I have had it. Giving the Republicans in Congress a pass to do as they please, obstruct whatever legislation they like and pay no penalty for doing so has to stop.
Harry Reid must do his job and make the Senate GOP physically stand up and filibuster. Or we might as well declare Congress to be a lovely afternoon tea party and be done with it.
Civility doesn’t mean that you roll over and ask for a belly scratch from your opponents — it means that everyone plays by the rules on all sides. We had 56 votes for the Webb bill — but could not get it through because a super-majority was required of 60 votes for cloture. This has happened time and time again. The GOP continually obstructs? Then they ought to pay a hefty public price. Harry Reid needs to lead on this — or get the hell out of the way.
Call Sen. Harry Reid today and tell him to do his job and make them stand and filibuster. He can be reached at 202-224-3542 in DC and 702-388-5020 in Nevada.
Sen. Kent Conrad made it crystal clear why this is important on The Young Turks this past week (Chris Bowers has the YouTube of the interview here):
…With that said, with that said, I think that we could do a better job making our points, and one part of that is to let the American people see just how obstructionist this Republican minority is being. The leader has had to file cloture now over 40 times already this year. And cloture, as you know, is a special procedure to stop debate, to stop filibusters, in order to reach conclusion on legislation. I had a Republican colleague tell me it is the Republican strategy to try to prevent any accomplishment of the Democratic Congress. That is set in their caucus openly and directly that they don’t intend to allow Democrats to have any legislative successes, and they intend to do it by repeated filibuster. (emphasis mine)
Good to know, isn’t it? The Republicans warp the rules, they need to pay a price. That price, at minimum, must be a real, stand up filibuster. They want to obstruct (PDF), they do it the hard way. Chris Bowers has this exactly right:
No more simply allowing Republicans to defeat Democratic legislation just by holding a cloture vote. It is time to actually make Republicans carry out the filibusters they threaten when they vote “no” on cloture. If they want to use the threat of unlimited debate on issues like raising the minimum wage and providing mandatory time at home between deployments to Iraq for American troops, let’s actually make them engage in unlimited, or at least nearly unlimited, debate on those subjects and see what the American people think.
There are two ways to deal with bad faith actors; to dealing with people who understand only force. One is to decide you’re willing to let them have what they want because you won’t pay the cost of opposing them. If they say “I’m going to hit you if you don’t give me your wallet” you can say “ok”. The second is to escalate. In the words of the Untouchables – if they bring a knife, you bring a gun; if they put one of yours in the hospital, you put one of theirs in the morgue. When people understand only force, you must respond with maximum force. Anything else is taken as weakness and they will walk all over you.
Amen. Tell Harry Reid to do his job — make them stand and filibuster. If they are going to obstruct every bill in the Senate, to require that the will of the majority be overtaken by that of a virulent, obstructive minority viewpoint, then they ought to pay a hefty penalty for those actions. The Senate Republicans should be forced to stand up, in the full public view, and ply their smarmy trade for all the world to see.
The photo above is Matt Stoller’s message to Harry Reid. If you’d like to send your own, “Do your job, make them stand and filibuster.” message, please send me your photo — I’d love to have it. (Send pictures to ReddHedd AT Firedoglake DOT com.) Or if you do a short YouTube video of your message, send me a link and I’ll pass it along to Crooks and Liars. It’s time we stood up to the bullies in the GOP and let them know that the American public expects better. And that we expect the leadership of the Democratic party to do the same.
Call Harry Reid today and tell him to do his job — if the Republicans want to do nothing but obstruct the Senate, then they ought to stand and filibuster the hard way. Their free ride is over.
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We should stop calling them the Senate and call them something like the Peoples’ Chamber of Ineffectiveness.
yup, great post christy, MAKE THEM FILLIBUSTER
and PUHLEEZE put impeachment back on the table
ok, this is why we have to begin impeachment proceedings NOW;L
CHENEY winning the argument to attack Iran
and if he attacks Iran before he leaves office I GUARANTEE he will invoke martial law, we WILL have a police state
the ONLY purpose of an Iran attack “before” the president leaves office is to hope it keeps him in office
there is no other reason, the next president will immediately end any aggression they take…the next president will HAVE TO get us out of Iraq and HAVE TO get us out of any engagement in Iran
they want to start a war that they will use to impose martiall law
an alarm is raised firedogs, our republic will not hold out much longer, we must impeach
Good morning, and right on CHS!
If they want to make asses of themselves, let us only provide the spotlight.
Maybe this should be our new activism approach. Photos of us with our messages. Mine might be “Invoke Inherent Contempt”. Bush is inherently contemptuous of Congress and the American people.
We could send photos via email, but even more effective perhaps would be if we printed them, and mailed them. Perhaps putting a face with a message would have some stronger effect? We must do something.
puppethead @ 1
better, call them “the president’s lap dogs”…hit them where it hurts
This actually is a strategy you would think the dems would understand — they got nailed for being obstructionist repeatedly during the previous six years.
CALL THEIR BLUFF.
MAKE THEM FILIBUSTER.
BE SURE AMERICANS KNOW WHERE THE REPUBLICANS STAND.
Christy !!!!!
Filibuster, then
IMPEACH. it’s the right thing to do.
Iran back on the radar screen:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0716.html
And the LIEberman resolution gives W carte blanche.
Now here’s the on-topic Q. Would going for impeachment increase, decrease, or not influence the probability of attacking Iran?
When I call Reid, I intend to also bring up that he should leave someone behind to bring the Senate into session every day during August.
Real filibusters – and no recess appointments!
I’ve said it before many times but will say it again: Mr Reid needs to keep the Senate in session for the entire summer (if our troops are working, the Congress needs to be working). One Senate agenda item: Iraq. If the Toothless Miss wants to filibuster, he needs to put on his Depends and stand up and talk his head off. Make the Rs stay on record as hating the troops and keep voting against them many times a day every day of the week. No more “We support the troops as long as it doesn’t conflict with the WH” bull sh*t.
