Organizing for America | Desperate for Change: A Defining Moment

I agree | Report to Admin

By Lacricha from Blanchard, OK Jun 20th 2008 at 3:35 pm EDT

I too am left wondering why Obama is quiet about this bill. Immunity goes against everything we are fighting for. Bush /Cheney and all the idiots going along with their unconstitutional take over of this country should be held responsible. I just hope Obama isn't intending on continuing this path!

Re: I agree | Report to Admin

By Helen Jun 21st 2008 at 1:31 am EDT

I am just sad. I expected more. This is just a sad day all around.

Re: I agree | Report to Admin

By Claire from Fort Worth, TX Jun 21st 2008 at 6:06 am EDT

I will continue to support Obama, because he's still better than McCain, but I have to agree. This was wrong. The Bush administration and all their cronies have to be held accountable for their repeated invasions against the people and their blatant disregard for the fourth amendment.

Critical Issue | Report to Admin

By Jesse from Minneapolis, MN Jun 20th 2008 at 4:11 pm EDT

I agree wholeheartedly with Dave's position. I was just getting ready to make another donation to the campaign. But now, hearing this unfortunate silence from Sen Obama on this critical issue, I am given cause to think twice about my support. I too pledge to give $200 more to the campaign, but only if Sen Obama will not just vote against the bill but publicly express strong opposition.

I urge others to match this pledge.

-Jesse

Re: Critical Issue | Report to Admin

By Brian from Buffalo Grove, IL Jun 21st 2008 at 9:33 pm EDT

I will also match this pledge.

Obama is clearly better than McCain, but his lack of leadership on this issue has made me much less enthusiastic about his candidacy.

Give us something to believe in | Report to Admin

By Timothy from Austin, TX Jun 20th 2008 at 4:18 pm EDT

I agree 100%.

No immunity for telecoms or no more money for Obama.

All hands on deck, this means you Mr. Senator.

-Timothy Maxwell

Seconded. | Report to Admin

By Alex from Richland, PA Jun 20th 2008 at 4:25 pm EDT

There's little more to say than to add my support for the sentiments already uttered. The government is to serve the people, not itself. The party will rise and fall with the amount of backbone it shows, and I hope Obama can give that to the party.

Sen. Obama's statement on FISA has been released | Report to Admin

By Sylvia Jun 20th 2008 at 4:26 pm EDT

Link

I'm very disappointed - and, as with you, this will probably affect the level of my financial contributions - but I will continue to support him.

Agreed. Will suddenly stop supporting Obama over this issue. | Report to Admin

By Todd from Sunnyvale, CA Jun 20th 2008 at 4:38 pm EDT

Was a convert from Hillary back about Feb, and since have moved to CA to take a good job. Have been very active getting support for Obama from my family in NY and they ended up all voting for him in the primary over Clinton which was a big split. But I will refuse to donate money for vote for Obama if he does not come out 100% against this. No immunity and full respect for the 4th admendment. Congress must not give the Executive the power to break the law and violate the Constitution and then avoid prosecution, which is this bill does. $500 and my vocal support gone from Obama (my July donation) if he supports this. I'm done.

me too! | Report to Admin

By Eric from Minneapolis, MN Jun 20th 2008 at 4:42 pm EDT

I have up until this point been proud to support Senator Obama. But for all the talk of "real change in Washington" (which I see at the top of this very web page) I have not seen the leadership I expect from Barack on the FISA bill. A no vote is not good enough.

I understand the political implications and from a purely political standpoint, he is in a sticky situation. But I *thought* we were trying to move away from "politics as usual." Today has been very disappointing as both an Obama supporter and as an American.

I too will withhold all future donations unless Obama uses his position of power to protect and serve the American people. In fact, can I get my $100 back from earlier this week? Thanks.

I want a public servant, not a politician.

How could this happen? | Report to Admin

By Julie Jun 20th 2008 at 5:54 pm EDT

Apparently Obama sold us out on this one.

Agreed... | Report to Admin

By Clarence from Little Elm, TX Jun 20th 2008 at 6:12 pm EDT

I feel sick to my stomach that he (OBAMA) would capitulate on this one!

