Obama Sweeps Potomac Primaries - Also Picks Up the Support of The Nation Magazine
There are two links I want to bring to your attention this morning. The first is the Washington Post story about Sen. Obama's victories in Maryland, Virginia and DC in yesterday's primaries. If you read almost the whole way through the article, you'll get to the part where it discusses the demographic breakdowns of the voters--- specifically, that Sen Obama did not just win by carrying large majorities of young voters or minority voters, but that he won in nearly every demographic subgroup. Young or old, black or white, liberal or moderate-- all turning out to vote in record numbers to put Sen. Obama in the White House and bring real change to our country.
The second link is also about the campaign, and that is The Nation's endorsement of Sen. Obama as "the best chance to forge a new progressive majority." For those of you who read this blog and may still be sitting on the fence, I highly recommend reading it.
Your reasoning is flawed.
I can only speak for myself, but Obama's message of hope isn't the reason why he received my vote in the primaries.
I voted against AIPAC's control of the Presidency. While I realise that Obama's testicles are probably in their vise along with Hillary's, he isn't so entrenched in the old boy system.
As a member of the victim class, I don't usually vote FOR anyone. I vote against the candidate, I feel, will harm me the most.
On a side note, I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Conyers, for helping Detroit gain the #1 position for home foreclosures in America.
Not only is your reasoning flawed, I also have serious concerns as to what the municipal authorities put in your constituents drinking water. For your seat to be uncontested, the Kool-Aide they've been drinking must be some powerful stuff.
But it does sound like the gentrification process in Michigan, will allow you to purchase some very valuable lakefront property at pennies on the dollar, after the foreclosure sales begin in the Lakes region.
Maybe my reasoning is flawed too, but anyone who would ignore the destruction of America's constitution, is capable of using the foreclosures for personal gain too.
This is America, it's always about money.
Forbes “Most Miserable Cities”: Detroit & Flint, MI #1 & 3
Hope is good. Hope is necessary. A Democratic President who will rebuild this nation is indeed something to be hopeful for – BUT – even if it, again hopefully, comes to pass—that President will not even take office for 11 (Eleven) More Months. Meanwhile, people who cannot afford to wait any longer are being told to "wait", just as they were told in 2005, just "wait until the Democrats are the majority"...
America’s Most Miserable Cities (Emphasis mine)
In these cities, and others like them around the country, the need for action is NOW. Their people heard talk of “hope” in the campaign of 2005. Their people voted for that hope in 2006, and are still waiting for representation in Feb. 2008 Now they're being asked--by the Majority Party to wait until January of 2009 -- when the Party will have "more power". They're being promised that maybe then they will be represented. Maybe then, in a far, far distant future, maybe then the people that are being paid Now to represent us, maybe then, they promise, then they will represent us.
Hmmmm.... Didn't they promise that in 2006?--if only they had the majority... Since the Democrats have followed through so admirably, so courageously, on their 2006 Campaign promises, Who wouldn't believe them now? Talk is Cheap. Actions are proof. We're still waiting for actions, for resistance to the destructiveness of the bush (lame duck?) administration.
Yesterday, we were waiting, and again, instead of the representation we mandated in 2006, we got yet another cave-in and witnessed the evisceration of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. This happened on the watch of the Democratic Congressional Majority. Talk is cheap. They will be judged by their action--or lack of action.
The “Miserable” cities, the others on the Forbes list, and the many others that will be following them unless action is taken NOW by our Constantly Campaigning—But Never Governing – Congress--cannot afford, literally, cannot afford, to keep waiting.
We, the People are paying our current Congress members to represent us NOW, not after the next election, or the next election, or the next.
So, is this how it's going to be right up to the convention?
An endorsement site for Obama? We come here for more, Chairman Conyers. You were elected to do more. I don't think many - if any - of us here are sitting on fences. We've stated our positions, hopes, expectations unequivocally. Do you question our voting intentions? That that has less to do with Obama's campaign strategies and more to do with your decisions as Chairman of the 110th House Judiciary Committee.
