Retroactive Immunity for Telecoms

From Daily Kos:

Senator Dodd just held a conference call with a number of reporters and bloggers. He was discouraged enough by the results of the previous votes to have decided that what makes the most sense at this point in the Senate debate is to wrap this up, after all opposing Senators have had the opportunity of their say, and to get this to the House and the conference committee as soon as possible.


The House RESTORE Act is a much stronger bill, and opposition to telco amnesty much stronger there. Via Smiley Sam, here's what's happening in the House as they watch the Senate foolishness on FISA and telco amnesty.

House leaders sent a letter to fellow lawmakers Friday saying they strenuously oppose handing amnesty to telecom companies that helped the government's secret, warrantless wiretapping program, even as the Senate is set to approve such a provision early next week.



Perhaps in response to that letter, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) filed a bill Friday that would give the two houses another 15 days to iron out a compromise without passing the expiration date on the extensive wiretapping powers handed to the Administration this summer.

The option for another 15 day extension could prove useful. Dodd reiterated in this phone call his commitment to using "every available means" to hold up telco amnesty. Asked if that meant he would filibuster a conference resolution, he said yes.

Conyers not picking up calls?

here's a new rule on Capitol Hill: the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee can remove impeachment from the Constitution, but cannot also use telephones, Email, or fax machines, because the flood of pro-impeachment communications from outraged citizens is overwhelming each of those devices. Don't believe me? Try phoning, Emailing, or faxing John Conyers' office.

Congressman John Conyers' telephone, by many reports, rang endlessly on Monday, approximately 60 times per minute, or as fast as people could get through. The same thing appears to be happening today (Tuesday).

If you try to get through at 202-225-5126, chances are you'll hear a busy signal. Other times it will simply ring forever until a recorded voice tells you "Your party is not answering, please try your call later." Some people have had better luck by calling the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-224-3121 or through one of the toll-free numbers that activist groups use, and asking to be connected to John Conyers' office. Others have just run into busy signals that way too.

If you are lucky, you will get through to a staffer, and by all reports they are very, very cheerful staffers glad that you called, no matter where in the country you live.

Emailing the Congressman is out, because he has stopped accepting Emails, at least at this address john.conyers@mail.house.gov . I could tell you some of his staff members' Email addresses, but then they wouldn't be able to work for a week.

Faxing the Congressman is very much in, but you have to set your fax machine to repeatedly redial until it gets through. The fax number is 202-225-0072.

You can also try these alternatives. Call Conyers' Judiciary Committee office at 202-225-3951. Or call his Detroit, Mich., office at 313-961-5670 or his Trenton, Mich., office at 734-675-4084.

If you do get through, be prepared to hear that impeachment hearings are not happening, but hearings into impeachable offenses are. Even though these non-impeachment hearings will not make it onto television, and Conyers is not even announcing them ahead of time, and even though witnesses will refuse to show up, Conyers' staffers will try to tell you that hearings of the sort they've done for the past 13 months are all that's needed.

Hmm. If that were true, would the phone be ringing the way it is?

Over 20 people are refusing to eat until Conyers begins impeachment hearings for Dick Cheney: http://afterdowningstreet.org/fasting

Nine members of the Judiciary Committee and dozens of members of Congress agree with the public that Conyers should perform his constitutional duty and begin impeachment hearings. On Friday Congressman and Committee Member Robert Wexler will deliver a sign-on letter to Conyers urging him to begin Cheney impeachment hearings.

Tuesday evening Conyers has agreed to meet with Leslie Angeline to discuss the possibility. Angeline is a member of Code Pink. Her father was a rider on the original Freedom Ride bus that was fire bombed in Alabama in 1961. She is fasting for impeachment. For her sake, if nothing else, set your phone on redial and have faith that you will get through. Consider making it a daily routine.

Switch to Credo

http://www.credomobile.com/?entrycode=400250

U.S. deficit running at twice last year's
Federal spending also rising at faster pace than last year

WASHINGTON (AP) - The federal budget deficit is running at a pace that is more than double last year’s imbalance through the first four months of the budget year.

In its monthly review of the government’s finances, the Treasury Department said Tuesday that the budget was in surplus in January, but the deficit totals $87.7 billion so far this budget year, double the $42.2 billion imbalance recorded during the same period in 2007. The new budget year started last Oct. 1.

The Bush administration sent its final budget request to Congress last week, projecting that the deficit for all of 2008 will total $410 billion, very close to the all-time high in dollar terms of $413 billion in 2004.

So far this year, federal spending is 8.3 percent ahead of last year’s pace, at $949.1 billion. That is far ahead of the 3.2 percent increase in revenues, which have totaled $861.4 billion in the current budget year.

For 2007, the budget deficit totaled $162 billion, a five-year low. However, the slowing economy is expected to stunt the growth of tax revenues while the $168 billion economic stimulus plan passed by Congress last week will swell the deficit.

more...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23131149/

Anybody want to talk about the economy and the "conservative" record of the last 8 years, the one who's results are so gloriously on current display?

