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FILIBUSTER ALITO, AND THEN IMPEACH BUSH!!!
Good Morning, Dems...let's keep up the great work!
Finally a new thread! Now if we could only get our Senators to listen to us too.
Good Morning Fine Fighting Dems!
Howard Dean was interviewed on Air America's Politically Direct yesterday afternoon. I have the first part of the interview posted at Howard-Empowered People, and am working on Part 2.
---
Bender: But Governor, 82% of the American people, when the Abramoff scandal broke, the question was asked, "Is this unusual or is this the way government works?" And 82% came back and said "This is business as usual, no matter who's in power." How do you change that perception?
Dean: Well, I think they're actually telling the truth. I mean, part of the problem is that the RNC, the Republican National Committee is *much* better at propaganda than we are. And part of the problem, frankly, is the media is lazy as all get-out. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the media write that Democrats were involved in taking Abramoff money. That is simply a lie! Nor did he direct any money to any Democrats. But you wouldn't believe the mainstream newspapers that print that crap. It just is astonishing to me that the reporters won't get off their butts and look at the truth.
thanks for the new thread tim.
this is from salon. the implication is we have to cross our fingers and hope no one else leaves the court for the next year if we can take back the senate in 06 or for the next three years if we can't...then we have to win the presidency....but more importantly is what long range planning is the left doing to counter the impressive work the right has done over the last twenty years to swing things their way?
War Room
Alito, the Federalist Society and the future
Samuel Alito will be confirmed as the next associate justice of the United States Supreme Court Tuesday morning. It will be, as David Kirkpatrick writes in today's New York Times, the culmination for now of two decades' worth of efforts by members of the Federalist Society and other conservatives determined to reshape the court.
For now.
Kirkpatrick's piece is a study of the way the right has built a movement around the Supreme Court -- how it set about creating support for conservative legal views in law schools, how it seeded the lower courts with right-wing judges who would eventually be elevated to higher posts, how it coordinated its message and its campaign when it came time for George W. Bush to nominate some justices, and how it beat back the nomination of Harriet Miers amid concerns that she wasn't conservative enough.
It's a depressing bit of journalism for progressives who have watched the Democrats fumble through the Alito nomination. They failed to make a clear and compelling case against Alito during his confirmation hearings, and they did not work in any sort of methodical way toward building the support that would be needed for the filibuster drive that John Kerry and Ted Kennedy finally launched Thursday. That drive will end tonight, when the Senate votes to bring the debate on Alito to a close. A lot of Democrats will stand with Kerry and Kennedy, but a fair number of them won't. And even some who will vote in favor of the filibuster are expressing something less than enthusiasm for it. "The Democrats have to do a much better job in making their case on these issues," Illinois Sen. Barack Obama said Sunday. "These last-minute efforts -- using procedural maneuvers inside the Beltway -- I think has been the wrong way of going about it."
There's nothing last-minute about the way the right has prepared for this day -- or for the days like it that may come in the not-so-distant future. As Kirkpatrick writes in the Times, the right is looking ahead to the next nomination even as it prepares to celebrate its victory on this one.
-- Tim Grieve
Print Email
Permalink [09:03 EST, Jan. 30, 2006]
My morning letter to editor! One can tell our local Hartford paper has been taken over by the right wing leaning Tribune!
I found it amazing this morning, that the article on Global Warming and the fact that the point of no return is near, was buried in the middle of the Courant, yet the article about Bush's speech tomorrow night was prominently displayed!
The different ways that Global Warming will affect this earth to a large and dangerous degree should frighten every citizen and encourage them to demand their political leaders take a stand now to work with the rest of the world on this. Despite Bush's arguments that there is no Global Warming.
Was there anyone really interested in more spin and rhetoric to come from Bush tomorrow night, when he gives a carefully crafted speech drafted by his handlers?Should we just now be hearing his plans on health care, education, energy in this, his Sixth Year? He has dismally failed in all up to this point. Will anyone really believe another word out of his mouth? Give me a break !
I would find it refreshing if the Courant would start to give more priority to stories affecting our lives, than to more Propaganda coming out of this White House
Good Morning Dems ;-)
The Constitution and the laws of this nation make us who we are
for the sake of all Americans
FILIBUSTER ALITO!!!
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
please make copies of the senate phone numbers and pass it on
bbl
Okay
alito = filibuster
man them fax machines must be buzzing. I am getting lots of busies. Keep faxing, calling - shut the capital switchboard down!
But you wouldn't believe the mainstream newspapers that print that crap. It just is astonishing to me that the reporters won't get off their butts and look at the truth.
***
Dr. Dean - you tell it like it is!
Good Morning All,(sorry I was on the phone)
Senator Linc Chafee (R-RI), announced he is voting No on Alito.
Contains phone numbers, fax numbers and updates on the filibuster battle.
alito = filibuster
Senator Linc Chafee (R-RI), announced he is voting No on Alito.
***
Good! But will he filibuster!!! Voting "present" for cloture and/or staying away is also okay! Remember they need 60 votes to bust up the filibuster.
CALL CALL CALL AND FAX THEM ALL WITH ONE SWIPE
http://capwiz.com/thedeanpeople/mail/?id=3181&id=397&id=9482&id=46684&id=201&id=628&id=593&id=623&id=31613&id=10892&id=10748&id=287&id=310&id=292&id=688&id=537&id=249&id=453&id=454&id=361&id=202&id=159&id=235&id=696&id=622&id=11025&id=40039&id=10902&id=283&id=629&id=347&id=273&id=378&id=10748&id=523&id=370&id=31624&id=402&id=282&id=497&id=457&id=395&id=10892
Via joannelson's diary at dkos
Thx to Cin
Boy, had a hard time logging in.
Click my name for a new link to send faxes, emails and letters to the holdout Senators for the Alito filibuster.
Thx to Cin
and thanks to you too Jen.
Yes, I know the drill. BBIAB or not, but I hope so.
CALL CALL CALL AND FAX THEM ALL WITH ONE SWIPE
***
Whew! Good tool!
If you a fax machine sending a message from there is impressive as well as they can see a different phone number showing up as the sender.
