As Emeril would say,"Oh yeah babe!"

YAY!!!! Thanks for the UPdate Tim! And in pictures! Democrats ROCK!

I have said it so many times, I love our Democrats! They have good and honest hearts and it is paying off, with God!

Watch our suggestions start to sink in and bring forth fruits suitable for the people of our Nation.

I believe we are doing all the right things to put us back in the Majority for good!

yeah, this is what democracy looks like! thank you, howard, joe, tim et al.

beautiful photos. thanx for keeping us posted.

Okay!!!

Time to force Spy Boy Bush to come clean!

Governor Dean looks so happy in those photos.That's what I like to see.

Outstanding!! :)

It's about time we start to challenge them up!!!

Thanks for the good work!

The media keeps echoing the chorus that Dems need to grow a backbone...ya know, it's the Republicans who need to grow a backbone to stand up to Bush and his Mean Machine.

I fear the truth of my words and my government ability to use them against me, but I rather die an Independent Free American using the free speech that comes from my heart, than capitulate my FREEDOM and DEMOCRCY inside my liberal mind.

So if a President must breal the law and use his executive priviledge against US, then we must arise in a force called the Democracy of free speech.

Thankyou for doing the printing of all those signatures and letters then delivering them for us, a big job well done!

I wish Governor Dean didn't have such a big smile on his face. This is a serious matter, however proud you guys are of a public relations victory. You need to keep the two activities separate and clear.

Thanks so much for doing this. Is there any guarantee that my local and national nres report will mention this in their brief reports this evening. How do we get the news out that people are demanding this information and ready and willing to demand impeachment of this president and vice president and any others who were part of this conspiracy to re-establish Nixon's "Imperial Presidency"? I thought our democracy was in grave jeopardy when Nixon tried to grab power. We at least had an alert and conscientious press keeping on the lookout for corruption and power graps. However, Woodward is no longer the hungry hero who wanted to get a leg up. He is now part of the establishment and part of the cover up. Let's let our story ring to the tallest buildings. God bless you.

This is some great news I've been waiting to
hear!

Hopefully this is heading toward impeachment
for a "fella" that thinks he's invincible.

Love that smile Governor Dean..
keep up the great work ;)

Nice going, true patriots! I wonder, also, if and how this news will get to the media.

Thank you much from Allspinzone, Tim and Mr. Dean. Could you find out if I'm on an enemies list?

I believe what Bush did is an impeachable offense and should be tried for it. We cannot allow our constitution to be ignored and our freedoms at peril.

GOOD JOB!!! A OLE SAYING GIVE HELL (DEAN & JOE) HARRY!IT;S TIME THE NEW SPY GATE TO BE SHUT!

Many of us rejoice that you, Howard Dean, are on our side fighting for us, and that the other side has not managed to label you as an enemy combatant and send you to Guantanamo. Don't back down! Since we are completely behind you, your backing down would crush us.

Ever since experiencing the 2000 mess in Florida, I have had trouble understanding why the election process has not been a top priority for democrats. If the Constitution of The United States is the foundation upon which America was erected, the election process is the keystone of America’s structure of democracy. Since the 2000 election, the Republicans have gone from chipping away at the keystone of our democracy to using jackhammers and missiles on it. Should the Republicans not be stopped in ’06, they will prevail again in ’08, and the structure that is America will collapse, only to be remodeled in a fashion of the old Soviet Union.

An election is not an election if the process can be rigged. Butterfly ballots are bad enough, but a voting machine with no paper trail is just plain stupid. If there are people who deposit cash in ATMs, they are, at best, far more trusting than I. I dare say, however, that if there are people who would deposit cash in an ATM—knowing full well that the machine would issue no receipt following the transaction—these people are, at best, naïve.

Any democrat who claims to want to be elected President of the United States has got to start with the issue of rigged voting machines, and they really need to start right now: January 6th, 2006.

Hello

How are you doing? Fine, I hope. I am not doing well at all.

I have a lump on my right elbow which looks like a form of cancer or some other serious disease due to the spying by the Bush Administration being put under investigation in the country of Europe and other countries around the world.

I own a 1985 Saab which was made in Europe and since I purchased this car I have been a subject of slavery and I have been a victim of torture with infrared lasers.

My neighbor Clidie Williams is a deputized agent with the CIA and the Bush Administration and is a serial murderer in my immediate family with the militia being the Church of the WOrld Creator and the same people who had Mathew Hale to kill the judge's family in Chicago, Illinois.

The simple fact of the matter is that I might be related to the late Roy Bryant the defendant in a case against the late; Emmitt Til and the federal government selected me as a homosexual sex slave for the generation of Emmett Til figuring that joining the forces of Muslims againtst the structure of the United States would be a worthy cause.

A holocaust has taken place by people who neighbors at my address and the Bush Administration and the actions of this organizations as mass murderers is a CIA matter that I can't escape from and I am a homosexual sex slave for the organization who are fighting against my friends at Schoolcraft College in Michigan right now to keepo me from gaining an associates degree in drafting or CAD.

The lump on my elbow also occurred immediate with me changing my major from music and Mr Fred Moss and Mr J NIssen at Schoolcraft College worked the CIA in demanding this lump on my elbow to prevent me from acomplishing my goals of obtaining a degree.

It looks as though my right elbow will be drafted at a time when I am trying to obtain a drafting degree. It doesn't sound logicall and I am dealing with criminal sexual conduct with infrared lasers twenty-four hours aday.

The Bush Administration and the CIA are on me like white on rice making threats constantly and are stealing 90.00 a month from my SSI check to make sure I stay married as a homosexual to my neighbors who are leaders of Alqueda.

My intire generation have been exterminated and the Bush Administration are the main people responsible with help from the CIA.

I am closing now, but I;ll keep in touch. Take care.

SIncerely yours,

Maurice Garner
650 Alfred apt 1208
Detroit, MI 48201

Thank you! I was feeling discouraged a bit today, thinking that Americans no longer even care about Democracy and about where is the outrage? This was good news.

Like GentleDove, I was taken aback by the big smile on Gov. Dean's face. It's not like he's posing for a picture with a fan, he's taking one significant step (of many that need to be taken) to make sure America remains a democracy. (And there are times when I think we may already not be one.) Please, DNC, fight this imperial president on ALL fronts! For that's what Bush & Co. are working to do...create an imperial presidency...each and every day.

WAY TO GO!!! It's about time that our leaders demand action! Why should we live in blind faith that the system is doing it's job. Mr. Dean has taken the first step on behalf of all those who signed the petitions and has shown that he is a true leader by stepping up. THANK-YOU for your work on behalf of the TRUTH and the American People.

Thank you, Gov. Dean. You have my enthusiastic support. Lee Frank, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Well,

History presents a pretty solid case for vocal minorities often becoming majorities.

We disrupt thier seemingly well laid plans with a simple exercise of our constitutional rights.

They're on the run! Keep it up Dr. Dean! We have your back!

I believe in what you guys are doing, but can you tone down the Schadenfreude?

GIVE 'EM HELL HOWARD, AND A BIG THANK YOU.

I think it is terible that Bush is invading peoples privacy. What happened to OUR rights as Americans??????? What happened to following the Constitution???? Are you really going to allow him to get away withthis? I don't like Bush, he sucks, and I can't wait until he's out of office.

It is about time that steps are being taken to put our country back on the right track. Why can't Bush and his buddies be impeached? They will instill marshall law any day now, and use 9/11 to justify their actions. Chaney must go. Bush must go. Rumsfield must go. Frist, DeLay, Stevens, Hastert, Rice, the whole lot of them - out the door. Something is rotten in the White House.

This group in the White House has risen to new levels by undermining the constitution. This president has absolutely no regard for the law, the poor, the middle class. He claims to feel grief for our fallen solders but in reality he can feel nothing because he doesn't have the capacity to feel pain and suffering. We as a people have gotten the government we deserve by electing this man. We as a people are the only ones that can change this. Bush should be impeached.

I thank you for your taking the action that allows us to exercise our rights as citizens.
Your support in upholding the laws gives meaning to "We The People". Thank you.
Jeanie Mandas Huling

Thanks guys! Nice job keeping this front and center.

Yessssssssssssss! I love it so much. It makes me proud to be a part of this FOIA request. Keep givin'em hell. They've had it coming to them for many years now, we should keep at them till they suffocate. The more they sweat the better.

BTW... Thanks for my DNC 2006 Member card, it came in the mail two days ago. I LOVE IT! My father has told me for years he was a card carrying Democrat, now I am finally "officially" one too :-) Sweet.