I KNOW PELOSI is spineless, but I have to admit, that THIS one caught me by surprise!

So much for Hope? But, being the pessimist, I will ride this thing out to see where it goes. Still, his statement does little for the betrayal I feel from him now!

Please Read This Now | Report to Admin

By James Jun 20th 2008 at 6:24 pm EDT

You don't have many comments on this issue.

Thousands of people are furious, I am furious.

Look around online, if you can't find the thousands upon thousands of upset, angry, crushed and hurt people there are concerning the FISA issue, you know the one, then you contact me and I will show you.

Staffer, you need to let Mr. Obama know about the back lash that is going on right now, and will continue, you need to get the message to Mr. Obama.

It also wouldn't hurt to tell him to man up, and DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION.

Change we can believe in??????

You talked the talk, time to walk.

We believe in our ability to change the system Barack, you hold up your end of the bargain. | Report to Admin

By Jason from San Diego, CA Jun 20th 2008 at 6:26 pm EDT

I'm in agreement 100%.

Barack, stand up for us, as we stand up for you. Make our voices heard, and REJECT THIS COMPROMISE.

We believe in our ability to cause change, now show us that all the work we've put in advancing your campaign, and the fight for recovering this country haven't been all for naught. If you don't outright reject this (and publicly denounce the bill as exactly what is is, a sell-out of the US people), you'll alienate yourself with your support base, and align yourself with big business telco's.

Please, follow through on your promise to us, no more business as usual politics in DC!

Another mystified support | Report to Admin

By James from Fremont, CA Jun 20th 2008 at 6:30 pm EDT

Why is the Senate rolling over on this issue???? I've voted (both my money and my votes) for change and this seems to be protecting the people who systematically took away our constitutional rights.

Re: Another mystified support | Report to Admin

By Greg M Jun 20th 2008 at 6:42 pm EDT

Obama. Seriously, we need you to take a stand here.

fisa | Report to Admin

By ★ ✿ Robin ✿★ Jun 20th 2008 at 6:50 pm EDT

I agree guys.
Senator Obama please step up to the plate

Make-or-break issue! | Report to Admin

By Ryan Patrick Flanders Jun 20th 2008 at 7:06 pm EDT

I went to Iowa for Obama, and I maintain a pro-Obama blog.

If this doesn't change, I'll give his campaign no more contributions of my time or money.

And you better believe this is going up on my blog, too!

Seriously! This isn't "CHANGE!"

Whiners | Report to Admin

By Ian from Tacoma, WA Jun 20th 2008 at 7:19 pm EDT

You guys need to get real. FISA is back in effect. No more warrantless wiretapping of citizens. You should be dancing in the streets.

Did we go back and hunt down and prosecute every slaveowner after emancipation? Bad guys get pardoned all the time.

As Bill (or was it Ted?) of Bill and Ted would say: "Acknowledge, and move on."

Re: Whiners | Report to Admin

By K.Martin Jun 20th 2008 at 7:30 pm EDT

BS. This sets an awful precedent that utterly cripples FISA's safeguards against warentless tapping in practice.

Re: Whiners | Report to Admin

By Justin from Orlando, FL Jun 20th 2008 at 7:33 pm EDT

George W. Bush? Is that you?

Nice post David. | Report to Admin

By Bob G. Jun 20th 2008 at 7:41 pm EDT

I wholeheartedly agree.

What I want is for Barack to spit fire over this issue. Not the tepid namby-pamby response we've seen thus far.

About contributions. I was on the site last night trying to contribute an additional $100 bucks. The site would not process my donation, so I gave up and resolved to try later. Then today's news hit.

Sorry Barack, but you need to come out swinging for the fences on this one. Until then, my checkbook is back in the drawer, sorry.

Do You Really Want Change? | Report to Admin

By Cindy Jackson Jun 20th 2008 at 7:53 pm EDT

****************************** ************************

If you really, honestly, truly want change, you should be looking towards someone who actually voices his stance on everything and has a powerful dream to change America FOR THE PEOPLE. Just read where Ron Paul stands on the major issues:

www. ronpaul2008.com/issues >> Link

****************************** ************************

Re: Do You Really Want Change? | Report to Admin

By Nick from Weatherford, OK Jun 21st 2008 at 3:05 pm EDT

Dude, Ron Paul didn't even VOTE on this bill.

