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The Latvian band Brainstorm performs their song Tin Drums. Somehow Tin Drum seemed oddly appropriate for today…
The Senate Judiciary Committee has postponed the mark-up of the FISA bill until next Thursday. Which gives us a week to put more pressure on them regarding telecom immunity and basket warrants, both of which fly in the face of the constitution, the bill of rights and the rule of law.
As I mentioned in the prior thread, I would like to push a campaign forward on this for faxes and phone calls. So I’m opening the floor for suggestions on a succinct way to do this — something pithy, catchy, and easily understood — regarding the rule of law not the rule of executive fiat. Let’s brainstorm a bit this morning.
Our best campaigns have come from our comments section. I know someone out there has a really good idea that all of us can push forward. So, what are you thinking?
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How about faxing in shredded copies of the constitution?
Christy!
and somehow didn’t want my first zed, to be zed.
I’m going to be making Hugh’s Scroll today. It is Hugh’s List in 10-point helvetica type, taped one page under the next, with no top or bottom margins. It will be almost 56 feet long. I’ll take some pics and send ‘em to Siun.
I still like simply sending them the text of the pertinent segment of the 4th Amendment with “No Amnesty for Telecoms” (amnesty is a good, charged word given to us by the GOP wrt emigration…so USE it) and “No basket warrants”
Good morning dear friends.
Whatever we send, we MUST make note of the fact that the telecoms were doing all this before 9-11.
Per egregious and others:
Suggestions for Christy’s fax:
EPU’d from last thread:
Biodun @ 70
Praedor Atrebates @ 5
Yes, AMNESTY, no immunity is the right frame.
I dunno, there may be some way to link this to the illegal immigrant business.
A card that says
NO AMNESTY
FOR ILLEGAL
TELCOS.
Doesn’t work.
SPYING.
?
Dunno.
Sparkatus @ 3
???!!!?
Go get ‘em, Christy!
Might be fun to use one of their own buzzwords against them. How about:
“No amnesty for telecoms!”
Edit: I see Praedor Atrebates had the same idea…
No amnesty for Telecoms: They have violated the 4th Amendment!
.
“In a procedure known as ‘waterboarding,’ interrogators produce the sensation of drowning in a restrained prisoner by either dunking him in water or pouring water over his face. Do you consider this procedure to be a form of torture, or not?” N=528 adults, MoE ± 4.5 (Form A)
.
Torture Not Torture Unsure
% % %
11/2-4/07
69 29 2
.
“In a procedure known as ‘waterboarding,’ interrogators produce the sensation of drowning in a restrained prisoner by either dunking him in water or pouring water over his face. Do you think the U.S. government should or should not be allowed to use this procedure to attempt to get information from suspected terrorists?” N=496 adults, MoE ± 4.5 (Form B)
.
Allowed Not Allowed Unsure
% % %
11/2-4/07
40 58 2
——————————————————————————–
29% of brain dead americans think that waterboarding is not torture and 40% think it’s OK to do it…
Bush has killed the country’s soul as well as it’s brain.
I dunno, kind of thinking out loud here,
how about something to point out it took years and years to finalize the process of lawmaking to include thoughts on dissent contrasted with snap edicts from wannabe tyrants for a reason.
I need more coffee.
I want to know why Repugs have such a problem with Google’s advertising and search algorithms, claiming they may violate consumers’ privacy — but NO problem at all with telecoms hoovering up every bit of our voice and data transmissions???
It’s worse than a double-standard; if you’re a Google user, you knowingly enter into an agreement that your information will be used to provide better information to you and to advertisers. But we never had any advance indication that our telecoms were going to violate our rights and intrude on our privacy, or aide and abet a criminal administration in doing so.
I’ll mull the idea of a campaign over for a while…think we just need to concentrate on illegal search and seizure, maybe look for some KGB-related content to this end.
Sparkatus @ 3
Have you tried zee
I have missed who it was that put a hold on the FISA. Do we know?
seems a waste of the pole position :-) I dunno, hence “somehow”. Biodun @ 9
TalkLeft has transcript and video of the AT&T whistleblower.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r…..82772/7814
The Rule of Law
Not the Divine Right of Kings
I like the 4th amendment with the relevant parts in bold, with “No Amnesty for Lawbreaking Telecoms”
Betsy — I put that video in my first post today. Thanks for the transcript from TalkLeft.
Sparkatus:
You mean you didn’t want to say “zed” in/for your first zed? OK, got it!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 21
Slept through your first post. Sorry.
is the reason for the one week delay that the rules permit a member to request a delay and if so- who requested the delay?
No amnesty for telecos!
Separation of Corp. & State!
Rayne @ 15
I agree with Rayne, great idea to make the KGB commie reference. Something the right can latch onto.
TheraP @ 19
I prefer:
The Rule of Law
Not the Rule of Tyrants!
Uphold the Constitution and the 4th Amendment!
Mark Klein was also on Countdown last night. Transcript to come.
Folks, as I said in my prior post — all I know at this point is that a Republican member of the committee asked for the delay on the mark-up. I don’t know who, how many, or the rationale as yet, because the audio feed isn’t working for the committee room. Soon as I get specifics, I will certainly pass them along — but you know what I know at this point.
Praedor Atrebates @ 65
I like Praedor’s shortened version of my original suggestion (I tell you when we Hoosiers put our heads together…)
And maybe the famous “Don’t Tread On Me” flag down at the bottom.
epu’ed – fyi, call back from c-span.
A 4th Amendment for our times
Praedor Atrebates:
I vote for your version:
The Rule of Law
Not the Rule of Tyrants!
Excellent. There can be the shorter version, as above, or your longer version – but why not just shorten to: Uphold the Constitution!
“Immanentize the Constitution.”
No Amnesty for law-breakers
No Immunity for oath-breakers
You swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States of America, not to providers of campaign funds.
Follow your oath or be known for all time as liars and oath-breakers.
Thanks Hugh.
Building on Praedor:
Democracy = Rule of Law, not Lawless Rule
Don’t you wish there was such a thing as a vaccination for all kids, that would prevent subversion of the Constitution?
We’d also need to administer an antibiotic for those who already have!
I was fascinated by Specter’s as usual spot on logic in his compromise when he said: “I think the telephone companies were good citizens, and should not suffer from what they did.”
I recall in the 80’s the FBI allowed a couple of notorious Boston gangsters – whitey Bulger and Stevie ‘the Rifleman’ Flemmi – commit crimes up to and including murder in exchange for being informants against other mobsters.
