How cool was that, firedoggies? Wednesday afternoon, Connecticut Senator and presidential candidate Christopher Dodd vlogged at FireDogLake about his Amendment to this summer's Defense Authorization Bill. We had a great dialogue, thanks to your terrific questions, Dodd Squad blogger Matt Browner-Hamlin's excellent reading of our questions, and Senator Dodd's thoughtful and considered responses. For me, the video and audio worked great — for those of you with challenges, try watching the vlog again, or check out egregious's excellent transcriptions, starting about comment number 202.
Senator Dodd took a brave stance during the frustrating vote on the Supplemental Warbill, one I think got Senators Clinton and Obama to vote against the bill. Early on, he made clear he'd vote against the bill and challenged other Senators to join him. Teefs-n-Tufts Biden voted for more war, more death, more occupation. But Barack — and finally, Hillary — voted with Dodd to oppose the President. Dodd proved that you don't have to be an ex-Senator to show leadership to end BushCo's disastrous Iraq occupation.
Senator Dodd made clear during his dip in the Lake that he's not done fighting to end America's misadventure in Iraq. He'll introduce an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill, coming to the Senate floor in June. The Dodd Amendment will:
Immediately begin redeployment of U.S. combat troops.
Set a firm deadline for completing redeployment by March 31, 2008.
Provide no additional funding for combat operations after March 31, 2008.
Hold the Bush Administration accountable during the redeployment period by requiring the Secretary of Defense to regularly report to Congress on the drawdown of forces.
Institute measures that would make funding within the redeployment period contingent on the progress of phased redeployment.
Restore the readiness of the military, Reserves and National Guard by transferring portions of monies that would have been available for combat activities.
Sounds good to me. Let's help Chris Dodd end the Iraq occupation. Most of all, he needs co-sponsors and he needs them now. Let's make sure our Senators arrive back from their Memorial Day work period with lots of emails and phone calls from their constituents with this subject line: PLEASE CO-SPONSOR SENATOR DODD'S AMENDMENT.
You may well know that I've made another choice for President in 2008, but I think this kind of Senate leadership needs our support and our help. We're past presidential politics on this. We need to turn the ship of state, and Senator Dodd's on the right path to do that. Please ask your Senator to join him.
Update: Matt Browner-Hamlin talks about his vlog session on Colin McEnroe's show here.
TSF! sorry to go OT so soon, but could you look out for an email from me as soon as you have a minute? Has to do with the way the House votes were registered- remember that?
I firmly believe that the issues of peace in the Middle East and global warming trumps all other issues.
Health Care has to be high on the list
There are many issues which crowd my brain. Health care for all is at the fore. But I link no wars and pollution (global warming) with health care. Actually I am a strong advocate of so called ’socialized medicine’. ;0)
When I emailed my Senators, I asked that they provide a specific reply about their intention to join Chris Dodd as a co-sponsor. I’m hoping to bypass the standard boilerplate that obtains when one checks the box that says “Iraq War.”
Good for Dodd, huh? What were the other democrats thinking. I just heard on Air America that General O (can’t remember) is now saying that Petreas may not be able to give the congress a report in September, because some of the “surge” just arrived and it takes a few weeks to train them. Surprised?
Oh. It was just Dobbs remarking on Jeb Bush and Ken Mehlman from something they said about the immigration bill. Still, that’s the first I’ve heard about either of them for a while, and that is not a good sign.
The impression here is that Senator Dodd would make a strong president. The Senator is articulate, has courage, and knows the value of peace.
So what’s the negative stuff that the press and the repubs will say about him?
Hi Cassie!
They don’t have to say much about him at all. They are concentrating their ammo against Hillary, Obama and Edwards, with Richardson also getting attention.
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
O/T. “Chimpy urges new green house gas goals.” I just saw the most surreal series of exchanges on BBC world News. First a WH hack was trying to convince a skeptical BBC newscaster that Chimpy is really interested in the environment and felt Kyoto was too weak or something and that our emissions have been lowered in the U.S. Then a Greenpeace person (also American) is interviewed and talks about what a sham Bush has been, always will be, etc. etc. I wish they had the video of that exchange on the site. It’s so surreal it’s worth a watch. Highly recommended 4 stars.
Is it just my impression, or has Sen. Dodd’s flirtation with the netroots started to influence his campaign positions? Everyone knows that to win the primaries, you have to appeal to the (Democratic) base, as part of a strategy for dealing with Iowa and New Hampshire.
I think Dodd has been casting about for a strategy to break from the pack of also-rans into the front tier (Clinton, Obama & Edwards). He clearly doesn’t have much strength in Iowa, and should show better in New Hampshire, but unless he breaks into the top 3 in NH, how’s he going to stay alive?
One answer might be that if he can rally the national netroots sufficiently, he might do better than predicted in the rapid-fire big primaries (including California) in the second month of primaries. He doesn’t have the money for a media campaign on the Left Coast, so what can he do?
Maybe that’s where we come in. With our help, he stays alive. Without our help, he’s dead in the water. That said, I think his views on the war and Habeas Corpus are genuinely held, and he deserves credit for those things. He’s also been out front on Vote Reform, although I’m not sure that he’s always riding the right pony in that race. On issues of substance, he certainly deserves a hearing.
Good for Dodd, huh? What were the other democrats thinking. I just heard on Air America that General O (can’t remember) is now saying that Petreas may not be able to give the congress a report in September, because some of the “surge” just arrived and it takes a few weeks to train them. Surprised?
Odierno another one with torture all over his medals.
Is it just my impression, or has Sen. Dodd’s flirtation with the netroots started to influence his campaign positions? Everyone knows that to win the primaries, you have to appeal to the (Democratic) base, as part of a strategy for dealing with Iowa and New Hampshire.
I think Dodd has been casting about for a strategy to break from the pack of also-rans into the front tier (Clinton, Obama & Edwards). He clearly doesn’t have much strength in Iowa, and should show better in New Hampshire, but unless he breaks into the top 3 in NH, how’s he going to stay alive?
One answer might be that if he can rally the national netroots sufficiently, he might do better than predicted in the rapid-fire big primaries (including California) in the second month of primaries. He doesn’t have the money for a media campaign on the Left Coast, so what can he do?
Maybe that’s where we come in. With our help, he stays alive. Without our help, he’s dead in the water. That said, I think his views on the war and Habeas Corpus are genuinely held, and he deserves credit for those things. He’s also been out front on Vote Reform, although I’m not sure that he’s always riding the right pony in that race. On issues of substance, he certainly deserves a hearing.
Bob in HI
IIRC Tim Tageris is working for Dodd. Tim ran the blog for Ned Lamont and is well known and well liked by our crew. It makes sense that Dodd’s campaign would be blog savvy with Tim on board.
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
I heard the same piece.