I was planning on contributing as soon as I was able to this campaign, but no more unless we see some drastic changes in Sen. Obama's demeanor regarding immunity.

Retroactive immunity | Report to Admin

By Kevin from Portland, OR Jun 20th 2008 at 7:58 pm EDT

I don't mean to be bombastic, but this is a huge issue. Barack Obama was probably the only person on the planet who could have stepped up and protected the Constitution here, and instead he did not. Instead we got the stale old "keeping you safe" bit along with the "don't worry, I'll fix it later."

This is bullshit.

But, as Sen. Obama himself has said, it's up to us. We can't even count on him -- we have to force him.

Why the silence? | Report to Admin

By Anthony from Revere, MA Jun 20th 2008 at 7:58 pm EDT

I was about to do the same; I had a few hundred dollars I wanted to contribute until I heard the news on FISA and the position (or lack thereof) of Obama. He's supposed to be the candidate that changes the way Washington is run, and he does this by doing nothing? Until Obama at least makes SOME effort to help his party realize the mistake they are making, and make SOME effort to stop this bill, then I will donate nothing.

Not So Fast | Report to Admin

By Matthew from Huntington Beach, CA Jun 20th 2008 at 8:00 pm EDT

Initially pissed from what I had heard, I may now support Obama in this decision. From what I understand from his official statement, it seems he was weighing two choices: 1)Accept this compromise legislation which, while imperfect, restores much back to the constitution/balance of powers NOW, or 2)Reject this compromise legislation and let Bush have however many months of warrantless wiretapping until a new imperfect compromise legislation is introduced. It is truly worrisome that anyone should have that kind of power this close to an election.

Obama goes further than just accepting the compromise as is. He officially stated, "I will work in the Senate to remove this provision so that we can seek full accountability for past offenses."

Also, the current version of FISA is purported to prevent similar future abuses (although, I must admit, I believe pre-existing laws already covered this. Perhaps the new ones will go much much further).

In summary, it seems Obama has found the best possible solution for the moment, but is not satisfied with it. He believes strongly that no immunity should be granted and will work to that end.

Should he be able to do this, I will donate $50 to his campaign (which is a lot for me as I am in debt).

Sick to my guts | Report to Admin

By earthgarden Jun 20th 2008 at 8:25 pm EDT

I am feeling so sick today like everyone else whose grassroots efforts as a delegate and an alternate have put Obama where he is based on the "change we can believe in" and the "hope" messages.

Come on, Obama - be a man and remember your words and let your actions carry the same message as your mouth.

No more support from me, either financially, philosophically, or politically until I see a statement being made that totally rejects immunity for telecoms and the FISA bill.

I think I'll just stay in bed tomorrow morning.

Disappointing | Report to Admin

By TL Jun 20th 2008 at 8:48 pm EDT

I just registered here to comment on how remarkably disappointing Obama's stance on this bill is. I hope he can deliver on getting immunity out of the bill, and if not, votes "no" strongly and loudly.

I don't think either will happen, which is even more disappointing.

Witholding my donations until the Senate vote | Report to Admin

By BigSean Jun 20th 2008 at 8:58 pm EDT

I am furious.

Each time the telecom immunity issue has come up, I have pressed my Representative and Senators to vote against this legislation. They voted for it and lost my support. Senator Landrieu will not get my vote in November because of her support for telecom immunity.

I have enormous respect for Barak Obama and have financially supported his campaign, donating each payday since Kucinich withdrew. I have actively supported his campaign, and have fought smears online.

However, if Senator Obama votes in favor of the FISA bill with the immunity provisions still intact, I cannot vote for him in November.

Until the Senate vote on this bill, I will withhold my campaign contributions.

I can't believe you're supporting this Barack! | Report to Admin

By Cs from Chicago, IL Jun 20th 2008 at 9:21 pm EDT

You asked us to contribute, to vote, to standup and we have done so and in the process we have made you the leader of the democratic party and the next President of the United States. We've done this because we believed in You and believed that you supported Us and more importantly, that you supported the Constitution of the United States.

