You may have heard that the House Democrats helped pass a bill today that supports the continuance of the FISA act which is the telecommunications wiretapping/surveillance bill that has been so misused after 9-11 by the Bush Administration. Today House Democrats including Pelosi voted in favor of the bill and in favor of granting retroactive immunity to the telecoms who got away with illegal wiretaps. It is angering that so many Democrats voted for this bill today with that immunity clause in it. Many are trying to now distort Obama's statement regarding the Bill. What he said was that the compromise bill assures a measure of security that needs to be there but he is not in favor of the clause which grants immunity to the telecoms for past illegalities. This will need to be made clear to people so they understand his full stance. His comments:
Point 1
"Under this compromise legislation, an important tool in the fight against terrorism will continue, but the President's illegal program of warrant-less surveillance will be over. It restores FISA and existing criminal wiretap statutes as the exclusive means to conduct surveillance - making it clear that the President cannot circumvent the law and disregard the civil liberties of the American people. It also firmly re-establishes basic judicial oversight over all domestic surveillance in the future. It does, however, grant retroactive immunity, and I will work in the Senate to remove this provision so that we can seek full accountability for past offenses.
Point 2
"It is not all that I would want. But given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as President, I will carefully monitor the program, review the report by the Inspectors General, and work with the Congress to take any additional steps I deem necessary to protect the lives - and the liberty - of the American people."
What he is saying is that he will accept the bill only after working to get the telephone company retroactive immunity provision removed. He is also telling you that as President he will re-visit this matter and take appropriate steps. Which means he will reverse as much of it as possible. This is an example of the political dance he will need to do prior to his potential Presidency - he knows the reality. The reality is that for him to play Lone Wolf to this matter would only give the Republican machine a club to beat him over the head with. The votes are not there to filibuster or to win a simple majority vote. So the choice left is to support and then remedy it once elected.; or allow the other side to define him a weak on terror.
Pass this on as needed to educate folks. With the Clinton-esque tactics starting now from McCain of trying to distort the other's stance, it is important and people are educated.
