http://deborahjeanepalfrey.com/Jeane10c.html is back up.

Zuno?

Almost ZED !!

EPU’d From downstairs.

Breaking News from McCain Campaign:
http://www.rawstory.com/showar.....campaign_3

Fired vs Quit on Campaign manager, two top aides quit in protest. this pretty much guts the campaign.

Maybe they have campaign staff at that bazaar in Iraq McCain was so fond of…

Froomkin’s questions he would liked asked:

Bush will be on hand for tomorrow morning’s reopening of the White House briefing room, and rumors are that he might actually hold a news conference. (His last one was May 24.)

I’ve winnowed the many questions I’d love to ask to my top three:

* You said you respect the jury’s conclusion that your former aide Scooter Libby lied and obstructed justice in the investigation into your own White House, what if any efforts have you made to encourage Libby to tell the truth?

* When you said you would fire anyone involved in the leak of Valerie Plame’s identity, did you already know what Karl Rove and Libby had done?

* Given your record of failed predictions about Iraq, why should we put any stock in what you now say will happen if we leave?

And among the interesting headlines showing up via Google News:

Atwitter Over Vitter (about how blogs and the MSM is handling the story)

Deborah Jeane Palfrey Fingers Louisiana Senator David Vitter

Sen. Vitter Apologizes for Number Showing Up on Phone Records (could only be Fox News, right?)

Boy, oh boy, the “Fredo” nickname keeps becoming more appropriate. Apparently Gonzales is too stupid to realize that it’s not a compliment.

I am beginning to believe that all of the Bushies have had chip implants in their brains that force them to say whatever makes His Highness look good, no matter what the truth may be.

Either that, or they are just all incredibly stupid to have sold their souls to gain a little power.

Either way, it is sad, because it is wreaking havoc on what we (theoretically) stand for. There is no truth, there is no justice, and there is no more American way…

Sadly, we might all have to resign ourselves to the fact that this bozo will be AG until January 2009. Bush won’t let him go. He might resign, however. But I doubt it. (Have I covered all the bases?) Impeachment for anyone is somewhat remote on the horizon. There, yes, but remote.

If Gonzo is having retention issues maybe adult diapers are what he needs.

Unless someone testifies that Gonzo was told directly or some document surfaces that proves he knew, nothing will come of this.

I think he has an M.O. that is to press ahead with whatever Bush tells him to do and then deny, deny, forget, deny.

The real issue is that he is serving Bush and not the American people. He should be impeached for that reason alone. He is not performing the job he was confirmed by Congress to do.

Redd

As you know, I’ve been reluctant to get on the “Impeachment” bandwagons- but this one seems pretty clear. You are level headed on your political thinking- do you think it’s time to act on Gonzo?

It’s also nice to see John Solomon take a temporary break from the stupid haircut stories to tackle something that is actually important.

Prof @ 6

Deborah Jeane Palfrey Fingers Louisiana Senator David Vitter

Interesting title. Did Vitter pay for this alleged fingering?

AZ Matt @ 10

If Gonzo is having retention issues maybe adult diapers are what he needs.

Not to get too commercial about it (and I do not own stock in the company that makes it), but Ex-Lax works great!

AZ Matt @ 5

Froomkin’s questions he would liked asked:

Bush will be on hand for tomorrow morning’s reopening of the White House briefing room, and rumors are that he might actually hold a news conference. (His last one was May 24.)

I’ve winnowed the many questions I’d love to ask to my top three:

* You said you respect the jury’s conclusion that your former aide Scooter Libby lied and obstructed justice in the investigation into your own White House, what if any efforts have you made to encourage Libby to tell the truth?

I cannot answer this question because the matter is still before the courts.

* When you said you would fire anyone involved in the leak of Valerie Plame’s identity, did you already know what Karl Rove and Libby had done?

I cannot answer this because an impeachment proceeding has been threatened.

* Given your record of failed predictions about Iraq, why should we put any stock in what you now say will happen if we leave?

I cannot answer this question out of respect for our brave fighting men and women, and due to the pendency of the war in Iraq. Oh, and the war on terra. Get back to me afterwards, and I’ll be glad to respond.

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

Gonzo’s going for the Ken Lay CEO defense: “I didn’t read the reports, I didn’t see the memos, I didn’t understand the complexity, I thought you meant those reports.”

Sad, but it’s probably true. We know Abu’s in way over his head, so it’s unsurprising that he didn’t do his job. “I’m not lying, I’m just incompetent.”

AZ Matt @ 10

If Gonzo is having retention issues maybe adult diapers are what he needs.

Problem is, “retention issues” translates into more employment opportunities for kids from the Regents U-type madrassas.

Great cartoons!

Pat Oliphant - Cheney Legacy

Luckovich - Scary thought!

Gnome de Plume @ 17

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

They are arguing in the comments about the source of the rumor. The author says it is a good friend of his who works inside and who is insisting that a “spin” is being prepared as we speak. He also says that if his friend says it’s true, it’s true. We shall see!!!

Biodun @ 9

Sadly, we might all have to resign ourselves to the fact that this bozo will be AG until January 2009. Bush won’t let him go. He might resign, however. But I doubt it. (Have I covered all the bases?) Impeachment for anyone is somewhat remote on the horizon. There, yes, but remote.

I can’t resign myself to this
I.M.P.E.A.C.H. the lot of them NOW
I’m with emptywheel, bring it on

These guys will in fact say anything. They have nothing to lose. I’m getting of even keeping track of their lies & evasions.

Oh, I get it. The defense is now going to be that Gonzales could not be bothered to actually do his job.

Christy, Christy, Christy, don’t you know that reading reports is oh-so-20th century? He was busy listening in on David Vitter’s phone sessions. So was the FISA court.

Are any of Palfrey’s ladies (or gentlemen?)available to provide blow jobs (with secret recordings) for this maladministration, so we can impeach them? I should think that there’s more than enough information to justify inquiries on at least Gonzo, Darth, and Shrub.

P J Evans @ 25

Are any of Palfrey’s ladies (or gentlemen?)available to provide blow jobs (with secret recordings) for this maladministration, so we can impeach them? I should think that there’s more than enough information to justify inquiries on at least Gonzo, Darth, and Shrub.

a rethug honey trap?

I really don’t see why Gonzales can’t be stupid and liar. Bush certainly is.

With any of these guys, the only way we will stop them from doing further damage is to impeach them. Bush, Cheney, Gonzales, none of them responds to reason or facts. There is no possibility for persuasion or compromise. It is either impeachment, waiting them out, or hoping for veto proof majorities in the Congress.

Small plane crash, FL. Possible top executive of Nascar on board. Hmmmmmm

Welll, it seems to me that when you have comprehension issues then it would follow you have no retention, which would then mean you also have retention issues - as heavily illustrated by our less than illustrious AG, Abu-Gonzo.

LS @ 21

Gnome de Plume @ 17

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

Link for people who just came on line?
They are arguing in the comments about the source of the rumor. The author says it is a good friend of his who works inside and who is insisting that a “spin” is being prepared as we speak. He also says that if his friend says it’s true, it’s true. We shall see!!!

Alberto Gonzales: A real-life Lionel Hutz.

LS @ 21

Gnome de Plume @ 17

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

They are arguing in the comments about the source of the rumor. The author says it is a good friend of his who works inside and who is insisting that a “spin” is being prepared as we speak. He also says that if his friend says it’s true, it’s true. We shall see!!!

do you mean that cheney is in the madam’s little phone records?!!!!!!!

The Bush Cleveland speech is on cspan 2.