--Lesa Plunkett

ps. I love your smile Mr. Howard Dean!

Fabulous!We might actually go somewhere helpful to us with this!
ChasE

Stick it to the man!!!

Thanks for the great work Howard and Joe! I was so happy to see Howard's big smile - working toward progress is fun and i'm so sad to see those of you out there who insist on making it any different. We should enjoy every moment of standing up for what we believe in. Making activism so serious and doldrum is what alientates others from becoming involved! I, for one, get a major thrill out of working to make this country better!

The funny thing is why does Bush need the Patriot Act, when he Claims what he did was legal?

Go Dems go!

Bush, Chaney, Rove, Rice, et. al. must go.

The IRS brought down Al Capone. Perhaps illegal spying can bring down this awful President.

Even if they wiggle lose again, they must always feel our pressure. There can be no easy ride for these guys.

Thanks, TarponJoe

This administration is totally out of control.As an active Democrat, I have participated in many election as well as the Nat'l Democratic Convention as a delegate in 2004. I witnessed is disbelief as George Bush took yet another term in office. I have have so many unanswered questions about both outcomes in 2000 and 2004. I sincerely hope that every registered Democrat will get behind the nominee in 2008. We cannot afford to have another Republican leading this country. We need 15 seats in this year to take back the House. To everyone who has a represtative running for re-election who is a Democrat, get solidly behind them. If you have an incumbent Republican represtative, work tirelessly for your Democratic candidate. Everyone can do something to help the Democrats take back the House.

Oh ya! I love knowing one of those 160k are mine. :)

Thanks for providing feedback on petitions.

It's entirely appropriate that we demand accountability from our elected representatives. But there is an old adage that goes something like: if you succeed in vanquishing your enemy, that's okay; it is quite another to eat the body.

I love Howard Dean; I wish he were our President. But, this is not about our political successes. This is about the future of our democracy. Thus, my displeasure about the smile, lest anyone misunderstand.

Nothing should ever undermine our constitution, no one is above the law..The Freedom of Information Act was created to make sure that all citizens of these United States of America have rights and priviliges under the rule of law...

THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY NEED TO KNOW THAT OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE AT STAKE.

WE NEED TO GET THE DEMOCRATIC POWER PLAYERS ON THIS AT ONCE.

THIS IS MUCH BIGGER THAN WE KNOW AT THIS POINT.

I DO NOT TRUST BUSH AND CHANNEY AT ALL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY ARE MAKING PUBLIC ROUNDS, WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

I am so proud of all the Democrats that took the time out to sign. It's time to take America back!

Very good video...When can we see it on the six o'clock news?..And what a good time for a advertising campaign, just when the little booted guy is up to his neck in hot water...come on you guys, add some more heat...keep up the good work, governor!

We only hope that Bush is looked at as the shameless brat he is and that the nation turns to more caring and concerned governing personalities than the disgusting usurous Republicans. Morals do have a place in governing our country. Actions speak louder than words.

Hooray!! I love the smile Gov. Dean! Despite what other people have posted I think you have every right to look so happy, look at all the work that was done! I am so proud of the direction the DNC is going under the leadership of Chairperson Dean.

So when do the Impeachment hearings begin?

I need to set my TiVo...

Thank you Governor Dean for helping to initiate this petition. Perhaps the Justice Dept. will listen to our combined voices. President Bush and his cronies all seem to think they are beyond answering to the American people. In communist Europe, neighbors were encouraged to spy on each other. We are way beyond that. What's next? Travel papers to get from town to another?

Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you!!!!!!!! Now maybe we can get these guys out of Dodge and honest people back in office!!!!!!

I printed out three forms, had them signed by friends and family and mail them to Washington. So make that 163,000 requests pending.

Congrats, folks: all of us 160,000 or so have just been or are about to be added to the NSA's and the FBI's files...

i think u r absloutly right

It's about time we put the fire under the Bush administrations hind end. George W.'s history speaks for itself, everything he touches is a disaster. It amazes me that the anyone would support his administration and their "evil" ways. I knew he was a liar from way back. Open your eyes American. As a long time Texan and not to be affiliated with George W. in anyway, it's time to take the bull by the horn and hold this adminstration accountable for not only this illegal act but the numerous acts not even yet discovered. By the way who's watching VP Cheney, (Dr. Evil) himself. Thanks Governor Dean and all the folks making this come together, You Rock!!!!

The Bush administration has secretly abused our Constitution and Bill of Rights. The most callous manner has been in ignoring the 1978 Secrecy Act (I believe that is the name of this act) when wishing to use the NSA to wiretap or use the communication companies to secretly track many people. They could have also monitored email traffic. They most likely didn't want to adhere to this law for one reason... they wished to throw a very large net to find any traces of suspected terrorist activity. I believe the court will allow specific monitoring for specific purposes. They can balk on using a huge fishing net approach. The Administration most likely understood this and determined to play it in a secret fashion, hoping that no one would find them out. Even the NSA has indicated they were sceptical of the White House's request/order. Well, thanks to the NY Times, we now know the truth.

Secrecy of this sort can lead to no good. Even if it were generally and legally held that the ends justified the means, it still leaves many moral issues. There is no indication that anything ever came of the huge net thrown, other than the report of a truck driver allegedly plotting to cut a cable on a bridge in NYC; and a plot of someone in London. These could have been discovered in other fashions that would not have violated our liberties and laws. And, if not, would they have been successful in such outlandish schemes with all of the security in place in those targeted areas?

Then, to actually deceive and lie about these secret actions, with many adminstration top officials insinuating that the President is above the law... is totally dispicable (hopefully impeachable).

We were supposed to have learned from Nixon's debacle, but I guess not... the idea of power is just too much for some people to not succumb to it. As the old addage says, "power corrupts; absolute power corrupts, absolutely".

God help us.

Good work. Do whatever you can by exposing the GOP for what they are, and Bush for what he truly is, to obtain a majority and hopefully the white house in 2008.

We have a LOT of repairwork to do, to undo the damage done by a party that puts companies before the people that make the companies possible

We have yet even more work to do, to restore confidence in our leadership in the highest offices in our government.

Godspeed and Good Luck.

I have been so upset since this gang of thugs were elected and how they were elected. I said then "God Help US".
WHY cannot the people of this Great Nation see how they are chipping away at our foundation which is "Our Constutition". I have began to think that he is the anticrist??? It appears that he can do anything and get away with it.

Keep up the good work Gov Dean
Thanks
Hillbilly

Appreciated. Once again this president and his vice president feel they are above the people--above the law. If he has family values and God on his side, he needs to act like it. What kind of president openly breaks laws within view of his own children and the children of this nation. Shame on him!

Thanks for not giving up. Dr. Howard Dean & other fellow individual rights supporters are absolutely a gift of life for others not so fortunate to persuade their integrity of values in a broadband spectrum.
God Speed
Regina

You are letting others define the issues you will address. Stay on
1 Bring the troops home and give voters a choice.
2.Protect jobs with equal import export policy, and this gives voters a choice
3.Get Universal Health Care and give voters a choice
Pay for it with elimination of NASA==give voters a choice
4. Get a balanced budged amendment with a heart for emergencies...this also gives the voters a choice
GIVE THE VOTERS A CHOICE
I bet if I had big bucks Howard Dean would see this, but I do not have a choice!

sptying on citizens is definately the American Way of doing things, it is beyond criminal, it is Nazi or Facist. If we allow this to go on as well as other unAmerican things the Republicans do, we will be a Nazi form of government. We fought against them in wwII are we going to let them win in this covert action manner? Wake up and stop this unwanted action before we loose our form of government.

Re:

It is about time that steps are being taken to put our country back on the right track. Why can't Bush and his buddies be impeached? They will instill marshall law any day now, and use 9/11 to justify their actions. Chaney must go. Bush must go. Rumsfield must go. Frist, DeLay, Stevens, Hastert, Rice, the whole lot of them - out the door. Something is rotten in the White House.

Posted by mudpie on January 6, 2006 at 02:49 PM

Verily . . . :)

Why don't you tell us what you really think, Mudpie?

I am so loving it, Governor Dean and DNC! You show a real drive to get this disaster of a government straightened out. Don't let folks get tangled up in the side show of whether you were smiling or not. It's a distraction..., and hey... unless I'm mistaken, GW was smiling proud every step of the way to usurping our civil liberties and lining his and Mr. Abramoff's pockets.

So, onward!! Now, since the Bush Co. and NSA were found to be spying and intercepting communications on the United Nations folks going in to the Iraq war, don't you think you all had better start the FOIA on how many members of Congress and the DNC were also having their communications intercepted? This is a far bigger can or worms than anyone can imagine. Start digging now!!

