Sun
Aug 5 2007
01:53 pm
Why Did Congress OK More Spying?
By: Joe P.

I've never made a blog entry here, but this particular blog seems like the best forum to take my questions about what happened in Congress this weekend.

I'm referring to the passage, demanded by President Bush, of continuing to expand some questionable surveillance programs. I admit to having hopes they would be able to adjourn without voting on the bill, but realizing it would likely pass since this President seems to get from Congress whatever he wants or ignores them whenever he wants.

The always outspoken critic of the administration, Glenn Greenwald, writes about some of the same things the passage brought to my mind, but I have others too for your consideration.

Why was this bill not fought and debated as intently as the recent Iraq War funding debate? Was that just theatrics after all?

Why are Democrats (those who voted Yes are listed in Greenwald's article) caving to the President? Or was it caving in at all? Is this why Congress' approval ratings are so low?

I know the FISA bill has a limited lifespan, but once policies are made into law, they seldom end. I'm just not very happy with this approval and have been hoping that Congress would provide less approval, even if that means stalling the entire legislative agenda.

Not that I consider aggressive intelligence-gathering bad, far from it. But it sure seems like both the intelligence groups and the Attorney General's office have done a truly botched job in the last 6 years - so how can Congress justify expanding the roles of both groups?

Topics:
R. Neal's picture

I see Cooper and Davis voted

Submitted by R. Neal on Sun, 2007/08/05 - 11:14pm.

I see Cooper and Davis voted for this latest affront to the Constitution. Nice. I am getting a little tired of the Blue Dogs. And maybe I have to take back everything nice I might have suggested about the DLC.

Tamara Shepherd's picture

Baffling

Submitted by Tamara Shepherd on Sun, 2007/08/05 - 11:39pm.

Hi, Joe. Because you say you've never made a blog here before, I just wanted to chime in to assure you that you likely failed to get many comments here because we're all as baffled as you are (I know I was). Some of us are likely exhausted from rants, too. Sigh.

Joe P.'s picture

well thanks

Submitted by Joe P. on Mon, 2007/08/06 - 12:36am.

Tam, i think you make a good point -- it is rather perplexing and no simple issue to resolve. i was just thinking aloud and thought it suitable to ponder on this page for a change.

i do think there were some decent gains in the legislative agenda - from minimum wage hikes to better and more funding to protect our shipping ports. i also admit to wanting the brakes slammed on the current direction of US policies, and it is simply going to take much time to slow down the hurtling engines and devise better plans.

bizgrrl's picture

Link broken, see Glenn

Submitted by bizgrrl on Mon, 2007/08/06 - 6:46am.

Link broken, see Glenn Greenwald article at Salon.com for 8/4/2007.

Carole Borges's picture

It's purely political and maybe not so bad..

Submitted by Carole Borges on Mon, 2007/08/06 - 8:02am.

Irregardless of how cut and dried issues seem to be, the mechanics of politics (because it usually involves opposite points of views) demands compromise and very knowledgeable timing. As much as I wish the Democrats could simply stand up and say a big fat NO on anything connected to this immoral war, I realize they do understand the affect that might have on voters.

If they lose this election we could be (ooh, please God no!)facing a Republican future. If they win both the House and Senate though, they will be able to excercise more bold moves. If they win the presidency things will change big time.

Knowing how to "play politics" often means you only get part of what you want. Nancy Pelosi is a smart politician, so is Clinton. In spite of wishing the Democratics had simply defunded the entire war, I think their willingness to vote for money for the troops, but hold back on the war funding part, might be a wise move. It hasn't really disenchanted me--yet.

Many of the things the Democrats have already achieved have impressed me. More will come. The thing now is to get as many Democrats elected as possiible.

Not all the Democrats who will vote in the upcoming elections are as adamant as I am about ending the war and leaving Iraq to fight its own civil war. I have to accept that.

Knowing how to play politics is one skill I think some people often overlook when choosing a candidate.

Terry Troll's picture

Well, I reviewed the vote

Submitted by Terry Troll on Mon, 2007/08/06 - 8:08am.

Well, I reviewed the vote and Mary Landrieu just lost mine. I have been thinking Socialist anyway.

Joe P.'s picture

link fixed

Submitted by Joe P. on Mon, 2007/08/06 - 9:18am.

thanks for the heads up, bizgrrl.

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