Today, USA Today broke the story that the NSA has been secretly collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans, as part of Bush’s warrantless wiretapping program. This is big, of course. A report that it isn’t just “targetted surveilance” of people dealing with known terrorists. But again, stories of the Bush administration’s criminal activities have broken before, and nothing ever comes of it.
But then I notice that CNN is leading with the story as well. So is MSNBC. So is Fox News (sorta). So are CBS and ABC. Could it be? Could we finally have reached the tipping point? Is the media actually going to step up and start doing their job? Could the American people start getting pissed off enough to do something about this and take back their country?
Sadly, the answer is no. Buried on the CNN page is the following story, which is bigger and much more critical than the NSA database story:
Domestic Spying Inquiry Killed:
“The government has abruptly ended an inquiry into the warrantless eavesdropping program because the National Security Agency refused to grant Justice Department lawyers security clearance.”
Yes, folks — the investigation into the crime is over, because the criminals have said that the investigators are not allowed to investigate.
…and there the story sits, quietly unnoticed in the surrounding furor.
It’s all over, folks.
The Republic has fallen.
Holy shit. That is absolutely ludicrous…
D.
I…I don’t know how to respond.
I’m beyond anger at this point and am edging towards panic.
Honestly, all I can say right now is if that is the Republic, then riddance.
Give Not an Inch
Our nation is not beyond redemption.
Rather than discourage you, this story should stoke the flame of your anger.
It time to take a stand. Take the stories of the NSA abuses, and send them to your Senators and Representatives. Tell you friend to do the same. Bury them in emails and letters. Don’t wait to cry out in November, take a stand now. Support those you think will make a difference.
May we, the sain, clear thinking, and angry people of these United States stand as one against the wave of demagoguery and zealotry of the twisted right. I admit in the last election, I did not do all that I could to keep Bush from a second term. Never again will I take such matters so lightly, Never again. Only when we are all swept away in the destructive crescendo of the end of Western Civilization shall I admit failure; until then, give not an inch.
and how exciting that the former NSA director is possibly going to be the next head of the CIA! Joy! Rapture! I’ll sure trust that he won’t be allowing any secret prisons or torture in his spy game!
Re: Give Not an Inch
I have found that emailing senators and representatives is alot like online customer service: you are given a dropdown menu of subjects. If your subject isn’t listed, you select the closest thing. Two weeks later, you get a bot generated response that is a canned reply to whatever issue seems closest and has absolutely nothing to do with what you were writing about. Nobody is reading this stuff. They just keep tabs on how many messages come in about predetermined subjects.
Three years ago, I was getting confirmation in 24 hours and responses written by people. I know they were interns or aides writing a response following certain guidelines, but at least the messages were being read. Not that I don’t persist, just that I think noone cares in DC.
Gareth,
Would you share you email with me? Or just email me? I have something to send you.
Star
theemergence at earthlink dot net
gmskarka at sbcglobal dot net
I’m fricking gobsmacked.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?
CU
Re: Give Not an Inch
My Senators are John “Your Civil Liberties Won’t Help You When You’re Dead” Cornyn, and Kay Bailey “The K stands for Krony” Hutchison. My Congressman is (for the moment still) Tom DeLay.
Writing them serves absolutely no purpose. I’m a Democrat in Texas and therefore, at the moment, voiceless.
Re: Give Not an Inch
That is why I say both email and send letters.
I’ve found that a letter is taken a little more seriously.
At least you get a signed response sometimes.
It is something to do until the campaigning begins. Hit them where they care by supporting your candidates, and constantly bringing up the current regime’s crimes and shortcomings. Take every opportunity to throw it in there face.
I say this because I am sick of hoping that we get it right. It is time to take a stand and do something. I don’t feel like giving up, and letting the fundies plow me under.
I feel like fighting. Nothing of worth is ever achieved without sacrifice and hard work. If destroying this madness means cutting my free time, so be it.
Re: Give Not an Inch
Texas? Ouch.
My knowledge of the Texas political scene is limited to the minions of the regime that you have pointed out.
All I can tell you is to go to your local Democratic Headquarters and ask what you can do to help.
Here’s what CNN’s wild-eyed, unhinged, leftist, islamofascist-loving moonbat Jack Cafferty had to say on the whole issue:
You can read the rest here. It’s worth it.
I’ve loved Jack Cafferty ever since I was little — he was a local anchor in NYC.
Re: Give Not an Inch
Already on it. Believe me.
Hail Caesar.
It was always just a matter of time. Thbbbt!!!
And let us render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. In this case it should be a shiv between the ribs during the Ides.
I am not surprised. I bet they’ve been doing it since the telephone was invented. It just makes the news these days, when 20 years ago, no one would have heard anything about it.
Hey, I’m a Republican (nominally since the NJ Democrats are increasely anti-labor and small business) and this disgusts me.
This current regime doesn’t represent what the party of Lincoln stands for. We want low taxes, home rule, fiscal responsibility and the ability to talk dirty to our SOs or whoever we damn well please on the phone without some FBI agent getting all hot and bothered with us. Sadly, the national ‘leadership’ has hijacked us.
And if anyone you know thinks this monitoring is a good idea, suggest to them this:
Record every conversation you have this month, and give it to your best friend to listen to. Also, print out your phone bill, your pay checks, etc, and let them have copies. Oh, and unlimited access to your computer.
What, don’t trust your best friend?
Then why the hell are you trusting some mouth breathers in DC who haven’t driven you home when you were drunk, introduced you to your SO or made sure you didn’t get stranded in a snowstorm?
I’m at Panic’s Door, holding it open for you.