Yesterday, 68 Senators violated their oaths of office

[CurtisLow]

But now, because criminals murdered thousands of people on September 11, 2001, many are eager to abandon their Constitutional protections.

Have we become a nation of sniveling cowards? If not, please explain how it is that Congress has either bowed to or exploited this fear to become a gang of lawbreakers?

Yesterday, 68 Senators violated their oaths of office. They voted to pass S. 2248, a new law designed to replace the so-called "Protect America Act." This bill violates the Bill of Rights . . .

* It permits the President to spy on Americans without a warrant.

* It grants retroactive immunity to tele-communications companies that collaborated with the Bush administration in previous warrantless spying, thereby creating an incentive for other companies to engage in similar crimes in the future (only Qwest Communications insisted on warrants).

Will this new, un-constitutional power, prevent future terrorist attacks? Of course not, nothing can do that, just as there is no law or power that could completely stop murders by domestic criminals.

Does this new law create a tyranny? That would be an exaggeration. But what will happen when the next terrorist attack comes?

The sniveling cowards among us, and the lawbreakers in Congress, will then seek still more powers.

At one point will our children call this tyranny? Will there be any turning back?

Yesterday, 19 Democrats, 48 Republicans, and 1 independent voted to violate the Constitution and their oaths of office. Only 28 Democrats, 1 independent, and ZERO Republicans remained true to their oaths. The Republicans were universally bad.

But please notice that the law could not have passed without the vote of the Democrats!

Let this be clear -- neither political party is going to protect our Constitution, unless WE compel them to do it.

All hope is NOT lost. S. 2248 cannot become law unless the House agrees to its provisions. Fortunately, the House version of this bill, while not perfect, is signficantly better. Our best hope, and we must take it, is to tell the House to stick by their version of the bill.

A list of how the Senate voted is pasted below. Criticize your Senator if he or she voted for it. Ask your House member to reject the provisions of S. 2248.


How the Senate voted . . .

Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI] Nay
Sen. Lamar Alexander [R, TN] Aye
Sen. Wayne Allard [R, CO] Aye
Sen. John Barrasso [R, WY] Aye
Sen. Max Baucus [D, MT] Aye
Sen. B. Evan Bayh [D, IN] Aye
Sen. Robert Bennett [R, UT] Aye
Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE] Nay
Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM] Nay
Sen. Christopher Bond [R, MO] Aye
Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA] Nay
Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH] Nay
Sen. Samuel Brownback [R, KS] Aye
Sen. Jim Bunning [R, KY] Aye
Sen. Richard Burr [R, NC] Aye
Sen. Robert Byrd [D, WV] Nay
Sen. Maria Cantwell [D, WA] Nay
Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD] Nay
Sen. Thomas Carper [D, DE] Aye
Sen. Robert Casey [D, PA] Aye
Sen. C. Saxby Chambliss [R, GA] Aye
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain
Sen. Thomas Coburn [R, OK] Aye
Sen. Thad Cochran [R, MS] Aye
Sen. Norm Coleman [R, MN] Aye
Sen. Susan Collins [R, ME] Aye
Sen. Kent Conrad [D, ND] Aye
Sen. Bob Corker [R, TN] Aye
Sen. John Cornyn [R, TX] Aye
Sen. Larry Craig [R, ID] Aye
Sen. Michael Crapo [R, ID] Aye
Sen. Jim DeMint [R, SC] Aye
Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT] Nay
Sen. Elizabeth Dole [R, NC] Aye
Sen. Pete Domenici [R, NM] Aye
Sen. Byron Dorgan [D, ND] Nay
Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL] Nay
Sen. John Ensign [R, NV] Aye
Sen. Michael Enzi [R, WY] Aye
Sen. Russell Feingold [D, WI] Nay
Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA] Nay
Sen. Lindsey Graham [R, SC] Abstain
Sen. Charles Grassley [R, IA] Aye
Sen. Judd Gregg [R, NH] Aye
Sen. Charles Hagel [R, NE] Aye
Sen. Thomas Harkin [D, IA] Nay
Sen. Orrin Hatch [R, UT] Aye
Sen. Kay Hutchison [R, TX] Aye
Sen. James Inhofe [R, OK] Aye
Sen. Daniel Inouye [D, HI] Aye
Sen. John Isakson [R, GA] Aye
Sen. Tim Johnson [D, SD] Aye
Sen. Edward Kennedy [D, MA] Nay
Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Nay
Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D, MN] Nay
Sen. Herbert Kohl [D, WI] Aye
Sen. Jon Kyl [R, AZ] Aye
Sen. Mary Landrieu [D, LA] Aye
Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D, NJ] Nay
Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT] Nay
Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI] Nay
Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT] Aye
Sen. Blanche Lincoln [D, AR] Aye
Sen. Richard Lugar [R, IN] Aye
Sen. Mel Martinez [R, FL] Aye
Sen. John McCain [R, AZ] Aye
Sen. Claire McCaskill [D, MO] Aye
Sen. Mitch McConnell [R, KY] Aye
Sen. Robert Menendez [D, NJ] Nay
Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD] Aye
Sen. Lisa Murkowski [R, AK] Aye
Sen. Patty Murray [D, WA] Nay
Sen. Ben Nelson [D, NE] Aye
Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL] Aye
Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain
Sen. Mark Pryor [D, AR] Aye
Sen. John Reed [D, RI] Nay
Sen. Harry Reid [D, NV] Nay
Sen. Pat Roberts [R, KS] Aye
Sen. John Rockefeller [D, WV] Aye
Sen. Ken Salazar [D, CO] Aye
Sen. Bernard Sanders [I, VT] Nay
Sen. Charles Schumer [D, NY] Nay
Sen. Jefferson Sessions [R, AL] Aye
Sen. Richard Shelby [R, AL] Aye
Sen. Gordon Smith [R, OR] Aye
Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME] Aye
Sen. Arlen Specter [R, PA] Aye
Sen. Debbie Ann Stabenow [D, MI] Nay
Sen. Ted Stevens [R, AK] Aye
Sen. John Sununu [R, NH] Aye
Sen. Jon Tester [D, MT] Nay
Sen. John Thune [R, SD] Aye
Sen. David Vitter [R, LA] Aye
Sen. George Voinovich [R, OH] Aye
Sen. John Warner [R, VA] Aye
Sen. Jim Webb [D, VA] Aye
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI] Aye
Rep. Roger Wicker [R, MS-1] Aye
Sen. Ron Wyden [D, OR] Nay

[kickzman]

They've all been bought off. These guys are PAID by lobby to do this. Blame the neocon(zionist)Lobby.

[Jeremy]

I am going to contact the the person from my state that is on that list.

[Trigonx]

One of my Senators voted against it and the other voted for it.

the message i sent to Herbert Kohl.

I am very appalled that you voted for S. 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007. Not only did you violate your oath to the Constitution of the United States that you swore to obey but also you took part in undermining MY civil liberties and privacy from the government. I would like you to think about the citizens of Wisconsin and how you just voted away their rights. I heard you will not be running for Senate again and I am HAPPY as can be to hear that because you do not seem to be upholding the Constitution.


