(Rep. Steve Cohen and Rep. John Conyers.)
[Please join me in welcoming Rep. Steve Cohen to our Blue America chat. As always, with all Blue America discussions, please stay on topic in the comments and be polite. Any off-topic discussions should be taken to the prior thread. And with that, welcome, Steve! -- CHS]
In the last election cycle we concentrated on progressive Democrats challenging Republican rubber stamp incumbents. We missed meeting some excellent candidates who were seeking to replace retiring Democrats, like Keith Ellison in Minneapolis and Yvette Clarke in Brooklyn. Today Blue America is very proud to welcome the newly elected congressman from Memphis to our community, Steve Cohen.
I don't have to explain to anyone how important it was to replace reactionary Republicans like Dick Pombo and Curt Weldon with progressive Democrats like Jerry McNerney and Joe Sestak. And it isn't too much of a stretch to realize how equally crucial it is to replace reactionary and corrupt Liebermanlike "Money Party" Democrats with progressive "People Party" Democrats. That's what happened in Memphis. Harold Ford, Jr., a DLC hack, the scion of the uber-corrupt Ford Machine, decided the next step in his smarmy career was to run for the U.S. Senate. There was a 15-way primary for the seat and then a 3-man race in the general (including Harold's brother Jake) and Steve Cohen, who had served much of the district as an outspoken progressive in the State Senate, won overwhelmingly with 60% of the vote.
The district is 60% African American– something that the Ford brothers' daddy, Harold Senior, boss of the Memphis Machine, tried to turn into an issue– but Cohen, a white Jewish liberal, won decisively among both Blacks and whites. Where Ford was always a very conservative Democrat, eager to showboat on TV as a so-called "moderate," while stuffing corporate money into his coffers, Steve Cohen campaigned on crucial real life issues important to the constituents of the 9th CD, Tennessee's most Democratic district (where Bush barely managed to get 30% of the vote against Kerry).
When many of the freshmen we supported were scurrying to join the Blue Dogs and New Democratic Coalition after the election, Congressman Cohen immediately joined the Congressional Progressive Caucus. And while many Democrats who campaigned on an anti-war platform have been satisfied to just go along with Hoyer and Emanuel on the symbolic non-binding nonsense, Cohen has co-sponsored genuine end-the-war legislation (the binding kind) that would not just stop Bush's escalation but would actually start bringing our troops home. He is a co-sponsor of bills by Representatives Murtha, Farr, Woolsey, McGovern, Kucinich and Nadler, all of which go much further towards ending the war than the Democratic Bush-enablers feel comfortable with.
"In November, Americans clearly voiced their opposition to the President's course in Iraq," explains Steve. "As freshmen members of Congress who campaigned on the need to reconsider the course our country is taking in Iraq, we thought it was appropriate to deliver that message again to the President. The President's State of the Union Speech indicated that he has turned a deaf ear to the American people. We are urging him to abandon his plan to escalate the war and begin to bring our troops home."
As a state senator, Steve fought for 20 years to establish the state lottery which has funded college scholarships for thousands of needy students. He was beloved and respected by his constituents for his leadership abilities and for the proven results he has always brought. He campaigned to end the war and to divert Bush's ass-backwards priorities into the needs of his working and middle class constituents. Today he's a congressman who is a picture perfect example of someone who is living up to all of his campaign promises, not just in terms of Iraq but also in terms of trying innovative and positive solutions to the crime problems that are plaguing the citizens of Memphis. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, he's working with Charlie Rangel on a first offenders' bill that focuses on recovery instead of revenge and he's a strong and effective advocate for civil liberties and civil rights, as well as an outspoken enthusiast for the fairness doctrine and net neutrality.
Please join me in showing some netroots appreciation for Congressman Cohen living up to his campaign promises and in helping him arm himself without having to depend of corporate contributors. (You don't have to go further than today's Washington Post to see the danger Democratic representatives are in when they find themselves… Inside-the-Beltway.) Steve's a big music fan– as you'd expect someone representing Memphis to be– and the first dozen contributors today will get ESSENTIAL DONOVAN cds.
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Binding resolutions? I like it.
Welcome, Rep. Cohen!
Welcome Representative Cohen and hello Howie. Can you tell us a little about what you are proposing, Mr. Cohen?
I am logged in now, thanks for having me.
Welcome to Firedoglake, Congressman Cohen. I know you joined all the other Democrats– with the exception of two warmongering reactionaries– to vote in favor of the nonbinding symbolic resolution the Leadership was pushing. But I also see you are co-sponsoring 4 bills and 2 resolutions that are binding and not symbolic at all, bills and resolutions that would stop the war. Could you give us some insight into why– with a vast majority of Democratic and independent voters wanting us out of Iraq– more Democrats haven’t embraced these bills and resolutions? What are they afraid of? And what can we do to influence them?
I’m a member of Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ Out of Iraq Caucus and Congresswomen Woolsey and Barbara Lee’s Progressive Caucus
I constantly hear things such as “It’ll become OUR war” if we cut off the funding and we need to make sure it remains Bush’s war
Many believe if we don’t fund the troops, that it will be damaging to the Democrats and that what Bush, Cheney, and Rove want is for the Democrats to cut off the funding. Personally, I don’t buy any of that, but it seems to be the conventional wisdom
Howie Klein @ 5
True. During the elections, it seemed the public was crying out for bold actions.