And one additional request. Would looseheadprop or someone give us another e-lesson? I’d like to know more about ways the House can bypass the courts and DOJ to compel testimony from Miers, Rove et al. I thought the Impeachment Inquiry would do that? What about John Dean’s suggestion of Inherent Contempt? Thanks!
great idea christy! will call right now… with one addition – make them filibuster through the whole month of august.
then no one can complain that normal business isn’t getting done.
keep ‘em all in DC in august.
eCAHNomics @ 8
the senate can go straight to vote, the impeachment process would have to be swift and absolute
“summary judgement”
as I recall in the constitutional papers and talks a president can be suspended impending impeachment
whether or not that would hold up, this time the senate would make the president challenge, suspend him until the court rules otherwise
if pelosi is reluctant because that would make her president she can resign the post and allow the constitution to name the next in line
this has got to begin
I agree, no recess while the troops are dying in Iraq. The Iraqi Parliament, and Congress.
And for chrissake, how many of us get a damn month’s vacation? Or family health coverage for $35.00 for life? I am furious. This is obscene.
While you are on the phone with Reid’s office, ask him why is isn’t co-sponsoring the Habeas amendment, too. (S. 185 and S. 2022.)
dmg @ 6
Exactly. It is not only cynical obstructionism, it is also complete hypocrisy from the Republicans. They were just threatening the ‘nuclear option’ when they were in the majority a couple years ago.
Just called Pelosi’s office. They said they’re being swamped with calls for impeachment. Good. Keep it going. Call her at 202-225-4965.
Have you all emailed the link to Bill Moyers to the House? They need to be bombarded. I have, and to FAIR’s list of MSM television contacts. How can they watch that and then look at themselves in the mirror?
keep ‘em all in DC in august.
No recess! I can live with them voting themselves a pay raise, because I want qualified people and less temptation to whore out to special interests.
But to get a raise, and immediately take a vacation – well, now that’s a pretty good gig if you can get it.
Reid, Pelosi – there are things going on in this country, right now, that are more important than going on an August vacation/fundraising trip.
I just called the Senator’s office and got right through. Imagine an American soldier dying, facing his end,and the courage he or she exhibits in those last moments, giving their life for their country. At the very least our Senators can stand up.
They are going to have to decide what is more important, the people they work for or their political careers.
Good Morning Christy.
EPU’d downstairs, but more appropriate here anyway:
Habeas Corpus vote expected as early as Tues. this week. Call your Senators if they’re wrong-headed or afflicted with a chronic wobble, *sigh* like our Voinovich.
I suppose I’d better go off soon to give another well-aimed shove to the lil’ fella…
And I thot, once our kids were grown, I was done babysitting… Do these guys check their ethics and sense of decency at the door when they gain office, or were they always that way?
Hey, all you BlueAmerica candidate scouts, the wobbly Sen. V. is up for renewal in ‘08. Fresh material would be most welcome. All of OH would be grateful. *sigh*
addendum: oops! Thanks Christy. Didn’t know the esteemed Sen. Reid was missing-in-action on Habeas. Will save an extra shove for him while I’m in the chamber’s toobz.
Adie at 22 — Hope to have more on habeas coming up in a bit. Am waiting for a couple of calls back before I finish the post…
Agree with the sentiments here.
If the Reps want to be a bunch of anti-Jimmy Stewarts, then let them generate multi-week headlines about their filibustering efforts–and then explain why they shut down Bush’s government on Bush’s orders.
Roopez123 @ 17
Thank you for the reminder. Just called and was told they were being swamped with impeachment requests. I asked if Madam had watched the Bill Moyers Journal Friday, the aide said she was not sure, but that many people were asking that question and requesting Pelosi to do so.
I tell you the Bush version of MONOPOLY, is revolting.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 23
Terrific! Thanks. You don’t miss a beat.
ACLU website probably would be a good place for people to go also, to get fuel & fodder. They were sending out notices this a.m. on the subject. ;->
Love it, love it love it.
I’ve been off-line a couple of days..
Did anyone ever find out why the Dems voted for the “LIE”berman amendment to include Iran in Cheney’s un-holy war ??
Great post Redd, I am getting as frustrated with the Dem’s spinlessness as I am the Rethugs total evil..
Is it time for another “Tea Party” ??
eCAHNomics @ 8
My thinking is this: Bush/Cheney and everyone else know that the Iraqi war situation will change in Jan.’09 if Dems win (let’s presume this). We’ll be re-deploying or withdrawing, in some fashion. The ONLY reason I can see for all of the stalling/running out the clock with regard to the Congress on the Iraq issue is to justify the upcoming attack on Iran — ie, Iran=Iraq aggression against our troops(also, strategic troop position in Iraq is important). To me, *this* is the reason Congress must move quickly on impeachment, staying in session in Aug. It is to gum up the works for Bush/Cheney being able to wage war on Iran. I have a great sense of urgency about this, and actually fear that even impeachment won’t stop them.
IMPEACHMENT? Forget the Leadership. Convince the Judiciary Committee.
What would LBJ do?
Did you see Cheney snoozing (NY Times Saturday
Pic, I think page A-5). Too much medication?
Novak strikes again…
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07…..f=magazine
I’ve never called anyone beyond my own representatives, which until Webb, was useless. But I called Reid today, left a voice message, and I talked with a staffer. He just took comments–which I freely gave–but said nothing.
I suggest we also call Senator Durbin, the assistant majority leader. His number is (202) 224-2152.
Lou Costello @ 31
You are right, of course, but what we send to them we should also to Pelosi.
I do get the feeling that Reid is just going through the motions though to what end I am not sure. He also seems to be more aligned with the goopers than the Dems a lot of the time, anti choice being the most egregious. In addition he is surely the most colourless individual in the Senate.
Apparently, like Pelosi, he is just marking time until the next election and is loathe to create any waves that could be sourced to “progressives”. My wife calls him the bland panderer
just called reid’s office… and am now going to call my own senators. figure it can’t hurt to let them know what i’m thinking…
“I have had it. Giving the Republicans in Congress a pass to do as they please, obstruct whatever legislation they like and pay no penalty for doing so has to stop.”
“Civility doesn’t mean that you roll over and ask for a belly scratch from your opponents — it means that everyone plays by the rules on all sides.”
Not bad. Not bad at all. ;0)
Do you realize what you’re saying? Filibustering is not fun, it’s tiring. It’s hard on the knees (especially for the weak-kneed). And it blows to hell any hope for 5:00 o’clock cocktails.