And keep smiling!!! Onward!
gordonh

glad you are finnaly taking on this facist administration, keep after them

Given the hostility and bullying with which the Bush administration has treated the press, what makes you think it will comply with a FOIA request, regardless of who filed it or how many people signed it?

This administration is vested in hiding the truth, not revealing it.

I think President Bush may have used the same inherent presidential authority to start the wiretap program as former president Clinton did to go into Alderich Ames' house without a search warrant. National Security is extremely vital and I believe these wiretaps were and are warranted. Voter

This is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I hope it results in something tangible.

Thank you for getting these petitions over to the Department of Justice.

The NSA trains the FBI to do this kind of listening, so what is the FBI doing now?

Hasn;t President Bush broken enough laws for a special prosecutor, at the very least.

I could count some of them, War in Iraq, no wmd, secret oil talks, holding prisoners without access to an attorney, accepting laundered money, and how about just sitting there for seven minutes while our country was being attacked.

Now who will fall on their sword to protect him again!

President Clinton's position was threatened for lying about his actions with Lewinsky, Nixon lost his position for spying in Watergate. Why isn't Pres Bush relieved of his position as was done to Nixon with what he has done. He did a lot more than Clinton and Nixon and he goes on. His lying caused over 12,000 deaths -- mass murder and only God knows what his spying can do....and he just goes no without restrictions. Its time citizens spoke up and acted on it before this priviledge is lost.

Illegal wiretapping was one of the justifications used to start impeachment proceedings against Nixon.

George W. Bush is guilty of more legal transgressions than Nixon by far. Americans should be demanding that impeachment proceedings begin at once over the illegal wire tapping, misleading the country toward war, and continuing to support those involved in the Valerie Plame scandal, like Carl Rove.

THANKS FOR THE DELIVERY OF PETITION. YOU COULD NOT KNOCK THE SMILE OFF MY FACE WITH 2x4. I AM PROUD OF EACH AND EVERY PERSON THAT SIGNED. IT IS A PLEASURE TO BELONG TO A TRUELY OPEN AND TOLERANT GROUP OF PEOPLE. KEEP THE HEAT ON.

Mr Nixon tried this and he left office as a failure. mr bush has placed himself into the catagory of a failure, no one is responsible but him. When a failure one needs to leave the presidency, please leave mr. bush.

How long will it take before the American people say, enough is enough, the time has come for impeaching Bush/Cheney? Do we wait until there is not much left of what America once was before they began the massive abuses of power? Can we call evil by what it is--evil? It seems a lot of people around the world have already concluded that America has lost its' core.

Thank you so much for all your hard work! I bet the clerks at the Justice Dept. were sorry you showed up with 160,000 signatures!
I love it.
Keep up the good work
Ruth

If a Democratic President did what Bush has done, the Republicans would be screaming for impeachment. It is time that we demand Impeachment of President Bush.

Excellent...although I feel a bit sorry about killing trees on GWB's account!

At this juncture in time, we all need to be more active in peacefully protesting and expressing our feelings.

As long as I'm alive, I will be a Democrat. The biggest reason is that the Democratic Party has always stood beside and supported the common person. In our parties' history, there were times when we were less than stellar examples of doing the right thing no matter the cost. And, the GOP held us accountable for those less-than-stellar actions. This was good for our party, as it forced us to remember our roots and to do what is correct for all of us.

It is now important for the DNC to keep its head held up high, equal to our moral values, and force the GOP to be held accountable for their actions (which have been far more serious than anything the Dems have ever taken part in).

I don't want the US to be all Dems nor all Republicans. We need a balance to keep us on the proper track. Our country is built upon descent. We need to speak up.

Lawlessness at the top cannot contunue. We need to boot them out and do it the correct way. 2006 is excellent year to begin this process. Work to get bad eggs out of Congress and then have them put pressure on the White House via Congressional investigations. Force the administration. Find the truth, the facts and then let the chips fall where they may.

Thanks Governor Dean and entire DNC Staff who assisted with the 160,000+ "Talking Truth to Power" FOIA documents to the Justice Dept. You are the greatest, and I am grateful. *Keep Going*, please.

Great job guys! Thanks for doing it. And thanks for keeping us informed. I know there is a lot to do and it is hard to know which crime to start with but I do have some thing that has been nagging at me for sometime. It is almost too bizare to mention, but after watching the presidents total lack of concern for his fellow Americans lives during hurricane Katrina (and keeping in mind that there are women who can murder their own children) I feel that this man would be capable of just about any atrocity imaginable. Anyway I wondered how the investagation into the Anthrax killer was going? Didn't he use high grade anthrax of a type that was found in U.S. government labs? Then wasen't it mailed to a democrat? And even though this is only speculation I'd be willing to bet that the reporters and news papers who it was also mailed to were or might of been hostile to the present administration. But then if you really want to spread fear I guess impressing on the newspaper the direness of the situation is the best way to get your message across. I can't think of a better way to get the papers busy printing stories of horror then to let them see one of their own lying dead on the floor. And finally wasen't the fear which resulted from the anthrax mailing the real cincher in getting the patriot act passed? But I might just be totaly wrong and really nuts. It's just something which has crossed my mind. Gee- I hope I don't get a pipe bomb or die in some hidious accident now.....

After getting numerous emails the past couple of months, I've come to the conclusion that I'm not sure whose side the Democratic Party is on. Before I go on, let me assure you that I will not resort to any personal or slanderous attacks in this blog. That type of communication is not productive and you should really try to find another way to get your message across. I stay out of most blogs because people from boths sides seem to think they can convince others of their views by spewing hate. They are a very small minority for sure.

Okay, here goes. Do you really think our privacy is being invaded by the tapping of calls coming from outside the US, to people who are obviously the enemies within our borders? Do you not want to know the valuable info we would get from theses calls? Will you not be screaming bloody murder when another 9-11 like event takes place (and it will) because our current administration didn't do enough to prevent it? Yes, I agree that there must be verifiable controls put in place to prevent any abuses, but you can't be naive enough to think that info gathering such as wire tapping hasn't been going on for as long as we've had the technology? I know for a fact that countless actionable intelligence events have been gathered over the years. Because it took too long to make it up the b.s. chain, it was too late to take any real action. Believe me when I say I know what I'm talking about. I still can't believe that main stream media (and I do believe that they benefit the Democrats more than the Republicans) would do a report that we were able to track OBL because of his method of communication. Were I the president, heads would have rolled, literally! No B.S. You don't reveal sources and methods to your enemies! These are dangerous times we are living in. You want rules to play by. Our enemies don't have any rules nor anyone to sit down with and make up rules. We have to hit and continue to hit hard. The President and this administration is not the enemy! I know there are differences between the parties. Always have been and always will be. That's the American Way. But Democrats are playing a very dangerous game in not standing united with this administration in defeating terrorism. I would be just as disappointed if the rolls were reversed and the Republican Party were carrying on the same way. There has not been a terror attack on the US since 9-11. I'm sure many have been deterred and that's good, no matter what needed to be done to make that happen!

The Democratic Parties' current actions will be magnified should a 9-11 event take place. Right now, my vote and allegiance is to George W. The job is getting done. I have no personal ill feelings towards the Democrat Party. We are all Americans first. Take my brother who is a card carrying Democrat, and whom I've had many a heated discussion with on various issues. Of course we disagree on just about everything concerning domestic issues, but not on the security of our nation. The last thing we need to worry about is terrorism to take place on our soil on a daily basis. Were this to take place, your opportunity will have gone by the wayside and Dems and Repubs alike will take matters in our own hands. I know that I won't stand by and wait for the government to protect my family, neighbors, and friends. I hope that day never comes.

Unfortunately, this blog will probably get deleted and that's a shame. Maybe not though. It's not filled with personal attacks or demeaning language. I'm just a concerned American citizen (who happens to be a Republican, and don't hold that against me) that would like to see both parties unite on national security in these serious times. Fight all you want on domestic issues, no big deal. But there is strength in numbers if we stand together. One final thought before I sign off. By continuing to politicize national security in the manner you are now doing so will be your downfall in 2008. Show your courage and break from the mold. You can take this for whatever it's worth. The Democratic Party representative who stands up and runs their campaign on as strong a position on national security, if not more aggresive as President Bush is now running, will have the best chance for the White House. You were soundly defeated in 2004 and that's a fact. That should send you the message that Americans value their way of life and will not tolerate any threat to it from terrorism. Let all Americans unite together to squash this disease called terrorism before it gets out of control and the way of life as we know it is forever changed.

