Good morning!

yikes!

missed it by *this* much

welcome to balmy Chicago
(from a couple miles away , just out of the Loop (in so many ways)

Mornin’, Christy. I am there in spirit, if not spirits, sadly.

Have a great YKos…

I’m sooo jealous of you folks up there! Alas, my traveling (for now at least,) is severely curtailed. But on the plus side, I have made a raft of new friends in the medical community!

Good morning Christy, glad you arrived safe & sound (if not well connected). Missed you around here yesterday. The Tillman hearing was a disappointment. Discouraging to watch the military leaders of this country doing a Gonzo in front of the committee & the Tillmans, and the country.

Rummy is always so disdainful of the Congress and by extension, us, the People. It well and truly pisses me off.

nonplussed @ 8

Rummy is always so disdainful of the Congress and by extension, us, the People. It well and truly pisses me off.

Oooh that’s it. The disdain,like it’s just so damned inconvienient for Rummy to do anything related to having to explain himself.

If this man has the nerve to write memoirs I think my head might explode. A memoir is stuff you remember,right? Rummy could just put up a flyer and that oughta cover it.

Jackass.

Zalmay Khalizad
US ambassador to UN
on CSPAN right now talking what to do in Iraq

On the plus side of the Tillman hearing…perhaps some soundbites of the Reptilicons were made…especially that sumb*tch Issa…who basically said that since Tillman was an ENLISTEE we shouldn’t be all that concerned about his death!

His opponent should have a field-day with Issa’s comments at these hearings!

And then there was the guy (Brown?) who basically did all but kiss Rummy’s sphincter by listing the “Great Man’s” achievements. Someone should run that in ads with running text showing the numbers of those troops who have died in his war, the costs in Billions of Dollars, the number of seriously wounded, Iraqi’s dead and wounded, etc. Then say “Rep. Brown still thinks Don Rumsfeld is a Great Man…he just doesn’t get it, does he?”

Hey, Christy! Are you going to be online for the hearings? I have to be away from a computer most of the morning today.

FDL breakfast:

Friday morning 7-9am central
Hyatt McCormack right by convention center

Please wear your badge

Yummy dinner, and that wine sounds delightful. Yes Christy you sure are a foodie, which is a great thing.

Gald you got there. Looking forward to more postcards from YKos.

I don’t like Rumsfeld, but at least he answered the questions. He wasn’t evasive. I didn’t get the impression he was lying. And I doubt he had much to do with the Tillman case. It seems like that would have come from Rove or the WH. Alas, more executive privilege claims prevent us from knowing the truth.

What’s going to happen with the Rove hearing today? More contempt charges?

I forget who posted this late last night, but kudos!

‘Hey Senator Stevens, come pick up your bridge to nowhere!’

Humor soothes us during times of anguish. This was the first time I laughed all night.

Hail YKosites!

I am making daily calls to Cong. Jim McGovern asking for his position on Inslee’s resolution (HRes. 589) to begin the impeachment inquiry of Gonzo. As of last night he had not taken a position. Told the staffer that I was strongly urging him to support/co-sponsor the resolution.

I can’t understand the lack of public support from other members of Congress. Any thoughts of theories?

Jim – I think the congress folks are very concerned that they are going to get too far “out front” of their constituents on this. What they are waiting for is a huge public outcry, I think.

jim oconnor @ 17 –

howdy! jim’s my congressman too.

Toby Wollin @ 18

Jim – I think the congress folks are very concerned that they are going to get too far “out front” of their constituents on this. What they are waiting for is a huge public outcry, I think.

don’t think that argument works for mcgovern.

Selise at 19: Howdy back!!

O/T RE: The Bridge Collapse –

What caused this to happen? Massive failure of the steel support structures, apparently.

Did we have advance warning? Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota’s governor, says no — he says the bridge passed its most recent exams with no major problems.

Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired. It’s possible that delayed maintenance — delayed because of budget cuts, as the Republican Pawlenty would rather chop off his own genitals than undo his tax cuts for the rich — may have been a factor.

egregious @ 13

FDL breakfast:

Friday morning 7-9am central
Hyatt McCormack right by convention center

Please wear your badge

Can’t wait to meet you, egregious! Morning everyone. Bumped into Marcy in the elevator and introduced myself. (First time I’ve ever introduced myself as Loo Hoo!) We’ll try to get you info on the panel this morning assuming the wifi is up.

dashing over to the convention
center — yearly kos 2007 — to
hear CHS and EW, but fielding
has now written that rove is
immune and therefore won’t appear
today. . . more at above link.

. . .Accordingly, we conclude that Mr. Rove is immune from compelled congressional testimony about matters (such as the U. S. Attorney resignations) that arose during his tenure as an immediate presidential adviser and that relate to his official duties in that capacity. Therefore, he is not required to appear in response to the Judiciary Committee subpoena to testify about such matters. . .

p e a c e

Phoenix Woman @ 22

O/T RE: The Bridge Collapse –

What caused this to happen? Massive failure of the steel support structures, apparently.

Did we have advance warning? Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota’s governor, says no — he says the bridge passed its most recent exams with no major problems.

Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired. It’s possible that delayed maintenance — delayed because of budget cuts, as the Republican Pawlenty would rather chop off his own genitals than undo his tax cuts for the rich — may have been a factor.

I would like an accurate count, worldwide, of Republican administered deaths and injuries.

Phoenix Woman @ 22

O/T RE: The Bridge Collapse –

What caused this to happen? Massive failure of the steel support structures, apparently.

Did we have advance warning? Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota’s governor, says no — he says the bridge passed its most recent exams with no major problems.

Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired. It’s possible that delayed maintenance — delayed because of budget cuts, as the Republican Pawlenty would rather chop off his own genitals than undo his tax cuts for the rich — may have been a factor.

Just another tragic example of the Republican form of governance where tax breaks for the rich take precedent over providing for the “Commons”. These tragedies will continue throughout the U.S. until the people realize the role and the value of the “Commons” plays in the life of a healthy society.

Good morning from L.A. Will send some faxes this a.m. in support of the SCHIP bill. It’s too important to stay silent on this one, threatened veto or no.

Really looking forward to all those reports coming in later from YKos. Please keep us up on the latest when you can! If anyone’s looking for a couple great vegetarian-friendly restautants in Chi, I went to these two last time I was up there. Both are great. Crofton on Wells has a wonderful veg menu available & is really close to Millennium Park; The Chicago Diner is strictly veg & about 3-4 mi north:

Croft on Wells
The Chicago Diner

Phoenix Woman @ 22

…Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired.

I am curious as to whether this sidebar faound its way to the airwaves.

GeorgeSimian @ 15

I don’t like Rumsfeld, but at least he answered the questions. He wasn’t evasive. I didn’t get the impression he was lying. And I doubt he had much to do with the Tillman case. It seems like that would have come from Rove or the WH. Alas, more executive privilege claims prevent us from knowing the truth.

What’s going to happen with the Rove hearing today? More contempt charges?

I totally disagree. Pat Tillman was high profile from the very start. Rumsfeld “I do not recall” is hilarious and criminal. It does seem that the Bushies, had a system for plausible deniability. Pat Tillman was murdered, and immeditely the murder was then covered up. I am guessing Darth Cheney gave most of the orders.

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

twolf1 @ 30

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

thank you!

looks like it’s the outfoxing fox panel. do you know how i can change to the plame panel?

mack @ 28

Phoenix Woman @ 22

…Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired.

I am curious as to whether this sidebar faound its way to the airwaves.

NBC reporting the bridge was rated as 50% serviceable at it’s last inspection in 2005, indicating it had a 50% chance of structural failure.

twolf1 @ 30

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

thank you twolf1!

