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Marcy and I had a lot of fun during the Libby trial with out PoliticsTV YouTubes. Our final post-verdict riff on Marv Albert and Doug Collins was a joy to do.
Of course, now that Fitzgerald has proven his case, cue the right wing nut jobs who are already wearing hair shirts and bleating "free Scooter." Wells' sentimental bag o'bullshit about "poor Scooter" did work I suppose, because the jury had a lot of sympathy for him. But technically he's no fall guy, if the definition of such is " A gullible victim; a dupe." Scooter lied, he lied consciously, willingly and for the purpose of obstructing justice. The wingnuts simply prove that they are shameless authoritarian cultists who believe in nothing, certainly not the rule of law, who reflexively genuflect before anything that preserves their own power. It must be loaded into the DNA of their knee cartilage or something. They meaning of the words "obstruction of justice" certainly evades them, and people like Andy McCarthy who actually pretend to care ought to be ashamed of his cohorts at the National Review.
I think Barbara Comstock should view this as an opportunity — can a "Free Duke Cunningham" two-for-one fund be far behind?
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Jane and Marcy, lookin’ good!
And Fitz!
Jane!
I saw the video earlier, you two were having a good time.I can certainly say I am going to miss them.
damn … I’m gonna miss my evening PTV!
More like this, please.
Siun @ 3
No reason to let the end of the Libbey trial mean the end of FDL/Poitics TV.
Jane! Marcy! FDL!
What’s next? The attorney purge? Walter Reed? The Plame hearings with guest star Conyers?
Well I hope that once the jurors start reading the whole story *may I suggest Anatomy of Deceit* they won’t be feeling all kinds of sorry for the lying liars and the lying liars who support them.
Have you considered adding a permanent video component to FDL?
An alternative to TeeVee news?
jeffreyw @ 8
All of the above? All at once!
Several times today I have heard phrase repeated that I first encountered on a thread here
This is a perfect storm of scandals
Your smiling and occasionally snarking visages will be missed…great work by both of you and the entire FDL trial team.
You guys were WONDERFUL. I’m so glad to have this conviction but I don’t want to see it end. Will you liveblog the Congressional hearings when (notice I don’t say if) they begin?
Janevision and Marcyvision!!
Yay, for the Ladies of the Lake!!
And Pach, too.
Free the Clot!
looseheadprop @ 11
And I like the image of BushCo out there floundering in this perfect storm.
(with most sincere apologies to the crew of the Andrea Gail and their loved ones)
egregious @ 14
and they are visions!
looseheadprop @
11
Gaaah, NO! I have to get some work done some time.
The Libby conviction is the proof of a cover-up, right? . He was lying under oath because of a concocted story designed to protect you know who.
Where are the investigative journalists who will follow through on the evidence presented?
Bob Woodward? Andrea Mitchell? Tim Russert?
What a pitiful state of affairs.
The right wing hair shirt bleaters are doing what they always do because they have their constituency. And the Bush White House has its 30 percent diehard FOX watching recipients of their Goebbels narcotic.
The other 70 percent has already written off the war, the President, the VP, and the reputation of America in the world.
They voted last Nov. for change, and so far they’ve gotten almost zilch. In addition to the 21,500 troop “surge,” Bush will send an additional 7,000.
There’s 22 months left of this presidency. The U.S. political landscape is as bleak as a Siberian tundra.
Delurking to thank the FDL crew for their great coverage.
As a soon-to-be lawyer FDL’s live blogging and commentary were much more insightful and practical than most of my law school classes. My future clients will owe you.
No response yet from my email to John Conyers. I’ll print it out, put a stamp on it, and drop it in the mail. Sadly, I still expect it to be relevant a week or so from now after it works its way through the post-Anthrax screening system.
Free Jim Traficant!
Thanks for doing a great job covering the trial.
Marcy, i have to agree that Faux News “rounding up” (brilliant, just brilliant) is not fitting for a news organization, but they already know that. I think the word “spin” is no longer appropriate. Why not just start saying that what the MSM is “spinning” about the Libby verdict is actually the most professionally produced propaganda the world has ever “scene.”
Jane, the differences between German and UK reporting about the Libby verdict, and what i’m seeing in amurka, are so huge, that brains in the homeland should be exploding. (Digby’s is.)
Let’s call it like it is. I contrast Siun’s post a few days ago about the horror of life for Iraqi women with this powerful pounding propaganda, and i know that the only antidote is relentless, RELENTLESS truth.
Kudos for the best summation video of the entire spectacle. Danke FDL, and please get your ass in gear Mr. Conyers and Waxman et. al.
If Jane and Kos can create Vaster, then Jane and Amato can create Video Free America. (With a little profi help from Politics TV, i’d wager.)
This Canadian boy just heard the gorgeous Jane say ‘he shoots, he scores’. I was once infatuated. Now, I’m. In. L O V E.
Great vid ladies, great vid.
Jane, Marcy & FDL crew, I’m very proud of you. FDL is one hell of a community. So glad I was able to help with the book & Plame House, and to share this victory with all of you. May there be many, many more.
from dan froomkin’s chat at wapo today:
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Dan, you are the best thing about The Washington Post in my opinion. Can you comment on the role of bloggers in this trial? Were you very impressed with firedoglake and their coverage? (Yes, shameless plug.)
Dan Froomkin: Thanks. I think what firedoglake.com did with this trial was not just impressive, it was transformative. By offering the public live-blogging of this very important trial, you not only put the MSM to shame, but actually became a must-read for journalists who couldn’t attend the trial, but wanted to get a better and faster sense of what was going on than they could from their own colleagues.
I’m not saying that the MSM should emulate everything bloggers do — far from it — but the blogosphere’s enthusiasm for this story was something to behold, and admire.
Free Spiro Agnew!!!
Because we fully know it is high time this great American recieved a full presidential pardon AND the presidential medal of freedom.
John Gibson on Faux Olds
Denis Collins made the jury find Libby guilty so he could get a book deal.
And the good news finally LouDobbs, concern troll for the middle class, he allowed Robert Zimmerman to say where is the apology to Valerie Plame?
Slothrop @ 20
This is a perfect storm of scandals
We are not the only ones overwhelmed by the number of scandals. The media are also overwhelmed. And there are only so many goods ones out there. The scope of this is unprecedented, like trying to fight a war on seven fronts at once, but no commanding general.
Jane!!!!
Jane and Marcy please keep talking truth to power! It is the real people outside the beltway who are not pursuing a political career who need to keep their feet to the fire!
We cannot change the sociopaths, only point them out.
Jane and Christy – fate brought you together for a reason – please continue to use that circumstance to better all of our lives.
Thanks to all out there who recognize that this is the most dangerous administration we have ever had. I told my kids that in 2000, having lived through Johnson, Nixon, Reagan et al.
We need and want OUR country back!
jeffreyw @ 8
more plame hearings I hope
fitzgerald has vital information that is not available unless congress requests it
it will be lost forever and congress had better get that information…that’s what we hired them for, it’s their job and I expect this to get going immmediately
beauty, smarts, talent, grace, eloquence.
patriots.
thank you so much.
TPM noted and has a link to a long post by Collins, juror #9, at the Huff Post. He sure seems to be intent on milking his 15 minutes of fame for all it’s worth. I recall reading here that things jurors say post trial can be used in appeal. I wonder if Collins’ desire for publicity and especially what he reveals in the HuffPo post piece won’t ultimately provide some fodder for Libby’s appeal.
angie @
37
professionalism, innovation, guts, ethics (for Atrios), …
Listening to you guys has been a gas. thank you!!!
I don’;t have “sticky notes” or an easel. Anybody have a link to a timeline – who told what to who when ?
Much appreciated.
Regis 1
Bush Team 0
yep, moeman @ 39!
There’s probably more… much more.
Better figure out how to deal with this one. From msnbc:
WASHINGTON – Saying “I don’t want him to go to jail,” a member of the jury that convicted I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby of perjury and obstruction of justice in the CIA leak case called Wednesday for President Bush to pardon Vice President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff.
The woman, Ann Redington, said in an interview on MSNBC’s “Hardball” that she cried when the verdicts against Libby were read Tuesday. She said Libby seemed to be “a really nice guy.”