I don’t think you really understand what you’re asking for from these people. I don’t think you’ve ever seen an apple cart wobbled or tipped. It’s not pretty.
eCAHNomics @ 8
I want all senators and representatives to acknowledge that Holy Joe is completely out of his mind and should be forced to resign.
This is the best news I’ve heard all week!
Gunga Djinn @ 39
you sure? purty savvy pack a hounds here-bouts ;->
mui @ 41
Wow you do feel strongly about this, quoting twice is one kinda strong statement
Harry is an impotent tool now. If you recall, each time he has stiffened up, the shooter comes and smacks him down. The intelligence committee appears to be so wrapped up in the crimes that they can’t investigate any of their members.
we are getting what from the existing congress? what have they done? they backed down when they had a bill pass to end the war. Doesn’t that pretty much tell you everything you need to know?
we have been sold out. money is the most important thing to a politician, and when they have it, they no longer care about anything else. I hate saying this, but look at the otherwise rationally appearing congress people that get down on their knees to service israel on a regular basis? our foreign policy is incredible, get that oil, screw anything else
we could have replaced the oil if we started in earnest 30 years ago, but that didn’t happen either.
optimism without action, war without sacrifice. There is no reason to get excited, the thief he kindly spoke. There are many here among us that feel life is but a joke. ah, but in the distance……
talk is cheap, and words fail. perhaps the blogs are doing the wrong thing? maybe they allow people to blow off steam that might be better directed to action? We know that our government has all our names now, and they are blackmailing anyone they have dirt on.
hasn’t it become obvious that this form of government is a failure?
Here’s the short form for everyone’s easy reference:
202-225-4965 = Pelosi’s office
202-224-3542 = Reid in D.C.
702-388-5020 = Reid in Nevada
Link to Moyers on impeachment
Also hard copy link to Moyers piece for cutting/pasting: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/071407B.shtml
We are past the point of “pretty” !
nomolos @ 43
I thought I fixed it in edit. His influence on the Iran “thing” is pernicious.
Sometimes I think we were ‘had’ last November. And this feeling makes me restless.
Make ‘em filibuster, no August recess!
Republicans = Corruption R Us.
Morning Mika saying all the Bush Admin has to do is get thru this weekend and they’re home free until Sept. Maliki is already pushing December for sitting down for serious talks.
You don’t call a baseball game over when the score is 0-0. Here’s a sports metaphor the Bushies can understand: We the People demand extra innings.
Democrats, it’s time to play ball. Hard ball.
barbara @ 45
And here is FAIR’s media contact list: http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=111
Made my calls. Thanks for coordinating!
Onward to impeachment.
no vote no recess
the troops get extended tours, so should the Senate.
make the goopers filibuster for real.
show the world that the roadblock republicans stand between us and getting out or stand between the troops and the troop-friendly plan of the Webb amendment.
I’m pretty hopeless about Dems in Congress. They betray us every step of the way…saying the right words but never taking effective action. I write to my Senators and my Reps but all of them say, with a straight face, that impeachment is ‘not in the best interests of the country.’ They refuse to do their jobs, having sold out completely to corporate interests.
Adie @ 22
isn’t Paul Hackett from Ohio? hint, hint.
peterboy @ 52
Brilliant! George Lakoff would love this frame!
I’ve been pissed for so long, I’m glad to see Christy so fired up. Reed is not doing his job, we’ve seen to many examples of what happens when Dems lay down, Clinton, Gore, Kerry for example. Some more politicians may have to risk having their reputations destroyed like Clinton, Gore, Kerry but there can not be any more rolling over, speak out.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 48
I don’t think we were had. I think this is a process. I didn’t think that all would be rosy after the elections. We knew conservative element (the ones who didn’t back Lamont) in the Dem party were always going to be a problem, plus their influence on other party members, plus the raging case of club fed that many get.
I have been a straight shooting Dem for almost 40 years. It’s not me who has changed. But my party has. And not for the better. Time was I was considered a mainstream Democrat. But today the Democratic Party thinks I am a radical. And my views haven’t changed politically over the last four decades. Hmmm. How do I account for that?
mui @ 41
i’m with you… but we’ve got just the opposite – every dem representative (except kucinich) voted for h.con.r.21 and every dem senator voted for s.a.2073.
i’m thinking the “out of their mind” is not limited to lieberman (although he is one of the worst examples of it).
Amen.
I thought the reason we put up with Reid’s lack of charisma and “elected” Reid Leader was because he was a master at the rules of the Senate. So far he keeps calling votes that are less than optimal, and then allowing obstuction by all types of procedures.
I think Harry Reid is a wimp. He got taken time and time again by this Lieberman, and actually allowed that ridiculous “sense of the Senate” Iran vote to occur – giving Bushco cover for more black ops.
Sometimes I feel like a man without a party.
Anyone seen John Murtha lately?
selise @ 58
Ooh Selise, thank you for that. I was just about to look up that bill and speak my mind out if you know what I mean. First stop: Rosa Delaura. Second stop: Chris Dodd. I’m still really p’oed. *Achem* I mean resolution.
incontext @ 53
Lets see, betrayed by bushco, betrayed by scotus and betrayed by congress. Makes a person feel, well, betrayed
Urban Pirate @ 59
if reid is a wimp, then so is pelosi. she brought h.con.r.21 to the house floor for a vote (and voted for it).
nomolos @ 63
Trifecta! Checks and balances, you see.
barbara @ 55
thanks, barbara.
ok. just spent several minutes with the person in senator kerry’s office explaining that you don’t need 60 votes to make the republicans filibuster.
arghhhh!!!
Raw Story developing headline: Justice Dep’t accused of hypocrisy over ‘privilege:’ Soon…
The Iraqi Parliament is going on vacation during the month of August because Baghdad is too hot.
If Harry and Nancy are too obtuse to see the political advantages this presents them by keeping Congress in session during August, they need to be replaced. Political opportunity like this only presents itself on the banks of the Potomac once a generation or so.
Harry and Nancy: CARPE DIEM!
Certain powers come with having the majority in the House and the Senate.
Among them are the power to impeach and the power to force a filibuster.
If the Democratic leadership fails to properly utilize their inherent powers when appropriate, it constitutes a dereliction of their Constitutional duty.