CBS is saying that the bridge was “Structurally deficient, rated 50 out of 100, possibly requiring replacement”, but that it was not necessarily hazardous? So the previous statement from NBC may or may not be incorrect. Excuse the redudancy…

Frank33 @ 29

GeorgeSimian @ 15

I don’t like Rumsfeld, but at least he answered the questions. He wasn’t evasive. I didn’t get the impression he was lying. And I doubt he had much to do with the Tillman case. It seems like that would have come from Rove or the WH. Alas, more executive privilege claims prevent us from knowing the truth.

What’s going to happen with the Rove hearing today? More contempt charges?

I totally disagree. Pat Tillman was high profile from the very start. Rumsfeld “I do not recall” is hilarious and criminal. It does seem that the Bushies, had a system for plausible deniability. Pat Tillman was murdered, and immeditely the murder was then covered up. I am guessing Darth Cheney gave most of the orders.

I’m not saying he wasn’t lying.

selise @ 31

twolf1 @ 30

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

thank you!

looks like it’s the outfoxing fox panel. do you know how i can change to the plame panel?

Plame panel starts at 9:30 central I think.

twolf1 @ 36

Plame panel starts at 9:30 central I think.

duh… of course you’re correct. thank you again!

selise @ 37

twolf1 @ 36

Plame panel starts at 9:30 central I think.

duh… of course you’re correct. thank you again!

Hopefully they will have the sound fixed by then.

Plame panel: room 404a-c
Starts at 9:30 central today.

nonplussed @ 34

CBS is saying that the bridge was “Structurally deficient, rated 50 out of 100, possibly requiring replacement”, but that it was not necessarily hazardous? So the previous statement from NBC may or may not be incorrect. Excuse the redudancy…

Will CBS, NBC or any other MSM broadcast outlet talk about the relationship between the Republican mantra of cutting taxes for the rich and the implications that philosophy has on the health, safety and welfare of the public at large?

Morning, all, from the Twin Cities.

Locally, they’re saying the “structurally deficient” deal is a broad term, includes a range of flaws, not necessarily as catastrophic as it sounds to civilians.

And in the spirit of catching folks doing their jobs, MSNBC’s Ron Mott specifically called out Pawlenty for last night’s assessment that recent inspections showed only surface, not structural, imperfections, noting that there were indeed inspection reports of structural problems.

Pushing back on Repug talking points: Journalism shows signs of life!

anangryoldbroad @ 9

If this man has the nerve to write memoirs I think my head might explode. A memoir is stuff you remember,right? Rummy could just put up a flyer and that oughta cover it.

With a 3-word forward from Gonzales (I won’t keep you in suspense–it would read “I don’t recall”).

Elliott @ 33

twolf1 @ 30

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

thank you twolf1!

Yes, thanks. Sound is a bit dodgy, but hopefully will get better…

One more bridge observation crossed my mind over night.

Do ya think Pawlenty & his R friends will get the bridge fixed before their ‘08 convention here? I can see some very interesting potential news stories.

That karma’s really bitchy these days.

Marie Roget @ 43

Elliott @ 33

thank you twolf1!

Yes, thanks. Sound is a bit dodgy, but hopefully will get better…

In the ustream chat window, they said they were working on the sound. It seems to be getting better – still choppy though.

As important as it is to cover the children as a smoker we can not afford to pay for this alone.

It would be fabulous if all those who are wanting children to be covered would actually participate instead of shoving it off on a small percentage of population and then claiming to have accomplished something. Until you actually help pay for this program you have done nothing.

Phoenix Woman @ 22

O/T RE: The Bridge Collapse –

What caused this to happen? Massive failure of the steel support structures, apparently.

Did we have advance warning? Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota’s governor, says no — he says the bridge passed its most recent exams with no major problems.

