This is probably one of the most important issues of this election. The next President will likely be able to affect our nation's future long after he loves office. How, you might ask?
Easy. It's called THE SUPREME COURT! In the last eight years, the court has decided on everything from women's reproductive rights to climate change to workplace discrimination to human rights to election results. And since the next President may very well appoint 2 or 3 or 4 or even 5 new Supreme Court Justices, it's crucial that we know what kind of judges the next President will appoint.
John McCain says he wants to appoint more "strict constructionist" judges like Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia, which would mean a hard-right shift in the court that could take away a woman's right to choose, dismantle labor and environmental and anti-discrimination laws, roll back the Bill of Rights, and allow a more "Imperial Presidency" that centralizes power in the Executive Branch. Barack Obama, on the other hand, would like to appoint judges that respect our Constitutional rights as well as balance of power and federal and state regulatory rights. The difference between Obama and McCain couldn't possibly be clearer here.
So what do we want? More erosion of the Bill of Rights? Another President who thinks he's above the Constitution? Another President that appoints judges who put extremist ideology over the principle of equal justice under the law? Or do we want real change?
Don't be fooled by McCain's "maverick" talk. His judicial philosophy is no different from Bush's. That's why Barack Obama is our only choice for real justice and real respect of our Constitution.
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Are You a Constitution Voter?
I am. Protecting our civil liberties and the U.S. Constitution are the most important political issues to me. That's why I've joined ACLU supporters from all across the country by ordering a free "I'm a Constitution Voter" bumper sticker.
This is a way to make sure people understand that, as America elects new leaders, there's nothing more important than protecting the Constitution. If you cherish the Constitution and the fundamental freedoms it protects, declare in public your personal commitment to constitutional rights.
Sign the ACLU's "I'm a Constitution Voter" pledge and get your free "I'm a Constitution Voter" bumper sticker now. The ACLU will deliver the pledge to candidates by October 15th to show just how many people want our elected leaders to stand up for the Constitution.
The Patriot Act. Assaults on religious liberty. Bush's repeated assaults on reproductive freedom. Warrantless wiretapping of innocent Americans. Massive invasions of privacy in the name of the war on terror. Guantánamo Bay. Abu Ghraib. Reckless assertions that the President is above the law. None of these could have happened if our government respected the Constitution and the rule of law. And none of them would have lasted this long if Congress had the political courage to defend the Constitution. That's why we've got to make our commitment to the Constitution absolutely clear to those who want to lead America into the future.
Sign the "I'm a Constitution Voter" pledge and get your free bumper sticker now.
This is a way to make sure people understand that, as America elects new leaders, there's nothing more important than protecting the Constitution. If you cherish the Constitution and the fundamental freedoms it protects, declare in public your personal commitment to constitutional rights.
Sign the ACLU's "I'm a Constitution Voter" pledge and get your free "I'm a Constitution Voter" bumper sticker now. The ACLU will deliver the pledge to candidates by October 15th to show just how many people want our elected leaders to stand up for the Constitution.
The Patriot Act. Assaults on religious liberty. Bush's repeated assaults on reproductive freedom. Warrantless wiretapping of innocent Americans. Massive invasions of privacy in the name of the war on terror. Guantánamo Bay. Abu Ghraib. Reckless assertions that the President is above the law. None of these could have happened if our government respected the Constitution and the rule of law. And none of them would have lasted this long if Congress had the political courage to defend the Constitution. That's why we've got to make our commitment to the Constitution absolutely clear to those who want to lead America into the future.
Sign the "I'm a Constitution Voter" pledge and get your free bumper sticker now.
Friday, July 11, 2008
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! :-)
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! :-)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
BELATED Weekly Strategy Session: Where Do We Go From Here?
Hi, everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't been around much lately. I've been violently ill since Monday night, and I'm just now beginning to rediscover life outside my front door.
So anyways, let's talk about what's been happening this week while I've been suffering on my sickbed. First off, the horrid "FISA Amendments Act" capitulation crap passed. And worse yet, our nominee Barack Obama voted for it. So will this HUGE mistake of his prevent me from
supporting him? No! But has it been dampening my enthusiasm? No doubt it is!
So what should we do to hold Obama accountable while continuing to support him against John McBush? I really need your help here. Should we write to him asking why he broke his promise to us? Should we take some of that extra money we were planning to send him and give it to Hillary instead? After all, Hillary did the right thing and opposed the fonal bill while Barack ultimately agreed to the capitulation to Bush on FISA.