By Specter’s reasoning, they were just being good citizens. I guess they shouldn’t be made to suffer for their actions either. Just like the Telecoms.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 29
Hmpf. A Rethuglican. That means the reason for the delay is for nefarious purposes rather than good purposes. Perhaps it is Kyl trying to work up a plan to kill lawsuits by any means possible to protect “state (illegal) secrets” or Specter trying to gin up support for his lawsuit-killing “compromise” (STATE SECRETS!).
Too bad it wasn’t Whitehouse, in a human response to his meeting with Klein.
Prairie Sunshine @ 37: That’s good too!
Several good slogans is helpful.
this is a great thread christy, take the best idea’s from everyone and try to come up with something that sounds really scary if they allow what the president wants
you know me, I want to accuse the administration of stealing but I know I get weird with that, I would take this and add my signature touch, bold is my change;
Biodun @ 12
anyway I’m going to keep an eye on this thread to see how most of you frame your thoughts
I think I like Biodun at 12.
On a semi-related note–
If you want to strike a blow against lawlessness, you might want to help me protest Alberto Gonzales’ first lucrative speaking gig since leaving in disgrace. He is coming here to the University of Florida, to gobble up 40,000 of my tuition dollars. I’d appreciate it if people could email the Speakers Bureau and tell them to cancel Gonzales. Their email is
accent(AT)sg.ufl.edu
Elliott @ 26
lolRIAA
paulo @ 39
There was a time in this country when corporations were not considered to be citizens of any kind.
Biodun @ 12
are violating…?
TheraP @ 38
They used to call that vaccination “strong public education” and “teaching civics.”
Hugh @ 32
Good suggestion. But believe it or not, the irony just might be lost on those folks. You would not think so, but I take nothing for granted at this point. For some time now, we’ve all been living in an Evil Parallel Universe that BushCo has created.
Biodun @ 28
His education segment with was superb!
Prairie Sunshine @ 37
I like it.
I think you should use the KGB/STASI (East German Intelligence) card. Since Reagan was responsible for the fall of the Berlin wall (extreme snark) and knew what “bad folks” the STASI were, why are you now doing the same as them?
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol46no2/article08.html
Look under the SIGINT section.
How about:
Protect the Constitution.
No amnesty for criminals.
Forget nuances. This issue is black and white.
It is important to bring in the idea of a “cover-up” because it’s not just the telecoms that are guilty here.
Telecoms: In bed with bush/cheney!
We pay the bills – and they get the goods!”
The Administration has tried to justify spying on Americans as necessary prior to 9/11 by saying that they were worried about “cyberterrorism”, and yet no warrants were ever issued, because it was far beyond the scope of FISA, and it was kept secret so it didn’t matter to them anyway.
Following 9/11, the Administration secretly escalated their spying on Americans while denying that they were doing so without warrants; when caught, they lied about it and said they were only spying on people connected to Al-Qaeda.
No immunity should be given to anyone regarding this matter, period. A thorough investigation of ALL of the events, including the elections, 9/11, spying, torture, loss of Constitutional protection, the refusal to obey the rule of law, secrecy, illegal war and more wars; and probably very timely, a thorough investigation of the relationship of this Administration to the ISI of Pakistan and the connections to terror events, including the attacks on 9/11.
Short and sweet: No Immunity for complicity by anyone on the, now exposed, massive spying on American citizens in violation of the 4th Amendment.
Just Impeach these people – all of them.
Prairie at 37 — Oooh, I like that with an attachment of the text of the fourth amendment, with pertinent parts bolded. That’s pretty straightforward.
Lots of good ideas, gang, keep em coming! Thanks so much!
I like this a lot. Though might be too subtle for these folks. Hugh @ 32
I agree that it’s not about subtlety or nuance.
Do members of congress swear an oath to uphold the Constitution similar to the President’s? Anybody know the wording to the congressional oath? Faxing them a copy of their oath might be a nice reminder.
paulo @ 39
excellent point… and to take one step further…
this is the same kind of mentality that infects our foreign policy… where the “good guys” and those national leaders who do what they are told by usa representatives (regardless if they are oppressive dictators or not) and the bad guys are those national leaders who follow their conscience and the wishes of their people instead of usa instructions.
Prairie Sunshine @ 37
Nice one! I like it!
Elliott and Rayne:
Re: KGB:
Putin, the ex-KGB chief, is unsuccessfully trying to bring back the KGB and the old days in Russia.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 55
What about a LARGER graphic like this to accompany it?
How about:
Immunity??? You play, you pay.
cleter @ 57
“You took an oath – stand by it!”
You might want to point out to these law-makers that to allow the warrantless wiretapping to go on unfettered is tantamount to treating all of us citizens (and voters) as if guilty until proven innocent!
Cover of this book is even better.
http://press.princeton.edu/images/j7648.gif
Spying on Americans is against the law…you ain’t the law.
Oathbreakers don’t get to make the rules.
Guilty is as guilty does.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 55
Mr. Sunshine and I were talking this morning about how disgusted we are with everything about Congress and the White House these days. How deserving they are of the low poll numbers. How clueless they are about just how fed up the American public is with the whole lot of them.
And wishing for a clear, strong voice saying “enough.”
A leader.
Enough wishy-washy compromise-y can’t we all just get along and enjoy our cocktail wienies together without you rabble stirring up the pot.
Well, no.
Prairie, rabble rouser.
Ding! only 1.5 cups of coffee in. The grammar-finger coordination is still tenuous.
Biodun @ 22
I also like the idea of straight and to the point you have in your suggestion @12.
But I think most prefer Hugh’s strikeout variant or a thick censor’s pen version of same.
Here’s one:
I didn’t pay for a party line!”
(and a graphic of big brother watching your call)
Tap dance, not wires.
Only terrorists want to monitor your every word.
USA not NSA
Liberty Bell not MA Bell
Private line not party lines
Innocent until proven guilty
Nixon tapped too
The 4th Amendment of the Constitution trumps statute. (I don’t even know if that’s true…*g*)
Fuggedabout it, no amount of coffee is going to trump this head cold.
Carry on without me.
w/ h/t to prairies & all, i’d like to see closer tie to telecom link. Otherwise, the Dobbsian nutsquad may twist to fit immigration.
Is there a catchy way to combine these?:
Rule of Law – NOT Lawless Rule.
NO Telecom Spying.
TheraP @ 70
707
TheraP @ 70
I like this one, but a lot of younger folks might not know what a party line was.
TheraP @ 70
Although I do really like this one.
Meanwhile in other Congressional news. . .THE BIG NOTHING!
DO tell me how pleased I’m supposed to be about this “historic” vote.
