I Know It's Bad Form (4.00 / 2)

to quote virtually an entire post.  But, this is about something just a little bit bigger.

Again, Jane's Diary: here
Glenn's: here
Edwards: john@johnedwards.com

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:49:25 PM CST

I don't get it (0.00 / 0)

I understand the sentiment, but I just don't see how Edwards can be expected to drop campaigning and go back to DC for an indefinite period of time. This doesn't sound remotely rational or reasonable.

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by: Semblance @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 20:02:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It's Not Indefinite--FISA Extension Expires Feb 1 (4.00 / 4)

The Democrats planned to pass a simple 18-month extension.  The GOP wants to force them to accept Telco immunity, by blocking the extension, and then calling them terra-ist lovers.  The whole scheme will fall apart is the Dems will simply stand up together and denounce it.  Almost the only way that can conceivably happen is with attention from the Democratic campaigns.

And, of course, with all that talk about leadership on the campaign trail, it will ring mighty hollow if they all take a pass on actually showing some leadership, rather than simply talking about it.

This could all be over very quickly if the candidates jump on it.

Oh, yeah, and the GOP could be totally toast for November, too.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 20:10:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Bumper sticker (4.00 / 4)

Edwards made a great start at stopping the fearmongering when he said that the  TERRA threats was bumper sticker policy making, This is his chance to reinforce that message, to go back to Washington and say "It's time we stand up againse this nonsense, and stop using Chicken Little reasoning to discard the Constitution.  There's nothing to be afraid of. And what little we have to fear won't be addressed by having the NSA running a keyword search on your Aunt Minnie."

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by: jackroyd @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:00:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Excellent Point! (4.00 / 2)

You should point this out in your email to Edwards.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:02:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This is snark - right?? (4.00 / 2)

NOW is the time for Obama to show us his marvelous "bringing us all together" skills - and getting rid of all that partisan bickering that is surely the root of all evil in DC. Not the lobbyists money - but bickering.
Surely Obama can do it. He said he could.
So - the Telecom deal should be a snap! for THE ONE.

IIRC - during the past 2 years - and especially since they entered the presidential race - left bloggers have had to beg and push and pull Obama and Hillary into making decisions about certain legislation.

And yet - these are the Centrists that A-list bloggers want to lead our country.

Sticking with Edwards!

 

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by: JoseyJ @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:09:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This is snark - right?? (0.00 / 0)

NOW is the time for Obama to show us his marvelous "bringing us all together" skills - and getting rid of all that partisan bickering that is surely the root of all evil in DC. Not the lobbyists money - but bickering.
Surely Obama can do it. He said he could.
So - the Telecom deal should be a snap! for THE ONE.

IIRC - during the past 2 years - and especially since they entered the presidential race - left bloggers have had to beg and push and pull Obama and Hillary into making decisions about certain legislation.

And yet - these are the Centrists that A-list bloggers want to lead our country.

Sticking with Edwards!

 

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by: JoseyJ @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:09:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This is snark - right?? (0.00 / 0)

NOW is the time for Obama to show us his marvelous "bringing us all together" skills - and getting rid of all that partisan bickering that is surely the root of all evil in DC. Not the lobbyists money - but bickering.
Surely Obama can do it. He said he could.
So - the Telecom deal should be a snap! for THE ONE.

IIRC - during the past 2 years - and especially since they entered the presidential race - left bloggers have had to beg and push and pull Obama and Hillary into making decisions about certain legislation.

And yet - these are the Centrists that A-list bloggers want to lead our country.

Sticking with Edwards!

 

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by: JoseyJ @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:09:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Paul, (0.00 / 0)

I so appreciate you, but I can't for the life of me understand why Edwards should even consider it, let alone respond.  He is principled, which could be enough; but it wouldn't for me. 

IF we are suppose to be the voice of the progressive wing of the party, we sure as hell dropped the ball in the collective netroots.  We had a candidate who reached out to us, spoke out for us,  and the collective of liberal bloggers all walked away.  They didn't endorse, fund raise, or create a voice via alternative media to overcome the msm blackout.  We deserve to be taken for granted and ignored by the candidates, Party, and the media because we have proven that we are all bark and no bite.