Congressman Cohen @ 8
How do we overcome that conventional wisdom, first inside the Democratic caucus and then in the mass media?
Welcome, Congressman to Firedoglake!
Hi, Howie! Hi, Christy!
I know we need to get our troops home safely, and that will cost plenty of money. I just can’t help thinking of what we could have done with all of the money we have wasted. And the ruined lives of course.
All Congresspeople are responsive to people IN THEIR district, and to people who fund their campaigns.
Wow. I just read your bio on Wikipedia. You are uncompromising in your progressive stances–even so called “marriage protection”. An you’re elected from a very Southern state.
I am so impressed. Perhaps you can show some others how to stand up to the bullies and win. You are an example for so many who could resist the lunacy but don’t.
Thanks.
Congressman Cohen @ 7
I don’t get their logic. People will always refer to this as Cheney’s war (Darth’s War), IMHO.
Congressman Cohen, I see you signed the Voters First Pledge. Can you explain why you did and why that’s important?
Perhaps influencing the media should come before expecting to be able to influence Congresspeople (and we need to look especially at districts that are marginal).
Congressman Cohen @ 8
I honestly don’t think Bush, Cheney and Rove will have a leg to stand on, if we act boldly.
Good Morning Congressmen Cohen.
Will president Bush ever be impeached?
Will this country ever have national health care for all it’s citizens?
And when will the congress stop this insane war?
I am seeing that nowadays the mass media are often following the alternative media and the bloggers, so perhaps they need to go to town on the Congress.
I got a chance to hear Maxine Waters in San Diego last summer. (Democracyfest) She was great and I loved the fact that she helped Lamont. You are in very good company!
Congressman Cohen @ 6
Geez, let’s tell them to stop reading George Will; he’s not on our side! We really need to get Rick Perlstein’s article into wider circulation and teach them some accurate history.
Great honor, Congressman Cohen, to have you here at FDL.
Good Morning Congressman Cohen,
I would just like to thank you and to ask you if Congress will bring up what happened in Walter Reed and bring up spending money there instead of Iraq, so that we make sure it doesn’t happen anywhere else where our vets are? Thanks
Congressman Cohen:
Thank you, thank you for staying true to liberal ideals, or in other words being an actual Democrat. No time for a question, but just wanted you know there are alot of us out here that follow this stufff, and we’ll always support you any way that’s needed! Thanks again!
As for the Voters First Pledge question, undoubtedly it costs a lot to run a campaign today, and so politicians need money to be successful. Too much of the money has come from sepecial interest and PACs; and public financing is one answer. In the short term though, more disclosure and limits are needed. I have always supported election reforms and campaign limits that encourage individuals to contribute and have more influence.
When you say we (progressive bloggers) need to get to our congresspersons – do you mean the normal way, by letters and phone calls? Or, do you mean in a bolder way, like the time we all sent Rubber Stamps or “How Does a Patriot Act?” to congress?
I’m hoping we can raise some campaign contributions for Congressman Cohen today. Anyone want to start the ball rolling? I’m willing to match the first 3 donors at our Blue America page.
Good luck.
mui @ 14
It’s a Republican war because it was started by Bush and Cheney and rubberstamped repeatedly by the Republican Congress. The only way it will become a bipartisan war is if Democrats keep funding it.
In fairness, I suspect what they’re really thinking is that the loss will become the Democrats’, since the right wing will endlessly push the argument that “we coulda won” if they hadn’t pulled us out, just like they do for Vietnam. But that’s wrong, too, as with Vietnam, that narrative is only plausible to people who are never going to vote Dem anyway.
On Walter Reed, in the continuing resolution brought by the Democratic Caucus, we provided hundreds of millions for veterans, which the Bush budget didn’t. In fact, the Bush budget by the year 2010 will cut veterans appropriations, when we will have tens of thousands of vets from this war needing care. And they think they’re supporting the troops. To support the troops means supporting them when they come home, after having fought Bush’s war.
Fitzgerald said in his closing statement that there is a cloud of suspicion over the Vice President’s head in the CIA agent leak matter.
I ask that you please develop some effective talking points and help this to get wide attention.
For one thing, the CIA HQ has Bush 41’s name on it. A Libby pardon by 43 would be unconsionable.
Congressman Cohen, imho, oligopolies, which have largely replaced unrestrained competition in many US markets, appear to control lobbyists, which in turn appear to have a stranglehold on the Legislative and Executive branches of government.
Below is a link to a rather novel approach to publicly financing national elections, which I hope you and others may find of interest.
Second Riff off Max Weber
Obviously any comment you have on campaign finance reform would be appreciated.
Redshift’s comment 30 expresses what *I* was trying to express.
Howie Klein @ 28
O.K., but with budget restrictions.
Howie Klein @
28
I’m in.
Glad to know about you, Congressman Cohen.
Welcome to FDL! I’m a fan of Steve Earle, who I believe is or was living in or near Memphis. He has a show on Air America and a great album out (about a year old now) called “The Revolution Starts Now”. Is Steve one of Congressman Cohen’s constituents?