I am wearing out my machine. I am going to have one nice long distance bill - but it's worth it!
alito = filibuster
rjs,
I must have faxed 100 letters out of here the last few days, but at .07 cents per minutes from Working Assets, I do not mind.
The last ones were all Bold and Caps ! sure to catch their attention. :))
Damn Menendez!
Menendez Not Supporting Filibuster
by: Kire
January 30, 2006 at 09:10:21 EST
(Egg on my face. This is the self-correcting blogosphere at work. Keep calling! Update: Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) will be voting against Alito. - promoted by jmelli)
In a previous diary, jmelli claimed that Menendez is supporting the filibuster, citing only Grapevine evidence. In that thread, Bertin Lefkovic wondered where jmelli got that information because it was not verified on Google or anywhere else.
You would think, if this were true, that PoliticsNJ or the Star Ledger would have picked it up by now.
So in a display of the self-correcting nature of the blogosphere, I called Menendez's office just now, 9 am on Monday morning, and asked them. The greeter told me that jmelli is wrong. Menendez is not supporting the filibuster. Yet.
So get on those phones and call him at (202) 224-4744. The time is now!
***
Mr. Menendez better get it through his head - no filibuster and none of NJDFA campaigns for him against Kean Junior. Simply disgusting how these guys are playing games.
Moderate Republican Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee announced that he vote against Alito. This may influence more Republican moderates to also do so.
Moderate Republican Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee announced that he vote against Alito. This may influence more Republican moderates to also do so.
***
Hope so - Collins and Snowe are the best shots!
I can't believe the trouble we are having with the NJ Senators. One blogger points out that Alito comes from Menendez's district. Great! It's a family affair huh. That's how people come to hate politics and polticians. They'll sell the majority out just to do friends favors.
Some may hope that Hamas will moderate such as those in the Bush Administration. But read why this absolutely unlikely here.
Just like many other Bush Adminstration positions based more on ignorance of foreign policy than real knowledge, there is little hope for anything but conflict with Hamas based the wording of their very own charter.
Other than creating war in the MidEast, Hamas will likely achieve very little. One elected politician was a mother who encouraged three of her six sons to become suicide bombers and may encourage the other three to also do so. She has no elected office experience at all.
I can't believe the trouble we are having with the NJ Senators.
Trying our best Rjsnj,
I can't believe I just told Sen. Biden's office to tell him to that this is NO Game we are playing and could he refrain from wearing a baseball cap.
Exxon reported a surge in quarterly profit, capping a year of record earnings.
stop the price fixing.George Bush and his cronies who let those oil execs slip and slide their way through a mock hearing should be removed from power.high gas prices should be a campagin issue this year.Use video from so called "hearings" and quaterly reports to prove that repugs are allowing us to be over charged.
I can't believe I just told Sen. Biden's office to tell him to that this is NO Game we are playing and could he refrain from wearing a baseball cap.
***
LOL
LizzyBeth,
Only YOU could get away with that remark!
too funny........
I offered an article yesterday on how the average person can make their own biodiesel fuels at home for about 70cents a gallon, Toosmart4cons.
It is not only the high prices and profits of the big oil companies. But any prospect of war in the MidEast because of Hamas and Iran could greatly hamper MidEast oil supplies and even force fuel or heating oil rationing here.
Read about biodiesel fuels here.
42 members of the Bush Administration are oil company executives or major stockholders. Condoleezza Rice is a former Chevron Board Of Directors member and a large oil tanker was named after her.
http://www.greasecar.com/converserv.cfm
here you go its alredy avaliable.spread the word
Did anyone just hear what Sen. Grassley just asked the Senate??
I assume the order of business is to speak on S. Alito???
Where has he been?
Update on Menendez and Lautenberg:
Sen. Bob Menendez will deliver his first floor speech as a United States Senator at 2:40 PM today, to discuss the nomination of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sen. Frank Lautenberg will also address the Senate on Alito, at 2:20 PM. (01/30/06)
Did anyone just hear what Sen. Grassley just asked the Senate??
***
Good ole Chuckles ... right on top of pressing business.
Down with the U.S. empire!," he said to rousing applause from activists Sunday during his weekly broadcast, as he listed U.S. military interventions in places from Panama to Iraq.
He spoke with arms wrapped around the shoulders of American peace activist Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, and Elma Beatriz Rosado, the widow of slain Puerto Rican nationalist Filiberto Ojeda Rios.
Sheehan gained international fame last year when she set up a protest camp near Bush's Texas ranch. Chavez said she planned to pitch her tent there again during Holy Week in April.
"Maybe I'll put up my tent also," Chavez said to applause, and Sheehan accused Bush of being, "responsible for killing tens of thousands of innocent people."
Sheehan has lost her mind and credabiltiy.She is now a left wing tool who will only damage anyone she supports steer clear of Sheehan.
Morning RJ
I just tried the Menendez number a couple times and it's buzzzzzzzzzzy!
Lizzy! That Biden thing was perfect!! Pahahah!
DPD that outbound map you posted this early A.M. could explain NJ if all Dems are heading OUT! Same with PA that worrys me.
I just heard on Stephanie Miller that the Gang of 14 announced they are going to stop the fillabuster. Bastards.
Sheehan is her own person. She is NO tool of the Democratic party. I have not seen one single Dem come out in her defense, ever.
Sheehan has lost her mind and credabiltiy.She is now a left wing tool who will only damage anyone she supports steer clear of Sheehan.
Posted by toosmart4cons on January 30, 2006 at 11:37 AM
I have to agree with you on this one. Sheehan will be an albatross around the neck of anyone she supports.
Sheehan has lost her mind and credabiltiy.She is now a left wing tool who will only damage anyone she supports steer clear of Sheehan.
Posted by toosmart4cons on January 30, 2006 at 11:37 AM
I beg to differ. I can imagine MLK visiting with Chavez too. He is on the side of the worker and against war and against imperialism. She is following her conscience. I am in agreement with her and I know many others who are too. Just because the leadership in Washington are all so far to the right is no reason to denounce those who are unafraid to be unabashedly on the side of the little guy and unafraid to say corporatism and global imperialism are wrong.
Woohoo folks take this poll!! Just out from Capital New cspan.
Will a filibuster of the Alito nomination help or hurt the Democrats?