Redington said “it was very difficult — it was hard” to vote to convict Libby, who was found guilty of four of five felony counts accusing him of lying to a federal grand jury and the FBI. Prosecutors said he hoped to derail a special prosecutor’s investigation of the leak of the identity of Valerie Plame, a covert CIA operative.
angie @ 42
glamourous and well-shod
firedoglake:
— not just impressive, it’s transformative! ™
barrelhse @ 16
As the intellectual rights attorney for the Clot Liberation Front Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Halliburton, we must insist you cease and desist from using our property for any reason. We have previously patented and trademarked Clot and it’s potential movements, and you have “egregiously” misrepresented our product. Please refrain from further abuse, or we will be forced to prosecute to the full extent of our fagdyocytes.
first , sign a five year lease for Plame House, cuz we’re not done yet.
second, concider doing a sunday PTV talk show,and your first guest Amb. Joseph Wilson.
Crazy Horse @ 46
I refuse to have my name associated with this horrid comment. “Free the clot” is wishing someone ill. I say we can do better.
Just something I picked up from Tweety rerun after missing it first time: “Scooter, if you were such a nice guy, why were you coming after me?”
(I’m sure others caught it.)
Well, that explains his decision to leave the Cocktail Party. Now changing the channel, because 60 Grit was bad enough first time round.
I agree with egregious at 48. Peterr’s post earlier today explained why this blog does not accept comments wishing/advocating harm to anyone, even in jest.
Crazy Horse @ 27
Jeebus, i just remembered, as if it was new, that there was a Video Free America in NY at the end of the sixties, when video tape was the new internet. Parry Teasdale was one of the movers. Anyone remember? they were trying to take Nam Jun Paik into politics.
Dayam, I’m going to miss my nightly Jane, Marcy, et al., fix. Totally sucks.
Completely OT, but has anyone see Mrs. K8 today?
Great job!!!! And a very nice swan song.
Scarecrow @ 50
Does wishing a certain SAO would stub the heck out of their toe, count? *s*
Hiya Suzanne, No Mrs K8 today, so far.
Congratulations Jane and Marcy – and everyone at FDL. I have been so impressed and overwhelmed with the quality AND quantity of information about the trial found here.
Right now I’m watching Hardball…one of the jurors is on…and she’s going on about how “nice” Libby seemed to be. Perhaps if she knew how deep his involvement truly was in sending so many of our kids over to Iraq to die, she’d find him a less sympathetic character.
Thanks, ES. ES, she was jonesin’ for spring bulbs yesterday so I posted this for her. If you see her, could you point her this way?
For Mrs. K8
Both of you look and sound so elegant and eloquent!
While I am so happy with the outcome of this trial, and was so impatient over the past couple of weeks for it to be over, I can honestly say I will really miss these nightly round ups.
Thank you for the excellent coverage of the trial and the entire story from the earliest days. The live blogging and politics tv were fantastic; I hope you can cover the soon to to be revealed administration scandals in the same way.
I’m really going to miss your PoliticsTV episodes. This has been a wonderful historical event. I loved watching it happen!
I came for this case last year, but I’m staying for everything else. This has become one of my primary “newspapers.” I volunteered for the 2006 election. I write letters to my reps. I TALK to my friends and family, equipped with understanding. Firedoglake has set me on fire. Thank you.
ok kiddo, if you’re out there, the opinion expressed the other day was not shared by me
i only found this place at the end of january, but have found it to be a great resource. one of the reasons is your commentary.
you say things that make me think…….i think whaaaaaaat? then, ok, then, wellllll, then maaaaaaaybe, then oooooooohhhhh…….i get it….and i move my outpost over and take in the new view…….
i don’t always AGREE with you, but what you say makes me think, and it is valuable to me for that reason…..
so, if you’re reading and lurking, my brain needs some real meat to chew on.
so, toss out some more bait, will ya?
My wife thinks I have a crush on Jane and Marcy. I must confess to having a thing for women who are smarter than I am. Thanks for all the great work.
I watched Hardball today with the juror who wanted Libby pardoned. Ref. comment 43. Kate O’Byrne was on with her Republican talking points. She claimed that Valerie Plame had made the decision to send her husband to Niger the day before the VP told Libby to find out, so therefore so therefore the Dems can’t say that the query originated from his office. This is new to me and I wonder how they are saying they know this, because Mathews was nonplussed at this. Is this just a talking point, doesn’t matter because all this was coming down at once, or has Kate been reading classified documents. Please Plameologists, fill me in! I like to be able to rebut the talking points.
Egregious and Scarecrow, i would have thought you would understand that my cease and desist order on that post was just a literary way of saying we don’t tolerate that sh*t. wasn’t that obvious? If not i apologize for continuing the meme, but i did think it was clear.
Indyblue @ 62
If you tell her that, plus, “And that’s why I married YOU, darling!” that should put things right.
I agree it’s difficult to remember all the scandals but here is my incomplete list given in no particular order:
1. Walter Reed
2. Fired US attorneys
3. Scooter Libby/Plamegate
4. Iraq: just the beginning, middle, and yet to be end
5. Afghanistan and the resurgent Taliban
6. Iran and saber rattling
7. North Korea and the curious uranium program
8. Osama bin Laden, where are you?
9. Civilian contractors
10. The Military Commissions Act: torture, indefinite detention, the end of habeas corpus, and kangaroo courts
11. Katrina aftermath
12. NSA wiretapping
13. SWIFT surveillance of financial transactions
14. Black prisons and extraordinary rendition
15. Homeland Security
16. K Street Lobbyists
17. Kyle “Dusty” Foggo and the CIA follies
18. Duke Cunningham
19. Tom Delay
20. Mark Foley
21. Cheney and Energy Policy
22. Tax cuts for the wealthiest
23. Global warming
24. Terri Schiavo
25. Budget deficits
26. The stacking of the federal judiciary
27. Medicare
28. Medicare Part D
29. Healthcare (in general)
30. ?
And perhaps I’m being harsh, but as a cod hard-boiled novelist, Denis Collins makes a good Juror #9. His prose style hurts my eyes.
And it does remind me that the English law sanctity of jury deliberations under penalty of contempt (which is maintained in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere) has something to be said for it.
But back on topic: you done good, FDL.
Jean Maus @ 63
nonsensical red herring. taking court testimony and creating new facts that can’t be proved.
quadruple bravos all around! i think the coverage that FDL, Politics TV & Marci Wheeler did on this trial was fantastic and needs to be continued.
the MSM has lost all credibility – it’s like a relationship – without trust, there is nothing. it’s time to make blogger reporting a steady, consistent thing. that and that alone is, in my opinion, the ONLY hope for americans to get their justice system back.
quintuple kudos!!!
Crazy Horse @ 64
Yes. I understood you.
Hopefullly Marcy, Jane and the other FDLer’s turn their sites on the Aipac/Rosen/Franklin trial coming up in June.
Check out this article at Information Clearing House. Long and informative.
High-Fivers and Art Student Spies
What Did Israel Know in Advance of the 9/11 Attacks?
By CHRISTOPHER KETCHAM
03/07/07 “Counterpunch” — – On the afternoon of September 11, 2001, an FBI bulletin known as a BOLO – “be on lookout” — was issued with regard to three suspicious men who that morning were seen leaving the New Jersey waterfront minutes after the first plane hit World Trade Center 1. Law enforcement officers across the New York-New Jersey area were warned in the radio dispatch to watch for a “vehicle possibly related to New York terrorist attack”:
White, 2000 Chevrolet van with ‘Urban Moving Systems’ sign on back seen at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ, at the time of first impact of jetliner into World Trade Center Three individuals with van were seen celebrating after initial impact and subsequent explosion. FBI Newark Field Office requests that, if the van is located, hold for prints and detain individuals.
At 3:56 p.m., twenty-five minutes after the issuance of the FBI BOLO, officers with the East Rutherford Police Department stopped the commercial moving van through a trace on the plates. According to the police report, Officer Scott DeCarlo and Sgt. Dennis Rivelli approached the stopped van, demanding that the driver exit the vehicle. The driver, 23-year-old Sivan Kurzberg, refused and “was asked several more times [but] appeared to be fumbling with a black leather fanny pouch type of bag”. With guns drawn, the police then “physically removed” Kurzberg, while four other men – two more men had apparently joined the group since the morning – were also removed from the van, handcuffed, placed on the grass median and read their Miranda rights.