America Shoots Self in Foot, 2001-?
Film at a lemon.

Poor Jeb! NOT!!!!

How George torpedoed Jeb's presidential hopes…

and sank the family's political dynasty.

By Jacob Weisberg

Will America close the books on the Bush dynasty when George W. leaves office in January? Or is it still possible that his younger brother, Jeb, will rise from the ashes of the second Bush presidency -- perhaps even as part of the Bush clan's ongoing duel with the House of Clinton?

(snip)

As the second Bush presidency grinds to its dismal conclusion, both Jeb and his parents seem to think that George's mistakes have destroyed the second son's chances of ever occupying the White House, family friends say. Jeb was merely recognizing reality when he opted not to run for president in 2008. While a campaign in 2012 or beyond is theoretically possible, Jeb says he has no interest and complains that no one will believe him.

(snip)

While Jeb seems resigned to abandoning politics, family friends have described his parents as devastated that the older son spiked the chances of the younger one. In December 2006, the former president gave a glimpse of this when he paid tribute to his second son at a ceremony to mark the end of Jeb's two terms as governor. Bush began to crack when talking about Jeb's 1994 defeat, and how his son didn't whine or complain about the unfair attacks on him in the election. "The true measure of a man is ... " Bush tried to say, now openly sobbing as Jeb approached to comfort him, " ... is how you handle victory ... and also defeat."

Jeb, the obedient son, the one who was supposed to be president, who even after George Junior's election was regarded as a potential third in the line, now faces a political impasse. His older brother dashed ahead and blew up the bridge behind him. At this point, not many people inside or outside the family think it can be rebuilt.

"What do we do to make our Congress and President and their corporations obey the rule of law?"

Start arresting people. Put their arses in PRISON.

You don't ASK THEM to 'obey'. You MAKE them obey.

Obama wins Virginia

90% Obama 10% Clinton Black vote

51% Clinton 48% Obama White Vote

Obama wins Virginia.

Exactly one minute after the polls closed, CNN, MSNBC and Fox all call Virginia for Barack Obama.

Oops. I went looking for a link, so Roo beat me!

Oops. I went looking for a link, so Roo beat me!

Hahahahaha

Maryland Polls staying open extra 90 mins close 9 30.

Obama wins Maryland

Obama wins District of Columbia 75%

Maryland, Obama won 59 percent of the women vote. Wow.

Oh, and he won 51 percent of the over 65-year-old vote, compared to 35 percent on Super Tuesday

http://www.npr.org/templates/topics/topic.php?topicId=1001

Here is the report that talks about how in Virginia, exit polls show that enough Independents and even moderate Republicans went for Obama to hurt McCain.

Today at work I talked to a moderate Republican and an Independent, actually, and they are interested in Obama. One dislikes McCain and likes 9ui11iani and Lieberman, being from the east coast.

Phone callers needed for Texas, I think, especially Spanish speaking.

The American People speak loud and clear, are the Senate and the Super delegates listening

By the Way the Wanker for the GOP took all three but Obama numbers beat all three of the GOP numbers.

Notice in McCains speech the cameras have not once canvassed the crowds, they have just focused on him speaking.

Suck Eggs Dirt Bag.

I just signed this petition to tell House Democrats to stand strong behind the RESTORE bill and not capitulate like the Senate did in the fight against giving George Bush and the telecom industry amnesty for their crimes and ever-greater unchecked powers.

Please join me by signing this petition:

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/petition/RestoreFISA/klbnv

Have any of you old-skool political activists EVER seen numbers like Obama is getting before?

Has any candidate EVER been cross supported by so many lines of the social spectum before?

Young, old, black, white, women, men,, poor, middle class and rich. His 'base' seems to get bigger every damn day. But the base itself is not like any base I have ever seen before.

Yeah - Reagan LOL

I thought Maureen Dowd was excellent on the Hillary-gender question today:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/opinion/13dowd.html

Having been associated with Kerry-Edwards (like so many of us here), and having developed extremely positive feelings for both Teresa Heinz and Elizabeth Edwards (and often having said during the last year or so that I wished that a healthy Elizabeth, not John, was the person running for President), I find the idea that people are lining up against Hillary simply because they don't like smart, tough women quite insulting. No, what we don't like are cynical, calculating men and women who additionally play a doormat to an abusive spouse in their personal life - and who vote to support a mad President as often they decry him. Hillary always wants it both ways - leader and victim, de-facto Bush supporter, Bush opponent. She can't have it both ways.

Matthew, I TOTALLY agree with you. I like Hillary personally--she is tough and smart and if she would only stay with both of those instead of being EITHER tough or smart, she would be doing much better than she is.

For me, it is the calculating oily folks around her who radiate cynicism who bother me most. Clearly the American people want a sincere authentic leader after the deceptions of the past 15 years. Her advisors have failed to note that yearning and instead reverted to failed electoral tactics from the past.