I just found this excellent article that details the lead up to the invasion of Iraq. They are using the exact same M.O. for Iran. Duh. Anyway, it lays out specific groups and how they worked the media and the people. I don’t know how it could be helpful in heading off the upcoming Iran war, but there may be something there, there. Also, I watched the movie Lords of War last night. It is all about arms dealing. There is a shot in it of a boat belonging to one of the dealers, and the name of the boat is “Kristol”. D’ya think they were trying to tell us something??? Could that be why Bill Kristol is so gung-ho for war all the time? Just a thought.
http://www.prwatch.org/prwissues/2002Q4/war.html
peterboy @ 51
brilliant!
How would I characterize my party? As the largest collection of impotency I’ve seen in my life.
I’d still like to hear one Democrat in DC call George Bush a liar. Just that way. ‘A liar’. If you don’t have the votes to carry the day, then you take it directly to the people. In terms (liar, etc.) they can relate too. In this the Democrats have failed miserably. I’m sick to death of the roll-over, Demos.
*xyz @ 70
And then what? Not snarking. Want to know.
Brief ThinkProgress post: Bush may make Petraeus his ‘fall guy.’
old gold @ 69
exactly, right old gold.
The Iraqi Parliment goes home, but we stay. Troops get extended tours, the Congress should, too.
Time to push impeachment. This is what the Founders would do.
No King.
No King George.
Pardons for your own staff’s wrongdoing should be answered with impeachment–James Madison
I have to say again: this filibuster stuff is bullshit. We’re arguing about how to gain political advantage for enablers of war against Iran. During the August recess, the bombs will fall. When the little darlings come back to D.C., it’ll be :”support the troops” all over again as the world plunges into hell.
Sometimes the blogosphere is so useless. I really wish we weren’t so “smart.”
Apologize for being OT, but:
A little love for Russ. Like us, he tried to end the madness. And for his efforts, like us, he was shunned and disrespected by his own party.
barbara @ 74
In the short term, letters, emails, phone calls, banners and take to the streets. In the long term work like hell on the next elections
Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 74
What happened to the “war czar?”
sandflea @ 76
not this week. not after his vote for the lieberman iran amendment.
Damn, a second quake off coast in Japan 6.7. 2nd in 5 hours. Watch out ring of fire. Usually there is an opposite quake on the other side of the ring of fire, i.e., West coast of USA, so I’m told.
Indeed, NO recess!
Make ‘em filibuster!
And make sure that you hold important Committee hearings when these jerks are on the Floor boring others to tears! Make several of the hearings DIRECTLY relate to the HARM that occurs when troops are held in combat situations for long periods of time. Get a lot of physicians and mental health specialists there, and those former Surgeon Generals!
That will take ‘em out of their game.
And maybe cut the air-con in the main chamber and have Seagrams offer mint juleps outside on the steps.
Bet these Southern Neo-Cons like Huckleberry Lindsey couldn’t resist!
You can call and you can fax Reid’s office: 202-224-7327. Faxes must be picked up and handled, ensuring that somebody must read it and put it somewhere.
In the case of the Webb amendment I wrote my pitiful Senator LIEberman and simply asked him why he hates the troops so much, in voting against giving them respite between tours of duty. These obstructionists and apolgists for the worst administration in history should always be called out and made to explain their insidious votes.
Isn’t “propaganda” illegal during a time of war??
OT – link to weekly congressional hearings update for firepups.
can’t get through to Reid’s office – “all phones are busy”
heh-heh.
Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 74
But of course. You don’t expect the Decider to change his stripes and actually take responsibilty for his own failure, do you?
barbara @ 73
There is no penalty for Congress failing to uphold their duties under the Constitution other than the penalty that we the public impose through our collective efforts, through our activism, and through our vote.
That is why it is so critical that we all act right now to force the Congress to use all of the powers of their office to (i) defend the Constitution against an out of control executive branch and (ii) force the passage of popular legislation past an obstructionist Republican minority.
Open impeachment inquiries of Bush and Cheney, and force the Republicans to filibuster. That is the message that we need to send to Congress.
This is a good time to remind folks that you get one nickname on this blog — changing nicknames midstream in comments is a good way to get yourself banned. Consider this a friendly warning.
Oklahoma @ 72
Agreed. Maybe we should send bottles of vi*gra??
selise @ 79
Well, I’ve never been able to have it all. I learned that about 4 years ago (last primary) and I’ve been taking my wormwood from the Dems ever since.
Not that I wasn’t upset about that vote because I was quite pissed.
If we don’t want Holy Joes, Harry Reids and other noxious or worthless plants growing in the Senate, we’ve got to change the soil in which they grow. Otherwise, if we manage to rip them out, others like them will just grow to take their places. What’s needed is not incremental change (i.e., replacing one useless person with another) but revolution. The alternative to revolution is having the exact same sort of conversations here on FDL day after day, year after year, until we all wake up some day and marvel at how the empire has collapsed.
There is anger in the country. My party should build on it.
Is there a way we can force a military draft as part of any AUMF toward Iran ?? How many votes will
THAT get in congress ??
It occurred to me today when a CNN reporter ask a few young adults what question they would ask on the upcoming YouTube debate. They wanted to ask HOW Universal Healthcare and Alternate energy research would be funded..
ARE THEY FUC&!^G KIDDING ME !!
These kids must have been rethug clones..
Where is their concern about the $12 Billion a MONTH this evil regime is spending in Iraq and Afganistan ? About Genocide in Africa ? About LOSING our government to a right-wing neo-fascist regime ??
We need to get them involved.. WE as young adults stopped the Vietnam war with our protests and civil-disobedience because we had a STAKE in the outcome.
Just like these lame congress critters they can sit back and pontificate about stopping terrorism etc.etc.. But just like the Chickenhawks (led by Shooter) they don’t have to actually pick up a rifle and kill other human beings foe someone else’s corporate profits..
This regime is evil on so many levels and the kids today are NOT burning down buildings.. etc..etc..
Is not having a SOUL hereditary ?
Is there a cure ??
sandflea @ 88
agreed. but there’s a line and this vote was over it (just as the MCA was for brown). feingold knows better… or ought to… maybe it’s up to us to give him the message.
selise @ 81
That vote was 97-0 for some bloody reason, is there not one decent human being in the whole bloody lot?