Help
64%
Hurt
36%
Total Votes: 1281
Jan 29, 2006 — By Thomas Ferraro
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican lawmakers urged President George W. Bush on Sunday to release records of White House contacts with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the center of a mushrooming probe into influence peddling.
But the White House stood firm that the records, including photographs of Bush with Abramoff, are irrelevant, and that federal prosecutors have not even asked for them.
In making the case for disclosure, Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican, said, "Get it out."
"Why give — if you want to talk about it in strict political terms — why give the Democrats an opportunity, or the press to keep this story going?" Hagel told ABC's television show "This Week."
"Absolutely," Mike Pence, an Indiana Republican, told "Fox News Sunday" when asked if records should be released.
"I think this president is a man of unimpeachable integrity. The American people have profound confidence in him, Pence said."
But Pence added, "as Abraham Lincoln said, give the people the facts and republican governance, perhaps, will be saved."
Democrats seeking to win back control of Congress in the November elections have made Abramoff the centerpiece of their charge that Republicans have a culture of corruption.
Bush distanced himself from Abramoff last week, saying "I don't know him," and refused to release photographs in which he appeared with Abramoff. Bush said release of photographs would be used for "pure political purposes" by Democrats.
Abramoff pleaded guilty this month to fraud charges and agreed to help prosecutors in a corruption probe that has made many lawmakers nervous and generated bipartisan calls in Congress for tighter lobbying laws.
Abramoff was a major fund-raiser for Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, and the White House has said he participated in a few staff meetings at the White House and two Hanukkah receptions.
But whether Abramoff attempted to influence any White House policy has not been made clear.
Bush said he had never had a discussion with Abramoff and that as a general practice does not meet with lobbyists. But he said it was possible lobbyists might be in a "room full of people" during an event to celebrate passage of a bill.
Sen. John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said he favored releasing as many records as possible, but not photographs.
I don't think it's useful to have pictures released, because, clearly, all the Democrats want to do is use those for political purposes," Thune told Fox News Sunday.
"But I do think it's important that everybody understand what this guy's level of involvement was," Thune said.
White House counsel Dan Bartlett reiterated the administration's refusal to release records, telling CNN, "It is important that everybody take a step back, let the prosecutors do its work, not try to add fuel to an already politically charged environment."
It all stinks they should all be thrown in jail.Repugs are hiding in their rat hole.IMPEACH BUSH SAVE US ALL!!!!!!
I'm disappointed that some are so quick to drop Sheehan like a hot potato. What exactly is wrong with Chavez? Have you been listening to Pat Robertson and Bushco too much and buying into the GOP party line on the subject? Do you understand what Empire means?
Morning RJ
I just tried the Menendez number a couple times and it's buzzzzzzzzzzy!
Lizzy! That Biden thing was perfect!! Pahahah!
***
Mornin Dawnelle,
I tried a dozen times and it is busy. Given that both of them have announced speeches around 2:20/2:30, it's pointless continuing to try them. We shall see what we shall see.
***
I just heard on Stephanie Miller that the Gang of 14 announced they are going to stop the fillabuster. Bastards.
***
Probably the thugs Lindsey Graham and Mccain. Gang of 14 is useless. Anyway, they can't stop it - it only takes one Senator to filibuster. They could nuke it and end the filibuster alot easier.
Thank You, Our Dearest Darling Senator T.Kennedy,
We are so thankful that you are willing to speak out so plainly to your fellow Senators to think twice before you vote for a Supreme Justice that can't be reversed ever until his life is over!
What will the American people do when our elected officials that are willing to put their career on the line and speak up for the commoners are gone? Our Kennedys have always had our, the peoples, best interest at heart. Let us hope and pray that the Kennedys are busy teaching others to think like a Kennedy? We first noticed it when President Kennedy said;"ask not what your country can do for you but ask what can you do for your country!" It brought all of us to the spinning wheel to work for our country. And we didn't see people taking bribes to massage their own well being at the expense of the common folks. Only the people that think they may get a piece of the pie are supporting those Officials that are accepting perks and contributions in exchange for their vote. Those Republicans were saying write the bill that you want and we will pass it if you make it worth our vote. Of all the people I know, I only know three people in this Republican State that support this evil of the Republicans. We know why?
Woohoo folks take this poll!! Just out from Capital New cspan.
***
Freep that poll!
I have not seen one single Dem come out in her defense, ever.
Posted by PamB on January 30, 2006 at 11:39 AM
and they wont either because it would be political suicide.Hugo Chavez supports Cuba a communist country.Hugo Chavez is no friend of the USA.
toosmart,
Chavez is no friend to Bush but what exactly has he done to not be a friend to Americans? He offered very inexpensive heating oil to many here. You sound like you're parroting GOP talking points. What's up with that?
Some of the leftists who support the Cindy Sheehan philosophy also shouted down Hillary Clinton during her Portland, Oregon visit this week, Toosmart4cons and Pam.
Portland is sometimes called, "Little Beirut" by politicians where they are likely to face noisey demonstrators who support extreme positions on issues. Of all American cities, the left in Portland is the most likely to show up and demonstrate. I don't care who shows up, this lacks civility often, and is a poor refelection on the city. Even the worst politician deserves respect but also civil protest.
I'm supported both Jesse Jackson and Rep. Dennis Kucinich in the past, and I always believe in respect that should be extended to others even if their views are to the right of my own.
Do you understand what Empire means?
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Yes I think we all do.However one should stay in America and make those comments.There is a great number of people around the world tired of US policy under BUSH and Other presidents as well.Personally I think Pat Robertson is an idot along with Bush.However I also feel You should bash your country in your own country since we are free to do so.
WTF? Keep in mind this is on Drudge
DEAN UNDER FIRE FROM PARTY DEMS; NEARLY ALL CASH SPENT
Mon Jan 30 2006 10:52:31 ET
Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are privately bristling over Howard Dean’s management of the Democratic National Committee and have made those sentiments clear after new fundraising numbers showed he has spent nearly all the committee’s cash and has little left to support their efforts to gain seats this cycle, ROLL CALL reports.
Congressional leaders were furious last week when they learned the DNC has just $5.5 million in the bank, compared to the Republican National Committee’s $34 million.