Don't make the mistake of putting "the best chance" emphasis on Obama's candidacy - our best chance for a progressive majority is on YOU, AND THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE RIGHT NOW IN THE HOUSE.
You know what it takes, so just do it.
IMPEACH!
No doubt!
If I want to read about Obama, I'll go to his website.
Well, John...
It looks as if you'll have that opportunity to defend how WARRANTLESS is Constitutionally legal. Go to it, convince America, PLEASE!
===========================================
WHAT DO YOU SUPPORT AND DEFEND
IF NOT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.A.?
Q U E S T I O N:
If warrantless wiretapping is the "PATRIOTIC" thing to do, then why the need for immunity from the Fourth Amendment?
So that it can then be legal?
But if it were to be the "PATRIOTIC" thing to do, the Fourth Amendment would allow warrants to NOT be obtained.
So,
WHAT DOES CONGRESS SUPPORT AND DEFEND
IF NOT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.A.?
R E M E M B E R:
They hate us for our freedoms.
Give up those freedoms and what do we win?
Do the terrorists loose?
The Bill of Rights was written to protect the People from a form of government that can grow tyrannical such as our has become. How anyone can argue the patriotic nature of removing these safeguards is no Patriot and deserves not to be called an American, even if elected into the People's House. What kind of American argues to remove the very qualities that make him an American?
The jokes are writting themselves...
Speaking of Liberty and Justice for all...
So Thursday was just a side show?
...
A kangaroo U.S. Military court is going to try six detainees with the intent of bringing them to justice for the attacks of 9/11. Yet the rule of Law isn't even the standard for this kangaroo court... HOW IS THAT JUSTICE?
TOURTURE...
INDEFFINITE DETENTIONS...
RENDITIONS...
PRIVATE TRIALS...
COERCED CONFESSIONS...
Yep, that rule of Law sure has come a long way...
ON YOUR WATCH!!!
=============================================
WHAT IS IT YOU SUPPORT AND DEFEND
IF NOT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE U.S.A.?
Vote for Real Change in 2010: Primary Challengers..
for these Senators who refused to "Uphold and Defend" the Fourth Amendment:
I'm hoping and dreaming for change--that these rubberstamp "democrats" will be replaced by real progressives/ liberals in their next elections-- if they are replaced by republicans, well, it's their own fault--they don't understand that they can't please the bushie "base" by acting like a bushie most of the time...
They certainly aren't pleasing their own "base"--they are infuriating them. Yes, it IS time for a real change.
Other than
the two surprises of McCaskill (D-MO) and Webb (D-VA), two supposed progressive candidates, this list does not surprise me in the least.
Also, I believe that both of these Senators are up for re-election in 2012, given the fact that Senators get 6 year terms and both were elected in 2006. I wish it were 2010 though.
It's never too early to begin organizing the opposition
In fact, it will give plenty of time for the opposition to screen for real progressives, and to fund campaigns.
You forgot the absentees...
The three Senators that were ABSENT!
Roll Call
Clinton (D-NY)
Graham (R-SC)
Obama (D-IL)
Oops?
But to be fair, Obama made it to vote for the Dodd amendment.
How Convenient
Two out of three can use the "campaigning" excuse for derelection of the job duties they're being paid to do. As for the other one--well IOKIYAR--no excuses necessary.
Grassroots makes incumbent changes…
While the arrogant incumbents continue to believe their own PR fluff, the voters who have had it with them are beginning to band together to get true representation:
It can also work the other way, but it is the voice of those who want representation telling the representative that he/she has failed to do that:
So, the people, if they organize and keep fighting for their issues and principles, can begin to clear out the deadwood in Congress--those arrogant incumbents who’ve ceased to listen to their Constituents:
I know I’ll refuse to contribute to or make any efforts for re-election of arrogant, disrespectful incumbents who’ve helped further bush’s policies, either by actively abetting them, or by passively standing by while evil triumphs.