OT. N Korea is getting rid of it’s nuke plant after diplomatic efforts seems like a good process in the works there. One wonders why bushco would not want to employ the same process with other countries.
Think oil has anything to do with it?
I must be in hot water for being michael chertoff’s gut for one day.
That fella in Mme. Speakers office was really nice, but busy. Come on firedogs, swamp em.
Oh yeah, thanks Christy for lighting the fire.
Re: Iran-Iraq:
Interesting bit from Salon today:
Christy Hardin Smith @ 88
Well, I may have screwed up then because I thought it was one name per computer. Until last Friday, I’d never posted from work — posted from home computer only. When I made that first post from work, though, I chose a name different than the one I have at home.
Thanks for writing this, Christy.
nomolos @ 36
I think there is an unexamined assumption in the left/progressive world that the (D) Party is impelled to do things like restore habeas, impeach, end the war, but can’t because of procedural or pragmatic reasons, or they are too cautious, whatever.
maybe they are only making halfhearted, symbolic gestures, and going down to defeat witout really rocking the boat, because they don’t want to do these things…?!?!
they don’t want to impeach
they don’t want to end the war
that’s why they are not working effectively towards these goals.
it’s like watching sports – you project your desires on to your team, and they try as hard as they can to win… but this team is different…
Telling Democrats what to do is a sure-fire way to burn out. It’s a useless, painfully futile path.
Many argue that the filibuster qua filibuster is antidemocratic and should be done away with.
I tend to agree.
nomolos @ 94
The unanimity of the vote is very perplexing indeed. And deeply disappointing. Like you, I wonder what the real story is. Because everyone with two brain cells to rub together knows that Cheney is chomping at the bit to attack Iran. Why give him any encouragement from our side???
LS @ 71
Great question.
Add to that Elliot’s assertion (last thread) that
Kristol has jumped the shark
and I think we have a thesis here.
When you call your congressperson or senators tell them you want a response. That way they take your name and address and you receive a written response, though it be canned, on your specific issue. It forces them to do more than take a tally.
I just called both Pelosi and Reid’s office. I had to call several times before getting through to Pelosi. Let’s keep these calls going not just today but every day. That way they aren’t letting time elapse until the calls subside.
The number of calls are tallied.
sporkovat @ 99
we have our own set of blinders to remove. thing is, it’s psycholgically painful and induces lots of denial and defensiveness.
i’ve been so frustrated these last few months… but the tide does seem to be turning and instead of defending the dems in congress we are now asking for accountability. this, i think, is a very, very good development.
I wonder if Reid and Pelosi will be at YearlyKos?
In some ways that’s precisely correct, sporkovat. Why has Waxman been so slow? Because if he moves fast too much would be found and Democrats would have to impeach.
Why has Gonzo not been impeached? Because in many ways it’s the absolutely perfect dry-run for impeaching Bush and Cheney, if Gonzo goes they have to too. So Gonzo is not impeached.
I’ve said this twice now and no one has convinced me yet I’m wrong. It’s a disastorus conclusion for the Democratic party.
Justice Dep’t accused of hypocrisy over ‘privilege’
Headline at RawStory. Don’t they get it? The Bush Just Department doesn’t give a crap if we call them hypocites. Name calling is impotency, in their eyes. You can’t just cut the legs off this administration, you have to cut off the damn head.
Bypass their DOJ. Bypass their courts. Go to Inherent Contempt and Impeachment Inquiry. Go directly to Inherent Contempt and Impeachment Inquiry. Do not pass DOJ, do not pass SCOTUS.
Kick this administration where it hurts, do not call it names and try to shame it into submission. It has no shame. Only malice toward you and me and our country.
From the ACLU:
sandflea @ 102
and all the leading D presidential candidates have insisted that “all options” be kept on the table wrt iran.
our fucked up foreign policy is bipartisan.
sandflea @ 106
Well I for one am scared to death about these chainies might do. The have no conscience in their lives driven by insatiable greed.
Unless there is some sort of upheaval in this country pretty soon it will be up to the rest of the world to do something about it and that is even scarier to contemplate.
The dems have been sooooo disappointing. They have no fight, no spine and are filled with ambivalence about doing the actual job we the people elected them to do. They need to be reminded on a daily basis that they are the opposing party in control.
paradox at 110 — Yep, that’s Henry Waxman all over — a tool for the Republicans. Whew, I feel better just being able to say that out loud. Ahem. (Seriously, do you actually believe that after all the work that Waxman has been doing on war profiteers for YEARS?)
Via @ 112
Exactly.
bookwoman @ 91
That might be a good idea. But I see a minor problem perhaps. What would folks, say like Hillary, Feinstein and Pelosi do with it? ;0)
Just called Reid’s office and all the lines were busy before I could talk to an aide. Suppose that’s a good sign that he is getting an earful. I wonder, however, what is the next step if the Democratic leadership continues to turn a deaf ear to the American public. It’s time for Pelosi to know she has a Constitutional imperative to put “impeachment back on the table”, for Reid to make it painfully clear the obstructionist nature of the Republican Party, and for Waxman, Leahy and Conyers to put some bite in their tepid bark. I think Waxman and Conyers are being muzzled by Pelosi. Bad Bad politics.
Who is most likely next inline after Reid? Can the people of Connecticut remove Holy Joe?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 113
hearing on wednesday:
2 pm – House Oversight and Government Reform, Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement
Hearing on Federal Contracting: Do Poor Performers Keep Winning?
QuakerGirl @ 108
Oh you mean canned like this. This is about all HoJoe’s constituents can expect:
Here’s the direct link to the Guardian article that has Cheney overruling Rice and sending us into Iran:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/…..15,00.html
paradox @ 108
Why haven’t voted out contempt citations? That would be an easy first step. I think the answer is..the leadership does the head counts..they don’t have the votes..even for a Gonzales contempt citation.
bookwoman @ 84
Any response?
When are our 5 days up in the HJC. Is it 5 days exculsive of legal holidays?
There some really good and talented people in the Democratic Party. Unfortunately they are very much in the minority.
