Open thread: Senate gives Bush FISA changes

The House Can Block This (0.00 / 0)

Pelosi et al might stand up for the Constitution.  Don't despair yet.

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by: Turner @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 01:08:16 AM UTC

Might, but didn't. (0.00 / 0)

41 House Dems crossed over to subvert the constitution.

With friends like these.....

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by: Steve W. @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 05:38:26 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dems rolled over (0.00 / 0)

This is really quite astounding, given this administration's history of abuse of executive power to date...

Once again (just as with the 2005 cloture vote on the Alito confirmation), in the face of a real assault on the Constitution by this Administation, the Dems can't find the guts to stand up to the Pres and fight.

Although Dems vote for this kinda crap to avoid being tagged as weak on national security, it actually works the opposite and BOLSTERS GOP "weak Dem" narratives. Here's how: "If the Dems won't even stand up and fight their political rivals on such important issues as American core principles like the separation of powers, how can we expect them to stand up and fight against foreign enemies?"

Dems have also failed to frame this issue in the first place, as not one of national security, but as a consitutional issue. I'm not really against wiretapping of truly suspected terrorists, I just want to know that that's really whose phones calls Cheney is listening to (Never forget Watergate). The issue is one of judicial oversight and separation of powers, not national security, and Dems have failed to force the Administration to explain why it needs to avoid FISA court review.

So, Dem leadership has failed to frame the issue properly, and have showed real cowardice by supporting this bill.

PS: I'm heartened to see that Sens. Baucus and Tester voted against S 1927. It's disturbing to see folks like Webb and Feinstein in the YAY column.
The roll call isn't posted yet, but I'm also curious to see who the 12 Senators were who did not vote/missed the vote. Could it be-- our presidential candidates not wanting to be on record either way? Hmmm...

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by: Derek @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 17:18:46 PM UTC

Something to keep in mind (0.00 / 0)

If the P candidates missed the vote, that might be just as much because one of them will inherit that power.  I don't know about you, but that kinda colors things a different way for me.

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by: Rob Kailey @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 21:47:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I think Montana Dems (0.00 / 0)

are too concerned about privacy to vote for something like this. If you want to get rid of the Patriot Act, you sure as heck aren't voting to let Gonzalez tap your phones.

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by: Chris O. @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 21:35:25 PM UTC