Dodd Facing Fight Within His Caucus on FISA
By Nicole Belle Monday Jan 14, 2008 5:31pm
When Chris Dodd pulled out of the presidential race, he promised to keep up the good fight on the FISA bill and filibuster it if it contained retroactive immunity for telecoms. For showing this leadership, there was an outcry from the netroots to support Dodd as Majority Leader. Unfortunately, that support from the electorate (I mean, how dare he listen to the people who put him in office? The nerve!) as well as his continued pledge to filibuster the FISA bill is making Chris Dodd a very isolated person within his caucus. Per Roll Call (subscription req'd):
(D)uring his campaign for the presidency, Dodd chose to focus much of his time and energy on foreign policy issues and became an outspoken critic of President Bush's wiretapping programs, going so far as to filibuster a compromise Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization because of privacy concerns.
That prompted some private complaints from Democrats, who felt Dodd should have focused more on core issues under his committee's jurisdiction, particularly when the foreclosure crisis began to heat up last fall. Party leaders were reportedly unhappy with the fact that Dodd did not spend more time personally working on the mortgage legislation his committee produced and which Sen. Charles Schumer ( D-N.Y.) ultimately helped shepherd out of the chamber.
And while some hard feelings may remain, Dodd is set on hitting the ground running in terms of his committee work this year, planning an aggressive agenda that will feed into the party's broader economic efforts, aides said.[..]
Democrats said the FISA fight - which could come in the first week or two of the new session - may be an early test of whether Dodd's presidential campaign has caused any significant strains in his relationships with colleagues.
One senior Democratic aide said that while some Democrats could have been irked in the heat of the moment, most understand it is the nature of presidential campaigning for candidates to tackle hot-button issues and to rely heavily on veteran staff for day-to-day work in the Senate.
"I think it's too early to say" whether there are any hard feelings, the Democratic aide said. "But I think you could term it as a key few months for him" in terms of his reintegration into the Caucus. "It will be interesting to watch when he returns," the aide said.
For those not fluent in DC passive-aggressive speak, allow me to translate the "anonymous Democratic aide" for you: "okay, we know you needed to do something to stand out from the pack during your campaign, but now you need to get in line, or you'll find yourself at odds with your caucus." That's right...the Senate Democratic leadership doesn't like it when you step away from their agenda of signing off on every one of Bush's threatened vetoes and take a stand. Look at the telecom donations and see if you see some familiar names.
Dodd needs our support. I've been in contact with his team and they want responses from citizens that they can show his staff as well as others to let them know that we have Dodd's back to continue this fight. Please contact Sen. Dodd or leave a comment on this thread supporting his leadership.
PFAW also has ways you can get involved to fight telecom immunity.
UPDATED: ThinkProgress has White House spokesperson Tony Fratto's hysterical fear mongering designed to corner the Senate into passing the FISA law with the immunity:
“We’re exactly three weeks away,” he said, “from the date when terrorists can be free to make phone calls without fear of being surveilled by U.S. intelligence agencies”.
You know this kind of scare tactic is Harry Reid's Achilles heel, he's petrified to look soft on "terra", so your support of Dodd is even more crucial.
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Too bad we couldn't get Dodd for the WH.
Dodd for Senate President!
(or what ever Reids job is)
http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460
I received this link from a friend -- it permits individuals to assess presidential candidates. To my surprise, Chris Dodd (according to this) would have been my number 1 choice were he still in the race.
I have a lot of respect for Dodd and what he did a few weeks back. Our "democratic" leadership has failed us time and time again. How joyful we all were back when we found out dems would be taking control IN BOTH HOUSES. And how our joys have been dashed. It showed us all party means little because of the golden rule - those who have the gold rule.
The people are meaningless. If anyone cared about our people we'd have the entire Congress working to kill NAFTA and other such attacks on labor and the middle class. That's why this Obama / Hillary fight is so important. It is mostly symbolic as Obama wouldn't be that much of a change, but we need to cut Hillary down to show the establishment that we aren't going to take their crap and fall in line anymore.
We need someone like FDR right about now.
the leadership makes me sick. They are front men for corporations and they use Bernaysian propaganda techniques to lull us to sleep with promises they have no intention of keeping
Good to see the one party state is alive and well.
"Hi, I'm Tony Fratto, fucking liar, damn glad to meet ya."
Mucking out the putrid stalls of the banking industry is obviously a higher priority than protecting the constitution!
I'd like to know who it is that is supposedly telling him to get back "in line". Give us some names and phone numbers so we can bombard their offices with complaints to stop interfering and get behind him in support - or get voted out next election.
This crap is ridiculous.
In other news on NBC Nightly News tonight Mike Huckabee says "I believe it's easier to change the Constitution than it is to change the word of God"
I've just written.
No one, including the government is above the law. If the country is put in danger by our seeking justice and adherence to our laws, so be it.