Clearly a victim of the War on Reason.
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
PS. Dodd’s stance on simply voting, period, caught my attention and now with his voting against Bushie Boy on the occupation, he’s a break-out candidate in my mind.
Sounds as if Clusterfuck is doin the delay thing- trying probably to postpone any action at all on Iraq until very late in the year- or even 08 if possible. Next line of defense will likely be “We’re adopting Baker-Hamilton- so we gotta wait an see how THAT works…
Can he postpone any meaningful action until he leaves office? I wouldn’t have thought so- but he’s doin OK with the delay game so far.
Senator Dodd has shown some real leadership on Iraq.
Who are you supporting, if I may ask?
John Edwards. But I think Dodd’s in a better position to influence the sitting-Senator PrezCandis than Edwards is, and I applaud the moves he’s made to do just that.
When Edwards makes a strong anti-war statement, TradMed often derides it, saying “It’s easy for him, he doesn’t have to cast a vote.” Dodd’s being a leader — announcing his votes, casting them proudly, and coming up with a Plan B (his Amendment) when we’re dispirited and downcast after last week.
I like what I see. I’d like to see him break into the front ranks. He deserves a shot at being taken seriously. In his attempts to seem serious, though, he can come across as angry-guy. Not crazy-angry like OldLord McCain, but a little angry.
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
I heard the same piece.
Clearly a victim of the War on Reason.
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
He’s either a tool, or dumber than Doug Feith.
Does that mean that the bushies MADE him say it’s not a problem?
Won’t do me a damn bit of good, though. My senators are Dodd…and Lieberman.
Guess I’ll just have to write your senators, huh?
I dunno. Try having Cornyn and Hutchinson.
I’m thinking of writing the senators in the other states I’ve lived, pointing out that I am a former constituent but that I have friends and/or family still around able to vote for them. That would allow me to expand to MA, CT, NY, IL, CO, HI, AL, KY, and FL. Not that the last 3 would be any more effective than my current critters.
PS. Dodd’s stance on simply voting, period, caught my attention and now with his voting against Bushie Boy on the occupation, he’s a break-out candidate in my mind.
Ugh – I have friends in Burlingame. I’ll have to tell them to get their town smudged.
The Dodd vlog was great. It would be nice to get some of the others to come visit, but I imagine it’s up to them…
Cassie – how was the swim?
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
TO: Senate Democrats, Republicans, and “American Idol” viewers across the nation.
1. You. Punk. Ass. Pantywaisted. Bitches.
2. You had a chance. You could have put your money where your mouth is–could have put some ass behind all those claims of “favoring an end to war.”
3. And you fucking choked.
4. Let me explain something to you. Your children; your spouses; your lovers and friends and parents and CONSTITUENTS are hostages to this war. They’re dying for a conflict with no concrete objective. They’re losing marriages and childhood moments to a neverending cycle of extended tours. Their equipment, their morale, is stretched thin. And some of them–those of us smart enough not to buy the fucking hype–were counting on you to find your fucking testicles and put an end to this shit. We were counting on you to save us from ourselves; to find a way to put us to use serving our country in ways perhaps more effective in rebuilding our nation.
NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani rented out a room at the Sheraton Thursday for an endorsement by former FBI director Louis Freeh. Much will be made of Bill Clinton’s FBI chief backing Rudy.
Freeh worked in the New York FBI office when Rudy was the U.S. attorney of the Southern District, so they go way back. Freeh excoriated Clinton in his 2005 book, so there’s no love lost there.
What’s worth noting here though, is how much this room looked like 1999 all over again. Giuliani’s coterie of close associates who were part of his City Hall team were all here. There were one-timers, Tony Carbonetti, Giuliani’s top aide, and Communications Director Cristyne Lategano (now Nicholas) . Across the room was Giuliani’s Corporation Counsel Michael Hess. Former Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen was leaning against the wall. In the front row? Richard Schwartz — a senior advisor who worked both in Rudy’s government and his campaigns. Over there Richie Scheirer who ran Rudy’s Office of Emergency Management. I could go on.Rooty Toots
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
He’s either a tool, or dumber than Doug Feith.
Does that mean that the bushies MADE him say it’s not a problem?
I don’t have direct knowledge, but global climate change denial is clearly political, not scientific.
The Bushie policy – until today – has been to deny climate change.
Whether of not the Bushies made him, I believe Griffin’s choice was political.
Good for Dodd, huh? What were the other democrats thinking. I just heard on Air America that General O (can’t remember) is now saying that Petreas may not be able to give the congress a report in September, because some of the “surge” just arrived and it takes a few weeks to train them. Surprised?
Odierno another one with torture all over his medals.
I don’t have a very high opinion of Petraeus but Odierno I have come to detest. I go back and forth between whether he is stupid, deceitful or both. You really have to try and understand the nasty little game he’s playing. The goal of Congress is to finish the Defense Appropriations bill before October 1, the beginning of the government’s fiscal year. By pushing a “complete” evaluation of the surge past September Odierno looks like he wants to lock in funding for the war for 2008 before he says anything definitive about how the surge is going. Well, I’m willing to help you out here, Ray. The surge by any factual, real world metric is a failure. And see, you didn’t even have to wait until September.
Odierno another one with torture all over his medals.
I don’t have a very high opinion of Petraeus but Odierno I have come to detest. I go back and forth between whether he is stupid, deceitful or both. You really have to try and understand the nasty little game he’s playing. The goal of Congress is to finish the Defense Appropriations bill before October 1, the beginning of the government’s fiscal year. By pushing a “complete” evaluation of the surge past September Odierno looks like he wants to lock in funding for the war for 2008 before he says anything definitive about how the surge is going. Well, I’m willing to help you out here, Ray. The surge by any factual, real world metric is a failure. And see, you didn’t even have to wait until September.
Hugh, until we read it in a peer reviewed journal, we’re not fit to judge – we’re not experts, after all.
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
I heard that interview this morning and was trying to figure out who it was.
His point, such as it was, was who are we to decide what Earth’s optimal climate should be? Philosophically, its a legitimate question, but politically, the translation is, “We don’t care if millions of people in Bangladesh will drown or become refugees. They’re not our kind.” It also avoids dealing with the fact that the whole world wants to deal with it except China and the US, so Griffin’s philosophy also translates as, “If the Chinese don’t do it, we won’t either.”
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
O, Lordy, I think your Aunt Betsy just had a heart attack…
Won’t do me a damn bit of good, though. My senators are Dodd…and Lieberman.
Guess I’ll just have to write your senators, huh?
I think Brisigman had a great idea for postcards in one of the early morning threads. It was a flag draped over a coffin. Maybe we can all send one of these postcards to HoJoe. Just think if 1000 CT constituents sent a postcard like that it would be a pretty impressive statement.
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
I heard the same piece.
