Thus, due to actions taken under FISA as interpreted by the BUSH administration, Al Haramain can no longer defend itself against charges filed by the Bush administration that they were aiding and abetting terrorism. The "new and improved" FISA has thus become an ex post facto action.
I don't give a damn what expediency Obama uses to defend his surrender to the New World Order. He failed to demonstrate an understanding of, or to provide a defense for, the rule of law. He has become complicit in the Rule of (neocon) Man.
Like many others, I am deeply dismayed about the complicity of the Democrats who were sent to Washington to implement change. They have failed to perform their duty. Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz admits as much: "We could have stood for a better bill that would have done a better job of balancing liberty and security."
As The Palm Beach Post notes in a June 25, 2008 editorial: "Surveillance laws are important, but the best way to prevent an administration spying improperly on American citizens is to elect a president who wants to follow the law. For a change."
And that, Mr. Obama, is where you just fell flat on your face. Expediency is not intended to trump the law. FISA had plenty of provisions to allow legitimate usage of gathered data with an allowance for after the fact approval intended to prevent hindering investigations. It didn't need "improving". That through your vote in favor of FISA as a part of a voting history very friendly to Bush administration abuses, you demonstrate a willingness to take legal shortcuts at the expense of the good of the nation. Thus, I deem you no longer worthy to hold the Office of the Presidency of the United States of America.
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
When will we get to read your article on how you can't support Nader because he's an egomaniacal socialist loon?
Dave
2 - Realist
You've saved me the trouble. I can move on to better things now.
3 - Clavos
"I can move on to better things now."
Maybe we can write in Robert Mugabe. If enough of us do it...
Heh.
4 - sy
I lived through JFK and am sure he is overrated. I agree with you on Obama. He is proving to be just another political scoundrel. A young punk with a suit and a smile and the nerve to exploit the hopes of the masses.
5 - Joanne Huspek
"Senator, I remember John Kennedy, and - despite an impressive oratorical ability - you don't come close to matching him."
That says it all.
6 - Lee Richards
Not wanting either of these guys for president leaves some of us between a rock and a hard place.
Since the presidency may well be screwed up, maybe the best way we can regain some control over the politicians and our government is to vote for no congressional candidate who has already served at least 12 years in Congress.
7 - jamminsue
Lee: Since the presidency may well be screwed up, maybe the best way we can regain some control over the politicians and our government is to vote for no congressional candidate who has already served at least 12 years in Congress.
We tried that sort of with the "Contract for America" under Gingrich. Didn't work. Face it it's busted but still better than anything else.
Realist: Would you rather a scoundrel that does what is expident or another neocon? True, it seems McCain was bludgeoned into it, but there it is...
8 - Lee Richards
#7:
You'll have to explain how something that's busted is "still better than anything else."
That's a value judgement, not a fact, and not convincing.
"Busted" means no good, useless, worthless. What we've got is at least potentially fixable, but not if we blithely accept it as "still better than anything else". That's giving up without a fight.
9 - Al Barger
Seems like you have the ex post facto thing all backwards to the intent. The point of that prohibition as I would understand it is that it is a safeguard for criminal defendents, like search and seizure law. That is, it's supposed to prohibit prosecuting someone for violating laws retroactively. It's certainly not meant to keep Congress from changing laws to give the president authority like this, whether doing so is or isn't a good idea.
However, I'm glad to see some of you left wingers fleeing from Obama. Still, this guy is the most left wing guy ever nominated by a major party that I know of. If this pinko ain't commie enough for you, then you're never, ever going to be able to vote for a major party candidate.
Thinking Obama ain't far enough out to support does not strike me as being the mark of a real "realist." But perhaps I should stop before I talk back into supporting him.
10 - Lee Richards
Al, You've mixed me up now. Is he pink, black or Red?
Is McCain too greyo, or not rightie enough?
Your analysis is way over my head. ARGHHH!
11 - Marcia Neil
Obama was never intended for the Presidency of the United States, but Clinton was. Unfortunately for both campaigns George Washington is the standard by which all other presidents have been judged; Washington was no 'fill-up'.