Senators and representatives are out in the wild on July 4th --at parades, picnics, fireworks gatherings - busy shaking hands and waving to the crowds. It's a great opportunity to lobby them directly on FISA. Here are 2 suggested projects for your Independence Day.

Firedoglake's FISA Fun On the Fourth of July

You'll be out there watching the parade anyway - why not hold a sign that says "NO on FISA"? See here for suggestions for signs you can hold as politicians go by in the parade, or, if you have a float, ideas about how you can decorate it to make your point about FISA. Remember, reporters will be out there taking photos and colorful signs with flags always look good.

Operation Read the Bill

Ben Masel has suggested that folks print out the entire FISA bill, hand it to politicians and ask them to read it. It makes for great political theater if any reporters are around. A few other suggestions:

Best if you can say "I've read it, I expect you to take the time to do so yourself." For extra credit, take a highlighter to the printout and mark up the sections you consider problematic.
Bring an accomplice with a videocamera. An admission that they haven't and won't read the bill makes nice youtube, come re-election time.

Join With Other Obama Supporters

You can meet up with other Obama supporters on the Fourth of July by creating an event on my.BarackObama.com; you can also spread the word about your event by registering it in the Blue America tool. (Ignore what the Blue America tool says about meeting at senator's offices.)

What to Say When Talking with Politicians or Reporters

Should you have the opportunity to speak with your elected official, or a reporter asks you about what you're doing, see here for a few suggestions as to what you can say. Be polite, calm, brief and to the point. Remember, you don't have to be a legal expert to know that spying on Americans without a warrant ought to be illegal.

If You Plan to be in Montana for July 4th....

Sen. Obama is expected to take part in the July Fourth parade in Butte, Montana.

• The parade route is about 1.5 miles. It starts at 10 a.m. Friday and runs from the Butte Civic Center to Elizabeth Warren Avenue.
• Security may not allow you to hand anything to Sen. Obama, so you're probably better off just holding signs.
• Arrive early. Security makes everything much more complicated.
• "OBAMA YES - FISA NO" // "YES We Can - Get FISA Right"

Otherwise, to find a politician near you, see here

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Sample Anti-FISA Fourth of July Flyer Copy . . . Cut and Paste and take to your 4th of BBQ/Parade!
[Add clip art fire crackers and flags for bonus 4th of July points!! ]



Celebrate the US Constitution this 4th of July!
Tell the US Senate and Barack Obama to get FISA right before voting Tuesday July 8th.
Don't let illegal wire-tappers off the hook!


Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. "


Without your help right now, a flawed FISA bill will give George Bush and the phone companies a pass for years of illegal spying on millions of US citizens.

What can you do to defend the Fourth Amendment? Something fun, easy and patriotic?

Call your Senators and Barack Obama and ask that they vote against the current FISA bill next Tuesday.

Don't let illegal wire-tappers off the hook!


Senator [Name and Phone] Barack Obama HQ (866) 675-2008
Senator [Name and Phone]

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