Senate and House Minority Leaders Harry Reid (Nev.) and Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), along with the Senate and House campaign committee chairmen Charles Schumer (N.Y.) and Rahm Emanuel (Ill.), have made their concerns -- directly or indirectly -- known to Dean, claims the paper.
Emanuel was particularly upset last week upon seeing the latest DNC numbers.
“A lot of people are scratching their heads as to what’s going on,” said one senior Democratic aide.
Another Democratic source familiar with the party fundraising apparatus said there is “obvious displeasure” among the leaders.
Developing...
"Hugo Chavez supports Cuba a communist country.Hugo Chavez is no friend of the USA."
----------
The USA supports China.
The USA supports Saudi Arabia.
The USA looks the other way regarding a number of brutal dictatorships in Asia and Africa.
What hypocrisy.
Ya'll getting ready for the big crash this afternoon? Alito is in folks.
Pat
I am a democrat who is more consertive than most. I am tired of the left controling the agenda of our party.
George (Hitler) Bush killed Cindy's SON so IMO she has the RIGHT to HATE that MURDERER in ANY DAMN COUNTRY she wants to!!!
MOST people with children do get that! jmo
yo, Democrats are on the left, PaulH. And Hillary Clinton supports this war in Iraq. I don't understand how you think people should civilly protest but not make noise?
What is Cindy Sheehan's philosophy that is outrageous? That we should not be in this war? That no more people should die for a lie? That we have a responsibility to poor and working people of all countries to be fair and just and not steal their resources just to get rich at the expense of other countries? Boy, that sounds so radical.
This right mindset is apparently contagious. It seems many people don't even realize where the center used to be.
Wow the typos in my last comment post. I've to eat something and get some more rest soon. My feature on Hamas on my Website took a lot out of me this morning.
"Ghosts they are putting up to scare us"
Excuse me, Sir, we are not ghosts, we are American People.
He sounds like a ghostbuster.
Who made the rules about only being able to criticize American political leaders in America?
Nonsense.
11:45 am: Bill Nelson (D-FL) still opposes the filibuster - we must turn him around!
11:42 am: Tom Harkin will abstain, which is great! (#18)
11:20 am: John Kerry will speak on the floor at 12:30 - turn on C-SPAN 2!
10:55 am: AP's Jesse Holland is singing an entirely different tune: Kennedy leads final effort to block Alito. That means it's too close to call!!!! Kennedy offers the perfect filibuster sound-bite: "He is the wrong judge at the wrong time in the wrong place." Jeffords opposes Alito - but will he filibuster? Keep calling the undecideds!!!
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Jen, My opinion has nothing to with her appearing with Chavez. Unfortunately, Sheehan has been played by the media to a point of saturation. They hung on her every word and played them over and over until the zmajority of Americans were, to be frank, sick of it.
While I agree with her message, it is sad how it was lost in the notority fed by the press. What ended up happening was that the story became Cindy herself and not her message. Unfortunately, there was noone from our side to guide her through this process, and she was taken advantage of by the media.
Now, whenever most people hear her name, they just automatically tune out. Sad but true. The message was there, but once again it got distorted into something bad by the MSM.
Well toosmart, for your information, the Democrats ARE on the left. The Republicans ARE on the right.
What exactly is the problem with speaking your mind wherever you are? Do you honestly think that all Americans should only sing the praises of their government, even if they disagree vehemently jsut because they are outside the country? That is ridiculous and very naive.
How exactly has 'the left' controlled the agenda of the party? If the party was truly controlled by left-thinking, there would be more oversight, there would be more obstruction of this radical conservative Bush agenda. what a joke. Do you read any media besides the MSM GOP lackeys?
Hugo Chavez supports Cuba a communist country.Hugo Chavez is no friend of the USA."
----------
The USA supports China.
The USA supports Saudi Arabia.
The USA looks the other way regarding a number of brutal dictatorships in Asia and Africa.
What hypocrisy.
Posted by lw on January 30, 2006 at 11:54 AM
I know this all to well it is in fact hypocrisy.
on China:all preisdents since Reagan Heve tried to open the markets in china to help their greedy coprate friends.Where are the manufacuring jobs going?
On saudi arabia:Oil OIL OIL
on Asia and Africa:cheap labor for teir corprate donors
ONE WORD OUTSOURCING
Posted by Aerycks on January 30, 2006 at 11:59 AM
you speak for MOST people now?
give me a break!
I am a democrat who is more consertive than most. I am tired of the left controling the agenda of our party.
***
How about defining left?
Is strenthening social security left?
Is national health care left?
Is energy indpendence left?
Is creating good jobs in this country left?
Is progressive taxation left?
Is having a foreign policy based on alliances left?
Is going to war only when directly threatened left?
Tell us more. I listened to a caller on the Young Turks say the same thing yesterday (I won't say where the person is from). They couldn't define one issue that makes the Democrats too far to the left. The person blistered Ted Kennedy and the only complain they could come up with was the tragic driving accident he had 30+ years ago.
So, Aerycks, you are willing to put aside your belief in her message and agree with the bullshit that the media has spewed about her? Why? I remembered you as the type of person not to go along with the majority just because the media was effective in misrepresenting something.
what a joke. Do you read any media besides the MSM GOP lackeys?
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:00 PM
If the party was truly controlled by left-thinking, there would be more oversight,
As long as there is no true reform in elections neither side right,left,democrat,or repug has our intrests at heart.Dems are just the lesser of two evils.
Posted by Dawnelle on January 30, 2006 at 12:03 PM
Pam, I never said that I spoke for most people. I believe that I started the post with "My Opinion". Maybe I should have phrased it "Most people I know" would be better for ya?
Posted by rjsnj on January 30, 2006 at 12:04 PM
The Pugs always bring up Ted Kennedy's car accident and demonize him for it. But just bring up the fact that Laura Bush killed her high school boyfriend in a vehicle accident and they call you unpatriotic! What's the difference, I say.
toosmart4cons on January 30, 2006 at 12:01 PM
So you do see the hypocrisy then in denouncing Chavez for having anything to do with a communist country like Cuba, but at the same time not mentioning how deeply we are beholden to communist China, etc. All our manufacturing jobs are going to Chinese laborers who work in sweatshops and suffer horrible human rights violations all so we can buy 7 dollar sweatshirts at Wal-Mart. But no, Chavez is the enemy.
on China:all preisdents since Reagan Heve tried to open the markets in china to help their greedy coprate friends.
