Exclusive: Senator Chris Dodd Will Put A Hold On Telecom Immunity Bill
Senator Chris Dodd plans to put a hold on the Senate FISA renewal bill because it reportedly grants retroactive immunity to telephone companies for any role they played in the Bush administration's warrantless eavesdropping program, Election Central has learned.
Dodd will send a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this afternoon informing him of his decision. Dodd also plans to put up a page today at his campaign Web site where opponents of the immunity provision can register their opposition.
“Later today Senator Dodd will be sending a letter to Majority Leader Reid informing him that he plans to put a ‘hold’ on a bill that would provide for retroactive amnesty for telecom giants that were complicit in the Bush Administration’s assault on the United States Constitution," Dodd spokesman Hari Sevugan told Election Central. "Senator Dodd said that he would do what he could do to stop this bill, and with this announcement he has again shown that he delivers results.”
By doing this, Dodd can effectively hold up the telecom immunity bill, because bills are supposed to have unanimous consent in the Senate before going forward. One Senator can make it very difficult to bring a bill to the floor by objecting to allowing it to go to a vote.
Dodd's planned action comes amid reports that the Senate Intelligence Committee has reached a deal with the White House on the legislation that would give telephone carriers legal immunity for whatever role they played in the National Security Agency’s domestic eavesdropping program, which was approved by President Bush after 9/11. The White House and the phone companies have been lobbying aggressively for immunity, and the announcement of the immunity deal today dismayed many opponents.
The bill is getting marked up by the Senate Intelligence Committee this afternoon.
Dodd, who has aggressively courted the liberal blogosphere as part of his Presidential run, was being loudly appealed to by top liberal bloggers today to put a hold on the bill. Dodd has for some time now spoken out against the immunity provision but had stopped short of saying that he would exert his power as a Senator to hold up the legislation.
Now, however, he is going to do just that.
More soon.
Late Update: Dodd's new web page petition on this is now live.
Comments (136)
RichM wrote on October 18, 2007 2:28 PM:The man just won my vote.
neo1 wrote on October 18, 2007 2:30 PM:I may have to vote for this guy even if he does have big eyebrows and talk to fast.
(In case you haven't noticed, those are criticisms of Dodd that have been floating around by our dear press corps)
Craig Huber wrote on October 18, 2007 2:31 PM:I won't go quite that far, but he just catapulted himself up into my "top 2".
That's my boy!
theWalrus wrote on October 18, 2007 2:32 PM:Thank you Senator Dodd. (Expect to be Swiftboated in the news tonight).
You can now go and punch Rockefeller in the nose.
Rory wrote on October 18, 2007 2:34 PM:A heartening announcement. Let's see how well he follows through and holds firm when the personal attacks heat up.
Amit Joshi wrote on October 18, 2007 2:34 PM:Originally I'd planned to save my political $$ for the Dem nominee, but I'm sending Dodd's primary campaign some money!
Bad Ass wrote on October 18, 2007 2:34 PM: Praedor Atrebates wrote on October 18, 2007 2:36 PM:It's official with this announcement. Dodd is MY candidate. F*ck the others.
mopper8 wrote on October 18, 2007 2:36 PM:Dodd has climbed all the way up to my #2. Its too the point where, if my #1 guy--Obama--wins, Dodd is my top choice for VP.
I want him on the ticket in some form more and more.
Sagacity wrote on October 18, 2007 2:36 PM:Yes! I'm sending him some cash.
Terp wrote on October 18, 2007 2:39 PM:This dude should run for PRESIDENT or something!
gregor wrote on October 18, 2007 2:40 PM:He gets my vote too.
What a pussy this Rockefeller fella is.
Hatch wrote on October 18, 2007 2:41 PM:Good for Dodd! He remains my 2nd choice after Obama, although I have to admit that I wish Barack had been the one to step up and do this.
Adam wrote on October 18, 2007 2:44 PM:Awesome. If you want a person who stands by what he says, and puts his actions into words, Dodd is proving to be your candidate.
Where is Obama on this issue? Hilary? I expect Edwards will join Dodd on this issue... this is a populist position.
ProDem wrote on October 18, 2007 2:44 PM:Great Work Senator Dodd...U have my support!!
By the way since we're on the subject...Hillary???...Obama???...Senator Clinton???....Senator Obama???..Are you out there???...SIGH..
As usual when America needs you most you're nowhere to be found....
Paul wrote on October 18, 2007 2:44 PM:Obama did nothing.
Hillary did nothing.
Dodd saved the day.
Who's the real leader here?
Anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 2:44 PM:Wundebar!! Excelsior!!!
Whatta guy!
>>for whatever role they played in the National Security Agency’s domestic eavesdropping program, which was approved by President Bush after 9/11
Weren't we just reminded the other day that Bush's secret eavesdropping program began almost as soon as he took office? Does the Senate bill give immunity to the telecoms for their pre-9/11 actions, too?
Chris Dodd is now a Rock star in my book. Yes, send money.
It's hard to believe that Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman represent the same state.
(Well, on second thought, Joe probably doesn't represent CT anymore.)