Better to die upholding your principles, then to live and have none.
You'd never guess that Tony Fratto came from the Rick Santorum School of Insipidness....never.
Excellent post Nicole.
We know they will cave, though. Only a matter of time.
If Dodd doesn't fulfill his promise and get the political backing he needs we might as well fold up our tent and go home. 66 percent of American disapprove of Bush, 77 percent believe the country is on the wrong track. If that ain't handing the Dems a silver platter for the taking, I don't know what is. How can they just let this opportunity go by?
They already use unity and will vote with the gop.
This will prove it again.
The unity crap is already in play.
Sen. Dodd is the only Dem candidate that I've donated to so far because he was the ONLY one to actually stand in the Senate and fight for the law and the Constitution. Clinton didn't, Obama didn't and the Republicans to a man are infinitely contemptible.
The Senate and the House Dems have caved consistently to pressure from the minority party, ignoring their clear mandate as well as the rule of law.
I am registered as an Independent. I used to be a Democrat. I might be again someday.
But not as long as the leadership consists of Republican-Lite ass kissers: Harry Reid, Rahm Emmanuel, and yes, "impeachment is off the table" Nancy Pelosi. - clear the bastids out!
Senator Dodd,
Please have more faith in the peoples intelligence than the Democratic leadership seems to have.
We don't fall for the fear-mongering.
We won't think Dems are weak on terrorism, if they take a stand for the laws of the land.
I wrote to Senator Dodd (again). Thanks for the heads up.
Chris Dodd is fighting for our Constitutional rights, even when Americans (and apparently his colleagues) do not understand the importance of that fight.
Please help inform those around you, before this too slips through our grasps.
Thanks for the great work you have done and continue to do. I supported you when you ran and support you still. I for one and pushing for you to be a vp candidate due to your hard work on FISA. If party leadership will not back you do to BRIBES. Screw them. they will be voted out due to criminality soon enough
Well, Senator Dodd has my support and will hear from me. So will other leading Democrats about FISA, particularly those who want to pass the bill giving the telecoms immunity. He needs to tell them that he's working with and for the American people on a Constitutional matter that the Bush administration has violated and to just back off. What tacky tactics to tell him he has to toe the party line.
It's time to identify ALL Democrats who are willing to let America fall into ruin and tell them you're going to work against their re-election and work for someone who respects Americans. That obsequious wimp, Harry Reid, makes me sick. And we thought they represented us when we voted for them in 2006. Fortunately, as we've seen, there is a movement to get the kowtowing rightwing Democrats out of office, and there are some Democratic candidates already identified to replace them.
In the meantime, C&L, keep us informed about what else we can do as an army behind Senator Dodd. I'm so glad you didn't let the FISA fight fall through the cracks, which would have been easy enough with all the campaign hullabaloo going on.
So, as far as the democratic "leadership" is concerned, Dodd's fight against the FISA bill was all politics and campaigns and, "well Chris, now that you're no longer running for something, aren't there more important things to do? Who gives a shit about FISA, anyway!"
Again, pardon me. Just thinking on this induces more dry heaves.
No retroactive immunity. You break the law, then there should be consequences. that's the point of checks and balances. If not Dodd then who?
Go Dodd!
Senator Dodd, just remember that the FBI didn't pay their wiretapping phone bills last week. The phone companies cut them off. Whenever anyone gives you crap about towing the party line, just say, and repeat, "the phone companies cut off the wiretaps" when the bills weren't paid.
Dodd says and does what many Democrats are looking for. Unless the other Dem's "get in line" they may find themselves out in the cold. Is the way new parties have developed over the history of our country? Gotta go read up on my U.S History to see how its done. I am ripe for another choice-the Republicans are despicable and the Democrats are deplorable. Doesn't leave much left, does it?
We won Round 1 in December. We will win Round 2 and go for the knockout next.
You need to do more than simply write comments on C&L.
You need to place comments on other messageboards. Especially on those of your hometown newspapers. We need to get even more people involved and aware.
You need to call radio shows, especially local ones and get others to support Dodd and save the 4th amendment.
You need to talk to your friends and relatives and get them involved.
We did a great job before, but we need to do even MORE this time.
If we do we can WIN and defeat the telcos. and corrupt politicians.
1-800-828-0498 (Wash. switchboard, ask to be connected to any Senator/Congressperson.)
Call OFTEN!!
There are very few leaders left in this country...at least inside the beltway. Senator Dodd is one of the few still standing. Why telecom immunity is even being discussed is beyond me. The rule of law is all that protects us.
No taxation without representation.
I haven't had representation in D.C. for 7 years.
No retroactive immunity. Please Senator Dodd let them know we as Americans still care for law and order. Corporations are not above the law.
I'm telling you they're all in this together, Reid, pelosi, rahm emmanuel. Democracy is dead in America, Long live plutocracy!
Once again, I challenge the Hillary and Barack supporters.
