According to Glen Greenwald, House Democrats are about to cave to Bush (again) on the FISA Bill, thus giving the President what he's been demanding (again) even as those demands defy the will of the American people.
Basically, Bush has said he will veto a FISA bill that does not grant immunity for the telecommunications industry after they allowed the government to use their resources to spy on Americans by sweeping up every single telephone call and email sent and received -- without a reason or a warrant.
By the way, in case you didn't know, the Constitution and federal law DOES require that the government obtain a warrant before conducting these searches -- even if that warrant is requested after the fact.
So the Democratic "leadership" in the House is about to give in and adopt the version of the "Protect America Act" that the Senate has already approved -- one that will allow unfettered spying and result in virtually no expectation of privacy for any of us.
Of course there is no excuse for this... no justification. There is no danger to Americans if courts are asked to issue a warrant before (or shortly after) spying begins.
The only reason the Dems want to grant such immunity is to save their own asses in case a lawsuit would reveal illegal behavior on the part of the Bush Administration -- AND the complicity of many members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans alike.
Thus, we can no longer point the finger of blame only at BushCo. At some point we must come to grips with the realization that we are being betrayed by the Democrats.
Who decided that Pelosi and Reid would be effective leaders of an opposition party? The Democrats, that's who.
Who do elected those Democrats?
We did.
And although they continue to work against our interests, they are our employees and we have the power to throw the bums out.
I hope we do.
These people are LOSERS with a capital "L."
The Five Signs to look for to determine whether you hired a loser are:
(1) They are easily distracted by threats and other issues.Contrast the above with the five signs of a winner:
(2) They easily succumb to paralysis and are unable to do anything.
(3) They do not have their own ideas and rely on others for suggestions.
(4) They make excuses.
(5) Their attitudes change, noticeably, from positivity to creeping negativity.
(1) They ignore silly distractions and focus on the issue at hand.If we continue to elect the same losers over and over again -- despite their unwillingness to do two of the fundamental tasks we hired them to do -- be an opposition party and to oversee the executive branch of the government -- then we need to take a long look in the mirror and consider that we are in an abusive relationship with our elected officials.
(2) Keep their task simple and unambiguous.
(3) Follow their constituent's directions.
(4) Take total responsibility for results.
(5) Stay positive, knowing that nothing can withstand an ongoing assault of someone that perseveres.
Why are we in a cycle of unwarranted trust and inevitable betrayal with these people?
Are we suffering from a collective "Stockholm Syndrome?"
According to Wikipedia Stockholm Syndrome is:
"Loyalty to a more powerful abuser — in spite of the danger that this loyalty puts the victim in. In many instances the victims choose to remain loyal to their abuser, and choose not to leave him or her, even when they are offered a safe alternative. This unhealthy type of mental phenomenon is also known as Trauma-Bonding or Bonding-to-the-Perpetrator."So, what's the cure? UN-elect them!
Even though we may all be suffering from a major psychological disorder that prevents us from seeing our abuser as they really are -- we need to wake up and do something!
We may be up against a Democratic party machine that favors the incumbent but -- if we do not take action -- we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Here are a few links to websites that supports progressive candidates who dare to run against Repugs and Democratic losers:
http://www.grassrootsforamerica.us/
http://impeachpac.org/
http://www.actblue.com/page/laurabloggers
http://www.victoryfund.org/home
http://www.americanfreedomagenda.org/
Visit these sites -- volunteer for progressive candidates. Donate money and time. Spread the word -- drink plenty of fluids and call us in the morning!
If you follow this prescription, we promise -- you -- and America -- will feel much better soon.
