FISA Fight: Another Wing-Nut Group Enters the Fray

The extreme right groups surely do love alliteration, whether its "Defense of Democracies" or "Frontiers of Freedom," the latest organization committing telephonic harrassment of the Democratic Freshman who refused to cave on telco amnesty. From an e-mail from Tim Walz:

The group is telling voters to urge me to support retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that participated in the President's illegal wiretapping program. They want me to cave in to the President's demands.

Despite the pressure, I refuse to give these phone companies a free pass. I won't let President Bush decide when he can break the law....

They have attacked me with television ads...

They have attacked me with radio commercials...

Today, they are calling voters and attacking me on the phone...

I will not cave on this issue, but they will continue to attack.

As always with these groups, there's unintended irony in their efforts on behalf of the administration and the telcos. See if you can spot the crazy in their mission statement:

Frontiers of Freedom Institute ("FOF") was founded in 1994 by U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop. FOF is an educational institute (or think tank) whose mission is to promote conservative public policy based on the principles of individual freedom, peace through strength, limited government, free enterprise, and traditional American values as found in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Another group that puts "free enterprise" above "principles of individual freedom" when it comes to protecting AT&T over the privacy rights of Americans.

They are going to continue to attack. The pressure on these Freshmen is going to be relentless. We can help counterbalance that by supporting them and their strong stance against the administration. Contact them and let them know you appreciate their refusal to cave.

• Jason Altmire (PA-04)
• Mike Arcuri (NY-24)
• Nancy Boyda (KS-02)
• Joe Courtney (CT-02)
• Joe Donnelly (IN-02)
• Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08)
• Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20)
• Paul Hodes (NH-02)
• Steve Kagen (WI-08)
• Ron Klein (FL-22)
• Tim Mahoney (FL-16)
• Jerry McNerney (CA-11)
• Harry Mitchell (AZ-05)
• Christopher Murphy (CT-05)
• Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01)
• Tim Walz (MN-01)

•  How about "Fuck the Fourth (Amendment) and FISA"

  As a good name for a group.

  by DemocraticLuntz on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:02:05 PM PDT

  •  Well, it is alliterative (n/t)

    by mcjoan on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:04:39 PM PDT

    •  But it's also more descriptive of their purpose

      (in my opinion

      by DemocraticLuntz on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:06:06 PM PDT

      •  Yeah, maybe "Freedom For Me, Not Thee"

        Frontiers of Freedom Institute ("FOF") was founded in 1994 by U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop. FOF is an educational institute (or think tank) whose mission is to promote conservative public policy based on the principles of individual freedom, ...

        Where "individuals" = "Corporations", and "terrorists" = "US citizens".

        by MikeTheLiberal on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:31:14 PM PDT

        •  Yeah, talk about irony via ignorancy.

          Which principles of individual freedom are they for again?

          by Skid on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:45:49 PM PDT

    •  God Rest Little Ali Hussein FISA workin'?

      One of the 'Terrorists' reported killed in Sadr City yesterday

      This one is past it for me..

      by Blue in VA on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:32:23 PM PDT

      •  Ali

        

        by Blue in VA on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:34:08 PM PDT

        •  I cannot express

          Just how disturbing that image is.

          I'm not going to TR it, but, ... ew.

          by MikeTheLiberal on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:38:47 PM PDT

          •  I know

            I have a 2 year old Grandson

            Why would you think you should hide it?? It was on the front page of the Washington Post today

            It will upset a lot of us

            by Blue in VA on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:41:38 PM PDT

            •  It was?

              Well, shows which paper I don't read.

              I have three grandchildren (10, 7, 5).  It was just disturbing.  :(

              by MikeTheLiberal on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:44:41 PM PDT

  •  I like

    "Cowards in Complicity" myself.

    by Moody Loner on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:28:02 PM PDT

•  Did Someone's Head Explode When They Wrote That?

  And, I'd be willing to bet their definition of "traditional" is different from mine. What's that big "C" word in there? As Yul Brynner's King of Siam said, it's a puzzlement.

  by CityLightsLover on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:02:30 PM PDT

•  If you want to keep me from popping ...

  ...a valve, could you in the future leave Malcolm Wallop's name out of your posts? There aren't too many Wyomingites I despise more than Dick Cheney and Jim Watt, but Wallop comes in a solid third. His work on tax cuts for the wealthy and attacks on environmental regulations stands out today not because others don't hold these views but because he was first on the block to put them forth.

  pffffffflbbbt!

  by Meteor Blades on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:06:00 PM PDT

  •  Gale McGee fan, huh?

    by DemocraticLuntz on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:06:56 PM PDT

    •  I may still have a

      "McGee for Me" button in my collection.

      by martydd on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:08:06 PM PDT

    •  Yes, from when I covered Wyoming politics ...