By the way, I enjoyed the post, but want to show special appreciation for the phrase: “Liebermanlike Money Party Democrats”, as it really nails what I see as a huge threat to the Democratic Party. It’s what I believe caused Nader to run independently claiming there isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between the two parties (okay, he got that one more wrong than right), but his point is worth noting, especially in relation to Lieberman.
Howie – does adding 01 cent to the donation opt out of the CD give-away?
In response to Mark Andresen, these questions came up at my Town Hall Meeting this week with Chairman John Conyers. A full review of those exchanges can be seen on the Memphis Flyer website in an article by Jackson Baker. Impeachment extremely unlikely, even though as Congressman Conyers said, President Bush is the most impeachable President of all time. We’s also have to impeach Vice President Cheney first; and the fact is we need 66 votes in the Senate to convict. And with only 51 Democrats, the votes aren’t there. Better keep our eye on the prize, and that’s 2008.
Redshift @ 30
I am starting to read John Dean’s Conservatives Without Conscience. It seems no matter what we do, there will be types who love alternative history. It’s better to think of the good of the country.
Thank you for your efforts supporting rehabilitation rather than revenge for criminals. The conservative approach to so many problems is punishment alone. (For everything except white-collar crime, that is.)
I vividly recall a story from a local legislator in the Virginia legislature. In budget negotiations, she was trying to get money for a program assisting offenders in re-integrating with the community, which was clearly demonstrated to save five dollars in costs to other social programs for every dollar spent.
The majority Republicans on the committee laughed at her, and said “we’re not going to spend money on criminals!“
Howie Klein @
28
Hey, Congressman! You are very lucky that the Govt. deposited my check overnight – yesterday I couldn’t have contributed anything. I just put my lowly $15 in your kitty at Blue America.
twolf1 @ 38
yes
Howie,
Any chance we could use Paypal? It’s so much easier. Maybe there’s a good reason why you don’t?
Congressman:
Had another second here, but could you do this for me….
Tell Rahm Emmanuel to Cheney himself.
Almost nothing people like him, or Hoyer, or Tauscher do could be considered liberal. How are they allowed to call themselves Democrats? (I know you can’t answer this by the way) ;)
Steve Earle, who was on Danny Goldberg’s label Artemis, with my dear late friend Warren Zevon, lives closer to Nashville but I have had the pleasure of making his acquaintance at a Bruce Springsteen concert in Memphis.
Congressman Cohen @
17
Believe me, sir. Influencing the media is one of our favorite topics. We have installed a “Spotlight Feature” that allows us to forward salient posts to almost anyone in the national and local print or broadcast media!
We’ll keep chipping away at them if you promise to keep chipping away for our Republic in congress. Thank you again for your time with us today. We’ll remember!
Congressman Cohen, do you support public financing of elections? This is a big issue here at FDL, seems the only way to put the people, rather than corporations, in charge.
Howie Klein @ 28
Kicked in a few bucks for you to match, Howie.
To jacrat, thanks you so much for your contribution. Support like yours keeps me going.
As far as the Paypal issue, I believe that option is available through the Contribute link on my campaign website, http://cohenforcongress.com
legaleze @ 37
Funny you should be asking about Steve Earle. I had lunch with his manager a couple of days ago and he told me Steve lives back and forth between Tennessee and NY.
When I talked to Congressman Cohen I found out he’s also a big music fan. He was a close friend of Warren Zevon’s and when I told him I knew Tim Buckley he told me where Tim’s son Jeff’s memorial plaque is in Memphis. I also asked Congressman Cohen to give us an example of a song he likes. He picked a great one: Jackson Browne’s “Lives in the Balance”. It’s got the perfect FDL video too.
I am so thankful for all these contributions, MayDaze also, and if I forget to mention anyone, the comments are flying pretty thick and fast.
OT, Congressman Cohen, I was particularly distressed by
Lieberman4Lieberman’sSen. Lieberman’s, “are you a Bill Clinton Democrat or an Al Sharpton Democrat” in his campaign to defeat Ned Lamont. Sen. Biden’s recent remarks about Sen. Obama, were probably an attempt to capitalize on Sen. Lieberman’s strategy. Given that you represent a district that is 60% African American, I hope you will consider the leverage you have as a European-American Democrat. When African Americans lash out at Lieberman and Biden for what is thinly veiled white supremacy, they are accused of “playing the race card.”Congressman Cohen,
I’m not a constituent (CA-27) but I appreciate all your work.
Helping us get out of Iraq is a wonderful goal, thanks.
Congressman Cohen,
A lot of us are worried about the Bush administration’s intentions toward Iran (re:nukes). Cheney’s statements have been disturbing. Anything coming forward to effectively address this in Congress? Is there anyway we can really put a leash on Bush&Cheney?
Congressman Cohen @ 46
Congressman Cohen @ 46
Earle, Zevon, Springstein! I like the company you keep.
And picking up on the comment by MayDaze at 48, I think public financing is perhaps the only way to put an end to the Liebermanlike “Money Party” Democrats who destroy politics.