Good day to you.

[constitutional]

I have said it before and I'll say it again:

Cowards
Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain

[hopeforamerica]

Shocking, McCain voted Aye, so did Kyle from AZ. I need to move......

Notice how Hillary and Obama abstained. Whimps.

[hells_unicorn]

Most of the people who voted nay were probably told to do so to give the illusion of opposition to this. The fact that Arlen Specter voted in favor of this does not surprise me since he has been a whore for the elites since the very beginning, but Bob Casey voting for this disturbs the hell out of me.

[Cinnaboo]

Were Obama and Clinton even there?

[tangent4ronpaul]

Note how the 3 presidential candidates voted...

-n

[familydog]

I have said it before and I'll say it again:

Cowards
Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain

+1

Whichever one makes it to the general election will still get support from the anti-war left and the pro-civil liberties left. All in the name of getting a (D) in the Whitehouse.

[familydog]

Most of the people who voted nay were probably told to do so to give the illusion of opposition to this. The fact that Arlen Specter voted in favor of this does not surprise me since he has been a whore for the elites since the very beginning, but Bob Casey voting for this disturbs the hell out of me.

Its too bad Bob Casey is nothing like his dad. I'm glad I voted against this guy in 06.

[Goldwater Conservative]

Gotta love the "moderate Democrats" who voted for it, including some of those (McCaskill, Webb) who were part of the takeover in '06. I thought the center-left was supposed to care about protecting civil liberties and our Bill of Rights?

[Brassmouth]

Both of the senators from my state (New Jersey) voted against it. Yay NJ!

[Danny Molina]

Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA] Nay
Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA] Nay

Atleast some democrats have a backbone.

[tommyzDad]

Fucking Webb and Warner.
So much for Semper Fidelis, eh, guys? You'll be hearing from me.

[BarryDonegan]

i contacted mine, both republicans, with

"S. 2248

Sir, This is a matter of the utmost importance. This bill directly violates protections of the constitution on even a common-sense level. Please do not continue to vote for Bills which violate your oath of office. It is not becoming of a republican, the party of Ronald Reagan, to vote for power of Big Government to take rights away from its own people.

While you may feel safe with this power in the hands of an executive branch held by George W. Bush, let your mind not drift far from the years of Bill Clinton, or an upcoming potential executive run by Hillary Clinton. I would not want these powers in the hands of neo-socialists such as them, and i believe you would not either. please remember the purpose of limited government is to prevent a future tyrant, and right now the tools for one to emerge one day are being laid out for convenience"

[KewlRonduderules]

Interesting there was an amendment that would put checks on this legislation- proposed by Senator Dodd. Half of those who voted against his amendment also voted no for this bill. They probably voted against it to cover their a$$es since they knew it would already pass.

It just confirms my belief that this entire process is a sham!

[AlbemarleNC0003]

Gotta love the "moderate Democrats" who voted for it, including some of those (McCaskill, Webb) who were part of the takeover in '06. I thought the center-left was supposed to care about protecting civil liberties and our Bill of Rights?

I was really surprised to see Webb's name on that list. I thought he would be different. I guess not.

I wasn't surprised to see Dole and Burr (NC) on that list. Fuckers seem to hate the people that put them into office.

[JordanQ72]

Will this new, un-constitutional power, prevent future terrorist attacks? Of course not, nothing can do that

Well that's disingenuous. How can you possibly argue that it's impossible to increase the security of a society? Under that logic, why have a law enforcement and investigative machinery even exist? It's rather common sense that liberty and safety have obvious inverse relations. If I lived in some underground bunker completely alone,which I never left, I would lead a much safer life. Yet I don't, because I value the freedoms more than the associated risks. A complete and pervasive surveillance society would most definitely severely mitigate any chance of such things as terrorist acts and other criminal activities.

[itshappening]

Get Sabrin in the senate! >>>>

[Itzsoez]

bump

[Molly1]

Run against these people, Ron Paul Republicans!

[therealjjj77]

I'm calling Senator Grassley. This is unacceptable.

[Molly1]

They have always pulled this stuff in the recent past without anyone noticing.

Things are starting to change now.

We are watching you, Congress!

[The Good Doctor]

No, we get a letter together and flood all of their in boxes. This is part of what we have to do. We have to hold their feet to the fire.


I am going to contact the the person from my state that is on that list.

[Molly1]

Most of the people who voted nay were probably told to do so to give the illusion of opposition to this. The fact that Arlen Specter voted in favor of this does not surprise me since he has been a whore for the elites since the very beginning, but Bob Casey voting for this disturbs the hell out of me.

Why is this spector clown still in office.

Are you guys gluttons for punishment?

VOTE HIM OUT OF OFFICE.

Geez, he's the inventor of the magic bullet that killed John Kennedy.

Forty years for you guys to wake up is long enough.

[HOLLYWOOD]

+1

Whichever one makes it to the general election will still get support from the anti-war left and the pro-civil liberties left. All in the name of getting a (D) in the Whitehouse.

That's because, with the exception of Ron Paul supporters and a few rouge stragglers... America has the DUMBEST, MOST IGNORANT, INTELLECTUALLY LAZY, MORONIC VOTERS on the Planet!



disclaimer: excluding the typical 10% left/right fanatical freaks that have alterior motives!

[Shink]

I'm calling Senator Grassley. This is unacceptable.

I'm with you. I'm looking him up. Too bad they make sure to never be in their offices. They don't like being held accountable to the people for their illegal, tyrannical actions.

[Shink]

Guess who sponsored the bill? No, seriously, guess.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Rockefeller

[virgil47]

JordanQ72, spoken like a good little socialist. I'll just bet you're all for having to show I.D. to travel about in the U.S. as it would of course limit terrorism. Maybe our televisions should monitor our conversations so the government could catch potential terrorists before they can act. Is your motto "a thoroughly controlled populace is terror free populace"? Please read the constitution with an eye towards comprehension.

[mysticgeek]

I contacted Norm Coleman about his unconstitutional vote.

[Cyclone177]

I called Sen. Hagel's office. Said I was appalled that he would co sponsor this bill. Also said I was appalled that he voted aye on the Telecom Immunity Bill. We, as a populace, have been sold out by these cocksuckers. I am so pissed right now.

[N13]

I just keep thinking, checks and balances. Where is the supreme court and the justice Dept.? Shouldn't they be stepping in to say that this violates the US Constitution?

[tommyzDad]

Senator Warner, looking up the precise definition of "outrage", I find that "the anger and resentment aroused by injury or insult" as the result of your misguided support for S. 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007, is damned appropriate. Not only did you violate your Oath to the Constitution of the United States, but also took part in undermining MY civil liberties and privacy. I don't know with whom or to what your loyalties lie, but for this former U.S. Marine it is still with the Constitution and with those who earned the title Marine. Please know that this Marine will not be giving you his precious vote this year. Nor will I be voting for Senator Webb when his term ends in 2012.

Sincerely,

[tommyzDad]

I'll email this and send this snail mail, to make sure it doesn't get summarily deleted.