      ...for the AP and McGee was one of the few sane politicians in the state. But mostly it's not being a fan of McGee, it's pure disgust with Wallop.

      by Meteor Blades on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:09:11 PM PDT

  •  Heh.

    Sorry, MB. It was just too rich not to include.

    by mcjoan on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:08:46 PM PDT

  •  Never heard of him before

    But given the company you have placed him in, he certainly merits the contempt.  

    The web site for FOF (one could have lots of fun with that acronym) even has a cute little survey.  If I was certain of their intent for the last selection, I would go for it.  Problem is, I don't believe they really mean what it literally says.  

     Passing a real energy bill -- one that produces more energy and reduces the cost of energy.  
     Making the tax cuts permanent and further reducing taxes -- we spent our money better than Congress will.  
     Spending our money to buy votes and win reelection in November.  
     Fully supporting the men and women who protect this great nation's freedom and security.  

    by rlteiken on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:39:26 PM PDT

    •  The BIGGEST Lie of All!

      Making the tax cuts permanent and further reducing taxes -- we spent our money better than Congress will.  

      Yeah, right.

      Congress spends it on the common good.

      These folks spend it on their own selfish wants.

      by MikeTheLiberal on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:46:16 PM PDT

      •  Priorities Confirmed

        You had these guys figured out; the survey results are available without voting.  Their heads are in their wallets or somewhere in that vicinity.

        Making the tax cuts permanent and further reducing taxes -- we spent our money better than Congress will.  
        534     36.5%      

        Fully supporting the men and women who protect this great nation's freedom and security.  
        418     28.6%      

        Spending our money to buy votes and win reelection in November.  
        281     19.2%      

        Passing a real energy bill -- one that produces more energy and reduces the cost of energy.  
        229     15.7%  

           

        by rlteiken on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:14:27 PM PDT

  •  That's why he's so evil

    And to see that he's behind this should confirm that this group isn't acting in good faith.

    by Phoenix Woman on Thu May 01, 2008 at 05:55:52 AM PDT

•  The Brave Freshmen that are standing firm

  should of by now felt a thrill from being able to do the right thing and thumbing their noses at Bush at the same time. I hope they are getting the support they need from the DCCC and DNC.

  by SmileySam on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:06:22 PM PDT

  •  I hope so, too.

    There's a push now, I hear, in the backrooms to work out a deal to get the House to cave on the Senate bill before Memorial Day recess. So get ready for another onslaught of FISA posts.

    by mcjoan on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:12:08 PM PDT

  •  They need to be getting support from us!

    http://www.actblue.com/...

    I've been told that it was a handful of Progressive Freshmen who worked hard behind the scenes and stopped leadership from caving last time. Not the least of which was Carol Shea-Porter.

    So far these groups have run about 180k worth of ads in Carol's district.

    by dkulju on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:52:28 PM PDT

  •  McNerny & Hodes Standing strong

    just got off phone with their offices anbot say they will not vote for any bill that has telco immunity.
    Call other offices to get them to do the same. Don forget Hodes & McNerny with a contribution. I am from Indiana but these ar two people with spines. Keep calling it does make a difference.

    by Lawdog on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:17:51 PM PDT

•  Malcolm Wallop?

  The same batshit crazy Malcolm Wallop that was elected from Wyoming?

  That guy was scary.

  by martydd on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:06:26 PM PDT

  •  IS scary. (n/t)

    by mcjoan on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:09:15 PM PDT

    •  He's still a young man. Only 3 years older

      than McCain.

      by DemocraticLuntz on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:12:44 PM PDT

      •  but already senile

        by CParis on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:09:58 PM PDT

•  Tim Walz is a friggin' superstar.

  Absolutely love the guy.  We gave him $400 last week, so I'm tapped.

  I'll shoot him a call, though.

  by mlajala on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:20:30 PM PDT

  •  Good for you!

    He's most excellent.

