Strange Bedfellows meet on FISA
By John Amato Wednesday Jun 18, 2008 1:00pmUPDATE: There's some new info just coming out on the FISA bill that we'll have up in a little while. It looks like a ummm....compromise a giveaway deal has been struck: "ACLU Condemns FISA Deal, Declares Surveillance Bill Unconstitutional"
So far we've raised over 100K in less than 30 hours on our latest push back against the new FISA bill that might get passed. If you haven't donated, please do. We're working up a plan for our next targets.
We've started a new coalition with the ACLU called Strange Bedfellows
The ACLU is joining with activists from the Ron Paul campaign, represented by Break the Matrix, Rick Williams and Trevor Lymon, and civil liberties writer Glenn Greenwald of Salon, and leading liberal bloggers including, Jane Hamsher of firedoglake, Matt Stoller of Open Left, John Amato of Crooks and Liars, Howie Klein of Down with Tyranny, Digby, Josh Nelson of The Seminal and activist Josh Koster to tell Congress that we will not let them ignore the Constitution or give immunity to telecoms which deliberately broke our laws for years.
We are not sitting back while Congress is having negotiations---trying to figure out a way to grant the Telecoms immunity for breaking the law repeatedly when you and I would have been thrown in jail and waterboarded by Rumsfeld for not paying parking tickets...Anyway, we ran ads against Chris Carney (Comcast actually rejected one of our ads against him. Ha!) and now we're setting our sights on Steny Hoyer and another Blue Dog. But Phase 1 is still underway so please help us out...Here's somebody I'm not particularly fond of, especially with Regina Thomas, a progressive state Senator running against him. I give you John Barrow....
Rep. John Barrow was, like Carney, one of the 21 Blue Dogs who signed the letter to Nancy Pelosi back in March demanding that they be allowed to vote on the Rockefeller/Cheney Senate bill. In July, Barrow faces a very credible primary challenger -- Georgia State House Rep. Regina Thomas -- who is much more in step with the district's Democratic base.
Anyway, I'll fill you in as we go forward....
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I called the Obama campaign today and asked Obama to come out publicly against immunity. The person who I talked to said he’d had several calls on this and would pass it along. Call 866-675-2008 option 6 to speak to someone.
866-675-2008 option 6
His office Fax: 202-228-4260
Free online faxing: http://faxzero.com/
Mr. Amato:
I don't see Libertarian Presidential Candidate Bob Barr on the list of "Strange Bedfellows" but I strongly suspect he and his campaign would join if asked.
After all, these ARE core American Values.
I just dropped my cell phone carrier. When the guy asked why, I said because I was switching to a company that didn't engage in illegal wire tapping.
Did he try to argue that his company didn't do that? NO
Did he try to justify the wire taps? NO
He looked dumbfounded and asked. Wire taps? What are you talking about?
I said you haven't heard about FISA or retro active immunity?
He had no idea what I was talking about.
Just contributed $25 (+ tip) at Act Blue.
If I could join a massive march on D.C. carrying a torch or a pitchfork, I'd do that.
These fucks must be thwarted.
MountainMan23 @ 2:
From what I have heard Barr say, he would most likely join in a heart beat. He's against the wire tapping.
Leave it to the shitbag, spineless Dims to rollover (once again) to the Potemkin Village idiots. Even with a 21% approval rating, they're too scared to stand up for their rights. Guess the 80-20 rule applies.
steny hoyer, i appreciate all that you do to cave in to corporate demands, and the damage that your cowardice has done to our privacy, and the way you have assured corporations that its ok to break the law.
steny 'baaaaaa' hoyer: sheep
democratic leadership: pathetic and embarrassing
american people: screwed yet again
I tired of our freedoms being pissed away because a bunch of Old dudes feel it is a political necessitity. Bush and his Cabal destroyed the foundation of this Country.
This guy is a scummy lying bastard. He's a total dick head. He used to be a friend (sort of), but he turned his back on everything he ran on initially, and I just hope he loses and moves to San Salvador.
Isn't it possible that the telecoms have enough dirt on these politicians through wiretapping, that immunity is the only likely outcome?
pissed off patricia @ 5:
Barr could become a thorn in mccains side.......i hope he gets attention he doesn't agree with democratic philosophy but he certainly doesn't like the NEOCON's executive power trip either...he could expose the NEOCON's
This is the first pac donation I've ever made, and I feel really good about it. The real enabler here is the corporate media, who have orchestrated a blackout on the issue. If people only knew what was afoot, this wouldn't be an issue at all.
