A very strong statement from Senator Barack Obama:

I strongly oppose retroactive immunity in the FISA bill.

Ever since 9/11, this Administration has put forward a false choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we demand.

The FISA court works. The separation of power works. We can trace, track down and take out terrorists while ensuring that our actions are subject to vigorous oversight, and do not undermine the very laws and freedom that we are fighting to defend.

No one should get a free pass to violate the basic civil liberties of the American people – not the President of the United States, and not the telecommunications companies that fell in line with his warrantless surveillance program. We have to make clear the lines that cannot be crossed.

That is why I am co-sponsoring Senator Dodd’s amendment to remove the immunity provision. Secrecy must not trump accountability. We must show our citizens – and set an example to the world – that laws cannot be ignored when it is inconvenient.

A grassroots movement of Americans has pushed this issue to the forefront. You have come together across this country. You have called upon our leaders to adhere to the Constitution. You have sent a message to the halls of power that the American people will not permit the abuse of power – and demanded that we reclaim our core values by restoring the rule of law.

It’s time for Washington to hear your voices, and to act. I share your commitment to this cause, and will stand with you in the fights to come. And when I am President, the American people will once again be able to trust that their government will stand for justice, and will defend the liberties that we hold so dear as vigorously as we defend our security. [Emphasis added]

This is great. In addition to making a strong commitment to the rule of law and defending the Constitution in this fight, it’s heartening to see Senator Obama recognize how grassroots progressive activists online and offline have stood up and made this an issue that is part of the national debate.

Senator Chris Dodd made a similar recognition of the grassroots power this issue has engendered last week while speaking in the Senate.

“For several months now, I’ve listened to the building frustration over this immunity and this administration’s campaign of lawlessness. I’ve seen it in person, in mail, online—the passion and eloquence of citizens who are just fed up. They’ve inspired me more than they know.”

Combined, Senators Obama and Dodd are showing that they clearly recognize the forces at play in this debate. It is a people powered movement to stop a bad bill and defend the rule of law. It’s a movement that is giving our leaders in the Senate the support and backing they need to do the right thing. This whole legislative fight and the movement that has driven it gives me great hope about what we can achieve when online activists, advocacy organizations, and leaders in the government work together towards a common goal.

Cross posted at the CREDO Blog.