    By the way, he's probably good on the cash front -- he's got well over a million while his two likely opponents have maybe $100k combined.  The press butters them up, but they're still the Clown Car.

    by Phoenix Woman on Thu May 01, 2008 at 05:57:37 AM PDT

•  Ok, I'm guessing these

  wingers have never actually read the Declaration of Independence, otherwise, they would not use it so cavalierly:

  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

  And "peace through strength" is so retro -- um, 1938.

  by gchaucer2 on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:28:03 PM PDT

•  bah, who reads

  As long that you say you're supporting it, the bulk of people will believe as they haven't read it either.

  Besides, reading is a clear indication that you're etilist and that's obviously a bad thing.

  by sheridan on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:36:40 PM PDT

•  From Rep. Van Hollen

  About a month ago, I had sent a note to my congressman, Chris Van Hollen, about FISA. I would like to share a portion of his response.

  Nothing is more fundamental to our right against unlawful search and seizure than protections against unauthorized electronic surveillance. Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, of 1978, (FISA) the interception of foreign intelligence was authorized but many safeguards were built in to protect U.S. persons. Since the September 11, 2001, this Administration has felt empowered to disregard, in large part, the FISA law as well as the FISA court. Because of scrutiny by Congress, the public, the press and many public interest groups, the Administration has faced mounting pressure to return to the rule of law and to abide by specific statutory standards.

  He goes on to cite the efforts of the House to negotiate in good faith with the Administration to address the legitimate concerns to accomodate  current surveillance requirements, to no avail. He goes on to say of the Senate bill -

  The Senate bill does provide retroactive immunity to phone companies for their illicit actions on behalf of this Administration. I will not vote in favor of any bill that contains blanket retroactive immunity. To do so would only give a blank check in support of illicit activity that has not been properly disclosed even to justify the immunity sought. Moreover, the lawsuits that the Administration seeks immunity from have provided a window into the unauthorized practices that have been committed by this Administration and hence, serve a valid public purpose. These lawsuits should not be statutorily foreclosed.

  We do have some good people fighting for us up there and we should make sure that they are given their due respect. I think that Rep. Van Hollen says it best in his closing.

  We must return our country to its former glory, where it served as a beacon of hope instead of continuing our current course that has subverted the law and the Constitution.

  Sir, consider my hat doffed in your honor.

  by Tomsank on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:41:42 PM PDT

  •  I Heart My Congressman!!!! JG in MD-08

    by JG in MD on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:03:15 PM PDT

•  I'm going to repeat myself:

  This is one of the most important diary series on this site.  The response level is low -- how come?  Because the title doesn't say
  FISA FIGHT:  Rev. Wright Supports Another Wingnut Group That Enters the Fray.

  I find my total comments over the last few days have diminished dramatically.  I wonder why?

  by gchaucer2 on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:42:29 PM PDT

  •  I haven't been here at all today

    When I came back I found that the topics I usually comment on, like this one, are repelling me. I think people have to drop back sometimes and think about the good stuff in their lives.

    I felt a sudden wrench of rage and pain thinking about freshmen congressmen being pounded by the thugs. Then I realized we're all going to get pummeled, especially Obama, and I felt even worse.

    But it helps to know that Van Hollen is fighting the good fight.

    by JG in MD on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:25:52 PM PDT

•  bump

  by plok on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:44:59 PM PDT

  •  Um, ...

    ... you can't "bump" a FP story.

    But, I'll bet mcjoan appreciates it. :D

    by MikeTheLiberal on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:48:07 PM PDT

    •  I've run out of words

      down with tyranny, arrest the bastards, and so on.

      by plok on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 06:25:56 PM PDT

•  How is this "limited government"?

  Allowing the government to expand it's big brother role is clearly the opposite - "unlimited government" or "limited checks and balances on the government."

  Where are the (usually outspoken) libertarians and gun rights people when it comes to wiretaps and privacy intrusion?

  Ask one the next time you meet one (but not if they are holding a gun at the time).

  by NickB on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:55:10 PM PDT

•  Let me get this straight

  Seriously, I haven't been keeping up with this story.  So from what I understand the big telecoms followed government orders (unconstitutional as they might be) and now that those orders have been ruled unconstitutional they want immunity for following them.