Hello Congressman Cohen and thanks for joining us at FireDogLake today. This is a real honor, having a real true-blue progressive Congressman to chat. I very much appreciate all you are doing in the effort to shut down this illegal occupation of Iraq.
Doing some homework on your campaign site last nite, I was interested to read of your efforts to implement a state lottery in Tennessee — your site says some call you “the father of the Tennessee lottery.” Howie mentions your efforts in his post, including the laudable accomplishment of funding college scholarships for needy students. Presumably, your state’s lottery has accomplished other worthy goals as well.
But I have read that lotteries, by their nature, are a regressive tax on working and poor populations who can scarcely afford them. As a progressive, I have always thought most services touted as successes by lottery proponents were better funded by progressive taxes. Can you explain your enthusiasm for lotteries, as a progressive?
I know this is outside your current Congressional portfolio, but perhaps there’s a progressive argument to be made for lotteries that I need to know about. Thanks very much for your service to Tennessee and to the United States of America — and thanks for taking time to join us here today!
To bonkers, the Democratic Party is different things to different people; but to all Democrats, they count toward the majority that we have just achieved after 12 years of minority status. My colleagues tell me it was miserable to serve with the Republicans in control. Blue Dogs may not think like we do on some issues; but they work towards a Democratic majority and support us on a number of issues. Representatives Emmanuel and Hoyer are to a goodly extent responsible for our Democratic majority, which will result in a better budget, restoration of rights, pressure for a saner foreign policy, and the election of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. She is the real deal.
Congressman Cohen @ 33
Thank you, and thank you for pointing out that direct communication to our own congresspersons is the most effective route. I am fortunate enough to have an anti-war congressman myself (Jim Moran, VA-8), so I don’t have to do a lot of constituent lobbying on that front (thought I do make sure he knows he has my support on that.)
There are two things I think are most important for our Democratic reps who are concerned about “owning” the war to understand.
First, for those who are concerned about a repeat of the Vietnam ear, they need to understand their party’s history — while one can debate how much effect that war had on the presidential campaign, Democrats in Congress who worked to end the war did not suffer at all.
Second, those who are concerned that the right-wing spin (Fox News et al.) will blame them for the war need to know that they will try to blame the Democrats no matter what they do, and that there are a lot of us who are active and engaged now who will not permit that smear to go uncontested.
John Casper @ 52
Ugh. I have great respect for Al Sharpton because of his support for Lamont (& refusal to support Lieberman when HoJoe asked) and he made a great speech at the last presidential dem convention. I truly don’t understand why People say why Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are “racially divisive.” (The Tawana Brawley incident was years ago), and it seem many “critics” like to pretend there isn’t racism in this country. /rant off
Congressman Cohen @ 39
Sorry, I just have to editorialize about this for a moment. Conyers is right about Bush being impeachable, but it isn’t about be impeachable so much as deserving to be impeached. Bush has broken at least three laws that are designed specifically to limit government power – FISA, the War Powers Act, and his own EO 13292 on security classification (sorry, don’t remember the statute that’s derived from). He got a “get out of jail free” card on the WPA thanks to the Military Commissions Act, but the other two, especially FISA, are still out there, and Bush has been unapologetic about breaking these laws. In fact, he’s bragged about it.
Are we going to say that this is OK, that a President is allowed to do whatever he thinks he needs to no matter what laws he breaks? What’s to stop this from happening again?
Congressman Cohen @ 45
Oh, wow! I never missed a Zevon show when he came to town.
Re: lotteries,
Tennessee does not have an income tax; and the fight to have this progressive form of taxation, of which I was a supporter, was ironically led by our former Republican Governor Don Sundquist. The effort narrowly failed; and Sundquist has been demonized ever since. The legislative leader was recently defeated. Progressive taxation is no longer on the table in Tennessee. Lotteries are voluntary and not confiscatory and benefit lower income students receiving college scholarships from the TN Lottery’s proceeds. The Lottery Education Program has been hailed as the greatest aid to education in TN.
Congressman Cohen @
20
The media…most of it…is owned lock, stock and barrel by the Neo Cons and their enablers. That needs to change. I think a massive revision of the telecommunications regulations is in order to break up this monopoly.
Conyers’ position is that we would spend so much time on impeachment at this point in Bush’s second term that Democrats would not be able to start to fix Bush’s mistakes and abuses. Also, impeachment proceedins would likelu polarize the Congress and the electorate at a time when we need to act together.
bonkers @ 44
Well, much as we might like it, you don’t have to be a liberal to be a Democrat. We’ve had much worse in the party in the past.
Congressman:
Thanks for the reply. The elections of ‘06 are definately an improvement, but I fear we’ll get more Clinton-era liberalism like NAFTA and Telecommunications Act. These types of things also go a long way to destroying our country from the inside out.
I would much prefer people like you “leading” the Congressional Democrats and not Emmanuel, but I understand how it works. Speaker Pelosi has been outstanding and hopefully is a sign of things to come.
By the way, Rahm was actively working against many of the true liberals in the primaries that eventually won, as Howie has documented so well, but I do hope you’ll be able to work with him and help him see the light! Best of luck!
Steve, made a donation, from one Tennessean to another.
