First of all, yes, this isn't much of a diary, I know. But so far as I know, it hasn't been said. And it certainly hasn't been emphasized enough.
From Senator Edward M. Kennedy in December:
Mr. President, I am troubled by the FISA bill that has come to the Senate floor. Since I introduced the original FISA legislation over 30 years ago, I’ve worked to amend the FISA law many times, and I believe that this bill is not faithful to the traditional balance that FISA has struck. This bill gives the Executive Branch vast new authorities to spy on Americans, without adequate guidance or oversight. Americans deserve better.
Please get well soon, Ted. Your active presence on the Hill is sorely missed. And I don't meant to suggest you've done nothing recently -- you've still managed to perform much of the work of a senator. But I can't wait until you can once perform the work of 10 senators, as you have in the past.
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Addition: Since this made the rec list, I just want to clarify something and, well, add some praise for Sen. Kennedy. Do I think Sen. Kennedy would necessarily singlehandedly stop immunity? No. Do I know exactly what he would say about the current amendment to his bill? No.
But there are some senators who will always stand their ground no matter what. There are some that will practically always fold like a pup tent. Sen. Kennedy has a strong conscience, will always do what he believes to be right, but he also knows the art of compromise and how and when to make a deal.
I genuinely wish we could hear more from him, on this and other issues.