Would this be effective political strategy? Grant immunity to telecom companies that "instituted warrantless wiretaps on U.S. citizens AFTER the attacks on 9/11." We know from the appeal case for Joseph Nacchio, the CEO of Quest, that Bush began these wiretapping programs before February of 2001. Nine months BEFORE 9/11. This wording would preclude protection for any company that began wiretap programs before that date, which would likely include all the biggies. AT&T, Verizon, Alltel etc.
So since these companies and Bush would object to that language, it would be the perfect thing to get the fact that these programs started before 9/11, into the public attention. When voters learn that Bush/Cheney have been spying on Americans since the day they took office, for political reasons, they'll be less likely to accept it for security reasons.
I'm beginning to think Dodd really is the best candidate out there. He has the courage, and he's very articulate. He doesn't have all the baggage that Hillary does. It's hard to believe that he and Lieberman come from the same state.
Anyone have one handy?
I'd like to call and thank him for his leadership on this critical issue; I think I'll also mention he just got bumped from "possibility" to "leading the pack" for my primary vote.
ProDem wrote on October 18, 2007 2:47 PM:Great work Senator Dodd!! U have my support!!
By the way...just curious...Hillary???...Obama?...Senator Clinton???...Senator Obama???..Are you there????....Sigh..
As usual when America needs you most you can't be found....
netguyct wrote on October 18, 2007 2:49 PM:Sen. Dodd should be a "frontrunner." Why he's not is not really a mystery --media manipulation.
His promise to restore the constitution within one hour of inauguration by Executive Order, his respect for the rule of law (something the nation needs to revisit), his attempts to restore Habeus Corpus (one of the motivations of our own revolutionary war, if not mistaken), and his more aggressive environmental proposals have won my support.
Anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 2:50 PM:Senator Dodd is a hero.
I just sent him $25.
You should too.
workaday joe wrote on October 18, 2007 2:52 PM:Dodd for President in '08. Is it too late to claim residency in Iowa?
anon wrote on October 18, 2007 2:53 PM:Dodd's got balls. Good for him, and for us. And now the all-out assault on him, his integrity, his family, his assets, starts in earnest.
Central Square wrote on October 18, 2007 2:54 PM:
Dodd rocks! AND he's got good genes- his dad prosecuted Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg.
He just got my vote too.
And I live in Iowa as well, so it just might count for something.
And Yet... wrote on October 18, 2007 2:56 PM:He made plenty of sense in the debates I watched. Dodd just got my vote, & 25 bucks.
John Edwards, are you paying attention? wrote on October 18, 2007 2:58 PM:Because one of your competitors for the Democratic nomination has certainly figured out a way to get ours.
Senator Edwards, you are this close to victory in Iowa, which is obviously "sink-or-swim" time for your campaign. Senator Clinton is not unbeatable and Senator Obama is ultimately unelectable. This would be a wonderful time for you to demonstrate to the people that you are ready to lead this country away from the dangerous cliff to which the Bush administration has led us all.
Please evaluate our nation's priorities and seize the opportunity to make a difference.
lambert strether wrote on October 18, 2007 2:58 PM:At long last, a Democrat with a spine.
And Hilbadwards were where on this?
*** crickets ***
Thank you, Senator Dodd.
Gidget Commando wrote on October 18, 2007 3:00 PM:Imagine, a sitting U.S. Senator actually DOING SOMETHING about our eroding Constitution. You know, his JOB??
He just won my vote, too, and my support. If I were in a position to move to an early primary state in time to affect the primaries, I think I would, I'm so impressed.
Clay wrote on October 18, 2007 3:00 PM:I just visited his web site and contributed. Send him $25. You won't feel it that much and if thousands of us do the same, it will send a message to the other (so called) dems.
Dave in ME wrote on October 18, 2007 3:02 PM:He just won my vote for next year and a $100 contribution.
DSmith wrote on October 18, 2007 3:03 PM:I just gave Sen. Dodd's office a "Thank you" phone call:
(202) 224-2823
When voters learn that Bush/Cheney have been spying on Americans since the day they took office, for political reasons, they'll be less likely to accept it for security reasons.
Don't you ever learn? Bush/Cheney will say they did it for security reasons based on intel and they will get away with it.
He just won my vote too assuming he doesn't cave to pressure like the rest.
Honestly the democrats are acting like the frog on the hot water. The Republicans have managed to slowly turn up the heat with constant threats of making them look weak on national security until now there is nothing they won't cave on. They are boiling in 11% approval and they don't seem to understand why.
Senator Dodd has my unqualified support for president. I work in the network world, and the corruption exhibited by the telcos in eagerly submitting to the Bushevik regime must be harshly punished when sane Americans have possession of the apparatus of government.
I plan to campaign loudly for the Senator (and piss off the other members of the state committee). For me, no other Democratic candidate will be acceptable (and Republicans should all be permanently confined to Gitmo in my opinion). Let Abu Gonzo answer questions on the waterboard in Camp X :-).
At least one Dem still has balls!
