YouTube has been giving each of the presidential candidates an important platform with their YouTube Spotlight, granting each of them a week. Hillary Clinton used hers to pick a campaign song (which everyone with a modicum of taste may wind up hating her for before all this is over). The reach of the Spotlight has been powerful — Clinton and Obama’s videos have each gotten over a half million impressions, and even marginal wack jobs like Tom Tancredo have received over 250,000 impressions.Chris Dodd is using his to call bullshit on the media’s obsession with haircuts, bikini clad models and other fluff while people are dying and to promote the “Dodd Amendment” to end the war in Iraq. He’s encouraging everyone to go pay a visit to your senator over the upcoming recess because they just don’t seem to be getting the picture that the American people want out of Iraq.
We’ve long been told that representatives really listen when people show up at their offices, and each person who cares enough to pay a personal visit is considered the representative of many, many more. Matt Browner-Hamlin, who is now working for Dodd, did just this as part of our Roots project when he and other FDLers delivered a copy of “Crashing the Gates” to every member of Congress and knows something about how powerful this simple act can be.
The Dodd Amendment calls for troop withdrawals to being within 30 days, meaningful benchmarks for the Bush administration (rather than their Iraqi victims) and reports to Congress. If ending the war is more important to you than what jingle someone walks on stage to, consider visiting your Senator and telling them you support it.
Update: Folks are using the comments section for meet-ups in their areas, so feel free to join in.
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zunoed?
Don’t you have anything better to do?
Yea, maybe I’ll go see Saxby Chambliss and change his mind!
raven @ 3
ick !
Jane!
Dodd!
Dakine!
raven @ 3
Will the new one work any better?
Anyone here in Columbus, Ohio interested in visiting our Senators and Reps?
Wow! that’s awesome.
do-si-do @ 8
Does it come with reading lessons?
I wish Dodd were still my senator even if it meant also having to have HoJo as well. Even one good senator beats Box Turtle Cornyn and Perpetual Cheerleader KBHutchison. Plus in those days, I had Rosa DeLauro as Rep!
Bombs or bikinis? How about both?
raven @ 2
I truly wish that I did.
dakine01 @ 12
Hey, I got a new rewiring kit for the tailights on my 66 chevy truck!
Brisingamen @ 7
That’s great, feel free to use the comments thread for meet-ups. I’ll amend the post.
I guess while I’m still in MA I need to round up the posse again for yet another visit.
Blergh.
But I do like the company we keep with one another.
Hey all, I just clicked through to the linky in this post to the previous June post by the people who delivered the books. “People powered politics” has a very nice ring to it.
I continue to be astonished by all the firedogs do. Thanks.
OT
Trex on soon, they are talking about FDL right now.
here;
http://blogtalkradio.com/hostp…..w_id=28421
raven @ 13
Let us know how it goes. I knocked one of the tailights off of my boat trailer yesterday while adapting the trailer to put a huge raft into the lake. I might as well rewire the entire trailer setup while I’m fixing the broken light.
Well, damn. Right as I came on the air, BlogTalk Radio’s servers went down and we had to bag the interview.
CURSE YOU, VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY!! I will not be IGNORED!
RevDeb @ 15
Howdy, RevDeb!
I must have missed where you’re moving to. Apparently it is real soon, eh?
Dammit, I was really looking forward to listening, too.
;(
Gotta go disappear again as strangers walk through my house deciding that though they love the neighborhood, it’s not really the right house for them.
Trying to sell a house is no fun. Neither is trying to buy one these days.
raven @ 13
Any help I provided in that line would be at your peril. My sister is the mechanically inclined one of the family.
Bustednuckles @ 21
I think we’re going to try again tomorrow.
Ed*ard Teller @ 20
PA, Philly area. Mid-August.
Ed*ard Teller @ 11
How bout How To Stuff a Wild Bikini
TRex @ 19
When you get excited in the studio, your tail has been known to crash more than servers.
Raven, Get the heat shrink sealed Butt connectors, they are the best. period.
TRex @ 19
Oh rats! I just went over there and was wondering if I had to sign over my house or something just to be able to listen. Servers down. Phew!
Well dayam! Don’t worry, you’ll have your coulter free airwaves in no time.
Jane Hamsher @ 14
Thanks! I’ll go by myself if I have to, but I figured the more, the merrier.
Let us know how it goes. I knocked one of the tailights off of my boat trailer yesterday while adapting the trailer to put a huge raft into the lake. I might as well rewire the entire trailer setup while I’m fixing the broken light.
