"There is a lot of thought being given to: How do you organize this in a way that protects an incredibly valuable asset in the United States but does it in a way that doesn't alarm reasonable people, and I underline reasonable people, in terms of civil liberties?" -Chertoff (emphsis mine)

I would imagine I would not be among those Chertoff would find reasonable.

Glenn, what's the best position on this. Extend PAA for 30 days, or allow it to expire? Do you, Christy, Jane, Digby, McJoan have a thought on which way to pressure senators on this? Or, whether to pressure at all?

Kit Bond is truly loathsome.

padding on sharp surfaces and mattresses on the floor are strongly recommended.

Add in "uh's" and vacant stares, and all but the most hardened alcoholics should expect to tip over after about eleven minutes.

Dang, that's funny! I'm not that brave, and I try to treat my liver kindly, but it might be the only way to survive the SOTU address, and avoid aiming my shotgun at the teevee.

Got a 12 and a 20. Take your pick.

That's why when I choose to watch, I watch via computer link. I do like my monitor. It functions as a brake on impulsive response. Almost failed with Kit Bond earlier today. There's not enough C2H5OH in my cupboard to save me.

Of all the pieces you've written Glenn, this has been by far the hardest one for me to read. I've had to leave several times, and then come back to pick up where I left off, read for a bit, and then, leave again. It's literally taken me hours. I can recall few things I've read that have caused me such pain. I'm glad you wrote it. Document the atrocities (h/t Atrios), indeed.

Never was there an election (I'm coming to wonder if...) so important to get right. And, yet, the constitutional power of the executive branch ought to be sufficiently limited, one wonders if any general election would be sufficient.

For the first time, I find myself contributing money to congressional campaigns in other states. Hoping it makes a difference, and fearing, simultaneously, my actions could be too late. It's all so terrible, but worse, it's profoundly sad.

pow wow and Northwestwoods for the heads up. Chasing the links you've offered. Appreciate your taking the time to offer them here.

I don't have the answer to your question, but I followed a thread yesterday that may offer some insights. It looks pretty complicated to me, but I suggest you take a look at Marcy Wheeler's blog at FDL; the specific post is linked at my sig. You want to pick up cboldt at comment #20 and follow it forward. You can use the "Find"/"Find Next" function of your browser to trace cboldt through the thread without having to read all of the comments.

What seems implied to me is, if Congress grants the telecoms immunity, it's a done deal. However, Bush has threated to pardon the telecoms himself if that Congressional action fails. If Bush were to pardon, that might still leave some options on the table for pursuing the telecoms.

I can't find online the full text of the copy I got in the mail. However, within the text of the copy I received is this (all transcription errors are mine):

Right now there are a number of lawsuits challenging telecom companies for supplying the government with people's personal information without a warrant or any other legal justification, and ACLU affiliates across the country have been at the center of many of these actions. However, if Congress grants blanket immunity to telecommunications companies involved in this domestic spying program, those lawsuits may be thrown out of court. Working with a coalition of privacy rights organizations and other progressive groups - and mobilizing ACLU affiliates and activists across the country - the ACLU has been leading efforts to make sure Congress rejects such immunity.

If a law that includes immunity and unconstitutional basket warrants is signed, your can rest assured that ACLU lawyers will be in court challenging it as quickly as humanly possible.

Put some emphasis on that last sentence. Given what we know right now, it would not be a waste of money to contribute to the ACLU and/or EFF. This is the kind of fight that requires mobilization on multiple fronts. I don't see the DoJ taking up this fight on our behalf. If you haven't already, contribute.

Gee, karrsic. Thanks for that. I'm going to sleep so much better tonight with Kit Bond's words rolling around in my head. That loathsome, lizard brained, belly crawling, scum.

The Washington Independent has it exactly right.

The right response from the press, and the public, is to put one arm around Risen and, with the other arm, extend a single finger in the direction of the Justice Department. -Spencer Ackerman

I can get down with that sentiment.

What will it take for Pelosi to recognize that impeachment should have been her first order of business? When she, herself, is subpoenaed and threatened with imprisonment?

Indeed, that just about sums it up. And, the escalating nature of the behavior ought to give all of us pause. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. It's been clear this administration has been playing in crazy gear for some time, and although the sleights have been incremental, it does lead one to wonder what next? Memo to the universe: Although it may appear I have just siad Tell me how this ends., I'm not sure I'm tough enough to take the answer.