I borrowed a sentence or two from you, trigonX. :D

But I am confused by all this: The GOP is supposedly very concerned about the loss of voters, and yet these GOP senators pulls this shit. I guess these guys didn't get the memo: Don't fuck with civil liberties?

[Molly1]

I'll email this and send this snail mail, to make sure it doesn't get summarily deleted.

I borrowed a sentence or two from you, trigonX. :D

But I am confused by all this: The GOP is supposedly very concerned about the loss of voters, and yet these GOP senators pulls this shit. I guess these guys didn't get the memo: Don't fuck with civil liberties?

The neocons are alive and well, and they think they have summarily dismissed us by ignoring and marginalizing our candidate.

Let's show them that they are wrong. We have not yet begun to fight!

We have to take this up with our House Representatives too, now.

And, there's that other neocon bill---what's the number? H 1959? H1955? They changed the number I think. It's the one that is going after the internet, and 'domestic terrorism."

[Yom]

Fucking Webb and Warner.
So much for Semper Fidelis, eh, guys? You'll be hearing from me.

+1 :mad:

[AJ Antimony]

Shocking, McCain voted Aye, so did Kyle from AZ. I need to move......

Notice how Hillary and Obama abstained. Whimps.

I've seen Kyl speak on CSPAN a couple times and he seemed like a smart guy. Guess not.

[kathy88]

May I cut and paste that?

[Ronin]

Webb got an earful from me yesterday. I'm crossing my fingers that the House doesn't back down.

[silverhandorder]

Can we sue them? Have the supreme court say it is unconstitutional?

[nate895]

Were Obama and Clinton even there?

Obama was, or at least they had a shot of him shaking McAmnesty's hand.

I was disgusted.

[tommyzDad]

Webb got an earful from me yesterday. I'm crossing my fingers that the House doesn't back down.

Idiot: I forgot it has to go to the House! Gotta go, gotta write the Wolf!!!

[LEK]

Companion to the H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007?

S. 2248: FISA Amendments Act of 2007
Bill Status
Introduced: Oct 26, 2007
Sponsor: Sen. John Rockefeller [D-WV]
Status: Passed Senate (100% of Republicans supporting, 60% of Democrats opposing.)
This bill has been passed in the Senate. The bill now goes on to be voted on in the House. Keep in mind that debate may be taking place on a companion bill in the House, rather than on this particular bill.

Section 102 -
States that: (1) FISA shall be the exclusive means for targeting U.S. persons in order to acquire foreign intelligence, whether such persons are inside or outside the United States, except in cases where specific statutory authorization exists to obtain such communications without an order under FISA; and (2) chapters 119 (Wire and Electronic Communications Interception and Interception of Oral Communications) and 121 (Stored Wire and Electronic Communications and Transactional Records Access) of the federal criminal code and FISA shall be the exclusive means by which electronic surveillance and interception of domestic communications may be conducted.

[LEK]

But something like this sits dead in the water:

H.R. 3305: Anti-Terrorism Act of 2007
To provide for the safety of United States aviation and the suppression of terrorism.

Sponsor: Rep. Ronald Paul [R-TX](no cosponsors)

SEC. 2. AVIATION SAFETY AND SUPPRESSION OF TERRORISM.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no department or agency of the Federal Government shall prohibit any pilot, copilot, or navigator of an aircraft, or any law enforcement personnel specifically detailed for the protection of that aircraft, from carrying a firearm.

[me3]

We need a citizen watch organization, that will pound the letters to the editor and other local media for the constituents of each of these Senators, exposing their vote on the bill, and the consequences of the bill.

Small radio ad campaigns, and cheaply produced flyers as well.

All politics is local. Attack and expose them in their home districts.

[JordanQ72]

JordanQ72, spoken like a good little socialist. I'll just bet you're all for having to show I.D. to travel about in the U.S. as it would of course limit terrorism. Maybe our televisions should monitor our conversations so the government could catch potential terrorists before they can act. Is your motto "a thoroughly controlled populace is terror free populace"? Please read the constitution with an eye towards comprehension.

And spoken like a good little clueless moron. Let's see, did you actually argue against any of my points? Why of course not, just a blatant appeal to emotion. Try harder next time kiddo.

[kigol]

Most of the people who voted nay were probably told to do so to give the illusion of opposition to this. The fact that Arlen Specter voted in favor of this does not surprise me since he has been a whore for the elites since the very beginning, but Bob Casey voting for this disturbs the hell out of me.

downright scary

[freelance]

I looked at the list last night, and unless I missed something, EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN voted for this.

[slantedview]

My senators voted against it. They're not perfect, but at least they got it right this time.

[LEK]

I looked at the list last night, and unless I missed something, EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN voted for this.

Status: Passed Senate (100% of Republicans supporting, 60% of Democrats opposing.)

[Mystile]

Status: Passed Senate (100% of Republicans supporting, 60% of Democrats opposing.)

sad that the Dems are more conservative on this issue than the "conservative" Republicans :(

[AlbemarleNC0003]

sad that the Dems are more conservative on this issue than the "conservative" Republicans :(

It's only because Bush wanted the immunity. The Democrats don't give a damn about us either.

[MoneyWhereMyMouthIs2]

It's rather common sense that liberty and safety have obvious inverse relations.

It's not so common sense if you're more concerned with governments than terrorists. While we're doing a liberty/safety analysis here, take a guess on who killed more people in the last century... governments killing their own people, or terrorists killing anyone?

This retro-active immunity crap is absolutely wrong. WTF? overnment is supposed to be protecting our rights, not encouraging companies to stomp on them.

[280Z28]

WTF. Traitors.

If Dr. Paul is Dr. No, then Sen. Obama is really trying to be Sen. Abstain. Someone took sex ed way too far...

[ultimaonliner]

We need to mail a copy of the Bill of Rights to each of those congressmen who voted aye.

[syborius]

all of them are spineless turds. Where is Dodd now? He alone could have shelved this if he really wanted to. THe democrats could have shelved this, they had the power. This is another one of those we feed from the same trough votes. They are all bought and paid for, and you can write letters until you are blue in the face and it won't amount to a hill of beans.

[ValidusCustodiae]

Just sent this to Richard Burr (R-NC):

I have written to you before in a similar instance where
you ignored the Constitution and sided with the President.
It was when you voted for the Military Commissions Act of
2007 which unconstitutionally allows the President to hold
secret military trials in which the defendants have
basically no rights whatsoever. The argument you will
probably use is that such secrecy helps the President keep
Americans safe. If this is true, then amend the
Constitution and Bill of Rights instead of just ignoring
it as you have with S. 2248 (Protect America Act). This
is the reason I am writing you today. Not only have you
granted the President the ability to eavesdrop on the
conversations of law abiding Americans without a warrant,
but to add insult to injury, you have granted retroactive
immunity from criminal prosecution to telecommunications
companies which obviously broke the law or they would need
no immunity.

I am not sure if you will be running to represent N.C.
again in the U.S. Senate. While I applaud some of your
stands and certain votes you have made, most of your votes
have been in favor of unconstitutional increases in the
size of federal government. Usually the excuse is that
such increases are necessary to keep Americans safe.
Isn't this the same argument the British were using during
the colonial era which sparked Patrick Henry to declare in
the church in Appamattox, "Give me liberty, or give me
death!"?

