In case anybody still thinks that electing a solid Democratic majority in 2006 was the silver bullet to solving all of our problems and promoting a progressive agenda, here's the latest bit of contrary evidence.
The DEMOCRAT-CONTROLLED House just passed a bill that expands Bush's wiretapping powers and grants immunity to the phone companies that facilitiated our government's illegal spying on its own citizens in the wake of 9/11.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says it's the best compromise possible "in the current atmosphere." Others called it a clear victory for the White House.
The bill goes to the Senate next week and Majority Leader Harry Reid says he's going to "try real hard" to get a vote to strip the immunity provision. Umm, excuse me Mr. Reid, but as Leader you do control the Senate's schedule, right?
Seems like there's one of two problems here.
Either the Democratic leadership lacks the fortitude to push back on the Bush Administration on fundamental matters of consitutional importance such as basic civil liberties.
Or, Rep. Hoyer is right, and we've failed to organize our fellow Americans to create the proper conditions for stronger protections. The "current atmosphere" just doesn't support standing up to Bush.
I have my suspicions about which it is. But, either way, the answer is the same--and couldn't be clearer.
Progressives need to get in gear. We need to organize ourselves, building a base from which to hold our leaders accountable to our core values AND reach out to our fellow citizens to get more folks on our side.
