sending this to my representative. (re: Protect America Act)

[Ineedaride2]

Mr. Marshall,

I was disappointed to say the least when I read that the "Protect America" act had passed. I have never emailed any of my elected officials before, and unfortunately, I choose to email now instead of before the votes on this impending law. Not that it was likely to make any difference.

I typically vote republican, but I have been disillusioned in the last few years by the Republican party. They have seemed hell-bent on "winning" in Iraq and winning the "War on Terror", no matter what the cost is in dollars or in lost freedoms to American citizens, or in lost lives of our fine soldiers.

So I voted for you. A democrat who I felt could help change the way our government, and our country, is headed.

Silly me.

I would LOVE to hear your opinion on why you voted for this bill, and would have those in power be able to investigate and spy upon people for no other reason than they can, and without having to prove that they actually have just cause to wiretap. If the need is truly great, do you really believe a warrant would be difficult to get? EVERY SINGLE TIME a bill comes up that goes against what our founding fathers believe, and what our constitution calls for, it gets passed.

In fact, you don't have to respond to me directly, although that would be fine. I'm only one voter, after all. Why don't you consider this carefully and offer a response on your website, or in the Macon telegraph, or in the Atlanta Constitution. I just want an explanation on why you think you did the right thing, and I know your other constituents would like to know as well. I would love to be proven wrong in my beliefs.

But I don't think I'm wrong. This administration does not need any more power. They can't be trusted with the power they already have. While I wait on a response, I leave you with this.

Please Mr. Marshall, just don't be part of the problem.

[boracay]

"Any who act as if freedom's defenses are to be found in suppression and suspicion and fear confess a doctrine that is alien to America." - President Eisenhower

"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

"Constant apprehension of war has the same tendency to render the head too large for the body. A standing military force with an overgrown executive will not long be safe companions to liberty." - Thomas Jefferson

[Kaj]

[ QUOTE ]
Mr. Marshall,

I was disappointed to say the least when I read that the "Protect America" act had passed. I have never emailed any of my elected officials before, and unfortunately, I choose to email now instead of before the votes on this impending law. Not that it was likely to make any difference.

I typically vote republican, but I have been disillusioned in the last few years by the Republican party. They have seemed hell-bent on "winning" in Iraq and winning the "War on Terror", no matter what the cost is in dollars or in lost freedoms to American citizens, or in lost lives of our fine soldiers.

So I voted for you. A democrat who I felt could help change the way our government, and our country, is headed.

Silly me.

I would LOVE to hear your opinion on why you voted for this bill, and would have those in power be able to investigate and spy upon people for no other reason than they can, and without having to prove that they actually have just cause to wiretap. If the need is truly great, do you really believe a warrant would be difficult to get? EVERY SINGLE TIME a bill comes up that goes against what our founding fathers believe, and what our constitution calls for, it gets passed.

In fact, you don't have to respond to me directly, although that would be fine. I'm only one voter, after all. Why don't you consider this carefully and offer a response on your website, or in the Macon telegraph, or in the Atlanta Constitution. I just want an explanation on why you think you did the right thing, and I know your other constituents would like to know as well. I would love to be proven wrong in my beliefs.

But I don't think I'm wrong. This administration does not need any more power. They can't be trusted with the power they already have. While I wait on a response, I leave you with this.

Please Mr. Marshall, just don't be part of the problem.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dear Mr. Ineedaride2,

Thank you for your letter. Frankly, you were naive to vote for me and think that I would really help change the overall direction our country is heading. And even more so, you were naive to think I really give a rat's ass what the Constitution says.

Your humble servant,
Mr. Marshall

<font color="red">[Nonetheless, good letter. And I concur.] </font>

[iron81]

Washington Post Article

This compeltely flew under my radar, which isn't surprising since the first action on the bill was taken 4 days ago in the Senate (it already passed there). The bill was sponsored by the White House and most of the votes in favor came from Republicans. It barely passed the house. Here's the key provisions of the bill:

- The NSA is not required to get a wiretap warrant for communications that are entirely overseas but travel through America en route. I like this part

- The NSA is not required to get a wiretap warrant to use communications Americans make with foreigners if the NSA believes that the communication is related to a terrorism investigation. ROFL

- At Democratic insistence, the bill expires in 6 months.

[DING-DONG YO]

Excellent letter