ThinkDeep

Once upon a time, the flip flop was a major sin. So, here is a list of McCain’s. I got most of this from Olbermann. Details and references needed. If you are reading this, don’t take this as necessarily all true. Research each one.

Jan 2008 opposed a grassroots lobbying bill he once supported

2006 New York Sun reported that his presidential ambitions lead McCain
to reverse his support for a campaign finance reform bill called McCain-Feingold.

Last October he said he would vote against Development, Relief and Education of Alien minors act which he co-sponsored.
Then said he would vote against an immigration bill he introduced.

In 2006 he said on Hardball “I think that gay marriage should be allowed”
Then after the commercial break he added “I do not believe gay marriages should be legal”

On abortion, 1999, publicly supporting Roe-Wade, privately opposing it in a letter to the Right to Life committee.

2000, he would change the GOP platform to permit exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother
May 2008, ABC news reported that he was against the exceptions.

He changed his position on storing nuclear waste at Yucca mountain.

He flipped on the issue of military action against rogue states.

He was against negotiating with Kim Jong Il, until Pres Bush did it.

He was for negotiating with Fidel Castro, in 2000, not 2008.

On negotiating with terrorists
Acceptable when Powell went to Syria.
In 2006, McCain said, “Sooner or later we will talk to Hamas”
In 2008, he is against it.

When Obama suggested unilateral action against terrorists in Pakistan
McCain called it “Confused leadership”.
Now it is OK when Bush did it.

Warrantless wiretapping –
Six months ago, presidents had to obey the law. Not any more.

Torturing detainees
No way except for CIA
Hold them indefinately? — wrong in 2003; right move in 2008

Iraq war — right course 2004; stay the course 2005; 2008, McCain has always been a Rumsfeld critic.

Tax cuts for the rich — in 2001, he could not ‘in good conscience’ support them
Now he can.

Estate tax — 2006, “I agree with president Roosevelt”, who created it.
2008, “Most unfair”

SS — 2008, does not support privatization of SS, never has been.
2004, did not see how benefits could last without it.

Feb, promised a balanced budget in 4 years
Apr, make that eight years.

May, glad to look at the windfall profits tax
June, that was Jimmy Carter’s big idea.

2000, no new drilling
May, would take years to develop
June, very helpful in the short term.

Bush fundraisers McCain called Coyotes breaking the law in 2000.
In 2006 they were co-chairing his fundraising.

Falwell is an agent of intolerance 2000. Changed position in 2006.
Hagee, in and out this year alone.

1983, opposed MLK day. Today, not as much.

1986 opposed S. African divestment
June 2008, praised it.

2000 confederate flag “A symbol of heritage”
2002, “An act of political cowardice not to say the flag should come down.”

2000, opposed teaching alternatives to evolution
2002, supported teaching alternatives to evolution

June 24th 2008

To Senator Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez

Dear Senators:

I write to you today about the FISA bill. While it is important to make our country safe, I am very disappointed with the provision in the bill to give immunity from lawsuits to the telecom companies. We, the people, rely on our elected representatives to defend the constitution and represent our interests. The domestic spying was a violation of the constitution. And to give these companies protection from CIVIL suits makes no sense and is highly unfair. Is the constitution worth less than whatever money the plaintiffs might win? No, sir, clearly it is not. This provision is a win for those who allowed this surveillance to take place and a loss for the people.

I ask you, if our elected representatives won’t stand up for us who will sir? Who? Please tell me. Republicans won’t. The president won’t. The Justice Department won’t. Does anyone have a conscience any more? It is sad that some had to take civil action to get something to happen. It should never have to come to that. To let this continue is the government and private industry ganging up on the very people that they are supposed to protect and serve. There is no excuse.

Our congressmen and Senators are our only hope. Please do not let us down. Do not support this unfair provision. It is undermining the little faith that people have in their elected officials. Any elected official that supports this bill should resign in disgrace.

Thanks

Ryan Teixeira

Dear Congressman Klein:

I write to you to express my disappointment that you voted for telecom immunity. I didn’t know how you would vote but I felt sure that you would vote against it. When I saw the list of who voted for it and saw your name on the list, I was shocked. I don’t get it. At worst, these companies were at risk of losing money. A great deal of money, no doubt. But still, it is only money. How can anyone put money ahead of the violation of the constitution?

Is the following oath of office familiar to you?

“I, Ron Klein, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

Defending the constitution is the only thing that you are called on to do. You are there to represent us, the public, and your constituents.

You have done many wonderful things in the short time you have been there. But this significantly undermines all the good you have done. If you don’t stand up for us, who will sir? Who? Please tell me. The republicans won’t. The president won’t. Therefore, how can this be viewed as anything other than a violation of trust? I met you once. I looked you in the eye. You seemed a decent fellow. All I can say is that politics makes people do strange things. I don’t know if I could sleep if I had voted as you did. My conscience would make me sick.