***
Nixon went to China! Nixon took the country off the gold standard. Nixon started the international financial system we currently have. Nixon replaced Breton Woods trade regime negotiated by FDR with GATT. GATT transformed into WTO!
I won't say that Democrats haven't aided and abetted free trade - some have! Outsourcing is a result of following the mandates of Milton Friedman's Chicago School of Economics.
Both parties are basically followers of Milton Friedman when it comes to economic philosophy. I think the last truly Keynesian Democratic President was John F. Kennedy. He came up with massive jobs via the Apollo Program.
If you are for a Keynesian President - count me in! I have all sorts of suggestions on areas:
fuel cells
embryonic stem cells
improving the broadband infrastructure
...
Anyone else having trouble getting the Air America Stream?
"What ended up happening was that the story became Cindy herself and not her message."
----------------
No, it became a characature of Cindy, not the real Cindy.
The same thing has happened with Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and many others.
The Republican spin machine uses the MSM (who play right along) to turn people into silly characatures that bear little resemblance to the real people. They are turned into jokes. Al Gore says he invented the internet, Bill Clinton only thinks about sex, Hillary is a feminazi, Ted Kennedy is a drunken partier, etc. So now it's Cindy Sheehan's turn. What else is new?
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Ok, Stop a second. I never said that I was putting aside my belief in her message. OR believing the BS spun out by the MSM. Cindy in CORRECT, we all know that! WE all agree with her! All I was doing was stating that Cindy would be used by the MSM and GOP as a tool to sway moderates during the elections to the right.
I agree with Cindy, you agree with Cindy, WE ALL (for the most part) agree with Cindy. I was just making an observation.
The same thing has happened with Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and many others.
***
Exactly right!
I don't know if Cindy Sheehan would make a good Senator. I would need to hear alot more from her on issues other than foreign policy to make that judgement. But, it's a shame that when a citizen raises their hand, they are so quickly ridiculed. Maybe she would be all wrong but she deserves a chance at a primary if that is what she wants. It would be a tough battle against a well established name such as Feinstein.
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:09 PM
-----------
Thanks for 'spaining my point. I guess I didn't make it clearly enough to get through. Glad you got it.
Aerycks, I just disagree with your fear about how the MSM and GOP sway moderates to the right.
People, remember how close the elections were? Remember all the polls saying over 2/3 of Americans are against the war? Do you honestly believe that Cindy Sheehan, a Gold Star mother, is going to be that significant in how people vote? Most reasonable people realize who she is and only the most radical Bush supporters are of the same mind as the MSM with regard to Sheehan.
TOTALLY a BUMMER FOLKS
Victim Of "Idol's" Success... ABC Puts "Commander In Chief" On Hiatus After Ratings Plunge...
The New York Post | January 30, 2006 at 11:41 AM
The White House drama starring Geena Davis as the first female president started out as the most talked-about new show of the season with healthy ratings and a wide-open future.
But ABC said over the weekend that it is pulling "Chief" off the air until spring to make way for a new comedy, "Sons & Daughers.
{lw} i just elaborated, i think it was less your explaining then how the receiver chose to interpret.
Posted by Aerycks on January 30, 2006 at 12:12 PM
roflol poor Aerycks - friend when you play devil's advocate around here it can get really dangerous!!!
LOL
I found it Dawnelle. I had to use some random Air America station's stream though. My guess is that's a good sign.
I know you jokers don't read this, but c'mon Democratic Senators, I'm sick of calling you people to remind you to do your job and uphold the Constitution. Why in the world can the Republicans always lock step and vote within party lines, but we can't. That's bull sh**. You Democratic Senators in "red states" you were elected as a Democrat, that's what that (D) by your name means, so damn it go out and be a Democrat, vote no on cloture. You know just as well as I do what's at stake. So damn it do the right thing.
left is a term drummed up by Rove and his buddies.Right is a term drummed up by Rove and his buddies.Unfortunatly most peolpe associate these two terms with dem or repug.It is no accident repugs are labeled right,it has a slight brainwashing effect on people in the red states.Sorry I only think there should be right and wrong.
Is strenthening social security left?
Is national health care left?
Is energy indpendence left?
Is creating good jobs in this country left?
Is progressive taxation left?
Is having a foreign policy based on alliances left?
Is going to war only when directly threatened left
these thing are all too right for America.sorry I am pissed at sheehan right now.I really did love her alot,she HAD a great message.I believe that if you can't say what you mean in your country then you shouldn't say at all.She should have at least started her imperial arduement here and then carried it to another country.
WTF!?
but our mining companies are too cheap to look out for our poor miners
this is a shame
shame on bush the republicans and the mining companies
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-01-30T162115Z_01_N30238013_RTRUKOC_0_US-MINE.xml&archived=False
TORONTO (Reuters) - All 72 miners who had been trapped underground by a fire in a Western Canadian potash mine were being reunited with their families on Monday, amid relief no one was injured during the 30-hour ordeal.
The demonstrators disrupted Hillary and would not let her speak, Jen. Unlike George Bush events, often before carefully chosen Republican Party faithful or $1,000 a dinner plate persons, the Hillary event failed to screen those allowed in and some took advantage of this open forum.
Certainly I'm a major critic of the war as well, Jen. My Website has a long history of antiBush and antiwar features. However the Cindy Sheehan philosophy to withdrawal immediately from Iraq is outrageous and irresponisble. We're too involved in this country now and must stabilize the situation enough before we leave.
The alternative of a "withdrawal now" move in Iraq will only likely further damage MidEast stability or lead to an ethnic civil war or genocide or wholesale Shiite abuses of the Sunni minority. Iraq could split into three parts, Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish nations and create more likelyhood for conflict with Turkey as Kurds will demand a state of Kurdistan in part of that nation. Even the Iraqi Communist Party is highly critical of the violence in Iraq, and likely does not object to many of the more reasonable attempts to restore order and prevent more anarchy and chaos. 220 IED explosions occur each week, often killing Iraqi civilians. This cannot be tolerated.