Is the kos link this one?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo.....10228/1771

While I think it may be difficult to impossible to impeach this President, I do think we all can and must push for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales. If he were replaced by a real Attorney General, Bush and Co couldn’t show such infuriatingly blithe disregard for congressional oversight and we could see Special Prosecutors appointed re: domestic spying, etc. When real crimes are exposed– impeachment/resignation become possible. I loathe Gonzales. He is a smarmy, disgraceful liar. But, on a more pragmatic front, he is the person protecting the President’s many crimes and with constant pressure from the public, he is removable.

Elliott @ 23:

I would be so glad if impeachment proceedings begin. So glad. But I have to say again that they seem remote. I also would be so glad if I’m wrong and you’re right.

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

My wildest fantasy and hope is that their arrogance and being drunk on power, will have lead to their downfall due to liaisons with hookers resulting in blackmail over national security issues. Sigh.

Hugh @ 33

The Bush Cleveland speech is on cspan 2.

Release the pooping sparrows!

Biodun @ 9

Sadly, we might all have to resign ourselves to the fact that this bozo will be AG until January 2009. Bush won’t let him go. He might resign, however. But I doubt it. (Have I covered all the bases?) Impeachment for anyone is somewhat remote on the horizon. There, yes, but remote.

The more stories like this that emerge, the less remote an impeachment inquiry becomes.

Especially when AGAG has been telling his lies to the Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate. These are the folks with the biggest role in the impeachment process, and they’re the very people around whom he’s been playing fast and loose with the truth.

Not a good move.

Impeachment: coming sooner than you think, to a Congress near you.

Hugh @ 33

The Bush Cleveland speech is on cspan 2.

Can’t watch. You’ll have to just tell me what he says.

Cheney in the phone records would be amusing- but probably not a tipping point…”just a massage” ya know- or “NO COMMENT”.

“Well, in Bushworld, anything goes…”

You ain’t kiddin’. Pretty scary.

Gnome de Plume @ 17

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

Which Kos diary?

Thunderbird @ 13

It’s also nice to see John Solomon take a temporary break from the stupid haircut stories to tackle something that is actually important.

Given that Solomon is mainly a stenographer, generally regurgitating what he is given, I was wondering last night about who (probably a career DoJ type) was throwing Gonzo under the bus.

Hugh @ 34

Is the kos link this one?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo.....10228/1771

oh, please, please, PLEASE let this be the way they spin it….

Hugh @ 34

Is the kos link this one?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo.....10228/1771

That’s the one.

Oh my, CNN cut away from georgie for the airport thingie!

Hugh @ 34

Is the kos link this one?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo.....10228/1771

Yeppers!

In todays chaos.. It calms me to realize that I grew up at a time when there was at least a glimmer of hope for World Peace, we had LEADERS who were not dissuaded by even the threat of nuclear annihilation. I’ll never forget a neighbor of mine telling me about a young idealistic Senator who was running for President. He was campaigning on the idea of appealing to our “better angels”. our compassion, our love for country. His name was John Kennedy. I would talk to others and convey my wishes that he be elected to lead our country. I was young but still understood that it was MY FUTURE that was at stake in the summer of ‘60.

Here’s a little taste of the feast of wisdom that emanated from a true statesman….

“I have therefore, chosen this time and this place to discuss a topic on which ignorance too often abounds and the truth is too rarely perceived - yet it is the most important topic on earth: world peace.

“What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.” ….

“For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.“

Commencement Address at American University
Washington, D.C.
June 10, 1963

The entire speech is here..

Kennedy’s Address to American U..

My question to the FDL community..

Who can I voted for today that will give me the same “peace” that I’ve yearned for since my summer of ‘60 ???

ironranger @ 48

Oh my, CNN cut away from georgie for the airport thingie!

What airport thingie?

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

No. No one will reassure you of that. Given the size of her phone records dump, it is a given that Ms. Palfrey has been running a non-partisan business. It’s not red or blue: all she worries about is the green.

Loo Hoo. @ 44

Gnome de Plume @ 17

LS - I checked out the Kos diary. Please, please, please let the Cheney connection be true!

Which Kos diary?

This one

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

I read somewhere a month or 2 ago that they’re aren’t any D names in the book. Seems like this kind of stuff is dominated by Rs.

I’m also not sure where my Dem critters (Klobuchar and Ellison) stand on impeachment proceedings for Bush, Cheney, and Gonzo. I can’t reach either of them personally and the staffers I talked to have been coy. Minneapolis folks: Help anyone?

dakine at 45 — I was wondering the same thing. The name “McNulty” came to mind, actually. *g* As did a number of possibilities at the FBI, including Director Mueller.

Didn’t catch much, plane on wrong ramp? Update soon, CNN said.

LS @ 11

Unless someone testifies that Gonzo was told directly or some document surfaces that proves he knew, nothing will come of this.

I think he has an M.O. that is to press ahead with whatever Bush tells him to do and then deny, deny, forget, deny.

The real issue is that he is serving Bush and not the American people. He should be impeached for that reason alone. He is not performing the job he was confirmed by Congress to do.

Yes. And what else is new?
(Off for dinner. Have a nice one all)

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

We have no guarantees. But since ABC, constantly striving for “balance,” released no names in their May 20/20 story, I’m betting almost all of the names are on the GOP side.

But I don’t care. I want all the whoremongers gone. Vitter must resign. If resignation is appropriate for a State department Bush appointee, it’s certainly appropriate for a Senator, especially a Family Values Senator.

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

Democrats do have fantasies.
PEACE, PROSPERITY and UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE!

The Gavel
Waxman’s Surgeon General hearing video’s are up at the Gavel. Politics over science, no surprise there.

IIRC, there are Dems in Madame’s little black book. I’ll try to find a link.

eCAHNomics @ 53

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

I read somewhere a month or 2 ago that they’re aren’t any D names in the book. Seems like this kind of stuff is dominated by Rs.