  Did the telcoms have a choice?  If their hand was forced, then it seems like the blame should all fall on the Bush Administration.

  by Knat on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:55:44 PM PDT

  •  Of course they had a choice ..

    you think the guvment is gonna throw some CEOs in jail because their legal counsel told them that it's illegal to cooperate? Not all the telecoms folded ..

    by zeke7237 on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 01:59:42 PM PDT

    •  OK

      I'd say if it was an optional program, then they should be held to account for it.

      by Knat on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:17:10 PM PDT

  •  One theory is that BushCo told the telcos that

    they'd make it legal and gave them waivers of sort, but it got out and BushCo needs to make it legal because it really isn't and wasn't.
    Stay tuned...

    by Skid on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:56:46 PM PDT

    •  I see

      I am all for privacy laws, in fact its one of the things I am willing to crusade for.  But before we start hanging people out to dry for their actions, I would like to know that they actually had a choice in the matter.

      by Knat on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 03:18:03 PM PDT

      •  They did because Qwest was only one that didn't

        go along with it.
        Google it or read through some of the diaries here about it. Scary read though.

        by Skid on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 03:21:51 PM PDT

•  Republicans don't believe a word of the

  Constitution.  They do fervently believe in the free enterprise system, which is not in the Constitution.  The free enterprise system is a manufactured Chamber of Commerce meme.  It means they are free to manipulate and completely control the markets to their own benefit, by any means necessary.

  Where in the constitution does it say that we will unquestionably be, for eternity, a purely capitalist society?  Don't the people get to choose whatever economic system they want to use?  Isn't that what freedom and democracy is all about?

  Oh yeah, let's nationalize the oil industry.  Immediately.  American industries for America.  No more multinationals setting our energy policy.  They have no allegiance to America whatsoever.  Nationalize the oil industry.  And every American shares the risks, and the wealth.

  by patarico adamasso on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:00:10 PM PDT

  •  They only believe four word of the Constitution

    "right to bear arms"

    by Amayupta yo on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:37:59 PM PDT

•  These guys haven't read the Declaration...

  of Independence.

  They are trampling on every self-evident unalienable right imaginable. The revolutionary war generation fought to stop creeps like this from destroying our freedoms.

  by Rayk on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:00:12 PM PDT

•  We should start calling it something else

  Another group that puts "free enterprise" above "principles of individual freedom" when it comes to protecting AT&T over the privacy rights of Americans.

  They don't really believe in "free enterprise", they believe in "consequence-free enterprise".

  by FatPath on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:00:49 PM PDT

•  FISA - Immunity for telecoms

  I just called every Congressperson listed and told them as a citizen I had a responsibility to applaud them, thank them and support their courage for standing up against immunity for telecoms.

  Everyone should do it. It will only take a few minutes to go through the list and the calling is FREE
  by
  DIALING 202-224-3121.

  Even though you may not live in the Congressperson's District, their vote affects you wherever you live. Besides I give to candidates all over the country and try to reward them for their positions. I also phone bank for them. So it doesn't matter whether or not I live in their District.

  CALL NOW!

  by youngharry on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:12:58 PM PDT

•  Question about donating $

  I was on the verge of donating via the linked ActBlue page but I realized what a big bunch of junk mail I'll be getting from all the candidates.

  Is there any easy solution, or do I need to contact each campaign directly to say no snail mail?

  Thanks.

  by LNK on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:27:59 PM PDT

•  it is harder to spot the SANE in that statement

  peace through strength AND limited government?
  free enterprise AND conservative public policy?

  just where IS the sane part of that statement?

  by Amayupta yo on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:35:56 PM PDT

•  Wallop

  Wallop is 75 years old, a toff, and probably a front man for this crap.

  by Hedley Lamarr on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:54:05 PM PDT

•  More on FOFF and telecoms

  More on telecoms and who put the "Front" in "Frontiers" over at Bluestem Prairie.  Make sure to read the Wallop text below the fold.

  Anyone who takes a long hard look at Malcolm Wallop is in for a treat (double points if you come up with a copy of the 1988 Joe TV Trippi ad about Wallop's jet rides and speakers' fees that nearly got MW voted out of the office).  Oh, my stars and garters!

  by Ollie Ox on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 02:59:19 PM PDT

•  Does Habanero have insight or what?

  "Look who Microsoft had over for dinner. w/ Poll"
  by Habanero

  http://www.dailykos.com/...

  Now have alook at this......

  "MS supplies cops with DIY forensics tool"

  http://www.theregister.co.uk/...

  DUBYA AND ROBERT MUELLER... GO POUND SAND!

  by Habanero on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 03:24:38 PM PDT

•  A right wing think tank Like FOF is...

  ...by nature bereft of logic thus clear thinking. It is like all Right wing-nut think tanks merely a propaganda institute busy spewing out truisms laced with self serving lies.

  by Bobjack23 on Wed Apr 30, 2008 at 04:01:01 PM PDT