zed? nah can’t be.

zed

zed two -

Zed?

huh?

We fully intend to keep the pressure on our Democratic Party. ;0)

damn – lost my YK2 link – serves me right for being a silly zed seeker.

thank you, thank you PW.

i called today when i got the aclu email (even though i’d already called about this before).

signs tonight do not look good.

anyone have a linky to YK2 live stream?

Stupid is as stupid does.

I’m sick of it.

oh, and a day or two ago (i think yesterday?)… i called speaker pelosi’s office where i was assured there was no time left this week to take up consideration of the HJC’s votes for comtempt.

no such assurance could i get regarding this proposed weakening of fisa.

No shit Phoenix, tell ‘em to look behind the curtain already!

Anyone told downstairs?

You’re great.

wangdangdoodle @ 13

Anyone told downstairs?

Eureka!!

Oooh Howard Dean thanking the net roots
http://www.yearlykosconvention.org/ustream

Joe-Bama, tough on Terra!

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Most importantly in this FISA “Update”, Junya needs wants for Congress to give him feckin’ Immunity for the Criminal Warrantless Wiretapping he’s already done for the last 6 years. Remember, Junya can’t pardon himself!

Here’s hoping some Dem with cojones puts a “hold” on this travesty.

I’d hold my breath, but too often these days our Dems have caved to the Prince of Pampers with his 25% JAR.

I shake my head with true bewilderment as to why.

Dean live at ykos now HERE

Thanks for this post Phoenix Woman. This is incredibly important. Every truly awful piece of legislation passed during W’s presidency has been a rush job with sneaky provisions inserted at the last minute. This sudden panic is extremely suspicious, particularly in light of the recent revelations that there has been a lot of spying going on that we know nothing about.

I believe Bush and Cheney are trying to ensure that they can continue their illegal spying and they are going to use this legislation to do it. I have already emailed Speaker Pelosi and called my representative. I urge everyone to do the same.

This is extremely worrying especially when coupled with the Dems backing down on requiring paper ballots in time for the 2008 elections.

selise @ 11

oh, and a day or two ago (i think yesterday?)… i called speaker pelosi’s office where i was assured there was no time left this week to take up consideration of the HJC’s votes for comtempt.

no such assurance could i get regarding this proposed weakening of fisa.Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

OKK — You appear to support Dems. QUESTION: If Dems win control, will they serve the best interests of the American people? I’m Not asking whether they will do better than rethugs.

Mad Dogs @ 19

Most importantly in this FISA “Update”, Junya needs wants for Congress to give him feckin’ Immunity for the Criminal Warrantless Wiretapping he’s already done for the last 6 years. Renember, Junya can’t pardon himself!

Here’s hoping some Dem with cojones puts a “hold” on this travesty.

I’d hold my breath, but too often these days our Dems have caved to the Prince of Pampers with his 25% JAR.

I shake my head with true bewilderment as to why.

I suspect Speaker Pelosi as a member of the Gang of 8 knew what was going on (hence, her “you don’t know the half of it” comment). I think she may be trying to cover her own political backside as well as W’s.

Twisted Martini @ 12

No shit Phoenix, tell ‘em to look behind the curtain already!

Exactly. I think that the congresscritters are so locked into the world of the Beltway and the Sally Quinns and Fred Hiatts that they forget that there’s even a possible reality outside of it.

snowbird42 @ 16

Oooh Howard Dean thanking the net roots
http://www.yearlykosconvention.org/ustream

Thanks for reminding me about ustream.
Busy as hell @ work, but I’ve got the earbuds in & Dean is really kicking it…

Any chance this “emergency” legislation contains forgiveness/indemnification for companies that cooperated in the illegal release of info at the request of govt? If so, that might explain the bipartisan sense of urgency..

phred @ 21

Thanks for this post Phoenix Woman. This is incredibly important. Every truly awful piece of legislation passed during W’s presidency has been a rush job with sneaky provisions inserted at the last minute. This sudden panic is extremely suspicious, particularly in light of the recent revelations that there has been a lot of spying going on that we know nothing about.

I believe Bush and Cheney are trying to ensure that they can continue their illegal spying and they are going to use this legislation to do it. I have already emailed Speaker Pelosi and called my representative. I urge everyone to do the same.

This is extremely worrying especially when coupled with the Dems backing down on requiring paper ballots in time for the 2008 elections.

The good news is that the ACLU’s been monitoring this and they’ve been pushing Congress and seeing some results. But they need us to help out.

Scarecrow’s going to have more on this tomorrow morning. Consider this post a warm-up for his.

SunnyNobility @ 26

Any chance this “emergency” legislation contains forgiveness/indemnification for companies that cooperated in the illegal release of info at the request of govt? If so, that might explain the bipartisan sense of urgency..

I believe that it does, but I could be mistaken.

Phoenix Woman @ 27

phred @ 21

Thanks for this post Phoenix Woman. This is incredibly important. Every truly awful piece of legislation passed during W’s presidency has been a rush job with sneaky provisions inserted at the last minute. This sudden panic is extremely suspicious, particularly in light of the recent revelations that there has been a lot of spying going on that we know nothing about.

I believe Bush and Cheney are trying to ensure that they can continue their illegal spying and they are going to use this legislation to do it. I have already emailed Speaker Pelosi and called my representative. I urge everyone to do the same.

This is extremely worrying especially when coupled with the Dems backing down on requiring paper ballots in time for the 2008 elections.

The good news is that the ACLU’s been monitoring this and they’ve been pushing Congress and seeing some results. But they need us to help out.

Scarecrow’s going to have more on this tomorrow morning. Consider this post a warm-up for his.

Glad to hear it! I’m planning on making a flurry of phone calls. I’ve read Feingold is questioning the rush, but he hasn’t promised to put a hold on the legislation if it comes to that. I plan to suggest it to him tomorrow…

Phoenix Woman @ 27

Scarecrow’s going to have more on this tomorrow morning. Consider this post a warm-up for his.

oh good. before your post, i was considering emailing him to beg… sometimes i have to work very hard to control that impulse. now i can chill…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Do we think the Democrats will do a better job of serving the interests of the American people? The answer is a resounding yes.

I love cheering crowds!

They are probably trying to divide up the electoral votes based on percentage of votes won, not winner take all.

thanks Phoenix Woman!

My letter to my Congresscritters:

Congress repeatedly offered Mr. Bush to amend FISA and he refused based on his notions of an all powerful Executive. Now that Mr. Bush has learned that the Executive Branch is not all powerful, it is vitally important that you not offer him legal tools to make it so.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney have shown nothing but contempt for the civil rights of American citizens, for the rule of law, for the Constitution and for Congress. Any accomodation to his demands weakens our system of government by establishing precedent. The Judiciary cannot be relied upon to halt the process. Congress must step up.

marymccurnin @ 31

Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Twisted Martini @ 34

They are probably trying to divide up the electoral votes based on percentage of votes won, not winner take all.

that wouldn’t be wrong (although it would make life harder for the dem presidential candidate). but they are trying to do it by congressional district (if i understand correctly).

that is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Rove doesnt want the Senate to stay in session in August,so he says theres a threat. The Stupid mononic and corrupt Dems probably believe him. Have a nice vacation Dems!

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

Fox Noise, terrorism expert, Juval Aviv predicts, an attack within ninety days. He also has advice for the terorists, to be more effective. Why does Fox Noise and their foxperts hate America so much, that they help terrorists?
________________________
I predict, based primarily on information that is floating in Europe and the Middle East, that an event is imminent and around the corner here in the United States. It could happen as soon as tomorrow, or it could happen in the next few months. Ninety days at the most.

What they’re going to do is hit six, seven or eight cities simultaneously to show sophistication and really hit the public. This time, which is the message of the day, it will not only be big cities. They’re going to try to hit rural America. They want to send a message to rural America: “You’re not protected. If you figured out that if you just move out of New York and move to Montana or to Pittsburgh, you’re not immune. We’re going [to] get you wherever we can and it’s easier there than in New York.”

In Israel, it’s very popular right now to put one device to explode and time another one for five minutes later when it’s all calm, people are getting up and the rescue teams have responded.

It was a progressive myth before the 2000 elections that there is no difference between the two parties. We must do NOTHING to delute the 08 presidential election. After Washington is cleaned out of the neocon turds and their buddies we can look forward to third party viability.

I’ve sent faxes to every Democratic member of the Senate Intelligence Committee (except for Ron Wyden whose fax number is carefully not provided on his website, and including Chuck Hagel), as well as to Harry Reid (who “trusts” DNI Mike McConnell and therefore will hand our Constitutional rights over to him on a silver platter if we let him).

Pat Leahy apparently also has a hand in this.

Larisa Alexandrovna speaks for me:

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

I cannot fathom why you would think it wise on any level to grant more power to those who have already so abused it, but since you are bent on enabling the imperial presidency, let me just remind you of something: There is nothing wrong with the FISA law that the impeachment of Dick Cheney cannot resolve. We, the public know this.

[snip]

I know you are eager to get to your month long, paid vacation – something our soldiers do not get and something the voting public does not get either. But if you are going to leave the country unsupervised while you are gone, the least you can do is not pass something as serious as an expansion of surveillance powers for the Decider as you head off to get your last tan of the summer.

[snip]

By this definition, I am not and will never be a good American and that is something that I am very comfortable with, for the same reasons that I would be comfortable not being the good German during WWII or the good Italian during WWI. And I don’t mind the name-calling at all. Why do you and your colleagues then care what labels are affixed to you when the moral argument is on your side of the [aisle]?

No, I cannot hope to be anything before I first try for being a good human being and I cannot hope to be a good human being and continue to witness this massive failure of Congressional oversight as the rest of us – the majority of us – watch i[n] horror [as] our rights, liberties, money, and even loved ones are one by one stripped away from us.

I would not have been a good German under the Nazi regime, Ms Pelosi. My parents were not good Soviets under the Soviet regime and I am sure as hell not going to be the current version of a good American now. But if you were to ask about the definition of my Americanism, I would tell you to simply look at your own oath of office. There you will find my America.

[snip]

We don’t need more enablers in an already compromised Congress. What we need are people who actually care, even if just a little bit, about the rest of US – the country and the Constitution.

So I ask you, please, do not grant more power to those who have already so abused the power that they have been granted.

Sincerely,
A US Citizen, a Jew, a woman, an Immigrant, and a journalist.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…..58813.html

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

HI RAYNE!

I’m listening!

marymccurnin @ 31

Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

The two of us were talking about this earlier today. ;0)

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

We’re there in spirit and enjoying a live feed to John Dean’s keynote speech….goosebumps here, there and everywhere!

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Remember the Great Society? That was Dems.

You’re too young to remember the New Deal, but that was Dems, too.

If it’s halfway decent, Dems did it.

As Steve Gilliard never tired of reminding people, Americans — especially black Americans — have been through worse and pulled out OK, even better than before.

