Where We Can Go from Here

(Proudly cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama, Democratic PartyBuilder, and MyDD)

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?

Follow me after the flip as I discuss where we can go from here...

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 whyit'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 alwayscrushed dissent? And how the GOP "dittohead" footsoldiers neverquestion 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 theones who are supposed to be questioning authority. We're the ones whoare supposed to hold our leaders' feet to the fire. We're the ones whoare supposed to strive to make things better for everyone.So are we all still united to elect Obama this fall? Sure. But will weall agree with everything he does? No. And are we supposed to blindlyaccept 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! :-)

Tuesday Strategy Session: Defending Wes Clark, Stopping "PUMA", Saving the Constitution

(Proudly cross-posted at Democratic PartyBuilder) Hey, everyone! I'd like to start a new tradition here at C4O. I want for us to do a weekly strategy session, when we can all get together and discuss some important action items. So are you ready to join me for our important weekly strategy session? First off, I want us to talk about the new right-wing smear campaign against a promiment "Clintonista for Obama" and good friend of ours, Gen. Wesley Clark. Because Wes Clark isn't afraid to tell the truth about John McCain's dangerous plans to keep our troops mired in Iraq indefinitely, the radical right is now having its friends in the corporate media trash the General. That's why VoteVets now has a peitition up for us to support Wes Clark. But still, what else can we do? Can you help me come up with ideas? In other news, Chris Dodd is asking us to become citizen co-sponsors of his amendment to the FISA compromise bill that would strip retroactive immunity from telecom companies that aided and abetted the Bush Administration in warantless wiretapping. What else can we do to support Dodd? What can we do to save our Fourth Amendment privacy rights? There's a great group up and running on "MyBO" (the Obama campaign's online community) calling on Barack Obama to do the right thing... How can we support their efforts? And finally... We just have to figure out a smart strategy to take care of "PUMA". One of our fabulous community members informed me about Yes to Democracy, a fantastic clearinghouse site where we can get the real facts about what the "PUMA movement" is all about. So what can we do to support their efforts to actually support what Hillary Clinton is calling for us to do? We now have a wonderful group of committed Democrats that's continuing to grow and flourish... But what can we do to take that to the next level? I'd love to have your input. OK, so do you need a quick review of our agends for this week's strategy session. Well, here goes: - Defend Wes Clark Against the Right-wing Smears - Save our Fourth Amendment Privacy Rights - Stopping the "PUMA Madness" Are to ready to help me do something? :-)