I believe that THEY believe that John Kerry failed in '04, when those of us who were witnesses know that it was those same failed electoral tactics that allowed deception.

It is my fervent hope, but not my expectation, that her losses will cause a re-thinking of the ways in which politicians address the process of winning hearts and minds.

A place to begin:

"Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story."

from Desiderata

Christy,

His base is bigger than usual because of his utter failure of neoconservatism, conservatism, Republicanism, religious-ism (made up that word), theocracy, and militarianism. The only ones happy with him are those who would refuse to admit the damage he has done.

Given how Bush has crashed all those gates, and when even Republicans are fervantly praying that Bush doesn't find more gates to crash before we can get his a$$ out of office, that makes the pickings huge!

Great read about inside the Hillary campaign.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200802u/patti-solis-doyle

Reagan, are you serious?

I remember those years, but I was a kid and no one at my house liked him.

I will never forget when news came he had been shot, my daddy chuckled.My mom probably did too, but inside, where the more well mannered people laugh.

My daddy HATED reagan. Cursed him for years on end.

After last night, I think it is safe to say we can finally forget about hillary.

I doubt she will even win Texas.

We can't forget about Hillary til she DOESN'T win Texas
and Oklahoma because in these contests it's not a straight winner
take all & then there are the superdelegates who would need
to switch.

We need to act like he's running 30 points behind. She made the mistake of acting inevitable and so did 9ui11iani. I am going to make calls to Texas for the rest of the month.

Ok. My head is going to implode. I'm officially sick of the word, "SURGE."

Obama 'surges' ahead in the polls.

That's the headline, for God's sake. For a billion years, they used a different verb. Now everything is a 'surge.'

I've decided it's not accidental. I've decided that it's being overused as a means of desensitizing us to the real meaning of our current policy of 'surging' in Iraq.

Christy
We despised Reagan but he was a very popular two-term President who attracted Republicans, Independents and Democrats. I never had any reason why except that alot of people liked cowboy movies (& cowboy diplomacy).

We actually spent a bigger proportion on defense during the Cold War, with his nukes and Star War planning. We now spend the highest dollar amount since WW2 though. He also had that idea that if you cut taxes businesses will expand and hire people - the idea that didn't work for him and didn't work for W.

He was popular though.

Powell on Obama - Not Quite an Endorsement
http://www.silencedmajority.blogs.com

Powell should worry less about politics and more about how to repent and save his own soul.

That is if a soul can be regained after selling it to the devil.

Hard to believe I once believed in him, much like I do Obama. One of our nations best. A proud example of our multicultural potential.

And then...

Everytime I see Powell now I just want to scream in his face 'Why!? WHY!? MY GOD WHY!?'.

Does it really matter anymore whom he endorses...?

And on the other thing,

The thing I remember most about the bush sr and reagan years, is so many people standing beside the road with signs saying 'Will Work For Food!'. Somehow my parents kept it together, but they were very lean years. Three years without electricity feels like much longer.

Some empire. It was the word 'empire' I most heard related to reagan. It was a scorned notion. The people I was raised around are not isolationists, they just do not believe in ruining ourselves economically to try to prove how tough you are to people that do not matter.

That and the fact he was an 'actor' added to the scorn, the adults around me felt he was totally unqualified.

I wasn't reading his polling numbers back then, but it is strange to think of him being so 'popular' when everyone around me hated him.

Clinton backer: Some whites not ready to support African American candidate

Gov. Ed Rendell, one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's most visible supporters, said some white Pennsylvanians are likely to vote against her rival Barack Obama because he is black.

"You've got conservative whites here, and I think there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate," Rendell told the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in remarks that appeared in Tuesday's paper.

To buttress his point, Rendell cited his 2006 re-election campaign, in which he defeated Republican challenger Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, by a margin of more than 60 percent to less than 40 percent.

"I believe, looking at the returns in my election, that had Lynn Swann been the identical candidate that he was — well-spoken, charismatic, good-looking — but white instead of black, instead of winning by 22 points, I would have won by 17 or so," he said. "And that (attitude) exists. But on the other hand, that is counterbalanced by Obama's ability to bring new voters into the electoral pool."

Rendell, chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 2000 and previously Philadelphia's mayor, endorsed Clinton on Jan. 23.

Pennsylvania holds its primary April 22.

Several figures in Clinton's campaign, including her husband, the former president, have been criticized in recent weeks for raising Obama's race. In response, Bill Clinton has said he will stick to promoting his wife, rather than defending her.

Later Tuesday, Rendell's spokesman said the governor did not mean to offend anyone.

"He was simply making an observation about the unfortunate nature of some parts of American society," said spokesman Chuck Ardo. "He wasn't being critical, he wasn't making accusations, but just being realistic."

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Clinton_backer_Some_whites_not_ready_0213.html

Christy, NMP

Reagan is considered a saint in my household.