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

envy envy envy…

selise @ 30

Phoenix Woman @ 27

Scarecrow’s going to have more on this tomorrow morning. Consider this post a warm-up for his.

oh good. before your post, i was considering emailing him to beg… sometimes i have to work very hard to control that impulse. now i can chill…

I really hope to hear from Mary (aka Mary4) as well. I had serious reservations about FISA at all, before all of this came to light. I think not only should Bushco be held fully accountable but this is the best of possible times to fight like mad to restore many liberties we lost post Nixon. Mary says it all so well.

pow wow @ 43

I’ve sent faxes to every Democratic member of the Senate Intelligence Committee (except for Ron Wyden whose fax number is carefully not provided on his website, and including Chuck Hagel), as well as to Harry Reid (who “trusts” DNI Mike McConnell and therefore will hand our Constitutional rights over to him on a silver platter if we let him).

Pat Leahy apparently also has a hand in this.

Larisa Alexandrovna speaks for me:

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

I cannot fathom why you would think it wise on any level to grant more power to those who have already so abused it, but since you are bent on enabling the imperial presidency, let me just remind you of something: There is nothing wrong with the FISA law that the impeachment of Dick Cheney cannot resolve. We, the public know this.

[snip]

I know you are eager to get to your month long, paid vacation – something our soldiers do not get and something the voting public does not get either. But if you are going to leave the country unsupervised while you are gone, the least you can do is not pass something as serious as an expansion of surveillance powers for the Decider as you head off to get your last tan of the summer.

[snip]

By this definition, I am not and will never be a good American and that is something that I am very comfortable with, for the same reasons that I would be comfortable not being the good German during WWII or the good Italian during WWI. And I don’t mind the name-calling at all. Why do you and your colleagues then care what labels are affixed to you when the moral argument is on your side of the [aisle]?

No, I cannot hope to be anything before I first try for being a good human being and I cannot hope to be a good human being and continue to witness this massive failure of Congressional oversight as the rest of us – the majority of us – watch is horror our rights, liberties, money, and even loved ones are one by one stripped away from us.

I would not have been a good German under the Nazi regime, Ms Pelosi. My parents were not good Soviets under the Soviet regime and I am sure as hell not going to be the current version of a good American now. But if you were to ask about the definition of my Americanism, I would tell you to simply look at your own oath of office. There you will find my America.

[snip]

We don’t need more enablers in an already compromised Congress. What we need are people who actually care, even if just a little bit, about the rest of US – the country and the Constitution.

So I ask you, please, do not grant more power to those who have already so abused the power that they have been granted.

Sincerely,
A US Citizen, a Jew, a woman, an Immigrant, and a journalist.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…..58813.html

Pow Wow, Thanks for this. NANCY PELOSI sucks.

Phoenix Woman @ 47

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Remember the Great Society? That was Dems.

You’re too young to remember the New Deal, but that was Dems, too.

If it’s halfway decent, Dems did it.

As Steve Gilliard never tired of reminding people, Americans — especially black Americans — have been through worse and pulled out OK, even better than before.

different dem party. in some ways better. in others not.

the republican party was the party that ended slavery. they’ve changed too.

Didn’t D.H.S honcho Chertoff have a ‘gut feeling’ that the U.S. was due for a terrorist attack any day now?
When Bush got word that Al Qaeda was planning an attack inside the U.S. in 2001, didn’t he head back to the ranch for the entire month of August? (And wasn’t that just about the time John Ashcroft stopped flying on commercial air flights?)Now Junior tells us that any ‘terrist attack’ is on the Democrats’ heads. Why am I suddenly afraid that something very bad is about to happen? I think that the minute Bush leaves Washington, I’m going to the ATM for a big stack of cash and some bottled water.

marymccurnin @ 31

Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

A GOP state senator I believe it was, is trying to make it so that the statewide vote winner would get 2 electoral votes and the remainder would be divvied up by the winner of the various congressional districts, which if done in ‘04 would have given little boots 22 more electoral votes.

The measure has to be placed on a statewide referendum and passed before becoming effective. Not sure if that could happen prior to ‘08 but it also diverts resources.

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

Lahoma likes Mr. Dean very much. And so do I. ;0)

Frank33 @ 41

Fox Noise, terrorism expert, Juval Aviv predicts, an attack within ninety days. He also has advice for the terorists, to be more effective. Why does Fox Noise and their foxperts hate America so much, that they help terrorists?

Eggszacktly. This is Rupert Murdoch saying ‘thank you’ to Bush for letting him take over the Dow Jones empire unmolested.

If I were even the dumbest rural cop, I’d say that someone who made a threat like Bush made about the responsibility for terrorist attacks in August was planning to stage one. That is almost an admission that he is going to pull something on the scale that he and his buddies pulled on 9/11. The question is, will the Congress have the balls to oppose the martial law the king is going to impose.

dopey-o @ 52

Didn’t D.H.S honcho Chertoff have a ‘gut feeling’ that the U.S. was due for a terrorist attack any day now?
When Bush got word that Al Qaeda was planning an attack inside the U.S. in 2001, didn’t he head back to the ranch for the entire month of August? (And wasn’t that just about the time John Ashcroft stopped flying on commercial air flights?)Now Junior tells us that any ‘terrist attack’ is on the Democrats’ heads. Why am I suddenly afraid that something very bad is about to happen? I think that the minute Bush leaves Washington, I’m going to the ATM for a big stack of cash and some bottled water.

Better convert that cash into gold.

Phoenix Woman @ 48

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

envy envy envy…

listening at home.

Jonathan @ 50

Pow Wow, Thanks for this. NANCY PELOSI sucks.

You’ve got a big wet greeting card from Karl Rove!

Twisted Martini @ 34

They are probably trying to divide up the electoral votes based on percentage of votes won, not winner take all.

That’s correct.

Jonathan @ 37

marymccurnin @ 31

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Yes Jonathon, the Dems would and will do a better job than the Republicans.

Will they do a perfect job? No.

Is there any politician anywhere who will do a perfect job? No

I’m just a few years younger than you but obviously far less cynical and disheartened.

Hey Elliott, Phoenix Woman, newspaperbrat…believe me, we can feel you here. You guys are an unseen presence that we discuss even if you can’t be here in person.

Happy Nati**** Emer***** Day to you all.

Question: The Dems went along with latest ‘torture law’ revision, why wouldn’t they go along with FISA changes? And, phred
@ 21, Dems back down on paper ballots in 2008.
Waxman argrees to closed-door transcript-free
‘meeting’ with lawyers in attendance … But
Leahy was good this morning. what happened
this afternoon with SJC?

What shall we do if Dems (dems?) don’t come through for country? Contingency Plans? Anyone? Oklahoma Kidd, I’m hoping for some thoughts here. selise?

We are supportive of the Speaker.

Phoenix Woman @ 47

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Remember the Great Society? That was Dems.

You’re too young to remember the New Deal, but that was Dems, too.

If it’s halfway decent, Dems did it.

As Steve Gilliard never tired of reminding people, Americans — especially black Americans — have been through worse and pulled out OK, even better than before.

PW – I am not tied to any party. I know that power and privilege corrupt. I am simply asking whether FDL readers who are committed to a particular party have on their thinking hats.

GordonM @ 59

Jonathan @ 50

Pow Wow, Thanks for this. NANCY PELOSI sucks.

You’ve got a big wet greeting card from Karl Rove!

enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.

jury’s still out.

Unbelievably, President Bush says if Congress doesn’t pass his legislation this week, the Democrats will be responsible for any terrorist attacks that may happen in August

I didn’t hear him say this, but if he did, he’s playing a very dangerous game. To presage a terrorist attack on the United States in order to force his will?

Forget the element of blackmail for a moment. This is terrorism defined. Has he considered the actual consequences of a terrorist attack happening after he threatened us with one?

That’s a very, very dangerous game.

I’ll call his bluff, and he should begin praying that we’re not hit, because if we are, we’ll know exactly who to arrest.

WoW Howard Dean on fire!

ahhh dean was my choice for pres

Phoenix Woman @ 47

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Remember the Great Society? That was Dems.

You’re too young to remember the New Deal, but that was Dems, too.

If it’s halfway decent, Dems did it.

As Steve Gilliard never tired of reminding people, Americans — especially black Americans — have been through worse and pulled out OK, even better than before.

That was then and this is now, they damn well better step up to the plate or your beloved party will find itself in a heap of trouble.

lolo @ 68

WoW Howard Dean on fire!

Great speech.

Elliott @ 44

Rayne @ 40

Have to tell you FirePups that Howard Dean gave me goosebumps. DAMN.

And he’s not done.

Wish you were here!

HI RAYNE!

I’m listening!

I wish he’d run again.

O/T -

To the affluent Bu’ush Party free-market-uber-alles cheerleaders for “drowning the government in a bathtub” -

The bathtub is the Mississippi River directly beneath the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. It doesn’t give a shit how much bread you got.

But, enjoy those tax cuts. Maybe President Bu’ush will assuage the aggregate grief of affluent Minnesotans’ next-of-kin with yet another one.

David W. Bartoo @ 63

Happy Nati**** Emer***** Day to you all.

Question: The Dems went along with latest ‘torture law’ revision, why wouldn’t they go along with FISA changes? And, phred
@ 21, Dems back down on paper ballots in 2008.
Waxman argrees to closed-door transcript-free
‘meeting’ with lawyers in attendance … But
Leahy was good this morning. what happened
this afternoon with SJC?

What shall we do if Dems (dems?) don’t come through for country? Contingency Plans? Anyone? Oklahoma Kidd, I’m hoping for some thoughts here. selise?

maybe like dean just said? something about how it’s a life long stuggle?

selise @ 51

different dem party. in some ways better. in others not.

Better largely because of FDR and Hubert Humphrey, who with LBJ pushed civil rights even though they knew that it would cause the Dixiecrats to bolt to the GOP and lose the South to the Republicans for generations. The Republicans cheerfully welcomed the Dixiecrats and then began the wholesale repudiation of the Lincoln legacy known as the “Southern Strategy”.

the republican party was the party that ended slavery. they’ve changed too.

See above.

Damn. Dean was inspiring, a term I hardly ever use.

Now, back to doing the stuff they pay me the big bucks for…

Now I feel part of it!!! Dean was awesome!

Oklahoma kiddo @ 64

We are supportive of the Speaker.

Obediance to party over country is the first step to fascism.

Phoenix Woman @ 75

selise @ 51

different dem party. in some ways better. in others not.

Better largely because of FDR and Hubert Humphrey, who with LBJ pushed civil rights even though they knew that it would cause the Dixiecrats to bolt to the GOP and lose the South to the Republicans for generations. The Republicans cheerfully welcomed the Dixiecrats and then began the wholesale repudiation of the Lincoln legacy known as the “Southern Strategy”.

the republican party was the party that ended slavery. they’ve changed too.

See above.

not disagreeing with you that republicans suck and are dangerous.

just not happy about what the dems have become in the last 20 years.

dakine01 @ 61

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Yes Jonathon, the Dems would and will do a better job than the Republicans.

Will they do a perfect job? No.

Is there any politician anywhere who will do a perfect job? No

I’m just a few years younger than you but obviously far less cynical and disheartened.

You say you are far less cynical and disheartened. In whom do you place your trust?