Like a lot of other Americans, I'll anxiously await the results of this FOIA request. You guys are doing a great job in exposing an administration that seems willing to use virtually any tactic to further causes that render it no different than the regimes and "axes of evil" it rightly denounces. Thank God GWB is out after this term before he can damage our Country any more than he and his administration cronies already have. We simply MUST do a better job in achieving success in the next election.

Thank you so much for doing this!!!!

Go Dems!! Governor Dean looks so happy in that first picture! (Is it because he's standing next to a stack of FOIA requests signed by 160,000 supporters, or because we're gonna deliver one heck of an upper-cut to the Bush Administration through this action? Both, perhaps!) Now let's really get the ball rolling for November - it's all downhill from here!

Thanks for the pix. I never tire of seeiing democracy in action. Dr. Dean's smile is the perfet reflection of my feelings knowing that my signature is among the 160K. I think the man is crazy like a fox and I greatly appreciate his candor and enthusiasm.

Facial expressions aside, let us not be distracted from the issue at hand, which is illegal wiretapping perpetrated by the ruler of the "free" world and the American president, George W. Bush.

Like many of the commenters who previously posted I would like to see impeachment proceedings underway for Mr. Bush. If Bill Clinton could be impeached for lying about his sexual peccadilloes then, surely, a better case for impeachment could be made against George W. for violating the right to privacy as guaranteed in the Constitutiion of the United States.

My thanks to the DNC, Dr. Dean, Joe Sandler, Tim Tagaris, and Tom McConaha for a job well done. Keep up the good work and keep us all posted.

you know that he is SERVING AS COMMAND AND CHIEF, SO HE CAN DO WHAT EVER WIND EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

one word

AWESOME!!!

I am pleased to see someone doing something about King George's out landish conduct. Strong leadership is needed NOW. We must curtail the corruption of this administration and power hungry President's lack of respect for the law, Civil Rights, and PRIVACY ! !

If this true it is a blatant abuse of POWER and Bush should be IMPEACHED, just like Nixon was. PERIOD!

Thanks for your continuing great leadership, Gov. Dean. I just moved to California from Mississippi, and I can tell everyone that because of DNC Chair Howard Dean's prudent infusion of money for a staff, the Mississippi Democratic Party is experiencing a new birth with much enthusiasm! Money well spent.

Meanwhile, let's get that corrupt scoundrel out of the White House. (Which one, you ask? . . . heh heh.)

This election of 2006 I myself are going to dip my middle finger in RED ink and raise it in defiance to the “Repugants” that I have just help to vote OUT of office or any other elected official who has abused his or her power and that does NOT have the citizens of THIS country.

THEWILDNESS

This election of 2006 I myself are going to dip my middle finger in RED ink and raise it in defiance to the “Repugants” that I have just help to vote OUT of office or any other elected official who has abused his or her power and that does NOT have the citizens of THIS country.

THEWILDNESS

I'm proud of Governor Dean for his actions regarding thie egregious betrayal by the administration. It is my opinion that they should be tried, and spend time in orange jumpsuits for treason. I'm so angry I could spit!

now lets see if we have a result or even a comment. the lack of response is why even republicans have begun turning on bush. some one can be treated as an idiot for so long before the pat on the head begins to iritate any of us. we shall see if this is ignored like all else. but the president admits to "talking" to god in the oval office. sounds like ossama dont it?

Better a sincere smile than a sincere smirk. We see enough of them daily.

The whole world will thank the person who convinces Geo.II that his title is President, not Emperor. Until then, whatever he says (syntax be damned) goes.

Keep up the great work!

I would like to respond to Mr. Shedman, the Republican who posted earlier.

Sir, I appreciate your respectful comments, but I would like to clarify a few things on behalf of my fellow Democrats, if I may be so bold.

You are correct in suggesting that Democrats have to be strong on national security, but I ask you to consider several aspects of our current situation.

I feel pretty sure that Democrats recognize the importance of intelligence gathering, whether through wiretapping or other means. What we object to is the choice the President made to break a law that is meant to protect American citizens from executive abuses of power - something this president has shown he has no qualms about exercising. Since the judicial panel that is entrusted with issuing these wiretapping warrents has rejected less than 10 requests out of many thousands, and is capable of approving warrents within hours, why does the President need to disregard this law? Who are the subjects of this wiretapping program that he is expecting the FISA court to reject?

Mr. Bush has shown time and again that he respects few checks on his power, sees himself as above the law, and acts as he chooses regardless of any national security considerations. Look at the way he has repeatedly bypassed Congressional oversight - just this Wednesday he again snuck past the Senate with 17 recess appointments.

Protecting the nation against terrorist attacks should absolutely be a top priority for our government. But I would argue that this president has harmed that effort substantially by recklessly invading a country that had never threatened our country and had absolutely nothing to harm us with; by using rhetoric and deplorable tactics that have convinced many normally peaceful Muslims that we are waging a war against Islam; and by ignoring critical aspects of homeland protection and even undermining it by appointing unqualified cronies. I could go on.

Sir, if you look honestly at what President Bush has done during his administrations, there is very little that qualifies as protecting the nation against terrorism. By contrast, he has done much to erode our democratic principles, and ignor our Constitution.

Take some time out to look past Mr. Bush's simplistic and false notion of "if you aren't with us (in everything that we do), you're with the terrorists." What he is asking is that we close our eyes and trust him to do everything right. Frankly, I wouldn't trust him to walk my dog.

I concur with all comments (well, maybe one is questionable). I especially like what "bjfromarkansas" and "crone59" had to say. Keep up the good work!!

This is what America is REALLY about! I myself was one of the 160,000 that wanted to know just what the heck was President Bush thinking? This really took the cake, folks. A blatant disregard for the Constitution indeed! It's bad enough that our young men and women are fighting (and DYING!) a senseless war for a senseless president, and to add insult to injury, all of us are being monitored as if we're all on house arrest. Mr. Bush, what I discuss with my family, friends, and significant other is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! My advice to the Administration is to go BACK to school and this time, pay attention in American Government!

"Bushy, you're doing a heck of a job"!

Seriously folks, I want to give them all the rope they need. 2008' can not get here soon enough....

I interpreted "all international email" being spied on to mean all, which includes mine.

"Data mining" is a phrase borrowed from the advertisers. The general idea is to zero in on whatever substantive and chance-level patterns exist in a database and design marketing campaigns around them.

"Data mining" is also used in the context of targeted advertising: take, for example, all the grocery-store purchase data you have, select out, say, the people who buy the most antacids (and then send them ads and coupons for your product in the mail).

"Data mining" has also been used to refer to the merging of data on particular individuals across different databases (when done accurately--which, at least from what i've seen from the commercial credit information providers like equifax, it's not--a lot of information can be merged with little effort). In short, once someone is identified as "sticking out" in some way--one would hope in ways pertinent to national security (but I don't have my hopes up)--it takes little effort to find out a lot more.

It is what is done with this information--who it is passed on to for what reasons--who has access--that I don't know. All I've found is an article in the Village Voice mentioning that CIA and FBI agents objecting to the violation of the Constitution--this has been going on since 2001--were hounded out of both their jobs and professions.

It is very unfortunate, but I believe that we are not too far from becoming a country heading toward a dictatorship one. Our voices seem to be of no concern to this individual. I love my country and for that which it stands - freedom. It is distressing to feel the incompetence of such a man we should look to for leadership. I guess our only hope is that the American people will wake up and arise to the fact we will never be free under his "rule." I pray that something
will give this man an insight into just how far he is gone astray from our Constitution and Bill of Rights and his being a 'born again Christian', most of all the Ten Commandments should be in front of his vision. Thank you for listening - Fran Green

Nixon claimed to be above the law in the spy game also. Any 'return to normalsy' came with Nixon's formal resignation from the oval office.

we have to stop Alitos confirmation immediately.

Thank you Governor - you are a true leader with a great smile. Our country needs you and the 160,000 who comprise the impressive pile of papers presented to the Justice Dept. Who would have thought that some farmers, an Adams and a doctor (Warren) could have started a revolution in 1775, but they did. Now we need to fight for their values and ours. As in 1775, the rest will catch on, just keep the fire lit.

To me this absolutly unacceptable its to dangerous and can be abuse to gain other information like maybe inside trading and can be use to invade the private side of inocent people.To me delegating these acts is very Un American I dont like it one bit.

re: tj1957's Comment - you are absolutely right!!! Let's get to work on Alitos and send him to Russia to work for Putin.

ah, I love imagining the weight of all the other forms pressing mine down. I'm somewhere in the middle. ah...

