jinelson
04-06-07, 10:35 PM
The Logan Act is a United States federal law that forbids unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments. It was passed in 1799 and last amended in 1994.[1] Violation of the Logan Act is a felony, punishable under federal law with imprisonment of up to three years.[2]
The text of the Act is broad and is addressed at any attempt of a US citizen to conduct foreign relations without authority.
Passed under the administration of President John Adams, during tension between the U.S. and France, it was named for Dr. George Logan of Pennsylvania, a pacifist who engaged in semi-negotiations with France during the Quasi-War.
In general, the Act was intended to prohibit United States citizens without authority from interfering in relations between the United States and foreign governments. Although attempts have been made to repeal the Act, it remains law and at least a potential sanction to be used against anyone who without authority interferes in the foreign relations of the United States.
Now is Pelosi a criminal? Did she have the blessing of the administration? What gives her the authority to make foreign policy? I think we still have a Secretary of State.
By the way, how about a cell at Ft Leavenworth for John Hanoi Kerry too. Throw in Sandy "I made an honest mistake" Berger.
What do you think? Was the law of the land broken?
Here's the codified text of the law you decide;
TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 45 > § 953
§ 953. Private correspondence with foreign governments
Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.
Jim
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/froglaffing.gif
The text of the Act is broad and is addressed at any attempt of a US citizen to conduct foreign relations without authority.
Passed under the administration of President John Adams, during tension between the U.S. and France, it was named for Dr. George Logan of Pennsylvania, a pacifist who engaged in semi-negotiations with France during the Quasi-War.
In general, the Act was intended to prohibit United States citizens without authority from interfering in relations between the United States and foreign governments. Although attempts have been made to repeal the Act, it remains law and at least a potential sanction to be used against anyone who without authority interferes in the foreign relations of the United States.
Now is Pelosi a criminal? Did she have the blessing of the administration? What gives her the authority to make foreign policy? I think we still have a Secretary of State.
By the way, how about a cell at Ft Leavenworth for John Hanoi Kerry too. Throw in Sandy "I made an honest mistake" Berger.
What do you think? Was the law of the land broken?
Here's the codified text of the law you decide;
TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 45 > § 953
§ 953. Private correspondence with foreign governments
Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.
Jim
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/froglaffing.gif