Sharon wrote on October 18, 2007 3:06 PM:Dodd just got money from me
Made my day wrote on October 18, 2007 3:07 PM:After hearing about SCHIP getting shot down this is at least some positive news for the day. And I agree, Dodd just shot up to the top of my list for primary candidate.
SocraticGadfly wrote on October 18, 2007 3:08 PM:Hats off to Dodd.
Thank you Chris Dodd! wrote on October 18, 2007 3:08 PM:Would you by any chance have a few minutes to help your fellow Democrats find theirs?
And maybe a magnifying glass?
Coonsey wrote on October 18, 2007 3:11 PM:HooRAH Chris Dodd, for being a TRUE Democrat
Coonsey's View
http://www.freewebs.com/coonsey/
Side Note: Donna Brazile has mention Coonsey's owner's name in her column she wrote this week. The column is located in two places - but also noted on Coonsey's View. Come visit and comment on anything posted.
Rooktoven wrote on October 18, 2007 3:11 PM:Regarding people who like Dodd but still say Obama is their guy--
Why?
What has Obama done in the Senate that has shown courage or toughness?
Just askin'.
pretzel wrote on October 18, 2007 3:11 PM:It is really encouraging to see a politician doing the right thing instead of bowing to the power of money.
blogenfreude wrote on October 18, 2007 3:12 PM:He and Richardson are the only adults in the race. He's the first politician to make a serious effort to shut Bush down. Dodd '08 baby.
exCTer wrote on October 18, 2007 3:12 PM:This is a black eye for Clinton, Obama and Biden.
Makes you remember that being a sitting Senator can be a tremendous opportunity for a candidate, rather than just an extended exercise in potential damage control.
della Rovere wrote on October 18, 2007 3:14 PM:Good for Dodd. Now we all can wait and see if the sky falls and we all get struck by lightning if anyone (paging the Democratic leadership) stands up to Bush and his bluster.
Sarah wrote on October 18, 2007 3:15 PM:Has anyone pushed the petition yet? It's on the website link in the update above. You know, you sign it, let everybody know how many people care. Plus, you can leave a comment when/if you donate. I said
"Senator Dodd stood up for the Constitution and the American people today with his hold on the telecomm immunity bill negotitiated by the telecomm lobbyist Jay Rockefeller. Senator Dodd's act convinced me and my husband that Senator Dodd is our choice for President. We will continue to support him financially in our paycheck-to-paycheck way. We have been impressed in the past few months with his convictions, and were so happy to see that he has the courage as well as the convictions.
gooderservice wrote on October 18, 2007 3:15 PM:Reminds me of the child's magazine feature, "Can you find the X in this picture," which can sometimes be a little difficult.
But, here, it is easy: Can you find the leader? Yes, sir... Senator Dodd.
Doesn't it feel good to see a real leader? I feel great.
spiffarino wrote on October 18, 2007 3:15 PM:This is the second time I've sent him cash based on his actions as a United States Senator. I believe I have found my candidate. I'm voting Dodd in '08.
Anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 3:17 PM:Rooktoven asks:
"Regarding people who like Dodd but still say Obama is their guy--
Why?
What has Obama done in the Senate that has shown courage or toughness?
Just askin'."
Why indeed. When someone figures out just what it is that Obama represents, please call me.
AJ wrote on October 18, 2007 3:19 PM:I agree with exCTer. Dodd moved to my number two a while ago. I hope my number one, John Edwards, is gracious enough to give Dodd props on this.
IWW wrote on October 18, 2007 3:19 PM:Remind me again why Dodd is unelectable?
We can't have another "liberal" Senator from the north east
He's got a somewhat dodgy history of campaign contributions
He voted for the AUMF
Right, check, got it. Couldn't possibly be clearer.
VictorLaszlo wrote on October 18, 2007 3:24 PM:"Why indeed. When someone figures out just what it is that Obama represents, please call me."
I think it's "hope". Or has he abandoned the politics of hope? I can't keep track.
Paul wrote on October 18, 2007 3:25 PM:This morning, I was getting ready to go to the elections board and change my party affiliation to "independent". Then I read that Dodd put a hold on this telecom immunity bill.
I sent him $100 and plan to vote for him if he can survive until the NC primary. If he falls out before then, I'm writing in Donald Duck or something.
I didn't vote for Nader, but he's right. There's not a dime's worth of difference between the Democrats and the Republicans.
And I've been a registered Democrat for 35 years and have never voted any other way. But fuck'em.
On the Clock wrote on October 18, 2007 3:28 PM:In writing to thank him, I told him in fact it was the very LEAST he could do as an elected official to block FURTHER criminality over these next 15 months and uphold the laws already on our books.
For his campaign, this was a deep-post pattern, complete, first and ten in plus territory at the two-minute warning.
Bill Arney wrote on October 18, 2007 3:31 PM:Long Live Senator Dodd!
I've been hesitating to commit to a candidate. No More!
I don't care if he did it just to get press. HE DID IT! That's all that matters. Thank God there is ONE man who will stand up for the entirety of US history.
Senator Dodd gets every dime I can spare.
I'm tempted to move, just so I can be represented by the guy.