My father says Jimmy Carter almost cut his job at US Army Corps of Engineers, and that Ronnie Reagan restored funding.

ALL of his coworkers back then were Reagan supporters. They were mighty afraid that Gary Hart would cut their jobs again if elected.

My mother's opinion of Reagan is tanking at this moment though, since Reaganomics has been well practiced by W, with disastrous results.

One more thing

My father got his US immigration visa in just two months, thanks to Reagan and his preference for right-wing nationalities likely to support Republicans.

Funny Ally.

Being taught in retrospect of events I lived through, it seems to me now that reagan had about as much to do with Reaganomics as Ted Turner gets to do with CNN.

Wasn't it most likely that reagans economics were actually bush srs economics?

Looking back on it, by the time reagans economics took hold, reagan himself was obviously no longer in control of his facilities or this country. And I so doubt Nancy was writing up economic policies with the astrology crowd.

I think reagan was very quickly reduced to a puppet, probably within the first two years of his taking office, and the policies georgie is furthering are actually his fathers.

I doubt she will even win Texas.

I don't think she will take either Texas or Ohio!!!!! Yeah

ABC: Edwards Mulling Clinton Endorsement

If he does give his delegates to Clinton may he rot in Hell

UPDATE 2/13: John Edwards is "as split as the party he once hoped to lead -- and is seriously considering supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, despite the sharp criticism he leveled at her on the campaign trail, according to former aides and advisers," ABC News reports:
In deciding between his one-time rivals, Edwards appears deeply divided. Several former advisers likened his thought process to a heart-versus-head split -- with his heart favoring Sen. Barack Obama's strong message of change, and...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/13/edwards-endorsement-clin_n_85997.html

Hi, I just put up a new thread on my experience as a torturer (and touching on telecoms).

McCain Collected $100,000 From Abramoff's Firm

On the stump, Sen. John McCain has touted his work tackling the excesses of the lobbying industry to bolster his reputation as a "maverick" reformer.

"Ask Jack Abramoff if I'm an insider in Washington," McCain often contends. "You'd probably have to go during visiting hours in the prison, and he'll tell you and his lobbyist cronies of the change I made there."

But how much change did McCain actually effect? And is he all that removed from Washington's special interests?

A review of campaign finance filings shows that the Arizona Republican has accepted more than $100,000 in donations from employees of Greenberg Traurig, the very firm where Abramoff once reigned.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/12/mccain-received-100000-_n_86245.html

Re the election:
I noticed that in addition to Edwards possibly leaning toward HIllary Clinton, there is the strong endorsement today at Huffington Post by Ambassador Wilson, husband of Valerie Plame. Then there is General Wesley Clark. Edwards may have been promised the VP slot, who knows. The other two worked under Clinton and it was obviously a great deal better environment than under Bush and the neocons.

On the flipside, one of Bill Clinton's former campaign managers is endorsing Obama. Anyone supporting Obama should not get complacent in any way or assume that he will win Texas or Ohio. Wisconsin and Hawaii probably.

Christy,
Re. Reaganomics - I'll take a stab at it and then have to run and get some lunch.

Reaganomics WAS Reagan's. The fundamental component was tax reduction law. The principles were to reduce growth of government spending, reduce tax rates, reduce regulation and control the money supply to reduce inflation.

What was unique was the idea that one could BOTH reduce government spending and reduce taxes.

The "trickle down theory" came from the young economist whose theories Reagan used. Some aspects of the economy got better under Reagan but no one has ever been able to prove that it was because of his plan or more because of other factors that came into play during that eight years.

Mr. Edwards, I implore you!

Don't do it!

McCain voted Nay? And Obama voted Yay? If this isn't some sort of mixup then I'm extremely shocked and disappointed that Obama would want the guilty to be immune from punishment. Yes, let's give these criminal bastards immunity. What have we got left to give?

