Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX) is a TOOL

[Ezlivin]

So, I sent "my" representative a note telling not to cave and give the telecom companies immunity. Here's the missive I received:

Dear Ezlivin:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Authorization (FISA) legislation. It is good to hear your thoughts on this important national security issue.

The original FISA legislation was created roughly 34 years ago, long before the threat of extreme Islamic terrorism had materialized. Obviously the world has not remained static during the past 34 years and individuals across the globe, including radical jihadists, have wide access to the best technology the world has to offer. I strongly believe that as these advances are being made, the United States must take measures to stay a step ahead of our enemies. This is why I have paid special attention to the FISA legislation that has been making its way through Congress.

Last year CIA director Michael Hayden testified before Congress. He reported that the FISA law was stagnant, outdated, and could not keep up with the technological advances that have been achieved since 1974. Being forced to use the old law, the administration faced a backlog of vital requests that were being help up by a slow court process. In response, the Congressional Democratic Leadership, unable to find agreement among themselves, passed a mere 6-month temporary measure. The message was clear: Congressional leadership had six months to work with Republicans and the Bush administration to devise a new, workable, long-term FISA law that would allow future Presidents to intercept suspicious telephone conversations without unnecessary delays.

Luckily an agreement was reached and a strong bill was introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia), and Senator Kit Bond (R-Missouri). This bi-partisan legislation passed the Senate with overwhelming support and was sent to the House. Sadly, Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues were more interested in appeasing the radical far-left and internet bloggers and refused to allow the full House to vote on the Senate bill. The most contentious issue facing the Congress is whether to grant legal immunity to telephone companies who assisted the government in their surveillance operations in the frightening months after September 11. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison personally met with the Presidents of these telephone companies and stated it was her belief that they acted in good faith, not because they wanted to intrude on the privacy of American citizens, but because they, as American citizens, they wanted to do their part to help their country.

The Senate legislation contains immunity for these telephone companies and I support it. These companies provided valuable intelligence to our government in the past. If confronted with the prospect of having to deal with - and pay for - costly lawsuits each time they assist their country, these companies will simply not cooperate with the government and our national security will be at risk.

Instead of moving quickly with this urgent matter of national security, Speaker Pelosi and the House leadership instead attempted to stall the measure by offering an additional 21-day extension. I voted against this proposal because I do not believe this issue can be placed on the back burner any longer. The Congress must confront this issue head-on and take care of business. That is why I personally wrote Speaker Pelosi a letter urging her to call the House of Representatives back into session so we may deal with this issue immediately. The House of Representatives should not be in recess while our national security is at risk.

I strongly believe that one of the responsibilities of the United States government is to respect the privacy of the citizens of the United States. It is a fundamental concept of our republican form of government that civil liberties and security must be balanced. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi has decided to shirk this duty and refused to negotiate with the Senate that has produced a common sense compromise on this important issue.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.house.gov/burgess) or contact me with any future concerns.

Sincerely,

Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Member of Congress

Notice that he mentions that the telecom companies "assisted the government in their surveillance operations in the frightening months after September 11 ". Fine, but what about those companies who were breaking the goddamned law BEFORE 9/11?

And since when do you capitalize the word "presidents" when referring to the presidents of companies? ("personally met with the Presidents of these telephone companies")

I cannot wait for him and others of his ilk to serve hard time for not upholding and defending the Constitution.

[Parche]

1. Extreme Islamic Terrorism????????

Did he not read and go through history in the world?

Hate to break it to you Mr Burgess, but terra ism has been around for centuries

It just morphed into what it is today because of the CIA, and false flag operations

:grr: :grr: :grr: :hi:

[Ezlivin]

2. Yes, it's true

This man is my representative. Religious fundamentalists boosted him to power and now we all suffer under his ignorance.

Sigh.

I just had to share what this asshat wrote as a reply. My complete lack of confidence in my representatives is fully justified.

[Parche]

3. Burgess

He is also one of my very good friends rep also
and she cant stand him....
who lives in North Richland Hills

:hi: