Feingold says "the President is living in a pre-1776 world"

[pstans]

Russ Feingold wrote a blog on DailyKos and talked about how the President thinks he is above the law.
http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/2/2/10581/84829

This administration reacts to any questions about spying on American citizens by saying that those of us who stand up for our rights and freedoms are somehow living in a "pre-September 11th, 2001 world."

In fact, the President is living in a pre-1776 world.

Our Founders lived in dangerous times, and they risked everything for freedom. Patrick Henry said, "Give me liberty or give me death." The President's pre-1776 mentality is hurting America and fracturing the foundation on which our country has stood for 230 years. The President can't just bypass two branches of government, and obey only those laws he wants to obey. Deciding unilaterally which of our freedoms still apply in the fight against terrorism is unacceptable and needs to be stopped immediately.

Feingold ends the blog by saying...

Stop the power grab, stop the politics, stop breaking the law.

It's time to stand up - not to cheer, but to fight back.

http://www.russforpresident.com

[Radical Activist]

1. Amazing

He needs to run for President. If more Democrats talked like this, we'd win.

[guidod]

2. I agree with you.

Feingold would make a great president and leader. He appeals to a wide range of voters.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. This is WHAT EVERY ELECTED OFFICIAL

in the Senate and the House should be saying. I will contend myself if one third had the backbone to say it. By the way, I would not be too shocked it this was said mostly by Democrats (There is one Independent in the Senate and one Socialist in the House that might have the courage) but this is NOT a Democratic Issue but an American Issne

reality is, its over folks, and the country is in for a very long dark night... Why? It is not only the House and the Senate that should be saying it... it should be every American demonstrating, rebelling, and saying no. But the people are too damn comfortable and when they finally wake up, the bodies will be piled hight and the country will be a wreck. There will be elections in 2006, anf for god sakes I hope I am wrong on this... but as far as I am concerned, they are now sham elections... and by 2008 the country will be so different that none of us will recognize it. Perchance they will even make away with those bothersomes shams. Aftrer all the American Nazi Party has taken full control of the country... and nobody has the cajones to stop them.

It was over Monday... that was the moment and our repts punted.

[pstans]

6. I understand your disapointment

I had the same feelings after the failed filibuster. I see what happened as the true Democrats drawing the line in the sand. We now know that their are 25 or so true Democrats that will fight. It isn't much, but it is a start. There is also a huge community online that can get things done. You have to remember that they don't have any power until "we the people" give it to them. Listen to Gore's speech he made on MLK Jr. Day. Feingold and Gore are two men that can lead us out of this darkness.

[karynnj]

15. What did Feingold do to support the filibuster

Kerry and Kennedy took the grief and the derision of the media. Feingold is on the judiciary committee, and though he was one of the better questioners, the committee as a whole did an abysmal job. If they would have done a better job and kept the issue of unitary President or the shift of rights from individuals to the government or the corporation, they could have convinced the country.

Kerry took a principled stand, interrupted long planned events relevent to his own committees, to lead the filibuster with Kennedy. (Kennedy is on the judiciary committee but actually created some of the Democrats problems there.) Read Kerry's speech from the day of the filibuster vote - it is a brilliant, concise desription of the the shifts of power, Alito has ruled or spoken for.

Yet your conclusion sfter Kerry, alone, having waited for the laedership of Feingold's committee to lead, is that FEINGOLD and Gore will lead us out of the darkness. I could see Gore (or the more statesmanlike Kerry) as that leader, but Feingold opted not lead when he had the chance. (As a member of the committee, he likely could have started the effort at least a week or two earlier. Kerry couldn't because a) he was in the ME and 2) it would have been inappropriate until the committee sent the recommentation to the floor.

[Totally Committed]

4. I really like and respect Russ a lot.

He's a good man.

TC

[Golden Raisin]

5. The only one...

The only one to tell it like it is --- and loud & clear. The guy's got a pair. The rest of the dems are all busy hemming & hawwing, if-ing & maybe-ing? Go Russ.

[radio4progressives]

7. k&r Excellent post..

:applause:

[speedoo]

8. My respect for Senator Feingold grows hourly.

He's dedicated, brilliant and unafraid. More than can be said for just about every other Dem. Senator.

[NinetySix]

9. One of the only true statesmen of our time.

Feingold writes like James Madison in this piece. Remarkably clear-headed thinking, concisely stated.

[radio4progressives]

10. Yes, James Madison came to mind the first Time I heard Feingold speak

in light of what's going on today, i would truly truly truly like to see James Madison in the White House...

Russ Feingold is James Madison reincarnated, imo.

[Wordie]

11. ...or at the very least, he's living a pre-1970's (before FISA) world.

FISA specifically made much of the spying that Bush has done illegal. He's acted as if the law was never passed, ignoring those provisions he doesn't like.

[pstans]

12. He's acting like the King

that is Feingold's point. Bu$h is ingnoring the law and shredding the constitution with the Patriot Act. Bu$h's pre-1776 mentality is as if he were the King.

[zann725]

13. I'm liking this Feingold guy more every day.

Nice to know someone's still "awake."

[NVMojo]

14. well-stated!