Clearly a victim of the War on Reason.
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
He’s either a tool, or dumber than Doug Feith.
They had a truly surreal exchange on BBC over Chimpy’s new environmental “goals”. I hope they put up a video tape of that segment later. I guess I mentioned it @21
Hugh, I couldn’t agree more. Odierno first and foremost needs to be frog marched for war crimes.
BTW, You mentioned the US is not a signatory of a particular international court yesterday. Could you ease my mind a little and tell me there is at least an international court out there that could handle the likes of Odierno and Bush an Cheney etc. etc. if we ever get a chance prosecute?
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
O, Lordy, I think your Aunt Betsy just had a heart attack…
The egregious kinder would try to complain by saying, you don’t remember what it’s like to be a teenager, my response was, I remember EXACTLY what it’s like to be a teenager, which is why you are not allowed to do [whatever].
Hugh, I couldn’t agree more. Odierno first and foremost needs to be frog marched for war crimes.
BTW, You mentioned the US is not a signatory of a particular international court yesterday. Could you ease my mind a little and tell me there is at least an international court out there that could handle the likes of Odierno and Bush an Cheney etc. etc. if we ever get a chance prosecute?
NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani rented out a room at the Sheraton Thursday for an endorsement by former FBI director Louis Freeh. Much will be made of Bill Clinton’s FBI chief backing Rudy.
Freeh worked in the New York FBI office when Rudy was the U.S. attorney of the Southern District, so they go way back. Freeh excoriated Clinton in his 2005 book, so there’s no love lost there.
What’s worth noting here though, is how much this room looked like 1999 all over again. Giuliani’s coterie of close associates who were part of his City Hall team were all here. There were one-timers, Tony Carbonetti, Giuliani’s top aide, and Communications Director Cristyne Lategano (now Nicholas). Across the room was Giuliani’s Corporation Counsel Michael Hess. Former Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen was leaning against the wall. In the front row? Richard Schwartz — a senior advisor who worked both in Rudy’s government and his campaigns. Over there Richie Scheirer who ran Rudy’s Office of Emergency Management. I could go on.Rooty Toots
Wonder what Judi and Mr Nicholas think about that? (my bold)
His point, such as it was, was who are we to decide what Earth’s optimal climate should be? Philosophically, its a legitimate question, but politically, the translation is, “We don’t care if millions of people in Bangladesh will drown or become refugees. They’re not our kind.” It also avoids dealing with the fact that the whole world wants to deal with it except China and the US, so Griffin’s philosophy also translates as, “If the Chinese don’t do it, we won’t either.”
I agree that his reaction was non-scientific. Also I have no idea what he means by optimal. We are moving into uncharted territory. The latest IPCC report suggest we could lose up to 30% of plant and animal species if the rise is above 2 degrees Celsius. In no analysis, do I see this as “optimal”.
Does that mean that the bushies MADE him say it’s not a problem?
I don’t have direct knowledge, but global climate change denial is clearly political, not scientific.
The Bushie policy – until today – has been to deny climate change.. . .
But he didn’t deny climate change; he just took issue with what should be done about it. So he tried to dazzle us by juggling several bright shiny objects.
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
O, Lordy, I think your Aunt Betsy just had a heart attack…
OT – KALW (SF public radio) had a pretty fair segment this morning:
On the Record: Hillary Clinton
What are the actual voting records of the people running for president? On the next Your Call, we begin our presidential election coverage without the spin or stump speeches. We’ll look instead at the decisions they actually made when the votes were counted. First up: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Did Senator Clinton move to the center from the far left as her critics claim? What does her voting record tell us that the beltway analysts aren’t? And what does who she hired for her campaign tell us about who she listens to? It’s Your Call with Rose Aguilar and you.
Since I don’t get to FDL as much as I’d like, and on dial-up at that, I want to heartily thank Egregious for the transcriptions. What a thrill to read it all, and I am mightily impressed with Sen. Dodd. Thanks to Jane and all of you who made this possible.
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
O, Lordy, I think your Aunt Betsy just had a heart attack…
The swishing pony-tails thing is pretty innocent by today’s standards. But effective. Suitable for use by adolescents. Much better than some of the alternatives. :~)
I don’t have direct knowledge, but global climate change denial is clearly political, not scientific.
The Bushie policy – until today – has been to deny climate change.. . .
But he didn’t deny climate change; he just took issue with what should be done about it. So he tried to dazzle us by juggling several bright shiny objects.
Bob in HI
Cause everyone knows we in America and the rest of the world are stupid enough to be dazzled by bright shiny objects.
But he didn’t deny climate change; he just took issue with what should be done about it. So he tried to dazzle us by juggling several bright shiny objects.
Bob in HI
The new shrub policy is climate change is simply bizarre. The shrubbies now accept that it is happening, accept that it’s bad, and then do whatever they can to undermine efforts by others to do something about it, continuing their opposition to mandatory cuts, their insistence that the poor in the third world should stay poor and stop developing before we give up even one SUV, threaten to sue the states to prevent them from regulating automotive emissions, trying to sabotage international treaties, and attempting to muzzle American scientists. Their dirty tricks are is still going on despite their “public” conversion. It’s really realy weird.
Top war crimes suspect captured in Bosnia, on way to Hague
Belgrade | May 31
AFP -
Zdravko Tolimir, pictured in 1996
�AFP/File – Hans Techt
The 58-year-old faces indictment for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys
A Serbian general counted as one of the top fugitives of the UN war crimes tribunal was being transferred to The Hague-based court late Thursday hours after his capture in Bosnia, officials said.
Zdravko Tolimir, one of the closest allies of the tribunal’s most-wanted man, former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic, was apprehended in a joint operation near the Serbian border by Bosnian and Serbian police, they said.
The thing about Dodd (and Edwards too and Kucinich) is by taking these important positions, leading on them, publicizing them and showing that they get attention, raise money, and *hopefully* poll well, the whole dialogue is shaped and pushed for the front-runners.
I don’t favor the current front-runners (I’m thinking Obama and Clinton), in spite of charisma ~ way too little content and way too much weakness.
No matter how far Dodd goes, this is *exactly* the kind of campaign I am looking for and if he can turn real action on Iraq into votes I’m all for that! And it’s an object lesson for all the others.
In a landscape where no one seems to be able to get their message together for crap, Dodd is totally refreshing. I don’t see how the repubs can keep up with him! All Good!
And, the NASA guy said (paraphrasing) who are we to say that global change would be *bad* for everyone … could turn out just fine for lots of people!!! (That’s was Randi Rhodes’ take on his pronouncements!)
Hugh, I couldn’t agree more. Odierno first and foremost needs to be frog marched for war crimes.