More images:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com…..6b.jpg?v=0
http://youthinkleft.com/wp-con…..tution.jpg
http://frecklescassie.files.wo…..tution.jpg
Bustednuckles @ 77
Not bad but…it requires a thinking, sentient being on the receiving end to “get it”. That is not a safe assumption with these mold spores.
Party Line makes it sound more like we’re talking about partisan politics.
Telecoms: if they didn’t break the law they don’t need immunity. If they did, they don’t deserve it.
followed by:
And if that doesn’t work, maybe we should just dump a bunch of tea into Boston Harbor!
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
A President, not a King.
Stand up for the rule of law, or stand down.
Heres another interesting snippet – are ex-Stasi peoplenow working for the NSA?
After all, you “stole” Werner von Braun” for your space program!
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/f…..gewanted=1
American secrets fared no better than West German ones. Quick recently published Stasi documents, whose authenticity has been confirmed by intelligence officials, showing that East Germany had obtained many secret Defense Department documents that describe in detail major American covert projects, the National Security Agency’s electronic eavesdropping operations and installations, American strategic combat plans, and secret meetings of American defense officials in Germany.
How about:
Do I get immunity, too?
With pictures of other criminals.
Ok, so you have a commercial showing the olden days with operators who could listen in. And party lines.
They’ll get the idea! Put it on you-tube (or however you spell it.
And the nice thing is the “play of words” on “party line” Repub “party line.”
Adie @ 74:
We might have a winner there. Then attach the text of the 4th Amendment at bottom.
Biodun @ 7
If this has been said sorry, I am too busy this morning to read all.
Any argument should begin with the fourth amendment, if they cannot support this and absolve the telecom companies of any crime then they are in direct violation of the constitution, are they not? Is that not grounds for prosecution also. Inform me if I am wrong.
You know, the title of this diary says Brainstorming but I read Barnstorming. That’s what we need.
“Tap your foot, not our phones!”
MayDaze @ 76
Young whippersnappers will think “party line” = party politics as usual… eh? Dang! I love that slogan tho.
mffarrow @ 85: Very good!
I honestly love a whole lot of these. Put em up all over the web!
Use the old Dean Movement ideas. Put em up everywhere!
mffarrow @ 85
I really love that, I think a picture of hitler would do nicely too
A Party Line might also imply the Kool-Aid…that’s waiting to be drunk/swallowed.
This is a great idea, Christy. I think getting secrecy and corporate control into the message may be effective. For example:
P.S. Harry Reid is working out a deal with the Republicans right now to bring Mukasey’s nomination to the floor, per comments from Senator Martinez this morning: THIS IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD SENATORS TO COME TO THE DEFENSE OF THEIR NATION, BY PLACING A HOLD OR PREPARING TO FILIBUSTER THIS NOMINATION.
Spying on American’s room:
Room 641A of 611 Folsom Street
No Immunity.
TheraP @ 86
“One ringy dingy…” h/t “Laugh-In”
Adie @ 91
That was my first thought.
Eureka Springs @ 71
I particularly liked that one.
Or we could just go with:
“Only lilly-livered chicken shits trade liberty for security.”
Adie @ 97
Get Lily Tomlin to reprise her role…
No Immunity: I want my money back!!
MayDaze @ 100
Hahaha….
“Is this the person to whom I’m listening?”
TheraP @ 70
Vote No Party Line!
perris @ 93
I’d go for more modern criminals associated with the Bush Admin, like Jack Abramoff.
OT – the HJC hearing on torture with malcolm nance is chilling.
whatever you come up with in terms of content and phrasing, when it gets to be time to do the calling, faxing, and in-person lobbying, hasn’t Naomi Wolf got some connection with the American Freedom Campaign that has many supporters that can help out?
MayDaze @ 100
OMG — she’s probably do it for free!!
“no amnesty for the illegals;
no amnesty for the telecoms.”
Ok, ok, ya’ll won’t like that. Just trying to help! Carry on.
Ghostman
Toby Wollin @ 104
I disagree. Common criminal in orange jump suit or the old zebra stripes.
OK. Statue of liberty. With phone held high.
Saying: Liberty Belle!
You could add: Down with Telecom Hell!
(and the graphic of hell as being waterboarded)
idea is that being overheard can lead to all sorts of abuses
MayDaze @ 90
Are you trying to conjure up mental images of the esteemed sen. teepee? I wince every time I read about foot tapping these days, but then mebbe that’s just me….
selise @ 105
Selise (Selise, Selise…I’m so in love with you, Selise, shoobeedoo…) –
So, what is going on. Those of us who are chained to desks, quietly, can’t listen in…
BTW…the Repubs are really upset that they are seen as “advocates of torture”…
;>
Who can do a graphic of the statue of liberty being water-boarded? Not for this campaign, but what a powerful image that would be!
tw3k @ 103: Now that is a winner!
Just the big heading: “TAPS”
With two photos, one of a phone and one of a military bugler in front of a tombstone with Liberty engraved on it.
TheraP @ 110
How about the Statue of Liberty being waterboarded.
Adie @ 111
Just going for a laugh…
Well I’m not a US citizen and I would not cross your border because of some of my comments on several political blogs. Also what’s to stop bush from just pardoning them all at the end of his term?
LS @ 101
HeQQ! I want my COUNTRY back!?!
One thing I’ve been pointing out to Senators and Congresspeople is that by granting the telcos immunity, they are denying American Citizens the right to to have a judge and/or jury decide on the merits of their lawsuit.
I also tell them that I am not willing to trade my civil liberties away for the perception of being “safer”.
Also, one thing I’ve been having pretty good luck with lately is asking to speak to one of the Senator’s staffers on that particular committee (Judiciary/Intelligence). These folks seem to be more knowledgable about the legislation and on their Senator’s position.
I think engaging the staffers in dialogue is an order of magnitude better than just talking to the first person that answers the phone and having them record a tick mark on a piece of paper.
Did Ma Barker get Amnesty?
Then why is Ma Bell getting Amnesty?
(I know, too obscure a historical reference)
In my latest missive to DiFi …
One of the first actions of Musharraf was to cut off all the communications networks (telco, internet, …) A vote for telecom immunity is a vote in support of Bush/Cheney doing the same thing in the U.S.
Between Blackwater, Libby, the MCA, and the use of State Secrets, we are creating a culture in which criminals expect to be pardoned for carrying out the executive’s orders. This is not patriotism.
Patriotism is carrying out the American peoples’ orders. These are known as “laws”.
From Countdown last night:
Adie @ 120
Yeah, I like that better.
Biodun @ 70
rosalind @ 83
I like it!