That's all very well, but - - -
What we have to look out for now are the "Superdelegates" who carry the water for "The Democrats must not gain the Presidency" crowd. ( A bunch of DLC types, who care little for their constituencies, and nothing at all for the Public at large.) As things stand right now, even if Obama wins every contest from here on in, when it gets to the Convention, the Rohatyn (fascist) forces will sweep Hillary into the number one spot, because they KNOW McCain can't beat Barack, even with the lie machine going full blast. If you REFUSE to do your duty and impeach SOME of the criminals, the LEAST you can do is work on the Superdelegates to make sure they don't hang an albatross around the Party's neck. The Country simply can NOT afford a Republican President!
This is the letter I send to the National Committee -
copy it if you want to.
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
430 S. CAPITAL ST. SE
WASHINGTON, DC 20077-7242
SIRS: (Or MMES)
I have told you, and TOLD YOU, and TOLD YOU - until the Democratic Party starts respecting its Constitutional duty, until the Democratic Party stops being led around by the traitors in its midst, who call themselves “The Democratic Leadership Council” - until at least SOME of the Blue Dogs start acting like Democrats instead of Libertarians, In short, UNTIL THE ARTCLES OF IMPEACHMENT OF THAT TRAITOR DICK CHENEY ARE PUBLISHED, I am NOT wasting any money on a Party that has abandoned its principles. And I am no longer wasting my money on stamps to tell you so. From now on, until those articles are published, any communication from you goes into the round file unread, and I’m using your nickel to tell you so. I am a lifelong Democrat who is definitely considering not even voting in 2008 (the First time in over 60 years!)
When Nancy cut the ground out from under the Party, she annoyed the rank and file quite a bit. If Impeachment is never to be considered, the Democrats may LOSE control of Congress. Face it – Felix Rohatyn is NOT a Democrat – he’s a Fascist plain and simple. (He did, after all, finance Pinochet, and Lazard Freres, his mentors, helped finance Hitler,) Even taking money from him is treacherous to any Democratic principles the Party has left!
Bottom line. I HAVE your address. WHEN articles of impeachment on Cheney are published, you may expect a decent contribution – probably more than I can afford. Until then, REMOVE MY NAME FROM YOUR MAILING LIST! THERE IS NO POINT YOUR CONTINUING TO WASTE POSTAGE ASKING ME FOR CONTRIBUTIONS, BECAUSE THE ANSWER WILL BE NO!
Bushed Again--Bush Admin Hides More Data
Administration Hides More Data; Shuts Down Website Tracking U.S. Economic Indicators:
Mr. Chairman: Shouldn't the Presidential Candidates (and the citizens who will vote for them) have access to real time data that measures the health of the US Economy? Shouldn't the Bush Administration be subject to oversight that would force them to disclose information that will allow the Candidates--one of whom will be the next President--to know the true state of the Economy that they will have to deal with as President?
"Recession?" Just who are you kidding?
The Country is in a DEPRESSION, has been for over five years, and is skidding headlong into PANIC! Globalization, outsourcing, NAFTA, CAFTA, WTO, and other "Agreements" have stripped the Middle Class of any prosperity it once had. People are working two, three, even four minimum wage jobs trying to keep afloat; Credit Card Debt is at an all-time high, the World Economy has tanked, and we are selling our country piecemeal to China in order to support an illegitimate war.
WAKE UP! The current "Stimulus package" is a toxic band-aid on a suppurating wound. We NEED an INSTANT return to the policies of FDR - we NEED the activation of the Bohnsack plan - and MOST OF ALL, we need to pull in our horns and start minding our OWN BUSINESS! This, the most disastrous "Administration" of all time, has driven us, with malice aforethought, over a cliff! When the traitors hold the reins of power, there is little hope for the progress of the vehicle.