Thank you. Press harder.

I hope this a good reason to start impeachment ,but at the same time do we want the Channey to take over? oh my god, not even as a joke,but we have to do what we have to do,Bush has to stop taken our rights.

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION HAS COMMITTED SO MANY ILLEGAL, YES , ILLEGAL ACTS, AGAINST OUR COUNTRY, CONSTITUTION, HE FOR SOME REASON,THINKS HE IS TOTALLY,COMPLETELY UNTOUCHABLE AND THAT NO ONE CAN PUT HIM OUT, IMPEACH HIM, WHERE ARE OUR LAWS THAT PROTECT US FROM A PRESIDENT, TYPE DICTATOR, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LETS GET HIM OUT, HE HAS DONE ENOUGH OF DAMAGE TO THE AMERICANS, OUR COUNTRY, WE CANNOT STAND NO MORE OF HIS LEADERSHIP, AND HIM GOING OUT TO CRAWFORD TEXAS TO RUN THE WHITE HOUSE, HUH,.. THANKS MR DEAN AND THE DEMOCRATS STANDING UP, THANKS FOR KEEPING US ALL INFORMED.

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION HAS COMMITTED SO MANY ILLEGAL, YES , ILLEGAL ACTS, AGAINST OUR COUNTRY, CONSTITUTION, HE FOR SOME REASON,THINKS HE IS TOTALLY,COMPLETELY UNTOUCHABLE AND THAT NO ONE CAN PUT HIM OUT, IMPEACH HIM, WHERE ARE OUR LAWS THAT PROTECT US FROM A PRESIDENT, TYPE DICTATOR, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LETS GET HIM OUT, HE HAS DONE ENOUGH OF DAMAGE TO THE AMERICANS, OUR COUNTRY, WE CANNOT STAND NO MORE OF HIS LEADERSHIP, AND HIM GOING OUT TO CRAWFORD TEXAS TO RUN THE WHITE HOUSE, HUH,.. THANKS MR DEAN AND THE DEMOCRATS STANDING UP, THANKS FOR KEEPING US ALL INFORMED.

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION HAS COMMITTED SO MANY ILLEGAL, YES , ILLEGAL ACTS, AGAINST OUR COUNTRY, CONSTITUTION, HE FOR SOME REASON,THINKS HE IS TOTALLY,COMPLETELY UNTOUCHABLE AND THAT NO ONE CAN PUT HIM OUT, IMPEACH HIM, WHERE ARE OUR LAWS THAT PROTECT US FROM A PRESIDENT, TYPE DICTATOR, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LETS GET HIM OUT, HE HAS DONE ENOUGH OF DAMAGE TO THE AMERICANS, OUR COUNTRY, WE CANNOT STAND NO MORE OF HIS LEADERSHIP, AND HIM GOING OUT TO CRAWFORD TEXAS TO RUN THE WHITE HOUSE, HUH,.. THANKS MR DEAN AND THE DEMOCRATS STANDING UP, THANKS FOR KEEPING US ALL INFORMED.

Lets keep the momentum going and be sure during the next elections the country remembers these days.

As my blog name states I am not a democrate per se, but I am a citizen for democracy. It gladdens my heart to see how many people are active on so many different fronts to end the current totalitarian regime. I am "Proud" to be one of the signatures on the FOIA concerning the current matter. I am "Proud" to have written my congressmen and representatives concerning the impeachment of the President and Vice-President. We must continue to fight the good fight as outline by the laws of the land, never in this struggle may we stoop to the level that the President and his administration have.

My thanks to Gov. Dean for delivering the FOIA request, but as others here have said the smile was inappropriate. Smiling at a situation can cause 1 of 3 reactions: He's Happy to have been of service, He's Gloating, He's only using this as a PR stunt. Unfortunately Gov. Most will view it as the last 2 rather then the 1st, due to our experiences with politicians.

My thanks to all the fellow americans that have signed the request as well. I ask that you don't stop there. Take it up a notch and write to your senators and representative in both state and federal congressional bodies.

Yes, Bush SHOULD be impeached, but it won't happen as long as the Republicans control the Congress and Courts. We are in a true crisis. We are in a two front war - that against Muslim fundamentalism in world politics (World Trade Center, US Cole, London bombing, Madrid bombing, Bali nightclub, Indonesian terror, Phillipines terror, on and on) and that against Christian fundamentalism in domestic politics (Pat Robertson calling for assassination of leader in So. America and stating Ariel Sharon deserved his stroke for dividing Israel, Church ministers and leaders warning congregations to vote Republican or else... We can only fight ideas with better ideas. I support Muslim and Christian faiths as well as others - there are many, many likenesses and shared values that need to be voiced. However, I will fight anyone who puts their want for power and order (through trickery and deceit) above the individual rights of man-and-womankind. Only evil deals in absolutes. We must stand for the values that founded this nation and made it and other democracies the envy of the world. We cannot let this great miracle of America fall.

keep up the good work for all our american people, we appreciate the democrats , thank god for people that will stand up. I feel that as a american citizen and a american that bush administration should be impeached, there are alot of people out there is feeling this way, but i listened to c-span last night, they say , long as the republican congress, there will not be impeachment for this president, can u believe that, he has really turned our country around from every angle , people, democrats, our country , lets put this administration out, it use to be a crimal act for the president to do what all this one had done, what happened to our laws, constitutions, but thank you dean, thank you for bringing it all forward , maybe now we can relax somewhat, lets all stand up for america

Fantastic Job! I hope that we can finally get the truth!

keep up the good work for all our american people, we appreciate the democrats , thank god for people that will stand up. I feel that as a american citizen and a american that bush administration should be impeached, there are alot of people out there is feeling this way, but i listened to c-span last night, they say , long as the republican congress, there will not be impeachment for this president, can u believe that, he has really turned our country around from every angle , people, democrats, our country , lets put this administration out, it use to be a crimal act for the president to do what all this one had done, what happened to our laws, constitutions, but thank you dean, thank you for bringing it all forward , maybe now we can relax somewhat, lets all stand up for america

Thank You all involved. Please keep the pressure on and keep us posted. I personally don't care WHO the president is or what party he/she subscribes to when it comes to wrong doing. I'm 77 years old and I'm sick of being governed by those that always know exactly what THEY think I need. Wrong is wrong...

This is the first of many necessary steps the DNC must take to insure accountability of the current adminsitration for its actions .

This adminstration's usurpation of illegitimate power under the guise of securing this nation against further terrorist attacks is disingenous, duplicitous, and has undermined some basic principles we all stand for.

We can all take action and begin demonstrating our expectations of ethical conduct with our votes in the 2006 elections.

We are in dangerous times. Safeguarding our principles, our Constitution, and the balance of power between the three branches of our government must be the top priority of all of us. When this Executive Branch by-passed the Judicial branch with its spy activities, it seriously breached the public trust. Excusing this behavior by invoking fear of subsequent attacks is dishonest and doesn't change the fact that conducting these operations is illegal. This act is no less dangerous than an attack on our soil by a foreign entity. We have to end such nefarious behavior and hold those accountable who have conducted such breaches.

The DNC must be careful to state the facts and avoid embellishment or spin as it takes on this task, for the truth of what's happened is eye-opening enough. Straight talk. Facts supported by proof. Open discussion. Truth exposed. Results obtained. These are not partisan nor party-driven. These are the way to do business honorably. These are required.

If we are going to 'spread democracy', we must show 'em how it's done right. Ethical, legal governance is crucial to the process. The DNC has an opportunity to show this adminstration and its party how it's done. Show 'em.

Thank you - this is a valuable and enlightening discussion. Here are my two cents – well I’m on a dime, but I hope my thoughts are considered : ). We are in danger of losing what we hold dearest - not the billions of $ wasted and the non-monetary human harm in pharmaceutical, energy, banking, environmental and defense give-away legislation, but the fundamental rights and freedoms that protect all of the above, that we have fought so hard for through so many generations. With all that has happened of late: media consolidation to conglomerate status (Viacom, Disney et. al.), newly unrestricted local media market consolidation, voter "dissuasion" through very long lines in key Democrat districts, lost names, illegal redistricting in Texas, rewarding of voter suppression in 2000 through promotion of the Florida Sec. of State, etc., bypassing the Court for domestic spying and who knows what else... I am convinced that this is nothing short of a pre-meditated and systematic plan of assault on the fundamental cornerstones of democracy in order to achieve power - with the most visible consequence to date being a war of aggression, (a.k.a. "war of choice") first ever for us folks. Mix in some torture, secret prisons, Reps and Senators on the take, personal retribution (CIA agent made public) and we have a real RED Comrade George Party. Why? In the name of National Security, we invade a country that did not attack us, to create a pro-American foothold and military base in the Middle East. We imprison many individuals without merit or trial. We do this because of a political theory by neocons that involves major social change at the point of a gun. This is in the name of security; the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one, as we fight the war on terror. Sound familiar? Wait, but were the good guys, right? It is a very slippery slope. The next step, well, you can guess it won’t be pretty. Winning 2006 elections is critical, but will not in itself reverse the damage already done to our democracy at home and our relations abroad. We are up a bad creek without a paddle and the canoe is about to be seized by the bank as a result of special legislation. The answer? Keep standing up like we did here today. But further, radical times call for radical action. While impeachment would not be successful, strong, consistent, repeated calls for it would certainly add some flicker to the fire and perhaps open a few eyes that continue to this day to try to qualify the actions of this Administration. An administration that is in my opinion, the worst we have ever had in this nation’s long history.