This bill is a mockery! A sham to protect the ILLEGAL actions of the Bush administration and the telecoms that knew the law and chose to ignore it. They should both be held accountable for their actions, not given a 'get out of jail free' card rubber-stamped by a corrupt congress and now it seems, YOU!

I've voted for you and I've contributed to your campaign because I want actions such as these to STOP! Not allowed to continue with a nod and a wink and a pocket full of telecom 'contributions'!

You asked to be our leader, you asked that we trust you to be a President of the people, for the people. A president to fight the overwhelming control that corporations have over our government and restore, at least, balance if not control to the People. To fight the corruption that is prevalent throughout our government.

YOU ASKED TO BE OUR LEADER.... NOW IT IS YOUR TIME TO LEAD! STOP THIS BILL FROM BECOMING LAW!

Because it is the RIGHT thing to do!

Yeah, it's over. | Report to Admin

By Brian from Austin, TX Jun 20th 2008 at 9:32 pm EDT

Wow.

I did it again.

I got my hopes up that a candidate might actually stand for something.

I got my hopes up again that we might begin to repair our constitution instead of capitulating to the current President.

I got my hopes up that things would change.

But there's no change.

And there's no hope.

And Obama's just another politician.

Why did I bother getting my hopes up?

I agree | Report to Admin

By Jeff Jun 20th 2008 at 9:57 pm EDT

I would shutter at the thought there is no recognition on how important an issue is to the younger voter.

This is a key decision that will truly show if all the rhetoric ive bought into is for real or if its really all just a sham... to think it would show so soon after defeating Hillary.

I agree wholeheartedly | Report to Admin

By Jon Morgan Jun 20th 2008 at 10:33 pm EDT

I have been an avid supporter of Senator Obama for a good while now. He is the first candidate for any political office that I have donated money to (I have donated my time to a handful of local candidates in the past), and I feel that his reluctance to stand up and decry this so-called "compromise" is, if not a betrayal, at the very least a disappointment. I know that compromises must be reached. I know that one must work across the aisles. I know that changes can be made in the senate that would lessen the bill's impact. Nevertheless, I find myself sickened by this feeble attempt at expressing opposition.

The time is now for Senator Obama to show us that he is a strong leader who can demand more out of his party and his country. Allowing the passage of a bill which grants any immunity for warrantless wiretapping is, no questions asked, unconscionable.

Agreed | Report to Admin

By yutt Jun 20th 2008 at 10:35 pm EDT

I can't believe what a disgrace the Democratic Party has turned out to be. It seems their strategy is to passively support everything the administration wants, while claiming they have no control over the situation.

This is a big test | Report to Admin

By Cuthbert J Twillie Jun 20th 2008 at 10:45 pm EDT

The people have already killed FISA once. The opposition to it is overwhelming. When I first heard about your candidacy, at the very beginning, I thought "Change, huh? We'll see exactly how much things 'change.'" Now is the moment in which you prove either that you'll listen to your constituents or that it's all just empty rhetoric.

Will you be the backbone the Democratic party so desperately needs, or do Chris Dodd and Dennis Kucinich have to shout themselves hoarse all alone?

Stop FISA.

A Missed Opportunity | Report to Admin

By William from Carson, NM Jun 20th 2008 at 10:52 pm EDT

It's unlikely that I will feel moved to donate again after this failure to lead on what is, to me, the most important issue of our time. The economy, etc. get a lot of attention, but these are the decisions that have huge ramifications over the short and long term.

Barack, you just put my fire out.

Not Cool! | Report to Admin

By Freddy-D Jun 20th 2008 at 10:56 pm EDT

WTF Barack? This is NOT what we are supporting you for! Get with the program... Your program.

Great news! | Report to Admin

By Carlos from West Palm Beach, FL Jun 20th 2008 at 11:05 pm EDT

Maybe this will start to wake up the sheeple to the fact that Mr. Obama is just another sell out candidate. Donate all you want, but 4 years from now---hell, 1 year after he gets elected, people will see that Obama is no different than Clinton, Bush or McCain; he sold out the USA long ago, while the sheeple were caught up in the grand illusion that there are republicans and democrats. The are only the haves and the have nots. And we all belong to the have nots. Idiots!