Others beg to differ: as the sidebar in this NPR article states, in 2005, engineers rated the bridge as “structurally deficient” and that it would possibly need to be replaced, not just repaired. It’s possible that delayed maintenance — delayed because of budget cuts, as the Republican Pawlenty would rather chop off his own genitals than undo his tax cuts for the rich — may have been a factor.

Theory about the bridge collapse encompasses vibration/change in harmonics. Train passing under at the time, combined with heavy traffic and construction on the bridge deck.

It is no longer a rescue operation. Meaning no one who hasn’t been found alive is likely to be.

Tim Pawlenty, Bush Republican governor who has vetoed every transportation funding bill that crossed his desk. Remember that name.

As of now only 20 co-sponsors to H.Res 589. The Inslee resolution calling for the HJC to commence an inquiry into whether AG Gonzo should be impeached.

I urge all FDL’ers to call their representatives and TELL them to co-sponsor. Calls work.

A modest proposal: stop pissing away our money in Iraq and use it to insure our children’s health needs and refurbishing our infrastructure.

Bluetoe @ 40

nonplussed @ 34

CBS is saying that the bridge was “Structurally deficient, rated 50 out of 100, possibly requiring replacement”, but that it was not necessarily hazardous? So the previous statement from NBC may or may not be incorrect. Excuse the redudancy…

Will CBS, NBC or any other MSM broadcast outlet talk about the relationship between the Republican mantra of cutting taxes for the rich and the implications that philosophy has on the health, safety and welfare of the public at large?

Any civil engineers here, to explain what 50 out of 100 means?

The problem with YKos is that the blogs go (a bit) quiet.

Scott Jennings is supposedly showing up at the SJC in half an hour, but keeping his trap shut. I’d like to see him claim exec privilege on his RNC email communications.

Nola Sue @ 44

One more bridge observation crossed my mind over night.

Do ya think Pawlenty & his R friends will get the bridge fixed before their ‘08 convention here? I can see some very interesting potential news stories.

That karma’s really bitchy these days.

Won’t happen. Early estimates say it will take two years to complete. And btw, the Republican convention delegation is here right now, strategerizing about their funfest in 2008.

Rep. David Dreier (R) California is on CSPAN saying that no one cares about the troops more than Republicans AND he is opposing the bill to have more equitable time at home. Amazing.

pseudonymous in nc @ 51

The problem with YKos is that the blogs go (a bit) quiet.

Scott Jennings is supposedly showing up at the SJC in half an hour, but keeping his trap shut. I’d like to see him claim exec privilege on his RNC email communications.

Oh – the Jennings info is interesting. I haven’t seen the Fielding/Rove letter except for a snippet. Do we know if Jennings was mentioned or if he got his own letter?

Have been hearing from friends/family all over the country about the MN bridge. Worst call was from a relative in Texas, who was getting her bridge news via Nancy Grace. Ewwwwwww!!

Silver Owl @ 46

As important as it is to cover the children as a smoker we can not afford to pay for this alone.

It would be fabulous if all those who are wanting children to be covered would actually participate instead of shoving it off on a small percentage of population and then claiming to have accomplished something. Until you actually help pay for this program you have done nothing.

counting on smoking taxes can’t work over the long run, unless you start encouraging these kids to smoke to pay for the insurance of the next crop of kids. There have to be more reliable long term methods of funding Schips.

twolf1 @ 30

…looks like the ustream coverage just went live

help! i’ve been unable to get sound anytime i try to view videos online. (sadly, i use win 98SE, but happily, i use mozilla firefox, (exclusively), cookies & cache have been cleared)

thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Anybody surprised? Arlen Specter is disappointed in Gonzales’ response to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Reluctantly, however, he doesn’t believe Gonzales committed perjury. What a hack! Is this guy a lawyer?

Minnesotans have Pawlenty to think about these days. As you can no doubt discern, I’m
Bushed. Sorry, long night . . .disturbing dreams . . .

