If (and I really mean IF) that is what is going on, the compromise might be something like this: OK, you can have your stupid amnesty for any actions taken within these specified dates, but in exchange, there is no amnesty for anything that happens after January 17th 2007.

If that is the case, then perhaps that's the compromise right there.

No. January, 2007 is when the Bush administration announced it was moving its spying program within the framework of the FISA court (because they got a FISA judge to endorse it). So after that date, they have warrants - it's only for the six years prior that they wanted/needed immunity. No compromise there.

...but let's face it, it's a drop in the bucket compared to what the telecoms are doling out. We need to hit the telecoms where it hurts. Could we start a mass movement to cancel all premium services from these telecoms? Sure, we all need phone and internet service (and most want some form of TV), but I'd be willing to dump the premium TV and movie channels (and suffer the grief from the kids), dump any premium phone services (caller ID, integrated voicemail services, etc.), and let the telecoms know it's because of their outrageous lobbying effort to grab immunity for themselves.

I know, it sounds harebrained, but I'd be willing to do it. We'd need large numbers, but it would really go the source of the problem. The congressman are just whores; it's the telecoms who are the pimps.

I think we'd probably get better vote outcomes with a bunch of untrained button-pushing monkeys than with the trained ones we have now. They get invited to fancy dinners and vote yes. It's probably a little too easy for them to understand.

This IS a compromise bill. Hoyer has compromised both his oath to the Constitution and his duty to his constituents.

Glenn or anybody:

I wish to express my appreciate for all of Glenn's efforts. Now, a question:

The language of the bill has me confused re: the last phrase "...(and is) determined to be lawful."

What if a non-corrupt judge receives such a case. Shouldn't such a judge determine that a crime may have been committed, even though the President authorized it, if the activity fails the test of being "determined to be lawful"?

Why couldn't an honest judge rule that, although authorized by the President, the action wasn't lawful. That would be the opposite of immunity.

No messages can be left. Tried to zero out and get an attendant, but it sent me back into the (full) mailbox. Guess lots of people are complaining in response to this article (or others like it.) Bob Barr is looking more and more like my candidate every day. I'm a pretty disappointed progressive today. I just don't even see the pragmatic value of Obama's endorsement of Barrow? Politics as usual is difficult to swallow from the candidate of change.

This money raising project is good...

...but let's face it, it's a drop in the bucket compared to what the telecoms are doling out.

That's not true. Telecoms are limited by law like everyone else from contributing to campaigns. By taking money of that amount and directing it to a few districts, it is possible to torpedo some of these people.

The terrorist threat level has been raised to orange. Please report any unattended packages or suspicious activity to security personnel. The Department of Homeland Security thanks you for your cooperation.

I'll never forget the chill that went up my spine the first time I heard the phrase (in an airport for you ground travelers) "The Department of Homeland Security thanks you for your cooperation." First, whoever thought of the name "Homeland Security?" Second, the fact that it can "thank you" gives it this sort of omnipotent personification that just scares the bejeezous out of me. 1984 says what it will be like. Now with FISA "modernization" (newspeak anyone?) we are finding out how to get there.

Glenn, the WSJ report (which I saw on TPM) is saying that immunity is condition on presentation of "substantial evidence" to the district court that the PResident authorized, determined to be lawful, yada yada. Now, I'm under no illusions that this could not be easily met, but that's different from the AG certification you're citing. Seems to be different versions of the bill circulating, perhaps?

they sold out our Constitution for fear some all pervasive external enemy and not out of fear they might lose their seat in the next election.

Am I grasping at straws?

Glenn, it was from your blog that I finally saw the light about the MSM and have decided since to boycott all the MSM (I'm 30+ days CNN et al free and still going STRONG). It is also here, and only here, that I've seen real discussion of the FISA issue, and for me the most troubling aspect, retroactive telecom amnesty for lawbreakers. I even donated on actblue.com to fight this issue. But after this so-called "compromise," I'm filing for divorce from the Democratic Party. From this day forward, I consider myself totally and utterly Independent. Please keep up the great work. What an outrage!!

I tried calling his office to place a complaint about this FISA bull shit and got nowhere. They played phone menu tennis for a bit and I would up hearing a message that no one was at home but if I dialed "0" I could leave a message. I dialed "0" and the message said that it was not able to have anyone leave a message. It directed me to his web site which also doesn't allow you to e-mail him. What's this I hear about a different way of doing things?

If he runs the country the same way he's running from my message we are in for four more years of the same...

Dear -- I support NO AMNESTY for telecoms (they knew what they were doing) and no revision to FISA to permit unconstitutional spying on American Citizens. The Military Commissions Act must be repealed. If congress proceeds with this cloak-room, clandestine arrangement to undermine our Constitution through the current "Protection of Persons Assisting the Government" act, we will be forced to consider our own government a rogue element in the society, for it certainly appears no longer interested in either the will or well-being of the citizens who sustain it with their own hard work, blood, sweat and tears. You should all be ashamed of yourselves for entertaining this at all.