woz said:
McCain voted Nay? And Obama voted Yay? If this isn't some sort of mixup then I'm extremely shocked and disappointed that Obama would want the guilty to be immune from punishment. Yes, let's give these criminal bastards immunity. What have we got left to give?

~~~

Woz,

The language of yay and nay is confusing. It depends upon the specific wording of each vote. In this case, "Yay" meant that it was what we wanted. "Nay" was opposite and not what we wanted.

I'm at work or I'd take the chance to be more specific about the wording on the bill.

But Obama voted 'correctly' in the way you would want him to vote.

Maybe someone else has time to grab the wording for you, but I can't do it just yet.

Edwards would look ludicrous endorsing Hillary, given the issues he used against her. Once again, if the article is accurate, I'm with Elizabeth. I really do wish that she had been the candidate!

This is so going on our blog in the morning - http://www.silencedmajority.blogs.com - sent by Robin

The Lookin' Good For Jesus line of products also includes a
mirrored Jesus statuette, featuring a drawing of Jesus flanked by two
adoring women.

Sorry I forgot the code. If you click on that link you will see an item about how religious-themed cosmetics were withdrawn from the market in Singapore.

nmp,

I checked out the post "Looking good for Jesus."

Clearly, religious tensions remain high around the world, as your article shows. Personally, I can not figure out the idea behind it. Was it for laughs? For money? Was it sincere? It sort of sounds snarky--was that their intent?

I know my mother in law would probably point to the section in the Bible that says not to have religious artifacts everywhere. It's suppose to be in your heart, not on your sleeve. She's even ditched all Christmas items and gave up her jewelry that had crosses.

Personally, it seems to me that as a world, instead of being MORE TOLERANT of all ideas, we are less. Or mabye cyberspace and corporations and politicians have all just attached their hooks to the most vile part of all of us: the part that is angry, insecure, condescending, judgmental, bigoted, racist, or maybe just plain rude.

It's so hard to tell what the original concept of that make up was. At first, to me it seemed rude and disrespectful of Christians. If it had been intended to be disrespectful, then that truly sucks! If it had been respectful but is seen by those in that religion as disrespectful, then it's their right to boycott it.

But now,I wonder if the product line was intended for parents to give to their girls in those years when they're just beginning to be interested in makeup.

I do know they have names of makeup for the tweenies, the queen bees, the punks, the goths, the emos, and now this--the religious ones.

So I guess my thoughts on this just boil down to the feeling that those people who are calling for a boycott of those products feel disrespected by the pictures or words on those products!

I can't say I blame them. Maybe it wasn't intended to come across as disrespectful, but it does.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

It's The Economy, Cupid...

This is the time
This is the vibe
Don't you want to get onto the ride
Come on inside
From the outside
The truth will set you free and you will find
That there is a love
That won't let you down
And it always holds ground
Wear your crown
This love will never leave you
This love will never let you go

It is time for a love revolution
It is time for a new constitution

You are a child of the most high
There's nothing you can't do and that's no lie
You were designed to use your mind
To move what you can't see so don't be blind
'Cause there is a love
That won't let you down and it always holds ground
Wear your crown
This love will never leave you
This love will never let you go

It is time for a love revolution
It is time, it is time, for a new constitution

It is time, it is time, for a love revolution
Love revolution
It is time, it is time, for a new constitution

It is time, it is time, for a love revolution
A love revolution
It is time, it is time, for a new constitution

It is time, it is time, for a love revolution
A love revolution
It is time, it is time, for a new constitution

Lenny Kravitz, 2008

http://www.silencedmajority.blogs.com

That is one hot singer man.

And the older he gets, the better he looks.

Totally freaking yummy.

Agreed - paint him!

By the way, doesn't this sound like The Onion? But it's for real.

Africa bright spot in Bush foreign policy legacy

Advertisements [?]
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush travels this week to Africa, one of the few regions where he can claim globally recognized successes for efforts on AIDS and development in a foreign policy legacy dominated by the Iraq war.

But conflicts in Kenya and Darfur will intrude on a trip intended to show the positive impact from U.S. investment in health and development programs in the largely stable countries of Benin, Tanzania, and Ghana as well as Rwanda and Liberia, once ravaged by civil war.

"The trip will be an opportunity to demonstrate America's commitment to the people of these countries and to Africa as a whole," Stephen Hadley, White House national security adviser, said. "There's more hope in Africa and the American people can be proud that many of our innovative programs are making a real difference."

The February 15-21 trip will be the second for Bush to Africa, and the fifth for his wife, Laura, as they promote aid programs by visiting hospitals, schools and businesses, and it will also offer Bush a chance to highlight his "compassionate conservative" credentials.

Reuters

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN11185275200...

Did you choke on your coffee?!

georgie in Africa. As if Africa does not have enough problems.

Oh yes, I think I will paint him. I was just thinking the same thing. I could paint him, over and over again.

How about we have an actual President who has a connection with Africa, like a father from Africa? Obama is a brand, the others are politicians. He is attacking them on the war and economy in Wisconsin.

By the way, Kerry, Biden and Hagel are headed to Pakistan to help monitor the elections. If Musharraf is in, there will be people in the streets.