BTW, You mentioned the US is not a signatory of a particular international court yesterday. Could you ease my mind a little and tell me there is at least an international court out there that could handle the likes of Odierno and Bush an Cheney etc. etc. if we ever get a chance prosecute?
END THE GODDAMN OCCUPATION. I DO NOT SUPPORT ANTI-ARAB VIOLENCE. MURDER, MASS MURDER, STARVATIONS AND ALL CRIMES OF AN UNJUSTIFIED WAR. WE NEED TO WIN THE PEACE NOT THE WAR WITHOUT END.
If John Edwards’ hair cuts are fair media game, then in the interest of fairness, shouldn’t Mrs. Thompson’s “bright shiny objects” be fair media game too?
In his attempts to seem serious, though, he can come across as angry-guy. Not crazy-angry like OldLord McCain, but a little angry.
Did anyone else notice this in the v-logging?
Manly, yes, but I like it too!
Compared to the certifiable WH, I think we’re safe with Dodd. Perhaps we should insist on screening each candidate through e-harmony to rid ourselves of the truly insane stalker types and find one with deep compatibility with the Constitution.
If John Edwards’ hair cuts are fair media game, then in the interest of fairness, shouldn’t Mrs. Thompson’s “bright shiny objects” be fair media game too?
Hugh, II couldn’t agree more. Odierno first and foremost needs to be frog marched for war crimes.
BTW, You mentioned the US is not a signatory of a particular international court yesterday. Could you ease my mind a little and tell me there is at least an international court out there that could handle the likes of Odierno and Bush an Cheney etc. etc. if we ever get a chance prosecute?
Let’s look at an historical precedent (via Wikipedia) and see how the Nuremberg tribunals were established: Nuremberg Trials
(snip)
Creation of the courts
At the meetings in Tehran (1943), Yalta (1945) and Potsdam (1945), the three major wartime powers, the United States, Soviet Union and the United Kingdom, agreed on the format of punishment to those responsible for war-crimes during World War II. France was also awarded a place on the tribunal.
The legal basis for the trial was established by the London Charter, issued on August 8, 1945, which restricted the trial to “punishment of the major war criminals of the European Axis countries”. Some 200 German war crimes defendants were tried at Nuremberg, and 1,600 others were tried under the traditional channels of military justice. The legal basis for the jurisdiction of the court was that defined by the Instrument of Surrender of Germany, political authority for Germany had been transferred to the Allied Control Council, which having sovereign power over Germany could choose to punish violations of international law and the laws of war. Because the court was limited to violations of the laws of war, it did not have jurisdiction over crimes that took place before the outbreak of war on September 1, 1939.
The restriction of trial and punishment by the international tribunal to personnel of the Axis countries has led to accusations of victor’s justice and that Allied war crimes could not be tried. It is, however, usual that the armed forces of a civilised country issue their forces with detailed guidance on what is and is not permitted under their military code. These are drafted to include any international treaty obligations and the customary laws of war. For example at the trial of Otto Skorzeny his defence was in part based on the Field Manual published by the War Department of the United States Army, on 1 October 1940, and the American Soldiers’ Handbook. If a member of the armed forces breaks their own military code then they can expect to face a court martial. When members of the Allied armed forces broke their military codes, they could be and were tried, as, for example, at the Biscari Massacre trials. The unconditional surrender of the Axis powers was unusual and led directly to the formation of the international tribunals. Usually international wars end conditionally and the treatment of suspected war criminals makes up part of the peace treaty. In most cases those who are not prisoners of war are tried under their own judicial system if they are suspected of committing war crimes – as happened the end of the concurrent Continuation War and led to the war-responsibility trials in Finland. In restricting the international tribunal to trying suspected Axis war crimes, the Allies were acting within normal international law.
(snip)
(I have omitted references to footnotes appearing in the original article.)
His point, such as it was, was who are we to decide what Earth’s optimal climate should be? Philosophically, its a legitimate question, but politically, the translation is, “We don’t care if millions of people in Bangladesh will drown or become refugees. They’re not our kind.” It also avoids dealing with the fact that the whole world wants to deal with it except China and the US, so Griffin’s philosophy also translates as, “If the Chinese don’t do it, we won’t either.”
I agree that his reaction was non-scientific. Also I have no idea what he means by optimal.. . .
He doesn’t either, but that makes it a convenient stalling tactic.
If John Edwards’ hair cuts are fair media game, then in the interest of fairness, shouldn’t Mrs. Thompson’s “bright shiny objects” be fair media game too?
Only if we want to stoop to that pathetic level
We won’t have to. Just make the popcorn and watch Lord Dobson have a go…
Teddy San Fran – The video wont work for me. Did flip for mac help your troubles on Saturday? If so I’ll keep trying to figure it out. And per Dodd and looking angry, I get your point..though healthy anger at this point is practically unavoidable, imo. And anger sure speaks to a lot of Republicans who may be getting close to flipping in ‘08. (just a thought)
END THE GODDAMN OCCUPATION. I DO NOT SUPPORT ANTI-ARAB VIOLENCE. MURDER, MASS MURDER, STARVATIONS AND ALL CRIMES OF AN UNJUSTIFIED WAR. WE NEED TO WIN THE PEACE NOT THE WAR WITHOUT END.
Hey Big Brother, we hear ya!
One minor request: Please do not use the term “win the peace” though. THis is an insidious twist of language appropriated and misused by the Witch of MoveAmericaForward. ITA with the rest of your post. Hear, hear! Let’s just get out.
I will give the Republicans as good as they give. If these guys want to get down and dirty, fine. You just know the GOP machine is cranking up to smear Senator Clinton. And I am up for the fight.
If John Edwards’ hair cuts are fair media game, then in the interest of fairness, shouldn’t Mrs. Thompson’s “bright shiny objects” be fair media game too?
Teddy San Fran – The video wont work for me. Did flip for mac help your troubles on Saturday? If so I’ll keep trying to figure it out. And per Dodd and looking angry, I get your point..though healthy anger at this point is practically unavoidable, imo. And anger sure speaks to a lot of Republicans who may be getting close to flipping in ‘08. (just a thought)
It worked for me…I could not see the vlog on Saturday but watched the live vlog yesterday after downloading flip 4 mac. Although I also had earlier downloaded another widget someone pointed me to called Perian…
dakine01 – Thanks, I am on a cel phone internet connection 300 to 500. That may be my limitation. But I couldn’t tell if flip was helping or not.. I am not a computer person, which is why I like mac. lol
The US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute which created the International Criminal Court. Under the articles of the Rome Statute, those who can suggest charges to the Court’s Prosecutor are a state signatory to the Statute, the Security Council, and the Prosecutor on his/her own.
A state which is signatory to the Statute can go to the ICC if the crime in question happened on its territory, a vessel, or aircraft.