Oh, please, let it be so! Because otherwise, we’re gonna have to consume tons of crow. Bray softly, Dems, and pray that the brothers haven’t gone the way of Bob Dole re: Vi*gr*.

~~~ModNote: Edited for content to clear filters.~~~

Biodun @ 55

I’m also not sure where my Dem critters (Klobuchar and Ellison) stand on impeachment proceedings for Bush, Cheney, and Gonzo. I can’t reach either of them personally and the staffers I talked to have been coy. Minneapolis folks: Help anyone?

I believe Ellison has signed onto Kucinich’s bill.

barbara @ 63

Biodun @ 55

I’m also not sure where my Dem critters (Klobuchar and Ellison) stand on impeachment proceedings for Bush, Cheney, and Gonzo. I can’t reach either of them personally and the staffers I talked to have been coy. Minneapolis folks: Help anyone?

I believe Ellison has signed onto Kucinich’s bill.

You are correct. Ellison has added his name to the list of co-sponsors.

The diary says that “Cheney used her services while head of Halliburton” not that his phone number appears in the records.

TeddySanFran @ 59

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

We have no guarantees. But since ABC, constantly striving for “balance,” released no names in their May 20/20 story, I’m betting almost all of the names are on the GOP side.

But I don’t care. I want all the whoremongers gone. Vitter must resign. If resignation is appropriate for a State department Bush appointee, it’s certainly appropriate for a Senator, especially a Family Values Senator.

The thing that gets me is that the most common description of what happened is he had a long-term affair. He didn’t JUST have an affair. He hired a hooker…He broke the LAW.

Bush’s Cleveland speech so far is him railing against national healthcare. Now he’s moving on to the great job he’s doing on the economy. Throws out a bunch of numbers that don’t mean what he thinks it does.

Thunderbird @ 64

barbara @ 63

I believe Ellison has signed onto Kucinich’s bill.

You are correct. Ellison has added his name to the list of co-sponsors.

Sorry, forgot to provide link…

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/.....dObIB:@@@P

Sojourner @ 8

I am beginning to believe that all of the Bushies have had chip implants in their brains that force them to say whatever makes His Highness look good, no matter what the truth may be.

Either that, or they are just all incredibly stupid to have sold their souls to gain a little power.

Either way, it is sad, because it is wreaking havoc on what we (theoretically) stand for. There is no truth, there is no justice, and there is no more American way…

Nothing as esoteric as a “chip”; all of the “Bushies” are felons and Rove has the proof. Herbert Hoover used the same methods to keep his job for all of those decades.

Justice Department officials could not immediately determine whether Gonzales read any of the FBI reports in 2005 and 2006 because the officials who processed them were not available yesterday . . .

I hope this means that the people in question were on vacation, away on jury duty, or sick in bed.

On the other hand, if the officials who processed these reports were unavailable yesterday because AGAG was meeting with them to “refresh his memory” a la his conversations with Monica Goodling . . . can you say Obstruction of Justice?

Sure you can.

In the old days there were books with local phone #’s, addresses and such for skip tracers and collection agencies. I used to use one at my job to find people for collections when they would move or change their phone #’s. Does anybody know if these hard copies are still available or not? Might help the research efforts on Palfreys list.

Seems that Vitter BOTH had a long term affair with a hooker in LA. AND used hookers in DC.

It doesn’t offend me any that he did either- it’s between him and his wife- but it may matter to some of his gooper supporters- but if he asked and received forgiveness from Jesus- and if it was “a long time ago”- he’s probably home free.

It’s breaking the law. He’s not home free. He must resign.

He added the qualifier ‘verified’ to his testimony. Verified by whom? But no ‘verified’ abuses.
Weasel words.

OK, time to panic again, someone’s speaking through Chertoff’s (ahem) “gut” Homeland Security chief’s hunch: “Increased risk”

Bush now on to energy. Seems we’re dependent on oil, but Bush is on the case. Switchgrass, and ethanol, and something about pigs eating corn and then they lost the feed. So he never actually got around to talking about Iraq. Some aide probably pulled the plug so it wouldn’t get out on the web.

Teddy:

Do you think he’ll be prosecuted?

Do you think he’ll resign?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 56

dakine at 45 — I was wondering the same thing. The name “McNulty” came to mind, actually. *g* As did a number of possibilities at the FBI, including Director Mueller.

At a certain point, the immortal words of Popeye will creep into just about anyone’s vocaulary (”I’se stood all that I cans and I can’t stands no more!”)

FROM THE DUMBASS FILE:

So, I sent my Senator Harry Reid a rant about Libby’s commutation, and in it posed the rhetorical question “if this isn’t an impeachable offense, we ought strike the clause from the Constitution.”

(Similar in tone and content to my rant in the paper last Sunday.)

Here’ what I got back:

Dear Mr. Gladd:

Thank you for contacting me about the presidential power to issue pardons. I appreciate hearing from you.

The President’s decision to commute Mr. Libby’s sentence is disgraceful. Libby’s conviction was the one faint glimmer of accountability for White House efforts to manipulate intelligence and silence critics of the Iraq War. Now, even that small bit of justice has been undone. Judge Walton correctly determined that Libby deserved to be imprisoned for lying about a matter of national security. The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law.

I am unaware of any current plans to amend the Constitution. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, our Founding Fathers expressed their intension to give the President the sole power “to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States.” Congress does not have a role in the pardon process.

Please be assured that I will keep your suggestions in mind should the Senate consider amending the Constitution with regard presidential pardons. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator

OK, dipwad, it was just a rhetorical allusion. I wasn’t calling for a Constitutional amendment, you moron.

Agggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes I fear Harry is a few fries short of a Happy Meal.

2 terminals closed, evacuated, Oakland airport because man went thru exit instead of entry & searching for man. I was surprised CNN cut away twice now from george (with all due respect).
Now 3rd cutaway.
His speech is getting all chopped up.

Hugh @ 67

Bush’s Cleveland speech so far is him railing against national healthcare. Now he’s moving on to the great job he’s doing on the economy. Throws out a bunch of numbers that don’t mean what he thinks it does.

Inconceivable!

scav @ 75

OK, time to panic again, someone’s speaking through Chertoff’s (ahem) “gut” Homeland Security chief’s hunch: “Increased risk”

Add another one to KO’s “Nexus of Terror” list…

Bobby

If it makes ya feel any better- the letter was certainly written by a STAFF dipwad.

ignatious @ 35

While I think it may be difficult to impossible to impeach this President, I do think we all can and must push for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales. If he were replaced by a real Attorney General, Bush and Co couldn’t show such infuriatingly blithe disregard for congressional oversight and we could see Special Prosecutors appointed re: domestic spying, etc. When real crimes are exposed– impeachment/resignation become possible. I loathe Gonzales. He is a smarmy, disgraceful liar. But, on a more pragmatic front, he is the person protecting the President’s many crimes and with constant pressure from the public, he is removable.

We won’t get a real AG until after the election. Cheney will just appoint someone smarter than Abu who will be able to stonewall even more effectively. We need to IMPEACH. (Hearings, Articles, Conviction).

scav @ 75

OK, time to panic again, someone’s speaking through Chertoff’s (ahem) “gut” Homeland Security chief’s hunch: “Increased risk”

Is this because Chertoff hasn’t done his job and he has left so many positions vacant at DHS?

rwcole @ 72

Seems that Vitter BOTH had a long term affair with a hooker in LA. AND used hookers in DC.

It doesn’t offend me any that he did either- it’s between him and his wife- but it may matter to some of his gooper supporters- but if he asked and received forgiveness from Jesus- and if it was “a long time ago”- he’s probably home free.

Not so sure,…, just get these hookers on GMA, or Nightline, or Hardballs, and it’s a whole new game.

Mojo @ 50

In todays chaos.. It calms me to realize that I grew up at a time when there was at least a glimmer of hope for World Peace, we had LEADERS who were not dissuaded by even the threat of nuclear annihilation. I’ll never forget a neighbor of mine telling me about a young idealistic Senator who was running for President. He was campaigning on the idea of appealing to our “better angels”. our compassion, our love for country. His name was John Kennedy. I would talk to others and convey my wishes that he be elected to lead our country. I was young but still understood that it was MY FUTURE that was at stake in the summer of ‘60.