Those of us living in the "Depression States"
...are very well aware of the dire state of our economy. We see the food prices and gas prices rising. We see jobs disappearing on almost a daily basis. We see local businesses that depended on spending by people in those jobs shutting down. We see employers constantly cutting back benefits and even salaries. We see the multiple "For Sale" signs in our neighborhoods, as our neighbors lose their homes. We suffer from increased crime rates as unemployment rises--though according to "Official Government Statistics" there isn't very much unemployment at all--maybe they just forgot to count the unemployed in our city or our state? Maybe it's just our imagination? Maybe we're hearing things when almost every time we go out, we overhear strangers talking about how so-and-so lost their job, or how their son/daughter can't find a job, or how business has really fallen off "because of the economy"....
We are in turn bewildered and outraged to hear the millionaire "talking heads" and the equally clueless rich financial analysts and politicians discuss "whether or not we're in a 'recession'". (Shades of Marie Antoinette!!--"Let us eat cake" if we can't afford bread!! ) We know the truth. It is they who are fooling themselves and even more foolishly, believing that they can fool people who are experiencing rising costs, shrinking incomes and trying to get by month to month.
It would be funny, if it weren't so disgusting to hear the cable media, the "experts" and the politicians expound on how bewildered they are by the silly "consumers" having a lack of confidence while companies like Exxon are doing quite well, thank you. They seem to be puzzled as to why the consumers don't seem to believe them when they tell us that "the underlying economy is healthy. This is just a 'bump on the' road. Everything is fine, fine, fine.
Just take your tax break, silly chicken consumer, (if you're not a senior or other excluded rebate receiver) go spend it at the nearest store & every economic problem will suddenly, miraculously be solved!! It might help to close your eyes, wish very, very hard and sing "Pennies from Heaven" while you shop--just to make sure it works...
Contempt Resolution! Hot Damn!
Conyers Introduces Contempt Resolution, Call for Lawsuit against White House
House Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers (D-MI) introduced two resolutions this afternoon related to the subpoenas. The first is a criminal contempt resolution against White House chief of staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers -- both were subpoenaed and did not respond, citing the White House's invocation of executive privilege. But Conyers also filed a resolution that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) file a civil suit against the White House.
Thanks for that news, Patriot
Here's the link to Chairman Conyers' testimony:
Conyers Testifies Before Rules Committee on Contempt Resolutions
Here are the links to information on
H.Res.979
and H.Res980
It looks like both resolutions were adopted. I eagerly await the next step in the process, and sincerely hope we see some progress!
Pelosi is having a 10am vote
on the contempt charges.
From Democrats.com:
Call for Contempt Thursday Morning
Late Wednesday night, Speaker Pelosi scheduled a vote for 10 a.m. this
morning on holding in contempt two former White House employees who
refused last year, at Bush's instruction, to comply with congressional
subpoenas.
If you open this email before 10 a.m., please call the Capitol Hill
switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your representative's
office. Urge them to vote Yes on contempt for former White House Chief of
Staff Joshua Bolten, and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers.
Urge them to vote Yes as well to authorize the House Judiciary Committee
to pusure enforcement of the contempt citations in court. The Attorney
General, following instructions from the White House, testified last week
that the Justice Department will not enforce the citations, meaning
Congress will have to take the matter to court.
And, finally, urge your congress member to sign onto Congressman Robert
Wexler's letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers urging him to
begin impeachment hearings for Dick Cheney. Wexler plans to deliver the
letter on Friday.
Go ahead take them to court.
And that's where this stupid avenue will dead end. The democrats have the balls to stand up on this, because they know this is going NO WHERE. It will raise everyones hopes to finally see them "do something", but in reality they are doing NOTHING.
Inherent Contempt is what they SHOULD BE contemplating, remember. It's only been seven months. Long enough for most to forget how they screwed the pooch originally on this one.
Hurray, we get to see some smoke and spinning tires, but the horse isn't leaving the barn.
Question?:
Does anyone know what Vamac® br is good for? Or ever heard anything about it for that matter? Could Ethylene Dibromide be a byproduct of Ethylene acrylic elastomer application and curing?