I have a stack of unlined index-cards, on which I write my message to the Senator/Rep of choice, and a couple books of stamps. Sometimes I print out a LOT of cards (especially on HR 333) and send ‘em all. Its easier than writing a letter, tho I don’t know if the impact is the same. Phoning is good too. Today I got a smarmy email from John Reed claiming he wants to defund PBS because PBS gives money to (horrors!) the Sundance film festival, and -horrors!- one film had a nasty rape scene in it. S***t! I bet his christianist-moron base love THAT.
Does anyone have Pelosi’s number in D.C.?
hugs for mui – because waking up every morning and knowing that lieberman is your senator has got to just suck.
(((mui)))
Christy Hardin Smith @ 117
Correct Christy. The problem here is that HW is just great but it is the DLC, GOPlite that is in charge of the parliamentary proceedings. I get the feeling that if it were Leahy and Waxman as Leader and Speaker we would be further along in this process than we are now.
John from Taos @ 76
Unfortunately, I can be persuaded by such pessimism. August bombings make a lot of sense.
Bluetoe @ 129
202 225 4965
paradox @ 104
As useless and painfully futile as not telling them what to do?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 127
I love good and talented. But right now I’m looking for “cares more about the country than own a**.” Name names, please!!
Breaking News…
Dateline: January 19, 2009.
Bush invokes “Executive Privilege” and
will stay in office for another eight years
or until they turn the corner in I-Rack.”
DOJ concurs with a confidential memo, that
has been sealed and will be released in 2017.”
Whatever happened to that online fax center used during the Alito filibuster. Is it still around?
Thanx Selise. As Clinton once said: at least we trahhd.
paradox @ 103
No need to burn out, Paradox. I feel like I’ve been fighting this fight all my adult life and here I am back at Go. This is a tension between forces and my conviction is to be consistent and do a small part. It is amazing the accumulative power of many small parts. To borrow from Frances Moore Lappe, it is about doing democracy.
For me, I count on this site when I begin to wane, I look to my fellow like-minders for encouragement and inspiration. That way I am not carrying the burden alone. I do a small part for democracy :))
We are here.
LS @ 71
Good post LS..
I have also had this uneasy feeling of Deja-Vu as these idiots rattle their swords at Iran. They are using the same play.. THAT to me is insulting, as well as have the stupid Dems VOTE for this crap..
I love the movie “Lord of War” and thinks is exposes an element that will profit from any new aggression that these war mongers initiate on fabricated justifications..
However, I feel that is just the tip of the iceberg..
It is WAY WORSE than that…
What I DON’T know about PNAC’s plans for attacking Iran would fill the Grand Canyon. What I DO know is that the results would register on the Apocolyptian scale .
Taking out Saddam was just the opening move.. The other two worlds powers (Russia and China) let us do that because they did not have anything to lose and probably did not like him either..
However..
What happens when we grab Iran’s oil supply and expand Unocal’s oil region and re-route almost all of the ME oil supply though a MASSIVE
new terminal in Haifa, Israel ??
Do you think they will stand quiet while we STEAL their main oil supply and to give it to Israel so we can get good prices ??
I think not..
The PNAC’s evil, hegemony and arrogance is something that I simply can not comprehend..
We need to get them OUT .. NOW !!!
I don’t know what to believe, CHS. For the life of me I cannot understand how Waxman could come up with NOTHING this summer after researching it for YEARS.
Well? It’s now July 16th! In nearly eight months of time with YEARS to research what do we have form this war-voting bozo? Heya? What political impact is having in our environment? Nothing!
How the fuck could that be, CHS? Really, you tell me. How could we have nothing after YEARS to get it together? Why?
There has to be a reason, it makes no sense at all to wait for next year, and I want to know why there have no been no Waxman investigation hits at all. [sneers] A lot of impact his Bush commutation hearings did.
The Democrats are simply incredible, simply failures of the greatest magnitude. Do you want to explain why we should try afetr that 97-0 Iran vote? I would never do so, I have dignity.
barbara @ 136
Al Gore, Henry Waxman, Patrick Leahy, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters and some others. ;0)
laurie9 @ 132
No, even they are not that dumb. All the Shia will turn on us the moment the bombing starts. So all forces will be elsewhere before then.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 141
Yeah, I know. Just making noise. But it’s a pathetically short list, isn’t it?!
Patrick Leahy should replace Reid…
GordonM @ 142
I’m afraid that I believe they ARE that dumb. One little name, “Enola Gay”
I agree completely! I never understood why they let them get away with saying they will filibuster everything in sight. I want to see them standing up there and actually filibustering popular legislation and watch em sweat as they read through the bible several times.
OT – SF Chronicle, page one, above the fold:
DOUBLE STANDARD
Bush’s leniency for Libby doesn’t jibe with administration’s push to enforce mandatory minimum sentences
egregious @ 133
202 225 4965
ask to be allowed to leave a personal message.
Reid call – check
Pelosi call – check
Bayh call – check
Who else can I mess with? (I have V0nage, so all long-distance is free)
Damn, I just realized that I forgot to raise hell about the 97-0 “We Hate Iran” vote.
nomolos @ 127
i think waxman is very good as chair of the house oversight committee.
the problem is that waxman voted for the iraq war, and he voted for h.con.r.21 (recent house iran resolution).
if we go to war with iran, i expect he will hold very good hearings about contractor abuse there too.
Uh, if you want him to do that, how about writing your note in thick marker that we can read?
From my limited understanding of what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the constitution.
To me it is clear that although the three branches are co-equal, congress was intended to first among equals(if not the executive branch would’ve been in Sec.1) and it is high time that congress reminded the administration of that fact.
Just left my message for Harry…
You really have to wonder if the Cheney-bots have thought this one out.
The antimissle shield business in Eastern Europe, the threats against Iran, the HUGE amount of air power sitting in the Persian Gulf, not to speak of the forces in Iraq seem to have impelled Putin to re-start the Cold War.
Ironically, Putin could be Reagan-in-reverse, because if the U.S. is forced to spend not just the obscene amounts the war in Iraq currently requires but also for an emergency push to re-equip to face Russia & allies, then this time we may be the ones to run out of money, as did the USSR.