Call your candidate and URGE them to return to D.C. to support Chris Dodd in his filibuster. Not only can they help save the 4th amendment but it might get them a few votes from the left wing which is largely undecided. It might be enough to put them over the top.
But the great benefit of Hillary and/or Barack returning to Washington is that the media will follow them. The public will learn of this great Constitutional fight and become involved and engaged.
Remember, in December, when we won Round 1 of the filibuster there was a MEDIA BLACKOUT on the story. They want to keep most of Americans ignorant of the fact that their 4th amendment right's are being ripped away from them. We must make as much noise as possible!
Again, I beg of you Hillary and Barack supporters, get you candidate to return to Washington to support Chris Dodd when the filibuster begins! We need all the help we can get.
Thank you to Sen. Dodd.
He acted in the only way a patriot should.
It was shocking to see that in december he stood
alone against the inertia destroying our democracy.
We must make the Democrats who think they can
betray our democracy fear for their jobs.
I would have voted for Chris in today's Michigan primary if he hadn't dropped out after Iowa solely because of the FISA legislation -- he's the only person in the senate who seems to be able to see reason and stand up to the bullying of the Bush Administration.
Kudos to Sen. Dodd for his stand against granting immunity to the telephone companies that cooperated with the Illegal wiretapping program. We cannot allow any further high crimes to go unpunished. The majority of the country is behind you!
dodd and wexler will both fold. this administration will not be held to account.
Is "surveilled" a word? Not even the spell checker likes it.
Senator Dodd. Thank you for standing up for the law. Without it our country will go straight to Hell. You know it. I know it, and hopefully a few million more people know it.
You do America proud, sir.
jesus zimmerman @ 36:
I don't think either one will fold. They may lose, but they aren't likely to fold.
Why the HELL does it take so much energy to get Congress to do what it's supposed to do? It's like pushing that boulder uphill.
Just sent this to Dodd:
Thank you, Senator Dodd, for your courage in leading the fight against retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies in the FISA legislation. When most of our elected Democrats seem content to fold in the face of the Bush administration's fear-mongering assault on our civil liberties, you stood up against a blatant misuse of power and showed us what a real profile in courage looks like. Please don't give up the fight!
time to change from the bottom up. support actblue's effort to fund good candidates, who are beholden to noone except the electorate that thinks the constitution is worth giving up your job for. pelosi? reid?
actblue also gives you information about the candidates so you can determine who to support without msm censorship and stupid questions.
Dodd is one of the 'Good Guys'.
It's too damned bad he couldn't make it over the ridiculous 'celebrity hurdle' we ignorant members of the body politic set for our presidential candidates. No wonder they pay no attention to 'substantial issues', we're their role models, and we're a bunch of asses.
We ought to be damned glad we have folks like Dodd working in our interests.
if any of the democratic party in congress votes yes to giving immunity to the telecoms, then they need to be moved to gitmo and be blown up in the facilities as gavel has stated he would do on the day of his inauguration.
this corporate suck-ass entrenched bastard congress need to face the fatal consequences to their jobs for giving criminals working with and for the bush/cheney administration
whatever you want. email addresses, phone numbers etc etc ....please GOD just don't give in to retroactive immunity for the telecoms and if you want Pelosi's job? You have my FULL support!!!!!!!
I've been trying to cut Pelosi some slack for ever..........but 20 grand?.....ugh...she needs to go..Durbin too...............why am I gettin the feelin we've been had.............(don't answer that....and if you must.......try to be kind)........fuck.
I hope Dodd sticks to his guns.............he should be the nominee.
I just went to Senator Dodd's website and left him a message thanking him for standing up for what's left of Democracy. It only took a couple of minutes and I think letting him know that his efforts are appreciated is the least we can do.
I was one of the many netroot supporters to donate due to his stand on FISA. He had guts, I hope he still does.
Senator Dodd,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your principled stand regarding the issue of Telecom Immunity. Please keep up the good fight and stand up to the so-called Democratic Leadership that is apparently willing to sell out our civil rights and liberties in the face of fascist fear mongering.
Judge Dan Haywood’s (played by Spencer Tracy) speech at the end of the movie Judgement at Nuremburg that applies so much today:
There are those in our own country too who today speak of the "protection of country" -- of "survival." A decision must be made in the life of every nation at the very moment when the grasp of the enemy is at its throat. Then, it seems that the only way to survive is to use the means of the enemy, to rest survival upon what is expedient -- to look the other way.
Well, the answer to that is "survival as what?" A country isn't a rock. It's not an extension of one's self. It's what it stands for. It's what it stands for when standing for something is the most difficult!
Please do not give into either the weak-kneed Democratic Leadership or the fear-mongering criminal element of the Bush Administration.
Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Andy Kasehagen
Albuquerque, New Mexico
It is a total shame that Chris Dodd is having to fight the DEMOCRATS for the American people. What did we get when we gave the democrats the majority????? It seems like we got republicans in whiny clothing!!!!