I am glad to see you with Howie Klein. We cannot expect progressives to survive in Congress without money from other progressives.
How easy is it to raise money otherwise than from K Street and other Capitalist Captives?
AS for lawbreaking, particularly if Bush tries to make war on Iran without authorization from the Congress first, my Chairman has stated he would revise his position on impeachment at that time. Also, who knows what other misdeeds may come to light in the wake of real Congressional oversight and the Libby trial?
John Casper @ 23
Hear Hear! An honor indeed.
I am very proud to learn you represent the good people of Memphis. Like Army brats we newspaper brats moved around a lot. In the 1950’s my parents settled in Memphis and I was fortunate to grow up there and have considered it my hometown ever since.
Thank you for your immeasurable contributions in congress! My late parents would be very proud indeed!
Welcome to FDL and to Howie’s great as usual forum. Howie, just to let you know I dropped in $25 for Rep Cohen and another $25 for future Rep. Brown.
Congressman Cohen, I am curious to know which committee assignments you have in the House?
As a new Congressman, what do you think about freshmen Gillibrand and Tester putting their schedules on the web? Is there an opinion among your classmates about this?
Thanks for answering about lotteries — not having a state income tax, and seeing politicos excoriated for proposing one, certainly changes the dynamic. Here in California, where new lottery game opportunities are added annually, it’s very discouraging to see the long lines outside corner stores in working-class neighborhoods when the jackpot tops $100million.
Congressman Cohen @ 64
Then we’re doomed to repeat this, and next time it will be even easier than it was this time.
I understand that it’s probably not possible, and would distract Congress from other issues, but that Congress isn’t even prepared as a body to try is very sad.
Cujo359 @ 72
Perhaps we should keep in mind that nothing will prevent the 111th (next) Congress from impeaching BushCo cronies, when out of office, if only to establish clear lines of illegality around their actions. Impeachment of the current wrongdoers during the next President’s term would have, as they say, “no practical effect” — but would restore the rule of law.
Thank you masaccio!
On media ownership, the fairness doctrine, and net neutrality, I am working with a great congressman, Maurice Hinchey. As a freshman, I knew I’d have the honor of working alongside some of my heroes like Congresspersons Conyers, Rangel, Waters, Frank, John Lewis, Waxman et al.; but I discovered so many other lesser-known Reps of great conscience and ability in our caucus. Congressman Hinchey is one such person. I would draw your attention also to my recent participation in the Media Reform Conference in Memphis. Congressman Markey is another leader on these issues and like Congressman Hinchey is a Democratic star.
Hey! What a shame Dr. Bong (and others – you know who you are!) aren’t here.
So far we’ve raised $420 for Congressman Cohen! They’d take it as a good sign and possibly contribute more!
Hello Congressman,
I know you are a cosponser w/ Rep. Kucinich on several progressive bills, what’s the chance of the progressives in the House getting behind the Kucinich candidacy?
AZ Matt, I serve on the Judiciary and Transportation Committees. I serve on more subcommittees (6) than most other congressmen. Thanks for supporting our fight with your precious dollars.
My congressional website is a work in progress. We’ve started to post speeches, press releases, and even videos, and have hired a professional web designer who is working on a revamped site as we speak.
I provide the Memphis daily newspaper with my schedule every week. I haven’t heard any reaction to Congresspersons posting their schedules online. I may do so in future, so the people in my district can see what I am doing on their behalf.
Dennis Kucinich is a highly principled and articulate candidate; and I wish him the best of luck, certainly.
Representative Cohen, any chance the Speaker of the House would consider moving to the Oval Office? She’s shown more political savvy than all the presidential candidates put together.
Jacqrat @ 76
Is that just today, or overall? I put in $20 – not much but way better than nada.
Judiciary Committee means you get to have chats with Alberto Gonzales. He likes to fire US Attorneys these days. You all need to take him to the woodshed or he will never mend his ways.
And save Amtrak too. There is a place in this country for passenger train service.
Howie Klein @ 86
What a contrast when you think about the obscene amounts from corporate lobbyists that drive the Big Red Machine…
Congressman Cohen,
You came to my attention the other night as I was watching Cybill Shepard being interviewed by Tavis Smiley–who tried to talk about the Fords, and she very neatly steered the conversation to you, and the fact that even though you were ran in an African-American majority district, you were able to stave off and win against the Ford family machine.
I am interested in what you have to say, in light of this experience, about building progressive coalitions that cross and transcend racial “lines.”
Alicia @ 81
The biggest week in the history of Blue America was when everyone just put in $5. We raised over $50,000 in 7 days, almost all $5 donations. $20, by the way, is about what our average donation so do NOT feel that is “not much.” We helped elect 9 new congressmen with lots of $20 donations last year.
Regarding Speaker Pelosi, I have been hearing admiration from many citizens who have mentioned her as a future President. I find her to be an amazing leader. She’s principled, issue-oriented (in a progressive way); and she functions gracefully in a hectic environment.
Alicia, thank you for your contribution.
Alicia @ 81
Hey, every little bit helps. It all adds up. It is for today (right, Howie?)
Drumroll please…. as we go to the tote board…. now we are at $530.01!!!