Here’s a little taste of the feast of wisdom that emanated from a true statesman….

“I have therefore, chosen this time and this place to discuss a topic on which ignorance too often abounds and the truth is too rarely perceived - yet it is the most important topic on earth: world peace.

“What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.” ….

“For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.“

Commencement Address at American University
Washington, D.C.
June 10, 1963

The entire speech is here..

Kennedy’s Address to American U..

My question to the FDL community..

Who can I voted for today that will give me the same “peace” that I’ve yearned for since my summer of ‘60 ???

I can imagine the hatchet job that FOX would do on that speech if it were given today.

Remember, Jack Kennedy was a little know Congressman before he ran for the Presidency. He did have a dynasty behind him, though.

But your post reminds me of this little known Neil Young song “Depression Blues”.

“Got a woman that loves me
and I love her so
But she’s all dressed up now
With nowhere to go.

All our old hang-outs
Are boarded up and closed
Or bein’ bought by somebody
Nobody knows.

But things ain’t that bad
We still got the kids
We’re goin’ out to the movies
Right after this.

Goin’ back to school
Savin’ up my tuition
Gonna rewrite all the rules
On the old blackboard.

‘Cause it seems things today
There ain’t no magic in ‘em
They don’t cut the grade
Like they used to.

Depression blues
Nowhere to go
Bein’ bought by somebody
Nobody knows.

Is there anybody out there
With a voice loud and clear
Gonna sing all the words
We all wanna hear.

Depression blues
Nowhere to go
Bein’ bought by somebody
Nobody knows.”

Many people want that voice to be Gore’s. But we’ll just have to wait and see.

The White House has a problem- they’re using President Shit fer Brains to deliver their message- and NO ONE LISTENS TO HIM ANYMORE!

The “bully pulpit” has turned into the “mute button” pulpit.

“What’s ol 26% sayin today? Snore!!”

BobbyG @ 78

FROM THE DUMBASS FILE:

So, I sent my Senator Harry Reid a rant about Libby’s commutation, and in it posed the rhetorical question “if this isn’t an impeachable offense, we ought strike the clause from the Constitution.”

(Similar in tone and content to my rant in the paper last Sunday.)

Here’ what I got back:

Dear Mr. Gladd:

Thank you for contacting me about the presidential power to issue pardons. I appreciate hearing from you.

The President’s decision to commute Mr. Libby’s sentence is disgraceful. Libby’s conviction was the one faint glimmer of accountability for White House efforts to manipulate intelligence and silence critics of the Iraq War. Now, even that small bit of justice has been undone. Judge Walton correctly determined that Libby deserved to be imprisoned for lying about a matter of national security. The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law.

I am unaware of any current plans to amend the Constitution. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, our Founding Fathers expressed their intension to give the President the sole power “to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States.” Congress does not have a role in the pardon process.

Please be assured that I will keep your suggestions in mind should the Senate consider amending the Constitution with regard presidential pardons. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator

OK, dipwad, it was just a rhetorical allusion. I wasn’t calling for a Constitutional amendment, you moron.

Agggghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes I fear Harry is a few fries short of a Happy Meal.

Well, you could read his response as saying:

We have no plans to amend the Constitution.
Therefore, this is impeachable.

kemo @ 86

rwcole @ 72

Seems that Vitter BOTH had a long term affair with a hooker in LA. AND used hookers in DC.

It doesn’t offend me any that he did either- it’s between him and his wife- but it may matter to some of his gooper supporters- but if he asked and received forgiveness from Jesus- and if it was “a long time ago”- he’s probably home free.

Not so sure,…, just get these hookers on GMA, or Nightline, or Hardballs, and it’s a whole new game.

That’s what I want - the hookers talking. Maybe several might like to have their 15 minutes of fame on CNN. Wouldn’t you just love to hear the descriptions they could give? I would. Awful me.

In LA. the RACE of the hookers may be important.

Twain @ 90

kemo @ 86

Not so sure,…, just get these hookers on GMA, or Nightline, or Hardballs, and it’s a whole new game.

That’s what I want - the hookers talking. Maybe several might like to have their 15 minutes of fame on CNN. Wouldn’t you just love to hear the descriptions they could give? I would. Awful me.

That would be quite a “karma boomerang” moment, wouldn’t it?

ironranger @ 80

2 terminals closed, evacuated, Oakland airport because man went thru exit instead of entry & searching for man. I was surprised CNN cut away twice now from george (with all due respect).
Now 3rd cutaway.
His speech is getting all chopped up.

Don’t worry, CNN has tape of it from 4 years ago when he gave the same speech.

barbara @ 63 and Thunderbird @ 64:

Thanks. I suspected Ellison, yes, but wasn’t sure.

realworld @ 84

ignatious @ 35

While I think it may be difficult to impossible to impeach this President, I do think we all can and must push for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales. If he were replaced by a real Attorney General, Bush and Co couldn’t show such infuriatingly blithe disregard for congressional oversight and we could see Special Prosecutors appointed re: domestic spying, etc. When real crimes are exposed– impeachment/resignation become possible. I loathe Gonzales. He is a smarmy, disgraceful liar. But, on a more pragmatic front, he is the person protecting the President’s many crimes and with constant pressure from the public, he is removable.

We won’t get a real AG until after the election. Cheney will just appoint someone smarter than Abu who will be able to stonewall even more effectively. We need to IMPEACH. (Hearings, Articles, Conviction).

Ah, but there’s the rub. If/when Abu resigns, there has to be a new one appointed AND confirmed. And another Abu clone, even if somewhat smarter than Abu, would not be confirmable.

That’s why Elliott Richardson was AG in the first place after Mitchell and Kleindeist and William Saxbe after Richardson. Nixon was forced to appoint reputable lawyers because fo the documented corruption. The same thing will happen here.

ignatious @ 35

While I think it may be difficult to impossible to impeach this President, I do think we all can and must push for the impeachment of Alberto Gonzales. If he were replaced by a real Attorney General, Bush and Co couldn’t show such infuriatingly blithe disregard for congressional oversight and we could see Special Prosecutors appointed re: domestic spying, etc. When real crimes are exposed– impeachment/resignation become possible. I loathe Gonzales. He is a smarmy, disgraceful liar. But, on a more pragmatic front, he is the person protecting the President’s many crimes and with constant pressure from the public, he is removable.

I’ve said this before, but, where is the downside in impeaching Gonzo? And it’s fairly clear cut - even before this latest thing - that he’s been routinely lying to Congress. The Repugs don’t like him either and I’m sure they would throw him to the wolves if there was some damning evidence in an impeachment hearing.

He’s not an elected official, so it’s not like taking out a Republican. It’s more like taking something personal of Bush’s and I’m sure the Repugs are ready to throw the Democrats a bone here.

rwcole @ 88

The White House has a problem- they’re using President Shit fer Brains to deliver their message- and NO ONE LISTENS TO HIM ANYMORE!

The “bully pulpit” has turned into the “mute button” pulpit.

“What’s ol 26% sayin today? Snore!!”

Ahem. I know pulpits. I do some great work in pulpits, if I do say so myself.

Bush has given “pulpit” a very bad name.

Bush has no pulpit: he’s just a bully.

Once again evidence the editorial board of the Compost does not read it’s own paper seeming to prefer the reporting of the moonie times instead

dakine01 @ 95

realworld @ 84

We won’t get a real AG until after the election. Cheney will just appoint someone smarter than Abu who will be able to stonewall even more effectively. We need to IMPEACH. (Hearings, Articles, Conviction).

So he say’s Who needs and AG after all? There is no law that says I have to follow any time line. Oh Justice is in chaos? What else is new?

Ah, but there’s the rub. If/when Abu resigns, there has to be a new one appointed AND confirmed. And another Abu clone, even if somewhat smarter than Abu, would not be confirmable.

That’s why Elliott Richardson was AG in the first place after Mitchell and Kleindeist and William Saxbe after Richardson. Nixon was forced to appoint reputable lawyers because fo the documented corruption. The same thing will happen here.