@information clearing house
I have a question for Jane or Marcy:
I watched Kate O’Beirne (sp?) on Hardball say that Valerie Plame volunteered her husband for a trip to Niger the day before the VP asked the question about the yellowcake. Can either of you give me chapter and verse to prove that she is absolutely wrong? Of course, when she said this to Chris on national TV, and was insistent about it, he more or less relented as if she knew better than he did. I don’t think it makes any sense, but it should not go unaddressed or unanswered. While I’ve followed this case from the beginning, I tend to get lost in the deep weeds. This type of minutia is why the other side uses it, because it’s so easy to misstate your case and not get called on it.
lina @ 67
For once, I would like to see Tweety et al, when confronted with these sorts of talking pionts masquerading as facts, ask: “how do you know that?”
Hugh @ 66
30. Marginalization (or destruction) of the globally respected UN
OT– suprise (NOT)
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2….._0307.html
What’s up with OK Kiddo, dmac?
Suzanne @ 57
I sure will. Charging up my digi-cam so we can double her flowers…) Nice photos btw, your place looks like a jungle compared to mine. The only green we have so far are bulbs and cedar trees. (ferns etc. in a couple more weeks)
Way off topic (apologies in advance) but Tbogg has some video p0rn worthy for Fox’s new comedy 1/2 hour. Seems a bit too racy/racist.
Why is everyone asking about Oklahoma Kiddo? Did something happen to him?
Jean Maus at 63:
The only thing we know about Ms. Plame’s involvement in Wilson’s trip is that she introduced him at the beginning of a meeting – then left the meeting.
A right wing myth has grown up around the false idea that “his wife sent him to Niger.”
scrub @ 63
This isn’t even relevant. Libby obstructed justice by lying. Even if Valerie ordered the trip against the wishes of the CIA, it still wouldn’t matter! It’s just an attempt at misdirection.
Hope there are more FDL videos/podcasts!
http://www.btcnews.com/btcnews…..chart6.png
h/t to whomever posted this a long time ago–a chart for you
beerfart liberal @41
Much appreciated.
Regis 1
Bush Team 0
Mods,Please delete comment 43 and others referring to it. Forgot to put in screen name. Thanks!
Hopefully Marcy, Jane and the rest of the FDL’ers set their laser beams on the Aipac/Rosen/Franklin trial coming up in June. Would like to see them blogging from that trial.
HI everyone,
Can I cut in here and ask a slightly off topic Libby question of the lawyer types: A caller on a local LA Air America call-in show said that Libby was given bail only until sentencing. He said that the judge did this deliberately and that Libby will have to serve time after sentencing while they try to appeal the case. He also suggested that such a situation would push the Bushies to consider an earlier pardon which they will be loath to do. Is this true? Did Walton do this? Or is this guy full of BS. What are you thoughts?
Larry Johnson on Ms. Rhodes– they are both on a serious tear!
Thanks for the wrap-up Jane and Marcy. You all did a top notch, professional job. I learned a lot! Continue to be good!
OT: Given the egregious BS that the WaPo publishes, why is any Democratic Congressman still subscribing to the rag? This would be between 1000-2000 subscriptions and a loss like that would devastate their business model even if it carried no additional collateral damage. Imagine if every office and staffer discontinued their sbuscriptions. That might be as many as 10,000 cancellations.
the questions….why would a man like libby ruin his life this way……there’s going to be a coup….or he knows he’ll be taken care of….or what, exactly….why would he take this course……
Furthermore, there has developed a media parlance that claims “the Wilsons” were critics of the Iraq War.
No!
AMB. Wilson was the critic. His wife was not criticizing anything. She was quietly doing her job, and when the WH decided to go after Wilson, she was collateral damage.
The media has now lumped her into her husband’s story, and it is simply is not true.
Hugh @ 4:30,
# 31 Jack Abramoff.
Re: Whether Plame’s recommendation preceded the OVP request or not.
They’ve gotten that from one of the exhibits in the trial: The CIA briefing at which Cheney asked for more info was on February 13. Plame’s memo was written on February 12.
But Cheney was briefed by someone else (DIA) before he was briefed by CIA. And we know DIA asked for more information.
In other words, the first request from Cheney likely came via DIA, rather than CIA, and in plenty of time for Plame’s memo.
Also note that Tenet et al wouldn’t put Cheney’s “Defense [Feith] and State [Bolton] also asked for the information in his statement, so he likely knows that Cheney requested three times via three different channels.
You guys did a great job covering the trial! Is it true that if Libby is pardoned that he would have to testify in any other grand jury (for example if Cheney was indicted) and not be able to take the fifth?
And
30. Marginalization of the UN
31. 2000 Presidential election
32. 2004 Presidential election
33. Attempts to torpedo the 911 Commission
34. Failure to implement 911 recommendations
35. Cooked intelligence and the Office of Strategic Plans
36. Preventive war doctrine
37. Loss of US reputation internationally
38. No serious attempt to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians
39. Underfunding of basic research
40. Alberto Gonzales
41. FDA: RU 486; drug testing
42. Denial of global warming
43. Rampant cronyism
Scarecrow at 33 says:
Speaking of fighting a war on seven fronts, we’re already at two, maybe soon to be three and the Pres is on his way to South America. Who knows what kind of trouble he’ll stir up down there. We live in very scary times!
Hugh @ 93
Overwhelming. I vote we pass a law that says no Administration will be allowed to have more than 25 scandals at once.
44. Gale Norton
Hugh at 66
Lets not forget Abramoff and the contacts he had in the Department of the Interior — there’s already been at least 2 resignations there.
And what about Doug Feith — since his activities were not (according to the Pentagon IG) “unauthorized”, it’s about time to investigate who did authorize his activities. I’ll bet there are some cockroaches under that rock.
I certainly understand the jury’s viewpoint that Scooter should not be jailed. They know that he lied and that he obstructed justice but they also saw enough evidence of a far greater crime committed by Rove, Cheney and others, which are going unpunished.
This was precisely Fitzgerald’s contention, that Libby’s actions had prevented others from facing the gravest of crimes – treason.
I hope Congress can sift through the mountain of evidence and begin hearings into the Plame scandal. Fitz hinted that there is enough evidence to get people to testify under oath and hopefully spill the beans.
Realistically, this will not happen until Libby realizes he is going to jail and will not be pardoned for at least a year – that should make him cop a plea, as it were.
Wells, Jeffres, Scooter, Mrs. Libby – if you read this, cop a plea with Fitzgerald and testify against the real criminals, Scooter will be hailed as an American hero.
Speak the truth Libby, your country and your family deserve no less.
To add to Hugh’s fine compendium:
42. Not firing “anyone who leaked.”
Hardball is spending half the time debating a pardon. Kate O’ says Scooter should get a pardon cause he’s not guilty and the juror says he should be a pardon even though he is guilty. Question for the judge: must they agree on the reason for granting the pardon, or can they have different, conflicting reasons? Sheesh.
emptywheel @ 91
Interesting. Thank you emptywheel for your analysis. The Republicans sure do like to spread their talking points. I wish you guys were on the tube refuting this stuff with the facts at hand instead of the talking heads we have. It annoyed me that the juror didn’t think Libby should go to jail, but if it was some poor guy up there on the same charge, nobody would think twice about sending him to jail.
Once again, great job Jane & Marcy. To follow up on your comments, the VP & Scooter put politics ahead of national security long before the outing of Valerie Plame. Indeed, there may have been no need for this outing had they not been guiltily aware that Joe Wilson was bringing attention to a subject that they did not want scrutinized. If, our two White House friends were responsible for enhancing intelligence to make the case for war, Scooter is no fall guy. If that did happen, Scooter was a full partner, and it does not behoove him to talk to anyone, cause perjury is probably the lesser offense. Anything else just doesn’t seem to make sense -no one risks a felony charge and loss of attorney credentials to protect their boss. There’s much, much more to this and oh yeah, the Democrats must call for further investigations. One thing I’m sure of Scooter is no martyr, no fall guy and for sure not a scape goat. He got here all on his own as stated in your post.
45. Opening the borders to Mexican trucking companies.
46. Illegal arrests at the packing plant.
47.Hiring the guy at immigration who committed murder
So far,47 reasons to put impeachment ‘on the table’.