The proper response to ANY request for ANYTHING by this president to this congress should be a slap upside his law breaking head.

Memo to congress:
W has Nixon level approval ratings. TREAT HIM THAT WAY. Stop treating him like he’s Landslide Ronnie Reagan and start treating him like shifty-eyed late-stage Nixon looking for the helicopter keys for his hastily-planned exit. Did congress give extra bonus powers to Nixon in 1974? No they did not, They treated him with well deserved scorn, derision, and subpoenas. Harry Reid–DO THE SAME. There is NO down side to flogging the shit out of this bloated corpse of a lame duck. NONE. Scorn! Derision! Firm refusals!

tho the dems make me crazy – i say i’ll take my chances with them rather than repugs – see what a 7 years of repug rule has wrought and we’ll be paying for them for years…………

selise, yes I’ve been in it for the long haul,
probably die still trying.

Right On, PW! I’ve a T-shirt that says: “Never under-estimate the power of Stupid People!” I always get I chuckle or two when I wear it!!! Sorry, I just returned from a lengthy errand!!! *g*

Bush is threatening a Reichstag fire over August. That in itself should be enough to cancel the recess. It worked for Adolph Hitler. It is the beginning of the end. Who needs the halls of Congress, if you plan to abolish them.

Unbelievably, President Bush says if Congress doesn’t pass his legislation this week, the Democrats will be responsible for any terrorist attacks that may happen in August

so…does that mean 9/11 was the fault of Bush and the Republican congress of 2001? I mean, if the next incident is Congress’s fault, doesn’t that mean the last one was as well? Hey Trent Lott–Bush just blamed YOU for 9/11. How’s that grab ya?

cynic @ 85

Bush is threatening a Reichstag fire over August. That in itself should be enough to cancel the recess. It worked for Adolph Hitler. It is the beginning of the end. Who needs the halls of Congress, if you plan to abolish them.

so much to say :D

Jonathan @ 80

dakine01 @ 61

Yes Jonathon, the Dems would and will do a better job than the Republicans.

Will they do a perfect job? No.

Is there any politician anywhere who will do a perfect job? No

I’m just a few years younger than you but obviously far less cynical and disheartened.

You say you are far less cynical and disheartened. In whom do you place your trust?

In myself and some few folks who have proven themselves trustworthy. Otherwise, I use the words of St Ronnie: “trust but verify”

I have trust in some folks such as Sen Leahy and Sen Kennedy as they have earned that trust. But I still watch what they do and follow-up on it. It’s not a matter of trust alone. It’s a matter of setting achievable goals and working towards those goals.

I do not scorn those in Congress for not being miracle workers. I DO scorn those who seem to look only for the perfect world that does not exist and pout when things are not exactly as they wish for it to be.

cleter @ 86

Unbelievably, President Bush says if Congress doesn’t pass his legislation this week, the Democrats will be responsible for any terrorist attacks that may happen in August
so…does that mean 9/11 was the fault of Bush and the Republican congress of 2001? I mean, if the next incident is Congress’s fault, doesn’t that mean the last one was as well? Hey Trent Lott–Bush just blamed YOU for 9/11. How’s that grab ya?

Just call his bluff. It’s like the nonexistant Iraq WMDs. Fool me once, etc.

Does anyone have a link to Bush threatening terrorist attacks in August?

David W. Bartoo @ 63

Happy Nati**** Emer***** Day to you all.

Question: The Dems went along with latest ‘torture law’ revision, why wouldn’t they go along with FISA changes? And, phred
@ 21, Dems back down on paper ballots in 2008.
Waxman argrees to closed-door transcript-free
‘meeting’ with lawyers in attendance … But
Leahy was good this morning. what happened
this afternoon with SJC?

What shall we do if Dems (dems?) don’t come through for country? Contingency Plans? Anyone? Oklahoma Kidd, I’m hoping for some thoughts here. selise?

If my party, the Democratic Party does not perform? A plan ‘B’? Third party formation composed of center to left progressives, greens, independents, and libertarians, etc. But we don’t think it needs to come to that. We have to see what our party (Dems) does after the elections in 2008. And of course there is the possibility, however distasteful, of a revolution. Oh dear. Lahoma is suggesting I calm down. ;0)

juslin @ 82

tho the dems make me crazy – i say i’ll take my chances with them rather than repugs – see what a 7 years of repug rule has wrought and we’ll be paying for them for years…………

oh, absolutely. if i have to choose between useless and dangerous – of course i choose useless.

but, i’m not willing to accept useless. let’s make our calls tomorrow, support feingold and see if our worse fears are not realized.

We *must* see a copy of the proposed legislation before it’s passed. Seriously. If it’s online anywhere, I’d sure appreciate a link.

Among the infinite possibilities is that the deal has been so outsourced that all of our communications since god knows when (and the software to collect them) are now lodged with some entity that could do as they choose with them. I don’t think this is tin foil. It is consistent with much that we’ve seen (think RNC email). Not a time to trust.

The scarier the warnings, the closer we must look.

cleter @ 86

Unbelievably, President Bush says if Congress doesn’t pass his legislation this week, the Democrats will be responsible for any terrorist attacks that may happen in August

Link for that statement?

Hey Rayne! Is Dick deVos there selling overpriced laundry detergent?

phred @ 78

Obediance to party over country is the first step to fascism.

And who is speaking for the country?

Bobby G-
I’m quoting the thing at the top of the post.

tw3k @ 87

cynic @ 85

Bush is threatening a Reichstag fire over August. That in itself should be enough to cancel the recess. It worked for Adolph Hitler. It is the beginning of the end. Who needs the halls of Congress, if you plan to abolish them.

so much to say :D

I sincerely hope that Reid has a skeleton crew on tap to convene once-a-week during the August recess! It would certainly behoove him to do such!!!

phred @ 78

Oklahoma kiddo @ 64

We are supportive of the Speaker.

Obediance to party over country is the first step to fascism.

Obediance?

cleter @ 97

Bobby G-
I’m quoting the thing at the top of the post.

Thanks.

No, I mean direct Bush quote attribution, not what the ACLU is claiming. I’m not finding it yet.

healthy scepticism is ok – we just need to stay on top of people in power … i call and i hope i am effective in doing so

House Republicans have pledged to stay in session until Congress approves an update of foreign surveillance laws that would allow intelligence officials to monitor phone calls and e-mails between terrorism targets in foreign countries without a warrant.

As Democratic leaders worked with the White House to broker a final compromise, more than 190 Republicans in the House sent Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) a letter pledging to stay in session until lawmakers approve a compromise.

“Madam Speaker, our intelligence analysts are not able to connect the dots to keep us safe if they cannot collect the dots in the first place,” the members wrote. “This situation is unacceptable and places the American people at risk.”

Lawmakers huddled with White House aides in Pelosi’s Capitol office Thursday afternoon to hammer out a compromise that would clear the path for a vote on the measure in both chambers before members leave for the monthlong August recess.

Has this been up yet
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/

My confidence in Reid is a tad shaky.

Not sure if you’ve all seen this, but OBL has reappeared. Just in time for a critial “war powers vote”.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..da-we.html

Amazing coincidence considering all the fear-mongering going on right now.

I feel justified in being so cynical.

This is a rare moment.. I agree with republicans.. no recess until FISA is abolished.

SunnyNobility @ 93

We *must* see a copy of the proposed legislation before it’s passed. Seriously. If it’s online anywhere, I’d sure appreciate a link.

Among the infinite possibilities is that the deal has been so outsourced that all of our communications since god knows when (and the software to collect them) are now lodged with some entity that could do as they choose with them. I don’t think this is tin foil. It is consistent with much that we’ve seen (think RNC email). Not a time to trust.

The scarier the warnings, the closer we must look.

I hear from Sara over at TNH that rules are being considered to require posting pending legislation on the internet 48 hours prior to a vote. No such reules exist now though, which is what makes it so easy for last minute shenanigans.

I’m watching Dean’s Keynote, on split screen! Does he give a rousing scream?!!! *g*

CTuttle @ 98

tw3k @ 87

so much to say :D

I sincerely hope that Reid has a skeleton crew on tap to convene once-a-week during the August recess! It would certainly behoove him to do such!!!

I talked to his office last week. No such plan.

All Fear, All The Time

It’s Mourning in America.

I predict shouts of “Impeach” when Pelosi appears. She’s got some ’splain’ to do – Reid too.

GordonM @ 96

phred @ 78

Obediance to party over country is the first step to fascism.

And who is speaking for the country?

No one in Congress.

Urban Pirate @ 104

Not sure if you’ve all seen this, but OBL has reappeared. Just in time for a critial “war powers vote”.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..da-we.html

Amazing coincidence considering all the fear-mongering going on right now.

I feel justified in being so cynical.

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

Pelosi better buckle up for the crowd

If Congress is stupid enough to take a recess, the building should be closed by the regular Army, no one in or out, not even with a security clearance. All doors sealed, troops thirty feet from the building in a shoulder to shoulder ring, and agents of the Treasury department wlking the inside with dogs. Bush has all but predicted the time when he will start the Reichstag fire. It is time to make sure that building is better guarded than Fort Knox.

On the topic of holding feet to the file I’m EPU’ing this again.

Here are the list of co-sponsors for H Res 589 (The impeach Gonzo resolution)

COSPONSORS(20), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)

Rep Arcuri, Michael A. [NY-24] – 7/31/2007
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] – 8/1/2007
Rep Becerra, Xavier [CA-31] – 7/31/2007
Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] – 8/1/2007
Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] – 7/31/2007
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] – 7/31/2007
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] – 7/31/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] – 7/31/2007
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] – 7/31/2007
Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] – 8/1/2007
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] – 8/1/2007
Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] – 7/31/2007
Rep Johnson, Henry C. “Hank,” Jr. [GA-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] – 8/1/2007
Rep Udall, Tom [NM-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Wu, David [OR-1] – 7/31/2007

Here is the list of Act Blue folks we support who are actually in the House (some one correct me if I have anyone wrong here.)

Steve Cohen
Jerry McNerney
Patrick Murphy
Carol Shea-Porter
Hilda Solis

Now does it bother anyone else that none of the Act Blue folks are co-sponsors?

Should we be communicating that to them?

Oh, and what about your own rep?

Mine, (Markey) is not on board yet. Anyone else in his district. Help me out with him.)
Just asking…

Urban Pirate @ 104

Not sure if you’ve all seen this, but OBL has reappeared. Just in time for a critial “war powers vote”.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..da-we.html

Amazing coincidence considering all the fear-mongering going on right now.

I feel justified in being so cynical.

Consider the source.

jayt @ 108

CTuttle @ 98

I sincerely hope that Reid has a skeleton crew on tap to convene once-a-week during the August recess! It would certainly behoove him to do such!!!

I talked to his office last week. No such plan.

WTF??? Recess Appointments!!! Hellooo…!!! Duuhhh…!!!

oklahoma, respectfully, is there no assessment of what the Dems do between NOW and 2008? I think their apparent calculation is wrong AND
dangerously risky. As I told eCAHomics and Biodun, if the three of you were fashioning the economic (and social programs) of the Dems
I should be much more sanquine about things.