Whether or not ignoring the Constitution is the best idea
because it keeps us safe, how can you reconcile your oath
of office with your actions since assuming that office?
You swore an oath to defend and uphold the CONSTITUTION,
not George W. Bush's very un-Republican expansion of
federal government.

You are a member of Congress that has failed, along with
99% of the rest, to honor your oath of office. At one
point, I would have considered voting for you because of
the few (and I stress few) stands you have taken against
the dissolution of our civil liberties. That time has
passed. I must admit that a big-tax, big-spend,
socialistic democrat who respects civil liberties would be
a preferrable choice to you, sir. This is coming from
someone who understands deeply the problems with the
socialist movement and the flaws in liberal ideaology. I
am a die hard conservative. I charge that you, sir, are
not, or you would have done your best to conserve the
original intent of the Constitution.

The leadership of the Republican party is talking about
the impact that Ron Paul has made. The GOP leadership is
realizing that they cannot possibly continue to win
elections without appealing to those libertarian-leaning
true conservatives. Besides Ron Paul, our choices in this
Presidential election are between Amnesty-Campaign Finance
Reform McCain and Tax Hike subsidies for Illegals
Huckabee. Abandon the conservative principles that has
kept the Republican Party alive, Goldwater conservatism,
and naturally the party is going to fall apart. Despite
numerous attempts by the GOP establishment to marginalize
or thwart Ron Paul's campaign, he has managed to win 2nd
in some very RED states.

I realize you're a busy man, so I will close by saying
that tyranny is ancient, and freedom and liberty are very
new in this world. Will you stand with the founders who
would be absolutely disgusted that their Constitutional
amendment process is totally ignored? Or will you stand
with the despots of both parties who have decided big
government is all fine and dandy, as long as they have
some control over it? History will record the decisions
that you and others make.

Thank you for your time and what service you have done.
From a freedom loving American patriot whose skin crawls
when his elected leaders ignore their oaths, that's
probably the nicest thing I can say.

[TonySutton]

Did anyone else notice this was the 1776th post by the OP... o.O I am freaking out!

[Ronin]

Just a couple more comments I have.

First, we should thank the senators that voted nay. They are patriots and looking out for our civil liberties.

Second, if you think about it the immunity is protecting the Bush administration as well as the telco's. As has been pointed out elsewhere if these lawsuits are allowed, the cases will go through a discovery phase. This will involve finding out the extent to which the executive was in violation.

Up until now the administration has not come out and admitted wrongdoing, but they have slipped up here and there admitting it. The latest such slip up was by Dana Perino (sp?) yesterday in a press conference. This is all about Bush et. al. saving face. Search http://www.therealnews.com for "wiretap" for an interesting take on things.

[CurtisLow]

Just a couple more comments I have.

First, we should thank the senators that voted nay. They are patriots and looking out for our civil liberties.



Great idea! It will boost there confidence to do more good for the people.

[perrin_for_paul]

I just sent this to Jim DeMint (R-SC). I kind of ripped off part of it from some letters on this board.

While I generally feel that you have our best interests in mind, I am deeply distressed by a recent vote of yours.

Your biography mentions that you have been "a tireless advocate for smaller government [and] individual liberty." So, I would like to know how, in good conscience, you could promise the people of this state that you would fight for their individual liberties while voting for S. 2248: FISA Amendments Act of 2007.

Not only did you violate your oath to the Constitution of the United States that you swore to obey but also you took part in undermining MY civil liberties and privacy from the government. I would like you to think about the citizens of South Carolina and how you just voted away their rights.

As protecting our personal liberties and obeying the Constitution are the most important parts of your job, and you have failed to accomplish either of these tasks, you no longer have my support.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. – Benjamin Franklin

[Mandrik]

Sen. Arlen Specter [R, PA] Aye
Sen. Robert Casey [D, PA] Aye

Ugh, I voted for Casey only because I didn't want Santorum back in there. I'm done picking between a shitty candidate and a shittier candidate.

[Shink]

If you look at the vote totals, it's (relatively) close to a 50/50 split for the Dems on this vote. That means that the merging into a single party is essentially complete. Media will keep people fooled into thinking that there are two parties with totally opposing ideals in constant ideological struggle. It's just an orchestrated bitchfight that allows the divide and conquer strategy to work so well. If people would have stopped thinking in terms of groups and parties before, things would be a lot better right now.

[wstrucke]

good to see the senator i voted for the last time around voted nay.

[HollyforRP]

Some news stories are claiming Obama voted no?

[Malakai0]

Both my senators (Fl) voted Aye. I write letters bitching whenever they violate the constitution, and get canned bullshit or fancy meaningless explanations of why it is needed for our safety every time.

[CurtisLow]

Yeah, my senators don't care about the constitution or the state they supposedly represent.

[Elle]

Hopefully we can just replace the 68 that violated their oath this November.

[LEK]

sad that the Dems are more conservative on this issue than the "conservative" Republicans :(

I wish it had to do with conservatism...I think it's more of "US" against "THEM" which has absolutely nothing to do with the good of this country - just a stupid power struggle.

Or should I say "feigned" power struggle.

[LEK]

I just sent this to Jim DeMint (R-SC). I kind of ripped off part of it from some letters on this board.

While I generally feel that you have our best interests in mind, I am deeply distressed by a recent vote of yours.

Your biography mentions that you have been "a tireless advocate for smaller government [and] individual liberty." So, I would like to know how, in good conscience, you could promise the people of this state that you would fight for their individual liberties while voting for S. 2248: FISA Amendments Act of 2007.

Not only did you violate your oath to the Constitution of the United States that you swore to obey but also you took part in undermining MY civil liberties and privacy from the government. I would like you to think about the citizens of South Carolina and how you just voted away their rights.

As protecting our personal liberties and obeying the Constitution are the most important parts of your job, and you have failed to accomplish either of these tasks, you no longer have my support.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. – Benjamin Franklin

Thank You...

[humanic]

I actually called my senator's office a few weeks back and encouraged him to filibuster this. He didn't answer the phone himself of course; it was a nice, young-sounding girl who said she'd pass the message along to him. I don't doubt that she did pass it along, and obviously it fell on deaf ears (not that I really expected him to care or listen anyways).

We need to stop writing letters to congress and become congress (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6015291679758430958&q=an+idea+whose+time+has+come&total=282&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0).

[mcvac]

Bump

[CurtisLow]

Just a couple more comments I have.

First, we should thank the senators that voted nay. They are patriots and looking out for our civil liberties.
.

z-bump

[PopeDonzel]

At least Sherrod Brown voted no, f-ing George Voinivich, I can't wait to get him out of there.

[jointhefightforfreedom]

bump

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

Glad to see the 2 from NJ nay'd

[fedup100]

They do it every day now just like bush the lesser and big dick cheney. All of them have betrayed their country and it's people, and no one cares and no one will do a (&$ thing about it. That is why they keep doing it. They are all saying to us, "come on Punk if you don't like it, come and take it back". They know we can't and won't.