Max Kudos to FDL.
I still think many are missing the elephant in the room. When Valerie returned from her missions she probably reported to the directorate of operations. She was probably running her previous area of operations. Upon her outing , all her contacts, cultivated sources (read spies), and her cover company was also outed. George Tenet would have never referred this to the department of justice if it had not brought great harm to the agency. This is what really makes my blood boil. Nobody is reporting the harm to the the agency.!!
I liked Matthews’ retort that a pardon, by definition, is only given to people who have committed crimes and are by definition not innocent, sort of shutting Kate up for a bit. He offered to re-read the definition to her. I also liked his own distinction between “scapegoat” and “fall-guy,” and had a good laugh when he said, “I think that’s a brilliant distinction.”
FDL just absolutely rocks! Where would we all be without people like you holding so many criminal elements accountable? It is truly astounding that this country has come to the point where it takes the tireless work of the Janes, Marcys, Christys, Pachs, et al to remind us of what we have at stake. My hat’s off to you all…take good care. You are all my “Man of La Mancha”.
I just want my damn jacket back. :)
And FDL – BRAVO! Love those PoliticsTV clips. This is what democracy and informed citizenry should be all about.
My biggest problem with the juror’s “Libby seems like a good guy” is that he didn’t testify so how does she know?
Ann Redington on Hardball said Libby should get a pardon and she hopes he does. Not impressed with her overall. She seems to be into it for her 15 min.
Sigh…
I am a simple Canadian lurker who has steadfastly followed FDL and company from their very inception…I am in awe of the work, collegiality and communal spirit of this site…BUT….
Isn’t it time to start coordinating your efforts and use the darn RICO legislation for this Republican organization and its enablers?…
Just a question that I have raised from time to time and over time I see that the thought seems to make people laff…I still do not see the humor in the situation as this Republican machine has rolled over your country and almost looted it completely….
Can’t you guys find one person, say like Spitzer or someone to clean those rats up?….
I know I know…it is a silly suggestion I know….
Fly-by, if redundant, bears repeating.
Exactly so, Jane. Listening to Ol’Beirne’s lyin’ eyes spinning in her head as she scrambles to justify “pardon” which she totally does not understand on Hardball, I’m agreeing with the juror that there’s a bunch of others who should’ve been there. The right is busy tossing sand now, desperate for a Libby pardon so this will all go away and move on. From what? What are they so terrified–to the point of near hysteria–about? What else is out there?
These guys are war criminals. Premeditated, too.
Swopa @ 109
That i can’t do, but i can send you the sleeves if you want.
gosh. jane and marcy you did such a marvelous job on this PTV spot. saw the photos that Pat_AlexVA put up today with you two so prominent. very cool. I’m still buzzed from the verdicts. I was just so worried about what might have been had Libby been acquitted (it COULD have happened). didnt want to face that future. now the future is bright. Congress needs to step up. John Conyers has been waiting for this moment all his life. I’m sure he will step up. we have much work to do. I only hope we can ALL live up to your expectations and the examples you have set.
Don’t forget that these jurors had a narrowly presented case to them. The Libby trial was not about the war or even whether Valerie was covert. So it’s understandable that an uninformed person could think Libby “is a nice guy”, especially since as human beings I’m sure many of them feel sorry for sending someone to jail.
Hopefully, they will educate themselves now that they can read about the case.
Countdown scores again! LOL
http://www.thestranger.com/blo…..lter_likes
but the sleeves are still on the jacket in the photos?!?!? are they being held hostage?
Here is a topic that Marcy and Jane should focus on.
High-Fivers and Art Student Spies
What Did Israel Know in Advance of the 9/11 Attacks?By CHRISTOPHER KETCHAM
03/07/07 “Counterpunch” — – On the afternoon of September 11, 2001, an FBI bulletin known as a BOLO – “be on lookout” — was issued with regard to three suspicious men who that morning were seen leaving the New Jersey waterfront minutes after the first plane hit World Trade Center 1. Law enforcement officers across the New York-New Jersey area were warned in the radio dispatch to watch for a “vehicle possibly related to New York terrorist attack”:
White, 2000 Chevrolet van with ‘Urban Moving Systems’ sign on back seen at Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ, at the time of first impact of jetliner into World Trade Center Three individuals with van were seen celebrating after initial impact and subsequent explosion. FBI Newark Field Office requests that, if the van is located, hold for prints and detain individuals.
This is at Information Clearing house
At 3:56 p.m., twenty-five minutes after the issuance of the FBI BOLO, officers with the East Rutherford Police Department stopped the commercial moving van through a trace on the plates. According to the police report, Officer Scott DeCarlo and Sgt. Dennis Rivelli approached the stopped van, demanding that the driver exit the vehicle. The driver, 23-year-old Sivan Kurzberg, refused and “was asked several more times [but] appeared to be fumbling with a black leather fanny pouch type of bag”. With guns drawn, the police then “physically removed” Kurzberg, while four other men – two more men had apparently joined the group since the morning – were also removed from the van, handcuffed, placed on the grass median and read their Miranda rights.
I can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work in reporting on the Libby trial and making sense of it. You have put the MSM to shame.
I clearly remember listening to the Watergate hearings when I was in grad school and supposedly working on my thesis. This whole fiasco makes Watergate look like kindergarten.
The reporting that you have done has been absolutely spectacular. I’m a junkie! I’m hooked! I refer everyone I know to your site. And I have just made a contribution. Keep up the good work!!!!
Lindy @ 156
Heh. Not so much in advance of data as reasoning on a single, and ambiguous, data point.
But given all the previous speculation on Harriet’s thoughts about Scooter’s self-abnegation in favor of Cheney, it seemed like something worth commenting upon.
Bustednuckles @ 105
what scares me are all the ones we don’t know about yet.
On KO now: Why is O’Donnell so sure that Congress won’t take this up?
I noticed in one of the comments that Lou Dobbs of CNN is asking about any apology to Valerie Plame and Joseph Wilson. I have been asking since the verdict. When are journalists on all network news shows, Today, Meet the Press, MSNBC, CNN, CBS, and ABC going to press the White House or Tony Snow for an apology. When???? Firedoglake needs to make this an issue along with all of us who read Firedoglake.
Thanks!
BWall
The History Channel has a series right now about the Dark Ages and makes the point that the Roman Empire trained its allies with the fighting skills they’d need to defeat the Romans themselves.
Iraq? Lessons of history much?
oooops, History Channel reference > Barbarians, not Dark Ages. Sorry.
OK, here’s is the revised list. I’ve tried to include as many of your suggestions as I could.
1. Walter Reed
2. Fired US attorneys
3. Scooter Libby/Plamegate
4. Iraq: just the beginning, middle, and yet to be end
5. Afghanistan and the resurgent Taliban
6. Iran and saber rattling
7. North Korea and the curious uranium program
8. Osama bin Laden, where are you?
9. Civilian contractors
10. The Military Commissions Act: torture, indefinite detention, the end of habeas corpus, and kangaroo courts
11. Katrina aftermath
12. NSA wiretapping
13. SWIFT surveillance of financial transactions
14. Black prisons and extraordinary rendition
15. Homeland Security
16. K Street Lobbyists, Jack Abramoff
17. Kyle “Dusty” Foggo and the CIA follies
18. Duke Cunningham
19. Tom Delay
20. Mark Foley
21. Cheney and Energy Policy
22. Tax cuts for the wealthiest
23. Global warming: refusal to join Kyoto, denial of manmade origin, continued reliance on fossil and carbon based fuels, little movement on CAFE standards, conservation
24. Terri Schiavo
25. Budget deficits
26. The stacking of the federal judiciary
27. Medicare
28. Medicare Part D
29. Healthcare (in general)
30. Cooked intelligence and the Office of Strategic Plans/ Doug Feith
31. 2000 Presidential election
32. 2004 Presidential election
33. Attempts to torpedo the 911 Commission
34. Failure to implement 911 recommendations
35. Marginalization of the UN
36. Preventive war doctrine
37. Loss of US reputation internationally
38. No serious attempt to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians
39. Underfunding of basic research
40. Alberto Gonzales
41. FDA: RU 486; drug testing
42. EPA: mercury levels for coal plants
43. Porter Goss and the gutting of the CIA
44. Militarization of intelligence
45. Rampant cronyism
46. Signing statements
47. Unilateral Executive doctrine
48. Overuse and abuse of the National Guard and Reserves
49. Increasing unpreparedness of US ground forces
50. US balance of trade deficit
51. 2005 Grassley Bankruptcy bill
52. Mexican cross border trucking and safety concerns
53. Karl Rove’s security clearance and no firing of Libby co-conspirators
54. Detention of families for immigration violations
55. The Patriot Act; the Patriot Act extension
The juror(this is the woman on the jury that cried) Chris Matthews interviewed tonight Anne Reddington referred to Libby as a “ton of fun”. Jesus Libby is up to his neck in Iraqi blood and she called him a ton of fun. This woman needs to read more. She said she felt real affection for Libby. Scary
Matthews referred to Fitzgerald as “virginal”
Per entry # 66,
I have a suggestion for all the great informative staff at FDL, this might take a full-time person……
A suggestion is to compile a library of information, click here for a page of links on this issue, click here for links on that issue. We have all benefitted from learning from you at FDL, real information and getting it out there so anyone can learn about that list of scandels. I am finding in my community people want information. An “on-line library” of links could be great.
