http://www.thestrangebedfellows.com/blogsized.swf
 

According to the New York Times, the FISA deal that has been hatched to expand government surveillance powers and grant immunity to lawbreaking Telecoms could come up for a vote as early as tomorrow. Given the careful coordination that underlies the rollout of this sham, its passage may be a forgone conclusion, but there may be a way to make sure that at least turncoat Democrats face harsh consequences–but only if enough of us get involved.  A new coalition, StrangeBedFellows.com, is raising funds that will be used to target those Democrats who have been complicit in enacting this compromise.  Go to their Website and read about them, learn who they are and what they propose to do and to donate.  Read this interview with three of the founders of this organization (by Simon Owens of Bloggasm) for more information.

 

It may be too late to head this off given the concerted efforts on both sides of the isle to push this abomination through as fast as possible but I hope that you will join me and go down fighting. If you have been calling, keep it up–don’t just phone our Missouri legislators, but hit the Congressional leadership and let them know that they must oppose the passage of H.R.6304, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008.:

–Phone Henry Reid and let him know that we know that he could stop this when it gets to the Senate if he really wanted to and that we will not be taken in if he fails to do so even if he personally votes against it. (Washington Office:  202) 224-3542; Fax:  202-224-7327)

–Let Pelosi know that you will support the woman who is mounting a primary challenge in her California district if she fails to work against this travesty (San Francisco Office: (415) 556-4862; Washington, D.C. Office:(202) 225-4965

FAX: 202-225-4188)

–Let Steny Hoyer know that we know the role he has played in bringing about defeat from earlier victories. (Washington Office:

Phone:(202) 225-4131 Fax:(202) 225-4300)

–Contact Chris Dodd and ask if his promise to filibuster was just a trick to raise money for his presidential campaign. (Washington Office:  (202) 224-2823; Fax:  (202) 224-1083)

–Last but not least, contact our presidential nominee, Senator Obama and let him know that we are waiting for some leadership. Washington Office: Phone (202) 224-2854; FAX: (202) 228-4260  

And I hope that you will also let them all know that you will support the efforts mounted by the new coalition, StrangeBedFellows.com, to make them feel the consequences of taking our civil liberties a la ligere.

To inspire to real rage consider this addition of insult to injury–Missouri’s Republicans are already crowing about their victory. As quoted in the New york Times:

“The lawsuits [against telecoms] will be dismissed,” Representative Roy Blunt of Missouri, the No. 2 Republican in the House, predicted with confidence.

And:

The proposal – particularly the immunity provision – represents a major victory for the White House after months of dispute. “I think the White House got a better deal than they even they had hoped to get,” said Senator Christopher Bond, the Missouri Republican who led the negotiations.

And finally, think about how, if this legislation is enacted and our Democratic Senator, Claire McCaskill, remains consistent and votes for it, we might, as a community,  try to emulate the StrangeBedFellows and raise money for some newspaper ads designed to give her some pain