I may be off the wall on this and totally not understand what these blogs are all about anymore.  I remember the activism for Dean and Lamont, and I guess I expected it for Edwards. 

With this, let me also express my appreciation to Open Left.  You, Matt and Sirota are some of my favorites. 

They're asking for another four years -- in a just world, they'd get 10 to 20. ~~ Dennis Kucinich  

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by: dkmich @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 23:45:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

My Letter To Edwards--Eloquence NOT Required (4.00 / 7)

In fact, that's why God invented cut-and-paste:

Dear Senator Edwards,

I am writing to you along with many other online activists to urge you to leave the campaign trail and go back to DC to fight against the threatened passage of FISA bill dictated by George Bush, a FISA bill with retroactive immunity for private phone companies that broke the law and violated citizen's privacy on a massive, unprecedented scale--AND to challenge all other candidates to do the same.

I realize that you cannot participate on the Senate floor, but you can lead the way for others who can.

Rather than TELLING US about how you PLAN to change how Washington works, you can SHOW US NOW!

As Glenn Greenwald wrote today:

The three leading recipients of telecom money for this election cycle are, unsurprisingly, the three sitting Senators running for President (with two Democratic members who are key to amnesty -- Jay Rockefeller and Rahm Emanuel -- close behind). That's how "Washington works" -- the process they are all pledging to battle and change. Needless to say, all of the viable GOP presidential candidates will be blindly supportive of whatever surveillance powers and lawbreaking immunity the President demands, but thus far, Obama and (less emphatically) Clinton have both claimed that they oppose such measures and thus pledged to support a Dodd-led filibuster. But that will have meaning only if there is an active effort on their part. It will be increasingly difficult to listen to Edwards, Obama and Clinton tout their supreme leadership attributes and their commitment to "changing the way Washington works" if they choose to sit by, more or less mute, and allow such a blatant and corrupt evisceration of the rule of law -- and such a vast and permanent expansion of the limitless surveillance state -- to occur without a fight. Any one of them, or all three, has a unique opportunity to actually demonstrate with actions, rather than pretty speeches, their commitment to the principles they claim to espouse.

I urge you--do not hesitate. Now is the time your country needs you. Now is the time for you to act.

Sincerely,

Paul H. Rosenberg
Long Beach, California

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 20:15:18 PM CST

Edwards can be on the Senate floor (4.00 / 4)

Former members do have access to the floor (there might be restrictions, but I know this is a major reason lobby firms pursue retired congresspeople, direct physical access).

It would be symbolic and notable for him to halt his campaign and shame the big two, showing up on the C-Span cameras somewhere in the chamber.  Hell, just hold a press conference in the Senate lobby or something.

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by: Daniel De Groot @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 20:52:24 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Disagree completely (0.00 / 0)

I think that pushing Edwards to push the other to would have the exact opposite intended effect.

When time and again John has made the fact that he has lead on issues central to his campaign, why would the other two follow him so publicly? 

Even without that, what would motivate the other two to follow him?  The press coverage for something like this would not be enough to require action, and if they were going to follow him because its the right thing to do, surely we could convince them without making it so blatantly connected to their campaigns.

I think that if Edwards were to get involved and make a big public appearance it would actually hurt us, by making an issue that should be much more important than a campaign into nothing more than a campaign stunt.

"Keep the Faith"

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by: blue south @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:32:58 PM CST

It's up on my blog and the Drinking Liberally, Oakland Chapter blog... (4.00 / 1)

this give the word to 428 actists to start and all two hundred plus chapters will be getting the word.

The first time Dodd went to the Senate to stop Reid and Co. from fucking the Democatic brand for a generation my post about same generated a ten-fold increase in traffic and a similar increase in comments. The general tenor of the comments was as follows:

It is inconceivable that the American Govt. wants such extensive powers to spy on everyone. Phones are private zones that may cover Medical and Legal issues + the most intimate communications about work, sex, family conflict. We must have the assurance we retain a zone of privacy for these matters.

Do not grant amnesty for those companies that have gone along with this invasion and betrayed their paying customer. We will support Sen Dodd in every action he takes to stop this horrible offense to American law and values.