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Just recently, I found out that my phoneline was tapped also. As we have all heard the President say that he only tapped phones that called overseas to suspected terrorist, I was finding out on a personal basis that again, President Bush was telling a lie. After going through the necassary hassles to clear my phone line, I later read that "political opponents" were being included in this illegal wiretapping offense. Let me clear the record in saying that I am not a terrorist, but I am a political opponent. The phone company would not vouch for the fact that my line was tapped, they would only say that their random test showed trouble in my line somewhere. Well, they claim to have cleared my phone line, but now I am wondering if I should report this ellgal action to the Sherriff's Department. My only proof to back this illegal action up is notes that I have written my phone company while stating that a 3rd party was picking up an extra line to listen in on my calls to my parents, friends, and family members. This was just taken care of on Wednesday, Dec. 31th, 2005, and now I'm wondering if I should alert my local sherriffs office. Can someone help me in presenting this to the police department ? If your line was tapped also, please tell me what actions you took, and what the expected out-come is like. Democrat 4 Ever,

President Bush has gone to far this time. While I recognize the need for national security and I am well aware of the terrorist threats against this country, I do not believe either of those things justify President Bush's actions.

The Executive Branch needs to be told that it does not posess the authority to bypass the Constitution.

President Bush needs to be impeached for his actions and the republicans that supported his wanton, repeated violation of the rights of every American citizen need to be removed from office.

These people are the enemy of freedom and the rebirth of McCarthy-ism all that the same time.

It's time for a change.

Regards,

BeninDenver

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/impeachments/nixon.htm

Nixon's articles of Impeachment passed in committee.

The people of America deserves to know what is going on in our government, so I urge you to activate The Freedom of Information Act. We must have our laws enforced in Washington as well as anywhere else. Who is above the law?

The President of the United States of America is not a king and cannot behave as such. He must follow the law like everybody else. To consider wiretops he must go thru the courts.

The President of the United States of America is not a king and cannot behave as such. He must follow the law like everybody else. To consider wiretops he must go thru the courts.

The current administration, just dosen't
understand what democracy is. What kind of
example of Our country are they trying show the world? I am ashamed.

I don't understand! The disregard for the U.S. Constitution by the current Bush Administration is a more serious attack on Americas freedoms than 9/11 or Pearl Harbor yet Congress does virtually nothing. Freedom loving Democrats and Republicans should recognize "Caesar" before he dissolves Congress in the name of defending the Republic.

This president has not only broken the law, he has lied about it. Is that not an impeachable offense? That was worse than anything Clinton did but look what the Republicans did to him. I'd rather have a president in the White House that lies about his sex life than about National Security, our reasons for going to War and all of the other lies this president has told. He is a very scary fellow to be running our country. It is time to impeach him.

Please set up an FOIC request that uses names on the DNC list and other lists like Move-On. Nixon was far more interested in his personal "Enemies" than he was in the Russians. Surely this administration is setting up systems to ensure that their kingship endures far past even the election of a different Republican president.

Thank You Governor Dean and everyone who helped make this happen. You always do the right thing. Your mantra of doing what is right instead of what is politically expedient was what guided me in making a difficult choice in a vote I had to cast in our House of Representatives on Wednesday. Even though that vote may hurt me in the upcoming elections, I knew it was the right thing to do. Your leadership based on principles Governor Dean, keeps me on the right track.

Hooray for Howard Dean, the only Democrat that is speaking out and doing something for this country! I am totally disgusted with many Democrats also these days. They take money from lobbyist and then they say the Republicans are crooks! The Republicans are crooks in greater numbers I agree, but let's clean up our own house before we throw stones, or the stones will come back. Bush is totally WRONG about this wiretapping. We are not at war. Terrorism is something that will continue to be with us until we change our tatics and get smart!!! Like not depend on oil anymore. Don't do business with our Saudi "friends" who really hate our guts! CIA and FBI, wiretap, OK. But, let's do it the old fashion legal way. It's been working for years! It's doesn't need to change now. Our "leadership" needs to change, and it put that word in small letters, because their not very big on leading! Howard Dean, as far as I'm concerned you are one of the few honest politicians out there that says it like it is, and the reason you get flack is because people in power hate hearing the truth! I'm finished!

As I read the comments posted around the story of Howard Dean's FOIA request for informnation related to the NSA's monitoring of calls and call patterns that might be associated with connections to terror plots, I was struck with the fact that I might be the only Democrat who thinks that Bush took the correct action back in 2001 when he authorized actions to find people talking about killing Americans. Much has been made of the fact that the NSA could of easily obtained a warrant from the courts do do the wiretapping. For those who really look at what the NSA was doing you quickly see that it is not possible to obtain a warrant for a target you do not know. The data mining of call patterns and computerized listening to find particular words, sounds and voices is essential to first locate possible targets for wiretapping.

Bush acted correctly here, perhaps for the first and only time. The vast majority of Americans want the NSA to aggressively seek out the hidden plotters. Attack Bush and his administration on the many real issues. Do not use the security of the US as a pawn in a blind Anything But Bush stragety.
Jack Kerins, NJ

As a seventy two year old Korean Conflict veteran and a voter in Wisconsin's First Congressional District it alarms me that the government actually would violate our constitution in this outrageous way.

Gerald L. Hansen
200 S. 7th St., Apt. 114
Waterford, WI 53185-4553
Land line: 262-514-4328
Cell phone: 262-308-0458
Web: http://www.execpc.com/~ghansen

I have voted Democratic & Republicanover the years and I do not see much difference between the two anymore. I firmly believe we need an independent party to change the system. How about H. Dean running an independent party? The country needs a change badly. One party is just as crooked as the other party. Wake up America>>>>> It is time for a change.

I have always respected the position of the President, but the person in the position is what makes or breaks the position. I have respected the person in the position regardless of party. However, I NOW have NO respect for Mr. Bush.
The reason is very simple, he has broken the LAW and he knows it. But he thinks that because he is President, he can do whatever he wants.
NO MAN IS ABOVE THE LAW.....
It is a simple process of logic that will corner Mr. Bush and have him impeached. He states that he couldn't go to the courts because time was of essence. But he never explained why he didn't go to the courts afterwards.
Perhaps the American people have to "close their eyes" in order not to see thru "rose colored glasses" and smell the "ODOR" coming from the White House.

Bet we could get 1,600,000! Most Americans are demanding answers and you sir are a true servant of the people!

You're doing a helluva job, Deanie... but you lost, so quit mugging for the media and get back to work.

Wiretapping, torture, renditions, are reminiscent of Nazi era tactics. Where are we headed?

You anti-American liberal idiots are so full of crap I can smell you through my screen. If you are not lying you are not talking.

Sonny
A real Democrat

mr. president,tell us why you violated the constitution by spying without a warrant. i'd like you to stop now. thanks. ray unks

I am totally against the Republican Party misusing their authority to do anything illegal, especially the President, who has been doing this for quite some time now.

Love it!!! The elephants are on the run!! Keep it up, and don't let up until we've gotten back our freedoms in 2006!

I did not spend 23 years in the air force protecting my country so that the citizens could be spied on.WHAT ARE WE ?????R U S S I A ??????

My name is in there!!!

I'm hoping, as a "progressive democrat"
yearns to, see the words "common good" in
more discussion.
not greater good
What better way to take a stand?

Hi i don't belive in god but i belive in democrats and hope they make the usa more democratic
we need more initiatives like this

I fell that it is a shame that our own government is spying on there ouw people. How is this support to make us fell that we the people of the United States of America are being looked at as criminal by the people that are to look out for us? Not good at all, J fell that the man is looking for information for himself and not fot the people. This is why the other countries sre hitting us now. Bad men in office who are not for the people.