Ima @ 121
How about this: TAPPING MY PHONE IS NOT MAKING ME SAFER. NO IMMUNITY FOR TELCOS.
Folks, we need to relate things to pop culture and not “ancient” history. Think images of Paris Hilton in jail.
shirley webber @ 119
Pardons cannot undo civil penalties. He can CRIMINALLY protect them with a pardon but he cannot save them (Telcos) from having to pay up in a civil lawsuit.
After reading the Seminal piece; maybe just knocking down the unfairness argument regarding the assurances of legality from the Admin., would be good.
By the logic it would be fine if the private sector committed an act, which is on its face or even inherently illegal, as long as it was assured by the Gov’t that it was legal.
Wasn’t that what was determined in Map v. Ohio (not sure long time ago in law school) you no the silver platter doctrine only instead of using local police we use private companies. I know that if the police use a landlord to go in and get evidence and hand it over that is considered poisonous fruit. Wouldn’t all this then still be arguable in any prosecution of terrorists (that is if they ever go to Court), that it violate the 4th amendment as determined by a Judge whether or not the Admin said it was OK.
I mean extending the logic would say Blackwater assassinating or killing a US citizen with immunity as long as the AG or OLC said it was legal, be OK? QWEST proved that you don’t operate with blinders.
joyous @ 123
And let’s not forget what the military junta did in Myanmar – they cut off all internet, phone and cell phone communications.
Good morning to anyone I missed earlier..:)
OT already….
This bothers me on lots of levels, but this part,
‘Another possible solution, used in the past, would be to bar U.S. academics from publishing or otherwise publicly presenting research that the government deems sensitive.’
really bothers me…
‘The FBI’s relationship with university students and academics has never been one of wine and roses — see the agency’s covert campaign to discredit Albert Einstein. Therefore, it might be a bit surprising to know that some university presidents are now embracing the agency and are perhaps even willing to become its eyes and ears on campus.
The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, launched in 2005, consists of 20 university presidents around the country who are working with the FBI on matters of campus security and counter-terrorism to identify threats to students and staff. But the board is also being asked to guard against campus spies who might be out to steal not-yet-secret secrets. According to this report from NPR, the presidents are being advised to think like “Cold Warriors” and be mindful of professors and students who may not be on campus for purposes of learning but, instead, for spying, stealing research and recruiting people who are sympathetic to an anti-U.S. cause.’
http://blog.wired.com/27bstrok…..-univ.html
No matter how its framed, I’m afraid the majority of our country has decided that whatever it takes (torture, spying on citizens) is OK because they feel protected from the terrarists.
TheraP @ 115
YEAH! The graphic is key to avoid any confusion.
Bravo!
I still think my 116 would be a very powerful image. Not exactly pop culture, but I think it would be recognizable to almost everyone.
TexBetsy @ 129
Uncle Sam knows what you’re doing at the mall…?
shirley webber @ 119
He can’t pardon them if doing so is a criminal act, or if he does it to obstruct justice.
He’d try, and I’m sure that’s Plan B. We need to be smarter and faster than that; it’s why we should be pounding away on impeachment and the inherent investigation that would accompany it. Any action that subverts the investigation might be futile and a potentially illegal act.
tap feet, not phones…
Toby Wollin @ 112
witnesses:
Malcolm W. Nance
Anti-terrorism/Counter-terrorism Intelligence Specialist
Former SERE Instructor
Steven Kleinman
Colonel, USAFR
Intelligence & National Security Specialist
Senior Intelligence Officer/Military Interrogator
Amrit Singh
Staff Attorney at the ACLU
details of what waterboarding is (drowning torture) – down to even estimates of how many cups of water went into ksm’s lungs.
what actual interrogators (in the military) think about this – immoral and ineffective, stupid.
how the “approval” of torture has spread a mentality of violent interrogations throughout our detention facility.
conyers now asking about contractors…. and now quoting naomi klein….
i’m sorry i can’t live blog… but i am recording the audio and will post it as soon as i can after the end of the hearing.
I also love the Statue of Liberty being waterboarded. That’s a powerful image. Though not really specific to the FISA issue.
John Conyers just mentioned Naomi Klein in the judiciary hearing which is cool…I just wish Conyers would speak a little faster and with more force, he does tend to induce sleep :(
I like more a little more Leahy/Whitehouse myself.
TexBetsy @ 129
Yep. And to the point. No irony. No subtleties. That would be lost on those folks.
Diane @ 134
Yep – back to the monster under the bed being “terrorists” – the monster under the bed is Bush and Cheney.
jackie @ 133
Oh boy…I do academic research though not(yet, at any rate) what is considered “sensitive” research. I would absolutely NOT recognize anyone’s authority to squelch the publication or dissemination of my research into the wide world. The FBI, etc, can go Cheney themselves.
I am a scientist, NOT a Nazi scientist.
LS @ 102
It brings to mind a album that she did where she threatened to pull Pepsi’s plug sixpak by sixpak.
SufiLizard @ 116
Wow. Simple. Powerful.
In Washington Tuesday, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee savaged Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang and General Counsel Michael Callahan for the company’s involvement in the 2005 jailing of a Chinese dissident. But if their bipartisan criticism of Yahoo’s behavior – cooperating with a Chinese government “subpoena-like document” to supply information about journalist accused of the “illegal provision of state secrets” – sounds disingenuous, it should. After all, those are trademark tactics of the Bush administration and its Republican amen corner in the aftermath of 9/11.
For more on the ironies as Congress debates immunity for U.S. telecom providers, see:
“Yahoo, China and Bush’s America.”
twolf1 @ 139
How about: Republicans: They tap feet and phones!
Praedor Atrebates @ 144
This is not the only thing they are doing. Any large gatherings on campuses will be watched.
The 411 on 611 fails us on 911
Is anyone watching CNBC right now? They have the Joint Banking Committee going on now. Linda Sanchez and Ron Paul(in no way an endorsement) both blasted Helicopter Ben.
SufiLizard @ 140
How about the Statue of Liberty cuffed and shackled inside Room 641A of 611 Folsom Street.
How about using the scale of justice with the Telecom’s lobbyist & campaign money on one side and the Constitution and the people on the other side?
What about this? A video showing Bush’s comments about how we’re only tapping calls to Al Qaeda. Keep the audio going with Bush & the repubs, but intersperse the video with pictures little mary sunshine talking to grandma on the phone, a guy calling for pizza, etc. End with a graphic and voice-over “You’d want a warrant before the phone company let them hear all of your calls, wouldn’t you?” Then something about AT&T or Verizon.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 152
I think this hearing is also on CSPAN 3
Patty Morlan @ 152
I like that one.
