Dear ACLU Supporter, This Fourth of July, as we’re celebrating independence and freedom, many senators are getting ready to come back to Washington and sell out some of our most fundamental freedoms. That’s because on Tuesday, July 8th the Senate will consider an unconstitutional FISA bill that lets lawbreaking phone companies off the hook. You’ve been with us throughout this fight. Your passion and your energy have inspired me and all of us at the ACLU to keep fighting when things seemed hopeless and to never give up. But without a significant public outcry, the Senate will pass this bill next week. That is why it is vital you contact your friends and family today -- ask them to write their senators before Congress returns. This is our last push in the Senate. Some senators, like Chris Dodd and Russ Feingold, are trying to improve this horrible bill. And while we greatly appreciate these valiant efforts, we fully expect a bill with warrantless wiretaps and telecom immunity to reach the Senate floor. When that vote comes, senators will have a crucial decision to make: whether or not to eviscerate our treasured right to privacy in our own homes and let lawbreaking telecom companies off the hook for handing over private information. This is all hands on deck. It’s time to ask everyone you know to get involved -- even people who might not be familiar with FISA. The bottom line is that no president should have the power to monitor the phones and emails of Americans without a warrant. No president should have the power to pardon companies that broke the law. And there should not and will not be political cover for any senator who votes ‘yes’ on a final bill with warrantless wiretapping or immunity for telecommunications companies that broke the law. We hope you have a memorable Fourth of July and that you’ll take a few moments over this holiday to remind others to think about what Independence Day means to them and take action. Sincerely,
Caroline Fredrickson, Director
ACLU Washington Legislative Office © ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10004
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