Why not encourage a nation-wide effort to hold public hearings of, by and for the people to allow citizens to comment on the domestic spying issue?
I am watching the Congressman Conyer's hearing on domestic 'surveillance.' And I am reminded of a raucus city council meeting in Austin, Texas, in the 80's where the people of Travis County came out in force to speak out against Freeport MacMoran (sp?) poisoning our aquifer for a golf course. The public comment period went all night -- one citizen after another lining the block around the building and one citizen after another said NO. It was community involvement that I have since never seen. It was a true testament to what citizens can do.
More after the flip
More after the flip
As I watch these hearings, I am more impassioned by the testimony of Mr. Hersh as he speaks about his personal experience of being targeted and harassed by the executive department than anything the jurists have to say. Blah blah blah... the 4th amendment.. the 1st amendment... this case, that case. Yes, interesting for those who have taken the time to understand the constitution and the history of challenges (by the executive) to the constitution's guarantees.
But it is the direct experience of individual citizens who have had those constitutional guarantees removed from their lives by this executive that holds the most appeal to me.
We need to hold public hearings in all of our towns. Invite everyone. Video them. Let's hear from the people. Because, I guarantee that even the most ordinary a-political citizen is concerned about this. To their core. I am amazed at what I hear 'on the street' from the apolitical! The people are incensed. And they should be heard. From every remote corner of the republic.
THIS IS WHAT I SUGGEST:
Can we start a grassroots effort to start holding public comment hearings?
And do this outside of ALL formal governmental insitutions. Not city council chambers, not state legislatures, not the Congress, not in any political party structure.
I know I can reserve my local community center. Advertise. Set up a camera and a mic. And Invite my community members from far and wide to attend and just lodge their opinion on this. In fact, I intend to do just that. And encourage others to do the same.
If no one shows up, I will hold a public hearing the next week, and the next, and the next.
Why not? We have nothing to lose by speaking up. And everything to gain.
I am taking Gore's call for action. I am taking Congressman Conyer's call for urgency in this matter. But, lord, we have to take this to the street and make sure that the American people are heard.
And I suggest, strongly, that we ask people from even the most right wing structures: fundie churches, GOP groups, etc.
UPDATE I am in a big rush to get to work but wanted to post something on the Edwards Aquifer hearing in Austin in the 90's. Haven't read through this site, but I think it gives a little history about what was done and by whom: the citizens.
http://www.austinjavelina.org/
What ya say?