WOO HOO! Okay, back to you, Jerry.
Re Speaker Pelosi, as a woman and a progressive democrat, I have been thrilled with her leadership. No, she hasn’t always been perfect, but she seems to learn from her all-to-human mistakes and just get better and better. And it says something very encouraging about the direction in which the Democratic caucus is going in that they had the ovaries to elect her!
Woodhall Hollow, Cybill is a long-time friend and supporter. She came to Memphis to appear with me when President Clinton spoke this past fall at a Harold Ford, Jr., rally. There is a good picture of Cybill, Clinton and me on my friend’s Daily Docket blog.
Progressive votes in the TN Senate and working across racial lines for 30 years produced an historic victory in TN-09. Re-election will be a test for both the District and me. By my votes and my actions, I will have done MY best to pass that test. I feel confident that race will not play the determining role in the 2008 primary election. Memphis has moved forward in that respect.
I am sorry to be posting so often, but speaking of the judiciary committee, if there is an attempt on the part of Bush or the DOJ to get rid of Patrick Fitzgerald and his investation and prosecution into the matter of the leak of the identity of the CIA agent, Valerie Plame, do you see how the judiciary committee could play a role in this matter?
Woodhall Hollow @ 88
I was skeptical at first, as I am of just about anyone who manages to rise to the top in Washington, but she’s done a great job so far.
Congressman Cohen @ 79
Amen!
With impeachment so far off the table, that news is like a dagger in this progressive heart.
Our firedoglake late night host, TRex, constantly says attack, attack, attack! If ever there were a time, it is now.
Anyway Congressman Cohen, I admire your ability to fight the good fight and get elected in the South with a progressive agenda! Could you comment on how you did that?
Woodhall Hollow @ 90
Your questions and comments are very insightful and on-topic. Please, continue to participate! That’s what Blue America is all about.
Alicia @ 83:
Eat your heart out, George Soros!
That’s the spirit!
I’m on record questioning the recent firings of several U.S. Attorneys for seemingly political reasons. If Fitzgerald, especially as prosecutor in the Plame affair, is fired, I will call for hearings by the Judiciary Committee forthwith.
Woodhall Hollow @ 90
Yes, how closely is the Judiciary Committee watching the Libby perjury trial? And will the committee do any investigations into the Plame Affair?
Congressman Cohen @ 95
Thank You!
Congressman Cohen,
Thank you for visiting us today.
I think Howie is on to a great thing here. It’s incredibly empowering to understand and support progressive politicians all across the country. FDL and Blue America help us to see and be in on the Big Picture. One problem I have had is trying to reach Congressfolks (Sen & House) who are not my representatives but who are on committees that are very important to me.
I know that normally Reps aren’t allowed to work of people who are not in their district, but I have found that my phone calls and e-mails are refused. Most of the committees have snail-mail addresses, but I understand that snail mail can take 4-5 weeks — ususlly not fast enough. How should we be making our views known to Congressfolks who are not ours?
Afterthought: perhaps in these days of interconnectivity geography is not the best way to assign representation at all, but that’s a topic for another time!
Congressman Cohen @ 95
That is great news, Mr. Cohen!!!!!!!!
MayDaze @
94
I just looked for my comment that said that – I must have accidentally edited it out. Oh well…
Thanks for what you’re doing, donors! And Congressman Cohen! Memphis is a great place to grow some progressive values.
Howie, I put in 10% of what this month’s medical co-pays were in my household 8-0
Cong. Cohen, I’d be interested in whether your constituents speak to you much about Net Neutrality, or how they articulate it’s importance to their own lives, businesses, and churches.
Thanks for being here.
Congressman Cohen @ 68
Oh my! You promise? This administrations seems to think it can lead us to war on Iran with the same type of propaganda used for Iraq: e.g., “Iran seeking uranium in Tanzania,” etc. I wrote to my congress person DeLauro about my worries some months back and she said there was something in the works. I have no idea what she meant. But I would be very happy if Congress would draw the line for the Bush administration in public.
Eureka Springs, AR, I think I touched on this in a previous comment that didn’t get posted before your question, but to continue:
TN-09 gives a progressive such as myself the ability both to speak one’s mind and to serve one’s district at the same time.
Congressman Cohen @ 95
He fired the one in Michigan because she was opposed to the death penalty. Evidently, Charleton in Arizona had qualms also on that subject. I personally think the current AG has been a Bush’s attorney and not the AG for the the United States. And Gawd, these signing statements bush does on practically everything!
Alicia @ 100
I hear they have some good barbecue, too. What’s your favorite place to partake of good ol’ Memphis ‘Cue, Congressman?
Yup Steve, I have never been to Memphis so what is the best BBQ joint in town?
Congressman Cohen @ 95
Have there been any efforts to undo the damage that created this problem. IOW, is Congress discussing repealing the law that gave the AG and the President this power?
Congressman, you’ve smacked every question for a homer. I live in Illinois, so I can’t brag you’re my representative, but I can take solace that I have contributed my first donation of the 2008 campaign to you. Thank you and Howie, too.
Congressman Cohen @ 103
Sir, those of us whose progressive representation has been sacrificed to a greater national good (i.e., the Speakership) thank you immensely for your voice!!
