Spring Break
Democrats sell out on new surviellance law
Sean Reed
Issue date: 7/16/08 Section: Opinion
So how is it then, if Democrats both opposed the bill on the principle of privacy rights and stood against immunity for telecom companies, that this bill passed? The simple answer is that to vote against it, especially in an elections year, would be political suicide.
For almost seven years now the Democrats have had to work double time to prove to voters that they are "tough on terror." Recently, however, taking a stand against terror, as it is practiced by the Bush administration, is increasingly coming into conflict with something Dems tend to support -- the preservation of civil liberties such as the right to habeas corpus and the freedom of speech and association.
In an election year, however, everyone in politics seems to sacrifice some principles, and in this case, so have the Democrats in order to fight off claims of the party being "soft" on Homeland Security, as has been the rallying cry of Republicans since September 11.
Wiretapping, as it is a relatively harmless intrusion to most citizens unless, in the words of Sen. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., "you have al-Qaeda on your speed dial," was likely seen as an appropriate compromise to the otherwise strong line against civil rights intrusions in the name of public safety.
Unfortunately for Democrats, one menial gesture is not going to fight off more than half a decade of Republican rhetoric.
They'll learn soon enough.
Editorials Editor Sean Reed is a senior political science major. His column appears occasionally in the Collegian. Letters and feedback can be sent to letters@collegian.com.
For almost seven years now the Democrats have had to work double time to prove to voters that they are "tough on terror." Recently, however, taking a stand against terror, as it is practiced by the Bush administration, is increasingly coming into conflict with something Dems tend to support -- the preservation of civil liberties such as the right to habeas corpus and the freedom of speech and association.
In an election year, however, everyone in politics seems to sacrifice some principles, and in this case, so have the Democrats in order to fight off claims of the party being "soft" on Homeland Security, as has been the rallying cry of Republicans since September 11.
Wiretapping, as it is a relatively harmless intrusion to most citizens unless, in the words of Sen. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., "you have al-Qaeda on your speed dial," was likely seen as an appropriate compromise to the otherwise strong line against civil rights intrusions in the name of public safety.
Unfortunately for Democrats, one menial gesture is not going to fight off more than half a decade of Republican rhetoric.
They'll learn soon enough.
Editorials Editor Sean Reed is a senior political science major. His column appears occasionally in the Collegian. Letters and feedback can be sent to letters@collegian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 108
Kelly Walters Class of 86
posted 7/16/08 @ 11:45 AM MST
"Political Suicide" is a bullshit argument. It attempts to justify an inexcusable, unconstitutional and downright illegal vote. It's reverse engineering; changing the law to conform to past conduct. (Continued…)
Registered Independent
posted 7/16/08 @ 2:00 PM MST
Here's a little news for you Kelly: Congress itself has a 99% disapproval rating.
The latest poll results show that this new Democrat Congress' approval rating now stands at just 9%. (Continued…)
Registered Independent
posted 7/16/08 @ 8:11 PM MST
Whoops, that was a typo. Congress only actually has a 91% "disapproval rating", not 99%.
Same difference, but it's important to be as honest as possible. (Continued…)
Peace Love
posted 7/16/08 @ 9:23 PM MST
How dare those Democrats vote to protect the American from being slaughtered by terrorists.
We need to go back to democrat policy we had before 911. (Continued…)
Bipartisan Disdain of Congress
posted 7/18/08 @ 2:57 PM MST
Good that you fix your math error. Now we just need to tweak the disapproval ratings into the realm of the actual.
[QUOTE id="b90e9ad1-7c1b-4a5c-b0c6-78da5db29684"]Whoops, that was a typo. (Continued…)
Making Americans Unsafe
posted 7/18/08 @ 4:43 PM MST
To support the other poster's remarks about the entire Congress being blackmailed.
- McCain is being blackmailed for what he did and didn't do while a POW. (Continued…)
Registered Independent
posted 7/19/08 @ 3:38 PM MST
RESPONSE TO "BIPARTISAN DISDAIN OF CONGRESS"
That actually was a typo on my part, not a "math error" as you misstated.
And my "congressional approval" statistic is entirely correct. (Continued…)
Craig Hawley / real not hijacked
posted 7/19/08 @ 8:04 PM MST
Making Americans unsafe sounds like Max. If they want to listen to my phone calls it's OK with me. LOL!
It's nice to know they care. Now I can drone on and on until they lose intrest. (Continued…)
Registered Independent
posted 7/23/08 @ 9:18 PM MST
RESPONSE TO MS. WALTERS:
Obama's just TOO RISKY, and TOO INEXPERIENCED of a presidential candidate right now. He's not the right person to lead post-September llth America. (Continued…)
jimmy
posted 7/24/08 @ 8:37 AM MST
I dont care if the fed listens, as long as they dont mind me chiefing some pakalolo once in awhile!
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