Senate passes Bush-backed spy bill

[many a good man]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Democratic-led U.S. Senate approved a bill on Friday to revamp President George W. Bush's spying program. The vote was 60-28.

Offered by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the bill would require the administration to describe the procedures it uses in warrantless surveillance of foreign targets overseas.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070804/pl_nm/congress_spying_dc_1

[BlackHawk706867]

1. So I now offer my condolences to my American neighbors! You folks are so screwed...

That's all!

ww

[rodeodance]

2. damm!!

[BrokenBeyondRepair]

121. bob dylan saw it coming years ago..

http://www.bobdylan.com/songs/union.html

[obiwan]

124. You are so right.

Here in the "United States" the expression is something like "Bend over and spread 'em."

[NoodleyAppendage]

3. THAT'S IT. I will NOT vote for a single Dem in 2008. Will not reward bootlickers.

The only power that I have as a common citizen is my voice and my vote. Dems have lost my 2008 vote. I, in good conscience, can no longer support a party that FAILS to hold the interests of its membership at heart.

MTF! I'm so friggin' pissed! How much more will our DEM LEADERSHIP cede to this dictator/king?

J

[shanti]

32. well...

i definitely won't vote for the ones who voted on THIS!

[Wise Doubter]

102. 60 to 28 ?!!

That don`t leave ya many to chose from :grr:

[usregimechange]

107. It leaves you 28. Better than 0 but I feel my expectations r a tad low

[rodeodance]

143. 12 did not vote

[ohio2007]

185. And just who didn't vote?

Do they have interests that kept them from voting?

[George II]

39. So who WILL you vote for? Republicans?

[NoodleyAppendage]

43. Neither. 3rd Party or none, if I have to. There's just NO EXCUSE for this capitulation.

What good is the Dem leadership when they continue to act like the Vichy France? And, if the analogy holds, then sign me up for the Resistance Underground. I'm ready to do what it takes to restore the Republic, but voting for Repuke-lite isn't part of that path.

J

[Deep13]

44. I never felt that way until now. nt

[Gravel2008]

159. Well, I welcome you to the club, albeit without joy

It may seem like faint consolation at the moment, but the sooner our numbers grow to have real influence, the sooner we can have REAL democracy and a REAL Democratic party, with government by the people for the people and not government by fascists AGAINST the people. It may get worse before it gets better with this approach, but at least there would still BE hope of improvement, as opposed to continuing down the slippery slope of "the lesser of two evils", which will ONLY serve to make things worse and in the end doom us eternally. We need to declare all-out war against the DLC and its backers and against EVERY Democrat who continues to in any way enable Bush. We need to take back our country while we still have one. Time is running out, people...

[Deep13]

183. "Time is running out, people..."

Time is gone. Democracy has lost. Just like it always does.

[wake.up.america]

120. Nice analogy!

[Dude_CalmDown]

127. This isn't even Repuke-Lite

Secret courts should have never been acceptable. Now we're fighting to go back to secret courts.

[bahrbearian]

48. No VOTE

[bahrbearian]

49. Flame On ....Nader was right

[still_one]

64. I won't flame you, but I do blame Nader for much of the problems

however, in some respects you are correct, but there is NO question in my mind that the Supreme Court would not be the way it was if Gore won in 2000

But on other issues, how will the Democrats stand up and defend their votes on the IWR, the patriot act, the bankrupcy bill, and so much other rubber stamps that fail to distinguish themselves from the republicans

[bahrbearian]

76. Gore, Didn't loose

Nader had not effect on Florida,,,,, Ask Pat Bucannan
Nader stated that there was no difference in the parties,,,, he was right,, but 6 years early , he never took into factor, Al Gore.

[still_one]

149. Nader was wrong, there was a difference, especially with respect to the supreme court

I have no respect for the man. Wonder if he still has his Magellian fund

He has made himself obsolete, and is no longer a factor in the environment, politics or anything else

He thinks he is though, but in reality he is just an aberation

[onewholaughsatfools]

93. this is a huge issue

giving bush what he wants is always a huge issue, i haven't read the bill, but i understand the senate hasn't read it either they just past it, same with the patriot act. approve and not know what it means, voting why would anyone ever vote again. Of course I left America in 2001 when bush's stole the presidency, Sorry America you are fucked.......

[badgerpup]

125. Christ, let's just give him the damn crown, orb, scepter and robe

and let him declare himself god emperor of the universe and get it over with.
May as well, since we're headed that way anyway...

Shit.:banghead:

[The Stranger]

138. If Gore had won in 2000, we would have Leiberman -- the uber-war-whore -- playing Dick Cheney.

We would be just as fucked as we are now.

[still_one]

152. really, do you think gore would have invaded Iraq? Do you think Gore

would give lieberman the power cheney has?

no way. Yes Gore screwed up then, but there is also no question in my mind that we wouldn't have the Supreme Court we have today if Gore was president, and that Nader believes there is no difference is ignorant of that fact

Nader is insignificant, except among his cult followers

[pink-o]

170. I blame the DLC for Lieberman..

...actually, those whining whimps can be blamed for this too! As much as I respect the last truly elected president's intellect, I despise how much he and the DLC used appeasement tactics with the Repigs (Gingrich's congress at the time). Now it seems that even the best of Dems think it's okay to keep moving to the right--never mind how it chips away at our core values.

Core values: Like the 4th amendment, right? Oh, but who cares about a quaint little document written over 230 years ago!

[The Stranger]

174. Your personal hatred for Nader is blinding you to reality.

Forget for a minute all that you attribute to him regarding mutual funds, some notion of a "cult," and your need for him to be insignificant and look at what he said about the true difference between Republicans and DLC Democrats, and look at the state of the Congress today, especially what it has done in the past two days.

