Open Letter to Senator Clinton

Senator Clinton:

On March 13, 2006, your colleague and fellow Democrat, Senator Russ Feingold, introduced a measure to formally censure President Bush for his blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the FISA laws enacted to prevent illegal spying upon Americans.

In explaining the censure resolution, Senator Feingold said, “This issue is not about whether the government should be wiretapping terrorists – of course it should, and it can under current law. But this President and this Administration decided to break the law and they have yet to give a convincing explanation of why their actions were necessary, appropriate, or legal. Passing more laws will not change the fact that the President broke the ones already in place and for that, Congress must hold him accountable.”

Senator Clinton, as a Democrat and a New Yorker, I find it very difficult to understand why you have failed to support Senator Feingold’s censure resolution.

Millions of Americans want a leader with enough confidence of character to thwart the monarchical arrogance emanating from the Bush White House. Senator Feingold has provided such leadership. Unfortunately, the Democratic caucus has been too slow and too unenthusiastic in its response. That needs to change, Senator!

On Jan. 25, speaking of Bush’s NSA eavesdropping program, you were quoted in N.Y. Newsday as saying, ”Their argument that it's rooted in the Constitution inherently is kind of strange because we have FISA and FISA operated very effectively.”

Obviously, from the above statement, you have misgivings about the program. Indeed, anyone familiar with the Constitution or the laws of this country should have such doubts. But actions speak louder than words, Senator. And in the case of an elected official, it is their votes that matter before their rhetoric. So, will you use your vote to defend your constituents’ civil rights? You should support censure.

Continuing to sit on the sidelines on censure is a disservice to your constituency and your nation and, after your votes go to war with Iraq and make permanent the USA Patriot Act, reinforces the growing perception that you’re out of touch with the real concerns of the majority of Democrats, the majority of New Yorkers and the majority of Americans.

Especially as a Senator from New York, the national bastion of free speech and democracy, I hope you come around to support Senator Feingold’s censure resolution. And quick.

Sincerely,
RED/GLARE