Helen @ 54

Oh – the Jennings info is interesting. I haven’t seen the Fielding/Rove letter except for a snippet. Do we know if Jennings was mentioned or if he got his own letter?

NPR said Jennings would show up, but refuse to answer questions. C-SPAN’s also trailing it. Like I said, if he dares claim any kind of privilege on the subject of his RNCmail (on the USAtty firings and the political briefings to departments), it’d better be smacked into touch.

Will one of you lawyers please tell me once more why a president’s political advisor is included under ‘Executive Privilege’ despite the fact that as a ‘political’ advisor he, legalistically, is outside the ‘Administration’?

bookwoman @ 58

Anybody surprised? Arlen Specter is disappointed in Gonzales’ response to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Reluctantly, however, he doesn’t believe Gonzales committed perjury. What a hack! Is this guy a lawyer?

he was DA in Philadelphia

Silver Owl @ 46 – I am also a smoker and I know the cost of my cigs will increase, but I really don’t care if it helps one kid get the care they need.

I administrate a Rural Health Clinic & recently had to cancel the insurance on a staff member’s kids. Both she and her husband are working & insured, but are faced with losing the mortgage on their home, or their kids health insurance.

Also, my understanding is a lot of this bill will be paid by undoing the subsidies to the insurance companies that are administrating the Medicare Advantage Plans,which to me is a great idea. These companies sales reps tactics are deceiving the elderly daily.

barbara @ 52

Nola Sue @ 44

One more bridge observation crossed my mind over night.

Do ya think Pawlenty & his R friends will get the bridge fixed before their ‘08 convention here? I can see some very interesting potential news stories.

That karma’s really bitchy these days.

Won’t happen. Early estimates say it will take two years to complete. And btw, the Republican convention delegation is here right now, strategerizing about their funfest in 2008.

Heh. Maybe they’re stuck in traffic on the way to a strategery meeting. Couldn’t happen to nicer folk.

Here’s an update on the fomaldehyde filled travel trailers making people sick in New Orleans.

maunga @ 61

Will one of you lawyers please tell me once more why a president’s political advisor is included under ‘Executive Privilege’ despite the fact that as a ‘political’ advisor he, legalistically, is outside the ‘Administration’?

I still want to know why a Political Advisor job isn’t in and of itself a violation of the Hatch Act? Isn’t Rover’s very presence in OUR White House a big fat case of political activity in a government building? (I know they’ve all done it, esp Clinton, forever. I just haven’t found an answer to this.)

Link to Leahy’s wedsite and to Fielding letters

great to see you christy

(I could get a strong signal on the airport WiFi, just couldn’t get online due to a lack of space on the signal…arrrrrrgh

christy, I use a data card from sprint that I get about 900 kps anywhere I have a phone signal

you should look into this it’s not too expensive

Sort of OT, but not really…

If:

A) Seeing Rumsfeld yesterday set your teeth on edge
B) You’re fond of desserts like the one pictured above
C) You’d like to stay healthy

Then:

Stop consuming aspartame. Google NutraSweet and Rumsfeld, and you’ll see why.

Upstairs:

http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..e/#respond

jim oconnor @ 48

As of now only 20 co-sponsors to H.Res 589. The Inslee resolution calling for the HJC to commence an inquiry into whether AG Gonzo should be impeached.

I urge all FDL’ers to call their representatives and TELL them to co-sponsor. Calls work.

I am shocked, shocked that my congresskritter was a cosponsor!

Welcome to Chicago, Christy & others.

Enjoy your visit, and stay cool.

Hot & muggy expected today, as well as an air quality action day (weather conditions favorable to high ozone & pollution counts; people with respiratory conditions should avoid exertion; citizens should help by avoiding generating hydrocarbon emmissions wherever possible).

A visit to Millenium Park might fit the bill!