Jonathan @ 37

marymccurnin @ 31

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Did you ever think back in ‘68 that 27 of the next 39 years would be lived under Republicans?

I see all these people around me taking things like zoloft, paxil, celexa, and other friggin drugs to “keep them sane.” Hell, all those years I was smoking pot I saw it coming.

Now I’m sober and they’re all zonked….need to keep my wits about me for what’s comin’ down the pike, if you know what I mean.

If the Dems are anything like they are right now, I don’t see anything changing, altho I do see the chance of someone like Hillary being elected so that she can do away with Social Security and Medicare for the big business interests. The American people wouldn’t let a Republican get away with that but hell, they didn’t say a damn thing as Bubba wiped out welfare and helped inaugurate the NAFTA, GATT, and WTO so that all those Americans who would no longer qualify for welfare could now go to work in the global sweatshop.

I don’t trust any of them, sorry, especially after this melee started right after the 2006 elections to see who was America’s darling for president. Reminded me too much of the internecine battles of the Old Left versus the Movement people back when there was a glimmer of hope for this country.

I’m 57….these are the same weenies I used to argue with in the high school cafeteria over the Vietnam war. I went there with the Marines, they stayed here and joined reserve units when it was a certainty there would be no need for them.

Nothing about them has changed,,,they’d still shit themselves if someone got right in their faces and their little gang of sycophants wasn’t around to bail them out. They can’t even win debates without shouting over the other person and trying to redirect the argument.

Pathetic.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 99

phred @ 78

Obediance to party over country is the first step to fascism.

Obediance?

You can only help your party by questioning it. Look where holding the party line has gotten Republicans and the country. If the Speaker or anyone else seems determined to give away the keys to the kingdom as it were, you had best call them on it. For their good, the good of the party and the good of the country.

“Madam Speaker, our intelligence analysts are not able to connect the dots to keep us safe if they cannot collect the dots in the first place,” the members wrote. “This situation is unacceptable and places the American people at risk.”

Have I missed something here? Our intelligence has been lacking up until this week? And suddenly legislation is to be passed that will solve this problem? Or the sky will fall and it will be the dems fault. Jeessie Chrissee. Or they that stupid or are we?

is YearlyKos being livestreamed?

snowbird42 @ 102

House Republicans have pledged to stay in session until Congress approves an update of foreign surveillance laws that would allow intelligence officials to monitor phone calls and e-mails between terrorism targets in foreign countries without a warrant.

They don’t even need FISA for that. That’s what the NSA was created for. Warrants only apply if a US citizen is involved.

Hey, I just red the source link article . . Feingold is talking about STAYING in DC to battle this . . . I’m thinking rightminded folks might wanna read the whole article before they start ranting, like I just did.

However, my thoughts about our President THREATENING AN ATTACK, to pressure Congress, stands . . .

“Rid me of this priest!!!” ;-)

Repeats of SJC hearing (US attys – Scott Jennings) on c-span 1 tonight. 12:11 and 4:21 am eastern.

realworld @ 115

On the topic of holding feet to the file I’m EPU’ing this again.

Here are the list of co-sponsors for H Res 589 (The impeach Gonzo resolution)

COSPONSORS(20), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]: (Sort: by date)

Rep Arcuri, Michael A. [NY-24] – 7/31/2007
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] – 8/1/2007
Rep Becerra, Xavier [CA-31] – 7/31/2007
Rep Berkley, Shelley [NV-1] – 8/1/2007
Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] – 7/31/2007
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] – 7/31/2007
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] – 7/31/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve [TN-9] – 7/31/2007
Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5] – 7/31/2007
Rep Frank, Barney [MA-4] – 8/1/2007
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7] – 8/1/2007
Rep Hooley, Darlene [OR-5] – 7/31/2007
Rep Johnson, Henry C. “Hank,” Jr. [GA-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4] – 7/31/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Tauscher, Ellen O. [CA-10] – 8/1/2007
Rep Udall, Tom [NM-3] – 7/31/2007
Rep Wu, David [OR-1] – 7/31/2007

Here is the list of Act Blue folks we support who are actually in the House (some one correct me if I have anyone wrong here.)

Steve Cohen
Jerry McNerney
Patrick Murphy
Carol Shea-Porter
Hilda Solis

Now does it bother anyone else that none of the Act Blue folks are co-sponsors?

Should we be communicating that to them?

Oh, and what about your own rep?

Mine, (Markey) is not on board yet. Anyone else in his district. Help me out with him.)
Just asking…

I called his office this afternoon and was led to believe he supported the resolution. I had better call again tomorrow…

snowbird42 @ 102

House Republicans have pledged to stay in session until Congress approves an update of foreign surveillance laws that would allow intelligence officials to monitor phone calls and e-mails between terrorism targets in foreign countries without a warrant.

As Democratic leaders worked with the White House to broker a final compromise, more than 190 Republicans in the House sent Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) a letter pledging to stay in session until lawmakers approve a compromise.

“Madam Speaker, our intelligence analysts are not able to connect the dots to keep us safe if they cannot collect the dots in the first place,” the members wrote. “This situation is unacceptable and places the American people at risk.”

Lawmakers huddled with White House aides in Pelosi’s Capitol office Thursday afternoon to hammer out a compromise that would clear the path for a vote on the measure in both chambers before members leave for the monthlong August recess.

Has this been up yet
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/

I commented on that before….absolutely fucking unbelievable.

DiFi needs to be made to pay for this. Now that it’s out of committee and going to the full Senate this needs to be stopped.

Didn’t a Dem last week say that absolutely no more judges were going to be approved and then something like this happens?

Was Lieberman holding her hand during the vote?

Urban Pirate @ 121

is YearlyKos being livestreamed?

Dean was earlier. I think they all went to bed before 9pm.

Urban Pirate @ 121

is YearlyKos being livestreamed?

More or less!
Here: http://ustream.tv/channel/year…..ntion-2007

realworld @ 115 – Note that Steve Cohen is on the list of co-sponsors you provided. One down, four to go (ActBlue-wise).

CTuttle @ 112

Urban Pirate @ 104

Not sure if you’ve all seen this, but OBL has reappeared. Just in time for a critial “war powers vote”.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..da-we.html

Amazing coincidence considering all the fear-mongering going on right now.

I feel justified in being so cynical.

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

They will play the ace when they are ready. In the meantime watch out. They are not fooling around.

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

I just read her book (which is *great*, btw), and saw that. Couldn’t tell by reading the book, which might be termed ‘reality-based-fiction’, whether she really thinks that, or whether it was literary license.

What do you think, CT?

SunnyNobility @ 123

Repeats of SJC hearing (US attys – Scott Jennings) on c-span 1 tonight. 12:11 and 4:21 am eastern.

Mahalo, Sunny!!!

SunnyNobility @ 124

Repeats of SJC hearing (US attys – Scott Jennings) on c-span 1 tonight. 12:11 and 4:21 am eastern.

thank you!

Sorry, mods @119.

Was I immoderate or too long?

phred @ 111

GordonM @ 96

And who is speaking for the country?

No one in Congress.

So you’re expecting Deputy Dawg to save the day? Most Congresscritters are just barely bright enough to realize that if they can’t get elected, they can’t feed at the trough. So tell your Congresscritters how to vote. If enough join you, they may change their ways (one of mine did, the other 2 have moved somewhat). If nobody joins you, you have to choose between trying to make things incrementally better or being completely ineffective. Your choice.

The priorities in this house are to rid ourselves of the neocons, and the GOP. And come closer to justice. And just exactly how do we do this? Elect Democrats.

jayt @ 130

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

I just read her book (which is *great*, btw), and saw that. Couldn’t tell by reading the book, which might be termed ‘reality-based-fiction’, whether she really thinks that, or whether it was literary license.

What do you think, CT?

You didn’t ask me, but I believe Hillhouse more than I believe anyone in this Administration.

jayt @ 130

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

I just read her book (which is *great*, btw), and saw that. Couldn’t tell by reading the book, which might be termed ‘reality-based-fiction’, whether she really thinks that, or whether it was literary license.

What do you think, CT?

Did you see her insistence that she was a ‘novelist’ in regards to the true revelations, on Democracy Now!!! Do ya need a link? *g*

OK Kiddo — not trying to give you too hard a time, I’ve had my heart broken by the Dems my whole life (which has been a good bit longer than yours ;) As the bumper sticker says: Question Authority. Even if the Dems regain power, we will still need to hold their feet to the fire to make sure they use it wisely.

With that I must bid you good-night, but I’ll check back in the morning in case you want to give me a piece of your mind ;) I hate leaving an argument unfinished, it risks bad feelings and that is rarely necessary…

phred @ 106

I hear from Sara over at TNH that rules are being considered to require posting pending legislation on the internet 48 hours prior to a vote. No such reules exist now though, which is what makes it so easy for last minute shenanigans.

I caught a bit of the discussion on that today
(c-span). It’s being framed in the context of disclosing heretofore secret earmarks. It’s an excellent idea and seems to have support.

phred @ 138

OK Kiddo — not trying to give you too hard a time, I’ve had my heart broken by the Dems my whole life (which has been a good bit longer than yours ;) As the bumper sticker says: Question Authority. Even if the Dems regain power, we will still need to hold their feet to the fire to make sure they use it wisely.

With that I must bid you good-night, but I’ll check back in the morning in case you want to give me a piece of your mind ;) I hate leaving an argument unfinished, it risks bad feelings and that is rarely necessary…

OK Kiddo ain’t that young. :)

I love hearing Howard Dean speak. I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of his Cooper Union Speech in NYC Nov. 2003 where he came out and addressed the remarks he made about the confederate flag.

There were about 75 people in the auditorium. Such an intimate setting to hear a power man speak powerful words.

Ok, lemme clarify here what I meant above one post:

I was responding to Selise@ #8 about THAT link.
Once I hit it, I followed it to the source link, and a fuller statement from Feingold.

THAT link, has his office phone # in DC, and encourages everyone to call him and support no recess and no FISA as is amended to extend USAG powers yadda yadda yadda . . . I left a message.

Tomorrow, I’ll call Feinstein, Boxer, Matsui, and Pelosi’s offices and frickin DEMAND and plead, they DON’T leave DC, and DON’T pass this FISA . . .

Today, the BoyKing President of the US threatened to put the blame on Dem’s for not passing FISA, IF there’s a terrorist act in DC this month.

He’s in all actuality, threatening that he GOVERNS the possibility of a terror act . . . which CAN be construed to mean, he’s gonna do it hisself. . .

Wonder if he blew the bridge in Minnesota to get at Al Franken . . .

Did you see her insistence that she was a ‘novelist’ in regards to the true revelations, on Democracy Now!!! Do ya need a link? *g*

No, but thanks. I’ve got it – just haven’t gotten around to watching it yet.

At least the Democrats and a Democratic President would not be nominating Opus Dei to the Federal Judiciary.

Urban Pirate @ 121

is YearlyKos being livestreamed?