And where were Hillary and Barak? Trying to figure their next phoney baloney move? Screw 'em!
Tucker Krauth wrote on October 18, 2007 3:32 PM:Senator Dodd just won my vote.
A campaign contribution is on the way as well.
litigatormom wrote on October 18, 2007 3:34 PM:To quote from one of my favorite scenes in "Team America":
"You have balls. I like balls."
I just sent Dodd's campaign $100. I've been leaning HRC, but if Dodd keeps acting like a leader I may just have to commit to him.
nogo war wrote on October 18, 2007 3:36 PM:The point here is very simple...
There are Candidates who are now Senators.
They have the choice of voting what they tell Iowa and NH....and the rest
Of the Candidates who are now Senators...
Dodd stands tall.....
If Clinton and Obama are not willing to stand with us now...when will they stand?
Either of them could have been first.
I am an Edwards...Kucinich supporter...but I just sent $25 to Dodd out of respect.
I will await the spin from Clinton/Obama...
Thank you Chris Dodd...for reminding us that a Senator running for President is not a bad thing....
t4toby wrote on October 18, 2007 3:37 PM:Bonus Thorn in the Wingnuts' Sides:
Dodd speaks fluent Spanish. I can't wait to see the Right frothing at the mouth:
"He speaks illegal immigrant!"
This is too good.
He's got my vote.
exCTer wrote on October 18, 2007 3:37 PM:To be fair, I'd also have to say that Obama stood up on the von Spakovsky nomination and desesrves huge props for that.
Did we ever find out whether Dodd, Clinton & Biden took a stance on von Spakovsky? Or, more to the point, ACTED against his nomination?
Janet Wright wrote on October 18, 2007 3:38 PM:Thank you Senator Dodds for showing you have the courage and guts to stand up to this evil. God bless you!
Esteroid wrote on October 18, 2007 3:47 PM:At last, a Democrat with courage to face up to the Bush administration and the law-breaking telecoms.
Fight for the Constitution and rule of law!
Let's get America back.
Damian Fellows wrote on October 18, 2007 3:49 PM:I am so stoked that Senator Dodd stood up and said "NO!" Message to his Democratic colleagues -- "We're watching you!" Mr. Edwards couldn't come faster to Mr. Dodd's support. At least he better, because we are watching him, along with the others.
Mr. Rockefeller? You are now mud.
lambert strether wrote on October 18, 2007 3:54 PM:I'm aware the Obama stood up on Hans Off, but that's nowhere near important as this issue. If we grant retroactive immunity to the telcos for lawbreaking, without even, for pity's sake, having any hearings on what the lawbreaking was, that's the end of the rule of law in this country.
Obama didn't step up. Hillary didn't step up.
Dodd did.
Huge props. Granted, it's only one step in a long road, but it's better than no step, which is what we got from everybody else.
foggylady wrote on October 18, 2007 3:55 PM:uhhh......guys?
Remember this headline ?
"Craigs plans to resign"
Let's wait and see how this comes out.
I am all for sending dodd support to carry thru with his *plan*.. in fact, sent same comment to his website.
Actions speak louder than words.
Cgun wrote on October 18, 2007 3:57 PM:Finally. The boon to donate to a campaign. I enjoyed Sen Dodd in the debates and was leaning towards him as my No. 1. Now he has definitely earned my vote.
Legalize wrote on October 18, 2007 4:00 PM:Thank you, Senator Dodd. THAT is leadership!
Mike Gredell wrote on October 18, 2007 4:01 PM:I just sent Sen Dodd a contribution, and you should too if you value your privacy. Please put your money, whatever you can afford, where your mouth is. Thank you.
EH wrote on October 18, 2007 4:02 PM:I don't understand anybody who would say that this would move Dodd up to "#2" because of this, in favor of one of the three candidates who get the most media attention. I think there are some people that have already accepted that they have to choose one of the top three, with the rest of the field being a morass of occasional headlines. This is completely backwards. What have any of the top three done in their government lives that have the significance of Dodd's move today? When was the last time Hillary had anything more than words to offer the citizens of the US?
The top three talk a good game, but they're only campaigning now.
Windowdog wrote on October 18, 2007 4:06 PM:C'mon why no linkage love for the Dkos folks who drove this as well. Are the orange horde too unclean for you these days? :-P
Binx wrote on October 18, 2007 4:12 PM:I have NOOOO money and I just gave Dod $20. I don't believe someone finally got off their ass and DID something. Today I am proud.
fitzwili wrote on October 18, 2007 4:14 PM:I signed the petition and made a small donation. Even if Dodd is not your favored candidate -I implore you to do the same. Other Democrats might be influenced to be less cautious (some would say craven) if they see that Dodd gets a strong favorable response and a vigorous uptick in campaign contributions.
daeve wrote on October 18, 2007 4:17 PM:I have to say that I have never posted on a blog before, but I was so excited to finally see a Democrat draw a line in the sand against the bushcheney steamroller that I signed Chris Dodd's petition and even gave some money.
It would be a great message to all the other candidates if Dodd's site was overwhelmed with names and contributions for his willingness to say enough.