Herein lies the problem. I could be wrong on this but it is my reading of the Statute that Brazil for example could not accuse Bush of war crimes in Iraq. The only country that could do so would be Iraq and because of the convoluted political, military, and diplomatic history between the two countries it is unlikely that Iraq even if it were a signatory could or would lodge a complaint against Bush and company.
A signatory country could I suppose make a complaint if one of its nationals was a victim of a crime in Iraq covered by the Court but such a complaint could probably involve the specified victim or victims. This is already far afield from what most people would consider a war crimes charge for what has happened in Iraq and at this point the political and diplomatic repercussions for such a tangential charge would come seriously into play. It is hard seeing the Court taking up such a case. If there was much interest in doing so, it could have been done sometime ago.
In his attempts to seem serious, though, he can come across as angry-guy. Not crazy-angry like OldLord McCain, but a little angry.
Did anyone else notice this in the v-logging?
Manly, yes, but I like it too!
Compared to the certifiable WH, I think we’re safe with Dodd. Perhaps we should insist on screening each candidate through e-harmony to rid ourselves of the truly insane stalker types and find one with deep compatibility with the Constitution.
Dodd’s looking good so far.
I like Dodd, but I think he can improve on “personability”– that is, in making a connection with people. For example, between questions, he avoided eye contact, and looked down at his papers, instead of looking directly at the camera, with a friendly “you’ve got my attention” expression.
Also, while his answers were good content-wise, they were on the wonky side. He could benefit by using more human interest stories to fortify his points. And a little humor. Did he ever smile? The lack of humor made him seem a bit stiff.
It would help to use family photos more up front. If you go to his website, there’s no family on the first page. To see his family, you have to go to his bio page and then scroll down below the fold– and then all you get is a black and white photo. He needs a color version of that photo, with a caption stating what year it was taken, and the names of his wife and kids. That photo would also help deal with the age issue– he has more white hair than anyone else in the race, which makes him look oldest. But a photo with his young kids would bring him back into more comfortable range.
I intend these as positive suggestions– I surely hope so, because I want him to do well, and break into the upper tier.
A bit EPU’d, but a question I should have asked the Senator:
If nominated for President or VP, will he resign his Senate post, so his replacement can be elected in November 2008, rather than appointed by the GOP Governor of CT, which would give CT two GOP Senators.
Ok, I can’t wait to see Hillary and Obama and Richardson start replicating his completely novel “common sense and honesty” approach. Some wise friend must’ve whispered in this guy’s ear, “The American people aren’t idiots; try talking to them as equals, and be HONEST!…”
How cool is that, you ask? THE COOLEST! What is even cooler is listening to a politician and candidate actually give answers to questions instead of the usual double speak. I love what you have done here. Please keep it up!
We don’t hear from any of these candidates or congress people about a COMPLETE withdraw from Iraq, even after March 2008.
We are building that huge embassy and huge military bases. Obviously Bush never had a plan to leave Iraq, ever.
Tony Snow is now saying Bush would like Iraq to be like another South Korea where we have military stationed for the past 50 years.
When are we going to get some truth from these liars?
Dodd is a hard one to figure. He looks good now, but in Clinton’s admin he turned on the Dems and helped to impeach Clinton, also sold out to the corps. That’s the trouble with the Dems, they always eat their own to pander to the corps.
.. If the Democrats are really Serius, they need to quit playibg politics and act in their beliefs. CUT THE FUNDING and then accept the accountability no matter what happens next.. OR SXHU the Heck up!.. We might need Term limits and a Third Party to get the country back on track… look at the cast of characters we have in DC.. One votes for a WAR without redaing the Intel… Another makes suppoting statements on Immigration without knowing that what he was promoting was NOT part of the Immigration plan… What have we got????
I firmly believe that the issues of peace in the Middle East and global warming trumps all other issues.
Health Care has to be high on the list
Might want to consider Social Security and Medicare.. as TOP priorities?? and.. How about ENERGY?? Is there a short term need for additional oil drilling and refineries in the USA while viable alternative energy sources are developed???
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
He’s either a tool, or dumber than Doug Feith.
Does that mean that the bushies MADE him say it’s not a problem?
It doesn’t have to be exclusive, either, he can be BOTH. He’s in the Bush administration, after all.
There should be something in there about fixing the National Guard up again, and making sure the preznit can’t freaking get his hands on them, most certainly not for foreign occupation!
I mean, while I’m against the lraq war, was always against it, at least military volunteers volunteered for this. Nat’l guard volunteers? Not so much.
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If Gore choose not to run, Senator Dodd and Edwards are the ones I am leaning too.
Teddy!
I firmly believe that the issues of peace in the Middle East and global warming trumps all other issues.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 3
Health Care has to be high on the list
Good for him! We need peace and not to be occupying some other country. And torturing people and stuff.
TSF! sorry to go OT so soon, but could you look out for an email from me as soon as you have a minute? Has to do with the way the House votes were registered- remember that?
Hi Teddy!
JPL @ 4
There are many issues which crowd my brain. Health care for all is at the fore. But I link no wars and pollution (global warming) with health care. Actually I am a strong advocate of so called ’socialized medicine’. ;0)
TeddyBaghdadbytheBay!!
OT
Economic growth for the first quarter of 2007 was revised down from an abysmal 1.3 to an even worse 0.6%. That’s Bush’s strong economy for you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06…..ref=slogin
When I emailed my Senators, I asked that they provide a specific reply about their intention to join Chris Dodd as a co-sponsor. I’m hoping to bypass the standard boilerplate that obtains when one checks the box that says “Iraq War.”
Teddy! I was missing you on the front page.
Good for Dodd, huh? What were the other democrats thinking. I just heard on Air America that General O (can’t remember) is now saying that Petreas may not be able to give the congress a report in September, because some of the “surge” just arrived and it takes a few weeks to train them. Surprised?
The impression here is that Senator Dodd would make a strong president. The Senator is articulate, has courage, and knows the value of peace.
Uh, oh. On Lou Dobbs coming up, Mehlman and Jeb Bush (they’re Baaack…)
Oklahoma kiddo @ 13
So what’s the negative stuff that the press and the repubs will say about him?
Oh. It was just Dobbs remarking on Jeb Bush and Ken Mehlman from something they said about the immigration bill. Still, that’s the first I’ve heard about either of them for a while, and that is not a good sign.
SnarKassandra @ 15
Hi Cassie!
They don’t have to say much about him at all. They are concentrating their ammo against Hillary, Obama and Edwards, with Richardson also getting attention.
O/t -
From the Department of YCMTSU (You Cannot Make This Sh*t Up):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..01743.html
Another OT,
ABC just had a story about an NPR interview today with NASA Administrator Michael Griffin in which he said that global warming may not be a problem we have to deal with. James Hansen NASA’s top climatologist said his jaw dropped when he heard this since it ignores all the science that has been developed to date on global warming.
