Barack Obama! I want YOU to filibuster this odious attack on our Constitutional rights when the Senate considers this bill next week.
I know you're discussing your options with your staff. I know damn well a filibuster is one of the options. It has to be, in any thorough contingency planning.
I know this is a high-risk strategy. I know that if if backfires, it could torpedo your presidential bid. I know that would mean disaster for this nation and for the world.
But think of the consequences if this becomes law. Think of the pressures that would be on you to retain these powers as the Executive.
It's like Frodo with the Ring. He knew he had to destroy it, but the lure of power was so great it almost destroyed him.
You're not Frodo and this is not some fantasy classic. The risk for misuse of this executive power is to great to be allowed to continue. You MUST make a strong statement against warrantless wiretapping.
A filibuster, or at least the threat of a filibuster, would rally support from liberals, libertarians, and weak-kneed Democrats in Congress. What do you think those Democrats in Congress who support you, yet who voted for this abomination, would do? How will you know unless you come out boldly?
Are you for change or are you not? We need some assurance that these practices will not continue under an Obama administration, and that you will seek to roll back the more odious provisions of this bill.
We'll have your back, never fear.