Congressman Cohen @ 103
Yes it did, and thank you. We progressives need to attack, perhaps most of all, in the south. I think civil liberties and a progressive labor approach could really speak to the middle class of the south (including many fundies). But they need to hear from real fighters in order to shake out of their apathy and fear, imho.
readerOfTeaLeaves, I met with five supporters of Net Neutrality in my Memphis office yesterday. The Internet should remain available for the free communication of ideas.
HotFlash, I would say give snail mall and telephoning a try; the latter would be more expeditious in the case of a breaking issue, because of the anthrax scare’s impact on Congressional mail. Most congressmen have campaign websites as well, which may provide an additional avenue to for you to be heard.
Furthermore, I will be mentioning today’s experience to my colleagues to encourage further efforts of this kind as well.
I do not like the DLC. I do not respect any so called Demo connected to the DLC. Harold is the Chair of the DLC. Hillary is deeply involved with the DLC. I do not trust Mr. Ford or Senator Clinton. Hillary and Harold do not fit the definition of actual Democrats. As a Democrat, I will resist them both.
Jacqrat @ 105
Now there is a subject near and dear to my heart! Do tell!
Cujo359 @ 107
It’s unbelievable the amount of power this administration has given itself (along with a rubberstamp congress) to apply this right-wing litmus test on those who seek or hold a job in government.
Mr. Cohen,
While I am not thrilled with the your answer that impeachment is not viable, I accept your word that it isn’t. At least for now.
But in the meantime, I would like to go on record that I hope that you take the time over the next two years to relentlessly investigate anything and everything regarding the secretive practices of the Cheney/Bush administration that fall under the purview of the judiciary committee! I would love to see some high officials (like Gonzalas) brought before your committee and your counterparts in the Senate to aske the serious questions that Americans have a right to know the answers to.
Speaking of which, what, if any, coordination is there between the house committee and the Senate committee?
cujo said
That would be the Patriot Act. Senators Feinstein and Pryor are on it. Don’t you feel better now?
Repeal the entire patriot act, please.
Woodhall Hollow, I always wonder if the Senate and House committees are in sync too. Even if just through staffers.
jeffreyw, thanks for your kind words and your contribution.
Memphis has so many excellent BBQ restaurants that I frequent that I simply cannot pick ONE. Among my favorites are the Rendezvous, Neely’s, Corky’s, the A&R, Payne’s and the BBQ Shop. BTW, I did the Colbert Report (Know Your District) which will air in the latter part of March. Stephen asked a lot of questions about my BBQ habits, as well as my progressive agenda. He’s a hoot!
If – well, when – Bush attacks Iran (or tricks Iran into military action), will this make Democrats in Congress reconsider their options re: impeachment? I’m so afraid that we can’t afford 2 more years of this quest for world domination.
mui @ 114
I think this is as much about getting people the Bushies can “trust” in positions that, if they were in the wrong hands, could undermine Bush and his people. The U.S. Attorneys have been the only folks with real power to change things who have been actively fighting corruption the last few years. Congress and the press have done absolutely nothing (well, a significant portion of Congress joined in) that they weren’t forced to do. If it weren’t for certain U.S. Attorneys, some of whom have already been fired, none of the current crop of Congressional jailbirds would be in prison.
Clearly, that’s something that had to change, if you catch my drift.
Congressman Cohen @ 118
I think it’s extremely important to reach out to young people via Colbert and the Daily Show. Three cheers!
Congressman Cohen @
111
Thank you.
As HotFlash pointed out, it’s a way to see The Bigger Picture that really has been difficult to develop in the past. (But which I believe is a prelude to any hope of getting a handle on complex, rapidly developing problems — climate related, economic… you-name-it.)
Thanks once again for your commitment to principles. It’s very heartening to see.
Because of the interest expressed here, I will be having my staff research the history of the Executive Branch’s and this Administration’ alleged authority and previous practices in regard to firing U.S. Attorneys.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 116
I liked the “roving wiretaps” provision that make it possible to tap a person’s communications even if he changes phone numbers, but the rest of the act can go, as far as I’m concerned.
Congressman Cohen, I want to welcome you to FDL and congratulate you on your election victory. We need all the progressives in Congress that we can get.
I also want to say I am pleased that Howie and FDL are keeping Blue America active beyond the 2006 election cycle and not waiting until 2008 to begin helping progressive candidates. I welcome the opportunity to meet more of them this way, including those like Rep. Cohen who already hold a seat in Congress.
Rep. Cohen, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, what will you do to restore our country’s constitution and its principles with regard to issues such as spying on citizens, torture, rendition, habeas corpus and military tribunals? Much needs to be done in this area to undo the damage the Bush administration has done and to keep it in check for the remainder of Bush’s term.
Alicia @ 119
Ditto. There are a lot of people saying an attack on Iran is a “done deal.” I cannot even fathom the catrastrophic harm that that will do the U.S. in terms of relations with China, Russia, probably even Japan.
Alicia @ 117,
Amen, or at a bare minimum, re-write the whole damn thing. As it is written now, it is a very dangerous peice of legislation, one which threatens all that most of us hold near and dear in terms of liberty and our rights as human beings and citizens.