Agreed | Report to Admin

By Erin from Sacramento, CA Jun 20th 2008 at 11:20 pm EDT

I donated money because I thought that this man would not be playing political games like this... Like McCain who has recently changed his mind several times to his base. I thought that These constitutional issues and a departure from these sort of politics was the stuff Obama's platform was made of. I really hate to be proven wrong now, as I had huge amounts of hope that the change he was talking about would not apply to his mind.

I took down my Obama bumper sticker... | Report to Admin

By night0wl Jun 20th 2008 at 11:56 pm EDT

The campaign finance stance from earlier this week and now the FISA capitulation have convinced me that Senator Obama may have talked about being our voice in Washington and to change the politics of the city, but it turns out that as soon as he doesn't have any one more to the left of him, he goes waaay to the right and betrays us. Needless to say, I took down my Barack Obama bumper sticker and will not donate one cent more to any campaign this year. Its just sad when hard working Americans have their hopes dashed by someone who promised one thing and sold us out as soon as he didn't need our vote anymore. I wanted to believe...I really did.

Re: I took down my Obama bumper sticker... | Report to Admin

By Kris from Lexington, KY Jun 21st 2008 at 12:27 am EDT

I, too, pledge to donate if Obama either removes the retroactive immunity provision or votes against the bill as it is.

Please, Barack, don't cave on this. We can't wait until you're president to have accountability in Washington.

What you do over the next few days will show what kind of leader you'll be.

Your decision to opt out of the public financing system is a great one to give you the cash to fight against the Republican smear machine. But don't expect to get the cash you had originally wanted after supporting this FISA bill.

Take a stand! Prove to us the hope and change rhetoric weren't just words.

A Defining Moment Indeed! | Report to Admin

By Jose from Brooklyn, NY Jun 21st 2008 at 12:28 am EDT

Thank you Dave. I feel the same way. I cannot tell you how exicited I was on that Nov night in 2006, when the Dems took control of the House and Senate. That excitement only lasted so long. I quickly realized that they were not going to change anything. We won the election with a mandate to pull our troops out of Iraq, what did we do? We continued to fund the war through 2008!! With that aside, I have to say there are many many more issues the Dems in Congress are not jumping on that a majority of the American people support (ie: impeachment). There are over 35 articles for the Impeachment of the President, everything from lying to going to war to warrantless wiretaps. What has Hillary and Barack done over the course of the year? Nothing! Come on, this is disgusting. Look at what Senator Gravel did to end the draft. He filibustered by himself for MONTHS! Ok, so Hillary and Barack have been silent on this.

Fast forward to FISA. It's everything the newly elected Dems stated they would not do. They told us that they would hold the Republicans accountable. Above all else, they said they would work to uphold the US Constitution. Well, I guess they only cared until they got really comfortable in their Washington chairs. This country is going to need a drastic change from the top down. How many more election cycles are we going to go through before we realize that everyone in Congress has an agenda? Sadly the agenda doesn't match the will of the American people.

I hope you are reading this Barack. As your quote states "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington..." Here is your chance Barack. As a member of the prestigous Senate body, rally your fellow Dems to oppose this Bill. Show America that you are a true leader and that you stand with the American people. Show the world that anyone who breaks the law will be held to the same standards as everyone else. You want us to believe Barack, stand up and "bring about real change" today and STOP this travesty!

There is no going back Barack. We are all watching your next move. I trust you will do the right thing.

God Bless,

Jose Castillo
Brooklyn, NY

I'm out too. | Report to Admin

By Happy Monkey Jun 21st 2008 at 12:51 am EDT

Add my name to the chorus of the disappointed, the outraged, and the physically ill. I made a decision I would not vote for anyone who supported this bill. I’ve contributed to Barack’s campaign in the past, but I will not in the future, and I will not vote for him in November. Hope shattered is worse than no hope at all.

And Now We Know | Report to Admin

By Farmer Dave Jun 21st 2008 at 1:04 am EDT

what Obama's position is. He agrees with the bill. The audacity of hope has been dashed to the ground. I can no longer support him and will no longer donate to his campaign. Off comes the bumper sticker.

