Comments on: The FISA Bill

By: bmaz

bmaz — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:02:41 +0000

You are right about cboldt. But that is the thing, this is not about Democrats, Republicans and/or Libertarians. It is about the Constitution, the law, and the rule of law. Period. cboldt and I are probably diametrically opposed in our general political beliefs; yet, if there is an ounce of daylight between us on this issue, it would be no more than that, at best. Marcy, Mary, you name em, we are all over the map on where we stand on a lot of things, but this is really pretty easy and crystal clear cut if you want to honor the Constitution and law as it existed. Congress clearly does not.

By: readerOfTeaLeaves

readerOfTeaLeaves — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:42:22 +0000

bmaz, I have to hand it to you for screaming and howling about this disaster.

I have enough technical background to assume the government is already spying, but the degree of Dem political corruption this reveals is breathtaking. The absolute, complete, and utter lack of principle or fidelity to the Constitution is eye-opening.

Near term, they ‘win’.
Long term, since they won’t be respected, trusted, or supported.

Turley nailed it; this is tailor-made for criminals.
I think the FBI should be able to get wiretaps, etc on mortgage fraudsters, and other criminals. But to have absolutely no categories remaining between ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ is asking for reckless abuse.
Dems opened Pandora’s Box.

This is a classic instance where cboldt and the Libertarians make a whole lot of sense.

By: readerOfTeaLeaves

readerOfTeaLeaves — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:30:47 +0000

Morning, MNChuck — here’s probably the best link to get you started.
http://www.crooksandliars.com/.....t-on-fisa/

Hit that payPal ;-))

By: Leen

Leen — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:29:47 +0000

“semi”? Republicans and Democrats are banking on that. We have to make sure these Democrats suffer for rolling over so often.

By: JThomason

JThomason — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:02:09 +0000

I just called my Congressman, Tom Udall (NM 3rd), an aide (Laura) told me he was undecided on the FISA amendment and that he was on the floor for the debate. I had emailed earlier this morning but realized that this would be too late. I expressed my frustration that procedure deployed gave his constituents no real opportunity to comment and that I was very weary of a bill that allowed the President to ultimately determine whether his actions were legal or not. I received no response only silence. I asked that my message be passed on if the Congressman stuck his head in his office before the vote. She said “sure.”

I was not particularly encouraged.

By: Minnesotachuck

Minnesotachuck — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:48:16 +0000

Who/what is Strange Bedfellows? The Google hasn’t provided much clarity.

By: PetePierce

PetePierce — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:39:03 +0000

I agree Cboldt. The problem is that the public is semi-comatose. They aren’t plugged into FISA or nearly all the issues discussed here.

By: cboldt

cboldt — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:02:41 +0000

I think there is great value to public outcry, BTW. The government OUGHT to fear the public. Public outcry was very effective in getting the government to pull in its horns on the subject of immigration.

By: cboldt

cboldt — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:41 +0000

– This kind of tact lacks pushing people to be responsible… –

Sort of like Congress, claiming to be a check on the executive and pushing the administration to be responsible.

The public treats these clowns like celebrities. Politics is our bread and circuses, as well as our master. I see no strategy that would cause the public to reduce the influence of government - most of the public is focused on getting “their guy” in there, ‘cuase he’ll make it all better.

Responsible people take care of their own privacy, and operate as though the government IS snooping on them. Maybe the government isn’t snooping - but that’s just because of self-restraint. Legislative and other forms of legal restraint are a chimera.

By: klynn

klynn — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:50:51 +0000

I agree with you cboldt and I appreciate everything you write. However, the danger created in the “power of words” is apathy, to confirm NOT to act because it won’t make a difference, that it doesn’t matter.

This kind of tact lacks pushing people to be responsible…

The government is not fooling me either (formerly worked at the UN).

This is beyond fooling…

I would rather see more strategy dialogue right now.