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2. (A conversation that happened a few months ago)
(A conversation that happened a few months ago)
‘It’s a secret court, but at least it’s a court,’ came the reply from a colleague of my dad.
I looked up from my laptop, my lover…‘FISC? The FISA court,’ I asked him, ‘Is that what you mean?’ Let’s call him Buzz [hair reference, military style].
He didn’t look overly surprised, but queried, ‘How then are your skills on the subject of FISA?’ [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act].
I shrugged, ‘Listen, I claim no real fundamental zeal for legal talk because, as we all know, half the time what any of those people say can sound as if they are following the Constitution when in actual fact they have just verbally thrown you the proverbial BIRD…’
He laughed, ‘I’m still curious to hear what is out there in the public sector now that the Terrorist Surveillance Program is being replaced by a new effort involving the FISA court.’
‘Well,’ I began, ‘I was reading the congressional transcripts from the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing where the Attorney General testified not so long ago.’
Eyes of Buzz raised accusing, ‘you little BLOG kitten.’
‘Who says I got it from a Blog?’
‘Never you mind, inconsequential. I want to know pip what the chat is “out there” about it.’
‘Well, Buzz, what I have to say may or may not please your bosses,’ was my beginning.
‘Again inconsequential.’
I dove right in.
‘Who is coaching these guys over at the Department of Justice, because let’s not mince words here Buzz, they have a talent for pissing a whole lot of people off. In the transcripts for the whole world to see, the issue is made clear cut for many of us in Blogville when Senator Feingold stated, “Mr. Attorney General, it is a welcome change to learn that the president, with regard to the NSA program, has decided to return to the law. For more than five years, this administration conducted an illegal wiretapping program, including more than a year during which you and others publicly asserted that this violation of the law was absolutely essential to protecting the public from terrorists. And as Senator Kennedy already mentioned, you actually questioned the patriotism of those who criticized you.” Now Buzz think about this. If we believed that those listening in on us were a Benevolent force then there are huge numbers of people that would say, “Sieve through our information if it helps you track those who want to destroy our world.” But when this force feels that it is in the right to question the patriotism of any American who was critical of the warrant-less surveillance program, then the integrity of the Executive Branch must be questioned and that is what has been happening. To defend our Constitutional rights, as Americans against the Executive Branch, then puts us as citizens on Severe Red Alert. The irony of it all…’ I took a breath.
Buzz shrugged and insisted, ‘Don’t think that everyone that I work with was relaxed about wire tapping, there were those involved that were relieved when the New York Times story broke all those months ago. But for many and varied reasons pip.’
‘As if I don’t get it. I get it Buzz. But that is my point. Loads of people get it. That’s where those who advise those guys missed the boat. Loads of people support electronic surveillance of the enemy during a time of war. Contrary to the Attorney General’s statement and I quote, “… I mean, if you look on the blogs today, there are all kinds of people who have strong views about the ability of the government to surveil anyone for any reason. And so…” Contrary to that blanket statement made by the Attorney General, I swear Buzz, most people I’ve heard from don’t believe that waving the White Flag of peace and singing Kumbaya is the way to stop Al Qaeda. It is assumed that if you aren’t a proponent of everything this government does then it is implied that you are a peace loving patchouli smelling hippy from the 60’s …..what horseshit.’
Buzz stood up, ‘First of all, if any of you out there think this president would say and actually mean that he decided to return to the law as indicated by the good Senator, you’re in la la land along with him. If that were true, it would mean he admitted that the law was knowingly broken by him. True or not he doesn’t have the right physical equipment. Second, as far as “ the violation of the law being absolutely essential to protect the public from terrorists” ---- and I’m sure that is believed by some—then my creation of a secret vigilante cell to kill criminals who I think got off easy is okay. This is the double o seven theory: my license to kill. Third, there are NOT huge numbers of you who would say, “Sieve through our information Big Brother” no matter what the cause. Get Real! Fourth,’
‘Enough Already!’ doubling up and holding my side ‘Bang Bang, You Shot Me Down Nancy Sinatra.’
‘But I’m not half through pip.’
‘For today Buzz.’
He grabbed his trench coat and ear piece [his uniform of the day].
‘But before you leave, who do you think is the real enemy because the masses are having to ask the same question.’
‘Good question pip, but the masses will have to wait or preferably figure it out for themselves. I’m AWOL now and must get back.’