How much money have the telephone companies bribed the democrats with? These are criminals. They broke the law, and they are trying to bribe lawmakers into giving them immunity!!!! And by the way, they put the lie to their defense of only trying to be patriotic, when they shut down the surveillance because the government didn't pay their phone bill!!!
The Senate has no business trying to give immunity to anyone for crimes that have been committed. If the telephone companies truly believe they committed no crime then let them say so in an open court!!! Just like every other accused criminal. We used to be a country of laws, now it seems we are a country of bribes and corruption, just like so many other third world countries.
Of course Reid & Pelosi are on the list of people who've taken contributions from telecoms. I hope when they go down, its because they're involved in a scandal picked up by federal wiretapping. Assholes.
..... as the only Presidential candidate I have donated any money towards I hope you continue to stand up for Americans that aren't quaking in their shoes under the misguided notion that the terrorists are only three weeks away from complete freedom of movement and existence.
I hope I get to support you in a quest to become Senate Majority Leader once my Senator, Mr Reid is removed from office by a more forthright leader. Best of Luck Mr Dodd.
Every morning I wake up with a heavy heart, as the realization once again sinks in that Christopher Dodd will not be the nominee. If the other Democratic leaders choose to shun him, with all he's done for us citizens in his fight to right the wrongs heaped upon us both by the right and the left, then they also deserve the scorn of the right and the left. Harry Reid and his coterie should hang their heads in shame at their lack of conviction for the most basic principles upon which our Constitution is written.
Christopher Dodd walks the walk. How many others in Congress can honestly say that? Dodd is the only one for whom I would cross the street to shake his hand, and thank him for actually giving a damn.
jesus zimmerman @ 36:
They won't fold, Judas Reid and Jezebel Pelosi will stab them in the back though. Welcome to Soviet America.
"“We’re exactly three weeks away,” he said, “from the date when terrorists can be free to make phone calls without fear of being surveilled by U.S. intelligence agencies”.
But there is no showing why retroactive immunity is necessary in order for FISA legislation to work going forward. So therefore, accepting the assumption that the FISA is necessary, it is a reasonable conclusion that Bush is holding hostage the security interests of the U.S. going forward in order to win immunity for his co-conspirators who violated the wiretapping statutes. Talk about a country of men and not of law.
With the exception of Dodd, I hear nothing from most Democrats asking for a showing why immunity is necessary for this bill to function correctly going forward.
dadams @ 42:
you shoulda said this a long time ago!
I said the same thing (like 6 yrs ago) when democrats passed the patriot act...
I think both political parties have been compromised.
if anybody can get this point across to the Democrat Majority in Congress , PLEASE do :
" I have voted a Straight Democratic ticket in 3 states for the last 32 years . I will probably NEVER vote for a Democrat AGAIN if YOU allow this Bush!t to pass . I just may stop wasting my time being political in EVERY way , I'll buy a cabin in the unpopulated mountains , grow 'n shoot my own food and read the assorted works Ted Kaczynski and consider the possibility that bullets are truely stronger than the ballot . "
THANK YOU .
dadams @ 42:
you shoulda said this long ago!
Isaid the same thing(like 5 yrs ago) when dems voted to "occupy Iraq"
" "
Please continue in your effort to block amnesty for the criminal telecoms.
Dear Senator Dodd,
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for your leadership on the FISA bill. It must be very difficult to take the stand you have taken, but you should take comfort in the fact that you are in the right. There is no doubt that some day historians will look back at these last seven years as some of the darkest for America. But they will also see you as one the few people in Congress who had the courage to stand up to the illegal actions of the current administration.
In my view, there is absolutely no need to push for telecom immunity unless there is reason to believe that crimes were committed. The American people have the right, even if only for the record, to learn the truth about what has been going on in this country for the last several years. You are thus fighting a good fight, a fight for the American people. And for that your work is greatly appreciated.
Keep up the good work, and do not be afraid to fight Democrats as well as Republicans on this one.
dadams @ 42:
where were you like 1 1/2 yrs ago when the dems in the house wouldnt even talk about Kucinich's motion to impeach.
I know someone already mentionned this earlier but it would be good to remind the rest of your representatives that a company will so willingly go against its contract with its customers to hand over all kinds of your private information because they are told it is in the nation's interest for security, but that willingness to keep your country safe and secure ended when the money stopped rolling in? I would say that is not national interest but greed and corporate interest so their desire or need for immunity has been negated by their actions to shut down the programme at their will ignoring their so called excuse for "national interest".
Meander @ 16:
Same here. Except for Kucinich, I wouldn't give a used handkerchief to the other Dem candidates. I'm crossing my fingers and really hoping Edwards isn't all talk and hesitantly backing him for now.
Such a sad state of affairs we're in.
