For Immediate Release

Obama had chance stand for liberty, but did not

The Libertarian Party says that Republicans and Democrats have failed the American people by allowing telecommunication companies complicit in the Bush administration’s illegal wiretap program to go without punishment.

“Civil liberties were violated, and only 28 senators cared to see justice served,” says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis, “and Barack Obama was not one of them.”

The Libertarian Party has repeatedly called for the rejection of any amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that empowered the government to spy on American citizens and granted immunity to companies complicit in illegal surveillance operations.

“Barack Obama, as well as a number of Republicans and Democrats, failed to stand for liberty when he could have,” says Davis. “To say that Democrats are more adept at protecting American civil liberties is a lie. Democrats are just as guilty, and have been nothing but a doormat to the Republican-lead assault on our Constitution. The only party left that stands consistently on the side of freedom and the Constitution is the Libertarian Party.”

‘I challenge Sen. Obama to represent real change by standing for the people’s liberties and against the administration’s unlawful surveillance program,’ Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr said yesterday. ‘I call on Sen. Obama to oppose any measure that protects phone companies from liability for aiding illegal government spying. Those who violate the Constitution and the law, whether politicians or businessmen, should be held accountable for their actions.’

‘When it comes to protecting the people’s fundamental liberties, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum,’ observed Barr. ‘If Sen. Obama will not confront the Bush administration over years of lawless conduct, why is he running for president?’

Barr is now polling at 6 percent nationwide, and anticipates more support from former Obama supporters who are unhappy with the Democratic presidential nominee’s support of the FISA amendments.

The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org . The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

For more information on this issue, or to arrange a media interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 731-0002.