"There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment. How often, or on what system, the Thought Police plugged in on any individual wire was guesswork. It was even conceivable that they watched everybody all the time. But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized."

WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

- Courtesy of George Orwell, ”1984”

I'm sad too. | Report to Admin

By Jelena from Golden, CO Jun 21st 2008 at 2:24 am EDT

Barack,

I'm a poor college student and just spent all my savings on my car, but I've raised over $1,700 for you already, and I'm ready to pledge another $100.00 if you get "fired up and ready to go" to fight FISA. This could be the biggest test of your political career.

I know opposing Pelosi is a tough move, but look at how you've taken control of the DNC since becoming the presumptive nominee. And I know you, too, are probably heartsick over this, knowing that opposing the Democratic and Republican collusion on FISA could lead to an 11th hour nomination battle at the Democratic National Convention. I know every advisor in your campaign is telling you that to protect your chances in the general election, you must capitulate.

But Barack, I've thought about this all day, and though truly I DO understand why your campaign feels it must collude to avoid disaster, I want to see a leader who will step up. What would Lincoln do? What would JFK do? What would George Washington do? These great men of the past, not political advisors of today, should be your guides in opposing FISA.

You have my vote no matter what, but please, do this for the younger voters who brought you this far: Show us, as you did with "A More Perfect Union," that you can throw away the speechwriters' opinions and engage in an honest dialogue with the country.

Trust us, Barack-- we have brought you this far, and we won't let the corrupt leadership in the House throw you under the bus for standing up for Americans' Fourth Amendment rights. America has been energized by your message of hope, and if the party leadership tries to remove you for doing what's right, we will be there to make sure they get no farther than they did in trying to push you out of the race at the beginning when the party had virtually handed it to Hillary already.

Please, Barack. Our country needs you. You're a man among mice in the Senate-- walk tall, and trust that America is still enough a democracy that doing what's right will be rewarded.

I trust you. We trust you. Don't let us down. I'll be waiting for YOUR statement, not your speech writing team's.

With Hope,
Jelena Woehr

Just registered to say... | Report to Admin

By James Jun 21st 2008 at 2:30 am EDT

I agree with everyone else on this one. Mr. Obama, you cannot win us all over by walking the high road and then just hop off into the ditch where all the other politicians seem to wallow.

We support you because you seem to stand for doing the right thing. Is it really so hard? Supporting the Constitution, fighting for what's right? Is it really so very very hard?

The one undeniably great thing about your campaign is that it has empowered us all, and taught us that perhaps, just perhaps, we the people still have a chance to make change. We thought we were making that change by supporting you, but if you do not stand up for us, we will use what little power you helped awaken to support someone who will.

We are the ones we have been waiting for... | Report to Admin

By Linda Jun 21st 2008 at 3:56 pm EDT

is meaningless. He is the one to make the call, the dissent, the difference.

We cannot block this, we can voice our outrage over FISA but he is the 'leader' that will make a difference...or not.

If he does not stand for our constitutional rights when he is dependent upon our contributions and votes, what makes you think he will if we get him elected? He will need us less then, now we see if Obama is a leader or a follower.

If he follows the republicans on FISA there is no difference between voting for Obama or McCain, except Obama promised to defend the constitution.

I won't vote for a liar.

Time to win my money and my vote | Report to Admin

By Matthew from Salt Lake City, UT Jun 21st 2008 at 2:36 am EDT

I was a Ron Paul supporter during the primaries, and I'd begun leaning toward Obama until he began preaching punitive taxation. That said, I'm not at all satisfied with John McCain.

I feel very strongly about this issue, and Obama has a chance to win my money and my vote if he makes a principled stand against this bill in defense of the Constitution.

If Obama stands against this bill, I'll give him $200 and overlook my disapproval of his economic policies. I suspect some others would do the same.

Re: Time to win my money and my vote | Report to Admin

By Pete Jun 21st 2008 at 3:30 am EDT

I've given $1,000 so far, will give another $500 and encourage others to do the same if Obama swings the senate vote to kill this bill.

Why O Why? | Report to Admin

By LordGaruda Jun 21st 2008 at 4:37 am EDT

Dear Senator,

One of the defining qualities of your campaign has been the enthusiasm of your supporters... (the roaring "yes we can", thundering "OBAMA").