Senator Dodd.. You are the only one I gave money to -- because of your FISA fight!! Keep up the pressure and DO the Right Thing.
The Constitution is withering away and needs some serious support if it is going to remain the foundation of our nation. Without it, we'll be a lawless, greedy, out-of-balance, backwater nation. Don't let it happen.
Thank you for taking your office seriously. Keep it up.
BoiseNick @ 56:
I agree with the sentiment but delivering a message like this to anyone in our Senate is just handing Homeland Security an ivitation to haul your ass away. I actually know a dude who is under intense scrutiny for sending a similar sentiment to Condi Rice. They already have shown they're willing to infringe upon our rights for no reason, just imagine what they're willing to do if you give 'em one.
Chris Dodd, you kick ass! You should have been one of the leading Democrats in the presidential race. You obviously have the leadership to be President.
Note to everyone else: You're going to have to keep up the pressure on the good ole boys!
Mr. Dodd, you are a courageous leader in a sea of sheep. Keep fighting. You make us proud.
I hope Chris Dodd continues to fight for our Constitution and our country by leading the charge to fight the telecon immunity bill. There must be a stop to all of the illegality, corruption, and power grabs. We are so close to a fascist state it's very scary. I wrote to my senator (Sessions) asking him to not support this bill. I received a form letter stating how great and wonderful the telecom companies have been in protecting our nation, anything they do a-ok, blah, blah, blah.
I too was a supporter of Dodd for President (only candidate I've ever donated to). I wish he could have gotten his voice heard. Now my hope is he can be VP and help guide our next president. Whoever of the remaining dems wins is gonna need a lot of good guidance. Lord help us if any of the republicans win.
I just sent this to Senator Dodd but wanted to post it here as well since it was implied they'd be acknowledging the comments here as a sign of support for Dodd's efforts.
Our caucus needs to get a backbone. Come on guys defend the constitution. Thanks Sen. Dodd.
This may not be as big as getting our troops out of Iraq today, or impeaching those criminal politicians who think they can get away with murder and the lazy public will sleep right through it.....but he has chosen a very worthy cause, to hold those responsible for crimes they knowingly committed.
I support Chris Dodd 110%. I'm from WA, but anything I can do on his behalf I certainly will. I will be writing my Senators from WA and INSISTING they back his actions in the Senate...or I'll find someone else to back next election for them.
Go Chris Dodd. You are a god!....maybe not THEE God...but certainly one that we need in Washington!!
Senator Dodd,
Please do not abandon your promise to filibuster the Intelligence Committee FISA bill. America and Americans are counting on you, and your genuine leadership on this issue was one of the few bright moments in the past seven years for those of us who care about the Constitution and the rule of law.
We need you to keep fighting, and will support you all the way!
Sincerely,
Paul P. Belle Isle
Sensen No Sen
Don't forget to write or call your own Senators, and drop a polite note to Senator Reid as well.
Dear Senator Ddd,
Thank you for running for President and for raising the issues you did. In particular, thank you for standing up to the telecoms request for immunity. I wish you could separate out the immunity issue from the FISA bill so they could each stand alone and be dealt with on their own merits. If the telecoms did not do anything wrong, they don't need immunity. But obviously there is a lot of guilt going around. And no small amount of fear of law suits being covered over by fear-mongering simply because the immunity thing is attached to the FISA bill. Dems do not have to explain to their constituencies that this administration is protecting the corporations that helped them violate the Constitution. We get it. Preach "No fear" to your caucus until they finally realize they can provide a new FISA bill without having to give in to the special interests by whom the Administration is owned. MAKE THE PRESIDENT VETO THE REVISED FISA BILL WITHOUT THE IMMUNITY. Then everyone will see where the real problem is.
Good luck!
BoiseNick @ 56:
Here's your sign...
Dear Sen. Dodd,
Your defense of the Constitution is both appreciated and essential; now more than ever as you have chosen to end your presidential run. Please know that my full support is with you and that you may well be one of the only people in place capable of preventing the loss of our basic Civil Rights.
Thank you for all you are doing,
LT (I will write your Sen. page as well with my full name and address)
Nicole, I can't leave a message for Sen. Dodd at the link you provided us with, because I'm not a resident of Connecticut. Where can citizens outside of Connecticut leave supportive messages for Dodd?
Dear Senator Dodd,
I would like to express my heartfelt support of your continued stand against the poorly conceived and sadly flawed FISA reauthorization bill recently put forward by the Senate Intelligence Committee. In particular, you have my assurance that there is no support whatsoever among those Democratic constituents who have any knowledge of the subject for the provisions allowing for retroactive immunity for members of the telecommunications industry who have violated the law.
Such a provision would fly in the face of historical precedent and would quite clearly send a message to industry that they need not fear the power of the law so long as they have sufficient lobbying resources. Moreover, by preventing litigation of telecommunication industry conduct, the Congress would effectively be closing the door on one of the most promising routes available for bringing the misconduct and illegal actions of the current administration into the light of public scrutiny.