Calamity wrote on October 18, 2007 4:21 PM:I hope Dodd put the hold on the bill because he wants to pressure the telcos into explaining exactly what happened. Obviously the administration won't. The telcos didn't didn't come running to the FBI and NSA and offer private information on US citizens; they were solicited. Americans have a right to know who cooked up this idea and how it was presented to the telcos. If they get amnesty, they'll never explain it.
theo wrote on October 18, 2007 4:25 PM:
I just threw $25 Dodd's way too. Give what you can!
The more I see this the more I am believing the Dems have been suffering from post traumatic syndrone from being under Repubes rule the past 7 years. Now they're coming out of it.
I like Chris Dodd, and I wouldn't mind it if he was my presidente.
heh wrote on October 18, 2007 4:32 PM:ANYTHING THAT would put verizon and that awful AT&T in the hot seat I'm for.
more oversight more oversight..yeah!
Parent wrote on October 18, 2007 4:34 PM:Finally, some one in congress who will hold the administration and their minions accountable for their illegal acts. It is about time!!!! I just contributed $250 to Dodd's campaign to support his effort to make people who break our laws accountable. I hope he keeps setting this kind of example. Finally a breath of fresh air!!!!
lcp wrote on October 18, 2007 4:39 PM:Yeah, way to go, Mr. Dodd. Way to step up. Way to stick your neck out there. NOT!
It's all just grandstanding. He doesn't give one SHIT about your privacy, or mine. He'd vote to violate all of you in an instant if he thought it would get him elected President. But, in reality this isn't even about that.
No one in Congress has presented even one constructive idea about how to actually deal with the problem of terrorism and privacy. How does Dodd think making companies liable for turning over billing records will protect the average American from a prospective terror attack? For that matter, has any Republican given a constructive reason why they need these records, and what they're doing to minimize actual intrusions? NOPE. They're all a bunch of overpaid, egotistical, unintelligent, vain, moronic, useless pimps.
benjoya wrote on October 18, 2007 4:41 PM:as soon as i get paid, i'll send dodd some dough. that's less for obama, i'm afraid. (damn, i kept thinking he'd come through)
benjoya wrote on October 18, 2007 4:45 PM:How does Dodd think making companies liable for turning over billing records will protect the average American from a prospective terror attack?
it won't. it will protect them from unconstitutional surveillance by the government. is this over your head?
discodave wrote on October 18, 2007 4:46 PM:Feel the DODDMENTUM!!!! He can take that bill and hide in his hair now!!!
JCP wrote on October 18, 2007 4:57 PM:I love it! I'm almost inclined to support him, but I'm in CT, and I really want to keep him for our very own! I'm Dodd greedy! You would be too if you had our other Senator.
Indga wrote on October 18, 2007 4:59 PM:Dodd is nuts. THe prime directive of the POTUS is defense of the USA; when telecoms cooperate with the feds wrt protecting the USA from nutty terrorists who would kill every last one of you if they could, the telecoms should be shielded from lawsuits (such as those brought by the flying imams, CAIR, and other Islamists) which have the sole purpose of paralyzing us so we do nothing while Islamists plot to take our lives. You all posting here might see nothing in Islamists plotting to kill us, but the U.S. Constitution is not a suicide pact. No dead man has constitutional rights, and I, as a citizen, will not stand in the way of the federal government as it fulfills its prime directive under the Constitution.
John wrote on October 18, 2007 5:05 PM:I just sent him $25.
Stephen H wrote on October 18, 2007 5:10 PM:Troll: "Dodd is nuts. THe prime directive of the POTUS is defense of the USA"
That's where you're wrong troll. The President takes an oath to defend the Constitution, not to defend the United States. The reason is because power hungry dictators like Bush are always ready to shred the Constitution to enhance their power in the name of national security.
Now go back into your hole before the terrorists find you.
dixiegrl wrote on October 18, 2007 5:17 PM:FYI, y'all....
Dodd so far got only 10 grand from the Telephone Industry.
( Guess that'll teach them, eh?)
Leading contributor is insurance companies, gave more to him than any other candidate so far.
Source:
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=F09
Highly recommend this site, quickly tells you who owns your candidate.
Hint: Hillary and Guiliani are Big Business fund leaders.
Yeah! Dodd is standing up and confronting a civil rights threat that does not exist! Hurray! Our law enforcement officials are handicapped from doing surveillance on suspected terrorists! Thank Goodness!
.....uh, wait a second....
nuts wrote on October 18, 2007 5:24 PM:Senator Rockefeller should resign from the Senate. What a shame he is.
John Bentley wrote on October 18, 2007 5:26 PM:This is the sort of thing that B. Obama could, and should be doing catapult him to the front of the pack.
steve wrote on October 18, 2007 5:49 PM:Way to go Senator Dodd!!! Although I think there should be a long line of senators who would put a hold on this sham of a bill, I'm very grateful to Senator Dodd for having the courage to stand up against mr. 24% and his sycophants.
You sir, are a credit to democracy. Good luck in your campaign and you can count me in for a nice contribution!
