Dear Kossacks,
Some of my favorite lessons in history class involved the Bill of Rights - debates over the 8th amendment on cruel and unusual punishment, mock trials involving challenges to free speech, and practice writing search warrants. To me, the freedoms and rights outlined in the Bill of Rights are fundamental to our democracy. Consequently, protecting our Constitutional rights is of great importance to me.
Unlike my opponent in the June 6 primary in the 36th CD in California, Jane Harman, I oppose the Patriot Act with its sneak and peek searches of our homes, and think Congress should conduct a full and complete investigation of anyone using warrantless wiretaps to spy on Americans. The fact that NSA Chief Michael Hayden orchestrated warrantless wiretaps, not to mention massive collection of phone records, is reason enough to reject his nomination as CIA Director. Harman, who was briefed on the NSA program, maintains Hayden's involvement is not relevant to his confirmation. Illegal spying not relevant? Or is it that the Constitution is no longer relevant to the Bush administration and those who, for whatever reason, choose to defend this imperial Presidency. Could it be that Bush & Co. would just as soon substitute the Patriot Act for the US Constitution? Now is not the time for accommodation with those who believe we must surrender our freedoms to preserve them or subvert our democracy to save it.
I just checked the ACLU's website. According to the ACLU, 72 House members have signed on to an amicus brief in their suit against NSA spying. They include not only the usual suspects like Maxine Waters and Diane Watson, Hilda Solis etc, but Henry Waxman and Brad Sherman. Conspicuous by their absence are Jane Harman and Adam Schiff.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan, seeks a court order declaring that the NSA spying is illegal and ordering its immediate and permanent halt. The Court will hear arguments on the legality of the program on June 12.
If I were a member of Congress today, I would proudly sign on to the NSA lawsuit. I would also challenge the intelligence community's practice of over-classifying documents to conceal suspicious government activities. What will they classify next? The Colbert Report?
In the meantime, I invite you to sign my petition to reject Michael Hayden as CIA Director. Visit winogradforcongress.com to send a message to Washington.
Hayden, no. Colbert, yes. Just kidding.
Warm regards,
Marcy Winograd
36th Congressional District Candidate in California
Winogradforcongress.com