I just carefully listened to two speeches concerning Iraq on the Senate floor, which were uncharacteristically engrossing: one by Barbara Boxer and one by Joe Biden.

Barbara Boxer was passionate, clear, compelling, and principled. She challenged her Republican colleagues to ‘walk the walk,’ and just told it like it is. Excellent job.

Joe Biden was something else. Most of his speech was also compelling, direct, clear, and damning to Bush and the Republicans following him. But as he drew to a close, and began to describe his Biden ‘plan’ for subdividing Iraq - minus any apparent input from Iraqis themselves - I was appalled. Because Joe Biden knows better. Joe Biden told it like it is 80% of the speech, so you decide he’s a straight-shooter and start to assume he’s correct in what he’s saying [and who really knows based on general media reporting what’s up or down in Iraq], but then he inserted in the remaining 20% of his comments thoroughly questionable, and self-serving, disinformation, apparently in pursuit of an agenda that is simply contrary to the interests and will of the majority of the Iraqi people, from what I can glean about their opinions.

I think a portion of Biden’s floor speech really rose to the level of “insidious lies” about the truth in and future of Iraq, after we leave, which hardly helps the cause of getting the truth about the facts on the ground out to the American people. Biden uses the excuse of the occupation-pushed current Iraq Constitution, which has provisions for possible future fragmentation of the nation, to justify promoting just that ‘Biden scenario’ by way of the U.N., never mind what Iraqis themselves ultimately want once our boot is off their throat. It is the worst sort of American chauvinism, as well as very much in the interests of the Likudniks in Israel and A*P*C, I’m sure.

No mention of the vast oil wealth at stake in Iraq (which obviously sharply distinguishes Iraq from Bosnia) - only the usual specious allusion to the ‘oil-sharing’ deal that must accompany an American/U.N.-forced subdivision of the country (in order to bribe Iraqis to accept such a regional three-way subdivision, which is left unsaid). Biden actually suggested we force the other oil-rich countries in the region to help foot the future bill in Iraq, thereby implicitly acknowledging that the $20 TRILLION dollar value of Iraq’s oil will be ‘otherwise engaged’ in enriching the stockholders of multinational, non-Iraqi, oil companies, once his ‘oil-revenue-sharing’ proposal is law.

Bottom line: Joe Biden is absolutely convinced, he says, and challenges anyone to deny his ‘Biden Truth,’ that inevitable “self-sustaining sectarian violence” makes an Iraq “run from the center” [that is, by a strong national government as advocated by al-Sadr, instead of by a weak, partitioned “decentralized federalism” as advocated by… Biden, via possible amendments to the occupied-Iraq Constitution] an absolute impossibility in Iraq after we leave. Anyone who disagrees with this Biden assessment is accused of gross naivete. Biden claims the three sects can and will never cooperate in Iraq.

I, for one, will categorically dispute Biden’s view of a post-occupation Iraq - if only on a ‘never say never’ basis - and condemn him for trying to write the Iraqi people completely out of any say in their own future as a nation, with his arrogance and hubris about what they will and won’t be capable of once no longer under violent military occupation by ‘the world’s only superpower.’ The actions of the Iraqi parliament alone - uniting Shiite, Sunni, and Kurd in opposition to our occupation beyond 12/31/07 and to our ‘oil law’ - probably puts the lie to Biden’s “truth.”

I simply can’t believe Biden doesn’t know better. He is actively misleading, by hiding behind his long experience as a Senator and Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. He needs to drop his client-nation-shaping visions, and work to listen to the Iraqis themselves - beyond our puppet al-Maliki and his discredited Cabinet - and try a little American modesty for a change.

The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law.

Ooh, mean, mean history. Bush has the power to commute. The Congress has the power to impeach. A commutation in furtherance of a scheme to obstruct justice is an impeachable offense. Harr Reid should start doing his duty under the Constitution instead of making meaningless, ineffectual statements.

Hugh @ 67

Bush’s Cleveland speech so far is him railing against national healthcare. Now he’s moving on to the great job he’s doing on the economy. Throws out a bunch of numbers that don’t mean what he thinks it does.

Big repub donors at Cleveland Clinic to keep happy, ya know. As for bragging how great he’s doing on the economy, he really picked the WRONG CITY to do that. NE Ohio very hard hit by buhienomics.

Mod’s Not important but my response @99 ended up nested in the quote from dakine01@95. Sorry

mc @ 87:

Kennedy was a Senator after having served in combat and the House of Representatives before being elected as Senator. Since he and Nixon entered the House at the same time, if I remember my history correctly, the rethugs couldn’t have trashed his name without calling into question Nixon’s qualifications.

And Kennedy had actually written his own books, not just had them ghosted. His background would stand up quite weel in today’s world and show far more experience in the real world than many of the current candidates from both parties.

I’d say it’s about time ta go Gonzo huntin with a big stick and a net.

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

If there are, they’ll be pilloried in the press, impeached and then sent to gitmo. All rethugs, however, have a free “Sin” pass.

OT, but on the subject of more shrubbish malignance… the former surgeon general said he was silenced on public health threats

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200.....MDAE1vAI.. what kind of criminal regime politicizes public health?

mc @ 87

Well at least he has the “We all breath the same air” concept down !!

My comment had Li*udn*ks in it, Lurking Mod, without the *. Sorry to overlook that.

Good vid at top.

For all you sailors who have left us. Thanks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....mp;search=

BobbyG at 80

That shit is priceless. Thanks for the laugh.

A few rigged questions? Is that what Bushie just said?

Blub @ 105

barbara @ 37

I hate being dumb. But it is what it is. Would someone reassure me that there are no Dem names in the Little Black Book? (I clearly missed some of the back story.)

If there are, they’ll be pilloried in the press, impeached and then sent to gitmo. All rethugs, however, have a free “Sin” pass.

OT, but on the subject of more shrubbish malignance… the former surgeon general said he was silenced on public health threats

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200.....MDAE1vAI.. what kind of criminal regime politicizes public health?

A lot of the hearing is posted here:

Will Abu get to, ahem, “amend” his hearing testimony, thereby sidestepping the perjury charge?

I’ve never understood why this wormhole is allowed to exist. Just about everyone who has testified on the US Atty scandal has utilized it.

Apparently many of the ‘ladies’ used by the DC Madame are high power DC types. There was a note that the ‘ladies’ included military officers and a lawyer for a high powered DC law firm resigned because her name got leaked. It’s a who’s who on both sides of these ‘dates’. I, personally, wouldn’t be suprised if any dem names showed up on either of the lists (johns or hookers).

Hugh @ 100

The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law.

Ooh, mean, mean history. Bush has the power to commute. The Congress has the power to impeach. A commutation in furtherance of a scheme to obstruct justice is an impeachable offense. Harr Reid should start doing his duty under the Constitution instead of making meaningless, ineffectual statements.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to investigate allegations of high crimes and misdemeanors leveled against the senior officers of the Executive and Judicial Branches, to pass articles of impeachment if warranted, and to try the accused before the Senate.

History will judge harshly those Officers of the House and Senate who failed to exercise their constituional powers of oversight, and looked the other way at crimes committed against the constitution.

Larry Flynt has a sterling record on torpedoing self-righteous Louisiana shitheels.

Go Larry.

-GSD

AZ Matt @ 61

The Gavel
Waxman’s Surgeon General hearing video’s are up at the Gavel. Politics over science, no surprise there.

thank you

LS @ 11

Unless someone testifies that Gonzo was told directly or some document surfaces that proves he knew, nothing will come of this.

I’m not so sure. We’ll need to find the exact quote, but from what I read on TPM, Gonzo didn’t say to Congress “I’m not aware of any abuses,” he said there are none.

Even if he claims he didn’t read the reports, that’s still a lie. He either read them and testified falsely, or he testified falsely in making a definitive statement when he had not reviewed the information in question.

dakine01 @ 104

mc @ 87:

