Robert Byrd on Senate floor...NSA ILLEGAL SPYING! C-SPAN 2. NOW!

[in_cog_ni_to]

:hi:

[AverageJoe]

1. I hope he argues against spying

After his pro-Bush stance on the SCOTUS nominees, I'm not too sure about the old man.

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. I hear ya! He's on my

shitlist, but he's mad as hell about the NSA illegal wiretapping. :)

[babylonsister]

4. Here's a Byrd petition calling for an investigation:

http://www.byrd2006.com/wiretap/

From Senator Byrd:

I take my responsibility to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution very seriously. Our nation's founding document is a shield of liberty and has protected the rights of our fellow citizens for more than 200 years.

And when individual freedoms are threatened by a measure brought to the Congress, we, as elected servants, have an obligation to defend these freedoms.

The Patriot Act, which was promoted as a law to combat terrorism, is up for renewal. I regret my initial support of this measure, at a time of national uncertainty. Now that it is up for reconsideration, I intend to correct my mistake. And I want you to know why.

The original Patriot Act is a case study in the perils of speed, herd instinct and lack of vigilance when it comes to legislating in times of crisis. It has led to scrutiny of innocent citizens, eavesdropping, sneak and peak searches, and countless other violations of personal liberty.

I did not vote to renew the Patriot Act. I will not support a bill that violates Constitutional liberties.

To read about my opposition to the Patriot Act, click here.

Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." I firmly believe that, and stand by my commitment to protect those liberties.

On the related topic of the illegal wiretaps this Administration is conducting, I have a petition to call for an investigation. Thousands of true American patriots have already signed the Wiretap Petition and I would encourage you to show your support as well.

I thank you for your continuing support.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Byrd
United States Senator

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. I signed it. Thanks. The first sentence angered me though.

I take my responsibility to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution very seriously.

Yet he refused to filibuster ScAlito? *sigh*

[babylonsister]

7. I know; he disappointed me as well, but I think, for the most part,

he's a patriot who felt he was doing his constituents' bidding. To me, there's a lot more good than bad about him when weighed against some DINOs we have to contend with.

[karynnj]

9. My thought too, but maybe he didn't make the connection with Alito

I can't imagine why not. The Patriot act and the wireless spying are more concrete in terms of this issue. Alito is more dangerous and he there for decades.

But it's hard to understand why he didn't join the Alito filibuster and also vote against him.

But it's also hard to understand why Reid just gave a beautiful speech on Feingold - filled with high praise, even though Reid is voting for the Patriot act. The filibuster on this was doomed, but Reid had no problem with it. Yet he apparently was angry at Kerry (mostly) and Kennedy for filibustering Alito - though that could have succeeded and might have led to someone who would back checks & balances more than Alito did.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. He's calling for an investigation.

He's proposing legislation for a non-partisan commission to revue it.

[madokie]

6. I like the old man with the understanding full well that no one can

please everyone. I like the way he flips that wrist and points to the ceiling too. what a snap.

[radio4progressives]

8. thanks for the heads up...

:hi: I caught it in time to hear most of it.. so he introduced a bill to create an (independent ?)investigative committee to look into all these issues?