I can understand some disappointment with Durbin, but he's at least using some time to pound the Bush administration in detail. He may not join Dodd in a filibuster - but, I'll give him credit for his willingness to spell out the chronology of deceit.

does anyone know how to get transcripts? he has pulled in bushco's lies about iraq, tendancy to demand legislation just before elections, false claims around "terror threat," illogical arguments around the fisa, polcies of torture and deception. he asks "how will history judge us?"

this is the speech to forward to friends.

If there was ever a day when it might actually be possible to influence the US Senate, it seems to me this is as important as anything else -- heck, it's just about whether we as a nation respect the rule of law or not.

So I decided I'd try, for the first time, to send an e-mail to every Democratic senator, using the list Glenn linked to. It was interesting that most all the Senators use a similar auto-fill system that facilitates the process; it took only about twenty minutes to send essentially the same e-mail to all Democratic and "independent" Senators. And hey, did you know that's darn near a majority? Doesn't that matter? Oh. Never mind.

Anyway, here's what I said to our Senators:

"It is imperative that you stand up for the Rule of Law and the fundamental principles of the US Constitution by refusing to enact any FISA bill that provides for retroactive telecom immunity.

If you and your Senate compatriots can't do even this, then just resign. The pitiful failure of congressional Democrats to stand up to the Bush Administration is tragic for the whole country -- but this FISA immunity "issue" stands on a whole different footing. It is utterly DISGRACEFUL to even consider granting such immunity under the structure of American law. Don't do it. Show the American people and your constituents that you respect your oath of office and the Constitution of the United States of America. PLEASE!"

I found it interesting, also, that not one Senator's "drop down menu" to identify "topics" had any entry for "FISA", for "The Constitution" or even for "Privacy". Guess those things aren't important.

My senator Durbin just gave a fine speech that spelled out the disgusting fear tactics of Bush, Cheney and Rove and his strong opposition to granting immunity and asking for a one month extension of the Patriot Act. Now will those excellent words translate to anything meaningful in the way of gaining another month and then tossing immunity or is this a Kabuki play?

i mean durbin.

Sure it's a form letter, but it's still good to see that some of our elected are willing to fight for the rights of the people. From Sherrod Brown's office ...

"In August 2007, Congress passed revisions to FISA, which I opposed, expanding the authority of the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to conduct surveillance of foreign targets. Under this legislation telecommunications companies that assist the government in the future implementation of this program were granted immunity from criminal and civil action.

This legislation expires in early February, and Congress is currently considering further revisions to FISA. President Bush has requested that any further modifications to FISA contain retroactive immunity for any telecommunications company that participated in the program since its inception. While developments in technology may require modest modifications to our intelligence laws, I will oppose efforts to provide retroactive immunity for illegal wiretapping as it is inconsistent with our democratic principles. All citizens must have legal recourse when their rights are infringed upon, and companies must bear the responsibility for breaking the law."

I can't find my guillotine.

Where might there be a clip of Durbin's speech? link, anyone?

When exactly will Dodd be filibustering?

That was an outstanding speech that you just gave supporting the Leahy amendment. I would like a copy of that speech.

Unfortunately, it appears to me that Sen. Reid has maneuvered things so that the intelligence bill instead of the judiciary bill is the one on the floor and that the amendment will fail because of Sen. Rockefeller and others.

Strong words are nice to hear. I would much rather see action like that of Sen. Dodd to once and for all show the Republicans and the administration that the Dems in congress are mad as hell about their tactics and trashing of civil liberties and refuse to take it any more.

this is the live streaming:

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cs_cspan2_rm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS2

i'm not sure how one might view what has already happened.

Specter: let's substitute the federal gov't as defendant in lieu of the telecoms. Er, no thanks, Specter.

I'm beginning to think the best way to deal with the telecoms is in the court of the marketplace.

@ the hallmark

I'm not sure, but I would think Durbin's office might be able to provide it eventually. Sooner than that, I don't know.

I JUST CAN'T F*CK!NG TAKE IT!!!!

Sorry, but I really needed to get that out of my system...

Received your e-mail re: telco immunity & promptly sent a letter to John Edwards. I'd repost it here except I'm really embarassed by how sycophantic & ingratiating it was. I was so charming, adulatory & ultimately manipulative, it hurt. As an indication of my sheer unctuousness, I opened with a gushing appraisal of his recent Letterman appearance. For those who didn't see it, he actually was great: funny, authentic & brimming with integrity. But still, great as he was, I really laid it on pretty thick. Nonetheless, in my experience, both professionally & personally, shameless flattery is always a great opener.

I seamlessly segued into an impassioned request for his all-important support on warrantless wiretapping/retroactive immunity. I stressed how crucial this was to the netroots & the most engaged members of his constituency. I pointed out how precisely it fit in with the wider narrative of his campaign & how his fervent advocacy in this matter would expose his rivals for the legislatively hollow imposters they are. I declared this a potential campaign winner, a breakout issue for him. In short, I went on and on and on. I encourage others to do the same. Don't be outraged, whiney or accusatory. Be civil, flattering & optimistic. In my lengthy experience anything more argumentative gets ignored.