In terms of preventing the threat of domestice terrorism, there are many common sense solutions, which might ask for some *real* sacrifices on the part of big business. As in some of the recommendations made by the 9/11 commission that were not implemented. As a resident of NYC (a city-which like Memphis–that thrives on diversity and free expression), this is a topic near and dear to my heart.
Jacqrat @ 87
Oh Yikes – were we supposed to add one cent – my contribution was ten dollars a month thru April. Blue America is the greatest and kudos Howie and all for all you all do! lol – just thinkin’ bout Memphis & my southern accent has kicked in.
Terry Olson @ 118
I would sincerely hope so.
mui @ 114
Mui, I think that you’ll find John Dean’s Conservatives Without Conscience enlightening and an excellent use of your time. I would not have read it if he hadn’t been on the FDL Salon (I read the book, despite being unable to participate in that discussion). Things will make a lot more sense to you after you read Dean’s book.
Too bad the Dems/Progressives don’t have a Book Club — but I’m sure that Cong. Cohen already has plenty to read ;-)
Congressman Cohen @ 123
Now those are the words of a true Congressman. Thank you.
Congressman Cohen @ 123
YES!
Cujo359 @ 120
Oh you mean conservatives without conscience are already aware of their own criminal activity and don’t want U.S. attorneys exposing anything else to light? /snark.
I’ve enjoyed this experience very much. I’m told that 2 hours is the customary time allotted for folks like me; so I guess I’d better go now.
I want to thank all of you for being good citizens and sharing your thoughts with me and each other. Of course, your generous contributions to my campaign fund are so appreciated.
What should be done, if anything, to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
newspaperbrat @ 128
I think the .01 cent addition is if you aren’t a Donovan fan. Hey, who isn’t a Donovan fan? (one person, apparently, but I’m answering my own rhetorical questions, now so I’ll behave.)
Speaking of barbeque and books, I would wonder if the Congressman has any book recomendations for us?!
Congressman Cohen @ 123
That’s great, Congressman. I think the firings were just a smokescreen to get rid of Carol Lam, the US Atty who indicted Cunningham and was said to be hot on the heels of some other CA Republicans.
Congressman Cohen @ 135
Thank you very much for your time and candid answers!
Congressman Cohen @ 111
Congressman Cohen. I have. Many congressfolks’ staff will simply not accept phone calls from the ‘wrong’ area codes and most of the e-mail contact forms on the websites will not function if the address/postal you provide is not in their district. Sometimes they’ll reject on the ’submit’, sometimes they’ll accept but then I get get a form letter. I have quite a collection of e-mails that start, “Senator/Representative Blahblah regrets that s/he cannot respond to communications from people outside his/her district…” And I don’t feel I should have to lie. This is simply another example of systematic disenfranchisment of voters, and it gets built into the system. For instance, what filters will your web designer put into your website that you may not even know about? Your e-mail address asks for address/postal, see here.
The anthrax business just gave Congress another reason to not respond to voters. I know, I know, but that is the result, our communications are hampered and this has not been addressed. Snail mail takes 4-5 weeks.
The committees all have websites. Perhaps the committees could have contact e-mails for the members *as* committee members? After all, they make decisions that affect our lives — can take our money. ;)
Woodhall Hollow @ 140
I will second that, and we got the names of BBQ joints too!
Congressman Cohen @ 123
Good to hear. I don’t have any handy links, but Talking Points Memo and FDL have been covering this issue. Those would be good places to look for background and references.
Congressman Cohen @ 134
Please come back and thanks again.
Congressman Cohen @ 135
Thank you so much, Congressman! I’ll be following your progress. I’m so glad to know about you.
Thanks for stopping by, Congressman, and putting up with cranky citizens like me.
Cujo359 @ 146
You are cranky?
AZ Matt @ 140
Hey, Blue America is a full-service service!
That said, we are up to $590. for Congressman Cohen. Anyone want to make it a round number? or more?
Congressman Cohen at 123
Thank you. We must find how this came about and put a stop to it. This policy of political firings is unacceptable in the United States of America.
AZ Matt @ 146
See some earlier comments of mine re:impeachment. I’m actually no crankier than usual. ;)
Congressman Cohen @ 124
Muchos thanks Congressman!
16 donations for $590.01, not too bad. It will go up over time. Thank you Howie! If Rep. Cohen can make Gonzales’ life a misery then today was a good day.
Congressman Cohen @ 123
Thank you! We just had our MI prosecutor get the axe, and I wonder what will happen to all those indictments that Carol Lam, the U.S. Attorney for San Diego, filed before she left. Who will be pushing them through now?
Whackaloon is upstairs.
Tennessee Democrats might know if there’s some way to get Gore to run.
What do you think?
Cujo359 @ 142
Rayne http://www.rayne-today.blogspot.com has been doing a lot of digging into this issue, also there’s a lot of good stuff on Wiki.
Hotflash, I was just about to suggest Rayne-today..)
I hope the congressman sees that suggestion. Sorry rayne missed this thread.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 157
That’s why they stay up! I am continually playing catch-up and reading posts/comments days after.
Memphis is the heart of america