Is Michael Griffin trying to show he’s even goofier than the previous Administrator Sean O’Keefe?
Hi, Teddy.
Senator Dodd has shown some real leadership on Iraq.
Who are you supporting, if I may ask?
I’d love to help Dodd.
O/T. “Chimpy urges new green house gas goals.” I just saw the most surreal series of exchanges on BBC world News. First a WH hack was trying to convince a skeptical BBC newscaster that Chimpy is really interested in the environment and felt Kyoto was too weak or something and that our emissions have been lowered in the U.S. Then a Greenpeace person (also American) is interviewed and talks about what a sham Bush has been, always will be, etc. etc. I wish they had the video of that exchange on the site. It’s so surreal it’s worth a watch. Highly recommended 4 stars.
Is it just my impression, or has Sen. Dodd’s flirtation with the netroots started to influence his campaign positions? Everyone knows that to win the primaries, you have to appeal to the (Democratic) base, as part of a strategy for dealing with Iowa and New Hampshire.
I think Dodd has been casting about for a strategy to break from the pack of also-rans into the front tier (Clinton, Obama & Edwards). He clearly doesn’t have much strength in Iowa, and should show better in New Hampshire, but unless he breaks into the top 3 in NH, how’s he going to stay alive?
One answer might be that if he can rally the national netroots sufficiently, he might do better than predicted in the rapid-fire big primaries (including California) in the second month of primaries. He doesn’t have the money for a media campaign on the Left Coast, so what can he do?
Maybe that’s where we come in. With our help, he stays alive. Without our help, he’s dead in the water. That said, I think his views on the war and Habeas Corpus are genuinely held, and he deserves credit for those things. He’s also been out front on Vote Reform, although I’m not sure that he’s always riding the right pony in that race. On issues of substance, he certainly deserves a hearing.
Bob in HI
RevDeb did you move yet?
Loo Hoo. @ 12
Odierno another one with torture all over his medals.
Bob Schacht @ 22
IIRC Tim Tageris is working for Dodd. Tim ran the blog for Ned Lamont and is well known and well liked by our crew. It makes sense that Dodd’s campaign would be blog savvy with Tim on board.
Hugh @ 19
I heard the same piece.
Clearly a victim of the War on Reason.
After his comment on global climate change, I waited to hear we had to return to the moon ’cause we’re out of green cheese.
He’s either a tool, or dumber than Doug Feith.
SnarKassandra @ 23
No. Not until mid to late summer. We’re back to square one looking at houses. Decided not to buy the one we made an offer on.
So far we have not yet sold our house (been on the market for a week) and don’t have a house to move to. Other than that, everything is great.
My biggest hope is that the move does not interfere with YKos in Chicago!
Great post, Teddy. Very good thing to do.
Won’t do me a damn bit of good, though. My senators are Dodd…and Lieberman.
Guess I’ll just have to write your senators, huh?
Teddy! So glad to hear from a firedog located on the left coast. Did you catch this?
Rudy in Calif
My world and welcome to it.
PS. Dodd’s stance on simply voting, period, caught my attention and now with his voting against Bushie Boy on the occupation, he’s a break-out candidate in my mind.
Sounds as if Clusterfuck is doin the delay thing- trying probably to postpone any action at all on Iraq until very late in the year- or even 08 if possible. Next line of defense will likely be “We’re adopting Baker-Hamilton- so we gotta wait an see how THAT works…
Can he postpone any meaningful action until he leaves office? I wouldn’t have thought so- but he’s doin OK with the delay game so far.
neurophius @ 20
John Edwards. But I think Dodd’s in a better position to influence the sitting-Senator PrezCandis than Edwards is, and I applaud the moves he’s made to do just that.
When Edwards makes a strong anti-war statement, TradMed often derides it, saying “It’s easy for him, he doesn’t have to cast a vote.” Dodd’s being a leader — announcing his votes, casting them proudly, and coming up with a Plan B (his Amendment) when we’re dispirited and downcast after last week.
I like what I see. I’d like to see him break into the front ranks. He deserves a shot at being taken seriously. In his attempts to seem serious, though, he can come across as angry-guy. Not crazy-angry like OldLord McCain, but a little angry.
Did anyone else notice this in the v-logging?
kirk murphy @ 26
Does that mean that the bushies MADE him say it’s not a problem?
Jane Hamsher @ 29
Have you re-registered from Oregon yet? They have a coupla Senators, I think.
TeddySanFran @ 34
Jane, you could write mine. TRex will give you the addresses..
Evenin’, everybody.
The Dodd vlog was great. It would be nice to get some of the others to come visit, but I imagine it’s up to them…
Cassie – how was the swim?
Jane Hamsher @ 29
I dunno. Try having Cornyn and Hutchinson.
I’m thinking of writing the senators in the other states I’ve lived, pointing out that I am a former constituent but that I have friends and/or family still around able to vote for them. That would allow me to expand to MA, CT, NY, IL, CO, HI, AL, KY, and FL. Not that the last 3 would be any more effective than my current critters.
via AmericaBlog
Bush Administration Negotiating with Terrorists. Who’d a thunk it?
do-si-do @ 30
Ugh – I have friends in Burlingame. I’ll have to tell them to get their town smudged.
Mutant Poodle @ 36
Good. Water is cold cause they just filled the pool a week ago, so mostly I just chatted with friends and swished my pony tail when cute boys were near. :)
Clearly on topic
By, Milo Freeman, SPC
United States Army, Iraq
If the shoe fits …
There’s more, click the link above
My Republican dream ticket: Rudy/Freddy.
NEW YORK — Rudy Giuliani rented out a room at the Sheraton Thursday for an endorsement by former FBI director Louis Freeh. Much will be made of Bill Clinton’s FBI chief backing Rudy.
Freeh worked in the New York FBI office when Rudy was the U.S. attorney of the Southern District, so they go way back. Freeh excoriated Clinton in his 2005 book, so there’s no love lost there.
What’s worth noting here though, is how much this room looked like 1999 all over again. Giuliani’s coterie of close associates who were part of his City Hall team were all here. There were one-timers, Tony Carbonetti, Giuliani’s top aide, and Communications Director Cristyne Lategano (now Nicholas) . Across the room was Giuliani’s Corporation Counsel Michael Hess. Former Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen was leaning against the wall. In the front row? Richard Schwartz — a senior advisor who worked both in Rudy’s government and his campaigns. Over there Richie Scheirer who ran Rudy’s Office of Emergency Management. I could go on.Rooty Toots
SnarKassandra @ 33
I don’t have direct knowledge, but global climate change denial is clearly political, not scientific.
The Bushie policy – until today – has been to deny climate change.
Whether of not the Bushies made him, I believe Griffin’s choice was political.
