Restore the Rule of Law

When folks become American citizens, they pledge to defend the Constitution.  That's something that's implicitly assumed for those of us that were born here.  But it's clear that there's no higher expression of American citizenship than defending the Constitution when it's in danger—and that's what thousands of us came together to do on Wednesday.  Thank you.

These events were really powerful. Thousands of MoveOn members and supporters from the ACLU and People for the American Way got together at 271 of vigils from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Decatur, Georgia. By coming together at these vigils we were able to show our representatives and the media that we're concerned abou t the president's illegal power grab and we expect Congress to hold him accountable.

Here's what some MoveOn members are saying about the events:

"Reading the Bill of Rights, I think it was a discovery for us all.  Reading them aloud, you are conscious of the words, their meanings, and the impact they have had on our lives.  People got quite dramatic when they were reading and had to make choices about emphasis, etc."
–Kathleen, Columbus, OH

"I was amazed by the number of people who showed up in Decatur-it was pouring rain, and about 100 of us stood in the rain, by Thomas Jefferson's statue and read the Bill of Rights. I really didn't expect such a turnout in this weather-I really feel more optimistic about our future now."
–Susan, Decatur, Georgia

"Reading the Bill of Rights and talking about what the Constitution means to us was moving.  Hearing those supportive honking car horns (and seeing the waving hands) gave me more hope that the American people will not put up with Bush's unlawful actions."—Roberta, Terre Haute, Indiana

Here are some of the early press reports from the vigils.

"About 40 people gathered last night on the steps of Borough Hall behind flickering red, white and blue candles to demand an end to the federal wiretapping program they say erodes the freedoms at the heart of the Constitution. The vigil, sponsored by the political action committee MoveOn.org, was one of hundreds of such protests nationwide attended by thousands of Americans.  With almost religious reverence, Staten Islanders ranging from registered Republicans to die-hard progressives read snippets from the Bill of Rights: 'The right of the people ... against unreasonable searches ... shall not be violated.'"
–Staten Island Advance, February 23, 2006

"More than 30 protesters upset over the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping program held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night in front of the Broadway post office. Maybe people can think about the freedoms we enjoy in this country,' said organizer Joe Seeman of Saratoga Springs. 'If they begin eroding, maybe we'll lose them."
–The Saratogian, February 23, 2006"

""We're saying the Constitution should be respected," said Joanne DeVoe, who held a "Not Above the Law," sign during a vigil at the Town Commons last night. As part of a national movement organized by the advocacy group MoveOn.org in response to President Bush's wiretapping policy, citizens gathered across the country to read the Bill of Rights and remind Congress of what's at stake."
–Providence Journal, February 23, 2006

You can watch a slideshow of photos from Wednesday's vigils here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=1491

This isn't the end of the fight to defend our Constitution. When Congress returns to DC next week they're going to have to make some hard decisions about what to do about the president's illegal program.

On Wednesday, we made it clear that we don't take his dangerous power grab lightly and that we're watching to make sure Congress does its job and holds him accountable. In the coming weeks, we'll continue to work together to make sure there is a full investigation into the president's illegal program.