And while we're talking about Democrats doing the right thing, let's expand on this thought. While this blog is dedicated to electing Barack Obama as our next President, we certainly refuse to stop there. We also want to send more progressive Democrats to both houses of Congress, more Democrats like Hillary Clinton with real courage & backbone, who will hold President Obama's feet to the fire and pass the legislation that he's promising to make into law. So now, I want to ask you... Who else should we be supporting here?
We'll certainly always have Hillary's back... She's earned our respect many times over. But still, who else should we be pushing for? Which Democratic House & Senate candidates do you like that we should take a closer look at? Which organizations supporting Democratic Congressional candidates should we give a thumbs-up to? Since C4O is your community as much as it's mine, I'm opening the floor to all of you. Which candidates and organizations should we support in order to elect more "Hillary Clinton Democrats" to Congress?
OK, so are you game for this week's strategy session? Need a quick review? That's fine. I'll remind you what's on the agenda:
- What to do with Barack now, after the FISA disappointment
- Supporting Hillary for getting FISA right
- How to elect more Democrats to Congress who will show real strength, just like Hillary
Get it? Got it? Great! Let's start the session!
So anyways, let's talk about what's been happening this week while I've been suffering on my sickbed. First off, the horrid "FISA Amendments Act" capitulation crap passed. And worse yet, our nominee Barack Obama voted for it. So will this HUGE mistake of his prevent me from
supporting him? No! But has it been dampening my enthusiasm? No doubt it is!
So what should we do to hold Obama accountable while continuing to support him against John McBush? I really need your help here. Should we write to him asking why he broke his promise to us? Should we take some of that extra money we were planning to send him and give it to Hillary instead? After all, Hillary did the right thing and opposed the fonal bill while Barack ultimately agreed to the capitulation to Bush on FISA.
And while we're talking about Democrats doing the right thing, let's expand on this thought. While this blog is dedicated to electing Barack Obama as our next President, we certainly refuse to stop there. We also want to send more progressive Democrats to both houses of Congress, more Democrats like Hillary Clinton with real courage & backbone, who will hold President Obama's feet to the fire and pass the legislation that he's promising to make into law. So now, I want to ask you... Who else should we be supporting here?
We'll certainly always have Hillary's back... She's earned our respect many times over. But still, who else should we be pushing for? Which Democratic House & Senate candidates do you like that we should take a closer look at? Which organizations supporting Democratic Congressional candidates should we give a thumbs-up to? Since C4O is your community as much as it's mine, I'm opening the floor to all of you. Which candidates and organizations should we support in order to elect more "Hillary Clinton Democrats" to Congress?
OK, so are you game for this week's strategy session? Need a quick review? That's fine. I'll remind you what's on the agenda:
- What to do with Barack now, after the FISA disappointment
- Supporting Hillary for getting FISA right
- How to elect more Democrats to Congress who will show real strength, just like Hillary
Get it? Got it? Great! Let's start the session!
Some of Us Care
The media have spent the last days or so deconstructing the secret coded messages being sent by the Obama campaign and his VP search:
Obama Stirs Some Intrigue Over VP Search
Obama, Clinton raise New York cash and V.P. speculation
Veepstakes: Meeting with the Vetters
Vetting Undercover
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Or they're talking about the Rev. Jesse Jackson:
First Thoughts: The Jesse Jackson Flap
Treacherous Sound Bite
It's Jackson vs Jackson on 'Ugly' and 'Demeaning' Obama Remarks
Jesse Jackson Apologizes for Remarks on Obama
I live overseas, but I have a feeling that more people saw discussions of the political implications of Rev. Jackson's desire to castrate Obama or images of Sen. Obama entering DC office buildings for top secret meetings than saw debates over FISA and Senator Obama's flip-flop.
Some of us haven't forgotten Obama's flip-flop and we haven't stopped talking about it. It's not just the Clintonistas who are angry (but I think we're the only ones enjoying the anguish of the Obama people). I was surpised to come across this blog post at Barack Obama's community blog website. Here's an excerpt. It's worth a visit, even if you aren't supporting Senator Obama. (I understand how difficult it is to visit that website. This Clintonista's stomach turns every time he visits Hopeland.)
Obama Stirs Some Intrigue Over VP Search
Obama, Clinton raise New York cash and V.P. speculation
Veepstakes: Meeting with the Vetters
Vetting Undercover
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Or they're talking about the Rev. Jesse Jackson:
First Thoughts: The Jesse Jackson Flap
Treacherous Sound Bite
It's Jackson vs Jackson on 'Ugly' and 'Demeaning' Obama Remarks
Jesse Jackson Apologizes for Remarks on Obama
I live overseas, but I have a feeling that more people saw discussions of the political implications of Rev. Jackson's desire to castrate Obama or images of Sen. Obama entering DC office buildings for top secret meetings than saw debates over FISA and Senator Obama's flip-flop.