Rev. Beverly Lawson, JD, M. Div.

And....

Thank you, Senator Dodd. For standing up for the rule of law. I hope that your actions will lead to a groundswell of support across the land, and most importantly, from your fellow Senators. I simply don't comprehend what Sen. Reid is doing here. He owes you and us, all of America, an explanation for why, once again, he is caving to the President. It is simply wrong for the telecoms to receive retroactive immunity for something that apparently no one outside the Administration, aside from Senator Reid, has specific knowledge of.

I include these so that some who visit here and are not quite aware of how many in America feel and think about the issues involved here may realize that the majority are neither uninformed or indifferent about what is being done to our nation by the likes of Rahm, Clinton, Obama, Reid and the rest of the 'SellOut' Caucus. No Congress in my lifetime, of either party, until the arrival of Bush  II would have ever allowed this vile legislation to get this far.

I include Clinton and Obama provisionally and would be more than pleased if they came to D.C., where their jobs as Senator are by the way, and acted like real Americans. Like the generation that taught me that you have to fight for your rights. Every day in every way because there will always be...

Folks who would take or give them away.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

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by: ACitizen @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:48:09 PM CST

John could do this AND run. (4.00 / 1)

I like JRE a lot, he should be President. I hope John continues to expand what is allowed American political dialogue, expanding what is mainstream. Edwards showing up in Washington, telling the cameras whats going on on the Senate floor and calling for the FISA bill to be stopped,--- then going back to work, getting elected President.

I think John could also talk about the Republican efforts to stop people from registering and voting, Republican efforts, including Republican SCOTUS, to broing about voter suppression. I hope John points out this crime, and generally take up Democracy as the only thing that can save the middles class, the working class.

Support democracy to stop corruption. Register to vote now. America needs freedom riders in every state of the land. Registering poor people, registering old folks, registering the sick.

We need John to be President, but because he is the heart and strength of America right now he can use his position to call for these things. It will help his fundraising, as a champion fighting for everyone, he can be, should be, must be supported right to the convention.

Of course, when People come to their senses and Nominate him him as the Democratic Party Candidate for President, He'll will arrive in Washington with a movement behind him and a mandate for real change after a convincing win in the General.

But his effort now to fight the big fights from his position in the race, brilliant.

Go John Go. Our John.

Change
"We must break up the banks and never again let them get so big that they distort our politics and take down the economy.

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by: HousesofProgress @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:57:09 PM CST

Oh jesus (2.67 / 3)

so the list has decided Edwards will be the one true "leader" now that Dodd has dropped out.

And we therefore all must support the most leaderey leader evar, JRE, in his battle against the cowardly Clinton and Obama.

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by: taylormattd @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:59:22 PM CST

Yes! (0.00 / 0)

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

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by: ACitizen @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:18:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

you'll be singing a different tune (4.00 / 1)

Nestor, if JRE doesn't do exactly what teh bloggers demand and they start posting about his lack of leadership.

Of course, if this is anything like the Dodd dog and pony show, it will have already been arranged that Edwards will somehow miraculously answer the bloggers' calls . . .

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by: taylormattd @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:27:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

So You'd Rather Dump On Edwards Than Save Our Freedom (4.00 / 1)

Real strong sense of priorities, there.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:30:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Wrong (0.00 / 0)

This has nothing to do with Edwards. If you people picked Clinton or Obama, it would be no less of an exercise in narcisism.

What I want to see is an actual push to try and stop FISA by targeting all of the candidates, rather than some bullshit pre-ordained dog and pony show wherein one of the candidates is randomly picked as the "leader" who will then allegedly "push" the others.

This type of campaign does nothing but whip people up into a frenzy as Jane, Matt, Digby, Glenn, and DKos breathlessly report 50 times a day on how Candidate X is failing some test of leadership by not to respond to emails and not doing exactly what they demand, when they demand it.

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by: taylormattd @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 01:43:09 AM CST

[ Parent ]

So You Hate The Whole Blogosphere (0.00 / 0)

but missed the part of my post that said:

For more contact information for other campaigns, and to join the FISA fight, go to the original.