Kennedy was a Senator after having served in combat and the House of Representatives before being elected as Senator. Since he and Nixon entered the House at the same time, if I remember my history correctly, the rethugs couldn’t have trashed his name without calling into question Nixon’s qualifications.

And Kennedy had actually written his own books, not just had them ghosted. His background would stand up quite weel in today’s world and show far more experience in the real world than many of the current candidates from both parties.

If JFK medical history had been known, he wouldn’t have been nominated or elected.

“Anything goes.” The Post’s psychology column concludes, “Bush, Naturally, Never Wrong.”
Dammit, whatever happened to the Golden Rule? To ethics? To honesty?
I’m really tired of the Karl Rove/Chris Matthews “this is the way the game is played” mentality, and I bet most people are.
I know this is obvious and preaching to the choir — but the Golden Rule isn’t “natural” — it’s ETHICAL. It’s learned behavior, not instinct. But it’s our last best hope of survival — no matter on what playing field you apply it.
And I think we should be shouting that from every podium we’re offered.

The GavelLink has some of the video.

From Reuters: NYT’s Reuters

Former Bush Surgeon General Says He Was Muzzled
By REUTERS
Published: July 10, 2007

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The first U.S. surgeon general appointed by President George W. Bush accused the administration on Tuesday of political interference and muzzling him on key issues like embryonic stem cell research.

“Anything that doesn’t fit into the political appointees’ ideological, theological or political agenda is ignored, marginalized or simply buried,” Dr. Richard Carmona, who served as the nation’s top doctor from 2002 until 2006, told a House of Representatives committee.

“The problem with this approach is that in public health, as in a democracy, there is nothing worse than ignoring science, or marginalizing the voice of science for reasons driven by changing political winds. The job of surgeon general is to be the doctor of the nation, not the doctor of a political party,” Carmona added.

Carmona said Bush administration political appointees censored his speeches and kept him from talking out publicly about certain issues, including the science on embryonic stem cell research, contraceptives and his misgivings about the administration’s embrace of “abstinence-only” sex education.

Carmona’s comments came two days before a Senate committee is due to hold a hearing on Bush’s nomination of Dr. James Holsinger as his successor. The administration allowed Carmona to finish his term as surgeon general last year without a replacement in place

…

OT check out this Reuters piece.

Richard Carmona, the First Obstructionist’s first surgeon general, has told a House committee that his speeches were edited and his opinions muzzled by BushCo. I’m shocked. SHOCKED, I tell you.

christine @ 113

Apparently many of the ‘ladies’ used by the DC Madame are high power DC types. There was a note that the ‘ladies’ included military officers and a lawyer for a high powered DC law firm resigned because her name got leaked. It’s a who’s who on both sides of these ‘dates’. I, personally, wouldn’t be suprised if any dem names showed up on either of the lists (johns or hookers).

There was also some comment that none of the women were screened to make sure they weren’t say, foreign agents.

dakine01 @ 95

realworld @ 84

We won’t get a real AG until after the election. Cheney will just appoint someone smarter than Abu who will be able to stonewall even more effectively. We need to IMPEACH. (Hearings, Articles, Conviction).

Ah, but there’s the rub. If/when Abu resigns, there has to be a new one appointed AND confirmed. And another Abu clone, even if somewhat smarter than Abu, would not be confirmable.

That’s why Elliott Richardson was AG in the first place after Mitchell and Kleindeist and William Saxbe after Richardson. Nixon was forced to appoint reputable lawyers because fo the documented corruption. The same thing will happen here.

hmmm. maybe Fitz will get to be AG sooner than we think.

mc@94: No doubt, lol.
Nobody seems to be covering his speech much unless maybe faux.

Prairie Sunshine @ 112

A few rigged questions? Is that what Bushie just said?

You heard him right. He admitted to scripting audience questions.

note - Leahy on CSPAN2 speaking about Habeas

Michael Rivero is claiming he’s going to be having Madam D. J. Palfrey on What Really Happened Radio this weekend.

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

Ish @ 112

Will Abu get to, ahem, “amend” his hearing testimony, thereby sidestepping the perjury charge?

I’ve never understood why this wormhole is allowed to exist. Just about everyone who has testified on the US Atty scandal has utilized it.

The window on “amending” remarks and statements during congressional hearings seems to be approx five business days.

Leahy speaking on Habeus on c-span2

Most news these days about Government republics reads like a police blotter.

Redshift @ 117

LS @ 11

Unless someone testifies that Gonzo was told directly or some document surfaces that proves he knew, nothing will come of this.

I’m not so sure. We’ll need to find the exact quote, but from what I read on TPM, Gonzo didn’t say to Congress “I’m not aware of any abuses,” he said there are none.

Even if he claims he didn’t read the reports, that’s still a lie. He either read them and testified falsely, or he testified falsely in making a definitive statement when he had not reviewed the information in question.

Or he actually didn’t read them.

This, to me, would be the greatest crime of the bunch. They don’t send reports like these to the AG’s office just to pad a compost pile with more paper. These are red flags: “Hey, boss, someone’s screwing with the system!”

AGAG, if you really can’t be bothered (or remember) to read these kinds of reports, we’ll just take them off your hands. While we’re at it, we’ll take your nice little office, your parking space, your government ID, your security clearance, your key to the executive washroom, and your law license.

Mitch McConnell can thank Karl Rove for getting targeted now too.

It was unwritten courtesy to not target the opposing parties leadership until Bush and Rove rewarded Tom Daschle for his post 9/11 support by breaking that rule.

Congrats Toothless Mitch.

-GSD

P.S. Someone throw McCain a lifesave for God’s sake.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 129

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

We get bees hanging around the hummingbird feeder. Teh birds don’t seem to take long in showing up after the feeders are refiled with seed or sugarwater.

Steve-AR @ 118

dakine01 @ 104

mc @ 87:

Kennedy was a Senator after having served in combat and the House of Representatives before being elected as Senator. Since he and Nixon entered the House at the same time, if I remember my history correctly, the rethugs couldn’t have trashed his name without calling into question Nixon’s qualifications.

And Kennedy had actually written his own books, not just had them ghosted. His background would stand up quite weel in today’s world and show far more experience in the real world than many of the current candidates from both parties.

If JFK medical history had been known, he wouldn’t have been nominated or elected.

Neither would Bush…

If you include self-medicated…

Pat Leahy now speaking with regard to habeas corpus on the Senate floor. “Is this America?”

Now if only we could get someone in the WH to sing like Patti Lupone.

Powwow @101 I also heard the two speeches, Boxer/Biden but then I stuck around and heard LyinJoe….what a bag of sh**. Is Joe’s phone number listed in the DC who*e list? Can someone add it? How do we get rid of that man?

Lordy lord if there is not now enough to zap gonzo what the he** is needed.

Steve-AR @ 118

dakine01 @ 104

mc @ 87:

Kennedy was a Senator after having served in combat and the House of Representatives before being elected as Senator. Since he and Nixon entered the House at the same time, if I remember my history correctly, the rethugs couldn’t have trashed his name without calling into question Nixon’s qualifications.

And Kennedy had actually written his own books, not just had them ghosted. His background would stand up quite weel in today’s world and show far more experience in the real world than many of the current candidates from both parties.

If JFK medical history had been known, he wouldn’t have been nominated or elected.

That can be said about a lot of presidents when applying today’s standards. Including Lincoln and FDR.

GSD @ 132

Mitch McConnell can thank Karl Rove for getting targeted now too.

It was unwritten courtesy to not target the opposing parties leadership until Bush and Rove rewarded Tom Daschle for his post 9/11 support by breaking that rule.

Congrats Toothless Mitch.

-GSD

P.S. Someone throw McCain a lifesave for God’s sake.

I believe that McCain’s ship already sank.

Husband of NASCAR VP, Lesa France Kennedy, killed in small plane crash in Florida. The “France” family are big Bush contributors.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 127

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