LS @ 152
Lady Liberty also needs a black bag on her head.
A little more from Countdown:
My bold.
(Same link as 125)
get Arthur C.Clark to weigh in ……opening line in 2001, a space oddesey–”At 12:00 every phone on earth rang”—wriltten in the late 1960’s. Clark is still alive and might e-mail from hls home in Sri Lanka. I think he has written “as long as I can spell Alzheimers I’m OK” I believe his spelling is still excellent. A one to one communication to the politicos would carry much weight.
Patty Morlan @ 154
Yes!
MayDaze @ 90
TheraP @ 147
“Great minds…”
Praedor Atrebates @ 156
With parts of the crown sticking out of the top.
A variation on the use of the statute of libery….why not use the statue and show a tear in her eye?
How about Cheney out hunting with the Statue of Liberty.
TexBetsy @ 161
We can also have a headline that says:
Which one will you choose?
Had a little insomnia last night and caught Dr. Justin Frank on Mike Malloy’s Air America program.
Mike asks him if he has doubts about Bush relinquishing power in ‘08 and from a psychiatric-analystic point of view, the good doctor said he sincerely believed it could go either way.
Basically he cannot tolerate failure and shame, is never wrong, has a Manichean world-view of right and wrong, so he may not be able to reconcile that and being a “failed president”, which of course he is. Which I think is also why all of a sudden he’s everywhere veto-ing and acting like he’s in charge.
He’s more dangerous now than ever.
(His book has been updated and re-released “Bush on the Couch”, can’t wait to read it)
Ok. Liberty Belle. Tear in her eye. Phone held high. And torn Constitution in her other hand.
LS @ 164
707!
Phones – Tapped
Liberty – Gagged
Or tie it to SCHIP
Immunity for Children NOT for Telcoms.
These politicians understand well the rule of law, so trying to find a pithy, catchy or easily understood comment seems to be sending a boy to do a man jobs (no sexus intent meant).
So how do we jolt those politicians. I think a general strike of some sort or another would get EVERYONE’S attentions (politicians, those corporations who financially support them, etc). Even the MSM seem to put strikes on their front page.
And I also believe there are enough of us (liberals, progressives, and alike) that a strike could actually have an impact financially, or whatever point we are trying to make.
The bottom line, words will not work, have tried that already. Actions that will hit their pocketbook will get attention.
Food for thought. Bb
Praedor Atrebates @ 157
Just my own gut feeling fwiw, but I fear that would get folks mad at the wrong side, i.e., us. sigh.
Another fwiw, ‘fraid any ref. to “Ma Bell” would generate sympathy for the old biddy, heh.
Dang!
TheraP @ 169
Very nice!
TexBetsy @ 160
Second!
TheraP @ 166
Okay, how about Liberty Belle lying prone being waterboarded, tear in her eye, phone held high in one hand and the torn Constitution in her other hand.
Biodun @ 48
Maybe authentic looking original copy of the Bill of Rights (4th amendment) and put a line through the words and then add in hand writing in red ink the part about telcoms and bush administration. Or add it in the Margin (ala Cheney)”PROBLEM!!!” with an arrow to the line adding the words. and then put on the margin amnesty “AMNESTY” or “IMMUNITY”
Biodun @ 169
Cheney shooting AT the Statute of Liberty (Liberty down, face peppered with shot, and Cheney trying to look innocent – “I didn’t see her, thought I was shooting at a bird, she shouldn’t have moved in front of me”
LS @ 176. Totally Accurate. But I agree with those who say it would backfire.
More crap “in our name”: From Raw Story
LS @ 175
sadly, no. too much. over-the-top.
LS @ 175
Oh oh… Anybody thinking what I’m thinking?
Liberty – cheneyed!
I’ve been chatting with a friend this am about a “NAIL NEIL” campaign. the OTHER dumbass brother and his software scam and subsequent investigation. My thought was if in some miraculous way SOME Bu$h could actually be indicted, convicted and sent away (next term, naturally, assuming the current cabal actually steps down), MAYBE, just MAYBE we could impact on the United States of Amnesia thing.
This seeming necessary due to past history, these thugs always rising from the “grave” and Jeb’s recent talk of another Bu$h in the White House one day.
ya know?
siri@legitgov.org
http://www.legitgov.org
“No amnesty for peeping Coms”
Biodun @ 180
@182. I profess ignorance.
NewLou @ 185
Great!
Its your Call
Bush or Madison
Anyone else have 20-somethings in their lives? They’ve never heard of “ma bell”.
How about Cheney telling the Statue of Liberty to go Cheney herself.
TheraP @ 188
Agreed. What’s the graphic?
Maybe a little historical reference would be proper. We should ask our senators what kind are they, American or Roman. With the implication that if Roman, they are equivalent to a horse(’s ass).
Uncle Sam wants to spy on YOU!!
TexBetsy @ 189
Both my 19- and 17-year-olds certainly have never heard of her.
TexBetsy @ 191
I like that picture of Bush talking into a receiver which is upside down.
TheraP @ 187
nope. unless you add “tele-”. All the old coots’ll think “commies”. trust me. i are one.
Too many of these references, while funny to us, are way too disconnected from the average American . They may or may not know what Cheney said on the floor of the senate or what room AT&T used for wiretapping. Keep the images accessible to people who don’t read this blog and don’t listen to KO.
The telecoms own your free speech.
valletta @ 142
I don’t know why, but I don’t seem to be getting the audio of this. I used Selise’s link, it opened and I hit watch live which opened up Real Player, got the picture but no audio. Any suggestions?
“…with liberty and justice for all.”*
(*under indefinite suspension…keep checking back for updates)
Adie @ 197
Exactly. (small sized) tele (large) COMS.
“Your account is past due and your number has been deactivated.” No Amnesty for Telcoms.
NewLou @ 185
or neo-cons
LS @ 194 – also good.
Graphic for “peeping coms”
show someone lurking outside a window, tapping the line.
Then you get both images to the “peeping”
TexBetsy @ 189
right! and besides, among those who are old enuf to remember, i think the old gal conjures up warm-&-fuzzy thots, just the opposite of what we’re after.
How about the Statue of Liberty, holding the Constitution intact, saying, “Not on my watch!!!”
TxExSpeedy @ 203
Statue of Liberty’s phone bill?
People should send all their service and billing complaints to the senators
siri @ 184
Neil Bush has already been involved with one scandal. Rememeber the S & L crisis? Saint McCain was part of that whole thing too as part of the Keating 5.