With your stance on FISA, you killed at least my enthusiasm for the rest of the campaign. You had me worried with your recent bombastic speech at the AIPAC meeting (remember Jerusalem comment!) and hedging about NAFTA. But the FISA issue really kicked me in the stomach today. I understand the necessity to triangulate in politics but please don't play games with our constitution. It has been through enough hell already. It needed a lot more nurturing and care that you clearly failed to provide.

I would better invest my hard-earned dollar to support local LEADERs who stand up for ideals and principals that I hold very dear to my heart.

Thank you and all the best until Nov

BO 08

FISA Error | Report to Admin

By Dennis from Midland, TX Jun 21st 2008 at 9:12 am EDT

Support FISA?! Way wrong answer Obama! I don't really care what Washington pressure you are under, these types of bills hurt our citizens and protect the telecoms. The telecoms should be forced out of business for colluding with the Executive Branch to violate our constitutional rights. Guess I'm voting for Barr, and against any elected official currently in office. A would rather have a rookie congressman than an @$$h01e!

Change we can believe in | Report to Admin

By Linda Jun 21st 2008 at 3:37 pm EDT

I have voted for and contributed to this campaign based on trusting you, Obama, to mean what you say.

Walk your Talk. The FISA bill is not to be used as a campaign ploy.

Either you represent change and stand for our constitutional rights or you are a mere politician that will say and do anything to get elected.

How about some change we can believe in not change we can xerox.

Fight for our constitutional rights if you want us to fight for your campaign for POTUS. Expect to get as good as you give.

In other words EARN IT.

My Support Will Not Wane! | Report to Admin

By Delysia Jun 22nd 2008 at 12:33 am EDT

If you all really supported Sen. Obama you wouldn't be making the claim of non-support you are based on this one issue. It’s not like the administration hasn’t already been trampling all over our rights to privacy. This is just a Republican effort to keep people like Bush, and all those who assisted him in all his wrongdoing, out of jail. It sounds to me as if you’ve been looking and waiting for a reason to come out against him. Sen. Obama is not yet the President of these United States and you expect him (one man) to make all the difference, already. I think that is totally unfair and unrealistic! The man can’t even get into the White House before he’s being blamed for laws that are passed by a show of many hands, not just one. Yes, he holds considerable influence now that he is the Democratic Nominee for President. Maybe he can persuade some Republicans and conservative Democrats to change their stance. However, I think it’s totally wrong of his so-called supporters to attack him on this issue, in this way and at this time. It’s bad enough he’s got the Republicans, and turncoat Democrats, bashing him. Now, you, his supporters want to begin to do the same. If that’s what you have to offer I say quit supporting him if you want to. Quit! Then what will your option be: John McCain or some independent? But don’t pretend to be a supporter Sen. Obama and then come out publicly to bash him this way. That kind of support, nobody needs. I’m certain Sen. Obama will do what is right. He always has thus far. So, give him a chance!

Re: My Support Will Not Wane! | Report to Admin

By BigSean Jun 22nd 2008 at 2:23 am EDT

>>If you all really supported Sen. Obama
>>you wouldn't be making the claim of
>>non-support you are based on this one issue.

"this one issue" is civil liberties. It's not negotiable. My support of a candidate *begins* with civil liberties.

>>It’s not like the administration hasn’t
>>already been trampling all over our rights
>>to privacy.

Yes, it has, and for the Democrats to do the same - and Obama support it - is unconscionable.

>>This is just a Republican effort to keep
>>people like Bush, and all those who assisted >>him in all his wrongdoing, out of jail.

Which makes the Democrats complicit in their crimes.

>>It sounds to me as if you’ve been looking
>>and waiting for a reason to come out against
>>him.

That's disingenuous. We've contributed money, meager though it is, regularly. I've lobbied friends, family, and acquaintances (who aren't like-minded) to support Obama. I've regularly participated in local online forums to debunk the copy-and-paste smears.

More to the point: I BELIEVED and trusted. Now I feel betrayed.

>>Sen. Obama is not yet the President of
>>these United States and you expect him
>>(one man) to make all the difference, already.

