Why isn't anyone saying the candidates are, "weak on liberty?" Why not say that those who are, "strong on fear," support telecom immunity?

As for me, I say give me liberty or give me death.

he only thing I have seen on this is the widely reported recent story where some wiretaps were discontinued....due to failure of the Feds to pay the bill:

Even I'm reluctant to attribute a level of sloppiness and inaccuracy THAT extreme to a Time reporter, but the more I think about your comment, the more I think you might be right. The fact that he didn't even bother to identify a source for the claims ("intelligence officials told TIME that . . . ") suggests he thinks it's public information, and the only possible public information it could be is what you referenced.

If they weren't beyond shame, that would be completely embarrassing. I've sent the reporter an email asking what his basis is for this statement, so we'll see.

The telecoms didn't hesitate to withhold cooperation when Bush's FBI, like many Bushistas, failed to pay its bills. Was that "patriotic" or capitalism doing what it does best?

Perhaps Mr. Calabresi should consider what sort of routinely undefined "help" the telecoms are giving this administration. And that they might be afraid to keep offering that "help" because it would be patently illegal to do so. I suggest that the MSM try a little harder to get its Martha's Vineyard bronzed arms around that idea.

It should also consider that in the real world, it's a good thing when a corporate citizen refuses to knowingly violate the law at the request of an out-of-control White House. Unfortunately, in this administration, that doesn't get the Dept of Justice backing you up, it earns you a retaliatory prosecution. Three hundred sixty-three days and counting.

Definitely, but we just want it to be coordinated so it happens all at once - should be ready the next couple of days.

Once again, I seem to have spoken/written out of turn. No more from me to the Edwards campaign. I won't waste any more of your commenters' space, either. Sorry.

I recently read that some of this activity was "cut-off" by the telecoms because the government didn't pay their bills?

I believe they will "cave".....

The ONLY possible siver lining is that these "powers" that have been claimed by this administration, will soon fall into the hands of the democrats.

I have fantasies of Bill Clinton as Attorney General!

I say "comply with the law." What is probably happening -- what is supposed to happen -- is that Telcom lawyers are telling Bush Regime lawyers to come to them with warrants. I can't believe that anyone is refusing to cooperate with federal agents armed with duly-executed FISA warrants!

They need to make the issue Bush's veto, not Congress' exclusion of certain provisions.

"Bush is the one endangering the country and enabling the terrorists; we gave him a bill, all he has to do is sign it. Why does he hate America?"

That's the line that needs to be pushed. Indeed, if the roles were reversed, that is undoubtedly what the Republicans would be saying.

where I can't read about this crap anymore. I get too angry. It's maddening, frustrating, infuriating- and various other atings, I'm sure.

It seems unimaginable that our country is on this path- but here we are. And it doesn't look like we are going to take a u-turn and get back on track any time soon.

But the fiber optics revolution has sent more and more international communications by land and undersea cable, forcing the agency to seek company cooperation to get access.

After the disclosure two years ago that the N.S.A. was eavesdropping on the international communications of terrorism suspects inside the United States without warrants, more than 40 lawsuits were filed against the government and phone carriers. As a result, skittish companies and their lawyers have been demanding stricter safeguards before they provide access to the government and, in some cases, are refusing outright to cooperate, officials said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/washington/16nsa.html

GG:

Definitely, but we just want it to be coordinated so it happens all at once - should be ready the next couple of days.

I, too, have been waiting to hear some support for Dobbs from Edwards since, as you say, this issue seems tailor-made for him. I've been holding off sending Edwards more money specifically due to not seeing something from him about it. I attended his recent rally in L.A., and really hoped he'd mention FISA in his speech-- but no luck. I hope the coordinated campaign works, because his seeming lack of interest in telecom amnesty doesn't make sense in a way that concerns me about him.

Glenn: '... Here we have a perfect expression of the most self-destructive Democratic disease which they seem unable to cure. More than anything, they fear looking "weak." ...'

Normally, I can not find anything to disagree with in your writings; so it is a joyous occasion when I can at least quibble a bit.

I am not so sure it is that the Dems fear looking "weak" (although they may) as much as they want the same things as the Repubs. They will soon have the White House and do not seek to weaken the imperial office that they will soon control, nor offend the powers behind the throne that they will soon sit on.

After the elections, the Democratic Party will be in control of two branches of government; we will see if government then becomes the friend of the 'little guy'. Time will tell.

You made very important points in your comment:

Leadership does not require an official position - elected or appointed. It requires courage, smarts, ethics and integrity.

/snip/

We can only keep writing, telephoning, educating, coaching and imploring our elected officials to do the will of we the people.

Nothing was out of place or time in what you said or have done. I think the point of the exchange between Glenn and Yellow Dog was more along the lines of how best to amplify the voices and efforts of those who wish to help, and especially how to integrate a very large number of people into the process at one time. Please don't take your own courage, smarts ethics and integrity away from this process where your efforts are appreciated.

We don't have the gift of foresight, so we don't know if this effort will eventually succeed due to a still, soft voice or the thunder of the multitudes. Both play their part, in my opinion.