That is, at least, what we are talking about.

[still_one]

178. I don't "hate" Nader, but I consider him an egotistical arrogant individual

who doesn't listen

I had a first had encounter with him in the 70's when he was speaking at the university I was attending. His rudeness is only outdone by his ego, and his belief in his own self-importance

The only time you will hear about him now is when the media or a forum thread wants to stir up the pot. Otherwise, he has made himself irrelevant

Yes, there will eventually be a viable third party, but it won't be the greens

[Fluffdaddy]

139. Screw Nader, he is the reason we are in this mess now.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

171. And if Bubba had keep his dick in his pants Nader would not have been a factor.

As soon as Hillary buys the nomination, I'm out of the late great Democratic Party(now Puke-lite) and going third party. Fuck the Clinton's (NAFTA) and corporate control of what use to be the party of the working class. I have voted Dem from JFK to JFK but it will end the day she buys seals the deal at the convention. Will DU set a resignation procedure so the party will get an idea of what the impact of their selling out will be in the general?

[still_one]

179. probably true, howeve nader was probably happy with the outcome

The all knowing whatever comes out of his big mouth is gospel, didn't once try to work with the Democrats, and sure didn't encourage close states to vote for Gore, in fact just the opposite

Nader is no hero to me, just another opinionated lawyer, who helped contribute to what we have today

[TankLV]

81. NO vote.

Sorry - they have done NOTHING to earn my vote, and have DESTROYED any thought I may have had of doing so...

[DUyellow]

56. lesser of two evils?

[onewholaughsatfools]

109. who says one has to vote

when you have two parties that are sleeping together, who says one has to vote for either

[Exiled in America]

186. If that's what it takes.

No, not really - I wouldn't actively vote for a Republican. But I'm willing for republicans to get elected in place of democrats by my not voting for democrats and voting independently if that's what it takes.

There are worse things than a republican victory, and they include a national democratic party so weak and cowardly and far, far, far, far, far too similar to the republican party (note I didn't say exactly the same) to be good for the country.

Things don't change because the People don't stand up for what they want. People in the Democratic Part just sit by and watch as their Party goes down the toilet because they are too afraid to use the ONLY check and balance there is on a political party - their money and their vote - to protest what they don't approve of.

If losing seats to republicans is what it takes for the democratic party to listen to people and get back to its roots of strong liberal principles and focus social and economic justice then that's what needs to happen.

[still_one]

62. There is a reason why more Americans are leaving both parties

I will vote Democratic in 2008, only to send a message to the republicans. In the meantime, I will start working for viable third party candidates. I realize that it most like won't occur soon, but you have to start somewhere

You may also ask why I will vote Democratic if I feel the way I do, and the reason is simple, the Supreme Court

However, I cannot blame anyone for not voting Democratic because of what they have done, and are doing for the past six years

[CANDO]

83. I can't understand why going indie makes any difference.

You essentially take yourself out of the primary election and are left with the choices of those within a party to choose from in the general election. Can there be a movement toward an Independent Party? That would make more sense.

[bjobotts]

94. Was it the Issue at hand or just Bush getting Dems to do what he wants?

Somethings have to be dealt with and I don't know the ins and outs of this legislation yet but it sure seemed like Dems were being blackmailed and bullied into passing it through but is it the issue itself that angers you or just tired of giving in to Bush??

[NoodleyAppendage]

161. Both. But, mostly the prospect that Chimp has gotten the votes to cover-up his crimes.

Gonzo & Hayden now have the power to determine the who, what, when, and where to spy domestically...and this doesn't disturb our Dem leadership enough to muster the spine to oppose the bill. It's sickening and frightening how much power the Dems are willing to cede to the Dictator in Chief.

J

[djjimz]

105. I'm pissed too...

but please don't give up on all the Dems.
They are still, 1000% better than any of the republicans.
Don't let a few bad apples spoil the whole cart.
Vote the idiots out in the primaries, but don't throw the whole party asunder because of a few select nit-wits.
Some of the names on that list are really surprising to me, but tuff shit. They fucked up, and we need to let them know it. I've already emailed and called Casey’s office and I intend to do it again and encourage others to do the same.
We all need to get busy and start sending them 'all' emails and call them at their offices. Let them know how you feel --- tell them they'll never get your vote again. And DAMN IT, mean it!
Get involved in the primaries. Call Dean, tell him to pick some real democrats next time.
McCaskill, Webb, and Casey. What hope we put in them...
What a shame they left us down.
:grr:

[onewholaughsatfools]

106. lol at i'm pissed too.....

I see you just don't get it.......they are all traitors to America

[pokercat999]

177. Exactly, Bush all rethuglians and now most of the

democrats are WAR CRIMINALS. WTF is happening to the country I once served?

[NoodleyAppendage]

163. Sorry. I've been patient for YEARS. This was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I may return to voting Democratic if I see that they are returning to the principles that brought me to the party in the first place. Until that time, I'm giving my vote to 3rd party or not at all. If that means that Repukes stay in power, then so be it. It might just take years of Repuke rule to FORCE the Dems to make the changes they need to return to their base.

I can no longer vote for the "lesser of two evils," because doing so does NOTHING to produce a situation where we can vote for a choice between "good and evil."

J

[Maribelle]

165. Over this? I think you're over reacting.

What on earth in the updated FISA bill do you find so egregious?

[LeFleur1]

166. Votes

Why aren't these Democrats afraid of being voted out of office? We should consider that it is no longer just a suspicion, but that something really bad has been done so that the public no longer has a vote in America.

As far as I'm concerned, voting is our only recourse. Has our voting process been so contaminated that at this moment 'they' (those who take our freedoms without qualm) don't fear the voting public?