The risk of creating an even worse situation from any "withdrawal from Iraq mow" is simply too great. The war is a major mistake and I've long been a critic of it. But we should at least leave Iraq in a more stable condition before we leave. Otherwise the U.S. loses world credibility in treaties and foreign policy and invites further problems with North Korea or other states.
Even the U.N. recognizes the importance of peacekeepers in Iraq and in many African states and Kosovo. In places such as Cote d'Ivory(Ivory Coast), thousands of French and U.N. peacekeepers prevent a bloodbath between government forces and guerilla fighters and ensure that chocolate is still shipped from the main port which keeps schools and hospitals open and prevents an economic collapse.
U.N. peacekeepers or Security Council efforts exist in dozens of world trouble spots. Iraq should be no exception to this rule. Dangerous situations require some sort of stability before being left completely on their own. But independence and self-stability should be the ultimate goal. No foreign power or U.N. forces can babysit another country forever.
Aerycks, I just hate to see we Dems seeming to be influenced by the fear that the GOP wants us to have about standing up for what is right if it is different from what the media's slant is. They are really good at controlling the message and keeping Dems quiet and afraid of standing up. I was afraid that was happening to you with regard to Sheehan. You know what she stands for and if you hear other people spouting the GOP b.s., set 'em straight! I'm sure you do. :)
Call Lieberman- no statement on filibuster
DC
Phone: 202-224-4041
fax: (202) 224-9750
Hartford
Phone: (860) 549-8463
fax: (860) 549-8478
free trade is rarely fair trade
***
Very true. Free enterprise is rarely fair either. It's all about a broken social contract. Workers used to have one via unions. Even professionals had an unwritten contract that if you work hard and are loyal you will be rewarded. Globalization has destroyed those contracts.
So, we walk around in a dze wondering when will jobs stop being outsourced, when will real pay rise, benefits improve. But, without a social contract, it won't happen. The globalists don't believe in social contracts - that is a rule in Milton Friedman's Chicago School of Economics. Each and every person according to his line of reasoning is out there by themselves! Essentially, survival of the fittest.
To their credit Democrats, do a great job at handing out the bandaids to the walking wounded - unemployment insurance, Medicaid, TAA retraining assistance, supporting unions, etc... Still, they are following Friedman's principles on free trade at the very least. Well, most of them - Kucinich is against free trade for instance. Is that too left?
Seems odd to me that people will get upset about outsourcing and then critccize the very policies that prevent outsourcing or at least let people cope with it's effects.
Posted by rjsnj on January 30, 2006 at 12:13 PM
-------------
Exactly right to you too!!
I may not agree with Cindy Sheehan 100% nof the time, and sometimes I think her statements go a little too far for my tastes, but I'll sure as hell defend her right to say what she says.
I attended a protest march with her and a few thousand others on Congress Ave here in Austin, followed by a rally on the steps of City Hall, right after she left Crawford last summer. It wasn't because I 100% agree with her. It was because I want the voices against what we have done in Iraq to come through loud and clear.
Good Moring All
ABC is removing Commander and Chief because it shows a fake woman president that is more likeable than Dumbya Bush!
I've already sent my letter to the network to ask why. Everyone I know watches it and Geena Davis was nominated at the SAG awards last night for the show...
---
Heard that there will not be a filibuster afterall for Alito - those lily liver sap sucker Dems that didn't support this should not recv Democratic party funding!
Posted by Dawnelle on January 30, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Dawn (it is Dawn isn't it?) Ain't that the truth!
All right I'm outtie like Michael Jackson's belly butoon. BBL.
Another Death By Bush (Lew Rockwell)
We are not designed to kill each other, though the state--that criminal gang writ large--plays the devil's advocate here as elsewhere. Its military indoctrination is about overcoming our natural reluctance.
That training doesn't always work, of course. Many of the physically unwounded soldiers, especially those from the reserves and national guard who are forced to go, return from Iraq spiritually and mentally maimed.
A startling number take their own lives. Here is just one horrific story of the sort that doesn't make the national media
toosmart, i think your moniker is not exactly accurate. cindy says the same stuff here that she says everywhere.
left and right to describe political beliefs is not something new just dreamed up by the GOP. it's as old as the French revolution when those who supported the monarchs were on the right side of the legislative body
I fully expected COMMANDER IN CHIEF to face a ratings crisis, Dawnelle. On January 25, I offered a feature on my Website that George Bush has so tarnished the office that even fiction about the White House like WEST WING and COMMANDER IN CHIEF are damaged goods.
Bush has certainly been able to poison the entire romantic view of the White House and degrade it down near to Nixon levels of public disgust.
Of course sheehan has a right to say what she wants.I think it should be said here so the spin machine can't destroy her.When are people gonig to realize that they provide ammo for Mr.Rove to spin.Furthermore hasn't anyone realized the spin machine still works?I mean Alito is going to be confirmed (mush to my displeasure)becuse the spin machine works and democrats grew a back bone too late.
toosmart, i think your moniker is not exactly accurate. cindy says the same stuff here that she says everywhere.
left and right to describe political beliefs is not something new just dreamed up by the GOP. it's as old as the French revolution when those who supported the monarchs were on the right side of the legislative body
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:28 PM
so why then are there no Democrats considered on the right.If there are please inform me as I am unaware.
Posted by PaulHooson on January 30, 2006 at 12:30 PM
I agree I can barely stomach ANYTHING White House anymore!!!!
the INBRED INSIDERS that are TRYING SO DAMN HARD TO KEEP THEIR JOBS
My Mom thinks Howard is freaking those people OUT with his grass roots power. It's all about power to them. Think about it? How freaking VAIN YOU MUST BE to consider yourself above the rest to speak for so many!
vain, vain, politics and vanity is like hand in glove. Yea old news to most of you but I'm still only a few years new to this heavy obsession of politics corruption.
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE (AND CLOCKS) !! ;-)
lost cause
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:34 PM
me or dems on the right.Besides where is the middle ground?Is there a middle ground or are we in fact prepositioned to constantly disagree?Whereby inept to find a middle ground.
can anyone tell me what will be the purpose of the congress if the all powerful bush gets alito on the supreme court
bush already makes signing statements that overrule anything that congress passes
so what purpose will congress serve
Oh for Christ's sake!!! Screw the middle ground! The only thing in the middle are dead animals.