I think that's what they call being "blinded by hatred."

Sounds like you're channelling Matt Bai.

Have you considered an exorcism?

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 01:46:34 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Very telling (0.00 / 0)

that when I referred to Jane, Matt, Digby, Glenn, and kos you thought I said "whole blogosphere."

Almost as if you believe those few people constitute the "whole blogoshpere", never mind other blogs or the thousands who read and comment.

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by: taylormattd @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 11:34:22 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Very Telling (0.00 / 0)

That you still missed the part of my post that said:

For more contact information for other campaigns, and to join the FISA fight, go to the original.

Like I said, blinded by hatred.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 12:03:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes (0.00 / 0)

the "original" stupidly and pointlessly annointing JRE teh one true leedar: "Senator Edwards We Need You To Lead".

What is the point of this? To try and get Clinton and Obama to listen regarding FISA? And annointing JRE a "leader" is likely to accomplish this how?

It's nice to see mcjoan seems to be ignoring Jane and Glenn's advice, and simply urging people to contact the candidates and all other Senators who might be able to help support the filibuster.

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by: taylormattd @ Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 02:50:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Well, Edwards Has Been The Most Oppositional (0.00 / 0)

But the origianl Firedoglake diary also has contact info for the other campaigns.

Rather than bitching, why not do something to help preserve our freedoms???

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:27:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Edwards didn't lead when he was in the Senate (0.00 / 0)

What makes you think he will now. He has been running for president for 6 years now. And NAda....zilch...niente...null...
Maybe he will do it to get some press, but I don't see it.

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by: gaiilonfong @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:04:40 PM CST

Be nice if you had a point to make before you.. (4.00 / 1)

..........fired up yer keyboards. But....

I'm not holding by breath.

Note: First term Senators don't 'lead' in the Senate especially if they're blue and the state is red; but....

If you bothered to check out his recored there, instead of reflexively shooting of your big yap,  it's...

....quite a bit better than Obama's in terms of introducing legislation.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

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by: ACitizen @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:17:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"introducing" legislation? (0.00 / 0)

I thought the way Articles I and II of the Constitution worked was that you were supposed to get it enacted into law.  Obama has succeed on that front.  Edwards, not so much.

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by: Adam B. @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:46:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Why the sniping? (4.00 / 2)

You know, if everyone who's being so snarky about whether or not Edwards should be the one to take the lead on this, or whether Obama who stands for change should do it, or whether Clinton who is able to get things done should do it...

Would instead contact all 3 candidates, and spread the word, maybe something might actually happen.  Like it did with Chris Dodd.  I mean, it is only the Constitution, our right to privacy (whatever is left of it), little minor things like that.

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by: Aunt Martha @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 00:28:55 AM CST

Here is my letter: (4.00 / 1)

Dear Senator Edwards,

Senators Clinton and Obama seem to follow your lead on all progressive issues. They've picked up nearly every theme that you have introduced into the campaign so far.

Please raise the issue of retroactive telecom immunity during your campaigning. I wish you were still in the senate to fight it, but you can influence Senators Clinton and Obama to pay more attention to the issue. Consider contacting Senator Dodd to discuss this, since he has excellent ideas on how to fight this blatant example of placing major corporations beyond the reach of law.

Sincerely,

Mark Wallace

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by: Mark Wallace @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 00:31:49 AM CST

Wouldn't even be quixotic (4.00 / 2)

As things stand, Edwards doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell. He's trailing, the media have written him off, he's no longer even remotely viable in caucuses and he lacks the money for a proper nationwide ground campaign of February 5th.

Getting involved in FISA wouldn't solve those problems. But because there is so much going on on Super Tuesday, free media is the single most important thing there is. And the only two ways Edwards can get that is by shooting a man just to watch him die or getting involved in the FISA fight.

All the raw anger he displays on economic issues could be redirected to the FISA fight. He needs to be loud, combative and generally obnoxious towards the Republicans. He needs to kick up a massive fuss and then maybe, just maybe, there might be a tiny chance that he can get back into this. Otherwise he's toast.

Forgotten Countries - a foreign policy-focused blog

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by: Englishlefty @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 02:55:05 AM CST