Hello again DailyKos, good to be back.
For this week's liveblog, after the House successfully passed immunity-free FISA legislation, I thought I would take your questions on FISA, civil liberties in general, the appropriate role of the executive branch, etc.
I was very proud of the House for passing a bill that did not include retroactive immunity for the telcos. Hopefully the Senate will be able to pull it off as well (and Reid helping with some of the House procedural hurdles is certainly a good sign). My opponent, Lee Terry, voted in favor of retro active immunity for the telcos.
There is no reason to spy on American citizens without a warrant. As someone who flew recon missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, I certainly understand the need for secrecy, and the need for an active intelligence service. But there is no excuse for violating the rights of American citizens, and there is no excuse for this administration's perpetual disregard for the rule of law.
Well, it's nearly 3:30, so I will post this and then take your questions.
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--Richard