Again I am sorry to say our best hope is for Russia to attack us, then we get a "do over" for this rotten fascist government. For those who survive it, don't forget the billionaires like Opra and the media whores.......make a long list and clean house.

[colecrowe]

[R, SC] Sen. Lindsey Graham Abstain
[R, WY] Sen. John Barrasso Aye
[R, WY] Sen. Michael Enzi Aye
[R, VA] Sen. John Warner Aye
[R, UT] Sen. Robert Bennett Aye
[R, UT] Sen. Orrin Hatch Aye
[R, TX] Sen. John Cornyn Aye
[R, TX] Sen. Kay Hutchison Aye
[R, TN] Sen. Lamar Alexander Aye
[R, TN] Sen. Bob Corker Aye
[R, SD] Sen. John Thune Aye
[R, SC] Sen. Jim DeMint Aye
[R, PA] Sen. Arlen Specter Aye
[R, OR] Sen. Gordon Smith Aye
[R, OK] Sen. Thomas Coburn Aye
[R, OK] Sen. James Inhofe Aye
[R, OH] Sen. George Voinovich Aye
[R, NV] Sen. John Ensign Aye
[R, NM] Sen. Pete Domenici Aye
[R, NH] Sen. Judd Gregg Aye
[R, NH] Sen. John Sununu Aye
[R, NE] Sen. Charles Hagel Aye
[R, NC] Sen. Richard Burr Aye
[R, NC] Sen. Elizabeth Dole Aye
[R, MS-1] Rep. Roger Wicker Aye
[R, MS] Sen. Thad Cochran Aye
[R, MO] Sen. Christopher Bond Aye
[R, MN] Sen. Norm Coleman Aye
[R, ME] Sen. Susan Collins Aye
[R, ME] Sen. Olympia Snowe Aye
[R, LA] Sen. David Vitter Aye
[R, KY] Sen. Jim Bunning Aye
[R, KY] Sen. Mitch McConnell Aye
[R, KS] Sen. Samuel Brownback Aye
[R, KS] Sen. Pat Roberts Aye
[R, IN] Sen. Richard Lugar Aye
[R, ID] Sen. Larry Craig Aye
[R, ID] Sen. Michael Crapo Aye
[R, IA] Sen. Charles Grassley Aye
[R, GA] Sen. C. Saxby Chambliss Aye
[R, GA] Sen. John Isakson Aye
[R, FL] Sen. Mel Martinez Aye
[R, CO] Sen. Wayne Allard Aye
[R, AZ] Sen. Jon Kyl Aye
[R, AZ] Sen. John McCain Aye
[R, AL] Sen. Jefferson Sessions Aye
[R, AL] Sen. Richard Shelby Aye
[R, AK] Sen. Lisa Murkowski Aye
[R, AK] Sen. Ted Stevens Aye

[D, NY] Sen. Hillary Clinton Abstain
[D, IL] Sen. Barack Obama Abstain
[D, WV] Sen. John Rockefeller Aye
[D, WI] Sen. Herbert Kohl Aye
[D, VA] Sen. Jim Webb Aye
[D, SD] Sen. Tim Johnson Aye
[D, RI] Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse Aye
[D, PA] Sen. Robert Casey Aye
[D, NE] Sen. Ben Nelson Aye
[D, ND] Sen. Kent Conrad Aye
[D, MT] Sen. Max Baucus Aye
[D, MO] Sen. Claire McCaskill Aye
[D, MD] Sen. Barbara Mikulski Aye
[D, LA] Sen. Mary Landrieu Aye
[D, IN] Sen. B. Evan Bayh Aye
[D, HI] Sen. Daniel Inouye Aye
[D, FL] Sen. Bill Nelson Aye
[D, DE] Sen. Thomas Carper Aye
[D, CO] Sen. Ken Salazar Aye
[D, AR] Sen. Blanche Lincoln Aye
[D, AR] Sen. Mark Pryor Aye
[D, WV] Sen. Robert Byrd Nay
[D, WI] Sen. Russell Feingold Nay
[D, WA] Sen. Maria Cantwell Nay
[D, WA] Sen. Patty Murray Nay
[D, VT] Sen. Patrick Leahy Nay
[D, RI] Sen. John Reed Nay
[D, OR] Sen. Ron Wyden Nay
[D, OH] Sen. Sherrod Brown Nay
[D, NY] Sen. Charles Schumer Nay
[D, NV] Sen. Harry Reid Nay
[D, NM] Sen. Jeff Bingaman Nay
[D, NJ] Sen. Frank Lautenberg Nay
[D, NJ] Sen. Robert Menendez Nay
[D, ND] Sen. Byron Dorgan Nay
[D, MT] Sen. Jon Tester Nay
[D, MN] Sen. Amy Klobuchar Nay
[D, MI] Sen. Carl Levin Nay
[D, MI] Sen. Debbie Ann Stabenow Nay
[D, MD] Sen. Benjamin Cardin Nay
[D, MA] Sen. Edward Kennedy Nay
[D, MA] Sen. John Kerry Nay
[D, IL] Sen. Richard Durbin Nay
[D, IA] Sen. Thomas Harkin Nay
[D, HI] Sen. Daniel Akaka Nay
[D, DE] Sen. Joseph Biden Nay
[D, CT] Sen. Christopher Dodd Nay
[D, CA] Sen. Barbara Boxer Nay
[D, CA] Sen. Dianne Feinstein Nay

[I, CT] Sen. Joseph Lieberman Aye
[I, VT] Sen. Bernard Sanders Nay

[jointhefightforfreedom]

SEE MY SIG THREAD !

When are we gonna prosecute these TRAITORS !!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????

[PepperdotNet]

email sent to the two traitors, uh, senators from Alabama.

[LibertyRevolution]

In all seriousness, is there a way that we can force them all to step down for violation of their oath? I mean they clearly are passing laws that are in violation of constitution. They took an oath, they broke it, at the very least are they not guilty of perjury for violating the oath they swore to uphold? Even if their oath is meaningless, they are making direct attacks on our system of government, are they not all guilty of treason?
Could we get a lawyer to threaten to charge them with treason if they don’t step down?

[nodope0695]

Cheers :D to Sen. Cardin, D-MD, for his NAY vote! I sent him a letter thanking him for his defense of the Constitution, and for upholding his oath of office.

Jeers :mad: to Sen. Mikulski, D-MD, for her AYE vote. I sent her a letter condemning this violation of her oath of office and called her aye vote a direct affront to the constitution, and civil liberties.

It should also be noted that McCain voted AYE to this terrible law...like that's a suprise.:mad:

[virginiakid]

Thank goodness John Warner is retiring! Just have to get rid of Jim Webb now.

[nodope0695]

Bump for freedom. Contact your Senators to complain about their vote, or to thank them if they voted no for it....

[Patrick_Henry]

Yeah! My senator, Amy Klobuchar, voted against it. Norm Colman didn't though >(

Unfortunately Amy is a Democrat, but I think I'm going to send her a little thank you.