Christy, they have operatives everywhere…SQUIRRELS!

I filed a Grievance against Gonzo with the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State Bar of Texas - if they get enough of them, maybe they will hold him “accountable.”
NOT a fairy tale!

To maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession in Texas, the grievance system is designed to protect the public from unethical lawyers. Lawyers are held accountable to a set of rules called the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who violate those rules are prosecuted under a set of rules called the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Much like the criminal system, you, as the aggrieved, are not a party to the disciplinary action. The system protects all members of the public, and you should report attorney misconduct in order to keep that attorney from harming others.

Thanks Tracy.

-GSD

Christy Hardin Smith @ 127

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

They are lurkers.

AZ Matt and barbara,

The question is why didn’t Carmona resign and speak out. He was Surgeon General for 4 years after all. Instead it appears he was a good soldier like Colin Powell and is only speaking now that it doesn’t matter.

I love Patti Lupone. Dammit, she can belt out a tune, can’t she? *g* Her original turn in Evita still makes me sit spellbound while listening to the cast album, she and Mandy Patinkin both are amazing.

btw, Pat Leahy is kicking ass on C-Span2 on habeas. Some days, I’m just so proud of him — today is one of those days.

realworld @ 124

christine @ 113
There was also some comment that none of the women were screened to make sure they weren’t say, foreign agents.

True, if memory serves correclty. They weren’t concerned about anything but money and parties/opportunities (the ‘ladies’) and the ‘johns’ were concerned about entertainment. Apparently the DC Madame was pretty upfront with both sides of the dealings as to the true nature of the business.

WASHINGTON — Opposition to the Iraq war has reached a record high, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, a development likely to complicate President Bush’s efforts to hold together Republican support as the Senate begins debate this week on Pentagon priorities.

Bush’s approval rating has reached a new low: 29%

Thunderbird @ 142

Christy Hardin Smith @ 127

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

Christy, they have operatives everywhere…SQUIRRELS!

In this heat, I like to take a hose and spray the lower tree branch leaves…within no time a bunch of birds show up and try to bathe on the wet leaves and stand under the hose spray…they go nuts and it is hilarious, they love it!

GSD @ 133

P.S. Someone throw McCain a lifesave for God’s sake.

Somebody throw him a clue. Oh wait, he wouldn’t know what to do with it.

New nickname

YAAWWN Murray:

Washington: What can possibly be gained by congressional hearings into the Libby commutation? Clearly Bush had the authority to do this, and he did it. Q.E.D. I’m old enough to remember when President Ford appeared before a congressional committee to explain his pardon of Richard Nixon. But Bush is no Ford, and unlike the Ford pardon, I don’t think this action is going to look better over time.

Shailagh Murray: YAAWWN. That’s my view of the Libby flap. What on earth did people expect Bush to do?

glenn has it

Christy Hardin Smith @ 127

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

Hey Christy… I’m next door to you over here in Kentucky.. A few days ago.. I also saw two honey bees and one bumble bee in about a ten square foot area of clover.. I have been so used to them not been around I almost stepped on them..

Was VERY glad to see them. I realized we have almost a full generation of children running round barefoot in lawns strewn with clover.. Oh, well,, they will learn the same way I did, that’s not a good idea..

Hugh @ 146

AZ Matt and barbara,

The question is why didn’t Carmona resign and speak out. He was Surgeon General for 4 years after all. Instead it appears he was a good soldier like Colin Powell and is only speaking now that it doesn’t matter.

There are no “John Deans” on this sinking ship. None.

“I don’t have a problem with dictatorships as long as I get to be dictator….”

I’m the one who “catapults the propaganda….”

“A few rigged questions…..”

For cripes sake, MSM… you’ve had a gimme for seven frickin’ years!

Props to Josh…the new look TPM is fabu!

Tracey @ 141

I filed a Grievance against Gonzo with the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State Bar of Texas - if they get enough of them, maybe they will hold him “accountable.”
NOT a fairy tale!

To maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession in Texas, the grievance system is designed to protect the public from unethical lawyers. Lawyers are held accountable to a set of rules called the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who violate those rules are prosecuted under a set of rules called the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Much like the criminal system, you, as the aggrieved, are not a party to the disciplinary action. The system protects all members of the public, and you should report attorney misconduct in order to keep that attorney from harming others.

I would think a single complaint would have to be looked into. Getting “enough of them” shouldn’t matter, but (imagining Molly Ivins rolling her eyes at me) this is Texas we’re talking about, so maybe I’m wrong.

dakine01@104:

Oops, thanks. Ancient history’s not my strong suit. *g*

Hugh @ 146

AZ Matt and barbara,

The question is why didn’t Carmona resign and speak out. He was Surgeon General for 4 years after all. Instead it appears he was a good soldier like Colin Powell and is only speaking now that it doesn’t matter.

I am with you. All the people that are now coming out… now that it is safe(?) are the worst kind of swine. They have been guilty of abetting a criminal enterprise, as far as I am concerned, and should be thrown in gaol.

Leahy just made one of the historic Senate speeches that will resonate for decades. Wow!

snowyegret @ 103

Hugh @ 67

Bush’s Cleveland speech so far is him railing against national healthcare. Now he’s moving on to the great job he’s doing on the economy. Throws out a bunch of numbers that don’t mean what he thinks it does.

Big repub donors at Cleveland Clinic to keep happy, ya know. As for bragging how great he’s doing on the economy, he really picked the WRONG CITY to do that. NE Ohio very hard hit by buhienomics.

No sh*t. Between Cleveland Clinic and UHHS, what else is there? Used to work for Mt. Sinai. Used to hear physicians in the elevators and I quote - “I will NEVER work for those m*f*ckers!” and ultimately went elsewhere. I’ve run across two since being home here in Idaho.

Also, my boss’s hubby worked for LTV for 26 years! 26 years! Walked out with all his shit in a box - just like that. Is Kucinich in town today?

nomolos @ 157

Hugh @ 146

AZ Matt and barbara,

The question is why didn’t Carmona resign and speak out. He was Surgeon General for 4 years after all. Instead it appears he was a good soldier like Colin Powell and is only speaking now that it doesn’t matter.

I am with you. All the people that are now coming out… now that it is safe(?) are the worst kind of swine. They have been guilty of abetting a criminal enterprise, as far as I am concerned, and should be thrown in gaol.

I agree with this in spirit, but pragmatically speaking it helps to further tarnish the GOP brand.

Peterr @ 155

Tracey @ 141

I filed a Grievance against Gonzo with the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State Bar of Texas - if they get enough of them, maybe they will hold him “accountable.”
NOT a fairy tale!

To maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession in Texas, the grievance system is designed to protect the public from unethical lawyers. Lawyers are held accountable to a set of rules called the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who violate those rules are prosecuted under a set of rules called the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Much like the criminal system, you, as the aggrieved, are not a party to the disciplinary action. The system protects all members of the public, and you should report attorney misconduct in order to keep that attorney from harming others.

I would think a single complaint would have to be looked into. Getting “enough of them” shouldn’t matter, but (imagining Molly Ivins rolling her eyes at me) this is Texas we’re talking about, so maybe I’m wrong.

I would think so too…One complaint to my
State Medical Board is investigated.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 129

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

I saw a honeybee on Friday, first one I’ve seen in fifteen years! She looked just fine.

mc @ 157

dakine01@104:

Oops, thanks. Ancient history’s not my strong suit. *g*

Oh yeah! Just go ahead and make me feel old, why doncha! Jeez!

re: Fredo
I was up early this morning and had Scarborough on - he was ranting on the evil which is Fredo. He said: “Either he’s lied through his teeth time and again, or he’s acting like he has a closed-head injury.” In either event, he needs to go.

