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December 17, 2007 at 20:56:34
Dodd Proves Dems Can Filibuster-- Or Threaten to-- And that It Can Work by Rob Kall Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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Today, Denator Chris Dodd threatened to filibuster the FISA legislation which included retroactive immunity for telecoms that capitulated to Bush pressure to break the law and spy on individuals. 
His effort paid off. The bill was tabled until at least Jan 15, 2008, when the senate reconvenes after the winter break.
Dodd was the only senator among those running in the Dem primaries to return to Washington D.C. to oppose the bill. Hillary Clinton, Barrack Obama and Joe Biden remained in Iowa.
Interestingly, President Bush threatened to veto any FISA bill that did not include retroactive telecom immunity, saying that the FISA bill was essential to saving American lives.
Senator Ted Kennedy commented, "So if we take the president at his word, he's willing to let Americans die to protect the phone companies." Kennedy continued, angrily, "The president's insistence on immunity as a precondition for any FISA reform is yet another example of disrespect for honest dialogue and the rule of law."
Dodd says that if an attempt is made to continue to include the telecom immunity in the FISA bill, he'll filibuster then.
Recent history though-- the track record of the invertebrate 110th, Democrat led congress-- suggests that his efforts will fail, that the Dems will sell out the constitution for an extra few billion in spending on some pet projects. Maybe they'll trade the future of Americans' right to privacy for bragging rights that they actually passed a bill, possibly even persuaded Bush not to veto a bill he'd threatened to veto. But that's not likely. Bush has learned that the Dems don't have the guts to stand up. They cave.
Then again Chris Dodd took a Dem babystep today. Maybe it's a new beginning. Maybe Dodd has set an example and shown the Dems that they too can wield the filibuster. They too can say no. They can stand up and face the republicans, face the threat of sliming criticism by the right wing and the their sycophant media echo chamber. Maybe.
Rob Kall is executive editor, publisher and site architect of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, more...)
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
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| 6 comments |
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I hope you're not right.
There are some encouraging signals - however, as you stated, historically, the Dems always seem to cave-in to Bush. BUT, there are some signs that things are beginning to change. Today, Dianne Feinstein stated she was having second-thoughts in regard the FISA Bill, after finding out that Bush began his quest to wiretap Americans the second week he was in office! A Federal Judge ruled that the White House visitor logs are the domain of the public and Bush cannot keep them hid - another small victory. People are waking-up and understanding that there is real power in the Internet, and those who stood on the sidelines and didn't join this fight may join the next one that's launched, in larger and more concerted efforts after people begin to comprehend that our voices do count - when we project them together and speak in solidarity. The MSM is a greater threat right now than anything else - and if we can ever figure out how to make them tell the truth, the voice of an awakened America would be deafening! I still believe that every small win counts, and if it doesn't do anything else, it helps to embolden people that otherwise may not have joined-in to stand with all of us against a corrupt and criminal government. William Cormier by William Cormier (152 articles, 11 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 418 comments [9 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 17, 2007 at 9:33:58 PM  (0+)
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Reply: We must be the media.
It won't happen overnight, but when the tipping point comes, it will be a massive tide... We must move people away from the mainstream media and onto the internet for their news. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN MAKE IT WORK. This holiday season, let every one of your friends and family know where YOU get your "true" news. Point out facts you got online that they "didn't hear about on the evening news." Have the facts at your fingertips. Mention big stories like Dodd's filibuster that they might not have heard about in their daily paper. Let them know how much you SAVE by not having a daily paper. Point them towards opednews.com, buzzflash.com, rawstory.com, and goleft.tv for he truth (have the URLS pre-printed, they'll forget otherwise). It won't happen instantly -- but it COULD HAPPEN! by Charlie L (2 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 747 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:02:05 AM (0+)
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Baby step is right
But at least it was in the right direction for a change. by John R Moffett (89 articles, 18 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 697 comments [14 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 1:22:06 PM (0+)
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A question
Rob, John Edwards is for 1) bringing all the troops home from Iraq, unlike Hillary 2) ending the reign of special interests groups and lobbyists like the oil and defense industries, which are bankrupting the country and blocking action on global warming, unlike Hillary, and 3) he is electable, and unlike Hillary, he can beat all the Republicans. Why aren't the writers of OpEdNews rallying behind John Edwards and launching him to the Presidency? What am I missing here about John Edwards? by Karen Fish (55 articles, 14 quicklinks, 41 diaries, 106 comments) on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 4:46:08 PM (0+)
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Second Question
Rob, is it too late for Al Gore to run for President? If not, why isn't he running? Wouldn't he be a shoo in given his new mother teresa image, his non stiff image, and the fact that he got more popular votes than anyone ever? what am I missing here? by Karen Fish (55 articles, 14 quicklinks, 41 diaries, 106 comments) on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 5:33:46 PM (0+)
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cynical and not
a coincidence theorist. The fact that it is merely an extension makes me wonder. What a way to persuade progressives that the congress is acting in some, finally, honorable manner than to get Dodd up there protesting. But truth will tell in not so many days. My bet? The die was cast a long long time ago. And we are merely watching it play out. And with just about no way to affect the process unwinding. A pity. by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [400 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 6:29:21 PM (0+)
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