Thanks for all you have done!
On Olbermann, Collins all but read Republican talking points. Approximate quotes: “Maybe Plame wasn’t covert.” “I wouldn’t have any problem if President Bush pardoned Libby.”
He was followed by Lawrence O’Donnell, who promised there would be no congressional investigation and no impeachment.
DOESN’T ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH LYING, PERJURY, AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE?
I am deeply disappointed in Collins and O’Donnell. This is the kind of thing that Republicans would deride as “situational ethics” if it were a Democrat.
Topanga-lib @ 84
It is true that the judge gave Libby bail until the sentencing hearing. However, at that time the judge can either decide to extend the bail during appeal or not extend the bail and make Scooter start serving time immediately. As I understand it, the judge’s determination of whether or not to continue bail is largely dependent on how Walton weighs the odds on the success of the appeal. If Walton believes that the grounds for appeal are poor, he may decide to discontinue bail and require that Scooter start serving time immediately after the sentencing hearing. If he believes that the defense has a compelling case on appeal, he can allow Scooter to remain free pending the appeal.
kathleen @ 129
Reddington’s response to the ‘virginal’ comment was funny. She looked shocked and then had to supress a laugh when she said ‘No! Not at all.’
If Libby had told all, he would have made it so there was no ’sand in the umpire’s eyes’. Other, bigger fish would be available for questioning, charging, trying.
I don’t get the “Libby is so nice, he should be pardoned” people. He may indeed have presented a sympathetic face to the jurors—but what about Valerie Wilson and her family? Her contacts? Our whole human intelligence network that depends upon secrecy, and not outing our own people for heaven’s sake?
This is important.
Hugh @128 – my word…that’s a lot of scandal. What was it that Shrub said when he was appointed as preznit the first time around? Something about changing how the White House operates?
Hugh – Maybe add
Daily Kos: HUGE! Bush Guts Posse Comitatus, Grabs National Guard …
Anne Reddington also said that she thought Fitzgerald reference to “a cloud hanging over the Vice President” as rhetoric. This woman really needs to expand her base of information.
Go watch the interview at MSNBC
kathleen @ 129
That “ton of fun” statement is really pissing me off. Also, Dennis (juror #9) on Countdown… these people were careful not to speculate about things while they were deliberating the narrow facts and charges in this case.
But now they are on TV speculating that they weren’t tasked with deliberating the “underlying crime” because “maybe she wasn’t covert” and this is why he should be pardoned.
DB to jurors: STFU.
So, today it sounds like at least two jurors forgive Scooter.
Is this common — jurors convicting someone, then suggesting that a pardon would be a good thing? I don’t recall ever seeing that before, though I do remember a recent case in which there was juror remorse when they found out the length of the sentence the convict was facing.
Anne Reddington = wingnut?
Thank you Jane. Thank you Marcie. Thank you Jeralyn. Thank you Pachacutec, and anyone who supported the effort to inform about the Libby case. You’ve made a huge difference. Those who visited FDL, The Next Hurrah, TalkLeft and Needlenose are better informed about the important issues of the case than those who depended on the corporate news media for good information.
kathleen @ 129
Did she decide he was a ton of fun from listening to his grand jury testimony?
kathleen @
129
I think taking the jurors on because of their impression of Libby is a bit much. They were presented with a picture of him during the trial and that’s what their feelings are based on. They convicted him and it seems like the fact that they lean toward a pardon is because they think other, more powerful people, have walked.
Oh my god I used to have a tiny bit of respect for Kate Obeirne. No longer. This woman is out of her fucking twisted mind. What a hypocrite! Go watch the Matthews interview
I don’t expect a crushing sentence from this group. Are there mandatory guidelines?
Fiyero @ 123
Just a guess: It seems a lot of reporters believe that their seriousness is defined by their level of resignation and cynicism. There is no fight left in them, because they have seen too much. It takes a Murray Waas to say, “even though I may lose, it is my job to expose this and hope the public will fight back, but they can’t do this unless I do my job.”
Kate is charged with bearing the burden of wingnuttery tonight. She is embarassed to be sayin that shit- but it’s what was in the fax so—–
Pat Buchanan splits the COVERT issue
” Valerie Plame, the wife of Ambassador Joe Wilson, who was outed as a CIA “operative,” was no longer covert and had not been so for half a decade when her name was pushed out of the White House to the press. Joe Wilson, her husband, target of the White House vendetta, yet contends that not only was her career destroyed, a crime was committed — and that is why the CIA demanded an investigation. “
BUT nails the larger significance
” That larger issue is this: Were we misled, were we deceived by our government, as the White House made the case for invading and occupying Iraq? Did neoconservatives at the Pentagon cherry-pick the intelligence, stovepipe it to the vice president’s office and Libby, and then feed it to sympathizers and collaborators in the media, to stampede our country into a war against a nation that, no matter how odious its regime, did not threaten us, did not attack us and did not want war with us? “
And larger still
Is it all being repeated with respect to Iran!
Ans as to Edwards et al who are regretting their Irak vote
the Latin proverb applies
Sic Rhodis Salutis
Pretend Iran is Irak revisited show us how you would do it again.
I’m still amazed at the flotilla of right-wing apologists that make it on the pundit shows. Libby was convicted convicted (not convicted) convicted convicted. Matthews asked 60 Grit directly ‘is perjury a crime?’ yes ’should Clinton have been impeached’ of course ‘do you think Libby committed a crime’ he didn’t lie ‘you do admit he was convicted of perjury by a jury of his peers’ Libby’s case was different, he didn’t admit his guilt. Clinton admitted his guilt…
How pathetic!
JGabriel @ 122. Hope you are blowing the horn. We can only hope that “the wife” is pissed and gets her husband to put the shiv in the boss’ back.
jgabriel @122
From Dana Milbank’s Washington Sketch, “Free Fall For The Fall Guy”
Just after noon in the sixth-floor courtroom, when the jury forewoman read the first guilty verdict, Libby briefly closed his eyes. While she read the other counts — he was guilty on four of five — Libby looked at his lawyer Ted Wells, who rubbed his chin. Libby’s other lawyer, Bill Jeffress, exhaled deeply.
Libby’s wife, Harriet Grant, was not as composed. In the first row of spectators, she hunched over and shook. A young member of Libby’s defense team put his arm around her shoulders. After judge and jury left, Grant went over to hug her husband with a furious look on her face. Three reporters heard her say what sounded like, “We’re gonna [expletive] ‘em.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..01998.html
I know we’ve speculated some on how Harriet Grant must feel about this — in particular how she feels about Scooter going down for Shooter.
Anyhow, the “We’re gonna fuck’em” quote, raises, I should think, some pretty interesting questions. Mostly, who’s “them”?
The jury? Makes no sense.
The prosecution? Maybe… but that doesn’t make a lot of sense either. What could Grant, or Team Libby, have on the prosecution that would “fuck’em”?
Which pretty much leaves the Cheney and the Bush administration.
Libby certainly has enough info on the Bushies to royally screw them over, probably enough to give whole new meaning to the term ‘droit de signeur’. Is it possible that the reason Cheney didn’t testify on Scooter’s behalf is because *Cheney* declined, and the defense didn’t want to push it?
