We are at a watershed

I believe that historians will look back on the next few weeks in American history as a watershed, as the opportunity for Democrats to either restore legitimate constitutional government in the United States or to acquiesce to fear mongering and political blackmail and consent to the insidious and incremental spread of despotism in America.

I find it absolutely incredible that there is even debate about this issue. George W. Bush broke the law, he has publicly said as much. And it is very possible that the big telecoms broke the law as well, which has yet to be determined by court of law. But now Mr. Bush wants to give these possible lawbreakers immunity from the law. That’s what despots do. They hold themselves and their friends above the law.

The Democrats must not fold on this issue. The Democrats must vote not to renew the expanded FISA law and most especially must absolutely not vote to give the telecoms immunity. The future of America --- to say nothing of the Democratic Party --- may well be at stake.

As James Madison said: “I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”