Eureka Springs @ 24
I don’t have a very high opinion of Petraeus but Odierno I have come to detest. I go back and forth between whether he is stupid, deceitful or both. You really have to try and understand the nasty little game he’s playing. The goal of Congress is to finish the Defense Appropriations bill before October 1, the beginning of the government’s fiscal year. By pushing a “complete” evaluation of the surge past September Odierno looks like he wants to lock in funding for the war for 2008 before he says anything definitive about how the surge is going. Well, I’m willing to help you out here, Ray. The surge by any factual, real world metric is a failure. And see, you didn’t even have to wait until September.
Jane’s popular tonight so far we have her writing letters to the Senators from GA, TX and Oregon. Did I miss anyone?
Hugh @ 45
Hugh, until we read it in a peer reviewed journal, we’re not fit to judge – we’re not experts, after all.
/s
kirk murphy @ 47
Well that and that Petraeus and Odierno are still making up the facts they are going to use.
JPL @ 46
Our senators here in Texas are right wing crazies.
Hugh @ 19
I heard that interview this morning and was trying to figure out who it was.
His point, such as it was, was who are we to decide what Earth’s optimal climate should be? Philosophically, its a legitimate question, but politically, the translation is, “We don’t care if millions of people in Bangladesh will drown or become refugees. They’re not our kind.” It also avoids dealing with the fact that the whole world wants to deal with it except China and the US, so Griffin’s philosophy also translates as, “If the Chinese don’t do it, we won’t either.”
Bob in HI
SnarKassandra @ 40
O, Lordy, I think your Aunt Betsy just had a heart attack…
Jane Hamsher @ 29
I think Brisigman had a great idea for postcards in one of the early morning threads. It was a flag draped over a coffin. Maybe we can all send one of these postcards to HoJoe. Just think if 1000 CT constituents sent a postcard like that it would be a pretty impressive statement.
Hugh @ 48
We’ve found the reviewers!
SnarKassandra @ 49
No sympathy here. I live in GA.
kirk murphy @ 26
They had a truly surreal exchange on BBC over Chimpy’s new environmental “goals”. I hope they put up a video tape of that segment later. I guess I mentioned it @21
Hugh, I couldn’t agree more. Odierno first and foremost needs to be frog marched for war crimes.
BTW, You mentioned the US is not a signatory of a particular international court yesterday. Could you ease my mind a little and tell me there is at least an international court out there that could handle the likes of Odierno and Bush an Cheney etc. etc. if we ever get a chance prosecute?
Mutant Poodle @ 51
The egregious kinder would try to complain by saying, you don’t remember what it’s like to be a teenager, my response was, I remember EXACTLY what it’s like to be a teenager, which is why you are not allowed to do [whatever].
Eureka Springs @ 56
Hague
ccmask @ 43
Wonder what Judi and Mr Nicholas think about that? (my bold)
Bob Schacht @ 50
I agree that his reaction was non-scientific. Also I have no idea what he means by optimal. We are moving into uncharted territory. The latest IPCC report suggest we could lose up to 30% of plant and animal species if the rise is above 2 degrees Celsius. In no analysis, do I see this as “optimal”.
Wow, the young woman stoned in Iraq just made CNN!!
kirk murphy @ 44
But he didn’t deny climate change; he just took issue with what should be done about it. So he tried to dazzle us by juggling several bright shiny objects.
Bob in HI
Mutant Poodle @ 51
Her brother’s probably getting the locks out…
OT – KALW (SF public radio) had a pretty fair segment this morning:
Rudy and Fred. The sugar daddy express.
Jane Hamsher @ 29
Brisingamen @86 on this morning’s thread.
postcards with the flag-draped coffins
Since I don’t get to FDL as much as I’d like, and on dial-up at that, I want to heartily thank Egregious for the transcriptions. What a thrill to read it all, and I am mightily impressed with Sen. Dodd. Thanks to Jane and all of you who made this possible.
Mutant Poodle @ 51
The swishing pony-tails thing is pretty innocent by today’s standards. But effective. Suitable for use by adolescents. Much better than some of the alternatives. :~)
Bob in HI
Bob Schacht @ 62
Cause everyone knows we in America and the rest of the world are stupid enough to be dazzled by bright shiny objects.
Bob Schacht @ 62
The new shrub policy is climate change is simply bizarre. The shrubbies now accept that it is happening, accept that it’s bad, and then do whatever they can to undermine efforts by others to do something about it, continuing their opposition to mandatory cuts, their insistence that the poor in the third world should stay poor and stop developing before we give up even one SUV, threaten to sue the states to prevent them from regulating automotive emissions, trying to sabotage international treaties, and attempting to muzzle American scientists. Their dirty tricks are is still going on despite their “public” conversion. It’s really realy weird.
See!
There is hope for us yet.
snip
Our current war crimes crew can’t relax just yet.
http://agonist.org/20070531/to…..y_to_hague
The thing about Dodd (and Edwards too and Kucinich) is by taking these important positions, leading on them, publicizing them and showing that they get attention, raise money, and *hopefully* poll well, the whole dialogue is shaped and pushed for the front-runners.
I don’t favor the current front-runners (I’m thinking Obama and Clinton), in spite of charisma ~ way too little content and way too much weakness.
No matter how far Dodd goes, this is *exactly* the kind of campaign I am looking for and if he can turn real action on Iraq into votes I’m all for that! And it’s an object lesson for all the others.
In a landscape where no one seems to be able to get their message together for crap, Dodd is totally refreshing. I don’t see how the repubs can keep up with him! All Good!
And, the NASA guy said (paraphrasing) who are we to say that global change would be *bad* for everyone … could turn out just fine for lots of people!!! (That’s was Randi Rhodes’ take on his pronouncements!)
Cheers, pups!
egregious @ 58
Thank you, egregious! Whew.
RevDeb @ 38
Why does George W Bush hate America?
END THE GODDAMN OCCUPATION. I DO NOT SUPPORT ANTI-ARAB VIOLENCE. MURDER, MASS MURDER, STARVATIONS AND ALL CRIMES OF AN UNJUSTIFIED WAR. WE NEED TO WIN THE PEACE NOT THE WAR WITHOUT END.
If John Edwards’ hair cuts are fair media game, then in the interest of fairness, shouldn’t Mrs. Thompson’s “bright shiny objects” be fair media game too?
TeddySanFran @ 32
Manly, yes, but I like it too!
Compared to the certifiable WH, I think we’re safe with Dodd. Perhaps we should insist on screening each candidate through e-harmony to rid ourselves of the truly insane stalker types and find one with deep compatibility with the Constitution.
Dodd’s looking good so far.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 76
Only if we want to stoop to that pathetic level
Eureka Springs @ 56
Let’s look at an historical precedent (via Wikipedia) and see how the Nuremberg tribunals were established: Nuremberg Trials
(I have omitted references to footnotes appearing in the original article.)