Some of us haven't forgotten Obama's flip-flop and we haven't stopped talking about it. It's not just the Clintonistas who are angry (but I think we're the only ones enjoying the anguish of the Obama people). I was surpised to come across this blog post at Barack Obama's community blog website. Here's an excerpt. It's worth a visit, even if you aren't supporting Senator Obama. (I understand how difficult it is to visit that website. This Clintonista's stomach turns every time he visits Hopeland.)
Today was a dark day indeed. Our candidate, the candidate of change “we can believe in,” certainly changed his position on filibustering a terrible FISA bill that added new categories of warrantless surveillance and granted immunity to the big telecom companies complicit in the Bush administration’s warrantless spying.
Instead of offering strong, principled leadership on this issue, and using his power as the Democratic nominee to bring along the minority of Democratic Senators who supported this atrocious legislation, he and they joined the solid Republican bloc to ratify the most egregious aspects of the Bush administration’s approach to warrantless surveillance and enable an immunity deal that will in all likelihood forever prevent the public from learning the full truth behind Bush’s illegal domestic spying. We’re talking about a Democratic Congress here – facing a Republican president and a Republican party experiencing historically low public approval ratings!
SNIP
Today’s vote was also a personal blow to millions who believed that Sen. Obama was a different kind of politician. The members of this group are only the tip of the iceberg.
Monday, July 7, 2008
ACTION ALERT: Call Harry Reid & Ask Him to Save Our Privacy Rights!
This just in from DFA... Here's another thing we can do to save our 4th Amendment rights!
Clintonistas for Obama Reader-
Today may be our last chance to stop senators from voting to pass the so-called FISA "compromise" bill.
Last week, thousands of us called our own senators. Thousands more DFA members personally delivered our message to senators at their district offices. And tomorrow every senator will receive DFA petition signatures from members in their district demanding they stand up to President Bush and vote against the "compromise."
Yet there is still one person who can stop this bill today: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Call Senator Reid right now and demand he pull the FISA "compromise" bill which will lead to retroactive immunity for telecommunication companies who spied on Americans.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Washington DC: 202-224-3542
If the DC number is busy - Try reaching his district offices:
Reno Office: 775-686-5750
Vegas Office: 702-388-5020
CLICK HERE TO REPORT YOUR CALL
Suggested script:
"I'm calling to ask Senator Reid to use his power as Senate Majority Leader to pull the FISA "compromise" bill from the floor which will ultimately grant retroactive immunity to telecommunication companies who spied on Americans."
This is it. We have stopped President Bush from getting his way and letting AT&T and Verizon of the hook four times.
It is up to us to stop it again.
Thank you for taking action. Thank you for everything you do.
-Charles
Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America
P.S. If you haven't signed the Senate Petition to Stop Telecom Immunity yet or sent it around and asked your friends and family to sign, you still can. We will deliver the signatures first thing tomorrow morning to every Senator right before tomorrow's votes.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN
 |
Clintonistas for Obama Reader-
Today may be our last chance to stop senators from voting to pass the so-called FISA "compromise" bill.
Last week, thousands of us called our own senators. Thousands more DFA members personally delivered our message to senators at their district offices. And tomorrow every senator will receive DFA petition signatures from members in their district demanding they stand up to President Bush and vote against the "compromise."
Yet there is still one person who can stop this bill today: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Call Senator Reid right now and demand he pull the FISA "compromise" bill which will lead to retroactive immunity for telecommunication companies who spied on Americans.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Washington DC: 202-224-3542
If the DC number is busy - Try reaching his district offices:
Reno Office: 775-686-5750
Vegas Office: 702-388-5020
CLICK HERE TO REPORT YOUR CALL
Suggested script:
"I'm calling to ask Senator Reid to use his power as Senate Majority Leader to pull the FISA "compromise" bill from the floor which will ultimately grant retroactive immunity to telecommunication companies who spied on Americans."
This is it. We have stopped President Bush from getting his way and letting AT&T and Verizon of the hook four times.
It is up to us to stop it again.
Thank you for taking action. Thank you for everything you do.
-Charles
Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America
P.S. If you haven't signed the Senate Petition to Stop Telecom Immunity yet or sent it around and asked your friends and family to sign, you still can. We will deliver the signatures first thing tomorrow morning to every Senator right before tomorrow's votes.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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? :-)
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