I am getting tired of the BS John. Really I am.
Do you know what the 300th MP's do? Do you know their HQ is located in your district at 3200 S. Beech Daly Rd between Yale Ave and Notre Dame St? (scroll down...They even have a street view for the directionally impaired)
They are the only other unit in the entire military that is remotely related to the 800th MP BDE. Yes, BG Karpinski's 800th MP's.
Can you guess where the 300th was while the 800th was in Iraq? Can you say GITMO? Torture is closer to your doorstep then you know.
Oh there's more.....much more.
Shall I take a stab at the IRS?? How about immigration???
Go for it Reed.
One way or another, the roadblocks to impeachment thrown down by Pelosi/Conyers must be eliminated.
The only way to accomplish this, IMO, is to make our "leaders" more afraid of our activity than the ones who are blackmailing them.
Openly speculating about the possible crimes of Conyers, might eventually get the attention of a GOP prosecutor who isn't afraid to make a name for himself in the New American Fascist Government. Or he could simply fulfill his oath of office.
IMO, the most dangerous people in America are those who refuse to avail themselves of the system that has created this great nation. If possible criminals like Pelosi/Conyers use their discretion to refuse to fulfill their oaths of office, THEY MUST BE REMOVED BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
Everything is on the table. We should act like it.
I Called My Congressman & He's supporting 979/980
...Watching C-Span right now. Rep. Sanchez just called bush admin. actions "Nixonian"...
It's very satisfying to see
Democratic members of the House standing up for the Constitution, showing strength on this issue. I hope they keep it up!
Chairman, you're doing an excellent job today - thank you!
I've have been trying to control my rage for these past two days
and while I try to regain composure, here is the latest e-mail from Cong. Wexler, which lightens my rage a wee bit!
Keep it up, Cong. Wexler -- DON'T STOP! WE'RE WITH YOU!
Contribute to Wexler, as you are able, both to he and Kucinich!
"There is nothing to fear but fear itself."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
If anyones in the area Friday
come and join Patriot and I.
Do we want a future of WAR?
Stand up for our generation and say NO!
IRAQ MORATORIUM RALLY & MARCH
Friday, Feb. 15
hosted by SDS of WSU
WHERE: Downtown Detroit in the cultural district by DIA & library
(south on Woodward, west on MLK/Mack, and north on Cass)
WHEN: 4:00 PM for rally -- 5:00 PM for march
MEET: at the WSU Student Center (Ballroom on 2nd floor) for rally and return there after the march
FLYER: see attached flyer for directions, parking and map showing route of march
RIDE SHARE: Meet at northwest corner of 16 & Rochester Road--we will leave at 3:20 SHARP.
MORE DETAILS:11hour4peace.org
FYI
16 Mile Rd is also known as Metro Parkway, Big Beaver, and Quarton Blvd. However, it is called Big Beaver @ Rochester Road.
Couldn't resist the clarification Alma.......
Thanks Reed
Took me awhile to figure out you were talking about the ride share part. I was sitting here thinking "It's not at 16 mile rd". LOL Been a long day. Just got home with Patroit from your neck of the woods.
Off Topic
House Readies For Key Contempt Vote
by John Bresnahan
Published on Thursday, February 14, 2008 by Politico.com
After more than six months of delay, the House will vote Thursday to authorize criminal and civil contempt proceedings against White House chief of staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers for failing to comply with Judiciary Committee subpoenas.
The House vote could set up a constitutional showdown between Congress and the White House over the limits of executive privilege - particularly on the question of whether President Bush or any president can prevent senior aides from testifying before congressional committees.
The House Rules Committee approved separate resolutions Wednesday afternoon approving criminal as well as civil contempt proceedings against Bolten and Miers for failing to comply with the subpoenas, which were issued by the Judiciary Committee as part of its investigation into the 2006 firings of nine U.S. attorneys.