[back in a moment to comment on the bridge]

Elliott @ 62

bookwoman @ 58

Anybody surprised? Arlen Specter is disappointed in Gonzales’ response to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Reluctantly, however, he doesn’t believe Gonzales committed perjury. What a hack! Is this guy a lawyer?

he was DA in Philadelphia

He was also a defense attorney. He was the attorney for the guy (can’t remember his name) that murdered his girlfriend, think her first name was Holly, and then kept her body in his closet. Specter was his attornery. They guy eventually fled to Europe and was eventually extradited from France back to PA.

James Joyce – 08:29am Aug 2, 2007
“All The Wrong Reason(s)”

“The following is from the last two pragraphs of Joe Wilson’s Op-Ed , “What I Did Not Find In Africa.”

“I was convinced before the war that the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of Saddam Hussein required a vigorous and sustained international response to disarm him. Iraq possessed and had used chemical weapons; it had an active biological weapons program and quite possibly a nuclear research program — all of which were in violation of United Nations resolutions. Having encountered Mr. Hussein and his thugs in the run-up to the Persian Gulf war of 1991, I was only too aware of the dangers he posed.”

“But were these dangers the same ones the administration told us about? We have to find out. America’s foreign policy depends on the sanctity of its information. For this reason, questioning the selective use of intelligence to justify the war in Iraq is neither idle sniping nor “revisionist history,” as Mr. Bush has suggested. The act of war is the last option of a democracy, taken when there is a grave threat to our national security. More than 200 American soldiers have lost their lives in Iraq already. We have a duty to ensure that their sacrifice came for the right reasons”

Natural Selection, Corporate Treason, Executive Oil & “The Asselephants”

Shread these losers Patrick!!!!

Dang, I wish i could be there with y’all, eating creme brule and loveblogging. Last year was such a blast.

Please don’t have it in August next year. Conflicts with my annual rafting vaca. We’re getting ready for our June 2011 launch date on the Colorado throught the Grand Canyon – 21 days on the river, oh my.

Bluetoe sed:
He was also a defense attorney. He was the attorney for the guy (can’t remember his name) that murdered his girlfriend, think her first name was Holly, and then kept her body in his closet. Specter was his attornery. They guy eventually fled to Europe and was eventually extradited from France back to PA.

Wasn’t that guy from an uber-wealthy family? That sounds like ARlen – follow (or be led by) the money.

wow – go cardin!

finally someone who states his intent clearly so as to not alienate the witness!

(getting plenty of background info from him)

Question?

How many of you all posting were alive and/or remember the Watergate hearings????

Educated Plaintiff @ 77

wow – go cardin!

finally someone who states his intent clearly so as to not alienate the witness!

(getting plenty of background info from him)

oops – sorry – meant for jennings live blog thread

LIVE from ykos ‘07:

insta-photos of EW, CHS and
TL, all during the just-
concluded “live-blogging
the libby trial” panel
discussion. . . met some
really cool shriners, to boot!

do take a look!

sorry — a better, more direct link to the photos. . .

now, back into the sessions — offline!

The senate will place a hold on this legislature just to try to prove that the Dems can’t get anything passed and so the president doesn’t have to use his veto power.
Perhaps if the funds were to raised by placing a $10 tax on a carton of milk or gal. of gasoline we could raise enough money to insure the nation. But congress is right. Since tobacco use is an addiction and addiction is now known to be a disease, it’s more in line to tax the diseased addicts for children’s health care ins. Even smokers are all for increasing the tax to maybe a $1 or $2 a carton…but $6-7, how fair is that. Next time you see a smoker thank them for paying for the children’s health care and encourage them to light up. Every cigarette you smoke puts another child on health care. Smoke away.

Christy While I will agree your moderators generally do an amazing job. But if you think this is the case all of the time you can continue to be as biased as you like. Your mods are not always fair and balanced, and some of them make unnecessary and snide remarks.

If you want to continue having a complete biind spot only your blog will suffer.