BMB wrote on October 18, 2007 5:58 PM:How does "immunity" language get into the bill in the first place? What a clear indication that they believe people did domething wrong!! Sort of reminds one of the immunity given to the contractors robbing the US blind in Iraq - without fear od retribution.
Jay B. wrote on October 18, 2007 6:26 PM:Shorter trolls: What's a Constitution for anyway?
You cowards. Seriously. Terrorism? This is a nation that beat communism, fascism, imperialism (well, when we don't engage in it) and colonialism -- yet you're so afraid of Arabs with boxcutters and phones that you'd shred the document that fully represents the country's greatest achievement? Really?
Go Senator Dodd.
wilderness wino wrote on October 18, 2007 6:36 PM:I chipped in $50 for Dodd's effort; "good behavior" should be rewarded.
I am sick of living in a country were people are so afraid of (and in denial of)their own mortality that they walk around like the living dead.
You are going to die anyway, so why don't you try doing some living while your here.
Let's really let them (bad guys; their's and our's) know that we're not afraid of them, or our ultimate fate here on earth!
I have been an Obama supported up to now. Now I'm going to support Dodd. Just sent him $100. The lack of outrage at the constitutional abuses recently are truly amazing. In my opinion, it is THE ONLY issue that really matters. (And yes, the Iraq war drives me crazy.) I think the rest of the dem candidates should re-read their late Roman republican history. The founding fathers sure did. This is how freedom dies, and nobody seems to care.
Anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 6:38 PM:"John Bentley wrote on October 18, 2007 5:26 PM:
This is the sort of thing that B. Obama could, and should be doing catapult him to the front of the pack."
That is if he were a different man, a different politician, a different candidate,...
Pat wrote on October 18, 2007 6:40 PM:Dodd certainly has my attention. He needs to stay strong on this 'hold' and gather enought Dems to do whatever is needed to
stop this. My question to Bush and the telecoms is "If you haven't done anything wrong then why should you be worried?".
Now normally I wouldn't ask that kind of question because I don't like to imply guilt when it hasn't been proven - but these wackos have been asking us that same question for the last couple of years. I know they won't be consistent - but to me whatever it takes to stop this. For God's sake they were SPYING ON AMERICAN CITIZERNS. Stay strong Dodd and I'll be making phone calls and writing letters and doing what I can.
If every other Senator thinks its okay, then maybe ... nah all the rest are in on the conspiracy.
Tralfaz wrote on October 18, 2007 6:58 PM:I'm now planning to vote for Dodd in the NY primary. One of the few politicians in recent memory to show some actual spine and take a principled stand for the freedom of the American people.
Anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 7:02 PM:It's funny - the "comments" section for the article from the Washington Post (which, despite having gotten a record number of posts was taken off the Post's web front page) still doesn't mention Chris Dodd's announcement, nor did I hear it on the Newshour. No update to the news article, of course. I honestly think the media is trying to capitalize on the political climate that is frustrated with Democrats' supposed inability to "set the agenda" when we really know that the Republicans are set on obstruction. I would ask that Democrats take a look to see that it's just a handful of Democratic sellouts, and that we must support Democrats who are doing the right thing.
Steve wrote on October 18, 2007 7:13 PM:Just gave Dodd a donation. The others could learn from his courage. The time to stand up for our country and the Constitution is long past. Dodd is doing the right stuff and we should support him for it.
Chris Dodd wrote on October 18, 2007 7:40 PM:I want to thank my campaign staff, er fans, for their support on this forum. Next time though, could you be just a bit less obvious. 90% of the comments say the exact same thing: 'Chris Dodd has my vote. I just sent him five bucks!'. You're going to make me look phony.
malcolm wrote on October 18, 2007 7:55 PM:I just sent Dodd more money than we can afford, but it's worth it to support the one candidate who cares about our Constitution and the rule of law. Now I'm going to forward the information to every like-minded soul I know. Dodd has our votes in the Maine caucus; I wouldn't send a dime or a vote to Hillary or Obama no matter what after they lay down on this one.
ProudPrimate wrote on October 18, 2007 8:24 PM:lcp, discodave, Indga, and maybe darrell vaughn -- did anybody notice how they all popped up together, sudden-like, sort of like the little clump of grass around a dog-dropping?
I'm betting they're all the same fat guy with a cigar in Miami or Jersey, on the AIPAC payroll. The timing, the rhythm, y'know? The pace, the patter -- it's like when somebody signs a petition with four different names -- the handwriing matches -- same slant, same curlicues... Am I imagining that?
Perfect unanimity in the thread, then, splat-splat-splat-splat.
By the way, Dodd just got his first $25 from me too. I wrote on his comment form the words of Mario Savio in front of Sproul Hall:
There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part, you can't even passively take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!
Diane wrote on October 18, 2007 8:49 PM:What's with the Main Stream Media blackout on Dodd? There's been nothing that I could discern reported on Dodd's courage or the tremendous response he's received. The Washington Post hid their web front-page article on the general subject.