Ustream.tv covered Howard Dean’s keynote address awhile ago and kept the stream going through the YK 2 announcements for the 1500 or so attendees. And they had their act together streaming just in time for the keynote. Suggest you google ustream.tv to bookmark the site. If that doesn’t work I’ll be glad to dig it up for you.

LS @ 136

jayt @ 130

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

I just read her book (which is *great*, btw), and saw that. Couldn’t tell by reading the book, which might be termed ‘reality-based-fiction’, whether she really thinks that, or whether it was literary license.

What do you think, CT?

You didn’t ask me, but I believe Hillhouse more than I believe anyone in this Administration.

Our esteemed Dr.-in-residence, here at the Lake is extremely more credible than any frontman proffered by this Maladministration!!! ;-)

SunnyNobility @ 140

phred @ 106

I hear from Sara over at TNH that rules are being considered to require posting pending legislation on the internet 48 hours prior to a vote. No such reules exist now though, which is what makes it so easy for last minute shenanigans.

I caught a bit of the discussion on that today
(c-span). It’s being framed in the context of disclosing heretofore secret earmarks. It’s an excellent idea and seems to have support.

It is a superb idea! Since our Congresscritters so rarely have a clue about how to vote with their constituents, it would give a chance to inform them.

More info on the Hillhouse book & link to dn author appearance, plz.

jayt @ 142

Did you see her insistence that she was a ‘novelist’ in regards to the true revelations, on Democracy Now!!! Do ya need a link? *g*

No, but thanks. I’ve got it – just haven’t gotten around to watching it yet.

Whatcha waiting for? She rocked!

when does YKos wrap?

phred @ 23

. . .
I suspect Speaker Pelosi as a member of the Gang of 8 knew what was going on (hence, her “you don’t know the half of it” comment). I think she may be trying to cover her own political backside as well as W’s.

This is the ONLY explanation for the Dem’s weak stances across the board, and lack of cajones to stand and fight for Constitutionalist Issues.

They are as guilty as the ReThugs. And we ALL know it.

Their ’sourcing’ funding comes from the same people, across the board. Those who INFLUENCE our elected play BOTH sides . . . that way, they keep them in line somewhat, in case a maverick wants to step out and try to crash the system.

Harumph.

woohoo, my F finally works!

Twisted Martini @ 149

when does YKos wrap?

Sunday.

Factoid, caught on one of tonight’s network news reports:

Thousands of America’s bridges are in need of critical repair. Cost to repair them ALL is estimated at $65 Billion.

(That’s about 7 months worth of flushing in Iraq, at today’s exchange rate.)

eCAHNomics @ 150

More info on the Hillhouse book & link to dn author appearance, plz.

Yes’m!!!

http://www.democracynow.org/ar…..26/1410253

marymccurnin @ 31

Oklahoma kiddo @ 18

Lahoma advises me that signs are pointing to a solid Democratic majority in the Senate and the House after the 2008 elections. And that means we can jettison Mr. Lieberman. Among other things of course. Oh, almost forgot, we will also have a Democratic president taking the oath of office in January, 2009. So says my friend.

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Right here Mary

Oh, btw, I saw Dr Bill Durston last night, he came to our meetup

Hope he runs again

Dr. Hillhouse posits the notion that OBL is already within a secure Black Site!!!

Who needs OBL, if you have a video tape editor?

Twisted Martini @ 154

woohoo, my F finally works!

Oh No! Not another lemming!!! *g*

Whatcha waiting for? She rocked!

Ok, you win. I’ve just had it sitting here cued up ready to go. See ya in about 50 minutes.

And the book is called “Outsourced”. I just lent it to a friend, who read it, and then went out and bought a copy for himself.

CTuttle @ 145

LS @ 136

You didn’t ask me, but I believe Hillhouse more than I believe anyone in this Administration.

Our esteemed Dr.-in-residence, here at the Lake is extremely more credible than any frontman proffered by this Maladministration!!! ;-)

Hear, hear – Here, here – whichever is correct.

eCAHNomics @ 148

More info on the Hillhouse book & link to dn author appearance, plz.

http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/

Ok, Clarity on Selise@8 again.

Here’s the SOURCE link, to the link she posted:

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003849.php

AND, here’s Senator Feingold’s Office # that a commentator posed and asked that he be supported to STAY IN DC!!! And NOT cave in to FISA as is . .

(202) 224-5323

I’ve made my call tonight, and LMM for him.

Spread the word, we only have tomorrow to move the Dem’s from Recess . . .

CTuttle @ 157

Twisted Martini @ 154

woohoo, my F finally works!

Oh No! Not another lemming!!! *g*

I can’t figure it out at all…D’oh….

Saying Congressional Democrats and Republicans were moving “awfully quickly” on a White House proposal to make it easier to eavesdrop on suspected overseas terrorists, Feingold said he is in “no hurry” to leave town for the August recess.

“I don’t feel the need to get out of here. I would much rather stay here than have us make a terrible mistake,” said Feingold, who has made a name for himself as a champion on civil liberties in the Senate. “This is not the kind of thing that should be done on the fly, and I am prepared to stay here as long as it takes to fix it. Or, if they need force this through, I’m not going to make it easy, if they don’t make it better.”

Amen, Russ Feingold.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003849.php

“Prince of Pampers” !!

I am moved nigh unto tears.

jayt @ 161

Whatcha waiting for? She rocked!

Ok, you win. I’ve just had it sitting here cued up ready to go. See ya in about 50 minutes.

And the book is called “Outsourced”. I just lent it to a friend, who read it, and then went out and bought a copy for himself.

Nope, RJ is up for about 15-20 mins of it!!! The first victim!!! ;-)

Didn’t some wise person allegedly say “there won’t be another 9/11 until Cheney says it’s time for one?

CTuttle @ 155

eCAHNomics @ 150

More info on the Hillhouse book & link to dn author appearance, plz.

Yes’m!!!

http://www.democracynow.org/ar…..26/1410253

Much thanks. I was trying to remember where I’d heard her so I could order the book.

Okay, Oklahoma I shall ask you no more questions about now, but I hope you realise that I asked because I’ve come to have great respect for you and your ideas. You inspire my hope because you are a Democrat of the best tradition, and it is the vision of Democrats such as yourself that truly reflect the humanity and essence of the conscience of your
party.

Milan River @ 165

Didn’t some wise person allegedly say “there won’t be another 9/11 until Cheney says it’s time for one?

Probably W.

LS @ 164

CTuttle @ 157

Oh No! Not another lemming!!! *g*

I can’t figure it out at all…D’oh….

Hmm… Do you have a gmail account? It facilitates the process!

john in sacramento @ 155

marymccurnin @ 31

Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Right here Mary

Oh, btw, I saw Dr Bill Durston last night, he came to our meetup

Hope he runs again

I don’t think he will. I have so much respect for him.

Hey, Dean did a nice job!!!

CTuttle @ 169

LS @ 164

I can’t figure it out at all…D’oh….

Hmm… Do you have a gmail account? It facilitates the process!

No, not gmail. I “ate a peanut” @ Yahoo though.

Milan River @ 166

Didn’t some wise person allegedly say “there won’t be another 9/11 until Cheney says it’s time for one?

Wow. I have no difficulty believing that.

Again, that’s so damn sad.

Nice post.. but I’m beginning to despair of when this nightmare will end. Perhaps we should be demanding that each of the ‘08 candidates explicitly renounce the use of shrubco fearmongering techniques, via some type of declaration or commitment instrument. We have to find a way to make the use of fearmongering itself an issue.

David W. Bartoo @ 170

Okay, Oklahoma I shall ask you no more questions about now, but I hope you realise that I asked because I’ve come to have great respect for you and your ideas. You inspire my hope because you are a Democrat of the best tradition, and it is the vision of Democrats such as yourself that truly reflect the humanity and essence of the conscience of your
party.

You’re OK. At least that’s what Lahoma and I think. ;0)

Why should it matter so much if they catch Usama? He is not even listed on the FBI most wanted web site for any connection with any WTC shenanigans and only listed vaguely suspect in other foreign events.

Usama is just one of the BIG LIES!

marymccurnin @ 174

john in sacramento @ 155

Right here Mary

Oh, btw, I saw Dr Bill Durston last night, he came to our meetup

Hope he runs again

I don’t think he will. I have so much respect for him.

They want the winner of a congressional district in the presidential election to receive the electoral vote for that district rather than the winner of the overall vote winning all the electoral votes for that state. There are about 18 or 19 safe Republican districts in California so that would give the Republican Pres. candidate those 18-19 electoral votes. The Republicans do not rest for one minute trying to figure out a way to game the system to their advantage. It’s time the Republican Party receive electoral euthanasia.

I don’t know which is sadder — that BushCo is resorting to the same old infantile terrorist threat stuff, or that members of Congress are actually going to break at this most critical time. Again, they are putting their own interests ahead of the nation’s!

As Phred noted previously after my last post, it is not just the telecoms who are worried. The way the Democratic leadership has been acting, they are in bed with the Republicans somehow, and they are equally culpable in what is going on.

I am being very tongue-in-cheek saying this, but if Congress leaves town and Bush manages to take over, he can abolish Congress. At least we know what to expect from him and his cronies. I don’t think that Congress has done much to stop him, so they won’t be missed…

Then, one day, maybe the US will be blessed with some nice benevolent dictator…

marymccurnin @ 170

Oh, btw, I saw Dr Bill Durston last night, he came to our meetup

Hope he runs again

I don’t think he will. I have so much respect for him.

Have you ever heard the song that he wrote?

JIM LEHRER: But as a practical matter, any impeachment against Attorney General Gonzales would have to begin in the House. And you’re saying it isn’t going to happen, correct?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: There are those who are introducing it. It’s up to them to see what the prospects are for it. But as I have said with the President Bush, who there’s a wide — a big tide in the country for his impeachment, that it was off the table.

We had business to attend to regarding the health and education of our children, the economic security of their families, the national security of our country, the strength of our economy, and I wanted to focus on those issues.

JIM LEHRER: You leave here for this recess, as you say, very proud of what you have accomplished, correct?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: That is correct, very proud.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb…..08-02.html

Guess that intimate dinner at the White House Tuesday evening was just as cozy and congenial as it sounds:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com…..00823.aspx

pow wow @ 163

Saying Congressional Democrats and Republicans were moving “awfully quickly” on a White House proposal to make it easier to eavesdrop on suspected overseas terrorists, Feingold said he is in “no hurry” to leave town for the August recess.

“I don’t feel the need to get out of here. I would much rather stay here than have us make a terrible mistake,” said Feingold, who has made a name for himself as a champion on civil liberties in the Senate. “This is not the kind of thing that should be done on the fly, and I am prepared to stay here as long as it takes to fix it. Or, if they need force this through, I’m not going to make it easy, if they don’t make it better.”

Amen, Russ Feingold.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003849.php

Yes! Feingold is a man of integrity and excellent judgment. His personal financial statements stand testimony to that. He could be rich like the rest of them, but he’s not.

What I’m late to the party ,but having reclaimed my facebook account, well I have scanned the last dozen posts and will bu still to fine out whats up. In the short form.