Ann in AZ @ 199
they’re on a voting break right now…it should restart in a minute
TexBetsy:
I’m with you all the way. These folks are not very sophisticated. We’re assuming too much. And I hate to say this: The FDL community is simply way above a lot of heads.
Christy, this is a great exercise. Wish I were better with my photo software, but I will take a shot at some of these this afternoon.
Adie @ 196
dang fingers faster than brain! i meant coot, not commie. liberal? absolutely.
Biodun @ 195
I am in my mid 30’s. I remember it well. I even remember when the Supremes decided to break up AT&T.
LS @ 206
ooooooohhhhhhh! Ding!
Biodun @ 212
Above my head half the time and I read 400 news stories or political headlines a day!
Stop spying on Americans. No immunity.
Ann in AZ @ 198
the house judiciary committee hearing on torture is currently taking a short recess for a vote.
TexBetsy @ 198
You’re right. Those of us that read blogs sometimes forget how uninformed most people are. When the MoveOn controversy (Betrayus) was all over the media, they polled and found that 53% basically responded, “What’s MoveOn?”
MayDaze @ 220
What percent had heard of Gen Patraeus?
looseheadprop’s upstairs…
Don’t coddle Constitutional criminals.
Here’s what I wrote to Schumer today:
Re: Oppose retroactive telecom amnesty – Stand up for the law, not lawbreaking!
Dear Senator Schumer:
I urge you to oppose any legislation that includes retroactive immunity.
A vote for immunity is a vote against the rule of law. It sets a dangerous precedent and helps augur the further weakening of the U.S. Constitution, which you have sworn an oath to protect and defend.
Please do the right thing here and do not treat those who broke the law willfully a free pass.
Biodun @ 194
They just might yet. We are only one or two mergers away from having her back.
selise @ 219
in session again.
TexBetsy @ 202
Agreed — tele-COMS is better.
TexBetsy @ 221
IIRC, that wasn’t covered.
Important post from loosehead:
DOJ Is Trying To Take Over NYS’ Selection Of Voting Machines
Rally in NYC 2pm today.
Mornin’ pups. I’m waaay downthread and haven’t read all suggestions yet. I do like “no amnesty for telecoms” and would like to add “let US citizens have their day in court.” or something.
Conversely, I would like to hoover up the RNC machines as well. Tit for tat style. OK?
Funny, when I think of the word “brainstorming” today, I literally think of storming the brains of our senators.
“Breaking up is hard to do.”
trying to peel bush/cheney off of your phone receiver.
Fresh thread, but keep these ideas coming — am compiling a list. These are really fantastic, you guys!
Biodun @ 60
Whenever I hear about Putin I think back to Bush’s comment that he looked him in the eyes and found a kindred spirit. Indeed!
Being tapped is no fun!
Somebody having a spinal type while on the phone?
TheraP @ 234
phone in one hand, laptop in the other, face down on the table. dr’s lab coat says “AT&T and the FBI”
This weird twist to justice may help out:
“Pentagon Forbids Marine to Testify”
By Jess Bravin
Word Count: 583
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration blocked a Marine Corps lawyer from testifying before Congress today that severe techniques employed by U.S. interrogators derailed his prosecution of a suspected al Qaeda terrorist.
http://online.wsj.com/article/…..whats_news
Several brilliant military Lawyers repeatedly put their careers on the line to stand up for justice.
Given that most of the opponents to justice like to hide behind the troops -OK let’s play it their way
Let’s the bring on the troops own lawyers, en masse!
We could all chip in, and with the help of a few others, run our own ad?
in sloganeering, we should be aiming for clear, obvious, instant reaction, not tossing curve-balls. i agree with you TexBetsy.
bumper-sticker mentality is one aim.
Nevertheless, some of these more complex ideas might serve really well as fodder for ads, letters to editor & messages to congresscritters, eh?
This looks like a bookmark-able thread to me.
Thanks, all you whiz-kid pups!
TexBetsy @ 235
YES!
Adie @ 216
That’s not the Constitution she’s holding, if that’s what you meant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_liberty
Today’s Republican Party: Tapping their feet, tapping your phones.
TheraP @ 149
TexBetsy, that is so good!
Read my lips – no amnesty for illegal wiretaps
How about a twist on the motto from the Weaponshops of Isher:
The right to due process is the right to be free.
No retroactive immunity for Telecommunications companies, if they’re innocent, let them prove it in court.
No basket warrants — every case should go to the FISA court.
Spartacus, also good!
I really, really like the idea of many being used.
Ideally…. be trolls at repub sites! (hit & run)
How about a graphic of two innocent American girls, Brandy and Jessica, talking on the phone with a dirty old NSA guy in the middle, listening in to their conversation with a wry smile on his face.
How about two members of Congress talking on the phone, with an NSA guy in the middle, listening to their conversation.
And let’s try to tone down the violent imagery with the Statue of Liberty shall we? Liberty is under enough assault as it is, these days. *g*
LS @ 245
perfect, but include laptops as well
TexBetsy @ 247
Right…text messaging too..
Sorry Christy, I was just trying to leverage one of the “known knowns” about Cheney.
TexBetsy @ 45
And we need to return to that status…!
What about something that has a dirty old man “fishing” (somehow) for those young people… by tapping into their conversation.
No Phishing for Telecoms!
LS @ 165
*spew*
Ah hell, EPU…
If you would like a high resolution image of the shredded constitution to print out and fax please go to this link:
constitution abused
How about an image of some lilliputian telco types, plus members of the Administration, trying to climb up “the Law”, but not being able to get above it.
I think that the lines are already drawn on this. Maybe if enough Californians contact Diane Feinstein she may change her mind. The key people to target are Democrats who support amnesty for the telcos. Also you need to target the Democratic leadership which has been largely absent. Each time the Dems cave in to Bush, the Democratic party gets a bad name, bad press and it loses support.
CHS @ 246:
Pace my 182…
How about an operating room, the doctors with the FBI, CIA on back of coats, and they are installing a “chip” in the brain?
No Searches without a Warrant! It’s a No-Brainer!
If terrorists hate us for our freedoms, they why are WE the ones taking them away?
LS @ 245
Have the NSA guy tapping his feet instead of smiling.
Pete at 255 — Feinstein gave an interview to a capitol hill paper saying that she is reconsidering her Intel Committee vote. Any pressure at this point is a good thing on our end….
Sparkatus @ 240
Tapdancing around the law, too.