Bush, citing executive privilege, refused to allow Bolten and Miers to testify or turn over internal White House documents related to the firings. Bolten and former White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove also declined to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee in response to subpoenas issued in its own probe of the firings.
Under the civil contempt resolution, Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) is “authorized to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings” against Bolten and Miers.
The House General Counsel’s office is ordered to represent the House in any legal action, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is directed to “consult” with the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group in the issue. That group, comprising top Democrats and Republicans, handles legal issues affecting the integrity and privileges of the House.
It is unclear how a criminal case against Bolten and Miers, even if authorized by the House, would move forward.
The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia would normally handle such a case, but Justice Department representatives, including Attorney General Michael Mukasey, have said that the U.S. attorney is not authorized to bring a criminal contempt case against an administration official in a situation involving an executive privilege claim.
White House counsel Fred Fielding has offered to allow senior Bush administration aides to testify behind closed doors, but with no transcript kept and no possibility that these staffers could be subpoenaed again.
Both the House and Senate Judiciary committees rejected that offer as inadequate.
“The American people will find it baffling that on a day that House leaders are trying to put off passing critical legislation to keep us safer from the threat of foreign terrorists overseas, they are spending scarce time to become the first Congress in history to bring contempt charges against a president’s chief of staff and lawyer,” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino wrote in an e-mail.
“If the House had nothing better to do, this futile partisan act would be a waste of time,” she said. “Unbelievably, it is being considered in place of legislation to make us safer, address concerns in the housing market, improve health care conditions for our veterans, reauthorize No Child Left Behind or open new overseas markets for U.S. goods and services, among other bills. The ‘people’s House’ should reflect the priorities of the American people, not the fantasies of left-wing bloggers.”
Although the House Judiciary Committee approved its contempt resolutions more than six months ago, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have repeatedly postponed a floor vote until now, citing a variety of reasons for doing so.
Some top Democrats, including Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, don’t want the House to press the issue, fearing that Congress’ authority could be eroded if the courts support Bush’s position.
Other Democrats, including some conservative Blue Dogs, fear that seeking this legal fight is needlessly inflammatory, especially since former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales - on whose watch the firing occurred - has left office.
But Pelosi said Wednesday that the Democratic leadership must preserve the right of Congress to investigate the White House and insist that congressional subpoenas be honored.
“[Conyers] has tried over and over again, I think 13 times, to find some kind of accommodation,” Pelosi said. “We have to move forward.”
Conyers told the Rules Committee that he moved forward with the contempt resolution “with great reluctance.”
“Unfortunately, it is a step that is clearly necessary to preserve the role and constitutional prerogatives of Congress as an institution, in addition to getting to the bottom of the U.S. attorney controversy,” Conyers said. “If the executive branch can disregard congressional subpoenas in this way, we no longer have a system of checks and balances. That is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it is our bipartisan responsibility to protect it.”
© 2008 Politico.com
Hey, Dana Perino
The American people find it baffling that this administration and Congress have wasted the last 7 years and trillions of dollars supposedly defending Democracies overseas while allowing fascist and dictatorial policies to flourish here at home. Left-wing bloggers - believe it or not - are American people. We're the majority, we want accountability, and - unlike you - we demand respect for the rule of law. We want you to stop wasting our time telling us what our priorities are and lying for the criminals in this administration. The problems that exist for our veterans, our children, and the U.S. market are a direct result of the bad decisions made by the criminals that you constantly defend.
I'm pleasantly surprised that members of the House are finally using their time in office wisely. I can think of no better way for Congress to spend their last year than restoring the rule of law in this country. That IS our priority, we ARE Americans, and your words are terribly offensive.
Amazing
She can write this about congress when they actually take aim at the White House, “The American people will find it baffling that on a day that House leaders are trying to put off passing critical legislation to keep us safer from the threat of foreign terrorists overseas, they are spending scarce time to become the first Congress in history to bring contempt charges against a president’s chief of staff and lawyer,” White House spokeswoman Dana Perino wrote in an e-mail.