One of my Senators did not even vote!!! The other voted NO. But all but three of our State representatives voted to take our freedoms away. Ironically, one of those who voted NO on this bill was a newly elected Republican.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

4. Please someone explain to me what is going on with the Dems in this country. Please.

And which Dems voted in favor?

[atreides1]

7. The word is COWARDICE

They talk the talk, but when it comes to standing upright they can't seem to find their spines, must have them in the same place that they're keeping that powder dry.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

8. WHY are they doing this? What are these DEMS in Congress AFRAID OF? nt

[AndyTiedye]

20. Blackmail

[OnionPatch]

74. Blackmail?

I have a feeling they're afraid of more than blackmail. These guys are ruthless. Think about it, MIHOP, Anthrax.....what else are they capable of?

[AndyTiedye]

103. Yeah, If the Blackmail Doesn't Work…

they've got this anthrax, and airplanes carrying Democrats do have a distressingly high rate of fatal crashes.


And yes, martial law is the ultimate trump card, and the recent pResidential decrees seem to be pointing in that direction.

[TransitJohn]

18. It's not cowardice.

They just don't give a fuck about the people, more specifically, we that voted them in, the Constitution....anything. They're gonna get their money no matter how they vote. I'd say overall, it's just a lack of principles. Fucking backstabbing sonsabitches.

[NotGivingUp]

37. my sentiments exactly! n/t

[NotGivingUp]

36. They are not COWARDS. They are COMPLICIT. n/t

[still_one]

66. This did not happen over night, and it won't be corrected overnight either

As much as bush is responsible for the mess we are in, the Democrats did not stand in his way for the IWR, the patriot act or most other rubber stamped legislation that they passed

Right now I am leaning toward Edwards, but I sure wish Gore would reconsider

[Patchuli]

111. "I sure wish Gore would reconsider"

You and me both, friend!!

[still_one]

153. are we ever on the same page. Gore has matured and grown incrediably/nt

[The Backlash Cometh]

80. When the top Democratic presidential candidate's kid gets a job

at a major Hedge Fund with just a degree in Philosophy, 'nuff said.

The Democrats are now settling into the backroom deals and cronyism. We're going to have to walk around with our cellphones and just start filming whenever we come across something good, regardless of party.

It's up to us to clean up the corruption in politics. There's no one else.

[bahrbearian]

88. Well, who are we to stop an ,Empire?

[The Backlash Cometh]

91. You know, in latin America, there is tremendous inequality, however,

the very rich are scared of the poor. I can't quite explain it, but they know they have it so good, that they dare not go too far because the poor have their own way of getting even.

Things are going to steadily get worse for us here in the US, as we get closer to that kind of inequality, as the upper echelons settle into a good life of networking and cronyism, but, they always forget that servants are people too.

Trust me. The poor have their own way of getting even. With a cellphone camera, anything is possible.

[atreides1]

5. Keeping Their Powder Dry Still

Congress might as well not return after their recess, once again the spineless bastards have given Bush another win. The man is already a dictator, in everything but name, I guess one of the first bills Congress should pass when they return is the "Piss on the US Constitution Amendment" this will surely give Bush what he wants and the members of Congress can just sit around collecting a paycheck for doing nothing, something that most of them are already familiar with.

Bush will put a signing statement declaring that the information would have to be declassified before the administration can describe the procedures, and we all know who gets to do that.

So when the Constitution is tossed, the Democrats can at least share in the knowledge that they helped to trash it just like most of them voted to go to war.

But thanks for that minimum wage increase.

[TankLV]

84. Let me get this straight: Instead of IMPEACHING and IMPRISONING these CRIMINALS

OUR so-called self proclaiimed Dem Leadership REWARDS them for fucking this country royal...

THIS is inexcusable...

[driver8]

117. Someone wake me when this nightmare is finally over...

Jesus, I cannot believe how fucked I feel right now.

[TankLV]

87. At least NOW we KNOW how Germany fell to the NAZI's...

We are witnessing history - a horrible history...

God help us all...

And I thought that now, with the Democrats in control of the Congress, at least we could STOP this shit...

Now I know otherwise...

[tom_paine]

130. Yes, now we know. An intimate view, close up and personal

In the years 2001-2006, I probably talked to hundreds of people about this, and I learned so much, most of it enlightening but VERY horrifying, about human nature, and about how Hitler took power.

Before 2000, I and most people never imagined that it could happen here.

Which ultimately, is why it IS happening here.

[lakercub]

97. I believe their powder has expired.

n/m

[AndyTiedye]

108. Don't Get Too Excited About the Powder

It's Only

[MissWaverly]

6. yesh, we don't need search warrants, let Gonzo decide

esp. since he's has at least 2 alternate realities that he shifts to at the same time he's here in this one.
Was I at the meeting, well, I might have been, I don't recall, can't you give me the coordinates of the
wormhole and I might confirm.

[chill_wind]

42. !!! :-) Oh my God that was good!

I know I shouldn't be laughing, because it's in fact all too true.

[MissWaverly]

131. thanks, humor is our most effective weapon

If somebody asked you at work about something you worked on last year, you would pull up the file, go
over your notes and be able to answer. This I might have done that but don't remember esp. coming from
a lawyer is total idiocy.

