Today's Article
'I believe that one of
the most important
things that you can do
as President is
to...restore the rule of
law in this country,'
writes Senator Russ
Feingold (D-WI).
the most important
things that you can do
as President is
to...restore the rule of
law in this country,'
writes Senator Russ
Feingold (D-WI).
The American Spark
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Senator Urges Obama To "Restore Rule Of Law"
By Cliff Montgomery - Jan. 15th, 2009
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) on December 10th sent an impassioned letter to President-elect Barack
Obama, which prompted the incoming Administration to "restore the rule of law" in America.
“In light of [America's] recent history, I believe that one of the most important things that you can do as
President is to take concrete steps to restore the rule of law in this country," wrote Feingold.
What the United States needs is a president who will "return to the White House respect for an appropriate
separation and balance of powers among the branches, for the President’s important but not paramount place
in our constitutional system of government, for the laws that Congress writes and the importance of its
oversight functions, and for the judiciary’s crucial role in interpreting the law,” stated the senator.
“As I know you recognize, we can protect our national security--in fact, we can do it more effectively--without
trampling on the rights of Americans or the rule of law,” added Feingold.
Capitol Hill watchers know that Russ Feingold frankly is one of the few liberals in the Senate whose principle is
as strong as his conscience. In other words, he's one of the few who will actually fight for what he believes.
Feingold often has worked across party lines, and is a lawmaker respected for his actions in both foreign and
domestic policy arenas.
A segment from Feingold's official bio, found on his website, follows matters closely enough:
The Wisconsin senator in September chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Restoring the
Rule of Law.” Its final recommendations addressed four key topics: separation of powers, domestic
surveillance, excessive government secrecy and detention and interrogation policy.
Among the panel's recommendations:
Feingold also shows a clear understanding of social media. The senator's website contains a page providing
numerous first-hand sources on “Restoring the Rule of Law.” These include the text of the December letter
which Feingold sent to Obama, the full text from September's Senate panel meeting, and even a few videos of
the Wisconsin senator discussing the virtues of law over outright tyranny.
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark e-
newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
By Cliff Montgomery - Jan. 15th, 2009
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) on December 10th sent an impassioned letter to President-elect Barack
Obama, which prompted the incoming Administration to "restore the rule of law" in America.
“In light of [America's] recent history, I believe that one of the most important things that you can do as
President is to take concrete steps to restore the rule of law in this country," wrote Feingold.
What the United States needs is a president who will "return to the White House respect for an appropriate
separation and balance of powers among the branches, for the President’s important but not paramount place
in our constitutional system of government, for the laws that Congress writes and the importance of its
oversight functions, and for the judiciary’s crucial role in interpreting the law,” stated the senator.
“As I know you recognize, we can protect our national security--in fact, we can do it more effectively--without
trampling on the rights of Americans or the rule of law,” added Feingold.
Capitol Hill watchers know that Russ Feingold frankly is one of the few liberals in the Senate whose principle is
as strong as his conscience. In other words, he's one of the few who will actually fight for what he believes.
Feingold often has worked across party lines, and is a lawmaker respected for his actions in both foreign and
domestic policy arenas.
A segment from Feingold's official bio, found on his website, follows matters closely enough:
- A leading defender of privacy and personal freedoms, Feingold cast the Senate's lone vote against the
USA PATRIOT Act, and has fought to change the Act to protect the civil liberties of law-abiding
Americans. He strongly opposed the President’s decision to go to war in Iraq, and was the first Senator to
call for a timetable to redeploy troops out of Iraq. Well known for pushing through campaign finance
reform in the Senate with Republican Senator John McCain, Feingold has also been a tireless advocate
for restoring fiscal discipline in Congress and reducing the federal deficit.
The Wisconsin senator in September chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “Restoring the
Rule of Law.” Its final recommendations addressed four key topics: separation of powers, domestic
surveillance, excessive government secrecy and detention and interrogation policy.
Among the panel's recommendations:
- Closing the Guantanamo Bay facility--a move supported by Obama;
- Endorsing major changes to both the FISA Amendments Act and to the "Patriot" Act, which will
somewhat restore Americans' natural right of privacy;
- Banning all forms of torture, and creating a single federal standard for the humane treatment of
detainees;
- Recognizing the constitutional mandate of Congressional oversight on the Executive Branch, which
should include supplying full data to intelligence panels;
- Providing an audit of all legal opinions from the Executive Branch's Office of Legal Counsel, and revising
those that exaggerate executive authority;
- Maintaining a presumption of disclosure on classification decisions, and responding to Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Feingold also shows a clear understanding of social media. The senator's website contains a page providing
numerous first-hand sources on “Restoring the Rule of Law.” These include the text of the December letter
which Feingold sent to Obama, the full text from September's Senate panel meeting, and even a few videos of
the Wisconsin senator discussing the virtues of law over outright tyranny.
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark e-
newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
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