Today Barack Obama wrote:
This was not an easy call for me... It grants retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that may have violated the law by cooperating with the Bush Administration's program of warrantless wiretapping. This potentially weakens the deterrent effect of the law and removes an important tool for the American people to demand accountability for past abuses. That's why I support striking Title II from the bill, and will work with Chris Dodd, Jeff Bingaman and others in an effort to remove this provision in the Senate.
Yet today Markos was a blockhead when he wrote:
Bottom line is that Obama wants to cave on FISA not because of "moving to the center" concerns, but because they are afraid of television ads claiming Obama is inviting terrorists over for BBQ.
Really, did he email you that, because he did send us a message you know...
Additionally, Obama signaled his future intentions:
Given the choice between voting for an improved yet imperfect bill, and losing important surveillance tools, I've chosen to support the current compromise. I do so with the firm intention -- once I’m sworn in as President -- to have my Attorney General conduct a comprehensive review of all our surveillance programs, and to make further recommendations on any steps needed to preserve civil liberties and to prevent executive branch abuse in the future.
Now, obviously, by offering this dialogue, one can certainly assume Barack is listening.
Markos and others are Blockheads because they've already hung the FISA situation around Obama's neck and some are ready to throw him overboard, just as things are heating up, and the media is intentionally trying to stir shit up that ain't there... this is what happens when your base starts acting stupid, the media will gang up with the RNC and McCain to dampen support.
If you're angry about FISA, it's time that you focus your energy and voice towards those that matter, the Senators who will try to impeed or vote against the Dobb/Obama/Bingaman efforts to strike Title II...
THAT'S HOW YOU PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION AND NOT DESTROY THE PARTY AT THE SAME TIME...
Obama is clear on his desire to fix the bill.... he's crystal clear on his recognition of the problems with the bill.... and he's also clear on his intent to fix what damage may be caused by the bill once he's won office...
So, why don't you all spend your energy working all the other 99 Senators who will vote against the striking of Title II, which is the vote that actually destroys the Fourth Amendment...
This is a Legislative Action, and understanding that will enable your anger to fix the rest of this situation. Obama recognizes your contributions thus far... and applauds them.
For the truth is that your organizing, your activism and your passion is an important reason why this bill is better than previous versions. No tool has been more important in focusing peoples' attention on the abuses of executive power in this Administration than the active and sustained engagement of American citizens. That holds true -- not just on wiretapping, but on a range of issues where Washington has let the American people down.
Congrats, Obama heard you, now it's time to get the rest of the Senate on the Phone...
UPDATE: Wow, thanks for rec'n my lil protest rant... I hope it gets those who are so upset about FISA to take action where action will matter, on pushing for a successful vote in support of Dodd's efforts... and if you are like me, and proud of Obama's effort today to engage us in Dialogue, please, consider a donation. I'm still not quite at my goal of $3000 to replace Kos' lost $2300... Amounts of $17.76 are in order, considering the Holiday... Happy 4th to all!