Next time I get a traffic ticket, I will DEMAND that the judge change the law for me:

[rodeodance]

Sun Aug-05-07 04:33 PM
Original message
Robert Parry: Bush Gets a Spying Blank Check

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/080507.html

Bush Gets a Spying Blank Check

By Robert Parry
August 5, 2007

snip//........
Many Americans would disagree, arguing that the most solemn obligation is to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But the Democratic congressional leaders acted as if their highest priorities were getting away for the August recess and avoiding ugly attacks on their patriotism from Fox News and the right-wing media.

Instead of canceling the recess – and using the month of August to fight over both Bush’s extraordinary expansion of presidential powers and the Iraq War – House Democratic leaders brought the Senate-approved “Protect America Act of 2007” to the floor. It carried, 227-183, with 41 Democratic defections.

Trying to put the best spin on their defeat, Democratic leaders pointed to their one concession: a sunset provision that requires President Bush to seek renewal of his powers in six months.

However, not only is it hard to envision the Democrats finding more backbone to stand up to the “soft on terror” charge in an election year, but passage of the bill complicates the argument that Bush broke the law with his prior warrantless wiretapping.

Bush’s defenders can now cite this broad legislative authority as giving, in effect, a retroactive congressional blessing to Bush’s apparent violations of FISA, which requires a secret court warrant for eavesdropping and other spying inside the United States.

more...

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2007/080507.html

[fightthegoodfightnow]

1. No BACKBONE

When is the Democratic majority going to start acting like they are a majority party?

It's time for the leadership to discipline these .... gadflies in our party.

Nothing has changed other than to expand Bush's power and refinance this war.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Yup.

I thought I would never say this but it is now time for some iron-fisted party discipline.

[rodeodance]

3. i am still flabbergaster---that it actually happened (dems brought it to the floor)

[rodeodance]

4. dems knew about in Jan (from what I can tell)---they managed this all wrong-in

just letting it slip in last couple of weeks and then having Bush make demands)

[fightthegoodfightnow]

5. Nancy Pelosi Has Got to Go

She just doesn't get it. She negotiates from a position of weakness. I'm truly disgusted with her inability to craft a position that doesn't reek of .............. Bush.