I strongly urge you to continue in your current efforts to block this legislation and keep it from ever becoming law. Please let the other members of your caucus know that this issue is one of true importance to their constituents and implore them to join with us in helping to kill this ill advised and potentially damaging bill.
Sincerely,
Tom Sanders
Dear Sen Dodd,
Please keep fighting the FISA bill. My family and I are behind your efforts. Thanks for your good work and I trust you will continue. America needs you and others willing to stand tall in the face of a bunch of theiving bullies we have running this country at the moment.
Sincerely,
JDC
New York
Dear Sen Dodd,
You are a remarkable man, Sir. Thank you for all you do to support the constitution and the people of our nation. We are behind you, all the way.
Thank you so much Senator Dodd for your dogged defense of the Constitution.
I know not what course others may follow, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
You are a true patriot.
Tom Beckett
Portland, Oregon
Please keep holding your ground Senator Dodd. Do the right thing. You will be rewarded with respect and admiration from millions of grateful U.S. citizens by doing your country the duty that you were assigned when you took office. PROTECTING AND UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION.
In December I wrote my one Senator who didn't get it and I got the reply I thought I would get from Mikulski. She said we couldn't let FISA expire (didn't say we should), that we had to be strong against terror (didn't say we should be weak on it), and of course the topper; that she was privy to all sorts of things I wasn't so she knew more than I did. She was just so dismissive due to all that she knew that a non-serious person like myself didn't know that I just wanted to scream. Has she spoken to Senator Whitehouse? After all he read over this stuff and came to the conclusion that BushCo was full of crap so why couldn't she come to the same conclusion?
I've been formulating my reply to her but thankfully at least my other Senator gets it so I only have to concentrate on the one DINO.
I will drop a letter to Senator Dodd as well as write a letter to the Baltimore Sun.
Wexler had great success with his online petition to impeach Cheney. Does anyone else think that would help the situation in addition to writing to Senator Dodd, our Reps, and our local papers? Perhaps one of the prominent blogs could come up with something in that regard?
The Democrats have me confused and upset. What exactly do they need in regards to the poll numbers on Bush to realize that we're on their side. That America wants them to push back the Bush powergrab. That we don't want fearmongering, warmongering, and our freedoms taken away. They certainly are showing that the majority of them are in bed with Bush and the Republicans. Time to get rid of Reid, Pelosi, Hoyer, and Emmanuel and get real Democrats in their place.
This seems to be one of those rare instances where the morally, ethically, and legally right thing to do is also the right thing to do politically. I don't want anybody poking around in my private stuff, and I thank Senator Dodd for working to keep the government out of my personal affairs.
I think he should keep fighting on this issue as long as it takes. I hope it takes him to the position of Senate Majority Leader.
I also think that this issue could serve in other arenas. Witness how all of those who oppose Dodd and the Constitution are being awesomely soft on crime. Keep hammering away at what the FISA bill really is. It's less "retroactive immunity" and more "amnesty." Some people have been using the "a" word in immigration to demonize people of a slightly different color for trying to make a better life for their families. I'd say that a better use of the word would be as it applies to the multibillion-dollar corporations who maliciously broke the law and now want their malfeasance to be ignored and legalized.
GO CHRIS DODD!!
Senator Dodd, If this isn't the good fight I don't know what is. Please stop the erosion of our civil liberties. Allowing the Big telecoms off the hook is not in the best interests of our fragile democracy. How there can even be a debate on this matter is evidence of it's tenuous nature. Do the right thing.
Seriously, I give up on all this.
We're fucked.
We let the media corps decide who to run, we let the industries dictate what we use and we let the government kill for us.
And that pathetic debate...
Oh, and that idiot smirking Kos probably thinks he won for Mitt tonite.
I am really beginning to loathe Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.
For 12 years they begged the american people for a chance to lead again. So what do they do when finally given the opportunity? They kiss the asses of the bastards the american people just threw out! They are either corrupt liars themselves, or the most clueless dumbasses around.
While I generally agree with Christian @ 85 about the state of the country, I still hope people reading this send a message of support. Dodd is really a lone wolf in this fight, and he needs to recognize that the majority outside the Beltway is on his side...
I will suppport Dodd in his efforts.
Dear Senator Dodd,
I am a constituent of yours in Connecticut. I recently wrote a letter to the editor of the CT Post in response to the many angry and misinformed citizens who complained that you were "AWOL" while running for president, and didn't deserve your paycheck as our Senator for CT. I spoke out about the work you've done in the Senate, especially over the past year on our behalf, and wrote at great length and detail about your stand against the Bush administration's attempt to provide immunity to the telcoms for their role in the warrantless wiretapping that has undermined our civil liberties.