Really disgusting/nauseating. Olbermann needs to blow this wide open. I've written to his show already. Please consider doing the same.
Obama needs a whack upside the head for supporting John Barrow, who is essentially a neocon in blue clothing, over Regina Thomas. I read on Glenn G's blog today that Obama is running pro-Barrow ads in Barrow's district. Is Obama really for change, or is he just a wolf in sheep's clothing? His support of Barrow calls him into serious question IMHO.
pissed off patricia @ 5:
People are joining as we speak....
Ryan in IL @ 12:
Thanks...
Yes, Obama has run pro Barrow ads...I'm tying to find out more info on this...Will keep you updated...
Man, I really was hopeful when you all won in '06, having to fight against your own Reps must be really frustrating ...
i do hereby solemnly swear to contribute to the campaign of anyone running against these fucking cowards.
Just posted this same response at Americablog
If Obama and the Dems won't stand up for our Constitution and privacy rights-by stripping out all traces of retroactive legal immunity for the telecoms that warrantlessly spied upon, and datamined, their customers, why should any of us voters stand up for them?
Glenn Greenwald was absolutely right when he asked what's the difference between a Republican run Congress and the Democratic run Congress, especially when it comes to standing up to Bush Jr or holding him accountable for any of his BS and raping of our Constitution.
The only reason I'm not more infuriated about this Dem cave-in to W is that Bush Jr would still openly break the law no matter how it's written.
But that's the real irony for the Bush Jr fucktard lackeys, President Obama will get to utilize ALL the unchecked, imperial powers W has grabbed for himself, and something tells me those W sheeple won't be bleating a happy tune when it's their turn under the warrantless-spying microscope.
So either help roll back those unchecked, imperial powers by election day, or, Bush Jr supporters, don't dare whine when you're on the receiving end of an over-active Executive Branch run by President Obama.
earl @ 17:
don't be too discouraged, someday you might even evolve to this level.
Chrisd @ 13:
*looks both ways*
have you read naomi klein's "obama's chicago boys"?
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080630/klein
i think change needs to be put in quotes, or have an asterisk next to it, or both.
this is easily remedied by obama though. if he has it in him. i challenge obama to make the change (pun intended)
Steny Hoyer:
Phone - (202) 225-4131
Fax - (202) 225-4300
Jay Rockefeller:
(202) 224-6472
(202) 224-7665 Main Fax
No doubt I could be gitmo'd for what I'm thinking of the scum of both parties that would allow the telecoms to get away with such crimes.
I would donate but I need every nickel to get off this sinking ship before I get locked away in some gay/Muslim concentration camp.
i realize this is a simplistic view.......maybe just maybe obama is trying to move to the right any way he can for independent voters....not sure this strategy conflicts with his change mission
Obamamite @ 20:
??? I'm in Canuckistan ...
I need a way to donate by mail. I don't use credit cards!
Welcome to Nazi Germany, folks. And the old Soviet Union. All thyanks to Christian Republinazi fascists that continue to commit treason against us. And like a bunch of fat, uneducated, ignorant piles of shit, we all just sit here and take it, and take it, and take it.
The people who founded and built this country would have risen up and exterminated the terrorists and fascists running this country today.
Good for you, John! Congratulations! :)
Bushie @ 1:
I just made the call. They were very nice on the phone and she thanked me for taking the time to call. Very different from what I got when I called Senator Nelson and Senator Martinez.
Anyone who is considering buying an iPhone--
You will be tied for TWO YEARS to AT&T-- one of the companies accused of spying illegally on Americans. One of the companies that will, it now seems, receive retroactive immunity.
Boycott iPhone-- AT&T must answer to the public one way or the other.
B
And call your congressperson-- tomorrow is the vote in the house.
William @ 6:
I wouldn't necessarily call it a rollover, I prefer CYA.
I'm unclear as to what exactly ActBlue is going to do with all this money. I can't find any details on their web site. Does anyone know?
Obama has expressed his strong support for John Barrow. Obama spokesperson Tommy Vietor: "Sen. Obama believes that Congressman Barrow has worked hard to bring change that families in his district deserve."
Ain't that a kick in the pants.
Barry Halpern @ 31:
Via Glenn Greenwald:
A few quick updates about the FISA/telecom campaign: The amount raised in the last 1 1/2 days is now an amazing $115,000 -- brining the total for this campaign to $195,000. By any measure, that is an extraordinary amount to raise for a campaign like this, through a handful of blogs, in such a short time. It attests to the intensity and depth of the constituency for defending our constitutional framework and the rule of law, and it will only grow.
