> Imagine in your daily life, suddenly a new government entity announces you owe it money. I understand the impetus to make the story about liberty, but this i

> Imagine in your daily life, suddenly a new government entity announces you owe it money. I understand the impetus to make the story about liberty, but this is not a "new government entity" "suddenly" appearing. Dish is in the business of satellite communications. That field is strictly regulated by the FCC. The company applied for permission before launch, then later applied permission to modify their authorisation, and they themselves reported the discrepancy at the end of mission. There is nothing "sudden" about this. > Was there even a trial? No. There wasn't. To quote from the consent decree: "The Company and the Bureau subsequently engaged in settlement negotiations. To resolve this matter, the Company and the Bureau enter into this Consent Decree and agree to the following terms and conditions." That is to say this is a settlement. > Or did some guys get together in a room and decide you should just pay them, Yes. Some "guys" from the bureau and some from the company got together in a room. > without any consultation? No. The representatives of the company were in the room. The general counsel of the company signed the consent decree.