That might piss off Harriet.
Obviously, this isn’t proof of any kind, but it looks like Scooter might be seriously considering a turn-about on the Bush administration. Or at least that his wife might be pushing the idea.
Comments? Anyone?
yeah, i noticed……and it keeps goin’ over and around my brain–what are they gonna tell their kids? when daddy goes off to the farm, when they enter college, then the workforce…..this level of yuppie leaves a path of future paved free and clear to the offspring……not so, now…no longer a clear route of nepotism…that’s gotta be an issue…..a huge issue……remember, it is personalized, obviously not a social conscience issue here, is totally a microcosmic view family……i wondered who they’re talkin’ bout too……..will be interesting to see won’t it? yeah, he has future employment, but his kids are gonna fry for him if he goes that route.
and another thing i keep wanting to mention-
all of the tucker carlson talk, do you not remember when he was guided into the talk commentary by his MOTHER as a point/counterpoint cutesy thing? on every talk show that would take them?????????
she is a dem……she fed her spawn to the masses as much as his father does…….and funny, she’s not on any shows anymore. wonder if she realizes the harm she did……
We better get used to the 15 min. of fame/jurors on TV parade.
My inner cynic says it’s the way of the world these days.
One wishes they would have done their civic duty and STFU but then there’s American Idol.
We’re ALL celebrities !
musicsleuth @ 149
I wished Tweety asked O’Beirne, “So, you are against the death penalty, too, right? Since so many people convicted of murder claimed they were innocent?”
Hugh @ 128
Can we add the pathetic attempt(s) to privatize Social Security? I know they failed miserably, but I wouldn’t want to lose sight of this one.
phillydem @ 38
My concern precisely.
JGabriel @ 122
Reasoning in advance of data *g*. About the only thing WE can do is watch to see what shakes out. Of course, the “them” could be the American people, but then that makes no sense either. They’ve already fucked us, and the kiss was cursory (Christianists, I’m talking to you. How’s that political power thing working out for you?).
Father: Richard W. Carlson (Los Angeles news anchorman, later VOA Director)
Mother: Patricia Caroline Swanson (stepmother, heir to the Swanson frozen-food fortune)
Brother: Buckley Carlson (Executive VP, right-wing PR firm McCarthy Communications)
Wife: Susan Andrews Carlson
Daughter: Lillie Carlson
Daughter: Hopie Carlson
Daughter: Dorothy Carlson
Son: Buckley Carlson
High School: St. George’s School, Newport, RI (1987)
University: History, Trinity College, Hartford, CT (attended, no degree)
Esquire Regular Contributor
Talk Regular Contributor
Atlantic Monthly
Policy Review Editorial Staff
The Weekly Standard Reporter
Reader’s Digest Columnist
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Editorial Writer
Rape Louisville, KY (2001), according to lawsuit, no charges filed
TELEVISION
Crossfire Co-Host (-2005)
Unfiltered
Hardball with Chris Matthews Panelist
MSNBC
Author of books:
Politicians, Partisans and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News (2003, autobiography)
and Hugh, can we change #25 to Ginormous Budget Deficits. Bu*h has really outdone Reagan on this one.
I was watching MSNBC this afternoon (Tweety, I think) when Kate O’Bierne came on. The Repugs have really been polishing their talking points. Not only was Scooter’s prosecution purely political; not only was there “no underlying crime”; but the CIA itself was wrong to ever refer the [treasonous] Plame outing to the FBI for investigation; that was just bureaucratic infighting. My head would no doubt have exploded if I had not turned off the TV and gone for a long walk.
ralphbon @ 155
Me, too.
Is anyone watching Olbermann? Max Blumenthal from The Nation is going to be on talking about Coulter, CPAC, and the Reich Wing’s new Gay Prostitute Spokeswhore.
Forgive me for not knowing where the group is now as i have tried hard not to check in and still haven’t.
I’m hearing that the jury IS coming foprward to say that CHANEY is who they wish they were trying. They fell robbed with getting just little old Scooter.
I thihnk that this is terribly importannt and I hope that other jurors will speak out.
As a smaller point, I’m pleased that Keith Matthews has taken all this so personally and seems to be trying to unmask the White House talking points. We need a senator as well.
And, I’m so happy to see that conservatives (people who believe in the Bill of Rights, the need for fiscal control and reason, a strong military, truth in government, the value of EVERY human being are seeing all this for what it is. Remember that Nixon left office because Senator Goldwater told him to resign… we don’t need a majority or super-majority to get these folks out of town! We need the “base” to realize that they have been backing a self absorbed loser!
TRex @ 160
I’m watching, sorta. Is a GPS a good thing, or a bad thing?
Scarecrow @ 163
Bad, bad. Very bad. Especially since the word I’m getting is that he’s now claiming to be an “Ex-Gay” success story.
A few thoughts about some of the comments the jurors:
I have mixed feelings about both the jurors we’ve seen so far, and have been struck and underwhelmed by some of their comments (like that Libby seemed like “a ton of fun”), but also admiring their dedication to look at the facts, be methodical, and come to the conclusions in the way they did.
NOT to totally defend them, but he way I see it, the jury was screened to keep out people who knew much of anything about the whole affair or who were clearly biased (and it was hard to find them). If you’ve followed the news even semi-carefully the last 3 years, you’re going to know about something about the leak case. If you don’t know much about the leak case, that might say something about your general exposure to news/scandals/plots for power or profiteering through unjust wars, etc… My impression of both jurors who have gone on camera is that they’re averagely uninformed (despite the one being a former reporter), but when shown facts pertinent to the case, they got the case right and began to suspect something was afoul in the WH and the OVP – which may very well have been a first for them (which it wouldn’t be for any of us). All they heard directly from Libby was 8 hours of a soft-spoken guy on tape, whose voice tapered somewhat when he lied, and all they saw of him was a mild-mannered, stoically smiling gentleman – amongst some other witnesses’ anecdotes his about his good throwing arm and his generally human nature. So I kind of “get” the jurors, even though I don’t share all their thoughts or assessments.
Also, Collins’ quote tonight on KO about not knowing whether Plame was covert (which has been this huge, fallacious Republican talking point) is understandable b/c they were specifically not allowed to see evidence on that point.
Bad for THEM, right?
TRex @ 161
I linked to the story upthread. Rod Majors LOL
It’s almost comical watching the “Most” girl try to do KO work.
Fiyero @ 165
Well put.
LoudounLib @
140
Irrelevant. Unless she becomes a spokesperson for the Libby Pardon Fund, and/or gets a job with Comstock and Toensing. But it’s irrelevant. I take the attitude that jurors no longer have anything to add after they say ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’.
The videos were great, and I hope they become a regular feature.
The PoliticsTV guys, Dan and David, said the full collection of Libby Trial videos totalled up around 200,000 views.
That Jane, Marcie and the whole FDL team did great work has been said in lots of ways. A camera in the courthouse would have shown it. They never stopped. Jane by herself typing on one of the marble benches in the hall- Marcie knocking out a quick broadcast on verdict day -’justice was done’ – hitting those self-imposed posting deadlines to keep the site humming.
Marcie gives an Iraq vet now writing for the Wall Street Journal a copy of her book. Jane hands her laptop to a soccer mom from Ohio to post a few paragraphs.
Jane and Marcie side by side in the media room, David Schuster one row behind, David Corn just to the right, Amy Goldstein from Wapo just beyond- no one further to the left. You’d notice Jane types the way she talks- the concentrated attention to the computer screen (or the person), the instantaneous response, fingers speeding with the rhythm of an intense conversation, slight toss of her head as if hearing a bit of music, and a snap of the wrist sends off another comment to 200,000 K of us every day. Marcie seems to be scanning a document, she points out a sentence to Jane, they smile for a moment and don’t stop working.
Thank you again.
Hugh at 127:
Has anyone mentioned Dubai Ports deal, which I don’t think is solved even yet?
Eureka Springs, AR @ 136
Eureka Springs, did you find the link to Major Danby’s open letter to voters, dated March 7?
Fiyero @ 165
I understand why they would be ignorant and why they would have sympathy for Libby. I just wish they’d stop speculating on television about things they don’t have a clue about… and stop suggesting that he should get a pardon based on that speculation.