Bring down the Boy-King!!
This guy is a national embarrassment.

I am also one of the names in this list of people who signed the petitions, just as I am also one of the people who have been spied upon. I saw for myself a huge folder of my personal emails that were copied and kept by Homeland Security as I was interrogated and threatened with torture, even being threatened to be shipped out of this country and "disappeared." Why was I targeted? Simply for speaking out against what I believe to be unjust and wrong. Am I unpatriotic? Well, since I am a veteran of the military, I could hardly see how anyone would think so. I, just like many others in my family for generations, fought (some died) for this country. Yet I am on "the list" and being watched???!!!!!!

I sincerely hope that we not only get to the bottom of this and that it is stopped because they definitely ARE targeting U.S. citizens who dare to speak out (and no, I have not been sending emails abroad to "terrorists" or calling them on the phone, though I do admit that I have emailed a couple of friends in Australia about things like peak oil, global warming, and animal welfare, besides just chatting personally just like any of you would with a friend, just like I admit that I have contacted and been published in "The Guardian" in the UK, along with being picked as one of their "top blogs" awhile back--ooooh, what a threat to this country I am!!!) but I also sincerely hope that we can throw out these lawbreaking thugs so that I can be proud of my country again. If one of the most patriotic people in this country has been wiretapped and had their emails intercepted, had people breaking into my home and watching me from the woods as I feed my animals and go about my daily chores (like chopping firewood--another threatening thing to do in this country, apparently), then no one is safe.

I am no terrorist any more than I would think that any of the rest of you are. I simply speak my mind. The last I knew this right to do so was guaranteed in our Constitution - the one I swore and fought to defend and the same one that the un-elected person sitting in the White House was also sworn to defend.

I can only hope that more and more Americans will continue to wake up from their apathetic trance or deal with the paranoid fears implanted in their brains by this administration and start truly being the patriotic citizens they should be by joining me and many, many others like the people here who have signed these FOIA petitions and spoken out through these comments to continue to speak out. Being on "the list" and being monitored and watched has not stopped me and never will. It is and was simply a waste of tax dollars and probably provoked much boredom on the part of those assigned to watch me as I forwarded jokes to my friends and family, sent them copies of articles I thought were interesting, and only relieved them of their boredom when I actually spoke out publicly, not only via the web, but also at various speaking engagements and in interviews. Heads up, Feds - the next interview with me comes out next month, but then you probably already know that, just as you probably already know just exactly what it will say. What a waste of everyone's tax dollars! I wonder how many of them have been spent watching this Arkansas hillbilly speak his mind.......

THANK YOU FOR DOING THE PETITION !!!!!!!!!

In this presidency, I think, what he is trying to do is eventually call for a police state. This means there will be no elections and he gets to keep his presidency for as long as it takes and with him ---- it will take forever. He wants to be president of the world and is an egotist. I cannot stand the man. He is a murderer as far as I can see. Every soldier that dies in Iraq is falling on his head and he as to account for this!!!!

Last year I travel with my son to Kentucky to purchase a couple thoroughbreds. At LAX we were search extensible for no reason at all. I think it must be because we just dont like Bush and we re - email comments and jokes against his lies and misleadings ways. I am very glad that Dr. Howard Dean has the courage to confront this individual and his croonies.Our civil right are being overlooked and he is bravely defending Americans.

Last year I travel with my son to Kentucky to purchase a couple thoroughbreds. At LAX we were search extensible for no reason at all. I think it must be because we just dont like Bush and we re - email comments and jokes against his lies and misleadings ways. I am very glad that Dr. Howard Dean has the courage to confront this individual and his croonies.Our civil right are being overlooked and he is bravely defending Americans.

It is clear from reading most of the comments, that only a few Democrats understand how complex this whole situation is. Comments on Gov. Dean's smile
shows how shallow even our fellow Dems are. Gov. Dean has fearlessly perservered despite such petty criticism's and our freedom will be saved because of it. It is with shame I recall his political assassination during the election because of his uninhibited scream, which showed he was a man, not a robot like John Kerry. The complex situation we face in this country has been in the making for many years, funded by corporate and foreign big money. There are so many impeachable acts having been committed, one must start somewhere. Thanks to Gov. Deans brave and vibrant leadership, Democratic activists have started the process with this petition. We cannot rely on our elected officials, because they are corrupted by a system perpetrated upon wealth. We must rely on The DNC,
MoveOn.org, our local Democratic parties, and ourselves to never miss an opportunity to move up this web of lies, cover-up and criminal intentions. Spying is really the least of our worries. When will the trials begin to try our administration of war atrocities? It has taken
almost 50 years to find out why President Kennedy
was shot. We all knew Lee Harvey Oswald did not
act alone. But we were told "for our own good"
we [average citizens] could not handle the truth.
9/11 is our national tragedy which Pres. Bush thinks we cannot truly understand. Anyone who doubts the administration had a hand in
that attack must read David Ray Griffiths books,
starting with "THE NEW PEARL HARBOR". We as Democrats and inherently "good" people, must join behind Gov. Dean, either smiling or screaming, or saying like it is, and fight this war, battle by battle. The FOIA on spying is a beginning. The
investigation into the leak of Valerie Plame's CIA identity is another step. The DeLay trial and Abranoff's trial, and the trial of all the others
who will be implicated is another major step. We cannot sign something such as a petition to have a
voice in the trials, but we can raise our voices together. without petty criticisms about facial
expressions, in a overwhelming peal. After all,
we heard a similar peal shouting out their indignity against a private and dare I say "inconsequential" judgment against Pres. Clinton during his impeachment. Let's make that misguided
noise a whisper, compared to our indignation against an entire administration for causing the death of our liberties at the expense of the lives of thousands of Americans and Iraqis.

When I called my Appropiate Congress Persons, "Spector" "Santorum" and " Sherwood" about this matter I was told that the Issue would be taken Under Advisement. This I take to mean;" we will follow Party Lines." Many times I have vioced my Opinion and have met with Cold Resolve from there staffers, and once being told that my Opinion and or concern didn't matter because His Mind was made up. Hows that for a Kick in the teeth?My Family was Staunch Republicans Gransmother even knew "Dapper Dan Flood Personaly, However; and I quote my 93 yr old Grandmother, "With this Clown/Idiot in office I am going to change my affliation and so will you." I did long before this President and am I Glad I did. In all my years I have never heard my grandmother Swear, untill he "stole the first Election and declared War on Iraq." That sent her over the Edge Politicaly and verbally. Keep up the Good work here are 2 that will stand behind you.

For all of you who are so concerned about our rights to privacy, what about our rights to be free independent people. When will you wake up and open your eyes to the real issues - Private property rights - The Supreme court does not have the right to make laws, it's job is to interpret them.

When will you realize that it's not the job of the Federal Government to support us - it's our responsibility.

Stop whining about losing our privacy, we have lost that a long time ago and you have yet to realize it. Just think, everytime you make a phone call it's monitored by the phone company, not by the Feds. Wake up and smell the opression around you. Cameras everywhere - Lost rights, give me a break.

Steve
The news medias job is not to "make news" (Katrina Victim reports by liberal news groups), its job is to report the news.

I sure hope folks are a bit smarter in 2006 *and* especially 2008. The current administration (and Congress) will most likely not be shown in a good light in the history books.

Our minimum wage is a joke. Last month's utility for me was $345. This month $355. Our health care is a mess. I love the way Bush would control medicaid costs - lower benefits, but don't allow counties to purchase from Canada nor, heaven forbid, let medicaid directly contract with the drug companies.

I have never voted a straight party line; that was, perhaps, a mistake. One I shan't make again.

How long will it take until the requests are processed? I won't hold my breath but I will continue to work for democratic candidates!

What powers does a president have to snoop on private citizens in the name of National Security. There have been reported abuses of this authority for spying on picketers,animal rights persons, Greenpeace, and other non-terrorist organizations. Also, is it necessary for a war to be declared for the President to assume wartime powers. To declare war, I think 2/3 of the Senate must concur. Am I right? Do war powers apply to undeclared wars. Is the fact that the president says we are in a war against terrorists imply powers over and above those stated in the Constitution?

For too long, this administration has acted as if they can violate our constitution and our laws with impunity. Thanks for taking a step toward a return the rule of law and our constitutional rights.

but it took Dubya to reduce the US Constitution to a "Goddamn" piece of paper!

Good Monday Morning. Is this the morning crew blog???????

Being open would have meant a lot of things concerning Bush and HIS Admin. War in Iraq, troops in Nigeria, troops in Bolivia, troops in parts of Southeast Asia -- where the oil is.

