January 2008, Senator Obama: "No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people -- not the President of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless surveillance program. We have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed."
Senator Obama, you spoke the truth when you said that we have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed. We, your supporters, are drawing a line: you must uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States.
We urge that you immediately end your recent public support of the FISA Amendments Act, which grants retroactive immunity to the telecommunications industry.
This protest is not just about denying immunity to those telecommunications companies that broke the law. We are urging you to defend the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which protects the American people from unwarranted search and seizure.
Do not compromise on these most fundamental freedoms. We understand that we will not always agree with every policy decision you make, but we expect you to uphold the rule of law and protect our most basic liberties.
Dear Senator Obama,
I am a voter and supporter of your campaign. I am deeply disappointed in your decision to support the FISA Amendments Act and to reverse your previous commitment to back a filibuster of any FISA legislation containing immunity for telecommunications companies that broke the law.
This past January, you stated: "No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people -- not the President of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless surveillance program. We have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed."
I strongly urge you to recommit to your earlier position in support of the Fourth Amendment and against President Bush's warrantless surveillance program. I urge you to immediately end your support of the FISA Amendments Act, and co-sponsor the Dodd Amendment to strip retroactive immunity from this legislation (S.AMDT.5064).
Sincerely,
[Your name]