[BlackHawk706867]

9. Hey, lets face it your elected officials wanted and needed a much deserved...

vacation and what the hell.... What's easier than selling out to get the hell out of town! Well lets be honest, they only get paid $160,000.00 per year, and who can live on that? Hell, I would want a reduced work week too, if I only earned that amount of money! Shit, who can live on that measly amount of money per annum?

ww

[bahrbearian]

53. "Right .I can't ,, thats why I'm going to do it for another year"

till I can become a Lobbyist

[Dj13Francis]

10. Why the rush?

Today was the day that George Bush truly went from president to dictator, a position he’s coveted for a long time. He delivered a speech today, in which he announced his order that congress stay in session through August recess - until he gets a bill that authorizes his domestic spying program. He threatened to veto any bill that he believes is insufficient “to prevent an attack on the country.” Bush is holding the congress hostage until he gets what he wants. I’ve got no faith in the congress standing up to him. Within the next few days, congress will pass the bill that the president wants, and then adjourn for the rest of the month.

Bush said in his speech, “We’ve worked hard and in good faith with the Democrats to find a solution, but we are not going to put our national security at risk, time is short.” I wonder what the rush is… Why is time so short? Something is going to happen during the recess, and Bush absolutely knows about it. Bush needs this now because he knows that a month from now will be too late. He needs to be able to spy on Americans because he knows the “Reichstag fire” type event will be happening soon. His power grab will happen while Congress is on vacation. Without these unconstitutional dictatorial powers, he will have a much harder time in squashing the rebellion. He needs the data to be able to round up his political enemies and intern them in the camps he’s already built. I would bet even money with anyone that a major disaster happens this next month. It will be used to justify the imposition of martial law, and suspension of the Constitution, the very document Bush swore to uphold and defend. I don’t know what it will be, but I know THEY do. Live life to the fullest, because every day might be your last. We’ve got maybe a month left living the good life. Use it wisely.

[BlackHawk706867]

13. I agree with your post whole heartedly... But my problem is the fact that this Democratic...

Congress were the enablers of this Dictatorship... There was absolutely no resistance to what the Bush Administration wanted to do, and they followed thru.....

ww

[still_one]

68. well said, and it has been going on for the past six years plus /nt

[bahrbearian]

82. That is all been proven in last 2 weeks with the stock market.

[Doctor_J]

141. There won't be martial law

there is no need for it. He can become a dictator without all the pomp (and alarm) of tanks rolling down the streets.

[mikelgb]

11. why didn't any of the 28 filibuster?

Feingold?

[Mass]

19. The bill got 60 votes. Obviously, there were not enough votes.

This said, I'd like to see a rollcall.

[karynnj]

21. 60 votes break a filibuster - and they had 60 votes

The old fahioned filibuster by one (or more) Senators only exists in the movies now.

The people you should be mad at are the 60 people who voted for this. Once mcConnell had 60 votes lined up no one could do anything - other than perhaps to see if the courts find the legislation unconstitutional - but then again its the Roberts court.

[partylessinOhio]

12. We are living in the final days of a once great nation.

We have bipartisan insanity.

The election in 2008 won't matter, whether they count the votes or not.

:cry:

[BlackHawk706867]

15. Boy that first line in your post is so, so true... and yep this Nation is lost...

There is no way that anything will turn this around now... I'm sorry but the Dem leaders in both Congress and Senate on this day have let the American people down big time by once again not standing up..... It's sad, but inevitable I guess...

ww

[Seabiscuit]

69. Indeed. WE ARE DOOMED!!!

[Zorra]

14. Maybe Dems figure another PNAC sponsored terrorist attack

like 9/11 will happen before the 2008 election.

Other than that....
:shrug:

[many a good man]

16. The Republican Mr. Smith is worried about it

"I hope that there are no attacks before we are able to effectively update this important act," said Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee.

[chill_wind]

33. Trent Lott, too. Run for your lives, ayheeeee, get out of DC while you still can--

but not until we get done fix/messing with this here bill, even if it takes all recess........


story to make you laugh and/or cry:
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003851.php

[AzDar]

17. Yesss, right in the hands of Al Gonzales, a capable and erudite legal professional

whom we can trust implicitly with our civil liberties.
And through the looking glass we go....:wtf:

[liberalmuse]

22. Someone fucking kick me in the head.

Hell, shoot me. I can't take this shit anymore. The establishment Dems have lost me. They missed Yearly Kos for this debacle? HAhahahahaha! Folks, we are witnessing history. This will be considered the most cowardly, despised Congress to ever pollute the Capitol. Fuck all of these disgraceful, sorry excuses for human beings. I welcome global warming. DC first, please?

[Deep13]

50. Happy to oblige--love, the Senate nt

[fujiyama]

72. You don't deserve to be shot or kicked in the head

The people that vote to turn this country into a totalitarian police state deserve that.

[Dj13Francis]

23. R.I.P. U.S. Constitution. It's been real.

I really can't imagine that after all we've learned, that the Congress is going to allow Bush to bully them into passing this B.S. wiretapping bill just because he demanded they do it before they can go on vacation... I'm more convinced than ever that we've got major problems coming before the end of september. It's so unbelievably obvious, I can't imagine people aren't rioting in the streets! Where are the general strikes? Where is the outrage? We need to act now!!! Once the s#!t hits the fan and martial law is imposed, it will already be too late.

[acmavm]

24. Where are all the dem supporters now? Where? Why aren't they tellling

us about all their brilliant plans and schemes? Why the fuck aren't they telling us that we're wrong, that impeachment in not feasible? Or reasonable? And the sane thing to do? And how it shouldn't be on Pelosi's God damned table.

Come on folks. Was it last week or was it the week before when you told us dem bashers that we owed everyone an apology? Well how do you feel now?

[Mass]

25. I'm still waiting to have a rollcall. This way I will know who I need to write to.

28 senators had the common sense to vote AGAINST this, and I assume they are not from the GOP.