I was figuring since dakine is an Air Force vet he must has massive technical skills and could swing by since he has time to kill! :)
Bustednuckles @ 28
Have you seen these new barrel connectors that are in two pieces?
RevDeb @ 22
I sympathize! The right folks will come along and appreciate your nest soon. Stay cool, revdeb!
raven @ 32
Not yet, but I do a lot of wiring and will call my electrical supply guy on the carpet for holding out on me.
TRex @ 24
Cross your tails and scales! ;)
Bustednuckles @ 28
Uh, is this bikini talk or tailight talk…?
raven @ 31
raven,
I was in the accounting office. Fifteen months in MI and fifteen in HI doing Commissary accounting which was basically the closet thing to double entry bookkeeping for the grocery store. The final two and half years, I was the liason between the accounting office and the data processing group and was responsible for all the accounting reports to higher headquarters. And my “extra” duty was law enforcement, i.e., if the alert happened, I became a cop while the cops took over security while the security folks shipped out to Korea or wherever.
The guy is still saying, I’m waiting for my cohost! Maybe he needs to be called?!
Thanks for posting the video Jane.
To those of you with Republican Senators: Every member of the Senate needs to hear your voice on this, even if they’re strong supporters of this war. They will never change their opinion if their constituents don’t ask them to change.
Remember, while you’re interacting with your Senators (by phone, in person, or by email), tape your work and upload it as a response on YouTube.
LS @ 38
I heard that too!
Ed*ard Teller @ 11
Atoll you so.
Brisingamen @ 30
very true! that’s how i met RevDeb, scarecrow, Kathryn in MA, prof foland, ryan and more….. and we all first met up here in the fdl threads.
do you for your country. do it for yourself!
punaise @ 41
Surf’s up!
Bustednuckles @ 34
here they are Posi-Lock
Re Hillary’s campaign song – I hated it already, before her campaign selected it.
Shout out to the Michigan homies — anybody got plans to see Levin or Stabenow?
And may I suggest to those of you who do get a set appointment time or a venue at which your Senator(s) are speaking that you post it as an event at the DNC’s PartyBuilder community events page? Other local Dems who want to join you to meet your Senators will be able to contact you (you’ll need to register as a user).
You might also look to see if your local or state party has a Facebook group, post a comment on their wall to see if others are meeting with Senators, too.
dakine01 @ 37
Well, I was just bullshitin around anyhow! Saving the world makes my head hurt.
Every time I hear Chris Dodd speak I think he’s smart, he’s direct and he’s talking about important stuff. He’s the right calibre.
He uses facts wisely.
When he kicked off his campaign on Imus, Imus introduced him as someone without a chance of being president.
Chris Dodd should have a chance of being president.
HMMM,veddy intedesting.
I will have my guy get some.
Boston1775 @ 48
You think those characteristics will help him get elected? That would be refreshing.
Bustednuckles @ 49
They work way better than this adjustable ratchet I bought!
Boston1775 @ 48
It goes a long way to explain how dysfunctional our process for choosing a Presidential candidate is that Hillary (another Clinton) and Obama (charisma but no experience) are the media stars while the candidates with real substance on the issues like Dodd, Richardson, and Edwards are relegated to the second tier.
raven @ 47
Figgered as much but didn’t want any false expectations on the skill set to get out there. Unlike BushCo, I try to have an HONEST assessment of what I am capable of doing in the work world.
dakine01 @ 53
read you lima charlie
It would be refreshing, raven at 50. I’m trying to understand why I sort of bought into Imus.
Chris Dodd is an adult. He’s one of the Old Lions. He’s seen a lot, knows the game and has decided to after these hyenas in the White House. I’m feeling like I haven’t appreciated his work enough. I’ve bought this top-tier, big three thing.
Boston1775 @ 48
Al Gore’s famous speech – timely in light of the subpoenas issued today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD_2e1dIl2s
Boston1775 @ 55
I had some pretty heated arguments about Imus on the Lake. It’s almost like he was two people. We would cringe at so much of the juvenile bullshit he dished out. Then he would jump ugly on McCain, Cheney and all the rest. His interviews with authors were great. Is the world a better place without his bullshit, yes. Without his other side, I don’t think so. We have folks here that can launch some pretty childish attacks on people we don’t like so what’s the difference? I’ll leave it to smarter people than me to figure out.
raven @ 58
I had some pretty heated arguments about Imus on the Lake. It’s almost like he was two people. We would cringe at so much of the juvenile bullshit he dished out. Then he would jump ugly on McCain, Cheney and all the rest. His interviews with authors were great. Is the world a better place without his bullshit, yes. Without his other side, I don’t think so. We have folks here that can launch some pretty childish attacks on people we don’t like so what’s the difference? I’ll leave it to smarter people than me to figure out.
