Dear Heather,
When it comes to protecting the rule of law, words are not enough. We need action.
It's wrong for your government to spy on you. That's why I'm asking you to join me today in calling on Senate Democrats to filibuster revisions to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that would give "retroactive immunity" to the giant telecom companies for their role in aiding George W. Bush's illegal eavesdropping on American citizens.
The Senate is debating this issue right now -- which is why we must act right now. You can call your Senators here:
Barbara Boxer, (D): (202) 224-3553
Dianne Feinstein, (D): (202) 224-3841
So, did you call your Senators today? I did not and I'm rather ashamed that I didn't. I'm rather overwhelmed at the idea of calling their offices, I tend to be a letter or e-mail kind of a gal, but really, I should have.
If you did call today can you share your experience with me? Here is the rest of my letter. There was a diary by Edgery about it earlier, but maybe some of you missed John's call for people to call their Senators and to tell them that immunity is not on the table.
Granting retroactive immunity is wrong. It will let corporate law-breakers off the hook. It will hamstring efforts to learn the truth about Bush's illegal spying program. And it will flip on its head a core principle that has guided our nation since our founding: the belief that no one, no matter how well connected or what office they hold, is above the law.
But in Washington today, the telecom lobbyists have launched a full-court press for retroactive immunity. George Bush and Dick Cheney are doing everything in their power to ensure it passes. And too many Senate Democrats are ready to give the lobbyists and the Bush administration exactly what they want.
Please join me in calling on every Senate Democrat to do everything in their power -- including joining Senator Dodd's efforts to filibuster this legislation -- to stop retroactive immunity and stand up for the rule of law. The Constitution should not be for sale at any price.
Thank you for taking action.
John Edwards
January 24, 2008
Coming Soon To A Theater Near You: New Film Starring South Carolina's Native Son John Edwards
This is a great trailer, I really hope the movie has a happy ending, like maybe a President Edwards. Really, this would be a dream come true for me right now. I have become so annoyed with the jello fight between Clinton and Obama it's distracting to the issues and it's harmful to the party. I know, I support Edwards, but I sincerely believe this to be the case.
But this is the Edwards Evening News and here is the main attraction. If you like the ad, could you please help John air it in South Carolina? Cosbo had a diary about raising funds to air this ad, but just in case you missed it, you can donate now :)
In upcoming attraction, John Edwards rescues a nation hijacked by special interests and delivers it back to the hands of the people
Columbia, South Carolina – Two days before South Carolina voters go to the polls, the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled a new theatrical trailer for Native Son: The Movie starring Senator John Edwards. The trailer, narrated by well-known voiceover artist and Edwards' supporter George DelHoyo, highlights how Edwards has spent his life standing up to the rich and powerful to help the kind of regular people he grew up with in the Palmetto State, and how, as president, Edwards will rescue a nation hijacked by special interests and deliver it back to the hands of the people.
"From the people that want to end this senseless war, comes the story of the man who will bring you stronger schools, smart trade and universal health care," the narrator explains. "Starring South Carolina's native son, John Edwards. On January 26th, choose a brighter future – John Edwards for President."
Today, Edwards wraps up a two-day "Back Roads, Back Home Barnstorm" of South Carolina's small towns and rural communities to bring attention to the millions of rural Americans who, for too long, have been forgotten by Washington politicians. Edwards has seen how the voices of working Americans – like James Lowe, who could not speak for 50 years because he did not have health insurance, like the men and women who worked in the mills with his father Wallace, and like so many others he has met across South Carolina, have been forgotten.
Joined by James Lowe, his parents Bobbie and Wallace Edwards, his daughter, Cate, and Rev. James Blassingame of Sumter, South Carolina, on the last day before the primary, tomorrow Edwards will campaign across South Carolina to meet with voters and tell them, as President, he will never forget the voices of South Carolina's working families.
S.C. voter to press: You suck
I had to include this little story about Kathy E. Adams who was at a Clinton event today. Kathy seems to sum up something very important about the race. And she also proves a point I've kept to myself, it seems as if more than just Edwards supporters are realizing that he represents the "the grown-up wing" of the Democratic Party. Amen Kathy!
ANDERSON, S.C. — A voter attending Sen. Hillary Clinton's event here stood during the Q-&-A session to scold the reporters working in the cramped press area in the back of the room.
"I have a message for the press," lawyer Kathy E. Adams of Powdersville said after asking a question about Afghanistan.
"South Carolina is not what you are portraying it to be. I want it heard all over this country," she said. "We don't care about people's color or their gender, we care about finding a leader."
snip
As for her choice in Saturday's primary, Adams said she will "probably" supporting Clinton. She had been a Joe Biden supporter before leaning toward Clinton.
She said was "disappointed" by the exchange between Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama during the debate Monday. She said she is considering former Sen. John Edwards because she agreed he was "the only adult in the sandbox."
http://video1.washingtontimes.com/...
Edwards comments on Bush's tax relief being a dollar short and day late.
"What we need in a president is someone who understands that this is not about them personally. It is about you. It is about what we're going to do for America," he said.
"If we had a grown up in the White House, if we had a grown up for president, we would have been doing something at least 30 days ago about this economic downtown ... We would have already gotten help to the states, given money to the states to help stimulate the economy. We would have already changed our unemployment laws, so that we cover more people. We'd already be on the edge of creating new jobs and building green infrastructure.
"That's what happens when you have somebody who understands America in a very real way."
http://www.goupstate.com/...
Edwards called it "another example of Washington deserting working people and the middle class. They give $70 billion in tax breaks to businesses and do nothing for those who have lost their jobs as a result of this economy."
"There's just a complete disconnect between what's happening in Washington and what I see happening here in South Carolina and across the country," he told reporters after a stop at a restaurant in Laurens.
snip
"You can just guess, among the three of us, who's the person who first came out with a plan to strengthen the economy in the rural areas of America?" Edwards asked the crowd. "The only candidate who's from rural America."
http://www.wral.com/...
And here is a little snippet of John talking about the lack of awareness in Washington...
In case you missed them, here are some of the Edwards diaries at the Daily Kos
Just returned from the Edwards rally in Seneca SC
by kuvasz
Corporate Welfare is NOT an Economic Stimulus
by Hens Teeth
Jim Wallis, Faith, Moral Imperative and John Edwards
by gelbin
John Edwards is rising! Our better angels applaud (UPDATED)
by GernBlanzten
Help us air this spot in South Carolina!
by rclouse
The Most Compelling Case for John Edwards: UNITY!!
by RDemocrat
Soup Kitchen, Democracy for New York City, Edwards & Obama
by JeremiahFP
Making personal history with John Edwards
by Straightforward
And most importantly, if you are still wondering what you can do to help John in the primaries, below are some links of just a few things you can help out with from phone banking to writing a letter to your local paper.