In the Senate today, Alberto Gonzales did little to change my mind on the illegality of Bush's domestic wiretapping program. I suspect he even hurt his cause by exposing the sheer frailty of the legal reasoning involved in the defense of the program. The major victory won by the Bush administration, however, should be apparent. Amid a multitude of scandals surrounding the administration, Gonzales' appearance and defense has effectively changed the nature of the situation from one of scandal to constitutional debate. As corporate media reports on the `controversy' surrounding the program, they dutifully inoculate the public from the
gravity and immediacy of the situation. In keeping with Rovian political strategy, Bush has `gone to the voters' to push his program, in an effort we have seen repeatedly distracts from tough questions and consequences in favor of media reporting on this allegedly democratic exercise of `citizen participation'.
The scandalous nature of the program must not be forgotten, and must not be bogged down in debate. Democratic legislators need to speak loudly and angrily about the lawlessness of this presidency, and all of the plethoric examples of their arrogance. The best defense, as Rove knows well, is a good offense. We need to learn the same thing. The best defense of our rights as Americans and our system of government is a offense against the aggressors. Though my prose does not lend itself to demagoguery, I entreat everyone who reads this to reframe their own thought on the issue. The wiretapping program is not an issue. It is another example of the nefarious actions this administration has justified with fear, hatred and xenophobia. It is a full-blown scandal, and an impeachable offense. Democrats need to stop taking the back seat they have been assigned.
Although we hold a minority in all branches of government, only a vocal minority can avoid irrelevance.
As we well know, our representatives will not represent us until we let them know how. So please take the first step in becoming a vocal minority instead of shouting in a vacuum. Call or email your representatives and tell them that having a criminal for a president is no longer tenable.
House
Senate
Also please contact your state's legislature. They are more available and less jaded about hearing from their constitutional masters.