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Obama's Weak Statement on FISA
The House passed a FISA "compromise" today that included retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that participated in President Bush's illegal surveillance program. Barack Obama's statement on the measure, while promising to try and strike the provision when the bill reaches the Senate, also buys into the Bush administration's and the GOP's assertion that this bill has to get done to "protect Americans." 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.Make no mistake about it, McCain's will be much worse, crowing about companies acting "in good faith" while removing the only mechanism we have to determine that, but Obama's statement is indicative of a sickness with many Democrats who are so afraid to be called "weak on terror" that they'll go along with this. I've got news for you...
They're gonna call you weak anyway. And I'll believe you'll fight this in the Senate when I see it. This is why my first endorsement went to extreme long shot Chris Dodd, because he single-handedly kept this thing at bay until now with the simple argument that the old FISA law was working just fine. Not Barack Obama, not Hillary Clinton, and certainly, no Republican.
Democrats, listen up. There is a certain segment of this country who would vote to liquefy kittens in a blender if the GOP told them it would make them safer. You ain't gonna get those votes. You need to stand by your beliefs, and be able to share them with people, not try to shoehorn them into Republican drag.
I hope all Democrats urge Senators Obama and Clinton to lead the fight in the Senate on this thing. Go to BarackObama.com and HillaryClinton.com and let them know you feel plenty safe with the current FISA law.
Here's the full text of Obama's statement:
"Given the grave threats that we face, our national security agencies must have the capability to gather intelligence and track down terrorists before they strike, while respecting the rule of law and the privacy and civil liberties of the American people. There is also little doubt that the Bush Administration, with the cooperation of major telecommunications companies, has abused that authority and undermined the Constitution by intercepting the communications of innocent Americans without their knowledge or the required court orders.
"That is why last year I opposed the so-called Protect America Act, which expanded the surveillance powers of the government without sufficient independent oversight to protect the privacy and civil liberties of innocent Americans. I have also opposed the granting of retroactive immunity to those who were allegedly complicit in acts of illegal spying in the past.
"After months of negotiation, the House today passed a compromise that, while far from perfect, is a marked improvement over last year's Protect America Act.
"Under this compromise legislation, an important tool in the fight against terrorism will continue, but the President's illegal program of warrantless 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. But this compromise guarantees a thorough review by the Inspectors General of our national security agencies to determine what took place in the past, and ensures that there will be accountability going forward. By demanding oversight and accountability, a grassroots movement of Americans has helped yield a bill that is far better than the Protect America Act.
"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."
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 3)Peggy6:11PMJun 20th 2008
Be careful, Katherine. He probably has your phone number.
Noticed the only way this program will work is if Obama controls it.
Diana6:15PMJun 20th 2008
Is his stance on withdrawing (within 16 months?) from Iraq also going to weaken? That's one thing Pelosi & Company never should have compromised on (like FISA). It's wondrous how steadfast policy positions change come the general election. Hmmmm.
Kathy6:18PMJun 20th 2008
This man is dangerous!! His positions change to suit whatever is convent to get his voice heard. Did anyone else see the new Obama seal? Gads, who does he think he is. I believe this person DOES NOT have the best interest of our country at heart! What he says and does now is all window dressing and once he’s in office he will change things to suit his needs, and to hell with the American people. And the sad part is no Government official will say a word nor stand up to him. God help us all!!!
Kathy6:18PMJun 20th 2008
This man is dangerous!! His positions change to suit whatever is convent to get his voice heard. Did anyone else see the new Obama seal? Gads, who does he think he is. I believe this person DOES NOT have the best interest of our country at heart! What he says and does now is all window dressing and once he’s in office he will change things to suit his needs, and to hell with the American people. And the sad part is no Government official will say a word nor stand up to him. God help us all!!!
tfitz10176:24PMJun 20th 2008
This is just like McCarthy and Kennedy in '68. Kennedy wasn't for puling out of viet nam immediately, Mccarthy was. Kennedy became the appropriate compromise because immediate withdrawal could have been seen as an emotional reaction in response to the anger at the illegality of the war, etc. The right decision is the one made with the actual situation in mind. This will be Obamas position and if he sticks to it he trumps the charge of 'weak on terrorism'.
I worry about security on the overseas trip but I cannot wait for the videos. Cheering crowds juxtaposed by adoring servicemen and looking like the President. Remember when that wasn't a dirty word?
Katherine6:25PMJun 20th 2008
Obama really flip flopped on public financing now.
Please see No Quarter's article and video.
Barack's Eraser in Chief:
http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/20/baracks-eraser-in-chief/
Obama actually has to edit and webscrub his policy stances on his own official campaign website. Someone took a before webscrub screenshot.
Meanwhile, look at the video of a big time Obama supporter losing his faith in Obama. Watch the whole video. I've actually followed this guy's youtube videos and he really does sound like he doesn't trust Obama anymore, plus he thinks Obama's people are messing with youtube.
----------------
Also:
Shameless” from LondonAmerican
http://londonamerican01.blogspot.com/2008/06/shameless.html
“who can believe a word this conman says after the nafta reversal, the multiple reversals on iraq and iran, the lies about the “rev” wright, the lies about his not running for president, his lies about lobbyist money, his lies about rezko, gun control and healthcare reform and his most recent lies today to the american people on campaign reform? on virtually everything he has campaigned or opened his inarticulate mouth this man has lied. he’s played anyone who would believe him for a fool. has anyone ever seen a politician so nakedly power-hungry and shameless?”
tfitz10176:30PMJun 20th 2008
You really thought he'd take the $84 mil?