I'm asking you to please continue to stand firm against the Bush administration's assault on the Constitution, and stay on task against granting immunity for telcoms in the FISA bill. We need your voice now more than ever.
Thanks for your principled stand. I, for one, truly appreciate what you've done for us to date.
If other "Democrats" had been doing their jobs then Dodd wouldn't have had to stray from his. It's absurd that he's getting slammed for doing two jobs by the people not even doing one.
I applaud Dodd's tenacity and heart to stand up for the things he does and says. It's a very rare quality indeed to find an ironclad politician with his wisdom and integrity. The fact that he now has to fend off his supposed allies is disgusting.
Please don't give up the fight, Sir, because the United States already has too few men like you.
Chimpy and darth have never met a law they didn't enjoy breaking, so why would they bother to stop what they are doing and follow FISA? OH, and remember that FISA doesn't stop wiretapping, it just stopps illegal wire tapping. That's all.
This is really about the immunity. Chimpy and darth would just wipe their collective ass with any FISA bill that was passed. This is about saving their rich buddies at ATT and Verizon the bother of having to follow the law either.
Doesn't matter, in the end the Emperor will pardon all law breaking and everyone will get off scott free.
Senator Dodd,
Thank you for all your hard work on trying to stop the Telecom immunity in the FISA bill. Keep it up. We got your back. If you ever fall out of favor in CT, you are more than welcome here in the midwest. We love fightin' politicians. I couldn't think of anyone better to take over for my home state senators seat, the late Senator Wellstone's seat. The current occupant of that seat makes Emperor Palpatine look good. Reading here about how the caucus seems to view you, i couldn't help but think that your response to them would be akin to the recent Onion article by ex-president "Jimmy Carter", begging your pardon for its gratuitous vulgarity.
No retreat, no surrender Senator.
I add my support to Dodd's efforts and do not want to see them end. This is so very important. This could be a key to unraveling the veil on the snake's head.
Dear Senator Dodd,
I am writing this note of strong support, and I expect that you will remain a vital and integrated part of democratic leadership for the forseeable future. I am aware that the current FISA law contains immunity as long as there exists a warrant or an exception signed by the attorney general. I oppose adding additional immunity to future legislation. This is obvious to me, and I apprecaite your leadership. I remain closely attuned to this issue and to the importance of our rule of law and of our rights under the forth amendment. I recall that MLK was wiretapped by a concerned government, so I know it's easy to imagine these powers getting abused. Why would we grant additional immunities before even looking into these serious questions? This is America, thanks Senator for standing up for it!
Attentively,
Jeff Sanderson
Chicago, Il
Mr. Dodd,
We support your efforts to reinstate the rule of law and stop the eroding of our civil liberties.
The Constitution (We're talking to Bush, Huckster, all the repubs and weak dems) is a fantastic doc
just as it is.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Patrick
MoDMaN @ 24:
word, son. word.
As difficult as it is and will be to stand firm even in isolation, there's simply no other choice for legislators who take their constitutional mandate seriously. Hopefully it will help Senator Dodd to remember how many of us stand behind him as he takes on an issue that should be a no-brainer for every right-thinking American. You've done us proud, Senator Dodd, and whatever the end result, your integrity and honor stand in stark contrast to those who are too short-sighted and/or self-serving to protect the legacy that is every American's birthright. The paradox is compelling, how the war's cheerleaders and enablers regularly remind us that the soldier's sacrifice is needed to safeguard our freedoms, and all the while they're auctioning them off wholesale to the highest bidder. Leaders who cower when they should be leading are not just complicit, they're pathetic and contemptible.
Senator Dodd, thank you for your valiant efforts and do not give up, no matter what the establishment wants! You are fighting a worthy cause, and though the media does not cover it, you have support from the honest and patriotic American people.
I have nothing but respect for Chris Dodd. He seems to be the only Senator fighting for our rights.
The idea of giving the telecoms immunity BEFORE we even know what they've done is not an idea born from patriotic fervor, but from something corrupt. There will be a lot of filth to clean out when the Torture Party collapses of its own venality. We need Senator Dodd and others like him, who remember what decency looked like, to help us get home from this 16-year trip to Idiocy.
I'm so proud to say this man is MY Senator! He should be in the running for the nomination so the rest of the country could benefit from his intelligence and backbone.
I see all the notes in here - did everyone post them to his site as well?
Senator Dodd,
Thank you so much for fighting on this issue. Many are trying to frame this as protecting the telecoms when they went above and beyond in their efforts to protect the country, but I think the recent stories of dropped FBI wire taps show that their primary interest was corporate greed. You have my support, sir.
John
Senator Dodd, don't give up the fight. We know you can't be bought. Hang in there. Russ Feingold and Sherrod Brown have your back too! You inspire me. I'm calling your office to make this point. GO DODD!!!!
