As a concerned citizen of the United States I feel the need to speak out on this issue. We have one last chance to prevent the FISA bill from becoming law. It lies in the hands of the senate. Please act now and stop the senate from making a terrible decision which takes away one of the most fundamental and progressive values, the right to privacy.

Do not let the Senate give the phone companies and the Bush administration a free ride for past and future violations of our basic civil liberties. Ask your senators to stop this bill by supporting a filibuster and voting NO against a bill that gives the phone companies amnesty. Protect your privacy rights.

As a Barack Obama supporter I also feel the need to speak out to other Obama supporters who are pissed off about his support of the so-called FISA compromise. I too share your concerns. I am an independent who has financially supported the Barack Obama campaign from the very beginning. I am a volunteer for his campaign. I've phone banked, canvassed, was precinct captain, served as precinct secretary at the primaries, attended the county convention as a delegate, and continue to be involved in his campaign.
 
I want to remind you that we make up this movement and we need to make our voices heard. I didn't come into this campaign delusional (as some have called us) expecting or seeing Barack as this perfect candidate who will never do wrong or make mistakes. He is human and is under extreme pressures and his every move is being monitored and critiqued.
 
Barack Obama is not the perfect candidate who will make every one of his supporters happy. This movement is made up of independents, republicans, and democrats. It is impossible to make us all happy. We must continue to use our voice and act intelligently.

So again, to all of you, who are as pissed off as I am, please think about the full consequences of your actions. There are some who want to bail out of supporting the Obama campaign and are considering voting McCain, Nader, or not voting at all. Please reconsider. I am an activist and believe in the power of your voice.

Let's continue to voice our opposition to issues we disagree on, but let's not lose sight of the ultimate goal. Barack Obama is the best candidate and needs to be in the White House. Would you, in good conscience, vote for McCain? Do you want McCain as president of the United States of America? Are you at peace with getting McCain in the White House? If you aren't (because I know for sure that I DO NOT want that), then let's continue to use our voice and speak out on issues, but lets be careful about bailing out of this campaign and throwing in the towel. Barack said it himself; we are the ones we've been waiting for. We have to continue this fight for a better America and for a better world. It's not going to be easy. There will be many challenges ahead of us...this is just the beginning.
 
I'm not going to give up. I can't give up. I hope you won't either.
 
Let's make some real intelligent noise. Below is a list of things you can do to make a real difference (you must do this Monday).
 
The Senate switchboard is (202) 224-312. Tell them your state and ask them to connect you to your senator. Be sure to speak with both senators from your state. When you complete your calls, let American Progress know what happened using this report form.

Sign the petition.

Deliver a handout to your senators stating your opposition to the FISA bill. Please download the handout, sign it, and deliver.
Download your handout here.
 
If you are a supporter of the Barack Obama campaign, join the group created on his organizing website which is trying to impact his decision from within the campaign. You can join the group here.

Make some intelligent noise.
Don't lose faith.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
Think progress. Act progressively. 
Peace. Don't sleep.
 
- g