Bill wrote on October 18, 2007 9:02 PM:You people are paranoid...After 9/11, I'm sure Bush and company were eavesdropping on where you were getting your next 8 ball, or how much you were betting with your bookie, etc. Terrorists, nah, let's listen to your mindless dribble about how many beers you drank last night.....
They are chasing people who want to nuke us. Quit looking over your shoulder, the boogie man isn't hiding under your bed.
And Dodd has as much a chance of getting elected as Bush does a 3rd term. Spend your $25 on Hillary, and watch your paycheck shrink.........
Polly wrote on October 18, 2007 9:18 PM:I've switched my stream of small contributions from Obama to Dodd, and my primary vote as well. This is exactly the kind of leadership I want from our next president.
anonymous wrote on October 18, 2007 10:38 PM:Now honestly... when I click the "print" button do you really think I want all 15 pages of comments with it??
Malrec wrote on October 18, 2007 10:54 PM:He's definitely made a pretty big blip. Keep it up!
Marshall wrote on October 18, 2007 11:18 PM:I just send Dodd $ 50. Someone has to stand up for the Constitution and against the Bush dictatorship.
Ralph wrote on October 18, 2007 11:52 PM:"Indga wrote on October 18, 2007 4:59 PM:"
If the US Gov and the telcos are fulfilling their duty under the constitution then what in the world do they need immunity for? If they haven't broken the law then there's nothing for them to fear, right?
Oh, and *islamists*.
S Brennan wrote on October 19, 2007 12:16 AM:Exactly,
Rooktoven wrote on October 18, 2007 3:11 PM:
Regarding people who like Dodd but still say Obama is their guy--
Why?
What has Obama done in the Senate that has shown courage or toughness?
Just askin'.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
But Rooktoven, I'd include the other current senators Biden & Hillary
Jack Sheet wrote on October 19, 2007 12:42 AM:Retroactive immunity wouldn't be necessary if Democrats could be trusted with national security. These people created the Boland Amendment (and Dodd was pals with Ortega) so who knows what they'll do to help al Qaeda once Shrillary wins. TPM crowd is a barrel of laughs, you guys rule.
Jim wrote on October 19, 2007 2:25 AM:Here's what we do:
1) Send money, as many have done here.
2) Visit the website and sign up to support his action.
www.chrisdodd.com/fisa
3) I don't usually do mass mailings, but do this one. Select 10 or more people from your contact list, and tell them to (a) do what you did, and (b) tell 10 more people.
I sent out my mass mailing tonight, to probably about 40 people. If anyone is interested in using my language, I will post it. I may post it anyway. Feel free to use any or all of it -- Creative Commons license, more or less.
Jim wrote on October 19, 2007 2:31 AM:As for my point (3), remember to "lather, rinse, repeat" on that "tell 10 people" thing. 10 people tell 10 people, who tell 10 people... you get the picture. You get into the millions pretty quick if you pyramid it right (the 6th generation, to be exact, assuming 10 unique contacts in each successive generation). So tell your 10 to tell their 10 to tell....
Anonymous wrote on October 19, 2007 2:34 AM:Jack Sheet=Jack Shit
craigg wrote on October 19, 2007 3:12 AM:finally, some sanity.
John Deek wrote on October 19, 2007 4:15 AM:they are only watching "people trying to nuke us"? hahahahahahah.
they are watching, monintoring, and putting informants in groups of PEACE ACTIVISTS... WHITE, SHINY, AMERICAN PEACE ACTIVITISTS.
How many terrorist plots coming from PACIFISTS can you point to billy-boy?
Larry wrote on October 19, 2007 10:54 AM:Out of a hundred Senators who swore to uphold the Constitution, Dodd appears to be the only one who was actually listening when they read him the oath.
I had never even considered him for President, but he now has my vote and my money.
lcp wrote on October 19, 2007 10:59 AM:"I'm betting they're all the same fat guy with a cigar in Miami or Jersey, on the AIPAC payroll."
Nope. I linked here from some blog (I forget which one...) and I left a skeptical/cynical comment at the end of a trail of sycophants. I'm not a right-winger, or on anyone's payroll. I don't smoke, my resting pulse is 36, I'm 6'0" 183 with 7% bodyfat. So, no I'm not your "typical" anything. Prejudge me a bit, why don't you? That tells me a lot about you.
I just don't trust any politician to do the "constitutionally correct" thing. Hell, when it comes to "privacy," neither side of the aisle has covered themselves in glory.
And, no, I'm not worried that "terrorism" is some huge inevitability that will defeat America, when Communism/Nazism (pick your freedom-hating'ism) couldn't. Neither is Bush, either, for that matter. He'll be gone in a year. Whereas this hole of mindless groupthink won't be.
I am a little upset that the last time I talked to one of my best friends in the whole world, he was describing how a plane had hit his building fifteen floors below his and how he couldn't get out. That kinda frosts me. And, no I'm not particularly confident that any government agency has a prayer of preventing that from happening again.
You guys should take "some" (even a tiny bit would do) of your skepticism of the "right wing" and apply it to ALL politicians, instead of the "4 legs good, two legs bad" garbage that goes one here. You guys think you're better than the "right"...but you're not. You're a mirror image. Everything they are, you are too, perfectly in reverse. It's quite depressing, really.