But what was Waxman's hearing about yesterday again......Oh yeah the great major league baseball steroid hearsay scandal. She didn't write squat about that
BTW John, did you get your Roger Clemons autograph?
Good for you, JC!
At least it's a start. Maybe we'll see some action on Wexler's letter and Kucinich's Resolution, now?
And to misquote Mr. Bumble, the Beadle - "Dana Perino is a ass!"
Bravo Mr. Chairman
Though I have been extremely critical at times in the past, and most likely will be again from time to time in the present and future, I must also give praise where it is due:
Thank you for bringing the Contempt motion (via a rules clause) for vote in the House. I am also gratified to hear that the Speaker said that if the Justice Dept. doesn't pursue, the House will pursue this in Court.
Though this is only the beginning of the reassertion of the system of Checks and Balances, it IS a beginning. THIS is what being a majority party in the Legislative Branch is about--the only reason to have power is to use that power--not in an arrogant, bullying way--but when it is necessary to maintain the Balance of Power and to uphold the Rule of Law, and the Constitution.
Please don't back down. Please don't be swayed by the bloviating whining of the minority party's representatives. They had no problems disrespecting, bullying and marginalizing the Democrats when they were in the minority. What the Democratic Majority is doing today isn't a gratituous act of bullying--it is a long deliberated, and reluctantly undertaken step to reassert Congressional Oversight. That's something that your republican colleagues have failed miserably to provide in the last seven years--and that's why THEY are in the MINORITY presently. The people are tired of the lack of oversight.
There is still much to be done, but that's for another comment. Today I will just say, "Thank you Mr. Chairman".
I second this
Thank you, Chairman Conyers, and thank you to your colleagues who are supporting you. Like Wasserman-Schultz said, "Enough is enough". Like Cohen said, not showing up at all isn't "executive privilege, it's contempt. Like Jackson-Lee said, the Constitution is embedded in our hearts and must be defended. Like Wexler said, no one is immune from oversight. Like you said, Chairman, the evidence is overwhelming. I didn't mention everyone, but it's so satisfying to see the truth spoken on the People's House floor.
"Bipartisan" Republicans Walk Out.
They are disgusting.
Rep. Slaughter re-read Boehner's own words back at him, when Boehner was so very concerned in 1999 about what was going on in the White House with its Democratic President. In 1999 Boehner said he believed that the American People had the "right to know" and that the facts should be available to the people via their representatives in congress--"without Stonewalling or use of Executive Privilege". Now, in 2008, Boehner apparently no longer cares one bit if the republican President uses stonewalling, contempt of congress, and “executive privilege” to hide what he’s doing in the White House from the American people.
Thank you, Representative Slaughter for pointing out the hypocrisy of the minority “leader’s” words.
I'm still confused...
As to how the debate concerning Contempt charges turned into a protest in favor of torture?
Some Republican members are using fear tactics
Fear of the Law.
Yep, disgusting
The Repubs accuse the Dems of pulling a stunt, when in fact the Dems are upholding the rule of law, and the Repubs are pulling a stunt by walking out - very disrespectful of the Constitution and the American people.
I think most will recognize the ignobel words and deeds of those who walked out for what they are.
And, the resolutions passed without them.
Contempt Citation? Funny, wasn't on News...
Hooray !!!
If this means a corner has been turned, then that's the best news so far this year.
Thanks to the Chairman.
In other news, wanted to mention:
Superdelegates
Says pretty much what I mean.
Net Neutrality bill
Comcast "defends" bias online
Both sides get air, I mean ink, no...these days it's just bits.
Satellite to be shot down
This seems to me a very poor idea. The debris stands every chance of hitting something very expensive. The major part of the spy satellite will fall from the sky anyway, so no gain there. And we have the Shuttle, which, if it is good for anything at all, should be good for retrieving this disabled satellite, if retrieved it must be. The only reason to shoot it down would be the fear that someone else might go and get it. To do that, they would have to borrow our Shuttle.