Probably would run afoul of copyright, but the ‘Police’ lines “Every step you take … every move you make … I’ll be watching you!” keep going around in my mind. Video cutting from businessman using a laptop, mom talking on cell phone, etc. “The New Police (State)”
cleter @ 57
Exactly. How ’bout “Remember your oath to uphold the Constitution.” Then the relevant section of the 4th followed by “No basket warrants. No immunity for Telecoms or their enablers.” Not sure about the word enablers, I’d like something that suggests pushers or pimps to refer to the administration officials who sponsored their lawbreaking.
Pectopah @ 258
I wondered about this since 9/12…
do-si-do @ 261
I love your line!
Tapdancing around the law to tap your private phone calls and emails … without a warrant.
Senators: don’t break the law for law breakers…
Should criminal phone companies be rewarded for breaking the law?
I’m sorry I forget where I saw this, either C&L, here, or TDS:
Uncle Sam is watching you!!
You know, the few times it comes up with Joe on the street, many people think their privacy is already invaded and accept it (credit cards, phone bills, etc.) I think we need to get across the damage that can be done. Like companies spying on competitors etc. You can get a lot of mileage out of corporate loyalty, too, ironically enough.
If you told one tech company that this activity allows a competitor into their territory, you’ll see the gates come down and the shouts go up really quick.
Adie @ 197
I was thinking the same thing…I’m right behind you!
Here’s an idea for “Tapdancing Around the Law”
Cheney shooting a someone… who has to keep tapdancing.
Immunity for Telecoms is like Tapdancing around the Law!
okay — very late to the party!
using the ACTUAL original image
of the fourth amendment makes great
theater, as well as visual stimuli!
but, here are two images to
fax on FISA mark-up — ideas
started in the EPU’d thread,
so i’ll post there as well:
feel free to take, modify, use
and enjoy — great inspiration, here!
p e a c e
Sparkatus @ 240
If, on the other hand, we can keep the message non-partisan, I’m willing to bet we’ll gather plenty of repubbles under our umbrella. Let’s not drive them away from a good cause, just for the sake of doing so, eh? We needn’t be stingy about this in order to win in the end. I mean, heqq, my parents were proud repubbles. I know they wouldn’t have liked this administration’s policies any more than we do.
From American Resistance.Com
Amnesty for illegal aliens
An amnesty for illegal aliens forgives their act of illegal immigration and implicitly forgives other related illegal acts such as driving and working using false documents. The result of an amnesty is that large numbers of foreigners who illegally gained entry into the United States are rewarded with legal status for their breaking the law. In January, 2004 President Bush Proposed an earned legalization program for illegal aliens. This is an amnesty under another name.
An amnesty for illegal Telcoms forgives their act of illegal spying and implicitly forgives other related illegal acts such as warrantless wiretaps, copying emails, and stealing personal information. The result of an amnesty is that large numbers of telcom subsidiaries who illegally gained entry into our computers and phone lines are rewarded with legal status for their breaking the law. In January, 2005 President Bush secretly Proposed a retroactive immunity campaign for telecoms. This is an amnesty under another name.
Pete @ 255
She should. The tapping happened in her BACKYARD!
do-si-do @ 264
It’s Bush’s strategy: take away our freedoms and the terrorist won’t hate us anymore.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 55
okay — and i agree! — so, a clean
original fourth amendment appears there,
as well. . .
p e a c e
nolo THANK YOU!
You asked for some ideas to address these FISA issues, and (apparently) other problems. Some have suggested the Congress is in the way. Speaker Pelosi is alleged to have threatened Committee Chairs: “If you start impeachment, you will be removed from your Committee Chair.”
State Proclamations calling for impeachment drove, in part, Kucinich to hear the groundswell against the President and realize something needed to be done.
One remedy is to remove Pelosi as Speaker, clearing the way for a review of the FISA violations, and freeing the Committee Chairs to conduct investigations. Here is a State Proclamation recognizing Pelosi is an impediment to impeachment, and calling for a review of all evidence in re impeachment of the President and Vice President.
Just a thot, Christy: how ’bout a weekly “bumper-sticker” thread? heh. I’m willing to bet this pack of hounds has more where all this came from. What. A. Howl! Besides generating ideas, it’s positively therapeutic. I actually was contemplating spending all of today in a total frump, and then I stumbled into the Lake. Thanks guys. ;->
Which is worse?
Tapping feet? Or Tapping Phones?
The Law is the Law!
Pectopah @ 259
AND taking notes, a la cheeney – scribbling with a pencil, with big earphones on.
A bit late to the thread, but how about
Bush Lied, Liberty Died?
FWIW, I sent the following message to my (D) congressman this morning; it’s not that catchy, but maybe someone else can make something of it. The (R) Senators are useless Bushbots, so I didn’t bother with them.
Congressman Miller, I am following up a brief phone message that I left you this morning regarding my opposition to retroactive (or any) immunity to the telecommunications companies for their complicity in implementing the Bush administration’s illegal wiretapping schemes. New allegations by Mark Klein, a retired AT&T technician and very credible witness, strongly suggest that the Bush administration via the NSA has been tapping and recording the sum of all internet traffic in the US. This is Watergate all over again, but with a 21st century twist: the break-in is virtual. In the original Watergate, Republican operatives broke in to Democratic party headquarters in order to steal political secrets. By tapping the internet, Republican operatives have stolen every political email, fax, and phone conversation. What’s worse, is they’ve also stolen every other communication on that network: people’s personal lives, financial data, trade secrets, medical records, and privileged communications with doctors and lawyers. Would you be outraged if someone broke in to your house and stole your personal information? I would be. We should all be outraged now.
Everyone involved in this wiretapping operation knew that it was illegal: why else would the Bush administration have lied, obfuscated, and misdirected on this topic with such intensity for so long? FISA has been around for a long time, the telecoms executives and their legal counsel knew full well the protocol for a wiretap and that it required judicial oversight to protect the rights and civil liberties of citizens. They knowingly and willfully broke the law on a grand scale. The executive branch of the US government has become nothing but a ring of criminals. Like any other organized crime ring, if the corporate officers want immunity, they must agree to testify against those higher up in the organization. We can do this: there is no honor among thieves.
In conclusion:
* No Corporate Immunity Ever. The corporations should be liable for whatever damages are assessed to them as a result of lawsuits arising from their illegal conduct.
* No Personal Immunity Without Sworn Public Testimony. If corporate officers and counsels wish to save their own skins, they must testify under oath as to all their actions regarding this sorry affair and all their knowledge of it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please think about it and stand up for Liberty and the Constitution.
Adie @ 278
my pleasure!
p e a c e
It certainly seems that we as commoners are viewed as work horses for those who own and run this country.What leverage the populace has is tied up in sweat equity. We need a general strike or at the very least a national sick day.