Senator Dodd,
Thank you for fighting for what is right! not what is popular. This is the United States of America, not high school. We need more representatives like you. I back you to the hilt. I listened during your filibuster with tears in my eyes. I'm 35 years old and had never really heard a Democrat stand up and fight like that for something I care so much about. We should not be selling out our country and our standards for $20,000 contributions. America can still be priceless. But this only works if we value her and what she stands for more than the 30 pieces of silver we are given to betray her.
Sincerely,
Georgia
Senator Dodd,
Thank you for protecting our Constitution. If nothing else, I hope we are able to pass this one legacy onto our children. Thank you for drawing the line. You will long be remembered as the voice of reason in the time of hysteria.
Sincerely,
Vivek Jha
Boston, MA
Fratto's remark is disgusting. There is a process in place for conducting surveillence. Fucking use it.
Oh yeah, and pay your damn phone bills. It's probably more accurate to say that due to the inability of the current administration to get its collective head out of its ass, terrorists can rest assured their calls are not being listened to because the taps were disconnected for non-payment.
Which reminds me, next time some fuckhead senator or house rep starts talking about the telecom companies being patriotic as a reason for giving them immunity, I hope someone takes the articles about the non-payment disconnections and rams them down his or her fucking throat.
Sorry, I'm usually more calm in my posts but this one frosts my shorts.
We're 100% behind you, Senator Dodd. Show them it wasn't about the campaign!
Thanks you Senator Dodd. I'm from Missouri, and I appreciate your concern about citizen's rights. Keep after the telecoms. You are doing courageous work and we appreciate it.
Accepting the FISA law "with immunity" in order to "fight the terrorists" is just like accepting a blood transfusion from a donor with AIDS.
I, and virtually everyone I know, support you filibuster of the FISA bill if it contains retroactive immunity for communication companies that assisted the government in warrantless wiretapping or other warrantless communication monitoring at the behest of the Bush Administration. Your efforts are entirely consistent with you oath of office and those who refuse to join you are violating theirs.
This is the email I sent to Dodd.
Sen. Dodd should have stayed in the race.
I support his leadership. I would actually vote FOR him, rather than AGAINST the others. As it stands, I will not be voting FOR someone, but rather AGAINST someone else.
Senator Dodd,
I support your filibuster of the FISA bill. Further, I pledge monetary support for your next campaign.
Regards,
JHB
Senator Dodd now seems to be "bucking" his own, at least in their purview of what is encroaching on their privilege. The others, however, tend to not work for us but for themselves and big interests. I totally support his position on FISA. The part of retroactive immunity sets a terrible precedent. It says, "You can do anything you want, because later we're going to make it okay." I have to laugh at this. We've had this happening for the last seven years. Bush/Cheney have been ignoring the laws of the country since the SCOTUS coup in 2000.
Senator Dodd needs to keep up the fight and we need to get the others to understand that it is what we want, not what their big-money backers want.
Sent email to his site - encourage everyone you know to do the same.
C. Montgomery Burns @ 3:
I took the test as well. NOT to my surprise, Kuchinich was my #1 choice, Dodd my #2 choice. Obama and Clinton are pretty much tied.
I have never donated money to any politician.
Until Senator Dodd filibustered the FISA bill.
Senator Dodd and Staff,
Keep up the good fight, We the People are supporting you all the way. You are the Spear Head of this and we are the Pole, we are there and we will not falter. Our money and our support are with you now and when you run for election again.
Sincerely,
Ben Woerner
Retroactive Immunity means that in the future they need not fear at all about breaking the law.
then the law doesn't even amount to the paper and ink that made it.
The Democrats need new leadership in both the House & the Senate - Christopher Dodd should be Majority Leader. Actually, Dodd should the frontrunner in the presidential primaries; it's a shame no one was paying any attention.
Harry Reid should chair some obscure subcommittee, side-by-side with Joe Lieberman. And Nancy Pelosi should be defeated in the primary by Anyone who's progressive.
As I said elsewhere, we need C-Span to compile a set of tapes of Congressional deliberations, covering 1992-2007; and have the Democrats in Congress study up on how this "game" is played effectively. The Republicans seem to know how to control everything, whether in the majority or minority - the Democrats need to learn...
Dodd,
I thought your fight to stop the FISA bill was one of the most corageous things I've seen in a long time. Don't give up now. We the people need represenatives like you more then ever. Stop the FISA bill and stop this country from getting out of control.
Thank you Senator Dodd for your continued leadership on FISA!
Is it possible for Democrats to petition the Senate to remove Reid and replace him with Dodd?
F
Go Senator Dodd! Too bad America is suffering from reverse descrimination right now and couldn't see the most qualified, experienced candiate for the Democratic nomination right under their noses! Thanks for fighting for our constitution.
I figured the FISA issue must be resurfacing, given this statement from US Intel. chief Mike McConnell...
rawstory: US national intel chief: 9/11 caused by weak domestic wiretap laws
The bell for round 3 hasn't even rung, and they're already swinging.
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