[Poll_Blind]

34. Hey there, chill out! We're just keeping the POWDER DRY!

  I think around 2010 we're going to be just about ready to start cracking down on this shit. In the meantime, won't you enjoy with me some American Idol or perhaps a game of Nintendo Wii bowling? Here, lie down. There, you're the player on the left. Look, you got a strike!

:sarcasm:

PB

[Zodiak]

142. They are busy blaming this on Nader

Dems cave....Nader's fault.

It is really an all-purpose talking point.

[Thickasabrick]

26. It's only in effect for 60 days

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/03/fisa.upgrade.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories#cnnSTCText

[mzmolly]

28. True, it's temporary.

But it's six months. Still people who look for excuses to bash Dems here, will take comfort in this small/temporary concession.

[silvermachine]

154. It is not an excuse...

...it is a legitimate reason. Enjoy your Bush-enabling brethren. You are one of them.

[mzmolly]

168. Kind of like insinuating that you're either with the terrorists or against them huh?

Enjoy your bullshit talking point.

[NoodleyAppendage]

46. During which time Gonzo and Shrub will engage in domestic spying.

I would bet serious money that some of the domestic spying will be on the Dem leadership to dig up dirt with which blackmail can be undertaken to make the wanted changes permanent.

For 60 days, Dems just gave Chimp a loaded gun because they were more interested in their vacations than our Republic. It was COWARDICE and I will never forget this capitulation.


J

[The Stranger]

140. So you think they are suddenly going to stop after 60 days? This is for their criminal defense

lawyers to claim that they did not harm by violating the Constitution nearly every single day of their term in office.

[jazzjunkysue]

148. Exactly. From the start, this was about their trials, not terror.n/t.

[mzmolly]

27. Not quite. It's a partial concession lasting for 6 months.

:hi:

[Thickasabrick]

29. Good catch - I think I got the 60 days and 60 votes mixed up - I still

don't think people should be as upset about this as they apparently are. He's been doing it illegally for 4 years. What's another 6 months?

[Deep13]

45. This time it is with full Congressional approval.

The Constitution gives primacy to the people's branch of government and they just gave it away.

[chill_wind]

55. The Patriot Act Debauchery had sunset provisions in it too.

How's that been working out for us?

[chill_wind]

30. The Senate version largely gives Bush what he wants. (MSNBC)

MSNBC website:

Senate votes to expand eavesdropping power
Bush threatens to keep Congress in session until wiretap measure passes


WASHINGTON - In a high-stakes showdown over national security, the Senate voted late Friday to give President Bush temporary authority to eavesdrop on foreign terrorists without court warrants.

The House, meanwhile, rejected a Democratic version of the bill, leaving its fate uncertain. Democratic leaders there were working on a plan to bring up the Senate-passed measure and vote on it Saturday in response to Bush's demand that Congress give him the expanded surveillance authority before leaving for vacation this weekend.

(see full text)

Senate Democrats backed off their initial demands to have the surveillance process reviewed by the FISA court before the eavesdropping began. Instead, the bill passed there largely mirrors what the Bush administration wanted. It would require:

* Initial approval by Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
* FISA court review within 120 days. The final Democratic plan had called for court review to begin immediately and concluded within a month after the surveillance started.
* The law to expire in six months to give Congress time to craft a more comprehensive plan.

(...)


more:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20108672/

(bold-face mine)

[SleeplessinSoCal]

57. the temporary factor is all that I can see is good in this

[IChing]

31. Kick and nominated n/t

[bdamomma]

35. kick

oh, this is sickening backing down again, and letting * has his way.

what does * have on them?

[broadcaster]

38. Pelosi/Reid ..pathetic leadership. n/t

[knight_of_the_star]

78. Only the Senate

The House rejected said bill:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2941347

[Kagemusha]

85. You're mistaken. The House rejected a different bill, a Dem alternative.

The Senate passed the bill presented by the Republican senate minority leader, which therefore is in no way a "Democratic spy bill".

I read it 3 times before letting my outrage come out just to be sure because I didn't want to make a mistake. Which could have easily happened. The media wasn't spelling things out nicely.

[flyarm]

40. one thing i have learned in life..once you give something up..

you never get it back the same!!

thanks senate dems...we are now fucked for good!!

fly

[Deep13]

41. Hail Caesar!

Except Caesar was successful of the battlefield. We should be looking at what powers to take away from him to protect the public. Congress is pissing the primacy of the legislative branch down its leg.

"...the bill would require the administration..."

Since when has has king Bush complied with any legislative requirements.

I cannot tell you how pissed off I am.

[Deep13]

47. What was the role call? Has the House voted?

Who dared to oppose our glorious and noble Caesar?

[mojogeorgo]

52. Link

Here's the Roll Call

[Deep13]

59. At least Sherrod Brown from my state gave it the thumbs down.

Small comfort, but at least I don't have to regret supporting him.

[Deep13]

63. et tu Webb?

:cry:

[jazzjunkysue]

147. What was he doing??????n/t.

[chill_wind]

65. Thank you for the link, 16 Dems YES. n/t

[Truth2Tell]

90. Feinstein and Webb

the most disappointing, IMO. Feinstein has just completely stopped even pretending to be a progressive lately.

[chill_wind]

96. ? Russ Feingold voted NO. n/t

[Truth2Tell]

100. Feinstein. Not Feingold. Brain fart, sorry! n/t

[lakercub]

99. Boy I sure am glad that consistency reigns

Since I voted for Salazar, he has let me down on every controversial vote. Therefore, it was with great trepidation that I looked at the roll call. If Salazar had voted against it and shown courage I may have collapsed from a stroke. Happily he disappointed me yet again and I can go on living knowing that nothing will ever change with the prick.

Also, if Salazar ever thinks Colorado Dems will let him forget he helped SPONSOR Gonzales, he is sorely mistaken. Bastard.