Mom, while going about her business but obviously amused by our conversation, threw in, ‘You know pip, I used to ask your father the same question and he would say, “Kelly, POGO, Earth Day 1970.”’
‘Okay, Mom, isn’t it bad enough that dad used riddles with you too…. Do you have to relay them to me? What is a POGO?’
‘Well, pip, A famous cartoonist by the name of Kelly created an even more famous comic strip called POGO and POGO’s most famous quote was used as a reprint on a poster acknowledging Earth Day, 1970.’
‘And???’
‘And…..POGO’s quote was ‘We have met the enemy and he is us.’
‘Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh ……..Brother.’
So. True.
who is the real enemy?
toritattoo
(Anonymous)
reaction:
(Anonymous)
The enemy
The enemy is US! The latest act of terror has nothing to do with Iraq...its within our own body.
The Virginia Massacre...the shocking levels of unchecked rage, lack of community, and uncontrolled access to weapons of mass destruction (no not missiles, GUNS) has left over thirty dead. If we could connect with each other a bit more in this land spread too thin, maybe individuals wouldn't feel so alone that they need to end their own life and take others with them.
Dear Pip,
The African Americans/Blacks have Rev. Al Sharpton to combat intolerant, racist stupidity...every time an innapropriate comment is made, I see him on my TV speaking out against it. But who is the gay person's Rev. Al Sharpton?
I thought long and hard about it...and I couldn't come up w/ anyone...I guess the closest person is Rosie O'Donnell but in my opinion, she just doesn't measure up to Rev. Al Sharpton and the level he takes his battles to. Ellen? No way. Can you think of anyone? Write more please,
<3 Frank Paul :)
(Anonymous)
Dear Pip
Love your log!
x Indra
http://indra.web-log.nl
indrakamala@gmail.com
King George
Right on Pip! I second this statement! I work in government and when I voiced my opinion against certain actions our government began taking soon after 9-11, I was crucified by all those who I worked with. Of course I was also the only person in the office who did not feel the need to wear a flag and post signs all over my office at the time, which may have "flagged" me as a free thinker (a/k/a enemy of the federal government, god, grandmas and kittens). I learned to keep my mouth shut in most circles. But does the federal government even realize that "the people" are no longer blindly supporting them in their efforts? I have had so many people, including former military people, comment to me about King George and the unbelievable actions he is taking. Unfortunately, I just don't know what I can do to bring about positive change.
(Anonymous)
Difference
Why do you need someone to speak up for you?
Speak up for your self.
Make a difference in every thing you do and say, in every decision you make.
It will make a difference someday.
Maybe I’m naive, but I know that I make a difference to the people I deal with in a day to day basis. And even if the difference I make is imperceptible, it’s a difference.
Hey maybe, and here’s an idea, when you vote, sorry that is when you go to vote.
Frank, I’m not getting at you, I just think you raised a broader issues
Love
FM
duality
i wanna be it all and express it all and not deny any of it...
but enough rambling...
can't wait to get my hands on the posse chants....
this reminded me,and i don't know why exactly, of smth i've read on another blog(salam pax's)
"the West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact, non-Westerners never do."
Samuel P. Huntington
greeting from a non-western-ess
(Anonymous)
state of the union
I agree, We ARE or we should be on Red Alert as citizens looking back at the Executive branch. How the F*** did this country get to a place where the EXEC branch is throwing their weight around so much! And now we have the ban on 'partial birth abortion' all because of f***ing George and his supreme court appointees. I'm sickened by the state of this country. We need Hillary.
although I know she can't magically right all the wrongs...
(Anonymous)
on first entry
(Anonymous)
hey pip!!!!!
mkgtweety
(Anonymous)
Bush's Web of Wrongdoing
Earth Day 2007
(Anonymous)
ha!
(Anonymous)
Saftey and Liberty.
I have said that quote often before, and now I type it here again.
I would also like to state, that even though I live in Canada, I still feel the power of the United States Military Boot pressing into my neck, and the boot of the Canadian Mountie, pressing into my side.
Tell Tori I said hello, and give Clyde a hug for me. I think she needs one.
xxPeisi
(Anonymous)
What's that scratching sound?
It was only the cat; guess I'll adopt his attitude and do a spontanious analyze of the frase 'Department of Justice'; 'department' is 'a part of a larger organization with a specific responsibility' and 'justice' is complementary to 'injustice'. The evil twin of D.O.J must be a part of a large organization that is responsibel for injustice. Is the name of this organisation - 'US' ?
My cat does not care what so ever...