Lindy – sorry that link does not work.
Hugh, here’s another: Failure to prevent looting of Iraqi explosives and ammunition (cf Al Qa’qaa).
Coulter porn. Ew.
Please forgive me if this has already been asked and answered, but someone said today that Bush could pardon Libby and then if Libby keeps quiet, Cheney would be off the hook. Is that true?
Andrea Mitchell on Countdown pumping up the new Jenna Bush book about an HIV-poz Panamanian mother.
Can we have Jenna come visit for an FDL Book Salon, please? I would like to ask Jenna if her main character is HIV-poz because of her own father’s abstinence-only HIV prevention programs in developing countries.
Would everyone be happier if they had let him off and disliked him?
Hugh- I don’t know what number your list is up to now, but “underfunding of basic research” is a pretty mild statement about BushCo.’s misuse and abuse of science. That could add 100 plus points of light to the list.
This is from just one page of Union of Concerned Scientists web site, here, which has text, but also great graphics.
snip ~~evidence of political interference
The A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science
In recent years, scientists who work for and advise the federal government have seen their work manipulated, suppressed, distorted, while agencies have systematically limited public and policy maker access to critical scientific information. To document this abuse, the Union of Concerned Scientists has created the A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science.~~~
Griffin @ 170
Well done. Nice imagery.
I will be happy with President Pelosi in June. *s*
TeddySanFran @ 179
That would be fun! Sharpen the knives!
I’d add coverup of certain TANG documents, such as documentation about why a certain physical was not accomplished. Small beer compared with such grave things as loss of a great American city, and institution of torture as official policy, but certainly enough to justify impeachment under Clinton Rules.
ralphbon @ 175
And the looting of the museum, comparable to the burning of the Library of Alexandria.
If the Wilson’s Civil Suit isn’t axed (Right Wing talking point – National Security!!!!!) what are the chances FDL would blog that trial? In a civil suit Cheney and Libby can claim the 5th .
raven @ 180
Good point. Let them have their fifteen minutes. They worked hard for it, and batted .800 for Fitz.
Just watch the Hardball video on C&L of Matthews slapping down Kate O’Beirne. I thought he did a good job on her. He was certainly better prepared than she was.
Another Ann Redington tidbit- when asked about Wells’ tears- she said he was just caught up in the moment. I take it from Denis’ story on huffpo that there was bonding and tears shared among the group, so they had some form of empathy or understanding wrt Wells tears.
Ann said she was not political, but when pressed by Tweety, refused to identify (or guess) the political leanings of the other jurors.
Marcy, I was showing off a copy of your book (adorned with a post-it-sticky saying, “Buy the book”) today, to several folks at a local seminar.
It was pre-recognized by some (;->), & others asked, “Have you read it?” I had to be honest.
Inexact transcript: ‘Yes, parts of it, but I was [practically connected by IV to the blog FDL, yes, THE blog, being steeped in not only the facts of the trial but all the surrounding aspects of the whole situation] for – I forget how long — forever.
Yes. I always mention you, Marcy, and Jane as founder and head of FDL, and Christy’s extraordinary analyses – every chance I get, plus touting the wonders & wisdom of the variety of posters and commenters.
I simply can’t wait to go back and high-five a certain dear, formerly-cranky-to-everyone lady at a local bookstore who helped dig thru a whole lotta stuff to find my copy of the Marcy book months ago – she smiled for the 1st time in my memory, as I bought it. Seems like years.
BRAVO to you all. Just, WOW!
“THE blog” – YOU BET!
Now back to work, pestering congress & MSM & candidates for whatever they think they’re aiming at, neighbors, & whoever else appears as a potential target for whatever I can whip up in the way of nudging us all along twd REAL democracy.
-writing in kind of a hurry, & probably epu’d anyway. just hope some of this makes sense-
I do hope you all feel secure in the feeling that you truly accomplished what you set out to do with this extraordinary effort.
And yes, on to tomorrow. Take it from a gray-hair. It’s never gonna stop. So we might as well keep marchin’ along… This is one of those special times when that’s just plain FUN! ;->
TeddySanFran @
179
More like pimping the book.
Am I the only one who’s not bothered by the jurors saying they think Libby should be pardoned? They’re making it LESS likely he’ll be pardoned, not more. They’re basically saying that Libby only broke the law because he was following Cheney’s orders. That’s pretty damning. It’s a bit hard to pardon four felonies because the jury feels that the Vice President of the United States is MORE GUILTY than the defendant.
Lindy @
156
Shit, my post at 122 got fried when I was responding to this one. Oh well, I’ll just EPU it. It was posted late in the thread anyway.
tsf heart max
HE MENTIONED TREX!!!!
trex mentioned on KO!!
TRex!
TRex mentioned on Countdown by Max Blumenthal.
TREX IN THE HOUSE ON KO!
TRex! Gets a shout-out on Countdown!
“TRex at Firedoglake” just got a mention on Countdown about the gay prostitute story.
omg we can all say we knew TRex when….
It’s good bad but not evil!
TRex Hits KO!!!!!!!
Wow!
Congrats!
Did scarborough really say ‘i’ve seen those pictures many many times’?
As a long time lurker I just want to say that your coverage of this case has been a real coup. Amazing work. I feel like I’ve watched you evolve and grow and even though I don’t know any of you I feel so proud of you all.
Mainly, I just want to say I hope you keep looking into the future for more ways to get involved. I loved the video reports. I know and trust you as correspondents, and I would love to see more, no matter what you decide to cover.
Marcy’s final thought really put it into perspective, though. This isn’t about the blogs, or citizen journalism, this is about the fate of our country. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
For the moment, however, feel free to bask in your glory! Great work everyone!
hee-hee! TRex!
I can say I heard it live!
BREAKING: Conservative Republicans embrace porn stars!
musicsleuth @ 206
Yes.
Jane, Marcy you rule. Not to go off topic but…T-REX Rules! as Max Blumenthal just spoke, GLOWINGLY, of T-Rex at FiredogLake..
R O A R
Thank you all for your amazing work.
ADam
Hello TRex? Did you jump up and down and destroy the studio with your tail?
Hugh,
How about:
Know-nothings censoring scientists (Big Bang just a theory)
Claude Allen stealing from Target
Bush admits lying about having decided to fire Rummy
Armstrong Williams and paid propagandists
I’ll think of more
Scarborough says the “I” word!!
TiredFed @ 153
I agree with you about what a terrible thing it would have been had he succeeded, but I also think we need to draw careful distinctions when constructing such a list. Politicians should be entirely free to propose horrifically bad policies, and then watch as those proposals die flaming deaths upon scrutiny by the public. They should not be free to betray CIA agents, engage in voter intimidation, violate laws such as those establishing the FISA system, unconstitutionally suspend habeas corpus, etc., etc., etc.
A system in which we actually made it illegal for politicians to propose destroying Social Security wouldn’t be much fun.
Scarborough segued from Wingnut gay porn star to “White House under seige.” Hmmm, shouldn’t the name “Jeff Gannon” be mentioned next?
pseudonymous in nc @ 170
But you notice many of ‘em insist on adding it anyway.
They should perhaps be mindful of the Mark Twain quote, you know, the one about opening your mouth & removing all doubt etc…
It’s been fun to be the Forrest Gump of the Libby trial, just on the edge of the story. Now I watch tv news and think, sure, I met her/him last week at the trial. The msnbc people totally rock.
Now I look at Marcy on Democracy Now and think about what kind of feedback will help her meteoric rise as a media star. [psst—more lipstick]
I observe the kinds of support available—which were heroic—and the necessary support which was not articulated and not sought, but still needed. Food for thought.
Much longer ramblings about food, Plamehouse, and my history of unusual political involvement over at egblog. A toast to investigations!
Frank Probst @ 193
Good point. The right’s argument is sure to be, “See!? Even the jurors want to give him a pardon!” Correct argument: “His actions are thrown into `pardonable’ relief only by worse criminal actions committed by those who work for the guy who does the pardoning – and maybe the guy himself.”
TRex? KO?
Must read.
CONGRATS BIG GUY!!! Loveya!!!!
TeddySanFran @ 201
I’ve heard of him.
TRex, step up and take a bow!