LOVE LOVE LOVE (Kravitz 2008)

REP. WEXLER CONFRONTS CONDI RICE ON WMD LIES:

(Condi dances)

I really think Hillary has underestimated the tide that has turned against her. She sounds awful confident for someone who just lost 8 in a row.

If Louisiana can go Obama, Texas will trend that way too. Texas is twisted but Louisiana is a**backwards. If he can win here, he can win there.

I am also sick of the word 'surge', but unlike the way georgie uses it, applying it to Obama would be proper.

If she wins in Texas, I don't think it will be but by a hair. Texans are SICK of the bushes, same as everyone else, and the clintons always got their backs up.

You are right darlin. Obama is more of a 'brand' than politician. He is something brand new.

And EVERYONE seems to agree they need it.

STATEMENT FROM PELOSI'S OFFICE REGARDING GATES "POSTPONING" THE TROOP DRAWDOWN IN IRAQ.

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on remarks in Baghdad today by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in which he said he would pause troop withdrawals from Iraq this summer, keeping the number at the pre-surge level:

“Months before General David Petraeus offers his scheduled Congressional testimony on Iraq, Defense Secretary Defense Robert Gates and the Bush Administration have already delivered their verdict about security conditions in Iraq. According to them, Iraq will not be secure enough five months from now to permit any more than the ‘surge’ forces to be withdrawn. That means that there will be the same number of U.S. troops in Iraq in August 2008 as were there in August 2006.

“The stated purpose of the surge was to create a secure time for the government of Iraq to make the political change needed to bring about reconciliation. Despite the courage, dedication, and success of our troops, the Iraqi government has failed to come even close to achieving that goal.

“Our generals have issued dire warnings that the war in Iraq has seriously undermined our nation’s military readiness, and is therefore making our nation less secure. Yet the President’s Iraq policy has set the stage for a 10-year, trillion dollar war. The American people want a New Direction in Iraq.”

OMFG! When did this happen between Wexler and condi?

HOLY COW!!! WEXLER ROCKS!

He is my new hero.

Do you have a direct link to this?

That's a helluva good written response from Her Nancyness...

Words without deeds are what again?

Ralph--email to you. Please check your email. (Glad to see you got your loggin info functioning properly)

monkey said:

That's a helluva good written response from Her Nancyness...

Words without deeds are what again?

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

I called Levin's office (chairman of the Armed SErvices Committee) on the reversal of policy on Iraq and the semipermanent increase in troop levels. Levin, as of yesterday, had No Comment or response. Zero, Zip, Nada.... I also tried contacting Sen. Clinton and Sen. Feinstein on the Gates announcement - the lines where completely jammed in Washington DC. I finally got someone in Clinton's Albany office and Feinstein's San Diego office...

Sec. Def. Gates was suppposed to testify on Capitol Hill this week but broke his shoulder slipping on the ice (somewhere),

test........ 1 2 3 !!!

The Wexler video is getting excellent play:

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BTW - I RECOMMEND PUSHING THIS LATEST VIDEO BY WEXLER:

1) rate it 5 stars
2) put a comment on it
3) favorite it - which gets it on to your You Tube homepage
4) forward it to others etc..

Comments: 570 Favorited: 131 times Honors: 9 Links: 5
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HOUSE REPUBLICANS WALK OUT IN PROTEST
Democrats were mulling contempt charges against two Bush aides

House Republicans staged a walk-out Thursday afternoon to protest Democratic plans to bring contempt charges against two Bush aides and speculation that the chamber's majority members are planning not to bow to President Bush's demands on a controversial spying law.

"We will not stand here and watch this floor be abused for pure political grandstanding at the expense of our national security. ... Let's just get up and leave," Republican Leader John Boehner advised his colleagues as they dramatically left the floor Thursday afternoon.

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer took the floor to rebut Boehner's actions, chastising the Republicans for voting en mass against a measure to give the House more time to work on updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. And he took aim at President Bush for trying to stoke national security fears to force quick action from the House.

"Every one of us wants to keep America and Americans safe," he said, eliciting applause from Democrats remaining in the chamber. "Not one of us wants to subject America or Americans to danger. The president's assertion is wrong."

Hoyer noted that the House has only had since Tuesday night to consider the final surveillance law passed by the Senate, and he accused the president of creating a false sense of urgency to provoke quick action and preclude the full legislative process.

"It is somewhat ironic that on the one hand they say we ought to be doing something, and on the other hand they walk out to preclude us from doing our business," Hoyer said after the GOP walkout.

Speaking before he had led his GOP colleagues from the floor, Boehner accused the Democrats of playing political games by considering contempt citations against White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former counsel Harriet Miers before passing a long-term update to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

A House bill to update FISA passed in October, but it did not include a provision to give legal immunity to telecommunications companies. Bush has said he would veto anything without telecom immunity. The Senate took him seriously enough to include the "amnesty" provisions in its bill, which passed Tuesday.

Before the GOP walkout, lawmakers were set to vote by midday on a measure holding Bolten and Miers in contempt for failing to respond to congressional subpoenas for information on the 2006-2007 firings. After the minority party left the floor, the fate of that and other votes remained unclear.