And, Happy freakin' Monday, folks!
Some people like debate
Some people HATE it!
Some people will get IN YOUR FACE
Some people will retreat to some corner and curl up like a ball and just let the monkeys walk over them at will.
I like debate. But I try to NOT always argue. It gets hard sometimes when it's a really serious subject that is touchy to some.
I'd say it's a balancing act. For me anyway.
United States v. U.S. District Court
407 U.S. 297 (1972)
Docket Number: 70-153
Abstract
Argued: February 24, 1972
Decided: June 19, 1972
Subjects: Criminal Procedure: Search and Seizure, Crime Control Act
Facts of the Case
Investigating three people it suspected of conspiring to destroy government property and bombing a Central Intelligence Agency office, officials used electronic surveillance to record suspects' conversations. The wiretapping was conducted without a search warrant.
Question Presented Did the wiretapping violate the Fourth Amendment?
Conclusion The Court held government officials were obligated to obtain a warrant before beginning electronic surveillance even if domestic security issues were involved. The "inherent vagueness of the domestic security concept" and the potential for abusing it to quell political dissent made the Fourth Amendment protections especially important when the government engaged in spying on its own citizens.
--------
So how is Bush going to survive this little tid bit already decided by the Supreme Court?
Posted by Exile on January 30, 2006 at 12:44 PM
HEY Fellow Freak!! {{Sista Callie}}
Ur Right!
I am signing off for now.I would like to leave with this if I am the target of being considered a lost cause.If we are in fact the people who believe that we can through serious debate,change the course of this great nation.We as a group of people should have no belief in a lost cause because they don't exsist if you are trully for change.Open mindedness is the tool of change.
Dawn, you try not to always argue. Are you suggesting someone else always argues? ;)
Maybe it would be better to forego the superficial terms like left and right and treat people as the complex individuals we are rather than try to make folks fit into some simplistic category (and then act surprised when we don't conform to it).
Hello all I am new to the blog.
Is Alito worth a fight? Can we win? What are the objections to Alito besides his disdain for women and minorities, and if that is all, then can Dems get the message out to voters in a clear terms. These problems with Alito's belief system may be real, and it may be noble to champion them, but if we are going to lose anyway strictly by the numbers then is it better to just stand out of the way while the neocons promote biggotry, and use the issue later in the midterms.
Posted by lw on January 30, 2006 at 12:49 PM
excellent point unfortunately everyone generalizes!! It's a way to feel included as well as left out! ya know?
unfortunately everyone generalizes!!
-------------
That in itself is an unfortunate generalization. ;-)
disdain for women and minorities, and if that is all,
yep, alito is only sexist and racist, he's perfect for the supreme court
LMAO
Posted by hicrimesandmisdemeanors on January 30, 2006 at 12:50 PM
a BIG part of this is the fact a LOT of us Democrats NEED to see if OUR CANDIDATES HAVE THE BALLS TO STAND UP!
we probably will lose but I want to SEE just our side make it really really hard on them from now on. We have some DEATHS to atone for now!
Oh for Christ's sake!!! Screw the middle ground! The only thing in the middle are dead animals.
And, Happy freakin' Monday, folks!
Posted by Exile on January 30, 2006 at 12:44 PM
So you people only wish to fight all the time, how sad.At some point we will reach a middle ground regardless of the zealots.We should all hope that one day the government will be out of all of our private affairs and that we can live in peace whether we agree or not.
toosmart, i felt like we were having a failure to communicate, that's all. you're not a lost cause, i just felt my efforts were. those who are not left or right, those in the middle are usually called moderates. There are all beliefs across the spectrum, far left-socialist to far right-fascist. I do think people who call themselves Democrat should familiarize themselves with what issue stance that name traditionally evokes, and when they say things that sound like the exact stuff coming from the right wing noise machine, I like to point out that discrepancy. I am just expressing my opinion, and we are all entitled to do that. You can agree or disagree with my opinion. we are all entitled to our opinion, and i apologize if you felt i was disrespectful. i just am frustrated in general today with the people who are supposed to be leaders of this party not leading.
LW, i don't seek to try to make people fit into a category, but if they label themselves, and their professed stance doesn't fit the widely understood definition of said label, what's wrong with pointing that out?
Well, all I can say is that the Dominionist Theocrat Neocons are frothing at the mouth all over. They can't WAIT to get bills rolling their way! There's nothing and no one to stand in their way now.
Here in TN, 18 bills against a woman's right to choose have been proposed by a set of eight TN legislators (4 Dems and 4 Pugs).
Posted by lw on January 30, 2006 at 12:52 PM
heheh (poke) lol
Bush and the Republicans won narrow victories after the Osama Bin Laden video right before the 2004 election sunk the hopes of John Kerry and many Democrats running for office, Ezyworld.
Even narrow 51% victories has left Bush and the Republicans with control of the White House, Senate, Congress, Supreme Court, many Governorships and state legislatures control.
If Osama Bin Laden didn't influence the election, President Kerry would have appointed two more moderate nominees to the Supreme Court by now.
This makes 2006 and 2008 very important for the Democrats to win.
United States v. U.S. District Court
407 U.S. 297 (1972)
Docket Number: 70-153
Abstract
Argued:
February 24, 1972
Decided:
June 19, 1972
Subjects: Criminal Procedure: Search and Seizure, Crime Control Act
Facts of the Case
Investigating three people it suspected of conspiring to destroy government property and bombing a Central Intelligence Agency office, officials used electronic surveillance to record suspects' conversations. The wiretapping was conducted without a search warrant.
Question Presented
Did the wiretapping violate the Fourth Amendment?
Conclusion
The Court held government officials were obligated to obtain a warrant before beginning electronic surveillance even if domestic security issues were involved. The "inherent vagueness of the domestic security concept" and the potential for abusing it to quell political dissent made the Fourth Amendment protections especially important when the government engaged in spying on its own citizens.
disdain for women and minorities, and if that is all,
And that's not enough for a justice that is supposed to be impartial and unbiased??
Hmmmm...
a BIG part of this is the fact a LOT of us Democrats NEED to see if OUR CANDIDATES HAVE THE BALLS TO STAND UP!