Great. Good guy just got my vote too. I will tell it to all my friends that I met in my true-life of casualfriends site that casual friends...
NinaCF wrote on October 19, 2007 12:23 PM:Great. Good guy just got my vote too. I will tell it to all my friends that I met in my true-life of casual friends site that casual friends...
Ferruge wrote on October 19, 2007 12:28 PM:shorter lcp: I'm better than any of you, but I won't say why.
Jay B. wrote on October 19, 2007 12:45 PM:I am a little upset that the last time I talked to one of my best friends in the whole world, he was describing how a plane had hit his building fifteen floors below his and how he couldn't get out. That kinda frosts me.
So...you're not afraid of terrorism, and you don't think the next attack can be stopped, but you're willing to use your friend's death/near death to justify 'skepticism' over a Senator protecting the Constitution because really, your FEELINGS are more important than any of that "Law" bullshit.
Prejudge you? You got it Jack. You are a particularly, spectacularly, whiny coward who wouldn't understand a principle if it stuck up for you, 'sculpted' body and all.
I watched the damn Towers fall. I spent a few days in the burning wreckage like so many others trying to figure out what we could do to help. And I don't see a damn thing what that has to do with why you're willing to get on your knees and beg for Bush's tender mercies.
You brag about skepticism -- yet you trust Bush. You're a joke.
Anonymous wrote on October 19, 2007 1:00 PM:Finally, someone with some guts, more integrity, and reason than the average polititian.
lcp wrote on October 19, 2007 4:19 PM:Oh, wait, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you by forcing you to actually *think* about a viewpoint that doesn't agree with yours, reflexively.
I'm a coward? Because I don't think like you? Yeah, that's a way to convince me to agree with you, alright.
...I'm the coward...and you guys are afraid of Chimpy McHitlerBurton. Uh, huh.
Right....I suppose the next thing you'll tell me is that the sky is falling....
cl-Oregon Girl wrote on October 25, 2007 4:26 PM:Yipeee-I-OOOOOO
Thanks Senator Dodd. You got money from me, and my vote.
Anonymous wrote on October 25, 2007 4:32 PM:Jeez Indga -- go back to your hidey hole and hide. Them terists are after ya!
Sabagio wrote on November 19, 2007 8:55 PM:Every time I see and hear Senator Dodd I'm reassured that there are thinking members of the Senate. May Senator Dodd find the method and courage to revoke Rupert Mudoch's American citizenship (he's still has his Australian) obtained under suspicious circumstances just in time for him to buy TV stations and newspapers banned from foreign ownership.
Senator Dodd for Vice President. He understands
This morning, the Rev. Al Sharpton came down hard on Senate Democrats, particularly Presidential hopeful Chris Dodd. He blasted the failure of Senate Democrats to support their colleagues in the House in preventing the Bush Administration/HUD with their attempt to completely eliminate downpayment assistance programs.
Sharpton noted how downpayment assistance programs (DAPs) -- where nonprofits utilize private funds, with zero Federal money, to help qualified working families gain the 3% downpayment necessary for gaining a FHA insured home loan -- allowed more than 600,000 to people become homeowners in the past decade.
The GAO reports that if downpayment assistance is done away with, 30% of African-American homebuyers and potentially 20% of Latinos will be unable to utilize FHA insured loans. This is about realizing the American dream and breaking the chain of poverty. Eliminating downpayment assistance is just another way of forcing millions of minorities to continue renting on the apartment plantation. A study by the Milken Institute found that low-income homeowners who used DAPs gained an average of $19,000 in net wealth. Owning a home allows folks to build assets, create generational wealth, and ultimately strengthen families and revitalize communities because people can find the funds necessary to send their kids to college, set aside rainy day savings, etc.
HUD has been trying to get rid of this program, erroneously accusing DAPs of inflating default rates. They also have the salient agenda of completely undermining the New Deal program of the entire Federal Housing Administration. Research by the third party expert Experian shows that many of the largest and most credible DAPs have default rates lower than those of the FHA portfolio.
What is most dangerous is the fact that without DAPs, the poorest among us will be even more vulnerable to predatory loaning such as subprime loans.
Fortunately, Maxine Waters, Barney Frank, and others in the House have ensured the passage of a provision their chamber to prevent HUD from implementing the rule. However, in the Senate, Dodd, who is Chair of the Banking Committee and who has ultimate authority over this issue, is joining Senate Republicans to side with HUD in destroying DAPs.
Where is the Democratic leadership here? How can they demand that Blacks and other working class families give them their vote -- while working quietly with Republicans to push the American Dream even further out of reach for so many minorities.
I'm glad Sharpton took a stand this morning. Let's demand Senator Obama, Senator Clinton and Senator Dodd show real leadership and stop posturing to our community. They can't expect the Black vote while pushing the Black housing issues to the curb.
Black Bloggers The Field Negro and Jack&Jill Politics have taken leadership in shedding light on this issue. What about the rest of the 'progressive' blogosphere?