” I won’t be in today Mr. Jones, I’m sick to my stomach.”
“Oh that 24 hour thing huh?”
No, that six year kind. I think it will take another year to runs it course, unless I can find a better group of medics.
My son has a student awareness group and their motto:
R.O.L.L. over US Now!
Rule-Of-Law-Leadership over United States Now!
Another shirt reads PP & U (on front)
(on back) the Constitution
Unfortunately, this got a few of them in trouble even though it means
Preserve, Protect and Uphold…
How about “NO FEDS IN MY CLOSET, NO FEDS ON MY PHONE!” And “Help the crooks, join the crooks!” (visual is a prisoner in the old style prison uniform, or the orange one, next to a guy in a suit, behind bars.
SufiLizard @ 82
Sorry, been off the toobz for a couple of hours. I really like this idea. Either the telecoms don’t need it, or don’t deserve it. Sums it up nicely, IMHO.
$0.02 worth:
Those who break the law, get to fix it in prison. No exceptions.
How about, “Don’t put all your checks and balances into one basket”?
I’ll admit it’s more about balance-of-power stuff than retroactive immunity/warrantless wiretapping, but it does tweak a common saying and make it a progressive message…
No warrants?
No wiretaps.
No exceptions.
Probable cause Specific warrant
Anything less is a high crime
(Hmmm, the web site deleted the plus sign between cause and Specific.)
I’d rather hunt with Dick Cheney than have him read my email, listen to my phone calls, or review my web surfing!
I’d like to see a cartoon take-off of the verizon commercial. imagine:
a crowd of thousands in the backgrounds holding phones and torches.
In front, george washington and ben franklin.
George is holding a burning phone bill. Ben’s burning a 1040 form.
They’re smiling and looking us in the eyes.
The title: Coverup the guilt of the telecoms?
The caption: “Can you hear us NOW?”
Vampires tap with impunity;
Should TelCo’s tap with immunity?
Can you hear me now?!!
Just say “No!” to telecom immunity.
It’s as simple as that.
windje @ 291
Any questions?
I just want to say that, though I don’t comment often here, I read you everyday. And I can’t thank you enough –the writers AND the commenters –for ideas, being constructive, and fighting on. I love the creativity, intelligence, dedication, and absolutely indefatigable effort toward using the law to make the US more respectful of the Constitution (such as it is. You inspire me, even as I just about gave up. Since our own side of the aisle decided to censure Move-On (ie me and millions of Dems), I gave up my seat on our county committee and stopped working for Dems for the time being. Blogging is open thing (I won’t stop), but retail politics are another. (I truly had to take a break. However, while I sat it out in SW Virginia, I must add though, that both my Democratic delegate and Senator had safe, uncontested seats, so I didn’t risk much by taking a temporary hike!)But I must say, you inspire me to find new better ways to do something constructive. Thanks for being here. Onward…
We seem to be at a pivotal moment. The discussion at places like DU have taken a new urgency. Simultaneously, the revelations by Klein hold the greatest chance we have had to finally get Congress and the country to take notice and impeach the scoundrels.
Blogs have been successful at getting things done (like the effort to get Dodd to intervene recently). More such combined efforts would yield great results. So brainstorming within and across blogs might be useful.
In Virginia, bloggers at RaisingKaine.com have been instrumental in the changeover of the state Senate to Democratic. My hats off to RK too.
We have just today read that in Northern Virginia, democrats will have a real chance to unseat Republican US Rep. Tom Davis. Leslie Byrne intends to reclaim that seat. Given her opposition to the war and too many other good, strongly progressive policies to list in a short space, I am hopeful that a Dem who “gets it” and will do the right thing will be sworn into Congress in January 2009.
Again, thanks for being here. All of you.
nomolos @ 16
Dodd
I like a lot of these ideas, but my suggestion is simple: Watermark the page you fax with an illustration of a SPINE. (Find a graphic of a spine and insert it onto the page in Word with Format | Background | Printed Watermark | Picture Watermark.)
It’s time these elected people be reminded they’re expected to exhibit spine and stand up to lawlessness and tyranny.
No Telco Immunity
Serve the people, not the White House
It’s the Constitution, stupid
Slight change: singular on warrant and wiretap.
windje @ 291
No amnesty for corporate spying on Americans!
This needs some work, but something along the lines of:
They’ve spied on us.
They’ve lied to us.
Now they want to hide it from us.
For once, make Bush and Cheney level with us.
Say NO to telecom immunity.
TxExSpeedy @ 131
On a larger protest movement, shouldn’t we be considering boycotting the offending telecoms and rewarding Qwest by switching our cell phone service?
Adie @ 135
Graphics may be the way to go – a picture is worth a thousand words, and probably the bulk of emails or faxes before this have been words only. A graphic might get their attention and signify that a large group of people (Firedogs!) coalesce around this effort.
Also, let me suggest a head: “Just say no”
to retroactive immunity.
Furious @ 148
Tragedy for the Chinese person in jail, but dripping with irony – the pot calling the kettle…you know what.
snoboysdrift @ 160
I like this idea. Can’t we recruit some heavies (non political types) to allow their names to be used on these messages? I nominate Harper Lee (author of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) who just received the Medal of Honor from Chimpy.
TexBetsy @ 266
Suggestion:
“first they came for brown ones; then for the black ones; then for the gays; then for the Jews; then they came for you…”
….too long, eh?
Adie @ 280
Amen
3 ideas:
Image of statue of liberty on phone talking with George Washington wth George Bush evesdropping with cone held against wall in next room–caption What a difference a George Makes
Republicans shown tapping their feet, then tapping our phones, then tapdancing on the grave of the constitution
Just. Stop. Spying. On. Us. Now.
Great fun topic..woo hoo for all the creativity!
TexBetsy @ 114
erh — i can do this.
it will take a few days, texbetsy. . .
but i will report back.
in the mean-time, i’ve improved
my torn-out version of the fourth
amendment, this afternoon — take
a look! — use it copiously, and
freely — my treat, all FLD-ers!
p e a c e
why buy bush lies?
“Only Dictators want to wiretap without a warrant.”
(…and if the Little Boot fits, put it on, Commander Flightsuit!)
Hey Firepups! Good to see you all again! It’s been a while, but I always get back here just as soon as I can. Been missin’ y’all.
I have been suggesting this idea since July.
I think the right image faxed over and over again might get noticed.
Note – if you follow the link above it is to the original post that contains the image I proposed to use. Also the PDF link on the page no longer works and the system does not allow me to fix it. I can make a new PDF if needed.
Or you can see just the image here.