[chill_wind]

101. "Not Voting"- Boxer, Kerry, Harkin, Dorgan, Johnson, Murray.. n/t

[xxqqqzme]

116. well thank you diane for giving in to *.

Turley said on Countdown tonight that our civil liberties would get the shaft.

[Divine Discontent]

126. thank you for the link, u rock

Webb voted yes! That interests me. I wonder his rationale.

I don't know all they know, but firstly, 12 did not vote (Kerry, McCain), why? Also, thanks for nothing to several Democrats for voting yes along with Webb, - the Nelson twins, Casey in PA, and Klobuchar in Minn.

It amazes me that despite what der fuhrer has done they would give him anything. Perhaps I don't know it all, and this is needed despite the appearance of capitulating to the BFEE, still - nearly 40% of the Dems voted for this, sigh....

[bahrbearian]

162. Could it be ,because his son is still in Iraq?

We are now ,just getting the truth of the Tillman, fraticide.

[Divine Discontent]

184. wow... good point.

not saying that this is the reason, but wow, you are using your thinking cap... it's just shocking to see of all people join the usual suspects (Nelson twins, Landrieu, Salazar, etc) who seem to always vote yes on these types of issues, breaking with the party.

[Cass]

155. Biden, Dodd, Clinton, Obama voted NO.

In case anyone wondered (like me) how the Dem candidates voted. Thanks for posting that link, mojogeorgo.

[Le Taz Hot]

160. Feinstein "Yes"

but of course. But BOXER???? Not voting????? OK, I can't even type what I'm screaming right now!

[Mojambo]

51. Sigh... n/t

[Counciltucky]

54. Does anyone really think this administration will ABIDE by this?! n/t

[Lydia Leftcoast]

58. What lame excuse are they going to come up with now?

:grr:

[tavalon]

60. I wish they would use lube next time

Not likely, is it?

[Dj13Francis]

61. My letter to Senator Bill Nelson (D)?-FL

Today was the day that George Bush truly went from president to dictator, a position he’s coveted for a long time. He delivered a speech today, in which he announced his order that congress stay in session through August recess - until he gets a bill that authorizes his domestic spying program. He threatened to veto any bill that he believes is insufficient “to prevent an attack on the country.” Bush was holding you hostage until he got what he wanted. I’ve got no faith in the congress standing up to him, since your spineless, contemptable, cowardly vote today. Within the next few days, the house will pass the bill that the president wants, and then adjourn for the rest of the month.

Bush said in his speech, “We’ve worked hard and in good faith with the Democrats to find a solution, but we are not going to put our national security at risk, time is short.” I wonder what the rush is… Why is time so short? Something is going to happen during the recess, and Bush absolutely knows about it. Bush needs this now because he knows that a month from now will be too late. He needs to be able to spy on Americans because he knows the “Reichstag fire” type event will be happening soon. His power grab will happen while Congress is on vacation. Without these unconstitutional dictatorial powers, he will have a much harder time in squashing the rebellion. He needs the data to be able to round up his political enemies and intern them in the camps he’s already built. I would bet even money with anyone that a major disaster happens before the end of September. It will be used to justify the imposition of martial law, and suspension of the Constitution, the very document Bush swore to uphold and defend in his oath of office. I don’t know what it will be, but I know THEY do. As a descendent of no less than 21 men who fought in the Revolutionary War (not a Tory among them) I condemn your actions today in the strongest possible terms. You have once again sold out the constitution you also swore to uphold. I hope whatever THEY promised you to sell out the constitution was worth it to you. However disasterous it might be to the people you were supposed to represent.

[Diane R]

67. Only 43 repubs voted 'yes'. Zero voted 'no'. The dems just gave this away. I'm sick.

[mcg]

71. Voting "no" were 27 Democrats, 0 Republicans and 1 independent.

The majority of Democrats voted no.

Besides, this is temporary and it does not give Bush the authority
to do what he's done. I would have have voted for it, but it's not
as bad as some are making it out to be.

[John Q. Citizen]

95. It's a confidence vote for Gonzalez. Is that such a bad thing? Don't make me laugh.

Who needs the constitution for the next six months, after all.

If I were living in any state where a Dem Senator voted for this I wouldn't vote for that Senator ever again.

Period.

And I won't contribute money to any organization who donates time, money, or volunteers to the election of any of those Senators.

From now on my political contribution money will go to tagreted races to targeted individuals. Period.

Never again will I give to the DSCC or to the DNC as long as there is a chance that they will donate any of my money to any Senator who voted against the constitution. Period.

[chill_wind]

75. Yep.

16 of them. Plus no votes-

Boxer-- no vote. Kerry-- no vote... who else?

[Truth2Tell]

89. The "no vote"s don't change anything

It was over after they found 60 yes. Everyone else should've boycotted the whole thing IMO.

[chill_wind]

110. I wonder if in the fine print he got his retro protections (immunity) for Telco's

That was said to stripped out of the Dem's House version, which he went ape sh*t about and vowed to veto.

[Truth2Tell]

113. maybe, but

wouldn't it need to go to conference and then go back to the House? Couldn't the House still hold the line on this?

[chill_wind]

122. They (House) are to take it back up again tomorrow. Should be quite a session!

I think I read they reconvene at 9 am.

[Deep13]

70. My note to Pelosi by Email.

"You cannot cave in to Bush on this domestic spying thing. The bill is not as important as the loss of the primacy of the legislative branch. Giving in to the executive essentially because he told you to is acquissence to a dictatorship. After all the lies and the abuses, how could we possible think of giving the executive and Gonzales in particular more power. Caesar was not given absolute power over night. He gradually accumulated it through measures like this. If you want to save American democracy, the primacy of Congress and your own relevance, you mush stand up to Bush today."

