The Senate voted, a few minutes ago, to reject an amendment that would have stripped telecom immunity from the FISA bill (Protect America Act). Despite his promise to filibuster, Chris Dodd did not. He spoke eloquently for two and a half hours last night (I watched most of it), but because of some arcane Senate procedural agreement, he agreed to relinquish the right to a true filibuster. Some of his supporters, who understand better the labyrinth of rules and regulations in the Senate, say his hands were tied.
This is a good day for George Bush, the telecoms, and the Senators who benefit from the largesse of the telecoms. For you, not so good.
Keep in mind, a fascist government values the rights of corporations over the rights of individuals.
By the way, Obama voted to block immunity. Clinton was absent.
The Senate now debates the full bill, but considering how lopsided the amendment vote was, there's little hope of blocking the bill in the Senate.
There is some small hope that the house will block the bill.
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