New ads are being prepared right now to run ASAP in the districts of Hoyer, Carney and Barrow, and they will continue even if the vote occurs Friday.
Simon Owens interviewed several of the members of the "Strange Bedfellows" alliance and wrote an excellent article about the campaign. Bloggers, activists and organizations that want to join that alliance can do so here. The ACLU Press Release announcing this coalition, as well as a tool for embedding the amount raised for this campaign, can be found here at the Strange Bedfellows site.
As indicated yesterday, this will be an ongoing campaign for all matters relating to constitutional protections, civil liberties, unchecked government power, and the rule of law -- particularly devoted to removing from power those who enable the assault on our constitutional liberties and to put into power those devoted to their preservation. The massive money bomb being coordinated now by the Ron Paul faction will enable many more deserving political figures -- both good and bad -- to be targeted.
telecom industry huge collector of taxes...to run the big show.....
http://antifascist-calling.blogspot.com/2008/06/democrats-ready-to-gut-c...
The way nancy and Stent constantly roll over makes think of two words...."special interest"....and if it's not that then...."farm animals"..
This doesn't surprise me in the least. Deals were cut when the dems won and the rest has been just "show"
American Patriots.
Nice work.
earl @ 17:
It's eve worse when you factor in the *excusers* who will alwsy manage to find a reason why *their* rep did what they did.
I called Carney's office yesterday to voice my disdain and urge him to not approve FISA - the aide who took my call sounded genuinely disinterested.
I have to say I am genuinely discouraged by Chris Carney -
I faxed Obama. I'm not holding my breath.
Another day that will go down in infamy is nigh at hand, or so it would seem.
To paraphrase Ralph Nader's definition of the difference between Dems and Repubs, the Repubs genuflect a little faster than Dems, toward Corporate Amerika! The Dems are as controlled by corporations as are the Repubs and they suffer from the chronic disease of spinelessness. This condition is reflected by the following:
1. No Impeachment.
2. No FISA bill based on Constitutional Law.
3. No arrest warrants issued for Rove or Miers.
4. No defunding of the Iraqi war.
The Dems have consistently delivered for Bush.
(Comcast actually rejected one of our ads against him. Ha!)
I can't understand why you crazy bloggers are still pushing for this "net neutrality". It's as if you don't trust fair, pure Comcast. The market will sort it all out! Yes, it's the same market that pumps billions into Communist China, but I know for a fact that the market will respect the Bill of Rights because Supply Side Jaysus told me so in a vision. Have some faith, Amato.
Strange Bedfellows meet on FISA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzJgytGDafA
It's nice to see some of Ron Paul's better angels get some recognition around here. I have been urging that sort of understanding for a long time, only to be bashed by Big D Dems.
First of all, what Senate majority? Surely Joe Lieberman doesn't count as a Democrat as far as FISA is concerned.
Secondly, how stupid do you have to be to blame Democrats for being conservative in conservative, traditionally Republican, districts. Don't you see that they have to win? Do you think the Republicans who beat your more liberal options will be any better for you? Chances are, they'll be worse (as far as your values are concerned) in more areas of policy.
Chris Carney's seat is one of the 15 most competitive seats in the 2008 elections, as seen here:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1815495_1815420_1...
60 percent of voters in his district voted for Bush in 2004, 39.6% for Kerry. Carney only won because of Don Sherwood's domestic problems. He surely will not be reelected unless he's proven himself representative of his constituency, many of whom make up the 23% who still think GWB is doing a fine job.
FISA is a disgrace.
The republicans love it.
The democrats can't be bothered.
Obama is silent.
This crap is a stinking pile of shite.
Every motherfucker that votes for this shit is a corrupt ass scumbag.
They pulled this shit up when nobody is paying attention. A-FUCKING-GAIN.
[Deleted. Do not advocate for violence at this site. Thank you. Site Monitor]
OR you gonna fucking let them label me a fucking cook ass homegrown terrorist?
chickenshit motherfuckers.
Okay fuck it. C&L ain't the place to organize.
[Not for what you're trying to organize, Phil. We don't advocate for violence and we ask that our commenters don't, either. At least not here. What you say on your own soap box, or on a street corner, is okay by us. But this blog is privately owned. Please consult the commenting policy, the link located at the upper left of the page, just below the Koufax award. Thank you. Site Monitor]
Your getting raped by Ben Bernake and Wall street.
I am just pissed off this is just too fucking much.
WHEN THE FUCK ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING?! GOD DAMN IT,.
the moment I get side tracked on MYSPACE trying to upload songs to a fucking new artist account, what happens behind my fucking back?