Upshot : there is no proper motive, i.e. REASON for this shoot-down. The potential for damage is excellent. The total cost of the shoot-down is therefor unknown. That the U.S. can shoot it down is accepted by all, therefor no gain can be realized by demonstrating the capability. And, suppose we missed? Now, considering the adversarial relationship the Bush administration has cultivated with everyone - apparently for profit - suppose we miss on purpose. We would have to fix...what ain't broke. Wouldn't we?
And that ain't easy
That is really why I am posting this. Apparently, we fixed what ain't broke.
Justice Official to Tell House Panel That Waterboarding Isn't Allowed
Here is a great opportunity to ask what got fixed, what was broke, and how it got broke. We have before us the guy that said it was broke. The guy that said Torture was legal. He says now it isn't, but that is not what Mukasey said, just a few days ago.
The nice thing about the law being written down is, you don't have to guess what it says. It has been so, since the days of Hammurabi. But our Justice Department is having trouble about that. It would seem they prefer to pronounce, rather than read, Law. Here is an opportunity to ask them to show, step by step, how they made their way through the looking glass.
Enquiring minds want to know.
Frosted Flake
Yes, It Passed!
Still a long way to go, but a beginning. I watched the C-Span coverage & it was good to hear Democrats speak of the need for upholding the Constitution, the System of Checks and Balances and the Rule of Law. Rep. Jackson-Lee held up a copy of the Constitution as she spoke of upholding it.
The republicans, as usual showed that they will put party before politics, each and every time. They showed their hypocricy with their clear contrast between 1999 where they insisted the the (Democratic) President comply with Congressional oversight and subpoenas and today, where they claim that the (republican) president doesn't have to tell his staffers to comply with Congressional subpoenas.
Today was just a beginning, and who knows how it will all turn out--but it was, for once, a refusal to cave in to bush and the republicans on Contempt and on FISA (for now) --and the republicans showed their "Bipartisanship" by walking out of the House.
That walkout was a damnfool move,
and will cost them dearly next November, IF the Democrats have the guts to make Republican Hypocrisy a campaign issue. If there is anything AMERICANS hate worse than a liar, it's a hypocrite! Nail those SOB's to the wall - maybe the Dems'll get their supermajority after all - at least enough to overcome the Libertarians (Blue Dogs) and Republicans (DLC types) who wear Democrat suits, but really look like donkeys.
Solidifying their base.
When the GOP turned their backs on Clinton prior to his State of the Union address, it didn't hurt them even a little bit.
When the GOP sent Conyers to the basement to conduct hearings regarding the treasonous acts of members of their party, then turned the lights out when their hypocrisy became too obvious, it didn't hurt them at all.
When the entire Bush Administration tells the mealy mouthed DLC Democrats to apologize for speaking the truth, and dirtbags like Durbin grovel as they pee themselves, it doesn't hurt the GOP either.
It never hurts to openly show contempt, to cowards. It solidifies their base.
Right and wrong mean nothing to the Democrats of America anymore. When the Dem leadership allows these criminals the benefit of the doubt, and they are told to "Go Cheney themselves", then they allow them the benefit of the doubt again, they deserve our contempt.
Conyers thinks he can damage control it away. The GOP saw it for what it was and called his bluff. They know he can't afford to pursue justice, and they aren't about to give him the benefit of any doubt.
This ain't Pre-2K politics anymore. Right is right and wrong is wrong. There is no doubt, and the benefits derived from ignoring the situation have long since been exhausted.
The longer Mr. Conyers refuses to acknowledge this, the more powerful the GOP's position will become, and the more contemptuous their actions will be.
His history tells them that he won't do a damn thing about it either. At least nothing that has historical significance, otherwise, it might look like the lemmings of America didn't voluntarily choose fascism over Democracy.
Impeach or be prosecuted. The CO's of America need the job security.
Check this out!
No one says it like Keith