McCain compounds wiretapping problem
A recent statement from the McCain campaign asserted McCain’s often-criticized view that Bush’s warrantless-wiretapping was lawful, bringing the hopeful President even closer to Bush’s executive power grabs.
The advisor, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, posted in the National Review that Bush’s authorization of NSA international and email monitoring was within the bounds of the Constitution. “Neither the administration nor the telecoms need apologize for actions that most people, except for the A.C.L.U. and trial lawyers, understand were constitutional and appropriate in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”
The criticism has compounded because in a Boston Globe interview six months ago, McCain stated he would obey the 1978 statute requiring a warrant for spying.
NY Times
Democrats may back down on FISA
House Democrats may be ready to compromise on last year’s controversial FISA bill. A version including retroactive immunity for telecom companies managed to pass in the Senate but was stalled until winter recess by the House.
Recently House Intelligence Committee chair Silvestre Reyes said he was “fine” with the wording proposed by Senate Republicans that allows immunity.
The ACLU has responded quickly, stating “Congress should remember that the majority of Americans are against unwarranted and warrantless surveillance.”
Raw Story
Congress passed $3 trillion budget
Congress passed a $3 trillion budget yesterday, which included modest increases in domestic programs but was criticized for piling on the national debt. It’s the first budget passed in an election year since 2000, Democrat Steny Hower proclaims the first budget passed in an election year since 2000 “a demonstration of our ability to govern effectively.”
Republicans attacked the Democrats for loading onto Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. “We shouldn’t be doing this to our children” says Rep. Paul Ryan.
Budget Committee Chairman John M. Spratt defended the budget. “President Bush told the country we could have it all: guns, butter and tax cuts, too, and never mind the deficits. It takes a long time to turn this battleship around, but that’s what we do in this budget.”
Washington Post
New poll reveals Iran diplomacy is favorable
A recent Public Agenda poll reports that nearly 50% of Americans say diplomacy with Iran is the best solution to the “current situation.” That’s a nearly 15% increase since last fall. The poll also reports that a mere 7% favor military action.
Think Progress
June 6, 2008
Ex-Guantanamo prisoner testifies in Congress
Only a handful of legislators listened to German-born Murat Kurnaz’s testimony of his imprisonment yesterday. Kurnaz was arrested by Pakistani authorities while visiting the region in 2001. US authorities “purchased” Kurnaz for $3000 and incarcerated him in Guantanamo Bay for five years, despite being determined to have no terrorist links in 2002.
Yesterday, he traveled to Congress to testify about his experience there but after technical difficulties only about half a dozen lawmakers remained to hear his story. Kurnaz recently published a book about the experience, “Five Years of My Life: An Innocent Man in Guantanamo.”
Bush promises Saudi nuclear support
President Bush pledged Monday to continue to assist Saudi Arabia with their nuclear power program, including providing enriched uranium and even protecting oil reserves. President Bush has attracted criticism for a possible double nuclear standard regarding Iran, and even recently admitted the majority of 9/11 attackers were Saudis.
Israel and Syria come to talking point
Israel and Syria announced they resumed peace talks early this morning after an eight-year break. Identical statements released by Israel, Syria and Turkey confirmed that the talks began earlier through Turkish mediators.
Many problems exist between Israel and Syria. Syria has been isolated from world diplomacy and been called an “axis of evil” by President Bush. Israel is concerned about Syrian support of Hezbollah and Palestinian militants. The US is unusually not involved in the peace talks.
Obama is clear fundraising winner
Barack Obama added to his impressive total of $268 million dollars with April donations topping $31 million. The monthly amount was a slight decrease from March’s $40 million but Obama still has the overall financial lead. Hillary Clinton raised $22 million the same month, her highest during this campaign and brought her total to $262 million. Obama’s strategy focuses on millions of small donors, a model Clinton has had to adopt after her early donors maxed out.
Guantanamo prisoner
Saudi enriching
Israel and Syria
Obama fundraising
May 21, 2008