"This is not a confrontation we have sought, and is one we are still hoping to avoid," Rep. John Conyers, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said Thursday. "However, I believe on the merits our case is quite strong. Unlike other disputes involving executive privilege, the President has never personally asserted privilege, the Committee has never been given a privilege log, and there is no indication the President was ever personally involved in the termination decisions."

The action, which Democrats have been threatening for six months, was the latest wrinkle in a more than yearlong probe.

The citations charge Miers with failing to testify and accuse both her and Bolten of refusing Congress' demands for documents in the investigation.

The White House said the Justice Department would not ask the U.S. attorney to pursue the congressional charges. The administration has said the information is off-limits under executive privilege, and argues that Bolten and Miers are immune from prosecution.

Still, the resolution would allow the House to bring its own lawsuit on the matter.

If the move succeeds, it would be the first time in 25 years that a full chamber of Congress has voted on a contempt of Congress citation.

DEVELOPING...

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/House_weighing_contempt_for_Bush_aides_0214.html

Man Monkey!

How many times did we BEG Democrats to get up and walk out!

Imagine how much LESS damage there would be if the Dems would have done this!

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.

"If the House had nothing better to do, this futile partisan act would be a waste of time," said Dana Perino, the White House spokeswoman. "The 'people's House' should reflect the priorities of the American people, not the fantasies of left-wing bloggers."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23169760/

By the way, did I mention how much I DESPISE every member of this administration, from start to finish?

Dana Perino and her "left wing blogger fantasies" statement today I find particularly disgusting, and quite frankly, disturbing.

To marginalize and label groups like that, from the mouth of the White House Press Secretary, clearly reflects the frat-boy attitude that IS the Bush legacy.

Anytime anyone in this country has the audacity to utilize their freedoms to protest against something that this infallible administration has done, suddenly those freedoms and the very democracy THEY push like heroine is no longer such a good idea... they just take their ball and go home.

Chickenhawks to the hilt.
Sissies to the core.

""Good Morning, America! This morning someone is planning a terror attack on America"~~~ words I heard spoken just now by GWB...the fearmonger

monkey

I had those exact same feelings toward the W regime ever since Ari Fleisher dismissed Al Gore as a lunatic.

But then, these f*ckers are NOT OF THIS WORLD.

sparrow

If and when Americans realize that it was W's ineptitude (or even worse, PLANS, if those conspiracy theories prove correct) that caused 9/11, the fearmongering will stop working.

Miers and Bolten held in contempt of Congress today;

(letter from Wexler)

Today, thanks in great part to your advocacy and persistence, the House of Representatives took a major, tangible step towards holding the Bush Administration accountable.

In a vote on the House floor, we acted to enforce the law and our Constitution, and hold former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten in Contempt of Congress. (Please click here to watch my speech on the House Floor calling for contempt.)

Bolten and Miers have ignored congressional subpoenas for nine months and thumbed their noses at Congress and the American people.

Executive privilege has never permitted officials to avoid appearing altogether when subpoenaed. This behavior is unprecedented and outrageous.

Now, these two renegade officials must face up to their blatant disregard of the law and constitution.

Our message of accountability for Bush/Cheney is finally resonating on Capitol Hill.

Judiciary Chairman John Conyers fought hard to bring this to a vote, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi herself took the floor to support contempt.

While Democrats may not all agree on how to press this Administration, one thing is clear:

Today, Congress has asserted its rights under the Constitution.

We must not back down.

We must never cede the rights of the Congress to the Executive.

I am pleased to inform you that today's legislation allows Congress to bypass the Attorney General (who has stated to me this week that he would not enforce contempt) and immediately take action in the courts. (Click here to see me confront the Attorney General on contempt last week.)

Today, Congress finally defended the Constitution and our rights as an equal branch of government.

Yours truly,

Congressman Robert Wexler

Happy Valentine's Day!

http://www.silencedmajority.blogs.com

(Planned Parenthood)

Olbermann on FISA

I know many of you watch Olbermann on "Countdown", but this was a powerful commentary tonight on FISA. Here is the site for those, who were unable to watch. This lasts about 8 mins or so.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22956555/

(Believe me - I didn't watch tv - someone sent me this)

Hello. Just passing thru. I have 2 take some time out. I broke my wrist last night when I fell out of bed.

Oh no, Woz! Feel better soon!

Woz

Please get better soon!

woz, yer supposed to fall INTO bed, not out of it!

healing vibes from up above

Happy belated Valentines and National Condom Week. Wow, never really saw myself saying that before, but ok. Condoms rule!

Not that a mother of 5 would know, but I heard it once on a commercial.

I spent most of Valentines alone. No flowers, no candy, no jewels. I was like 'Hmmm. This is kind of a crappy Valentines, but oh well.' And then my man came home with 3 of the biggest blank stretched canvases I have ever seen!

And then I think 'I am so in love with this man!' So, I guess Cupid works in surprising ways.

It could be worse Aussi, you could be American with a broken wrist. I broke mine once and it stayed broke for 12 years. Boxers break. I learned not to put any downward pressure on my hand. It was cheaper to live that way than pay for the surgery.