The senate goes fucking apeshit.
This is it.
I am done being nice.
Every fucking letter to congress will be with the F-word in there for now on.
I FUCKING HAD IT.
HAD IT
We no longer have the right to seek a life of happiness.
We no longer have the right to anything.
THEN NEITHER DO YOU!
{ Deleted. Over the top. And don't post in all caps. Site Monitor}
biodrummindieseler @ 10:
You may be right. So much shit going on in DC, everything is possible.
Barrow used to be my Congressman, and I voted for him and helped him get elected because he seemed genuine (and because he was running against a real cretin). But in the jump to Congress, he seems to have left his spine behind. Part of this is probably due to Republican gerrymandering in Georgia (Barrow's district is a prime example--the Republicans were trying to cut the district out from under him), which means his district became a lot more conservative when he went up for reelection the first time. But come on, he had a good job before he went to Congress, he has a nice house in Athens, he's probably still somewhat respected there. Is it worth selling out to the right wing to keep your Congressional seat, John? Why not stand strong or go back to your law practice and fight the good fight in other ways?
Cal @ 46 Says: Secondly, how stupid do you have to be to blame Democrats for being conservative in conservative, traditionally Republican, districts. Don’t you see that they have to win?
Cal has it ever occured to you that defending the Constitution just might be considered conservative? Ask any Second Amendment supporter about that. The same thing goes for the Fourth!
.
America needs their elected Officials to start upholding THEIR(sic) Oath of Office... to SUPPORT and DEFEND the CONSTITUTION, faithfully and WITHOUT ANY mental reservations or a PURPOSE of EVASION?
Ron Paul on Nancy Pelosi...
SUBVERSION of the Government?
.
Boston Blackie @ 42:
B-I-N-G-O!!!
I call THEM(sic) Republicrats...
Because to THEM(sic), bipartisan means to compromise the People's Rights and interests for THEIR(sic) gain$.
This is one thing George W(orst) Bush got correct...
THEY(sic) HATE AMERICANS FOR THEIR FREEDOMS...
Phil @ 51:
Philed with himself?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87yq372R4Ts
theWalrus @ 35:
Thanks for the info. Based on this it would seem that little of this money is going directly towards defeating the FISA compromise. I think defeating Hoyer and others in favor of more progressive Dems is a worthy goal and will contribute towards that, but I think the fundraising is a little misleading.
The republics dead, goodbye civil liberties, thanks to the republicrats.
I left a message with the Obama campaign as well--if Obama doesn't stop the immunity provision, I will give all of my campaign contributions to defeat Dems who voted for this bill. This is the final straw. I don't care what party, if they don't stand up for our basic rights, they are toast to me. If the Obama campaign reads the blogs, be warned that they shouldn't take us for granted. We're not like the frightened sheep that put bush into office and who will vote for mcbush in 2008. We think and act.
Get a clue people. Obama supported the Reauth of the Patriot Act,
Reauth of the Patriot Act
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2005-627
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=s2006-29
. . . and he's not speaking out against FISA
http://digg.com/politics/Obama_Supports_FISA_Legislation_Angering_Left
Kucinich on FISA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM2HLbcUafA
Why do Democrats have to compromise when they have the majority? Why not just all vote no? It's better to have no bill pass at all, than to get a bad bill.
Obama came up with this same kind of compromise crap when it came to the Reauthorization of the Patriot Act. Why the hell do people trust this guy? You know who didn't? Dennis Kucinich.
The only problem is he would kick some corporate ass, so the corporate media stonewalled the guy. It makes me very said to see Democrats went for the guy promoted by the corporate media. They could have gone for the guy who has a proven track record of always voting No when it counts.
Kucinich voted against this FISA bill, NAFTA, CAFTA, the Iraq War, the Patriot Act, the Reauth of the Patriot Act. Kucinich supports John Conyers extend Medicare bill http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-676 rather than requiring everyone buy a corporate health insurance plan. What the hell?
If Dems want socialized medicine, why didn't they vote for someone who actually supports it, rather than vote for people who want to keep the corporate blood sucking insurance companies in the picture--and give them tax dollars.
It really ticks me off people voted for a public relations image, rather than voting based on real substance.
Maybe we could get Ralph Nader to pick Kucinich as VP and Bob Barr could pick Chuck Baldwin. Then we could at least have a show down between candidates who are worthy of consideration.
YES WE CAN (maintain our foreign empire, domestic tyranny, and a crashing economy)!
im enjoying this way more than i should be. sorry.
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