Our forebears made it through the Depression, so I guess that we could do it again, but it would not be made easier by our current two-tiered society and our Tsar&Duma “government”. Imagine trying to get back on your feet by simply “making and selling something”. Hire somebody and you at once have to provide health insurance: IANA small-business-person, but I cannot imagine being able to start and grow a business with that kind of penalty staring you in the face from the start. Before we head off into the coming Armageddon that the Cheney-bots advocate, we had better have Universal Health Care.
But before that can happen, the Democrats are going to have to remember how to govern, and they are going to have to hit the books, because the last time anybody saw some actual governing was probably back in the days of, oh, say, LBJ.
mui @ 121
Ohmagod! Now that is a really bad one! I’d call back, read their letter back to them and again state my concern and insist on a direct response. I’ve also received this type of insulting response when I didn’t insist they take my info and respond to my question, directly. And, some of these clowns are hopeless which is how I feel about Lieberman. I’d still call and call and call. Squeaky wheel…..
paradox @ 100
must disagree in the strongest way…
it’s our job as citizens to tell our politicians what to do. it is just not realistic to expect them to do their job if we won’t do ours.
a little suggestion?
I told Bayh’s office that I would personally be keeping track of the number of American soldiers killed and wounded while Congress is on vacation…
jayt @ 147
Great opportunity to call again. They hate receiving so many calls. It makes them have to do a little work.
Via @ 145
At the moment, the closest thing we have to “friends” in Iraq are the Shia. At this point most of what we do is protect them from various Sunni factions. I don’t care how big or what type of bomb they drop on Iran. The moment they do, all our forces will be turned on by the people they’ve been training. Sadr will cease his truce. Even if you believe that Chimpy and the Sith are that dumb, our generals aren’t.
plainjane @ 119
one piece of good news (if true):
it’s not too late to prevent it…
selise @ 155
Agreed.
And Democrats eventually respond to intense pressure from the base.
Because if they don’t, then they get primaries.
Right, Joe?
behindthefall @ 153
Points similar to this have been made within recent days on this site, and I agree. Putin was in Maine to tell Bush to stay out of Iran. U.S. control of Iran and Iraq would be too much of a threat to Russia’s security. Additionally, look for the Chinese to do something soon if we don’t calm down. The other powers don’t agree with Cheney’s view that somehow we’re entitled to control what’s left of the world’s oil.
paradox @ 101
Amen to that. Amen.
boxer @ 126
A recent article appearing on Truthout’s site stated that Harriet Miers must respond by July 17.
paradox — Well, gee, let’s see. First of all, the Dems have a bare majority in the House, several of whom are not exactly loyal to progressive values (I like to call them the Blue Dog Caucus) for starters. Beyond that, the GOP had six full years to fully screw things up, do no oversight, and essentially allow their cronies to run rampant. Waxman and other committee chairs have had a scant six months to (1) rebuild the entire committee staffing and investigation structure, because it was entirely gutted by the GOP majority to the point that, in Waxman’s case, staffing was almost non-existent for the Government Oversight Committee, so he has had to start from scratch beyond his own office staff who cannot be expected to carry the whole load on their shoulders and do constituent work, too; (2) they have had to whip a disparate group of people, a lot of whom had never been in the majority and had no idea how things could be run any differently from the nasty, vindicitive style that had been the GOP House leadership; and (3) the leadership in the house has to wrestle with a lot of vast egos, on top of trying to wrangle legislation through that scant Democratic majority — a group which is far from lock-step or unified.
In short, while we all may want immediate action, it is unrealistic to think it is going to happen. And that is the truth of it. But what is certain in all of this is the following: either we do the work to push them in the direction we want them to go — and that means calls, letters, personal appointments, showing up at town hall meetings, and so on, or the lobbyists and folks on the other side of the aisle will be the only voices they hear.
And I, for one, am not handing them the floor without a fight.
From the Center for American Progress Action Fund:
“Barring an unlikely confirmation of Leslie Southwick to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by the Judiciary Committee this week, Senate GOP leaders have privately mapped out a retaliatory plan that involves blocking passage of Democratic legislation from now until the August recess.”
Doesn’t specify which year the August recess applies to.
Keep those cards and letters coming! The elections of 2006 was a mandate for our Representatives to actually represent the will of the people. Enough of Democrats trying to run for cover. Reid, Pelosi, Waxman, Conyers, Leahy are you listening?
Come on upstairs
http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..k/#respond
sandflea @ 161
So we’re supposed to just give up and whine? How old are you two? 12? 22? 30? Have you ever fought for anything that really matters?
Sorry to be a bit harsh, but I do think this country and the tenets on which it was founded are worth fighting for, even when the fighting is hard.
*xyz @ 159
And a fat lot of good that did us.
sandflea @ 162
Enough whining! Let’s get to work people.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 164
Amen, sister, amen!
Raw Story update: Justice Department accused of hypocrisy over ‘executive privilege’
a little OT,
On CNN/headline news they are talking about UFO’s..All I could think was bright shiny object! And
Hmmm, So that’s the plan, WE are being attacked by aliens. The pretender declares ‘martial law’ to protect us from the aliens…!!!!
sorry no sleep…….
From the Gardian article:
In a nutshell:
“The Washington source said Mr Bush and Mr Cheney did not trust any potential successors in the White House, Republican or Democratic, to deal with Iran decisively. They are also reluctant for Israel to carry out any strikes because the US would get the blame in the region anyway.
“The red line is not in Iran. The red line is in Israel. If Israel is adamant it will attack, the US will have to take decisive action,” Mr Cronin said. “The choices are: tell Israel no, let Israel do the job, or do the job yourself.”
martha @ 168
Someone pointed out that a contributing factor to the fall of Rome is when the citizens became nothing more than subjects. In that sense many Americans have given up their responsibilities as citizens when they became nothing more than consumers.
boxer @ 161
I hadn’t seen confirmation of the purpose of Yalta-with-lobsters, but hope that Putin’s message was taken seriously; he is making the moves of a man who is waving every flag he has in order not to be misunderstood.
However, what do we have to do now so as to be able to climb out of the pit into which we appear to be headed?
Helpless Dancer @ 169
The good:
It electrified ordinary citizens all over the country and made us get out there and work for candidates. Citizen involvement in Senate races brought us Missouri and Virginia, and with it, control of the Senate.