LS @ 176

CTuttle @ 169

Hmm… Do you have a gmail account? It facilitates the process!

No, not gmail. I “ate a peanut” @ Yahoo though.

Suze could walk ya through it tonite, try the ‘meta’ link at the the top, it my lead ya in the right direction!

Eureka Springs @ 176

Why should it matter so much if they catch Usama? He is not even listed on the FBI most wanted web site for any connection with any WTC shenanigans and only listed vaguely suspect in other foreign events.

Usama is just one of the BIG LIES!

Bada bing.

marymccurnin @ 31

. . . .
Randi Rhodes was talking today about some kind of legislation that Repubs are trying to quietly pass in Cali that would hand a presidential victory to them in 08. It has something to do with the way the electorial college votes are decided. And there is a similar one in NC. We have to watch those bastards 24/7 until they are burned toast.

Did she mention that Larue emailed her about it?
And I emailed Christine Craft, The Sacto Bee and my CA STATE critters and also the Fed Crits . . it’s a scam to steal 20 Electoral Votes from CA’s 55 by allocating votes to CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS, instead of ALL the votes for CA going to the state winner.

20 electoral votes will enable a ReThugger victory!!!

Here’s the New Yorker Source Link I read about it:

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/….._hertzberg

Suggest all folks hammer the POOP outta this one, it’s gonna cost us the ‘08 Election.

Oh, the lawyer firm who FILED this initiative proposal two weeks or so ago, is the one who placed the initiave for Gov. Davis’ recall and got Ahnold erected . . . they are HIS voter election law team.

Funny, huh . . .

dakine01 @ 88

Jonathan @ 80

You say you are far less cynical and disheartened. In whom do you place your trust?

In myself and some few folks who have proven themselves trustworthy. Otherwise, I use the words of St Ronnie: “trust but verify”

I have trust in some folks such as Sen Leahy and Sen Kennedy as they have earned that trust. But I still watch what they do and follow-up on it. It’s not a matter of trust alone. It’s a matter of setting achievable goals and working towards those goals.

I do not scorn those in Congress for not being miracle workers. I DO scorn those who seem to look only for the perfect world that does not exist and pout when things are not exactly as they wish for it to be.pow wow @ 180

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb…..08-02.html

Guess that intimate dinner at the White House Tuesday evening was just as cozy and congenial as it sounds:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com…..00823.aspx

How can anyone on this site like Nancy Pelosi?

With respect, I disagree with the view the OBL doesn’t matter, and not merely because he treatens us. The network of relationships and financial links he has put together over the decades has been a source of much suffering, in the poorest regions of Southeast Asian and Africa, providing backing to literally scores of violent local groups which then organize attacks against moderate Muslims or local Christians. The attacks that ravaged the Mollucas in the late 1990s are a case in point, to which his network has been directly linked.

There’s no question of the fact that he’s a dangerous man (even if one of our own creation, in many respects). Part of renouncing neocon policies involves removing this particular game piece from the game, for good.

Written here in last few posts-
Osama bin Forgotten

Not that I run spies or anything to know when you’re talking about me….

But I wanted to drop by and thank you for the kind words! Only have a few minutes because I’m going on national radio at the top of the hour, but wanted to say mahalo!

OT, but there is the distinct possibility that YKos is the incipient beginnings for a new political party. One which is a true Progressive party that will fight tooth and nail for the Constitution, minorities, the middle class and economic and environmental justice. Just a thought but watching these Democrats in Congress who for the most are unwilling to stand up to the Bush power grabs something needs to change.

sorry one handed typing, well best not blame half bake thoughts on disability.

Oh, yeah:

Working Assets is doing an e-mail campaign on this as well.

Damn!!! Russ gets it, and Nancy and Harry are clueless!!! WTF!!! C’mon Dems get with the ‘Pogrom’!!!

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 191

Not that I run spies or anything to know when you’re talking about me….

But I wanted to drop by and thank you for the kind words! Only have a few minutes because I’m going on national radio at the top of the hour, but wanted to say mahalo!

Hey!!

Just ordered your book at amazon.

Thanks from a fellow Romanian, Russian, Ukraine “visitor”

cynic @ 56

If I were even the dumbest rural cop, I’d say that someone who made a threat like Bush made about the responsibility for terrorist attacks in August was planning to stage one. That is almost an admission that he is going to pull something on the scale that he and his buddies pulled on 9/11. The question is, will the Congress have the balls to oppose the martial law the king is going to impose.

I thought that warning was creepy, too. It reminded me of his threat that if Congress didn’t give him another blank check then the soldiers would have their time in Iraq extended. The next day it was leaked that that was exactly what had been decided. He knew what was going to happen and he was determined to blame the Dems ahead of time.
I’m not saying he’s planning anything, but it was a very odd thing to say.

Jonathan, why do you dislike Nancy Pelosi?

opps sorry.

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 192

Not that I run spies or anything to know when you’re talking about me….

But I wanted to drop by and thank you for the kind words! Only have a few minutes because I’m going on national radio at the top of the hour, but wanted to say mahalo!

Ooh, hear the rustle of the horns… eh, Ma’am??? *g*

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 192

Not that I run spies or anything to know when you’re talking about me….

But I wanted to drop by and thank you for the kind words! Only have a few minutes because I’m going on national radio at the top of the hour, but wanted to say mahalo!

Most excellent!

We sometimes wonder if Howard Dean feels as if he’s in a straight-jacket.

‘ The Republicans do not rest for one minute trying to figure out a way to game the system to their advantage. It’s time the Republican Party receive electoral euthanasia.’
John,
I left CA a year ago, but just prior to that, Arnold received the thumping of his life over some Reaganite scheme (the details evade me at the moment). That’s when he suddenly became a ‘centrist.’ My thanks in advance for your agitating the wrath of the voters again down there.

Hello, Dr. Hillhouse! Smite the wicked!

We want Gore.

Well as Monty Python might have said ” I’ll let you have at each other.”

SunnyNobility @ 185

pow wow @ 163

Amen, Russ Feingold.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003849.php

Yes! Feingold is a man of integrity and excellent judgment. His personal financial statements stand testimony to that. He could be rich like the rest of them, but he’s not.

Yeah, and Feingold should be running for President!!

At our home, we also want Gore.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 206

We want Gore.

Gore/Feingold ‘08!!!!!!

RonD @ 205

Hello, Dr. Hillhouse! Smite the wicked!

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

I will be calling my Rep tomorrow re:

No cooperation with Bush on FISA

Impeach Gonzo now.

This fear mongering by Bush is more Lucy putting up the football for Charlie Brown, saying, “This time is different.”

It isn’t different. Bush and his crowd are lying shits who never stop trying to find ways to fuck the Dems.

Joe Klein’s conscience @ 211

Oklahoma kiddo @ 206

We want Gore.

Gore/Feingold ‘08!!!!!!

;0)!

Joe Klein’s conscience @ 210

Oklahoma kiddo @ 206

We want Gore.

Gore/Feingold ‘08!!!!!!

And Russ would be a Shoo-in in ‘16!!! ;-)

Bluetoe @ 193

OT, but there is the distinct possibility that YKos is the incipient beginnings for a new political party. One which is a true Progressive party that will fight tooth and nail for the Constitution, minorities, the middle class and economic and environmental justice. Just a thought but watching these Democrats in Congress who for the most are unwilling to stand up to the Bush power grabs something needs to change.

are you for real?

my impression was that kosniks are entirely captured by the (D) party, and are reflexively hostile to any 3rd party notions.

if anything, they are diversionary, a shiny object used to distract activists and progressives and prevent any 3rd (rather, second) Party formations taking place.

and, way back in the thread, those worried about what Cheney has planned for Aug/Sept … it does seem very dire.

they could do another Reichstag, but we really have to watch out if they try a Kristallnacht.

You guys rock!

And welcome to the life of an author–just got a call I’m being rescheduled on Jim Bohannon for sometime in the next week or two due to the bridge collapse tragedy.

I have some time to hang around…

OK, you’ve piqued my curiosity at long last. Ya’ have a link or two as to Gore’s position and how the Gore of today is not the Gore of Ohfour who selected Joe for star power in his campaign. Or is this just a show of hands.

james @ 119

Jonathan @ 37

Do you guys believe that dems will do a better job than repubs? I’m 61 years old.

Did you ever think back in ‘68 that 27 of the next 39 years would be lived under Republicans?

I see all these people around me taking things like zoloft, paxil, celexa, and other friggin drugs to “keep them sane.” Hell, all those years I was smoking pot I saw it coming.

Now I’m sober and they’re all zonked….need to keep my wits about me for what’s comin’ down the pike, if you know what I mean.

If the Dems are anything like they are right now, I don’t see anything changing, altho I do see the chance of someone like Hillary being elected so that she can do away with Social Security and Medicare for the big business interests. The American people wouldn’t let a Republican get away with that but hell, they didn’t say a damn thing as Bubba wiped out welfare and helped inaugurate the NAFTA, GATT, and WTO so that all those Americans who would no longer qualify for welfare could now go to work in the global sweatshop.

I don’t trust any of them, sorry, especially after this melee started right after the 2006 elections to see who was America’s darling for president. Reminded me too much of the internecine battles of the Old Left versus the Movement people back when there was a glimmer of hope for this country.

I’m 57….these are the same weenies I used to argue with in the high school cafeteria over the Vietnam war. I went there with the Marines, they stayed here and joined reserve units when it was a certainty there would be no need for them.

Nothing about them has changed,,,they’d still shit themselves if someone got right in their faces and their little gang of sycophants wasn’t around to bail them out. They can’t even win debates without shouting over the other person and trying to redirect the argument.

Pathetic.

James — It don’t mean anything. There it is, bro.

ReElect President Gore & VP Edwards 2008!

Hand the Rethugs a big dose of poetic justice!

Ctuttle #210,
I think you’re right, as far as you go, but to go further…I think the evil is in the paradigm that creates these complexes, whether military-industrial, healthcare-industrial, or prison-industrial.

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 212

You guys rock!

And welcome to the life of an author–just got a call I’m being rescheduled on Jim Bohannon for sometime in the next week or two due to the bridge collapse tragedy.

I have some time to hang around…

What, no ykos for you?

well, I just finished watching Dr. Hillhouse. Don’t know if she’s still here or not, but I think I saw her answer the question of whether she believes UBL to be captured, or dead, when she answered the question with a little smile and said “well, there are some things that must be left to fiction, until the MSM catches up”.

She *is* still here!

Hi – I *loved* the book!

Umm, care to comment on my “read” above?

Ctuttle @ 211

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

true! according to the old political spectrum, Clinton would be a ways further right than Ike.

and also remember

only four of the top 10 senators in defense campaign contributions in the 2006 election cycle were Republicans. According to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Democrats Kennedy, Clinton, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Dianne Feinstein of California, Bill Nelson of Florida, and Democrat-turned-independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut collected 60 percent of the $1.4 million the industry lavished among the top 10.:

Hey Dr. Hillhouse (waving from the west coast) nice to see ya and thinking good thoughts for your radio interview in 3 minutes.

newspaperbrat @ 215

ReElect President Gore & VP Edwards 2008!

