"It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep."* The phone rings, but don't worry about who's on the other end, because the government is listening. It seems Congress is about to cave in to Bush administration hysterics and fearmongering tactics about FISA - even though George Bush and the Republicans have refused an extension of the bill. If enough House Democrats relent to the Bush bullying, not only will the telecoms continue spying on Americans' phone call and emails, they won't be prosecuted for doing so!
Apparently, the government's priorities are not our civil liberties and the rule of law, as guaranteed in the Constitution. Nope, they're concerned about one thing and one thing only: protecting AT&T, Verizon and the other big telecoms from being sued for secretly spying on our phone calls and email. Oh and then there's that little matter about records being released that might implicate the Bush administration and leave them liable to prosecution - can't have that, now can we??!!
VOTE! Please VOTE in Tuesday's primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island for a president who will lead a strong government with backbone and principle; one who will truly protect our Constitution. We have had ENOUGH of a government that promises accountability, yet secretly circumvents the law at every turn. Meanwhile, our economy is sinking further into recession because of a costly war based on deliberate lies.
Time to get involved in the political process and help create change for the better. This is OUR country, not one just for the rich and their special interests. We have a say; we have a voice; we must speak! Let's raise our voices at caucuses and the ballot box on Tuesday and again in November. Speak out for change. Yes, we can!
*Opening line from a fear-mongering television ad put out by the Clinton campaign that is reminiscent of an ad used in Lyndon Johnson's presidential campaign.
All the social benefits being promised sound great -- just remember...they HAVE to be paid for SOMEHOW and that seems to be the only thing missing from all the emotional speeches they're giving at all their rallies. Republications rot, Democrats will save the world - 'we'll finally give you all 'they' haven't given you all these years (benefits, insurance for all, etc.)...' BUT! Has any one of them actually followed those promises up with exactly where they're going to come up with the $ to pay for all the goodies being promised? Not that I've heard. It isn't that G.Bush, et al haven't wanted to give us the moon, so to speak, I just think they haven't wanted to tax us to the moon to "give" it to us. Neither B.H. Obama or H. Clinton are going to "give" us those great benefits either -- we'll be paying for it through the back-door--via higher taxes. There is no free lunch. And no free health care. Define "free" -- free just means basically rob Peter to pay Paul. Its easy to villify the curent admin. when you're looking to have their job...but promising the moon without honestly telling the folks that they are actually going to end up paying for all the 'gifts' you're promising just isn't fair play. I'm crying foul on all of them...and their promises.
Posted by: Ruth Harsham | 05 March 2008 at 14:09
ps Your side bar looks nice!
Posted by: rochambeau | 04 March 2008 at 13:19
It is a privilege to vote. We must pay attention or our rights will be taken from us.
xo
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 04 March 2008 at 13:18
Here, here!
"The President made me do it" was not an effective defense for the Watergate co-conspiritors. It should not be a defense for any agency, individual, or corporation that broke the law serving at the discretion of the President.
-- f
Posted by: footpad | 04 March 2008 at 04:42
You go girl!
He certainly has a way of sounding convincing. I just wish I could trust even ONE person in politics. I've become so jaded. ...and even though Hillary has her problems, it saddens me to think that we are still seemingly not ready for a woman.
Do you really suppose that a bright, strong woman will ever make it in this country?
Posted by: karen cole | 04 March 2008 at 04:00
hey Tara, I just wanted to say that I love the spring colours and your new banner :-)
Posted by: Amy | 04 March 2008 at 00:44
Tess votes tomorrow...then I really hope we have a clear winner.
Posted by: stephanie | 04 March 2008 at 00:27
Yay! I'm a great believer in everyone making the most of their political power (despite the patch of despair I slipped into this morning) and I think that encouraging people to use it well is good, good work - you do it well.
Posted by: Frida | 03 March 2008 at 22:02
Oppps. I am always in a hurry, as I have so little time to blog. Unfortunately this leads to poor spelling. I meant to say, "freedom," and "Barack," rather than what I wrote.
Posted by: meredith | 03 March 2008 at 21:42
Orwell's 1984 has come to mind many times during this administration.....ce n'est pas envisageable....
I like your new page look....love the colors and the springlike, airy look!
Posted by: rebecca | 03 March 2008 at 21:40
Although I am not big on politics I do agree we all should vote and take advantage of this freesom. I support Barak as well.
Paris is a city I love and it has been fun to read your blog.
Posted by: meredith | 03 March 2008 at 21:38