You’ve got a lot of really good points there.
Ed*ard Teller @ 45
What song?
Apparently I don’t watch enough TV.
dakine01 @ 53
Hey, don’t knock them…the GOP people keep a damn good set of double books from what I’ve heard.
ooops — my comment above got eaten. no great pearls of wisdom.
I thought Sen. Dodd was good on the FDL V-log from a few weeks ago.
Too bad the media rules re:1st tier, 2nd tier, etc., prevent avg. tv viewers from experiencing what the other candidates have to say.
Ed*ard Teller @ 43
Back to the nukes? After the “Duck and Cover” mini thread yesterday…I can’t recall any of this lizard brain, “be always afraid” mentality. From, say ‘55 to ‘65 there was some very serious shit that could have happened and IIRC people just sucked it up and went about business.
james @ 60
You and I by Celine Dion.
The Democratic Presidential hopefuls gave opening statement aired by C-Span some time back. Sen. Dodd did impress me the most. His candor I received well. His life experiences and his discussion concerning his fathers role at the Nuremberg’s War Crimes Trial did resonate with me. I like Chris Dodd. The following post is a question I would ask Sen. Dodd! What would be your father’s response to the following?
Does the need for energy trump the rule of law?
The following link would be a great topic for discussion on Washington Journal. It epitomizes the hypocrisy of American foreign Policy and how the failure to follow the “rule of law,” abroad and at home, has its consequences! Now that cheney “must” claim executive privilege because of Sen. Leahy maybe we can see what kind of deal he really cut with the SAUDIS concerning the use of American Military to steal Iraq’s black gold beneath Al-Anbar. We are just stupid out here!!!! No wonder “cheney” does not want to comply with executive record keeping law????
Opec vs. United States: New News!!!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200…..vIw_zMWM0F
“The current bill, sponsored by Democrat Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and Republican Arlen
Specter of Pennsylvania, would revoke the sovereign immunity members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries enjoy from U.S. legal action.”
“The measure, which has gathered support due to high gasoline pump prices of around $3 a
gallon in the United States, would allow the Justice Department to sue OPEC nations in U.S.
courts.”
The House of Representatives last month voted 345-72 to approve the “No Oil Producing and
Exporting Cartels Act of 2007,” or “NOPEC.”
“The White House has threatened to veto the measure, and even if it became law, the Bush
administration’s Justice Department would have to initiate any lawsuit.”
“Some of the bill’s opponents have warned that OPEC nations — source of about a third of the
world’s oil — could reciprocate and sue the United States in their courts, or refuse to sell oil to
the United States.”
“OPEC producers could just decide not to sell oil to us any longer,” Domenici said. “They
would suffer the loss of some profits but our entire economy could come to a grinding halt.”
“The United States, the world’s biggest crude oil consumer, relies on imports for about 60
percent of its daily needs. Much of U.S. imports come from non-OPEC members like Canada
and Mexico, but OPEC members like Venezuela, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia supply significant
quantities.”
“While major industrialized energy importing countries have urged OPEC to pump more oil to
curb prices that are currently just below $70 a barrel, OPEC says the high prices are due to
geopolitical tensions and refinery bottlenecks in the United States rather than any shortage of crude supply.”
“It seems we in America have had responsible leadership for years!!!!!”
http://www.iranian.com/Opinion…..index.html
“Indeed, Mossadegh is as example of an unfortunate case of a democratic man who was
relentlessly demonized by the British and Western media and their governments up until the
military coup, which was jointly organized by the CIA and the British Secret Service and
which led to his downfall on August 19, 1953.”
“A trip to the United States in the Fall of 1951 for forty five days, during which he effectively
defended Iran’s position at the United Nations Security Council and met with President Truman
in Washington. In person defense of Iran’s position at The Hague’s International Court in June
1952. In July of that same year, the Hague Court decided the case in the favor of Iran and
against Great Britain, granting Iran its sovereign right to nationalize its oil.”
Mossadegh wins his case in the court of “International Law”
Mossadegh: the Hague Court decided the case in the favor of Iran and against Great Britain,
granting Iran its sovereign right to nationalize its oil.”