Hand the Rethugs a big dose of poetic justice!

Too funny! (OK by me)

pow wow @ 184

JIM LEHRER: But as a practical matter, any impeachment against Attorney General Gonzales would have to begin in the House. And you’re saying it isn’t going to happen, correct?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: There are those who are introducing it. It’s up to them to see what the prospects are for it. But as I have said with the President Bush, who there’s a wide — a big tide in the country for his impeachment, that it was off the table.

We had business to attend to regarding the health and education of our children, the economic security of their families, the national security of our country, the strength of our economy, and I wanted to focus on those issues.

JIM LEHRER: You leave here for this recess, as you say, very proud of what you have accomplished, correct?

REP. NANCY PELOSI: That is correct, very proud.

With all due respect, Speaker, it ain’t your damned table. It’s our table. You work for us. You don’t have enough time to impeach and do your work? Hire some staffers. You control the purse. Use it.
If you have to do some overtime to impeach, well, do it. Didn’t y’all just get a raise?
Go. Get busy. Do what we elected you to do. Or go back to being a back-bencher.

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 216

You guys rock!

And welcome to the life of an author–just got a call I’m being rescheduled on Jim Bohannon for sometime in the next week or two due to the bridge collapse tragedy.

I have some time to hang around…

Shoot, your DN shoot was in Minn., subterranean Minn. at that!!! The Aina has had a bounty of rain, Ma’am!

So is al queda targeting gooper or dem congresscritters?

Phoenix Woman @ 200

Jonathan, why do you dislike Nancy Pelosi?

Because she occupies an office that imposes upon the occupant duties owed to the American people, not owed to the occupant or his or her party.

albert fall @ 212

I will be calling my Rep tomorrow re:

No cooperation with Bush on FISA

Impeach Gonzo now.

This fear mongering by Bush is more Lucy putting up the football for Charlie Brown, saying, “This time is different.”

It isn’t different. Bush and his crowd are lying shits who never stop trying to find ways to fuck the Dems.

Well A re-named project that surpasses carnivore has been in place for a while, you snipe at each other (a tactic of section 47 in the FBI in the 60′ and 70’s) your anger gets displaced or so it seems. but hey I have other things no one will read,

RonD @ 219

Ctuttle #210,
I think you’re right, as far as you go, but to go further…I think the evil is in the paradigm that creates these complexes, whether military-industrial, healthcare-industrial, or prison-industrial.

Corporate Control! *KISS*

Kos is on cspan3 right now. Something from 6/9/06

Suzanne @ 223

Hey Dr. Hillhouse (waving from the west coast) nice to see ya and thinking good thoughts for your radio interview in 3 minutes.

Nevermind the 3 minutes thingie – I just saw your postponement comment.

Hi Suz, radio interview just had to be rescheduled.

CTuttle @somewhere

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

I’d say there is unprecedented potential for the manipulation of global politics in directions that could have direct economic impact on specific players, particularly corporations.

Grover Norquist said, “bipartisanship is just another form of date rape”,
which is how the whole republican party thinks. So why do the Dems even consider that any “compromise” offered by the repugs is to be trusted, let alone believed? The Dems have or should have access to the same info that we do (altho sometimes I wonder how many of them & their staffs know how to research), plus the Dems experience up close & personal the repub shifty shenanigans daily. No wonder we question if they have any backbones.

Jonathan @ 50

pow wow @ 43

I’ve sent faxes to every Democratic member of the Senate Intelligence Committee (except for Ron Wyden whose fax number is carefully not provided on his website, and including Chuck Hagel), as well as to Harry Reid (who “trusts” DNI Mike McConnell and therefore will hand our Constitutional rights over to him on a silver platter if we let him).

Pat Leahy apparently also has a hand in this.

Larisa Alexandrovna speaks for me:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/…..58813.html

Pow Wow, Thanks for this. NANCY PELOSI sucks.

I’m not clippin ONE danged thing from the above posts . .

Bless Larissa . . . and you others, too.

This letter Larissa sent, should be resent by everyone progressive, in HER name, to every rep and senator both state and federal . .

Over and over again . . . it’s a mantra, it’s a warning, and by gawd, it’s notice we won’t take it anymore, not even from our equally complicit and guilty dem’s . . .

We need change, bad. Without change . . . it will become a grey world we live in always looking over our shoulders at our neighbors and co-workers, who are likely Block Informants.

Harumph.

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 233

Hi Suz, radio interview just had to be rescheduled.

CTuttle @somewhere

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

I’d say there is unprecedented potential for the manipulation of global politics in directions that could have direct economic impact on specific players, particularly corporations.

The Multi-Nationals!!! Bon Soir, Suze!!!

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 232

Hi Suz, radio interview just had to be rescheduled.

CTuttle @somewhere

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

I’d say there is unprecedented potential for the manipulation of global politics in directions that could have direct economic impact on specific players, particularly corporations.

I’ve asked this of others but I’d like your take.

If you’re familiar with Report from Iron Mountain and thought it was fiction when you read it, do you still think it is?

I always felt it was a bit too specific and jibed with other things I knew to be complete fiction. After the last 26 years I’m more convinced than ever that it was an early whistleblower.

About the shiny bright object

al Qaeda videos are photoshopped

http://blog.wired.com/27bstrok…..s-ana.html

hey, i got the fitz upstairs.

Its gotta be over a year since that happened. :)

jc in OR @ 203

‘ The Republicans do not rest for one minute trying to figure out a way to game the system to their advantage. It’s time the Republican Party receive electoral euthanasia.’
John,
I left CA a year ago, but just prior to that, Arnold received the thumping of his life over some Reaganite scheme (the details evade me at the moment). That’s when he suddenly became a ‘centrist.’ My thanks in advance for your agitating the wrath of the voters again down there.

I think this may be it. And yes, I heard him say it himself, that this thumping was responsible for moving towards the center (or more left?)

http://www.democrats.org/a/200…..in_cou.php

R J Hillhouse–The Spy Who Billed Me @ 234

Hi Suz, radio interview just had to be rescheduled.

CTuttle @somewhere

I think the bulk of the Evil resides within the vast Military-Industrial Complex that Ike had fervently warned us about!!! What say ya’ll??? 8-)

I’d say there is unprecedented potential for the manipulation of global politics in directions that could have direct economic impact on specific players, particularly corporations.

I think we’re seeing an evolutionary branching in the development of society-instead of the nation-state developing into the world-state, it’s developing into the corporate-state.
Or so it seems to me.

Evening, lovely Suzanne.

How’s the water tonight?

FYI, LATE NITE

ironranger @ 234

Grover Norquist said, “bipartisanship is just another form of date rape”,
which is how the whole republican party thinks. So why do the Dems even consider that any “compromise” offered by the repugs is to be trusted, let alone believed? The Dems have or should have access to the same info that we do (altho sometimes I wonder how many of them & their staffs know how to research), plus the Dems experience up close & personal the repub shifty shenanigans daily. No wonder we question if they have any backbones.

Yes but ‘ no a historic set of things are out of place, your angry not with cause but in no mood for the long view (I will use the IWSTFUP) code have fun.

LS @ 110

I predict shouts of “Impeach” when Pelosi appears. She’s got some ’splain’ to do – Reid too.

Pelosi won’t show. My guess. Stuff’s too wierd at this point, and SHE don’t wanna be in the limelight and held accountable. By ANYONE, including the moneyed interests she IS beholding to.

I sent this e-mail yesterday to my Senators, Schumer and Clinton:

I am writing in relation to recent news reports that the Congress is
considering “working with” the Bush administration to fast track
amendments of FISA to give the administration greater surveillance
powers with less oversight by the judicial branch. Regardless of the
details of the amendment, there is absolutely no credible reason for the
legislative branch to react to the administrations fake urgency. As the
old saw goes, “Your failure to plan ahead is not my emergency.”

I urge you to not permit the Bush administration to twist the
legislative agenda to its own purposes. The founders were very clear
that one major aspect of the balance of powers between the branches of
government is that the legislature is a deliberative body that moves
relatively slowly, while the executive can take swift action when
necessary. Do not allow this administration to subvert these values by
fooling the legislature into swift non-deliberative action. This was
exactly the kind of mistake that got us into the Iraq quagmire, and it
would be folly to repeat it.

More Known Unknowns in NSA Spy Contoversy: Secret Appeals Courts, Tea Leaves and the Mineshaft Gap

http://blog.wired.com/27bstrok…..-unkn.html

Balkinization’s Marty Lederman, who formerly worked in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, reads the tea leaves thusly:

T]he primary burden on NSA would be “only” to demonstrate to the court probable cause to believe that the targeted person who is overseas — not the other parties to the communications — is an “agent of a foreign power,” which includes someone who “engages in international terrorism or activities in preparation therefore.” 50 U.S.C. 1801(b)(1)(C). Therefore, if the NSA were able to show that the targeted foreign person is an Al Qaeda agent (or other terrorist), as has been touted under the “TSP,” it should be able to readily obtain a FISA court order, even for a whole series of communications, some of which might be with U.S. persons. […]

[I]t must be the case that the NSA’s aim is not simply to surveille foreigners who it already suspects as being part of Al Qaeda. It can obtain a FISA order as to those folks. What it wants, instead, is to be able to intercept foreign communications coming over domestic wires where (i) it does not have probable cause to believe that any of the parties is a terrorist or agent of a foreign power; and (ii) there is a chance that some of the intercepted communications will be with persons in the U.S.

Gunga Djinn @ 242

jc in OR @ 203

‘ The Republicans do not rest for one minute trying to figure out a way to game the system to their advantage. It’s time the Republican Party receive electoral euthanasia.’
John,
I left CA a year ago, but just prior to that, Arnold received the thumping of his life over some Reaganite scheme (the details evade me at the moment). That’s when he suddenly became a ‘centrist.’ My thanks in advance for your agitating the wrath of the voters again down there.

I think this may be it. And yes, I heard him say it himself, that this thumping was responsible for moving towards the center (or more left?)

http://www.democrats.org/a/200…..in_cou.php

He bit the dust big time, and suddenly fell in love with the distaff side. Tactical only, you may rest assured. On Air America the other day, he pooh poohed the intellegence/administration scandals, saying something like ,’Oh, I’m sure the CIA has always beeeeeen doing this kind of things and all that, but technology was not so advanced,’ or some other tripe like that. California gave you Nixon and Reagan. These mfs will fake left and drive right. I hope Arnold will be unable to finesse it. As liberal as Lieberman.

I read an article in the ‘London Times’ tonight-Presidential Gift Offers Brown The Chance To Become Flash Gordon’- about the flight jacket with the Camp David logo on it that Bush just gave to PM Brown as a gift. It looks like Bush gave one to PM Blair, too. Blair seemed to wear his happily while Brown refused to put his on. (I loved reading that SO much) Article said the coat had a “shiny” waterproof finish and had Brown’s name “crudely” sewn on. Said, too, the jacket was presented to the PM in a “garish” gold box. The Brits know what’s up.