Agreed, I too think elected Dems have caved far too often to this "War President", but I am tired of being accused of complaining without having a solution to offer.
I just wonder can we really stop Alito.
Posted by PeppermintLizzy on January 30, 2006 at 12:55 PM
that's a good list
too bad I can't get to a phone right now. But I'm over my time limit as it is. sigh. All this effort I usually do NOT make but this time it's worth it to the ENTH(inth?) degree!
Well, if a boxer gets in a ring and doesn't fight back, whose fault is it? His opponent or the boxer that refuses to fight. If you're not going to fight back, you can bet that you'll get your butt kicked. It's a pretty simple principle.
I am just expressing my opinion, and we are all entitled to do that. You can agree or disagree with my opinion. we are all entitled to our opinion, and i apologize if you felt i was disrespectful. i just am frustrated in general today with the people who are supposed to be leaders of this party not leading.
Posted by jen on January 30, 2006 at 12:55 PM
No sorry if I made it sound like I was offended I am not I love this blog and all of you that post who are not the ocassianl(sp)troll.Everyone here helps me reform my thinking and alot of times I post things just to get a reaction.I do this in order to evualuate myself and my own thinking.I to am frustrated with our so called leaders thats why I am here.
12:50 pm: John Kerry is giving a magnificent speech on C-SPAN 2
12:35 pm: Jim Jeffords (I-VT) supports the filibuster! (#19)
12:30 pm: Contrary to earlier reports, Chafee is undecided on the filibuster - keep calling!
12:26 pm: Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) is in the "Gutless Caucus" opposed to Alito but also quietly opposed to the filibuster - we must turn him around!
I tell you...that guy from Kentucky, speaking now if such a rude man.
He was expecting to talk at 1:00 pm and just cut John Kerry right off, even though JK did not speak his hour.
"that guy from Kentucky" said he has other pressing matters to attend to.
I am going to the laundry...I am not going to listen to "that guy."
Well, if a boxer gets in a ring and doesn't fight back, whose fault is it? His opponent or the boxer that refuses to fight. If you're not going to fight back, you can bet that you'll get your butt kicked. It's a pretty simple principle.
Posted by Exile on January 30, 2006 at 01:01 PM
What about fights that end in a decision?The truth is and always will be the heavyweight.The lies are the contender deemed worthy enough to fight the truth.Truth v. Lies will go 15 rounds but there will be a decision will be made after the fighting.
I hope they won't walk out, GBGram. I still remember some terrible lack of civility by some Republicans towards Bill Clinton's last few State Of The Union Addresses. Unless a person can conduct themselves in a civil manner, then they have no business being present, and should allow someone else to have their seat at the event.
Opposing policies is one thing, but civil conduct during an important address such as the State Of The Union should be fully expected. This isn't South Park or the Jerry Springer Program, this is Congress and civil conduct should be expected.
He was expecting to talk at 1:00 pm and just cut John Kerry right off, even though JK did not speak his hour.
"that guy from Kentucky" said he has other pressing matters to attend to.
I am going to the laundry...I am not going to listen to "that guy."
***
Mitch McConnell. A Pug who gets a 100% rating from the religious rightie goon squad. Married to Elaine Chao by the way - the Labor Secretary who fights for outsourcing & the corporations!
Nice, eh! Just one big corrupt Pug family.
The Mute button works. Mute on McConnell.
Posted by hicrimesandmisdemeanors on January 30, 2006 at 12:58 PM
If we had some MASS EPIPHANY MIND MELD and ALL decided to bite our lips (and tongues) and AGREE on stopping it! YES WE COULD!!
(maybe something as simple as crossing my fingers?) what's that called? when the simplest answer is usually the one that works?
some law
Truth v. Lies will go 15 rounds but there will be a decision made after the fighting.
sorry about the typos
Paul I think that they should walk out quietly, not saying a word, unified, and they would have sooo puch press and it would drown out the lies of the state of the union
Posted by toosmart4cons on January 30, 2006 at 01:01 PM
HEYYY that happened to ME TOO!! :-) kewl
What about fights that end in a decision?
But if you don't do anything, don't say anything, don't fight back in some way, your opponent will still kick your butt.
I'm not talking about a situation where there is actual opposition and back and forth, but where we lie down to the opponent and don't fight back.
There's no "decision" to make there. WE WILL LOSE!!!
So, there can be folks in the middle getting upset because the rest of us want to fight back for a change, but it's because the only other option is laying down and getting the crap kicked out of us.
we can't depend on them to walk out of the state of the union (state of emergency)
we have to depend on ourselves their are many protests planned
bbl
It won't bother me "a lick" if they turned around, walked out or thru spit balls at him!
He doesn't deserve .02 percent of anything dignified !! jmo.
It won't bother me "a lick" if they turned around, walked out or throw (YAY JERRY) spit balls at him!
He doesn't deserve .02 percent of anything dignified !! jmo. lol.
this is why I'll never run for office :-P
Polls make it pretty clear that the American public doesn't trust Bush on any issue except the War On Terror, GBGram. Last year's big Social Security measure promoted in the 2005 State Of The Union was a big flop as well.
Bush hardly needs much more help to lose more public confidence. He may even have a little uptick in support for a few days after this speech, but expect that to soon fall back to earth as well. After 6 years of bad leadership, and little positive for the average person the Republican rule may soon role back this year with the 2006 elections.
Truth v. Lies will go 15 rounds but there will be a decision made after the fighting.
Posted by toosmart4cons on January 30, 2006 at 01:08 PM
Correct, we witnessed that in the 2000 elections, and the decision was made by the Supreme Court. THAT is why this fight is SO important!
{{Callie}}
There's no "decision" to make there. WE WILL LOSE!!!
the decision is truth.Truth will outlast Lies.You are right we must fight but only on the side of Truth if we hope to win.
Paul we all know that he leads by fear - our message should be that we are stong on national security and deliver a positive message
Polls make it pretty clear that the American public doesn't trust Bush on any issue except the War On Terror, GBGram. Last year's big Social Security measure promoted in the 2005 State Of The Union was a big flop as well.
***
This time he is going after health care! You'll hear alot about replacing employer sponsored