Was not America founded on the right to self determination and Independence etc….”
May I ask this question or is this question “un-American,” question? Yes an un-American question about an America value! I see!
America and Brits Response to the international court’s decision “MILITARY OVERTHROW OF MOSSADEGH.”
And now the US wants to sue OPEC in our courts, But Bush would veto it! Go figure!
“Natural Selection Corporate T(r)eason and “Executive Oil” “
.
America’s leaders have done a wonderful job of promoting energy alternatives and protecting America’s long term national security by spending trillions of $s invading a country that just happens to have the world’s # 2 sweet crude reserve beneath Al Anbar, right near the Saudi Pipeline.
So does the need for energy trump the rule of law???????
Steve @ 63
I’ve never bought any of this crap. You die you die, everyone else dies at the same time, then that’s what happens. FIDO, Fuck it and Drive On.
The ImusHugh @ 52
I’m wondering about this dysfunctional process. I have bought into it – that it’s all about the television money. Is it? Does it HAVE to be about paying republican television owners for their airtime?
Bustednuckles @ 28
why does a Cheney colostomy come to mind?
Boston1775 @ 48
And he’s an RPCV. In my book that counts for a lot.
OT
In today’s Froomkin chat (not his daily column), he gave a “wish I’d said that” shout out to “a commenter at Firedoglake” for the observation about the WaPo series on Cheney that began “The thing that strikes me about the WashPost series is that Cheney was constructing Bush’s bubble from the very get go. . . .”
That unnamed commenter was Helpless Dancer. HD, your name may not have made Froomkin’s chat, but we know who you are. Take a bow!
Matt Browner Hamlin @ 39
and those of use with repub-look-alike senators also need to remind them of the party they claim to be a part of … (salazar the untrustworthy in my case)
HD, kudos!
punaise @ 68
With Grace Jones singing Pull Up To The Bumper Baby.. in the background.
CNN reporting power outage in NYC.
Hmmm, is this Chee-knee’s energy buddies putting a horse’s head in uppity Bloomberg’s bed?
And, would it be copyright infringement if darkblack were to concoct a “Lady and the Tramp” photoshop of Elizabeth vs. Acid Annie?
Cheney protege, Fred Thompson, wants endless war, and a bigger military…sigh…
Actor.
I think I like Dodd. If Gore absolutely had to pick a CT senator to be his running mate, why couldn’t he have picked Dodd instead of…the monster?
Prairie Sunshine @ 74
Kinda like what happened in CA.
Prairie Sunshine @ 73
You can’t believe how how it is in the northeast.
Peterr @ 70
Woo Hoo Helpless Dancer!
new thread. (And I got the zed.)
FYI, new thread
Brisingman @7
I’m in northern Ohio-Erie County. Would not be free until the fall to visit with senators and reps. Have done so in the past. Thanks. Your offer did not go unnoticed.
newspaperbrat @ 79
Count the headlights on the highway
you had a busy day today
Thanks Milan River! I’ve reached the conclusion that just voting isn’t enough any more.
Punaise, I’ve got to say that if you’re going to inflict an earworm on the Lake dwellers, at least you pick lovely tunes…
Brisingamen @ 85
thanks – it’s hit and miss! unfortunately lyrical or other connection often trumps song quality, but not in this case.
gosh, I love subpoena talk:
“Pursuant to lawful authority, YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate of the United
States,…”
and
“Hereof fail not, as you will answer your default under the pains and
penalties in such cases made and provided.”
I’ve got goosebumps.
Mod, if you’re there, would you mind changing the second “how” to “hot” in 78?
Good Brisingamen- we’ll see where the state of things are by September. We will ply them with Kelleys Island wine, maple syrup, Crooked River beer, and Ballreich’s potato chips.
you know, MSNBC and CNN made a big deal out of Cheney’s office getting subpoenaed, but this is much more than that. In the definitions:
“The term “White House” includes: all offices, individuals, or entities within the
White House Office, including the Office of the Counsel to the President, the
Office of the Chief of Staff, and the President himself; the Office of the Vice
President, including the Vice President himself; and the National Security Council
and its staff.”
my bold.
I do have one problem with Leahy’s subpoenas: he asks for information only from Spetember 11, 2001, forward. Who is to say they hadn’t started any of this before 9-11?
Tired Fed @90:
Be still my heart — if I’m reading this correctly it looks like it means not only Karl Rove but the entire Cabinet?!