Hugh @ 60
He doesn’t either, but that makes it a convenient stalling tactic.
Bob in HI
Blub @ 78
We won’t have to. Just make the popcorn and watch Lord Dobson have a go…
New thread…
Teddy San Fran – The video wont work for me. Did flip for mac help your troubles on Saturday? If so I’ll keep trying to figure it out. And per Dodd and looking angry, I get your point..though healthy anger at this point is practically unavoidable, imo. And anger sure speaks to a lot of Republicans who may be getting close to flipping in ‘08. (just a thought)
All’s fair in love, war and politics.
big brother @ 75
Hey Big Brother, we hear ya!
One minor request: Please do not use the term “win the peace” though. THis is an insidious twist of language appropriated and misused by the Witch of MoveAmericaForward. ITA with the rest of your post. Hear, hear! Let’s just get out.
Jane’s beating up on wrong-way Rahm upstairs.
I will give the Republicans as good as they give. If these guys want to get down and dirty, fine. You just know the GOP machine is cranking up to smear Senator Clinton. And I am up for the fight.
Blub @ 78
Before we decide -
would the stooping occur in our field of view?
[ducks]
Eureka Springs @ 83
It worked for me…I could not see the vlog on Saturday but watched the live vlog yesterday after downloading flip 4 mac. Although I also had earlier downloaded another widget someone pointed me to called Perian…
dakine01 – Thanks, I am on a cel phone internet connection 300 to 500. That may be my limitation. But I couldn’t tell if flip was helping or not.. I am not a computer person, which is why I like mac. lol
Will try perian next. twolf1 likes it.
Eureka Springs,
The US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute which created the International Criminal Court. Under the articles of the Rome Statute, those who can suggest charges to the Court’s Prosecutor are a state signatory to the Statute, the Security Council, and the Prosecutor on his/her own.
A state which is signatory to the Statute can go to the ICC if the crime in question happened on its territory, a vessel, or aircraft.
Herein lies the problem. I could be wrong on this but it is my reading of the Statute that Brazil for example could not accuse Bush of war crimes in Iraq. The only country that could do so would be Iraq and because of the convoluted political, military, and diplomatic history between the two countries it is unlikely that Iraq even if it were a signatory could or would lodge a complaint against Bush and company.
A signatory country could I suppose make a complaint if one of its nationals was a victim of a crime in Iraq covered by the Court but such a complaint could probably involve the specified victim or victims. This is already far afield from what most people would consider a war crimes charge for what has happened in Iraq and at this point the political and diplomatic repercussions for such a tangential charge would come seriously into play. It is hard seeing the Court taking up such a case. If there was much interest in doing so, it could have been done sometime ago.
Sorry that the response took so long.
This is a link to some of the relevant language of the Rome Statute.
http://www.un.org/law/icc/statute/99_corr/2.htm
do-si-do @ 77
I like Dodd, but I think he can improve on “personability”– that is, in making a connection with people. For example, between questions, he avoided eye contact, and looked down at his papers, instead of looking directly at the camera, with a friendly “you’ve got my attention” expression.
Also, while his answers were good content-wise, they were on the wonky side. He could benefit by using more human interest stories to fortify his points. And a little humor. Did he ever smile? The lack of humor made him seem a bit stiff.
It would help to use family photos more up front. If you go to his website, there’s no family on the first page. To see his family, you have to go to his bio page and then scroll down below the fold– and then all you get is a black and white photo. He needs a color version of that photo, with a caption stating what year it was taken, and the names of his wife and kids. That photo would also help deal with the age issue– he has more white hair than anyone else in the race, which makes him look oldest. But a photo with his young kids would bring him back into more comfortable range.
I intend these as positive suggestions– I surely hope so, because I want him to do well, and break into the upper tier.
Bob in HI
If you want a copy of the transcript in one fell swoop, click on my name; it was posted today as one document.
Also have it available as a text document; if you want to leave me a comment at my blog with mailing details, I’ll forward a copy.
SnarKassandra @ 15
Mostly they’ll ignore him to make it appear he’s not a threat.
But, if he gains traction they’ll use the usual “Massachussetts Liberal” garbage. He is one of the more Liberal candidates.
Is that a glass of piss?
A bit EPU’d, but a question I should have asked the Senator:
If nominated for President or VP, will he resign his Senate post, so his replacement can be elected in November 2008, rather than appointed by the GOP Governor of CT, which would give CT two GOP Senators.
Ok, I can’t wait to see Hillary and Obama and Richardson start replicating his completely novel “common sense and honesty” approach. Some wise friend must’ve whispered in this guy’s ear, “The American people aren’t idiots; try talking to them as equals, and be HONEST!…”
You don’t reward Lie
War.
You punish Lie War.
All concession to the Lie War President is against the interest of the country.
In fact, how can funding an Illegal Lie War be LEGAL?
Cut the funding and bring the troops home.
How cool is that, you ask? THE COOLEST! What is even cooler is listening to a politician and candidate actually give answers to questions instead of the usual double speak. I love what you have done here. Please keep it up!
We don’t hear from any of these candidates or congress people about a COMPLETE withdraw from Iraq, even after March 2008.
We are building that huge embassy and huge military bases. Obviously Bush never had a plan to leave Iraq, ever.
Tony Snow is now saying Bush would like Iraq to be like another South Korea where we have military stationed for the past 50 years.
When are we going to get some truth from these liars?
notes to Senators sent. what’s next?
Dodd is a hard one to figure. He looks good now, but in Clinton’s admin he turned on the Dems and helped to impeach Clinton, also sold out to the corps. That’s the trouble with the Dems, they always eat their own to pander to the corps.
I am For Dodd-Kusinich .. and LOWER TAXES!!!
redhawk @ 103
.. If the Democrats are really Serius, they need to quit playibg politics and act in their beliefs. CUT THE FUNDING and then accept the accountability no matter what happens next.. OR SXHU the Heck up!.. We might need Term limits and a Third Party to get the country back on track… look at the cast of characters we have in DC.. One votes for a WAR without redaing the Intel… Another makes suppoting statements on Immigration without knowing that what he was promoting was NOT part of the Immigration plan… What have we got????
JPL @ 4
Might want to consider Social Security and Medicare.. as TOP priorities?? and.. How about ENERGY?? Is there a short term need for additional oil drilling and refineries in the USA while viable alternative energy sources are developed???
SnarKassandra @ 33
It doesn’t have to be exclusive, either, he can be BOTH. He’s in the Bush administration, after all.
There should be something in there about fixing the National Guard up again, and making sure the preznit can’t freaking get his hands on them, most certainly not for foreign occupation!
I mean, while I’m against the lraq war, was always against it, at least military volunteers volunteered for this. Nat’l guard volunteers? Not so much.