As a matter of a fact it was my man who accidently re-broke it and it finally healed properly.

That is some ghastly pain. You have my sympathy.

Now if only I had your health care system.

Sorry to hear about your wrist, woz!

For everyone: I just put a new discussion up on the main page. It is an important conversation and there is a quiz at the end! If for any reason, you still cannot post there, please email me: karen at democracycellproject.net. Please stay on topic there, and please continue to go anywhere you like over here.

Thank you!

Hey Monkey,

I have been meaning to ask you if you could send me that Monkey Ball poster you posted not too long ago.

It was kind of abstract, 60s looking. Very cool. Do you know what I am talking about?

I thoought I already had saved it from when you posted it before but it is not in my files.

I just went to the main site and it popped up a warning that this website is a 'suspecious website'.

So not kidding. It will not let me copy and paste so I'll quote...

"This might be a phishing website'

"Phising websites impersonate trustworthy websites for the purpose of obtaining your personal or financial information.'

Microsoft recommends that you do not give any of your information to such websites.'

Ummm. WTF..?

And yes, I mean the 'main site', as in DCPs main blog.

I have never seen a 'suspicious website' warning before.

Ummm. Wow.

Christy,

That message comes up often, despite our continually asking the folks who provide that "service" to take us off their list. It is because we link to paypal and ask for donations.

We are a legitimate nonprofit educational corporation and therefore the message is a false one.

Just ignore it, I will report it again.

When you get a chance, check out this video:

http://ivaw.org/wintersoldier/video

Tell others...

Hi Christy...

Was it this one?
http://www.monkeykrewe.org/images/poster2008.jpg

Also, check out this new one!
Lettin ALL the monkey's outta the box!
http://www.theradiators.org/intro.htm

No prob. But I must admit I have never been 'phished' before, so I figured if I was going to be it may as well be by you.

Since I still can't post on main blog I'll respond here.

1. What are the operational meanings of those "inalienable rights"?

It is a standard of practice. As a group, there are just things we are not willing to be seen doing to one another, slavery for example.

If everyone 'agrees' it should not be done to a person, the rights that person is given will become a standard to protect us all. They become inalienable, unretractable. But only if the majority 'agrees' they will be upheld and protected for all and equally.

2. What does "inalienable" mean?

Birthright. You get it simply by existing. You show up and it is granted to you because it is unquestionably yours to have.

The right to NOT be tortured is something every human on this earth is born with. Unfortunatly there are few 'groups' willing to uphold even that most basic standard of decency.

3. From which of those rights have we drifted furthest away? Habeas Corpus. Not sure really, we have drifted so far from so much of our normal way of life.

4. What do we need to do to get them back? (We, the PEOPLE...) TAKE them back. As a group, WE the People still have high enough standards that they in DC will live up to them, or else...

The majority MUST stand firm on the point these rights are inalienable and violating them will not be tolerated. Our politicians refuse to bow to our will, but only because their defiance is TOLERATED.

5. Which candidates will pledge to make sure the rights of a democratic people are returned to those people?

Good question... which one? So far none of them have gone far enough to assure me they will not abuse the same powers georgie has taken for himself. We hear what they will do, what they want to do, what they COULD do, but never about what they WILL NOT do.

6. How can we assure that that will happen?

Develop a Zero Tolerance Policy for War criminals and other felons. Reset the standard and set it high so that only those truly worth our trust can obtain power.

7. Is this a worthy topic for discussing over the next eight-ten months?

Yes, but impeachment should still be the main topic of discussion. Even if it really does never happen, the talk of it from coast to coast and from every field will make them in the halls of power nervous enough they will get back in line or they will have to go face their people in those fields.

The biggest crimes ever seen in history has taken place right in front of us as we stand here helplessly begging for mercy. The evidence is overwhelming and massive.

Don't you think it is time we started putting people asses in prison?

It would make me feel better. Msybe even safer.

I want my freaking Habeas Corpus back!

Pakistani official taped saying vote will be rigged

By Jonathan S. Landay | McClatchy Newspapers

FAISALABAD, Pakistani — A prominent U.S.-based human rights group Friday released what it said was a recording of Pakistan's attorney general acknowledging that next week's national elections would be "massively" rigged.

Human Rights Watch said a journalist made the recording during a telephone interview with Attorney General Malik Qayyum when Qayyum took a second call without disconnecting the first, allowing his end of the second conversation to be overheard and recorded.

In the recording, Qayyum, Pakistan's top legal officer, can be heard advising the caller to accept a ticket he is being offered by an unidentified political party for a seat, Human Rights Watch said.

"They will massively rig to get their own people to win," Qayyum said, according to a transcript released by Human Rights Watch. "If you get a ticket from these guys, take it."

Conts.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/27758.html

THE WEXLER VIDEO ON RICE IS A BIG HIT:

Views: 96,141
Comments: 1,329 Favorited: 230 times Honors: 13 Links: 5

Rate:
830 ratings

Christy--since we got DCP2 it's been doing that. Hopefully they'll fix it soon.

Where has everyone gone?

Sorry I'm exhausted everyone, so I won't be posting a new thread until morning--unless someone beats me to it.