Other than that, probably nothing good at all.
bluetoe, was it during the Moyers discussion on Friday night that the fall of Rome was discussed? I believe so. And it was quite prescient, I think. Great discussion too. I think everyone should listen to it.
jackie @ 173
Interesting, because Larry King did an hour on UFO’s the other night.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 164
When I read this, I formed a visualization.
It looked like herding cats..
Fresh thread, up and running for everyone.
jayt @ 156
You could do more — send him a postcard every time the death toll increases, mentioning how many more troops have died. That’s what I’ve been doing to my Rep and Senators.
GordonM @ 158
I believe Cheney and Bush are that crazy. Cheney is crazy, Bush thinks he is the messiah. I don’t think our generals are that crazy, but Bush/Cheney has replaced generals before. How do they stop him? Resignation is noble, but someone else steps into place. A coup? Really, what is to stop Bush and Cheney?
martha @ 168
Please do not assume that those who despair have done nothing. Some who despair are tired because we have been fighting against all odds and with no emotional support and still have nothing to show for it.
Were you fighting in 2003?
Democrats have always been painfully slow, political, overly cautious. I gave up on them while Nixon was still in office.
Just called Pelosi and Reid, hoping it does some good…
I completely agree with the post about the 97-0 Iran vote – sadly, that vote tells me everything I need to know about this congress.
martha @ 168
well said.
citizenship is a lifelong obligation. not something we can buy off the shelf and then not think about.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 164
Thank you, Christy, for that shot in the arm. I needed it! Have called/faxed for an hr., & will do some more later during breaks from work…
Sandflea @ 184…
I think we do have something to show for our fighting, but not as much as we all would like. Despite all attempts at institutional thievery, the Democrats did win narrow victories in the House and Senate as well as in many state houses. That is a beginning and is a result of the extremely hard work of many, many people, including the proprietors of this blog.
Is change occurring as fast as I would like? NOT EVEN CLOSE. But, we must stand up to weakness and indecision among the Democrats as surely as we do to the lies and corruption that have characterized the Republicans in the past several years.
Dee @ 185
What that vote says is that they all tremble at the thought of going against A*P*C: http://thehill.com/leading-the…..05-15.html
Marie Roget @ 188
I agree. We keep plugging with hope in our hearts. This is a process. Gov. in my view was gutted by the GOP. Now we have a long and thorny ride back. I don’t think it’s such a bad thing that we the citizens have to keep on top of things. I think that’s what was intended by the founding. . . er persons. (Father sounds so gosh-darned patriarchal.)
jayt @ 87
I got through immediately two times — once to talk to a real person, another time to leave a voice mail. (I told him the question is no longer “Got milk?” It’s “Got Habeas Corpus?” or “Got Articles of Impeachment?”)
Count me in. I hope this lights a fire under the leaderships tails. Can they get a little more aggressive, please? Sheeesh.
The Senate’s “resident Uriah Heep” is an embarrassment to both Democrats and Republicans.
And you ever notice that he never debates anybody?
Harry Reid? Nancy Pelosi? Barbara Boxer? Richard Durbin? Four lightweights who prove the Peter Principle is alive and well in American politics.
I’m disgusted. DISGUSTED.
What the hell is wrong with the democrats?
Make them filibuster – stop saying “uncle” to the bullies! It makes me sick. There is only one way to get the so-called swing-vote- show SOME BALLS. That’s what your swing vote people respond to. Period. How do you think the GOP got their vote. Jeshshus.
And Obama, by the way, Pelosi – I’ve had it now. I was letting it go, thinking relax folks, we’re on the upswing. But now I look at their words – who are they loyal to? The democratic party – not the country. Pelosi DOESN’T HAVE THE RIGHT to take impeachment off the table. Who the hell does she think she is? And Obama says impeachment is reserved for ‘grave’ circumstances. For God’s sake, man. Do you have to get run over by a truck? Torture, illegal wars, illegal spying, breathtaking war cronyism, obstruction of justice, and at least a dozen other areas of grave breach against the Constitution of the United States. I was excited about Obama – but he has proved himself just another short-sighted politician and it makes me sick.
skippy @ 195
join the club! There’s a reason he picked Joe Leiberman as mentor when he entered the Senate. He is a neo-conservative, trying on a coat of left/moderate camouflage.
selise @ 109
very true – I think there’s a lot of psychological projection from left/progressives – we want to beleive we have a champion in the fight … and it’s tough to come to terms with the fact that we don’t.
paradox @ 111
my first broaching of the question that they don’t share the goals of left/progressives much, if at all, was met with a tepid, but true response that (D)’s are harder for lobbyists to buy.
but on the larger issues, stalwart (D) defenders don’t have much to work with, do they?
Christy @ 117
Yep, that’s Henry Waxman all over — a tool for the Republicans. Whew, I feel better just being able to say that out loud. Ahem. (Seriously, do you actually believe that after all the work that Waxman has been doing on war profiteers for YEARS?)there’s a reduction in there…he doesn’t need to be a tool of the (R)’s no not share the goals of impeachment, ending the war, restoring habeas, etc. It may be that as a creature of the D.C. “village”, as Digby calls it, one just doesn’t think such thinigs.
It’s like the classic moral dilemma:
http://markandeya.wordpress.co…..-dilemmas/
If we get out of Iraq the insurgents will take heart and may up their efforts to kill the remaining soldiers and many Iraqis, but the longer we remain, the death toll will surely rise as there will be more American targets there to shoot at for a greater length of time.
Congress’ dillemma is thus: If they vote for withdrawal there will surely be the blood of a certain number of Iraqis and American soldiers on their hands, but if they vote to stay or do nothing, then despite the certainty that many more people will die, they will not be the one personally pulling the lever to do so – the president did that and all he has to do is term out, and even then the blame may surely fall onto the shoulders of the new War Czar (anyone heard anything from HIM lately?)
We need to be the ones to collectively *pull the lever* it must be us who give our “leaders* the political cover to do the lever-pulling and signal the necessity to get out of Iraq. We must make our voices unequivocally heard to be telling them exactly what they must do. We cannot leave them with any option, as they will sure as shit choose to act as most people have despite nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, educational background or gender, that when confronted with this same moral dilemma.
We can’t blame them. We must give them permission to to make the hard moral decision.
Call, fax, e-mail. Make your voices heard.