the republicans for the 2016 elections.

"The GOP politicians are traitors" news story would be something that would get a lot of notice.

[jimlup]

5. I sincerely hope that they go down but

there seems to be an invisible hand protecting them from such things. Now I put on my tin foil hat but I think what we see is only the surface of a deep sickness in our nation and society.

[Protalker]

6. They are playing to win on all fronts

The SCOTUS go to expensive well paid excursions.The demand for ID laws. Gerrymandering. Sheldon Adelson in the front row orchestrating Netanyahu speech. Connect the dots

[dirtydickcheney]

8. And this would be just the Administration to do it.

Funny, but I'm not holding my breath.

The Espionage Act is only reserved for 'the little people' when it comes to the Obama Administration.

"Most Transparent Administration in History"

[Dragonfli]

9. They would never be charged under the espionag act, that has morphed into a whistleblower punishment

act. Unless they blow the whistle on their own or others illegal activities it is doubtful it would be brought to bear against them.

[Historic NY]

12. Wanna bet there is NSA intel and perhaps intercepted conversations....

the boom hasn't hit yet.

[Rex]

25. Of course there is, their weakness toward the CIA really hits home

how pathetic Congress has become as a body of dysfunctional lobbyists. This was bound to happen with such an inept group of GOPers in Congress. The tea party moonbats don't even know the basics of their job. I'd be surprised if they know any amendment beyond the second one.

[padfun]

13. Boener acted surprised because...

he knew the implications if this were true. He recognized the crime right away.

[Gman]

16. "Gentlemen, you understand we could all go to prison for this"

Or words to that effect may we'll have been spoken.

[former9thward]

20. It was not spoken by anyone with a law degree.

They know better than anonymous internet posters.

[Rex]

24. Says an anonymous internet poster.

Who to believe.

[captainarizona]

15. Obama no comment on espionage act

Hopefully this is because the justice department is investigating? I hope hope hope!

[stevenleser]

17. I have an email in to the DOJ press account asking if the FBI or some other part of the DOJ

Will be investigating this.

No answer as of yet.

[Rex]

23. At least a call to censure the 47 that started this.

Get them off of committees as chairmen/women. Enough is enough. I don't know if that is possible, but it should be a minimum.

[former9thward]

19. Internet lawyers

You got to love them .....

[Hubert Flottz]

21. I think the DOJ needs to take a very close look at this very REAL issue.

Maybe while congress is on vacation, the irate AG will have time to get some real answers.

It's hard to tell who Israel shared any classified information they may have gathered with?

The GOP gets a big F, on national security.
And a big FY, on their phony pledges on their Bibles, to defend our country 100% when we still have American soldiers in combat zones abroad.
And an F- on their shameful record of "good citizenship and patriotism."

On the other hand, we the people, can't even get any real answers on the top secret TPP deal, from either side of the aisle.

Edit to add. This secret TPP deal reminds me too much, of old Dick Cheney's secret energy meetings with the energy barons.

And the politicians don't even wonder what the taxpaying American people think anymore, because their loyalty is to the top 1%.

[Rex]

22. They have grown beyond arrogant and stupid. Why would one more criminal act be an issue?

Republicans be held responsible for criminal acts? That would mean laws really matter again. That there might be some balance in politics again.

Good luck! I support it 100%

If not now, when?



At least get all their asses censured. How many of those assholes serve as committee chairmen/women? They don't deserve it.

[leveymg]

29. Very unlikely given that Congress enjoys immunity to prosecution under the Constitution

Rep. Mike Gravel read the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional Record and to have it published by a private press. Nixon's Justice Dept. tried to prosecute the Congressman and his aide. The Supreme Court eventually held 5-4 in Gravel v U.S. that Congressional Immunity extended to Congressional aides but was limited to matter related to the formulation of legislation. Hence, the reference to that in the letter. The Court also held that private publication is not covered by the "Speech and Debate" Clause.

This sentiment to prosecute doesn't show much understanding of the Constitution, but is understandable.