This isn't about fighting terrorism. Let's review. The only reason FISA was up for amendment was because the White House and telecoms were caught breaking the law. remember? The republicans first introduced revisions to provide retroactive immunity, broader powers, etc. Dems blocked it. When the Dems took over legislation sans immunity passed, Bush vetoed it. There were a few editorials about, gee, I guess protecting the telecoms is more important that protecting we the people. There is no reason for the Dems to pass this except to let the telecoms they can count on them to protect and serve their corporate masters. Obama could easily oppose this, using the arguments used in 2007.

Posted at June 20, 2008 7:11 PM in response to Obama Backing FISA "Compromise"

Not too many profiles in courage from political appointees, but here's a real one from the public servant area: Eric Schaeffer, who was the head of EPA's office of regulatory enforcement, resigned in protest over the Bush Administration caving in over New Source Review. He was very public about why he quit, (EPA had finally gotten the utility companies to the table to negotiate closing the loophole, then BushAd said, nevermind) Schaeffer called it seizing defeat from the jaws of victory and went to work for NRDC, I think,continuing to fight the good fight from outside govt. (under the clean air act, companies are allowed to continue polluting at pre-clean air act levels until they perform major plant improvements. By calling everything "maintenance" they've avoided compliance for decades.

Posted at June 27, 2007 12:50 PM in response to Profile in Courage: EPA Admin Christie Whitman Resigns Over Principle!!!!

I think this is a mistake. Yes it's funny and at first glance clever, but it is playing along with Cheney's ascertion that he isn't part of the executive branch. It will be used as proof that there is a debate on whether or not the VP is part of the executive. The push back should be, nice try, Dick, but you ARE part of the executive branch and need to comply wiht the law. Remember this is about classified documents Cheney won't provide info about--Rahm has changed the subject.

Posted at June 26, 2007 1:31 PM in response to Rahm's Moment