[theczar1776]

wow

[nodope0695]

Yeah! My senator, Amy Klobuchar, voted against it. Norm Colman didn't though >(

Unfortunately Amy is a Democrat, but I think I'm going to send her a little thank you.

Both my senators are democrats, however one voted against, one for. Some democrats actually support the constitution...I mean, regardless of political party, everyone take the same oath.

[Patrick_Henry]

Dear Senator Coleman,

I am a delegate to my GOP county convention, and I was shocked to see that you voted for the FISA
Amendment Act of 2007, S. 2248. I do believe we must protect ourselves from enemy threats, but never do I
believe that we must give up our right to privacy as described in our constitution. This bill is unconstitutional,
and by voting for it you have broken your oath of office. I will remember this as I continue through the
delegate progress and during the general election.

Sincerely,
(my name)

p.s. Please do not have an intern/secretary reply to me with some scripted message (no offense to those who
might read this before Senator Colemon). I would prefer for you reply to me yourself

[CurtisLow]

Please take the time to write your Senators!

If they did good and voted against it praise them!

If they turned there back on freedom and voted for it send them what you think is best!

[Ronin]

Bump. We really need to show some support now that they are at the negotiating table with the House. Everyone should contact their Congressman also as a new bill will probably come to the floor tommorrow or Friday

[yaz]

Sen. Kay Hutchison [R, TX] Aye

I gave my representative a piece of my mind and quoted Ron Paul's speech on the Patriot Act.

[Talcott]

Traitors the whole lot.

[syborius]

Please take the time to write your Senators!

If they did good and voted against it praise them!

If they turned there back on freedom and voted for it send them what you think is best!

Soon some of us will be writing our senators from prison the way this is keeping up.

[V4Vendetta]

Sen. Kay Hutchison [R, TX] Aye

I gave my representative a piece of my mind and quoted Ron Paul's speech on the Patriot Act.

I called her office too.

Told the staffer that she did not take her oath seriously.
I said "Everyone that voted "aye" to this bill should be brought up on charges of TREASON!"

She said "I will let her know"

Said the same thing to John Coryn's office too.

[Join The Paul Side]

Take note of all those who voted AYE. These are the motherfuckers that we need to work hard to have replaced. :mad:

[tommyzDad]

Thank goodness John Warner is retiring! Just have to get rid of Jim Webb now.


Hey, vk, do you have a source on that? (Guess that makes my threat of not voting for him this year kinda empty. :( )

[Melissa]

Oh god both mine here in Indiana voted Aye ok Hoosiers I wrote them --you guys better too

[CurtisLow]

bump

[cvaldiv1]

I called Sen. Hagel's office. Said I was appalled that he would co sponsor this bill. Also said I was appalled that he voted aye on the Telecom Immunity Bill. We, as a populace, have been sold out by these cocksuckers. I am so pissed right now.

“If we abandon the liberties we cherish, the terrorists will have won.” - Sen Chuck Hagel

Has this once maverick republican who has been very critical of the bush administration sold his soul? I was starting to appreciate having him as a senator. I'm not going to be upset that he's leaving office now.

[smtwngrl]

No, we get a letter together and flood all of their in boxes. This is part of what we have to do. We have to hold their feet to the fire.

If we all send the same letter, they will call it a "form letter" and will discount it. Or basically, they consider it the same as if just one person sent the letter. This is what they do. :p

And yes, this is part of what we all have to do. We need to do this not just now, but every time there is a bad bill, before it is voted on.

Right now, our best chance is to hold the feet of members of the House to the fire, since they have not yet voted on it.

[V4Vendetta]

Call them up, and tell them that they are TRAITORS to the Republic

[thexjib]

arrg....

At least the House DEMS have shown some spine on this.... didnt allow a vote

[pappy]

This is what I wrote to both of my trait.. uh I mean Senators.


Dear Senator,
I am writing to express my astonishment. How could you vote for S 2248?

This bill gives our president the power to conduct what amounts to warrentless searches of American citizens. It also forgives private companies immunity for assisting the president in these unconstitutional searches. This power can potentially be used against the citizens of your state, in a breach of their constitutional rights.

Have you become so drunk with fear of the boogeyman that you are willing to give up your right to privacy? Or drunk with the power that submitting your constituents to this might bring?

You can write me down as someone who will not vote for you next go round. I value my privacy and think that I have a right to it. I think that right is conferred by the constitution and should not be abrigated on a whim (fear -- is that your justification, I would like to know). This bill gives government undue power over the people. Something it should not have.

Sincerely,

[rg123]

arrg....

At least the House DEMS have shown some spine on this.... didnt allow a vote

Lets hope they keep that spine.

[PlzPeopleWakeUp]

nt

[wv@SC]

I wrote Sen. Jim DeMint. I don't think I ever did like him. Sen. Lindsey Graham might not have been there, but in any case, he abstained.

[Thomas Paine]

These Senators should be tried at Nuremburg for committing crimes against humanity and hung like their Nazi predecessors.

[CurtisLow]

These Senators should be tried at Nuremburg for committing crimes against humanity and hung like their Nazi predecessors.

Thats too good for them... They should know better! :mad:

[kickzman]

I just wrote Norm Coleman and told him I consider him an enemy of the American People and the constitution.

Again.

I understand Neocon Coleman, but that cunt we just elected Amy Klobachar is another story...Why did I vote for her for???

[Thomas Paine]

Has any playwright written or produced a play about George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, etc., being put on trial at Nuremberg like the Nazis where several witnesses testify to their various crimes committed since 2001???

[malibuu]

How the Senate voted . . .

Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE] Nay

Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain

Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT] Nay

Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Nay

Sen. John McCain [R, AZ] Aye

Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain



McLame stands above everyone wanting to be POTUS, doesn't he.

[MrZach]

I wrote Sen. Durbin and thanked him for voting against the bill.

[mysticgeek]

Here is the reply from "Norm-nuts" ...

Dear Mr. Burgess:



Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the proposal for immunity for telecommunication companies included in the modernization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I respectfully disagree with your view on this matter.



I believe that it is unfair to penalize companies for responding to written assurances from the highest levels of the government that their help is legal and essential for saving lives. The immunity provision will only apply to companies if they have official documents from the government demonstrating the activities were deemed legal and authorized by the President. I would also point out that the Senate Intelligence Committee looked into this matter and found that the telecom companies acted in "good faith" based on the information they had.



Whether the government acted properly is a different question from whether a private person has acted properly in responding to the government's call for help. I have supported efforts to investigate the legality of the wireless surveillance program, and believe that if any wrongdoing is found, measures should be taken accordingly.



As you may know, the FISA Amendments Act of 2007 (S. 2248) was introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) on October 26, 2007. This bill seeks to amend the FISA Act of 1978 in order to modernize and streamline its provisions, which is necessary for our country to enhance our nation's capability to prevent future terrorist attacks. S. 2248 also includes a retroactive liability protection for telecommunication companies that assisted our government in a warrantless surveillance program in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. The bill was approved by the Intelligence Committee on a bipartisan basis and currently awaits consideration by the full Senate.