NB: If you want to send a note, you need to use the speaker website, not her Congressional website unless you live in her district.

[Spiffarino]

73. The only chance we have is to convince our Reps to vote NO

I called Heath Shuler's office this afternoon and urged him to vote against any changes to FISA while Gonzales is still in office. Until he's gone, I think the Dems have a good chance to get the upper hand on this issue by using Gonzales as the reason the White House can't be trusted with the Constitution.

[Jack Rabbit]

77. I am disappointed

Instead of this bill, they would have done better to have passed nothing.

[TankLV]

79. That is simply disgusting.

Fucking "leadership"

So we should support these Democrats just because they are Democrats while they continually BETRAY and SCREW us.

Fuck that shit.

Want my support - I'm reverting back to "YOU HAVE TO EARN IT".

So far I don't see them even BEGINNING to do that.

Simply disgusting.

I'm simply disgusted...

My support has a price - and that price is HIGH...

Fuck 'em all...

[lonestarnot]

86. It's worse than disgusting.

[sbyte]

175. Disgruntled

[ryanmuegge]

92. Whew. I was getting worried that they may have to delay their vacation.

Good thing they didn't, though. I know life is so hard for legislators.

[PBass]

98. Amy Klobuchar and Jim Webb voted Yes... I'm so disappointed in Democratic weakness. (eom)

[Wise Doubter]

104. I`ve been saying it for awhile, now....

They ALL have their hands in each others pockets, somewhere - some how .., !

[djjimz]

112. My letter to Bob Casey

Senator Casey
I am appalled that you would vote to allow this illegal surveillance program to continue. Especially at the hands of a lying and deceitful attorney general.
We elected you for a change, not to be this crooked president’s water boy.

In all this madness you were our one ray of hope, but you have left us down.
Our country is in deep trouble and you are allowing it to get worse.
You are in for six years, Sir, but no matter what you do, I will not forget this vote and I will never vote for you again.

God help us all.

James *****
*** **********, PA


Now
Did anyone notice that even if all 16 Dems would have voted, no, it would have been a tie, and fucking Cheney would have made it happen anyway.
Still no excuse for those Dems who voted, yes.
But, where, were, the absent Dems?

[potone]

114. I have a question.

I am not up to speed here. Does the House still have to vote on this, or is it now a done deal? If so, I am outraged. 120 days before they have to go to a FISA court? Why so long? Who is included and excluded in this excuse for a fishing expedition? Someone please explain this to me. I also would like someone to explain how the Senate, which obviously does not trust the Attorney General at all, would grant him this power. Can this possibly be constitutional? HELP!!! :banghead:

[Norrin Radd]

115. ...

[farmboxer]

118. It appears that Nader was correct all along.

Bush owns Congress, they do whatever he wants. He is their god. Still, we must give a very few who do not worship Bush some credit.

[Fluffdaddy]

134. F@uk Nader. He's why we are in this mess now.

[The Stranger]

137. No, Nader apparently warned us about the mess we are in now.

Given that the Democrats are supporting Bush's march to totalitarianism, Nader was right all along. The much-posted lie that Nader somehow caused this has been eviscerated by recent events, including the Senate's very vote described in the original post.

[Fluffdaddy]

150. So you are planning on supporting a 3rd party in 2008?

[Warren Stupidity]

158. Nader's analysis is correct. His prescription is wrong. nt.

[Zodiak]

167. Your avatar is DLC....so please explain this:

Lincoln (D) - DLC
Pryor (D) - DLC
Feinstein (D) - DLC
Salazar (D) - DLC
Carper (D) - DLC
Nelson (D) - DLC
Inouye (D) - DLC
Bayh (D) - DLC
Landrieu (D) - DLC
Mikulski (D)
Klobuchar (D) - new seantor DSCC's chosen candidate.
McCaskill (D) - new senator Vice-chair of the Third Way
Nelson (D) - DLC
Conrad (D) - DLC
Casey (D) - new senator DSCC chosen candidate
Webb (D) - new senator DSSC chose candidate



And you say this is Nader's fault?

[Forkboy]

172. I blame God for starting this mess.

No God = No Humans.

No humans = No Nader.

It's obvious that God's plan included Nader,so God is the real fuckhead here.

Just following the simplistic Nader is the root all of all evil meme to it's logical conclusion.God supporters ignore all the evil he created (Helloooooo....fucking Satan anyone?) while blaming the worlds ills on Nader.It's clear that it's God's fault we're where we are.Him and His fucking "plan".Pffffft.

I need a "Fuck God" avatar. :)

[Fluffdaddy]

173. Explain what? We won back both houses in 06 largely because of the DLC.

I'm waiting for a response on why the DEM's caved on this. There must must must be a good reason.

I will not vilify them just yet.

But Nader? He's dead in my eyes forever more.

[sbyte]

176. How's that?

I thought they didn't do enough. The DLC had much unused money that did not go to helping some of our newly elected first time congressmen.

[TheWatcher]

180. And while you wallow in your denial waiting for a response that will never come

What exactly do they have to do before you WILL vilify them.

This I have got to hear.

[Fluffdaddy]

182. They have til Nov of 2008 to win my vote again.

[mzmolly]

169. Yes, when he said Gore = Bush he was spot on.

:sarcasm:

[Name removed]

119. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[brentspeak]

128. Thanks for your concern

[deacon]

123. Bush says 'quick, make me innocent!' and the dems oblige...

...disgraceful.

[tom_paine]

129. Oh God. It's all happening ANYWAY.

Wow. Never thought the Old USA would end like this.

Talk about not with a bang but a whimper.

