Andrew from the Liberal OC, impatient with how long it’s been taking to get the blue blog back up (which I hear is mainly the fault of “Go Daddy,”) asked me to post this here for him. I’ve been too busy to post lately because of my concert tomorrow, the filming of the video for the Debbie Cook song this week, and a health care guest editorial which should be in the Register tomorrow or next Sunday. You-all are doing fine without me though – CARRY ON!
WHERE WE CAN GO FROM HERE by Andrew Davey
I know, I know. It’s been a tough week for all of us who care deeply about our Constitution, the foundation of our republic. And yes, I know what’s made this week tougher was Barack Obama’s agreeing to this capitulation to Bush-Cheney. So what do we do now? Where can we go? How can we put this disappointment behind us?
First off, I know some here have been uncomfortable seeing us argue over the FISA Amendments Act. But you know what? It’s not always a bad thing when all of us don’t agree with Obama on everything.
While I strongly disagree with Obama’s stance on the final FISA Amendments Act, I’m glad that there has been open discussion of this here and at other progressive/Democratic communities. Obviously, many of us ARE distressed & disappointed over this. While we all understand that sometimes we have to compromise to get at least some of what we want, I just think that the Constitution is something we should NEVER compromise on.
And no, I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. That’s why
it’s important for us to have an open discussion on this. After all,
haven’t we all hated seeing how the Bush-Cheney regime has always
crushed dissent? And how the GOP “dittohead” footsoldiers never
question their own leaders on anything?
We’re Democrats (and Independents, and Greens, and others, and even
ex-Republicans), and we’re supposed to be better than that. We’re the
ones who are supposed to be questioning authority. We’re the ones who
are supposed to hold our leaders’ feet to the fire. We’re the ones who
are supposed to strive to make things better for everyone.
So are we all still united to elect Obama this fall? Sure. But will we
all agree with everything he does? No. And are we supposed to blindly
accept everything he says? I don’t think so.
OK, so now we all understand the value of open discussion. But hey, open discussion doesn’t get Democrats elected! I know that. That’s why it’s also important that we move on to working hard to ensure we don’t see any more disappointments like this in the coming months and years.
And how can we do this? We can get involved with the Democratic Party in our communities. By electing more & bettter Democrats, we’re doing our part to ensure we won’t see any more massive failures to protect & defend our Constitution. So by volunteering and contributing, we can do a whole lot to take back our country.
Also, why not reward those who have been fighting the good fight all along? Help the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation fight this horrid FISA capitualtion in court. Believe it or not, we still have a chance to have our say in court. And since this bill is NOT a Constituional Amendment, we have at least a decent chance of overturning this heinous violation of our Fourth Amendment privacy rights.
Oh yes, and let’s also remember to reward the great Democrats that stood with us the whole time? Remember Chris Dodd. Remember the Blue America candidates. Remember Russ Feingold. Remember Barbara Boxer. Oh, and remember Hillary Clinton! She didn’t have to stand with us, but she did. She’s showing her true-blue colors now as a progressive warrior. But hey, if you don’t want to give there, give here.
And finally, let’s not forget about our nominee. While he disappointed us on the final vote, Barack Obama did support all the important amendments that would have improved the bill. And as President, he’s promising us that he will work to improve this legislation. So yes, let’s hold him accountable & make sure he keeps his promise. And at the same time, let’s all work our patooties off to ensure he becomes President so we can actually hold him to that promise! 🙂
Andrew my fellow blogger.
Help the ACLU???????????
I have no problem with brother Vern posting your opinion on the Juice blog while ours is down but I must take you to task for promoting the ACLU.
Wow! My failure to double check spelling can surely cause problems. Your site is down not ours.
What I wish for Andrew & Vern, is that the DNC & the ACLU would stop cherry picking which parts of the Bill of Rights and The Constitution they were going to support. To be fair, The Republicans too!
It supposed to be a LIMITED government, by, of and for, the people. Let’s all try to remember that. The abuse of power by both parties is disgusting immoral and illegal. It should stop now, but the best we can hope for is that its growth is at least slowed down. Both parties should commit as planks this policy and really mean it. They both should promise the American people that they will work together to see it becomes reality.
Oh right, that’ll happen…NOT!
Carl. Your family just called to say that you forgot to take your meds this morning.
I will agree that both parties need to shape up. What is the latest Congressional approval rating? Nine percent (9%)? And that’s a gift!
Larry,
Nope, we started the pub crawl early here 😉
What I wish for Andrew & Vern, is that the DNC & the ACLU would stop cherry picking which parts of the Bill of Rights and The Constitution they were going to support.
I got nothin’ to do with the DNC, who as far as I can tell don’t care about this eavesdropping issue. And I don’t know about Andrew, but I do support your right to bear arms, Carl, if that’s what you’re thinking about. And you guys don’t know the ACLU.
Mr. Overmeyer,
If you are so concerned and passionate about limited government, perhaps you can start by preaching about the negative effects of ever-increasing involvement by corporate interests. With more and more of these greedy swine at the government trough with each passing day, is it any wonder our government has become the bloated entity it is today?
Andrew –
Go back to your own blog… oh, wait…
Although, at least this wasn’t a cheerleader post.
SMS
I am in the process of writing a piece on the resources that are wasted on the elections. Time, money the whole mess. It will be a multi part post, since I plan on updating it while the election cycle continues. Ending shortly after the final paperwork is filed after the elections. I hope it will be enlightening for all of us.
ps I have spoken before about the farewell address by Pres Eisenhower, he was very correct…
Andrew,
You are welcome here while your site is down and thereafter! I enjoyed your post. And it reminded me that I need to send in my renewal fee as a proud member of the ACLU.
*rollseyes* Oy vey!
SMS
Here’s a link to join the ACLU:
https://secure.aclu.org/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1061&s_src=UNW080001C00&s_subsrc=donationpage
Here’s an even better to link to become a monthly donor, which I have been since November 2004:
https://secure.aclu.org/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=3921&s_src=UNV080001C00
Vern. As they say in sports “after further review” I can name one positive victory for the ACLU. Yes, it’s true!
The Pruneyard Shopping Center in San Jose where they defended our First Amendment Rights to carry petitions and gather signatures as per the following Internet text:
“1980 Prune Yard Shopping Center v. Robins A victory for freedom of expression. The Court rejected shopping mall owners’ claim that their
property rights compelled reversal of the California Supreme Court’s requirement that a shopping center allow distribution of political
pamphlets on its premises.”
I have referenced that case whenever we have been challenged by ‘strip mall” management. Some stores now have a box similar to the on-deck circle at baseball games where we can stand without disturbing the shoppers. Don’t go over the line and follow them in or out of the stores