Is it illegal to pay foreign spies for opposition research?

It seems that some people get a pass for paying Russians for opposition research and others are being accused of committing treason for the same thing. If I pay Russian spies for dirt on Hillary or trump, is that a crime?

 

How would you get in touch with a Russian spy? I don't think the Russians generally say who their spies are.

 

Not sure of the legalities. Certainly should spark some public resistance at least.

 

I could go through a British spy I play words with friends with.

 

No, you can pay a russian spy for anything you like. Could there be a crime in how the anything is used? Yes, indeed.

 

Well since only Hillary and company did it and she is being treated hands off by Meuller, the answer would seem to be that it's never wrong when . . . a leftist does it. Does that help?

 

That's what anyone paying attention should arrive at

 

Generally speaking foreign governments can't contribute to political campaigns I believe and that would include spies.

I am impressed a poster knows anyone in MI6

 

Words with friends... More then a game

 

If I pay a British spy to get dirt from a Russian spy on a u.s. presidential candidate is that totally cool?

 

Sure. If you use it for slander, though, you could be subject to a law suit.

 

Even if it's true? Should Trump Sue Fusion GPS for the golden shower story true or not? Or does he not get to have any legal recourse because he is a Republican.

 

He can sue whomever he likes, just like you and I can.

 

It seems like paying Russians for election dirt is okay. No need to go after trump or Clinton.

 

Well, slander is lies. You can make up lies yourself without paying a Russian agent for them. So presumably one would only pay for information which is likely to be true. I guess that would be a risk you would be taking though.

 

Hmm, interesting. Theoretically no, but you could likely end up prosecuted nonetheless because of the way the wording of the law is likely to set up burden of proof.

 

Under the Sullivan decision its very hard for a public official to sue for slander.

 

You can contact a Russian spy at your local Russian Embassy or consulate or by contacting the Democratic National Committee.

 

Putin must be celebrating. He launched one of the most significant attacks on the US in a long time, and Americans go exclusively after each other. I am sure he noticed.

 

Only 1/2 of America is going after Americans.

There has to be a cure for TDS.

 

Probably not illegal for you to do it, but it would be illegal for you to do it if you were part of a campaign. It is a felony, but it is a violation of campaign finance law, not treason.

 

Not if it's the truth. But to make up a dossier out of total and complete lies, that's Democrat politics and should be illegal.

 

If lying were illegal, Trump would have been imprisoned decades ago.

 

So would obama, so not sure what your point is. Unless, it is fine for obama to lie, but not trump? Trump's lies will be important to me, when he lies, using the same quality of lies, told by obama, who, BTW I voted for the first time. He actually fooled me with his hope and change rhetoric, but I found out he was just another big banking MNC, and elite stooge.

 

Probably in a cell next to crooked Hillary and the rest of the Clinton Crime Family. But manufacturing false evidence is illegal.