Next place logically will the the US Congress (axis of evil) because of oil in Alaska.

AND what has happened to US?

President Bush broke the law. PERIOD. He didn't have to break the law. Why is it even a question? Carter, Reagan, Bush I, and Clinton would have most likely been impreached for such behavior. 9/11 didn't change most of the world's risk. Certainly not the risk inside America. What has become of America when it is now a debated on if it is ok to break the law. Do the means justify the end? In this case, the means is violating the core of what America is about.

I have been a democrat since the early 70's. Longer then 90% of the people on this blog has been alive. I have seen war. I have taken the lives of men. And I held the head of my best friend while he died in my lap. I do not want war here in my country. And any of you who do not believe war can come here are fools.
I am NOT a fan of GWB. But, the FACT that he listened to phone calls and read emails of, so called, Americans and stopped attacks here is fine with me. If you believe that they are reading your emails and listening to your phone calls you are an idiot. If we had (or are) attacked again you will be the ones screaming the loudest that "Bush is not protecting us." But, now you want to tie their hands.
"They should have a court order before they wire tap???????????" Are you that frigging stupid?????? By the time they get the fucking order, the phone call will be over, the phone will be in the trash and the caller will have a new phone, stupid.
If GWB was a democrat you would be on the other side praising him for protecting us. This whole damned thing is over politics. The fact that he is Rep. not Dem.
In the last ten years more and more war vets have changed from Dem to Rep because of the horse shit that you people are spilling out. "Screw our safty, if we can get something on a Rep." I am sure that I will be changing my affiliation before 08. I don't want to see the U.S. fall just to make a Dem. point.

Thompr, your's is the first post I've seen here that makes any sense. Why is it that over 80 per cent of Americans approve of the wire-taps? Because they make sense, that's why.

Let's go back to another time and another Republican president. He locked up people like other people ate eggs for breakfast.

When "his" war started he stole from the Indian Trust Fund to pay the bills, and when the indians got hungry and protested, (the only way they knew how, by killing other people's animals for food), things got out of hand and a small war popped up. In the end he had 39 indians hung over their version of providing food for their families. One of the 39 wasn't even a protester, he just happened to be an indian.

He detained the entire Maryland state legislature when they spoke out against his way of doing things. When one of his colonels was court-martialed for killing civilians he set the court-martial aside and made the Colonel a General. He shut newspapers down for writing articles against him and had the editors jailed, and they stayed jailed. When the Supreme Court ruled against him, he just said, "Okay, Supreme Court, what are you going to use to enforce your ruling?", and he kept right on trucking.

And on and on and on. But he won his war, and that was all that really mattered. Today he is referred to as one of our greatest, if not THE greatest President we have ever had.

So a few shady characters get eaves-dropped on. So what! If they're on "our" side it'll come out. If they're not on our side, let's hope THAT comes out, too.

Like Bush said right after 9/11. Either you're with us or you're against us. When the next 9/11 comes, we'll see how many of these protesters are still protesting, and how many of them are yelling that it's all Bush's fault for not doing more eaves-dropping.

Except for the tragedy of it, it would be fun to watch.

The President who did all those things I mentioned above, plus a bookshelf full more like them, was Abraham Lincoln.

I hate to be cynical, but WHY would the Federal Government NOW provide F.O.I. to 160,000 people, when they decided to begin with that the information sought was TOO SECRET for ONE individual citizen? Numbskulls!

I was involved in a staff training program located at the NYSD office of the Justice Department during the time Mr. Ascroft served as the U.S. Attorney General.

At this time, it was known to staff members that Mr. Ascroft, who had a reputation as a solid, and creative administrator, was not really pushing U.S. Attorneys to expand "Patriot Act" incentives in large urban jurisdictions.

Hence, contrary to impressions generated by the White House, Mr. Ashcroft's tenure was more focused on supporting advanced crime detection and enforcement-- which included drug traffic, gang based homicide, and large-scale business fraud, and "white collar" crime.

I have no personal information as to whether this related to this experienced Prosecutor's reaction to the repetitive overthrow of Patriot Act incentives by the Courts in this country, or whether it related to more personal indifference to this overall destruction of Constitutional Law by this current administration.

However, in any case, I am certainly pleased to know that Mr. Dean, and associates, are presently asking the President to show us all his allegedly affirmative court history on this current and pervasive lie perpetrated by his administration.

HENCE, I will certainly be very pleased to sign any petition, or document, that will help us all feel some renewed sense of pride and fairness about this nation.

THANK YOU.

Good morning-
The Alito confirmation hearings are well underway, and I am *very* concerned a confirmation might go right down party lines. I encourage people to write to the members of the Judiciary Committee: http://judiciary.senate.gov/members.cfm
Here is the list of members if you don't want to go to the site:
Arlen Specter
CHAIRMAN, PENNSYLVANIA
Orrin G. Hatch
UTAH
Charles E. Grassley
IOWA
Jon Kyl
ARIZONA
Mike DeWine
OHIO
Jeff Sessions
ALABAMA
Lindsey Graham
SOUTH CAROLINA
John Cornyn
TEXAS
Sam Brownback
KANSAS
Tom Coburn
OKLAHOMA
Patrick J. Leahy
RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER, VERMONT
Edward M. Kennedy
MASSACHUSETTS
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
DELAWARE
Herbert Kohl
WISCONSIN
Dianne Feinstein
CALIFORNIA
Russell D. Feingold
WISCONSIN
Charles E. Schumer
NEW YORK
Richard J. Durbin
ILLINOIS

Judge Alito's decisions are controversial, at best. His confirmation could set our country back 50 years. If you are interested, hearings are televised on C-SPAN.

The Constitution provides for three separate branches of government. No one branch can overstep it’s authority and take on the role of the other branch. Thus, the President has certain responsibilities laid out in the Constitution for him alone.

In 1787 John Jay, in explaining those Constitutional provisions to the people of New York in Federalist 64, explains the power, (the duty), of the President to gather intelligence in defense of the United States against it’s enemies , , , or it’s potential enemies.

John Jay wrote:
“They who have turned their attention to the affairs of men, must have perceived that there are tides in them; tides very irregular in their duration, strength, and direction, and seldom found to run twice exactly in the same manner or measure. To discern and to profit by these tides in national affairs is the business of those who preside over them; and, , , , that there frequently are occasions when days, nay, even when hours, are precious. The loss of a battle, the death of a prince, the removal of a minister, or other circumstances intervening to change the present posture and aspect of affairs, may turn the most favorable tide into a course opposite to our wishes. As in the field, , , , there are moments to be seized as they pass, and they who preside . . . should be left in capacity to improve them.”

“It seldom happens, , , , but that perfect SECRECY and immediate DESPATCH are sometimes requisite. . . . . . most useful intelligence may be obtained, if the persons possessing it can be relieved from apprehensions of discovery. Those apprehensions will operate on those persons whether they are actuated by mercenary or friendly motives; and there doubtless are many of both descriptions, who would rely on the secrecy of the President, but who would not confide in that of the Senate, and still less in that of a large popular Assembly. The [members of the Constitutional] convention have done well, therefore, in so disposing the power of the President [to] act, yet he will be able to manage the business of intelligence in such a manner as [his] prudence may suggest.”

“So often and so essentially have we heretofore suffered from the want of secrecy and despatch, that the Constitution would have been inexcusably defective, if no attention had been paid to those objects. “

“Thus we see that the Constitution provides that our negotiations , , , have every advantage which can be derived from talents, information, integrity, and deliberate investigations, on the one hand, and from secrecy and despatch on the other.”

Then it would seem that anyone who would trust a John, (aaaarrrgh!), Dean or John, (Christmas skulking in the shadows in Laos), Kerry or Theodore, (Mary Jo Kopecne whom he abandoned while she drowned in the Chappaquiddick), Kennedy with sensitive intelligence information, and not trust the President of the United States has their priorities misplaced.

Whatever happened to our privacy and what is this world coming to when we can't do whatever we want to in our own homes.

The DNC through Howard Dean is using the legal USA methodology to access the key information. Thank you! We have an important struggle to resume being proactive since Bush and the GOP years has made us reactive for too long.

This is a good news for cuz what the president has done is very deep to me ,therefore i invite all people to join us and share for a good result of this team.
may GOD bless Bush an all the USA.

What does the "President" think he is doing spying on anyone? Just because he became president, for whatever reason, does not give him the right to break the laws of the Constitution. The Constitution was made by the people and for the people. We "The people" need to take back our rights and tell the president what we want him to do while in office. He needs to listen to us.