I support national intelligence activities undertaken by the federal government which are lawful and necessary for the pursuit of terrorists. I recognize that we need to strike a balance between preventing another terrorist attack and defending civil liberties. For this reason I am a strong proponent of Congressional oversight of surveillance activities.



I will continue to follow this important issue. While we may agree on some issues and disagree on others, I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue of concern to you.





Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate

[CurtisLow]

Please Write!!!!!!!! Let's get the word out about this. Don't wait! do it now while it's still in there minds.

[Nyte]

[R, UT] Sen. Robert Bennett Aye
[R, UT] Sen. Orrin Hatch Aye

I'm writing both to let them know they've pissed off a state delegate.

[Aratus]

byrd, biden, kennedy and kerry voted "nay"

[CurtisLow]

Here is a great aid in writing your Senator

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/


Free EMail + you can have your letter posted on there site without your name on it... Very cool!!!

For $8.00 you can have you letter hand delivered to the person your writing.

Here's mine,
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/userletter/?id=497&letter_id=1746321546


---------------------------------------------------------------
Since I'm not a good letter writer I used a couple of letters on this thread then combined them.. This is what my Frankenstein came out to be...lol

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Senator Arlen Specter,

Looking up the precise definition of "outrage", I find that "the anger and resentment aroused by injury or insult" as the result of your misguided views and I was shocked to see that you voted for the FISA Amendment Act of 2007, S. 2248. I do believe we must protect ourselves from enemy threats, but never do I believe that we must give up our right to privacy as described in our constitution. This bill is unconstitutional, and by voting for it you have broken your oath of office.
When will Politicians have the backbone to stand up against those forces that would divided our state and country.
This bill gives our president the power to conduct what amounts to warrantless searches of American citizens. It also forgives private companies immunity for assisting the president in these unconstitutional searches. This power can potentially be used against the citizens of your state, in a breach of their constitutional rights.

Have you become so drunk with fear of the boogieman that you are willing to give up your right to privacy? Or drunk with the power that submitting your constituents to this might bring?

You can write me down as someone who will not support for you next go round. I value my privacy and think that I have a right to it. I think that right is conferred by the constitution and should not be abrogated on a whim (fear -- is that your justification, I would like to know). This bill gives government undue power over the people. Something it should not have.



p.s. Please do not have an intern/secretary reply to me with some scripted message (no offense to those who might read this before Senator Arlen Specter). I would prefer for you reply to me yourself.




"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." – Benjamin Franklin

[Patrick_Henry]

I understand Neocon Coleman, but that cunt we just elected Amy Klobachar is another story...Why did I vote for her for???

Yeah, I don't really like her either, but at least she voted against the bill. I sent her a message saying I disagree with her on most issues, but thanked her for voting against it.

[LJHudd]

byrd, biden, kennedy and kerry voted "nay"Did these same people vote for or against the PATRIOT act?

[CurtisLow]

Did these same people vote for or against the PATRIOT act?

Good question... don't know?


Please have your voice heard! Write your Senators!

[CurtisLow]

What Mod switch this from Ron Paul Grassroots Central to here? This place is like the basement where no one go's........ BS!

[ForcedPerspective]

Here is the reply from "Norm-nuts" ...

Dear Mr. Burgess:



Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the proposal for immunity for telecommunication companies included in the modernization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I respectfully disagree with your view on this matter.



I believe that it is unfair to penalize companies for responding to written assurances from the highest levels of the government that their help is legal and essential for saving lives. The immunity provision will only apply to companies if they have official documents from the government demonstrating the activities were deemed legal and authorized by the President. I would also point out that the Senate Intelligence Committee looked into this matter and found that the telecom companies acted in "good faith" based on the information they had.



Whether the government acted properly is a different question from whether a private person has acted properly in responding to the government's call for help. I have supported efforts to investigate the legality of the wireless surveillance program, and believe that if any wrongdoing is found, measures should be taken accordingly.



As you may know, the FISA Amendments Act of 2007 (S. 2248) was introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) on October 26, 2007. This bill seeks to amend the FISA Act of 1978 in order to modernize and streamline its provisions, which is necessary for our country to enhance our nation's capability to prevent future terrorist attacks. S. 2248 also includes a retroactive liability protection for telecommunication companies that assisted our government in a warrantless surveillance program in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. The bill was approved by the Intelligence Committee on a bipartisan basis and currently awaits consideration by the full Senate.



I support national intelligence activities undertaken by the federal government which are lawful and necessary for the pursuit of terrorists. I recognize that we need to strike a balance between preventing another terrorist attack and defending civil liberties. For this reason I am a strong proponent of Congressional oversight of surveillance activities.



I will continue to follow this important issue. While we may agree on some issues and disagree on others, I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue of concern to you.





Sincerely,
Norm Coleman
United States Senate


Firstly I find it hard to believe that these telecoms acted in 'good faith'. Their legal departments should be well versed on what the law is regarding domestic surveillance. The fact that they were issued these "Get Out of Jail Free" cards by the President is actually evidence of this. That is, if they thought it was legal then why the need for these official documents with the President's authorization in the first place? It also kind of begs the question "How many other types of illegal authorizations did the President make?".

More importantly however, if the fact the President is seeking retro immunity isn't enough proof of wrongdoing, then surely these "Get Out of Jail Free" cards are the "smoking gun" that proves illegal wiretapping actually did take place. If what the Senator says is correct they'll have to produce their "Get Out of Jail Free" card to gain immunity. While this let's them off the hook, it drops the government right in it! ...of course if they haven't already I'm sure they'll be passing a "Get Out of Jail Free" Bill for ALL their crimes before they leave office (you know... the standard deal).

[CurtisLow]

Three days ago, on Wednesday, we wrote to tell you that the Senate had done the exact opposite of what you requested.

* They did not repeal PAA.
* They did not allow it to sunset.
* They did not pass the amendments we requested that would have made the replacement for PAA less bad.
* Instead, they passed a bill permitting warrantless spying on Americans, and granting immunity to the telecommunications companies that had previously spied on Americans. But . . .

We asked you to hit Congress once again, specifically asking the House to not do as the Senate had done.

* We got what we wanted.
* The Democrats in the House finally showed some backbone.
* They refused to take action on a replacement for PAA.
* This means that PAA sunsetted out of existence at midnight on Friday.

Victory at sunset!

Speaker Pelosi also had some good things to say as she announced the sunset of PAA. She pointed out that the government still retains all the powers it needs to spy on suspected terrorists under the old FISA law, which remains in place. She also talked about the need for the government, and the telecommunications companies, to operate under the rule of law.

You see, Congress may mostly do bad things, but not always. It's important to understand that we can never expect them to do the right thing if we don't tell them what we want. Your 47,034 messages to Congress were important in encouraging the House to do the right thing.

[christagious]

what does abstain mean? They didn't show up to vote?

[RSLudlum]

Contacted my senators Monday.

Sen. Jim DeMint [R, SC] Aye
Sen. Lindsey Graham [R, SC] Abstain

I let 'em both know my disgust on thier vote or in McGrahamnesty's case his spineless no vote.
DeMint already sent a reply back to me (see below) but i haven't heard anything but a verification reply from Lamesy.