Y’know, there has to be a way for those outside of government to compel Fredo to get a checkup, you know, to rule out closed-head injury.

Prof @ 24

Oh, I get it. The defense is now going to be that Gonzales could not be bothered to actually do his job.

Christy, Christy, Christy, don’t you know that reading reports is oh-so-20th century? He was busy listening in on David Vitter’s phone sessions. So was the FISA court.

Oh, the imagery! Shocking! Simply shocking! - not to mention repulsive.

I’ve seen lots of honeybees this year- there’s a nest right beside the 17th tee—If it’s a close match- you can use it to your advantage–let yer opponent out right in the flight path..

The puppy tried to eat her first honeybee yesterday- I’m not sure how it worked out- she may have gotten some education.

Caught a bit of the healthcare part of Bush’s speech. Said he was dead set against any federal health insurance, but then said he was for federal malpractice insurance for doctors (and tort reform to make it yet more impossible to sue). I’m sorry, I seemed to have missed the logic behind that.

Does everybody in Cleveland look like Fred Kagan, or is that just part of their audience screening process?

dakine01 @ 164

mc @ 157

dakine01@104:

Oops, thanks. Ancient history’s not my strong suit. *g*

Oh yeah! Just go ahead and make me feel old, why doncha! Jeez!

Actually, I do remember where I was on the day he was shot by that guy on the grassy knoll.

Prairie Sunshine @ 155

“I don’t have a problem with dictatorships as long as I get to be dictator….”

I’m the one who “catapults the propaganda….”

“A few rigged questions…..”

For cripes sake, MSM… you’ve had a gimme for seven frickin’ years!

Props to Josh…the new look TPM is fabu!

Not so fast Prairie Sunshine! I will be dictator. Me alpha. You omega.

OT
as AZ Matt @ 61 noted, The Gavel has bits up from the Oversight Hearing on the Office of the Surgeon General.

I urge everyone to at least listen to Richard Carmona’s opening statement, scathing.

Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., who resigned as Surgeon General in 2006, gives opening testimony about what he viewed as political and partisan pressure from the Bush Administration:

The GOOPers keep on giving!!!

Vitter is on the LIST the Washington Madame compiled!!

His brother lives in our fair city and can’t say much for him either.

Jane’s up top.

janda @ 161

nomolos @ 157

I am with you. All the people that are now coming out… now that it is safe(?) are the worst kind of swine. They have been guilty of abetting a criminal enterprise, as far as I am concerned, and should be thrown in gaol.

I agree with this in spirit, but pragmatically speaking it helps to further tarnish the GOP brand.

Carmona is a disgrace. He has violated every moral and ethical standard for a physician. “First do no harm”, that’s all he did was harm, pushing the christianist agenda.

Reid’s response on now

Christy Hardin Smith @ 128

Just went out to refill my birdfeeders, and spotted two honeybees on my Russian sage. First ones I’ve seen in a while…made me smile. Thought I’d share the smile with everyone else. :)

How is it that the ravenous horde of sparrows and finches always knows within seconds that I’ve filled the feeders, anyway?

NSA finches

AZ Matt @ 135

They have lookouts posted just out of your sight. (Not really a joke: the hummers usually sit where they can see the feeder(s). One feeder: one bird; two or more feeders visible from one location: one bird.)

I’ll have to check the DCMadam stuff when I get home. Last evening there wasn’t much at the site I saw, but it wasn’t the main site, either.

Oh yes:

Impeach the @#$%^&*s!

Wordsmith @160 –
Ah, Mt. Sinai Hosp. What memories. And Republic/LTV Steel. Do you know Mt. Sinai is closed now? I didn’t realize til I looked at an AP report on the speech that it was held AT the Clinic. I had the (mis)fortune of working there for a few years in the 70’s.

I do not know if Kucinich is there today. I am living in hot, steamy fla at this time.

Wordsmith and snowyegret:

I used to work at Mt. Sinai, too! Remember the Tower building and then the Pavilion buildings? I think all torn down except for the Temple, now…

I wasn’t surprised, though, that it closed - its patient population was so divided into the wealthy suburban Jewish population and the very poor Hough neighborhood population. When the suburbanites had more hospital choices closer to where they lived, the loss of those insured patients really hurt.

Nequals1 @ 179

Wordsmith and snowyegret:

I used to work at Mt. Sinai, too! Remember the Tower building and then the Pavilion buildings? I think all torn down except for the Temple, now…

I wasn’t surprised, though, that it closed - its patient population was so divided into the wealthy suburban Jewish population and the very poor Hough neighborhood population. When the suburbanites had more hospital choices closer to where they lived, the loss of those insured patients really hurt.

All true. They were a resource toward the end for the influx of Russian Jewish immigrants to the area. I know they were taken over by one of the big corps. Can’t think of the name offhand. Of course the first thing they did was lay off nurses. Not long after, they closed the doors. (Was it HCA maybe?)

Elliott @ 171

OT
as AZ Matt @ 61 noted, The Gavel has bits up from the Oversight Hearing on the Office of the Surgeon General.

I urge everyone to at least listen to Richard Carmona’s opening statement, scathing.

Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., who resigned as Surgeon General in 2006, gives opening testimony about what he viewed as political and partisan pressure from the Bush Administration:

Thank you for providing this. I had been looking for coverage of it and never thought to check the Gavel! Post up on my blog full of outrage, as per usual. There are several YouTube videos of Waxman, Carmona and Koop that are worth watching.

Tracey @ 143

I filed a Grievance against Gonzo with the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the State Bar of Texas - if they get enough of them, maybe they will hold him “accountable.”
NOT a fairy tale!

To maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession in Texas, the grievance system is designed to protect the public from unethical lawyers. Lawyers are held accountable to a set of rules called the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who violate those rules are prosecuted under a set of rules called the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Much like the criminal system, you, as the aggrieved, are not a party to the disciplinary action. The system protects all members of the public, and you should report attorney misconduct in order to keep that attorney from harming others.

As one Texan to another, thanks, Tracy!

I posted about the surgeon general testimony - plenty of youtube goodness, if anyone’s interested.

I think that it demonstrates medical malpractice on the public, but who is accountable? Bush? The Surgeon General? Both?

“There has not been one verified case of civil liberties abuse,” Gonzales told senators on April 27, 2005.

Six days earlier, the FBI sent Gonzales a copy of a report that said its agents had obtained personal information that they were not entitled to have.

[Snark-mode-on]
Six is not one. So, ‘fredo didn’t lie, because no one thought to ask him how many cases of abuse had been reported. He said, “Not one…” and he was right.
[Snark-mode-off]

BC — it doesn’t take a PhD in Statistics to know that 6 1.

Hugh @ 102

The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law.

Ooh, mean, mean history. Bush has the power to commute. The Congress has the power to impeach. A commutation in furtherance of a scheme to obstruct justice is an impeachable offense. Harr Reid should start doing his duty under the Constitution instead of making meaningless, ineffectual statements.

I think talk of impeaching Bush or Gonzales needs to wait a bit.

Right now attention should focus on Cheney, the DC Madam, Cheney’s health and the Kucinich bill to impeach Cheney.

Clarify where that is going and then look at the playing field at that point. If Cheney’s phone number is on the list, then I hardly think he can stay in office (he’ll have to resign). If it’s not on the list, then the Kucinich bill should be pushed faster faster and see if they can get enough Republicans to impeach & convict.

In conjunction with that there is the continued oversight hearing investigation of others in the WH like Sara Taylor and perhaps Mary Matalin and other White House Iraq Group members. Turning over the rocks may be ugly work, but it will very likely turn up a lot of criminal behavior pointing to Cheney & Bush.

I agree on Bush. But, Gonzales is not defendable and will be easy to impeach. The evidence is already there. He’s an unpopular man and am embarassment to law-and-order Republicans.

I don’t see how you get Republicans to go along with any action against Cheney– they’ll hurl themselves under buses first.

gonzo can be described as being purposely incompetant. he is not really stupid or incompetant, but he purposely is incompetant to enable all the lies, do not recollects, and i searched my memory which has nothing in it.

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