Continued Coverage in Advance of FISA Votes

Martin of Scholars & Rogues expresses with clarity and passion the importance of the moment we have arrived at today, with Senator Dodd standing up to filibuster in defense of the rule of law.

I do not exaggerate when I say that this is not only an important day in modern politics, but an important day in our country's history. Here's where we will find out if the Senate has the guts and heart to stand behind one of their most principled members and support the Constitution. Here is where the Senators running for President–Biden, Clinton, and Obama–have a perfect chance to demonstrate real leadership and stand in unity with their colleague. Here is where we, as a country, must stand at the crossroads and ask ourselves what path we will take.

Do we continue to follow the path of fear, of a climate of paranoia and suspicion that justifies egregious acts in the name of a war we don't actually seem to be winning? Do we support a vast governmental intrusion into our private lives to build databases on our activity, which are then sold to the highest corporate bidder?

Or do we stand up and say "No. No more. No more spying. No more lying. No more lawbreaking. No more fear. No more disrespect for the values that made our country great?"

Dr. Slammy, also of Scholars & Rogues, has more on how the events surrounding the filibuster and FISA legislation are a teachable moment about Congress.

Jason Rosenbaum of The Seminal writes:

When Chris Dodd begins his never-ending speech, he will fight the good fight. He will take a strong stand, a stand that defines him as a fighter for the Constitution and the American people. All Democrats should practice this kind of leadership if they hope to govern effectively.

The folks at The Seminal and Open Left have also relaunched ThankYouDodd.com - go take a look.

This isn't just taking place on the national blogs - desmoinesdem from Bleeding Heartland in Iowa and Dean Barker from Blue Hampshire have posts up this morning on Dodd's efforts to stop retroactive immunity.

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