Caroline Fredrickson
Caroline Fredrickson
absolutely board concerned effective expansion given hope law liberty opportunity oversight pocket president privacy provide simply truly
The board has an opportunity to show that it is not in the pocket of the president and is truly concerned with the liberty and privacy of the American people. Given the ever-growing expansion of the government's law enforcement powers, effective oversight is absolutely essential. We hope that the board will provide real oversight, and not simply the illusion.
assert checks congress fails government help honor laws oversight proper restore role seek system
Congress must assert its proper role and seek the truth. A government that fails to honor its own laws is a government that fails its people. With the proper oversight and action, Congress can help restore the constitutional system of checks and balances.
admitted average balances checks disregard essential forget held house oaths power protect repeatedly rights white
Lawmakers must not forget their oaths and disregard the administration's infringement of average Americans' constitutional rights. The White House has repeatedly admitted to the use of warrant-less wiretaps and has yet to be held accountable. Checks and balances on presidential power are essential to protect the rights of Americans.
actions applaud based chairman checks chief committees committing deserve government hold judiciary oversight people powers president relevant senate separation specter system taken undermine urge
Our government is based upon a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances. The actions taken by the president undermine the very foundations of our country. We urge the relevant Congressional committees to investigate how the president abused his power as our chief executive. We applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter for committing to hold oversight hearings. The American people deserve to know the truth.
censorship double freedom law message regarding sending speech standard strengths tool wrong
The idea that immigration law is being used as a tool of censorship is unacceptable. By regulating speech at our borders, we are sending the wrong message to the world. We must not have a double standard regarding the freedom of speech and dissent. That is one of the strengths of our democracy.
address amendment chilling congress corruption denied effect government influence interests people petition rights special steps
These provisions, if adopted, would have a chilling effect on the First Amendment rights of the American people. The right of the people to petition the government must not be denied or abridged. Congress can and should take steps to address corruption and the undue influence of special interests without sacrificing the rights of Americans to petition government.
congress executive exercise oversight roles
I think one of the fundamental roles of Congress is to exercise oversight of the executive branch. And it's not happening.
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It is clear that this illegal program violates our Constitution and laws governing surveillance. The president's false choice between securing our nation and preserving our Constitution must be rejected. Congress has an obligation to determine the truth, especially since the administration is unwilling to check itself. Hearings like this help ensure steps are taken so the rule of law is respected by all, even the president.
attempts beneath borders censorship constitution contrary country directly freedom government guarantee intended mention resources speech suppress waste
This country and our Constitution guarantee freedom of speech and association. Censorship at our borders is directly contrary to fundamental American values. Attempts to suppress freedom of speech and association are beneath our country - not to mention a waste of government resources intended to keep Americans safe.
approve cannot congress illegal program questions remain
Congress cannot approve an illegal program when so many questions remain unanswered.
against bills call clearer commitment congress few freedom granted guide house learn neither patriot power senate work
As Congress comes back to work out the differences in the House and Senate bills to reauthorize the Patriot Act, a commitment to freedom must prevail. The more we learn about the Patriot Act, the clearer it is that too much power was granted to the government, with too few safeguards against abuse. While neither reauthorization bill is perfect, we call on Congress to use the Senate bill as its guide as it reconsiders the Patriot Act.
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This sham compromise agreement fails to address the primary substantive concern raised by millions of Americans, as well as civil liberties, privacy and business organizations and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.
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When presidents have overstepped the rule of law, history demonstrates how it undermined our core freedoms. We hope that Congress will assert its proper oversight role and demand accountability from the administration. The American people deserve no less from their government. Freedom and liberty must not be trumped by presidential power.
leeway people role supportive
We've been supportive of this concept, but the administration has got to give these people more leeway to play the role that's been pitched. I don't think they can do that under the circumstances.