He'll be able to force McCain into spending in states he shouldn't have to spend a dime, just like he did to Hillary in PA.
It wasn't something to be particularly proud of but on the other side McCain actually violated election laws by using his federal money as collateral. Free spin!
Gotta be thinking landslide.
Florida6:32PMJun 20th 2008
Obama does not have his own opinion, he just follows the crowd.... The same way he was in the debates, when he agreed with almost all of Hillary's plans.
He could not lead a 1st grade classroom, never mind this country...
MCCAIN 08
Diana6:36PMJun 20th 2008
Fitzi.....I agree that this is the correct stance to take on Iraq, but the point is that he is backpeddling on a few issues as of late.....NAFTA, Bin Laden & habeus corpus, public financing....I also agree with his new positions on these issues, as well, but that's not my point. Political expediency at play here.
jblsus6:49PMJun 20th 2008
Does anyone besides me think that these comments are edited?
tfitz10176:54PMJun 20th 2008
Definitely but I don't see it as a retreat on habeas corpus at all.
Hell, he threw the Palestinian cause under the bus a long, long time ago so I knew that he knew that sacrifices would have to be made. Can he do this by adhering to the core principles is the question. He has to walk a fine line here but he is running against a man who could not have failed more miserably at that. This is an opera.
old fogie6:57PMJun 20th 2008
I am having a hard time with all the polls that show Mobarack Hussein Obama in the lead when they only do a total poll of a few hundred people. The poll on A.O.L has around 500k each week and John Mccain shows around a 55% to 45% lead over the multi racial(his mom was white trash) elitist. I think or hope the american people will see this multi-racial hate monger for what he is, an arrogant, mixed breed,white hating loser. He has blown in every direction that the winds of political expediency have gone. His stands are anti-Christ like, but he calls himself a Christian. I think he's in for a rude awakening when he stands before his maker!!! Lets hope that he gets to meet him real soon before he destroys our great country. SEMPER FI.
Deb6:59PMJun 20th 2008
So true, all of you, Obama is a yes man. He listens to what the other person says, critcizes it and then changes it to suit himself. He is a really bs artist. Iwould never vote for this man, he is going to spend spend spend, and raise our taxes, he has admitted it. Has no idea how to run the country. Please America do not vote for this man he is dangerous to the free world.
Deb7:03PMJun 20th 2008
Old Fogie, I am with you, the polls all show Obama in the lead, they cannot be reliable polls. But the liberal media is doing what they did to Hillary, pushing Obama and dissing McCain. It is so rigged, has to be for this black man to win. We will see, what the people will do in November in the real election. This man is DANGEROUS!!!!!!
tfitz10177:07PMJun 20th 2008
Deb? No.
Semper Fi fellow, you are just a racist. Don't drag the Marines down with you. That ain't Semper Fidelis. That ain't even Tempor Fidelis. In fact, that ain't Fideles at all. You are Rotten to the Corps!
tfitz10177:09PMJun 20th 2008
Yeah yeah yeah. Ron Paul won every AOL straw poll for months but if it makes you feel better, keep an eye on it.
PUNISH CRIMINALS7:10PMJun 20th 2008
To UNDERSTAND what's going on in the world --- especially in the United States of America.
Christian Musicians Killed Over a Crown Vic
Texas Teens Stopped in Victim's Car 170 Miles Away Held for Murder in Double Homicide
It's time to enforce the law and stop giving murderers a free ride because of their race. The men who killed those two men in Texas should be sent to the gas chamber as soon as possible --- stop any appeals --- they are not warranted.
So Obama wants a conversation about race? Well ok, lets start with black on white crime. Whites are assaulted, murdered and robbed by blacks by a ratio of about 140 to 1. That's right folks so quit trying to pretend race is not an issue. Those who blame a corrupt justice system are rank cowards who will not face the truth about the black community spiraling out of control. Quit blaming everyone but the people who commit the crimes. If they are guilty let 'em pay dearly. Quit trying to hide the truth and shield filthy criminals from getting what they deserve just because such a high percentage of them are black. We need to execute more of these scum faster than they can reproduce, then we'll get a handle on the problem.
VOTE FOR JOHN McCAIN IN 2008.
vlg7:13PMJun 20th 2008
Why the surprise now? Obama's statements have been weak all along. Those of us who were not mesmerized by his rhetoric and charm tried to tell you...many, many times.
Obama and McCain -- we're in BIG trouble!
lmay7:33PMJun 20th 2008
Coming to our country soon!! Read this Obama sheeple...
http://www.sodahead.com/blog/2048/
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Katherine5:25PMJun 20th 2008
Is this another sort of flip flop double talk...?
He stands for everything and nothing at the same time. His opinions change with the weather.
Obama says:
"That is why last year I opposed the so-called Protect America Act, which expanded the surveillance powers of the government without sufficient independent oversight to protect the privacy and civil liberties of innocent Americans."
Well YEAH Barack, you didn't like it when people could snoop on you and your corrupt pushers, but NOW, since you smell the White House lawn, you are in favor of going after those (anti-Obama) bad guys, eh?