Carl Jung was right, future wars would not be against other people so much as they would be against our own pyshcoses. Hitler and Bush stand out clearly as two living embodiments of these mental disorders and their rise to power, merely a symptomatic expression of the human species' condition.

[The Stranger]

136. And don't forget Plato, who preceded Jung by a couple millenia.

The form of government or disintegration of government becomes a function of the personality of its leader.

[Stand and Fight]

132. At least the Majority Leader voted NO.

Thank God! I was ready to fire off one hell of an angry letter and an even meaner article... Either way, this is still a bad turn of events.

[The Stranger]

133. Treason.

[NeoConsSuck]

135. How do we get a list of the DINOs

that voted for this?

[rodeodance]

144. Thank these 16 Democrats for giving Bush expanded authority to eavesdrop without a warrant.

3425605, Thank these 16 Democrats for giving Bush expanded authority to eavesdrop without a warrant.
Posted by ProSense on Fri Aug-03-07 11:34 PM


Lincoln (D) Yes
Pryor (D) Yes
Feinstein (D) Yes
Salazar (D) Yes
Carper (D) Yes
Nelson (D) Yes
Inouye (D) Yes
Bayh (D) Yes
Landrieu (D) Yes
Mikulski (D) Yes
Klobuchar (D) Yes
McCaskill (D) Yes
Nelson (D) Yes
Conrad (D) Yes
Casey (D) Yes
Webb (D) Yes

link

How high should we jump, King George?

Unbelievable!

"My Republican colleagues chose to rubberstamp a flawed administration proposal," said Democratic Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, accusing the White House of misusing anti-terror powers in the past.

Republican colleagues? Without the 16 Dems, you have 44 votes!

Forum Name General Discussion: Politics
Topic subject Dems in the House and Senate failed to pass tougher judicial checks and oversights:
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3425971#3425971
3425971, Dems in the House and Senate failed to pass tougher judicial checks and oversights:
Posted by rodeodance on Sat Aug-04-07 05:08 AM

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/04/washington/04nsa.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1186221755-6ylqX5w8PKvuxIJrh8iN2Q

......Broader Spying Authority Advances in Congress

By ERIC LICHTBLAU and MARK MAZZETTI
Published: August 4, 2007

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 —A furious push by the White House to broaden its wiretapping authority appeared on the verge of victory on Friday night after the Senate approved a measure that would temporarily give the administration more latitude to eavesdrop without court warrants on foreign communications that it suspects may be tied to terrorism.

The House is expected to take up the White House-backed measure on Saturday morning before going into its summer recess.

Democratic leaders acknowledged that the bill would probably pass.

Democrats in both the House and the Senate failed to pass competing measures on Friday that would have included tougher judicial checks and oversight on the eavesdropping powers.

Harry Reid statement:

August 03, 2007

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Senate action on FISA legislation:

A few weeks ago, I made a personal commitment to the Director of National Intelligence that I would lead the Senate to passage of a bill that would help protect America from terrorist attack by enhancing our intelligence community’s foreign intelligence collection capability.

Senate Democrats worked in good faith with the Director of National Intelligence to produce the Rockefeller-Levin bill that was tough on terrorists, provided much-need oversight of the Attorney General, and did not infringe on the constitutional rights of American citizens. Rather than pass this bill, my Republican colleagues chose to rubberstamp a flawed Administration proposal that fails to provide the accountability needed in light of the Administration’s repeated past mismanagement of key tools in the war on terror.

This bill will sunset in six months. Over the course of the fall, I expect the Senate to work diligently on more permanent legislation that will better serve American national security interests and the American people.

http://www.warandpiece.com/blogdirs/006473.html

[rodeodance]

145. Klobuchar (D) Yes (Bush to visit Minnesota today)

[rodeodance]

146. The headline really sucks------somehow makes it worse to me.!!

[jazzjunkysue]

151. They hate our freedoms.

I remember when freedom used to be a GOP issue, right up there with bearing arms and self-determination.

[chill_wind]

156. I remember when freedom used to be a Dem issue too.

Beginning especially with the First and Fourth Amendments.

[Warren Stupidity]

157. Can't wait for the pom-pom patrol to splain this.

Here is my explanation: there are three real political parties in this country.

The War Party: composed of most of the Republican Congressional delegation plus between one quarter and one half of the Democratic Congressional delegation. Includes the theo-fascist wing of the Republican Party and the bi-partisan muddle of Kleptocracy-owned Representatives and Senators.

Libertarian Republicans: a handful of 'old school' and/or anarcho-capitalist Republicans, see Ron Paul.

Progressive/Liberal/New Deal Socialist Democrats: the part of the Democratic congressional delegation that is not bought and paid for by The Kleptocracy.

The War Party retained its majority in the last election.

[TheWatcher]

181. Oh don't worry Warren The DLC Brigade will be on top of it with their Sugar Cubes Soon Enough

It's all part of a Great "Strategy".

Their lack of spine and leadership is actually like some Great Game Of Chess that The People just have to be patient to let unfold.

And when the time is right they will STRIKE BACK and show the Evil Republicans what for.

Yes, ANY DAY now, ANY MINUTE it will be Checkmate.

If Delusion was cash, there are many in the Democratic Party who could buy out Bill Gates Five Times Over.

This is ridiculous.

Giving the criminals whatever they want is NOT a Strategy.

At some point you must call it what it is.

Compliance.

Enabling.

Accessory After The Fact.

Guilt By Association And Incompetence.

[Maribelle]

164. It really doesn't even come close to touching the thug's spying program.

Perhaps reuters needs to do some fact checking of their own words.

Rewording FISA with these revamps does not, in any way, alter what Bush is doing.

Bush really didn't care what FISA said anyway, and did whatever he wanted to do.