Obama's NEW FISA Statement

[cali]

I strongly oppose retroactive immunity in the FISA bill.

Ever since 9/11, this Administration has put forward a false choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we demand.

The FISA court works. The separation of power works. We can trace, track down and take out terrorists while ensuring that our actions are subject to vigorous oversight, and do not undermine the very laws and freedom that we are fighting to defend.

No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people - not the President of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless surveillance program. We have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed.

That is why I am co-sponsoring Senator Dodd's amendment to remove the immunity provision. Secrecy must not trump accountability. We must show our citizens – and set an example to the world – that laws cannot be ignored when it is inconvenient.

A grassroots movement of Americans has pushed this issue to the forefront. You have come together across this country. You have called upon our leaders to adhere to the Constitution. You have sent a message to the halls of power that the American people will not permit the abuse of power – and demanded that we reclaim our core values by restoring the rule of law.

It's time for Washington to hear your voices, and to act. I share your commitment to this cause, and will stand with you in the fights to come. And when I am President, the American people will once again be able to trust that their government will stand for justice, and will defend the liberties that we hold so dear as vigorously as we defend our security.

[rateyes]

1. And, if a filibuster is necessary, Mr. Obama,

we expect both you and Ms. Clinton to do some talking as part of that filibuster.

[Perky]

2. Gobama!!

[CoffeeCat]

3. Barack Obama is a Constitutional Scholar...

He taught Constitutional Law, as well as other law classes, at the University of Chicago.

Obama dedicated his life to educating students about the importance of our Constitution. He
cherishes it and he understands the Constitution inside and out.

It is refreshing and uplifting to know that his knowledge and his commitment to our Constitution
and our rights---will be parlayed into votes and policies that preserve our Constitution.

I don't think many people realize how deep and profound Obama's commitment to our Constitution is.

It guides his stances on issues, and he is hell bent on honoring our Founding Fathers and preserving
our democracy. I am so inspired by his commitment to placing the power back into the hands of "We
the People".

Obama is also dedicated to restoring Habeas Corpus, after Bush and Gonzales stripped it away. As it
stands right now, our government can arrest you and it doesn't have to produce a "body of evidence"
against you, if it doesn't feel like it. That's what Bush did. Obama wants to change that.

He also wants Guantanamo closed yesterday, the signing statements to end and the "Unitary Executive"
mindset dumped. He will advocate to end these illegal wiretaps, and make it clear to the American
public that we don't need to sacrifice our freedoms to be safe.

Our Constitution is in good hands with a President Obama. His knowledge and commitment to the Constitution
was my primary reason for supporting him. If you have a President who not only "gets it" but is a expert
on the Constitution---so many of the BushCo wrongs will be righted the day that person takes office.

Very, very pleased to hear this and I look forward to more stellar, patriotic decisions like this from Obama.

[whatchamacallit]

4. Good. n/t

[Cant trust em]

5. Great. I love it when candidates remember that they're senators

They still have votes to cast.

[JuniperLea]

6. 11 eom

[Blarch]

7. He made the right choice