Dear Mr. Ludlum,



Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the modernization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the National Security Agency's surveillance activities. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.



As you may know, the Senate recently passed S.2248, the FISA Amendments Act of 2007, which updates FISA activities to allow monitoring of certain international communications. This legislation requires that the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence approve surveillance activities and the FISA Court have oversight of the procedures used.



We are actively engaged in a War on Terror, fighting against enemies who have made clear their intention to destroy America. The United States has people dedicated to eliminating terrorism and protecting American lives. We must equip them with the tools necessary to learn of our enemies' plans and quickly and effectively respond to threats.



Like you, I also understand the importance of protecting our constitutional freedoms. A balance must be achieved between safeguarding individual liberties and providing America's defenders with the tools to be successful. Congress will remain vigilant in oversight of these surveillance activities. Please rest assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as the Senate considers this legislation.



Thank you again for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about anything important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of the State of South Carolina.





Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
United States Senator

[colecrowe]

How the Senate voted . . .

Sen. Joseph Biden [D, DE] Nay

Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain

Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT] Nay

Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Nay

Sen. John McCain [R, AZ] Aye

Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain

McLame stands above everyone wanting to be POTUS, doesn't he.



[R, SC] Sen. Lindsey Graham Abstain
[R, WY] Sen. John Barrasso Aye
[R, WY] Sen. Michael Enzi Aye
[R, VA] Sen. John Warner Aye
[R, UT] Sen. Robert Bennett Aye
[R, UT] Sen. Orrin Hatch Aye
[R, TX] Sen. John Cornyn Aye
[R, TX] Sen. Kay Hutchison Aye
[R, TN] Sen. Lamar Alexander Aye
[R, TN] Sen. Bob Corker Aye
[R, SD] Sen. John Thune Aye
[R, SC] Sen. Jim DeMint Aye
[R, PA] Sen. Arlen Specter Aye
[R, OR] Sen. Gordon Smith Aye
[R, OK] Sen. Thomas Coburn Aye
[R, OK] Sen. James Inhofe Aye
[R, OH] Sen. George Voinovich Aye
[R, NV] Sen. John Ensign Aye
[R, NM] Sen. Pete Domenici Aye
[R, NH] Sen. Judd Gregg Aye
[R, NH] Sen. John Sununu Aye
[R, NE] Sen. Charles Hagel Aye
[R, NC] Sen. Richard Burr Aye
[R, NC] Sen. Elizabeth Dole Aye
[R, MS-1] Rep. Roger Wicker Aye
[R, MS] Sen. Thad Cochran Aye
[R, MO] Sen. Christopher Bond Aye
[R, MN] Sen. Norm Coleman Aye
[R, ME] Sen. Susan Collins Aye
[R, ME] Sen. Olympia Snowe Aye
[R, LA] Sen. David Vitter Aye
[R, KY] Sen. Jim Bunning Aye
[R, KY] Sen. Mitch McConnell Aye
[R, KS] Sen. Samuel Brownback Aye
[R, KS] Sen. Pat Roberts Aye
[R, IN] Sen. Richard Lugar Aye
[R, ID] Sen. Larry Craig Aye
[R, ID] Sen. Michael Crapo Aye
[R, IA] Sen. Charles Grassley Aye
[R, GA] Sen. C. Saxby Chambliss Aye
[R, GA] Sen. John Isakson Aye
[R, FL] Sen. Mel Martinez Aye
[R, CO] Sen. Wayne Allard Aye
[R, AZ] Sen. Jon Kyl Aye
[R, AZ] Sen. John McCain Aye
[R, AL] Sen. Jefferson Sessions Aye
[R, AL] Sen. Richard Shelby Aye
[R, AK] Sen. Lisa Murkowski Aye
[R, AK] Sen. Ted Stevens Aye

[D, NY] Sen. Hillary Clinton Abstain
[D, IL] Sen. Barack Obama Abstain
[D, WV] Sen. John Rockefeller Aye
[D, WI] Sen. Herbert Kohl Aye
[D, VA] Sen. Jim Webb Aye
[D, SD] Sen. Tim Johnson Aye
[D, RI] Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse Aye
[D, PA] Sen. Robert Casey Aye
[D, NE] Sen. Ben Nelson Aye
[D, ND] Sen. Kent Conrad Aye
[D, MT] Sen. Max Baucus Aye
[D, MO] Sen. Claire McCaskill Aye
[D, MD] Sen. Barbara Mikulski Aye
[D, LA] Sen. Mary Landrieu Aye
[D, IN] Sen. B. Evan Bayh Aye
[D, HI] Sen. Daniel Inouye Aye
[D, FL] Sen. Bill Nelson Aye
[D, DE] Sen. Thomas Carper Aye
[D, CO] Sen. Ken Salazar Aye
[D, AR] Sen. Blanche Lincoln Aye
[D, AR] Sen. Mark Pryor Aye
[D, WV] Sen. Robert Byrd Nay
[D, WI] Sen. Russell Feingold Nay
[D, WA] Sen. Maria Cantwell Nay
[D, WA] Sen. Patty Murray Nay
[D, VT] Sen. Patrick Leahy Nay
[D, RI] Sen. John Reed Nay
[D, OR] Sen. Ron Wyden Nay
[D, OH] Sen. Sherrod Brown Nay
[D, NY] Sen. Charles Schumer Nay
[D, NV] Sen. Harry Reid Nay
[D, NM] Sen. Jeff Bingaman Nay
[D, NJ] Sen. Frank Lautenberg Nay
[D, NJ] Sen. Robert Menendez Nay
[D, ND] Sen. Byron Dorgan Nay
[D, MT] Sen. Jon Tester Nay
[D, MN] Sen. Amy Klobuchar Nay
[D, MI] Sen. Carl Levin Nay
[D, MI] Sen. Debbie Ann Stabenow Nay
[D, MD] Sen. Benjamin Cardin Nay
[D, MA] Sen. Edward Kennedy Nay
[D, MA] Sen. John Kerry Nay
[D, IL] Sen. Richard Durbin Nay
[D, IA] Sen. Thomas Harkin Nay
[D, HI] Sen. Daniel Akaka Nay
[D, DE] Sen. Joseph Biden Nay
[D, CT] Sen. Christopher Dodd Nay
[D, CA] Sen. Barbara Boxer Nay
[D, CA] Sen. Dianne Feinstein Nay

[I, CT] Sen. Joseph Lieberman Aye
[I, VT] Sen. Bernard Sanders Nay

[Aratus]

this was a critical vote...

[Kade]

I have said it before and I'll say it again:

Cowards
Sen. Barack Obama [D, IL] Abstain
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D, NY] Abstain

I think that is a Nay. But a cowardly nay. You can't win the Presidency if you "Are weak with National Security"

This was a McCain Nay.

[ItsTime]

This was a we will wait to see which way the wind blows and agree with that.


I think that is a Nay. But a cowardly nay. You can't win the Presidency if you "Are weak with National Security"

This was a McCain Nay.

[acptulsa]

what does abstain mean? They didn't show up to vote?

Worse. They were there and refused to vote.