I constantly call and write my Senators and my Congressman. I try to stay on top of what is happening in Congress and voice my opinion to my elected representatives. Barack Obama happens to be one of my Senators, and I wanted to show dkos what Obama's staffers like to write to his constituents. I have been on the fence for a while now, but Obama has officially fallen to my #2 choice.
Actual copies of his responses below the fold.
Here is the first message I received that did absolutely nothing to assuage my fears. I wrote Senator Obama about my concerns of the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. If anyone know about this highly controversial bill, it contains clauses that do things such as oppose the right to assemble and calls the internet a tool of terror. This bill passed the House with a remarkable majority, and it needs to be killed in Senate Committe. Since Senator Obama is on the Senate Panel on Homeland Security, he should have at least some rudimentary knowledge of this bill and I would think he would oppose it due to his time spent as a Professor of Constituional Law. Here is his repsone to my concerns:
Dear Jeffrey:
Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts regarding the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, this legislation would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add provisions concerning the prevention of homegrown terrorism. While the American people understand that new threats require flexible responses to keep them safe, it is important that these responses do not violate some of the most basic tenets of our democracy. The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act includes specific provisions prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security's efforts from violating civil rights and civil liberties of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
As you mention, this legislation passed the House on October 23, 2007. It is currently being considered by the Senate panel on Homeland Security, of which I am a member. I will keep your comments in mind as I work with my colleagues on this panel, and I will work to ensure that this legislation finds an appropriate balance between civil liberties and security.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
United States Senator
I read the bill that is currently in the Senate and I personally found no provisions protecting my civil rights and liberties. However, I may be wrong, you can read the bill for yourself and please respond in the comments as to what you think.
Here is the link to the bill currently in Senate Committee
http://www.govtrack.us/...
Update
Thank you to everyone who posted comments, my problem with the letter was I didn't feel that my questions were answered very well. Some of your comments were very helpful and I really appreciate all of the dialogue.