This may be a little OT, but not completely. We have watched the Judicial Committee in the House and the Senate conduct hearings on the U.S. Attorney firings for months. For months, the witnesses have lied, evaded, stonewalled, claimed faulty memory and passed the buck. Some will not even appear. I would like to see Senator Leahy or someone on this panel talk about honor and shame and duty to country. These witnesses are a disgrace to the country that employs them. Their behavior is so lacking, they are an embarrassment to this country. Why doesn’t someone like Leahy, or Whitehouse or Cardin or Feinstien simply put in words what we all feel. These people do not serve us, they are the puppets of a corrupt President and deserve our disdain. Is there no one in this government that will step forward and speak the truth. It was reported today, that a General in the military is in hiding to avoid a supeona from Congress so he won’t have to testify about Pat Tillman. HIDING! Where is his honor and duty to country? Bush has brought nothing but death, deceit, corruption and shame to this country and I would surely like to hear a Senator say so.

Apologies for my #218, in that I should know Gore was in 2000, not 2004. Is my lack of a fact-checker account for the lack of a response.

Others have said, and I concur, socio/psychopaths have no conscience.

It’s also almost a tautology, Milan. But, flatter me and say you were referring to me on the Grovernorquistinator at 203.

jc in OR re # 192
I did like the ‘Osama bin Forgotten’ if that is what you are referring to:)

solai @ 199

cynic @ 56

If I were even the dumbest rural cop, I’d say that someone who made a threat like Bush made about the responsibility for terrorist attacks in August was planning to stage one. …

I thought that warning was creepy, too. It reminded me of his threat that if Congress didn’t give him another blank check then the soldiers would have their time in Iraq extended. …

Following on, there’s a very strange recent timeline of statements from these mopes about the horizon for an attack in this country. Here’s a reasonable starting point:

Jul 2, 2007
U.S. plays down report of imminent al Qaeda attack

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday played down a report al Qaeda was planning a big attack on the United States, saying there was no credible information about an imminent threat.
…
“We do not currently have any specific threat information that is credible about a particular attack on the United States,” Chertoff told Fox News.

ABC News, quoting a senior U.S. official, said on Sunday a secret law enforcement report prepared for the Department of Homeland Security warned that al Qaeda planned to carry out a “spectacular” attack this summer.

“This is reminiscent of the warnings and intelligence we were getting in the summer of 2001,” ABC quoted the unidentified official as saying.

So the process starts by raising 911 (keep deconstructing) again, and aggravating the hackles of everyone who thinks dots should have been better connected that summer—but at the same time shrugging off any notion that there’s some particular import to take away.

Oh, you’re there! I see. OvF’s the sociopath (with which I would agree). No, I guess I’m not accusing all Bush enablers of being the same. Many walk the line, though, and many have crossed it.

What he is saying he now has BlackWater in position and has given the green light to his people to do a terrorist attack it will be moderate just ot get Americas attention and get what he wants , first the activation of Blackwater as his personal gaurd and second total and compolete control ove rthe treasury.

Yup! Enjoy your break Congress because you are NOT coming back in session. Not if the Racist Nazis Committee(RNC) has anything to do with it.

What happened between July 2 and July 11? The information Chertoff offers in this interview, the well-known “gut” interview, sounds similar to that from July2, but now the interpretation is very different.

July 11, 2007
Security chief warns of terrorist attack
Michael Chertoff cites a ‘gut feeling’ that Al Qaeda could strike. Summer ’seems to be appealing to them,’ he says.

Fearing complacency among the American people over possible terrorist threats, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Tuesday that the nation faced a heightened chance of an attack this summer.

“I believe we are entering a period this summer of increased risk,” Chertoff told the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board in an unusually blunt assessment of America’s terrorist threat level.
…
Chertoff said there were not enough indications of an imminent plot to raise the threat levels nationwide. He indicated that his remarks were based on “a gut feeling” formed by previous patterns of terrorist attacks, recent Al Qaeda statements and intelligence he did not disclose.

There is an assessment “not of a specific threat but of increased vulnerability,” he said.

There have been reports that suggest intelligence warnings are at a similar level to the summer before Sept. 11, 2001, and that Al Qaeda may be mobilizing.

In the interview for the “gut” article, Chertoff makes clear who is to blame, and what they have done wrong:

“We’ve seen a lot more public statements from Al Qaeda,” Chertoff said. “There are a lot of reasons to speculate about that, but one reason that occurs to me is that they’re feeling more comfortable and raising expectations.
…
The dire warnings and Chertoff’s comments come as the Bush administration faces political and business opposition over its immigration and border policies.

With stiff opposition on those issues, the administration has been unsuccessful in efforts to enact broader security measures — ones that opponents fear are too costly, unnecessary and infringe on people’s rights.

In a broad interview with the Tribune that lasted more than an hour, Chertoff said that Congress’ recent failure to pass an immigration bill had negative repercussions for domestic security and would lead to continued federal crackdowns on illegal immigrants.

(I have the creepy feeling of having read of this sequence before. If I’m mistakenly “improving” something, my apologies.)

Note that this article —yes, from NewsMax and yes, appearing the day after Chertoff’s “gut” interview— is based on apparently leaked contents of an NIE.

July 12, 2007
Intel: al-Qaida Stepping Up Infiltration Efforts

Al-Qaida is stepping up its efforts to sneak terror operatives into the United States and has acquired most of the capabilities it needs to strike here, according to a new U.S. intelligence assessment, The Associated Press has learned.

The draft National Intelligence Estimate is expected to paint an ever-more-worrisome portrait of al-Qaida’s ability to use its base along the Pakistan-Afghan border to launch and inspire attacks, even as Bush administration officials say the U.S. is safer nearly six years into the war on terror.

Among the key findings of the classified estimate, which is still in draft form and must be approved by all 16 U.S. spy agencies:

• Al-Qaida is probably still pursuing chemical, biological or nuclear weapons and would use them if its operatives developed sufficient capability. …

“Reformed” of course meaning “giving Bush more powers than he already has”.

If there ever was a person in need of going to Reform School, it’s George W. Bush.

- Tom

The whipsawing reaches a fever pitch in articles like this one from New Zealand, which can be used to say whatever one desires.

Jul 18, 2007
Imminent al Qaeda attack in US likely

The United States faces an increased threat of attack from al Qaeda, which will likely try to use battle-hardened associates in Iraq to strike inside the United States, an intelligence report warned on Tuesday.

Released as the White House confronts mounting pressure in Congress to withdraw US forces from Iraq, the document marked the first time that the 16-agency US intelligence community has warned publicly that the Iraq war poses a near-term threat to the United States. …

And finally there’s this, which really makes a person want to find some glue or mortar or maybe wire or something. Whatever one connects dots with.

Aug 2, 2007
“Over the Wires” at TPM, from Roll Call

Capitol Police officials have stepped up the department’s security presence on Capitol Hill in response to intelligence indicating the increased possibility of an al-Qaida terrorist attack on Congress sometime between now and Sept. 11.

The August-to-Sept. 11 time frame was confirmed by a Capitol Police source who said Congressional security officials were recently made aware of the potential threat by federal anti-terrorism authorities. The Capitol Police department has a liaison from the Homeland Security Department working in its Capitol Hill command center.

Here is a great catch from the Washington Post by way of Josh Marshall. Bush is pushing this hard because of – get ready – their own f***up. And how do we find out? Because John Boehner opens his big mouth and lets it flap. This could change the dynamic on the pressing legislation.

phred @ 60

Twisted Martini @ 34

They are probably trying to divide up the electoral votes based on percentage of votes won, not winner take all.

That’s correct.

Actually, they want some sort of Congressional District “winner take all”…not true proportional distribution.

In fact, they simply want to weaken the ability of Democrats to win California’s votes while ignoring all those other States that have winner take all that go Republican.

In fact, in other States the Pugs have Gerrymandered things so that even if they did this they would still win a disproportionate number of electors. Take Texas for example…set up where the Democratic districts approach 90-100% Democrats and the others are 55-60% Repigs. Thus, even in a race where Democrats would be even with or ahead of Republicans in actual votes…they’d still win 60% of the seats (and electors).

In the old system the Democrats, if they won the majority of votes, would have all the electors.

Let’s simply go to a proportionate electoral college nationwide…or scrap the whole thing!

Eureka Springs @ 105

This is a rare moment.. I agree with republicans.. no recess until FISA is abolished.

Indeed, CALL THEIR BLUFF! And Pelosi can also insist that the Senate not recess. No recess appointments!

US Constitution Article 1 Section 5

“Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.”

Thus Pelosi can prevent the Senate from officially adjourning.

Bluetoe @ 181

marymccurnin @ 174

I don’t think he will. I have so much respect for him.

They want the winner of a congressional district in the presidential election to receive the electoral vote for that district rather than the winner of the overall vote winning all the electoral votes for that state. There are about 18 or 19 safe Republican districts in California so that would give the Republican Pres. candidate those 18-19 electoral votes. The Republicans do not rest for one minute trying to figure out a way to game the system to their advantage. It’s time the Republican Party receive electoral euthanasia.

And get this…even if the vote in that District goes to a Democrat (as it did for Clinton, Gore and Kerry in many) the votes would still be proportioned out with regards to who hold the Congressional seat.

That’s simply absurd! Congressional votes have nothing to do with the Presidential vote…Constitutionally, or otherwise. Many people vote-split…preferring a Republican Congresscritter but a President of the opposite party. This is vote theft, plain and simple.

It is a lock! They will pass FISA update and all it will do is reduce the publics’ freedom. When slaughter and the rest of the socalled dem leadership start crying for updating FISA you know that the fix is in!

Jonathan @ 230

Phoenix Woman @ 200

Jonathan, why do you dislike Nancy Pelosi?

Because she occupies an office that imposes upon the occupant duties owed to the American people, not owed to the occupant or his or her party.

And I agree!

We seem to be in a bit of disarray, or more accurately, lacking purpose which might focus our energies and attention.

I wonder, now that the Cong. is headed to summer recess what’s going to happen.

It appears they’re going to work on FISA and little else before taking a break.

The House seems to have cleared off the table very well. Congrats to Spkr. Pelosi for her great first work session. They passed a lot of terrific legislation!

Now, if only the Senate can get their end of things in line.

I used to get C-SPAN 1 & 2, but in the last couple of weeks my provider COMCAST has taken down C-SPAN-2 and said that if we want it we have to pay extra money. Bastards!

C-SPAN-2 covers the Senate primarily. Maybe they know something is coming up in the Senate that they don’t want the American people to see.

They say, “While the cat’s away the mice will play.”, so I suspect while the Cong. is in recess (if they do) that Bush will do something utterly ridiculous and dangerous. He’ll probably try to replace Gonzales with Elmer Fudd or something equally amazing.

Meanwhile, Clinton & Obama duke it out and the MSM is completely happy to focus on the spectacle and ignore that there are other political candidates around. Maybe Edwards should carry a loaded gun around or shout obscenities at somebody to get the MSM attention.

Kudos to the Minnesotans who hung together beautifully, even if their federal government didn’t seem (from the few stories I’ve read) to be very present to help.