I just receive this response from Sen Nelsons office concerning the FISA bill.  (note: my emphasis added.)

A key difference between the Senate and House versions of this bill is the Senate’s inclusion of retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies from civil litigation claims arising from their assistance with the Administration’s warrantless surveillance program. The Senate considered an amendment to strip this provision from the bill; however, that effort was rejected by a vote of 31-67. I voted against this amendment because I believe the telecommunication providers acted in good faith in complying with a request for assistance and relying on the government’s assurance that said assistance was legal.

If our Government acted within the law then their assistance is protected.  They do not need this immunity.

The House version of this legislation does not include immunity provisions, and President Bush has said he will veto any bill without immunity.

Are you really afraid of a Bush veto?

In addition to the immunity provisions, the Senate-passed legislation creates a workable program of foreign intelligence surveillance with appropriate oversight and protections of the privacy rights of American citizens.

Executive branch overseeing itself is not an appropriate protection.

I will continue to monitor this legislation and will keep your thoughts – as well as your concerns for your privacy – in mind as the conference committee negotiations continue.

Do you believe in anything or are you always checking which way the wind is blowing before you vote?

How do you break through this type of response?  

We need a different style of Democrat in the Senate.