Pat Buchanon would follow Bush into hell. He’s almost there.
Scarborough broaches the question: is it time for Cheney to step down?
AZ Matt & che
Haven’t had a chance to read much tonite, but caught your stuff just before my earlier one at 191.
I also saw the Tweetie/O’Beirne/Redington stuff. I thot Redington did a good job, & maybe Tweets even asked her to hang around a 2nd hr. (possibly to “help” him handle the notoriously ascerbic & bull-headed O’Beirne????) Whatever, it worked, to some degree. Redington was such a fabulous example of a good juror, following instructions to the letter & filing her own and others’ emotions appropriately, that she did a magnificent job of de-fusing whatever O’Beirne was planning in the way of mayhem.
I never heard O’Beirne be so quiet & respectful of anyone before – heh.
Redington, and the other juror, Denis [?], I thot, said a lot of things that might argue against filing an appeal, or even issuing a pardon, because both stressed very honestly how the overwhelming nature of the evidence was undeniable, and had to be held paramount in importance, irregardless of emotions.
Extraordinary people!
musicsleuth @ 205
Yes, and that he thought it was very open for the GOP to “embrace” the guy. The sub for KO asked, “do you really mean ‘embrace’? Have you seen the pictures?”
Scarborough quoting Redington from Hardball right now.
scrub @ 82
As the poster now at No. 43, I’d like to know if it is my post or an earlier one that you are asking be deleted.
[Mod note; we were pretty confused as well and, without any additional information, left well enough alone.]
Will somebody tell Scarborough that knowing about Armitage did not equate to getting to the bottom of the investigation?
OldCoastie @ 208
I don’t have TV so what was the Trex comment about and in what context? Inquiring Minds Want to Know!
Moe99 – It was scrubs accidental anon post at the time.
neurophius @ 227
Yeah, and she said she doesn’t know if she has a valid opinion but she would liketo see him pardoned. Keel haul her!
AZ Matt @ 230
He referenced Trex’s take on hypocrite repubs.
AZ Matt and egregious – Max Blumenthal of the HuffPo was on KO and gave a hat tip to TRex.
Trex @ some number I forgot:
“Reich Wing’s new Gay Prostitute Spokeswhore”
you really have a way with words!! still laughing…
YEEE HAWWWWW!!!
I heart Max Blumenthal, too.
Ladies, he’s on your team. I asked.
I always wanted to date a guy named “Max”.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 175
Preview is my friend. Try this one.
No mention of the “Ex-Gay” success story”.
C&L has John Gibson’s wingnut 3 minute comment up. Spewwwwwwwwww! An Anti-War Cabal in the CIA, Ooooooooooooh!
Jane’s upstairs with a new thread.
Fun, thanks.
Jane–you’re upstaging yourself by playing to Marcy instead of the viewer and it’s often hard to understand what you are saying, too fast and somehow not projected.
A fan.
AZ Matt, here’s the quote from Max Blumenthal tonight on KO:
“Several gay bloggers, for instance Trex at Firedoglake, have talked for years about the existence of sort of a gay Republican underground railroad, that’s funneled people like Jeff Gannon and Corporal Matt Sanchez from the fringes of the adult industry into the core of the conservative movement, and they’ve played an influential role in the backlash politics of the conservative movement and the Republican party. And that’s really what’s relevant here. It doesn’t matter inherently that he [Sanchez] was a gay porn star; what matters is that he’s a hypocrite who’s advancing the ideological homophobia of the right and helping them exploit this homophobia for political gain.”
Well said. And go TREX!!!
Jane and Marcy, thank you very, very much for blogging and vlogging the trial. Unlike the Congress, you can say that you have done your duty as American citizens.
You guys really looked and sounded great, wonderful, human rapport and interplay. The final point about the justice system is so right on and well articulated.
Great job, ladies!
Frank Probst @ 193
I have no problem joining you!
My main thot, besides joining with you to agree such expressed emotions serve to damn the higher-ups even more strongly, is to think the sympathy expressed by the jurors also serves to justify their decision to convict. Both, that I heard said the FACTS were simply overwhelming and undeniable, pointing to “Guilty!”
How can Wells even think of appeal, except to hope to count billable hrs. for pretending to think about it?! Heck. He’s already played the cry card. What’s he got left?
just came in watching scarborough will catch KO at midnight – trexxxxxxxxxxxxx lol ure my late-night read!! i cant get enough of FDL!! i try to read all posts on fdl causing my newspaper reading to fall by the wayside…………….
Hugh @
66
How’s about the 2000 and 2004 elections?
dmac at 81:
Thanks.
And what about an apology to everyone who was a Brewster Jennings person ? And, damnit, how about an apology to everybody, period. Yeah, right. I’m not holding my breath.
Just checking back while I fix dinner.
Thanks Grayslady for answering my question. I wish Walton would hold Libby’s feet to the fire and put him in Jail during the appeal. Maybe it will make him talk. But that is just wishful thinking on my part. There is a women who lives on my parents block in Georgetown that was convicted during the Reagan Adm and she still hasn’t gone to jail. Such it the reality of GOP power.
Lindy – Thanks. At this point that may be a bright look from the future…*sigh*
Fiyero @
124
Agreed. I was wondering what the heck he was talking about.
Oklahoma Kiddo, how do you feel about Hillary?
moe99 @ 43
And this woman is a lawyer. WTF???? I guess obstruction, perjury and outing a covert CIA agent are a okay if you’re a “nice guy.”
Pulitzer Prize winning reporting and leadership from the Citizen Journalists oraganized by firedoglake and the amazing Jane Hamsher.
Thank you for a job so very well done!
I hope we’re not in EPU territory yet– I just saw this news (below) and am hurrying to put it on the right thread, even if there are two newer ones upstairs.
Here’s the start:
Here’s the rest of it.
Hope springs eternal…
Bob in HI
TeddySanFran @ 179
GOOD POINT
I can’t get a fax to Reid to go through. Is there a number besides 202-224-7327?
Just a delurker letting you know that I have purchased Marcy’s book at Amazon. FDL is like PBS or NPR.. ..”And payed for by people like you.” Is it just me, or is the tension rising as it did so magnificently and ominously during the Watergate era? Hmmmm.
You guys were heroes….for more than one day.
Excellent, excellent, excellent work.
I’m a political trial junkie going back to Watergate. But because of FDL’s spellbinding coverage, this one was very different. “Must read” is an understatement. It’s more like “must read – as soon as freaking possible”. You guys changed it – there’s no going back now. Bravo!
Rob Zuber @
80
The Wingbats ignore the fact that Cheney already had the DIA’s analysis of the CIA Report one week before Cheney told his CIA briefer what the CIA was doing to look more into the matter! This suggests that Cheney may have already contacted Tenet or McLaughlin and asked for original information (raw data rather than analysis).
At the same time the Pentagon and the State Department appear to have been pressured to act…all within the same week. This hardly seems to be spontaneous! Even though nothing of note relating to factual material emerged that week. The only “trigger” was the release of the CIA report and the DIA’ analysis of it. Cheney gets it in early February (BEFORE Plame’s write up of her husbands credentials that was requested by her boss) = then all hell breaks lose with cables to the US Embassy in Niger from the State Dept. and the sending of 4-star General Carlton Fulford…and the CIA sending Wilson.
sifting through @
256
Bob Schacht @
254
thanx for that bob – a very nice antidote to all the posts citing lawrence o’donnell stating congress wouldn’t pursue this on countdown tonite. i have great respect for his opinions, so it was chilling when i heard him say it.
soon after i wrote my congressman – turns out he’s (hinchey) the one pushing hardest for it. yes!
now i can go to bed feeling the same lightness of heart i felt last night after the verdict.
best ~
Thanks again to the FDL team for your very memorable, excellent, and historical coverage of the Libby trial. Onward, to the civil trial and Congressional hearings!
Quite frankly I’ve found this Libby business very complicated, and a bit boring. Thankfully, Stephen Colbert explains it to me in this video:
http://minor-ripper.blogspot.c…..rdict.html
Go Marcy, Jane & Fitz!!!
Jane, Marcy, et al. — Can’t thank you enough for the phenomenal coverage you have given to the Libby case. Just popped you a little love via my credit card, but felt a proper written thank you was in order. Ok, I’ll go back to quietly lurking now…