>>I think that is totally unfair and unrealistic!

>>The man can’t even get into the White House
>>before he’s being blamed for laws that are
>>passed by a show of many hands, not just one.

He is the head of the Democratic Party, a powerful Senator, and has an Apple-like following. The man has huge influence, enough to defang this.

People are accountable for their own actions.

>>However, I think it’s totally wrong of his
>>so-called supporters to attack him on this
>>issue, in this way and at this time.

Then you're a tool. I swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. So did he.

You're using the same argument Ari Fleischer did of criticism of Bush over Iraq.

If you don't stand up to tell your candidate, Congressperson, or boss when they're wrong then you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Re: My Support Will Not Wane! | Report to Admin

By BigSean Jun 22nd 2008 at 2:40 am EDT

>>Now, you, his supporters want to begin to do
>>the same. If that’s what you have to offer I
>>say quit supporting him if you want to. Quit!

>>Then what will your option be: John McCain or
>>some independent?

>>But don’t pretend to be a supporter Sen. Obama
>>and then come out publicly to bash him this way.
>>That kind of support, nobody needs. I’m certain
>>Sen. Obama will do what is right. He always has
>>thus far.

I actively supported him. I didn't pretend to donate money.

I WANT to vote for Barak Obama. I think he's doing this out of political expediency, that this is a huge mistake. And he needs to HEAR that.

But yes, if he votes for this bill in this form with the immunity provisions intact, then I will vote for a third party candidate.

>>So, give him a chance!

I have given him a chance with my primary vote, my active support, and my financial contributions.

If he votes against this bill, then I will vote for him in November.

Civil liberties - Constitutional rights - are not negotiable.

Senator Obama, I believe in your message and your candidacy. Until I read your position on this, you had my vote locked up. You are making a huge mistake by supporting this FISA bill.

Please acknowledge this in your vote, defang the immunity provision, and you'll have me at Nay.

Re: My Support Will Not Wane! | Report to Admin

By Cs from Chicago, IL Jun 25th 2008 at 1:20 am EDT

Your response is inane. The first duty of every American, especially those elected, is to defend the Constitution. This FISA bill is simply an attack on the 4th Amendment. An Amendment that has served the citizens of the United States for 200 years. A basic right to privacy that not only every American deserves but is his right as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights.

It is the most basic of rights and for you to suggest that it's no big deal and not worthy of our concerns and demands is ridiculous! If Obama won't stand up for one of the most basic rights an American has... if he won't stand up to the ILLEGAL actions against the American People.. then of what has he been speaking of this past year!?

There is no clearer attack on the U.S. Constitution then what the Bush administration and the Telecoms secretly did for years without cause. The original FISA law gave the president and law enforcement all the tools necessary to engage in this activity AS LONG AS WHAT THEY DID HAD OVERSIGHT!

The fact is, we don't know exactly what they did, because they ignored the law requiring oversight and made their own rules. The telecoms KNEW the rules, Bush KNEW the rules and they each decided to ignore them.. ignore the law and the 4th Amendment! How can this not be an issue worth fighting for?!

I've supported Obama, but I'm not some fanboy who's going to look the other way when he or any other elected politician decides that support of the Constitution is a nice campaign slogan, but not worthy of enforcement.

That Obama could even think that this bill is even worthy of his acquiescence is remarkable to me. This is not the man I thought I was voting for and not the man he made me believe he was.

Sen. Obama needs to fight this bill because that is the right thing to do.... because he took an oath to defend the constitution and said that he would fight for the rights of American citizens.

There can be no clearer instance then this one present that is more worthy or that would prove his intentions to honor his duty to the American people and the Constitution.

I'm surprised | Report to Admin

By BigSean Jun 24th 2008 at 10:42 pm EDT

I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion of FISA.

Right now the talking heads are yammering on about campaign financing. I got the finely parsed message about public financing. Despite the blather on the news, Obama never agreed to do public financing.

But nary a peep on ex post facto laws and immunity for the criminal and unconstitutional violations of wiretapping law by the Bush Administration, collusion of the telcos, and the Democratic Party rolling over.

Obama, I hope you do the right thing and vote against the FISA bill.

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