It seems that the House Democrats, at least, are finally realizing that there's no political penalty at all for opposing Bush on FISA, and as far as retroactive immunity for the telcos? Everybody's who's ever had their connection drop or even looked at their bill is saying Fuck
them. From South Carolina's Times and Democrat:
WASHINGTON – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to comments made by President Bush this morning that he would veto FISA legislation being considered in the House this week.
“The absurd and outrageous allegations made by President Bush this morning that FISA legislation being considered in the House would make America less safe are false and misleading.
“The FISA legislation being debated in the House this week would upgrade our intelligence surveillance capabilities while at the same time protecting core constitutional freedoms that all Americans value and cherish. Keeping America safe and defending the Constitution are goals I would hope the President could share with us.
“I encourage the President to stop the scare tactics and work with Congress on legislation that improves our national security and moves our country in a New Direction.”
OK, OK, I see the boilerplate, and there's still plenty of time for the Dems to screw the pooch, or for Rockefeller to teabag Reid sufficiently. And the vote is today.
Still, this is encouraging.
So, I called Clyburn's office to reward good behavior by congratulating him politely: (202) 225-3315. I imagine every little bit helps.
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House FISA revamp bill passed, 213-197
On behalf of a grateful nation, my deep thanks go to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the rest of the Democratic leadership and the members of the House Democratic caucus for this wise and courageous action.
Surely all those who have so rigorously criticized the Speaker for her occasional shortcomings will join me by sending messages of praise and affirmation for this important step towards reclaiming the rule of Constitutional law:
The two great motivators for human behavior are pleasure and pain. Pain has its usefulness, but this is not one of those times. Take a moment to reward good behavior; pleasure Nancy, for a change.
text of my email today to Ms. Pelosi:
Thank you for helping change the FISA act, and keep America safer not just from the terrorists but from the telecoms.
We can admit that we’re killers … but we’re not going to kill today. That’s all it takes! ~ Captain James T. Kirk, Stardate 3193.0
1 John 4:18
My mail
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking a step toward restoring Constitutional government and the rule of law by passing the FISA bill as you did today.
[x] Any (D) in the general. [ ] Any mullah-sucking billionaire-teabagging torture-loving pus-encrusted spawn of Cthulhu, bless his (R) heart.
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win." -- Mahatma Gandhi