Thanks Glenn.

Bush will veto and will not be asked about his previous assertions. If asked, he can state we needed it then and we need it upgraded now. Simple message for the simple summary needs of the MSM. Most people do not have the time to wade through this seemingly confusing argument. Glenn, you are great help in that manner.

BUT the Dems will be asked why they are blocking the protection of America. The Perino labeled "do nothing" Democrat Senate is doing nothing again. Dems don't care about security. They're just lawsuit crazy.

That's the best fit for existing MSM frameworks. Any other story is too much work for the fast paced hard driving MSM, too risky to venture into narratives unknown.

MSM questions never asked:

Why do we need universal spying powers without oversight?

What are the crimes for which the Telecoms need immunity?

Why are the Telecoms given a immunity with nothing in return?

Send Chambliss (and other Repubs) this link:

http://fisa.wikispot.org/Telecom_Immunity_Arguments

"...that He Will Vote against GOP on Cloture Vote"

See: http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/005155.php

Good Lord, when even a glimmer of dissension causes Repubs to think about joining you, why capitulate. If this holds with spector, that is.

Could he talk any softer about the Republicans here?

Gosh, golly gee, I've never seen this type of conduct in my 26 years...

He sounds like Mr. Rogers.

Gee whiz...

Please let Dodd get up there and pound the hammer!

Reid, put your balls on the table, man!

Yes, and that is just the topper. All the others were almost as bad; thing is, when do I see action against the government law breakers? Ever.

We have reached the point where I am surprised that we do not have German names for all government agencies.

Good Lord, when even a glimmer of dissension causes Repubs to think about joining you, why capitulate. If this holds with spector, that is.

Let's remember how mild and limited this dissent is, though -- all that's going to happen is that, if they filibutser, they'll proceed to vote on all the amendments, defeat the good ones, and then pass a law with immunity and new warrantless eavesdropping powers. And Specter will vote for that law even if his amendment (as will happen) is defeated.

If the Republitards want to make Dubya's illegal spying legal, why not make Nixon's illegal spying OK, too?

The president and his cronies don't know the first thing about legality it would seem or the constitution until the iron bracelets get shackled on his, Cheney and Rumsfeld in court and they get hustled off to Guantanamo for some creative interrogation.

Since MSM can't understand the arguments or determine fact from fiction, they like to write stories that aggrandize winners and pile on losers. If the Repubs have in fact overreached and it comes back to bite them in the way Glenn describes, the MSM might jump all over it; the story being the f--- up.

First candidate to vote, voted no.

LOL. Reid just stood their and about begged for really, super-duper short debates on the amendments so they could be voted down and Senate could move on to the passing the bill.

Can anyone honestly recall anyone ever talking about the USA as the or a "homeland" before 9/11?

Hell, why don't they go ahead and call it the Dept. of Vaterland Security?

Specter and Rockefeller are playing along to get along with their constituents. Watching Reid is like the visual component of nails on a chalkboard--how is this man the Dem leader of the Senate? I'm truly flummoxed. We need to keep everyone's feet to the fire beyond today, because they will simply insert the same language and go for immunity later.

That regardless of these votes or whatever anyone says or does, someone is listening in on whatever they want to listen in on. And will continue to do so.

Bingo.

I remember (accurately, I hope) learning about the three separate-but-equal branches. The way I was taught:

The Legislature passes laws

The Judiciary interprets laws

The Executive enforces laws

I'm much less learned than Mr. Greenwald (at my current age as well as at 11), but this little schematic is enough to make me ask why anyone would accept the White House interpreting--with authority--what is legal?

We have reached the point where I am surprised that we do not have German names for all government agencies.

What, Department of Homeland Security and ICE isn't good enough for you?

I'm reminded of Molly Ivin's remark about a Pat Buchanan (I think) speech; "It was better in the original German".

Even brother Pat is starting to sound like a liberal these days.

Did I hear correctly that David Pryor voted FOR cloture? So far, the only other Democrat I heard who voted for cloture was Nelson (Neb.). The only GOP Senator against has been Specter.

Does anyone listening know of any other party-line deviators?

"..companies should never "second-guess" the "judgment of the President regarding what's legal" "

Is this not one of the defining characteristics of a fascist state?

Nein

Cool. A defector from the R's.

Landrieu voted for cloture.

Ja.

Pryor, Aye

Cloture not agreed to.

Landrieu also voted "aye", along with Nelson (NE).

By my count, the "noes" have 45 -- cloture did not pass!

WOOOOHOOOO!

Thanks to everyone who called, wrote, or emailed.

For today, at least the rule of law still stands!

"That isn't too unreasonable"

"People are crying wolf a little too often".

How embarrassing you are, Harry.

I see. I take your point, and thanks for responding.

Just hoping for a glimmer of light.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwH2bzrdLdc

Dana Perino repeated the FISA renewal lie and another Salon writer picked it up and repeated it without critical comment. I am glad we have Mr. Greenwald to sort through all this mess with a scalpel and figure out the truth.

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/01/28/perino/index.html

Thanks Glenn!

click on the link below for the above mentioned article.