Let me begin by saying that I think we can all agree, FISA is upsetting to everyone, and rightly so.
I also want to point out that I was also upset that Barack Obama didn't stand up publicly and come out strongly against it. I don't believe he is free of blame from this issue, and his silence has definitely given me pause.
However, with those two things said, I felt I needed to write this diary, because it seems that every new diary I read is asking to either boycott donations to Obama, to stop working for him, or even referring to those who plan to stick by him as "his b*tch(s)". And this kind of threatening reaction is what upsets me.
You see, I consider myself a fairly quiet member here. Actually, I only have one other diary to this point. I tend to stick to the idea that unless I truly have 3 substantive paragraphs, it doesn't warrant a diary. I know many people will post something as a rant or to get their anger out, but I never felt that was for me (this is not a knock against those of course, just not my style)
However, over the past few days, I have seen this site go from one of my favorite places to visit into something that makes me cringe. I understand the anger of FISA--really, I do. And I would never, ever say that we shouldn't do everything we can about that issue. I would never, ever suggest that Obama's name shouldnt' be involved, and yes, some anger directed at him individually. He does have power in Congress, damn straight.
I, like many of you, feel that he should have done more.
I, too, feel that his silence up until now seemingly flies in the face of everything he's said on the stump about knowing and teaching and abiding by the constitution.
But what I will say is that the boycott threats, and the threats to stop working or calling on his behalf, that upsets me deeply. I've always enjoyed coming here because everyone can express their opinion, and unlike some other sites, I would argue that 99.9 percent of people use facts and logic to back up what they're saying, rather than recycling talking points or rumors.
So when I hear people givining what I believe to be reactionary threats to not vote at all this year, or to completely stop giving time and money to Obama, I simply ask: what will a President McCain do for your 4th amendment rights?
You don't have to jump for joy at the polls voting for Obama. You don't have to give at the same amount. You don't have to plaster "Yes We Can" to every vehicle you own.
Not many people want to vote the lesser of two evils. And I personally don't believe that is what Obama is...I stand by the feeling that I have that I will happily and proudly vote him into office. For me, he is not the lesser of two evils.
But for all of those who have lost their faith in him, or cannot support him anymore as we've read in the diaries today, I simply ask is that instead of reactionary threats, that we take a minute to consider the alternative, and ask ourselves what a money, time, and vote boycott will really do to our constitutional rights.
With that said, I'm off to donate $50 to Obama right now.