Ways to do things better? Get me into the Legislature in Madison! :)

Good morning Christy!

Is John Dean still a R?

Good morning, Christy!

man, reading this entry of yours cristy makes me really mad I didn’t find some way to come to the yearly kos

last year I said I would do whatever possible and then I didn’t

next year it’s going to be really really big and it might not me as intimate as I would like so I can meet all the real patriots of this great nation, the progressive activists.

*yearns to be in chicago right about now*

We’re working hard this weekend to get more people to join our local Dem party. There are any number of people that complain about the way they party does this or that – but don’t want to do anything to really change the party to make it better.

I resisted joining for years until I decided to join and change things from within. We need more people willing to do the same. Just my $.02

Morning Christy & Egreg!

mornin’ – suffering from an anger hangover here.

I am sick about what our congress did yesterday with the fisa bill. Sick. I don’t even know what to do next. It’s like I just found out that both my mom AND my dad are raging alcoholics.

Sigh. I guess I just need to grow up and do it better, but it’s a long upward climb.

Betrayed! Why bother to vote for some Democrats? Can we think recall? Maybe even of Webb and MaCaskill?

Katie Jensen @ 8

I am sick about what our congress did yesterday with the fisa bill. Sick. I don’t even know what to do next. It’s like I just found out that both my mom AND my dad are raging alcoholics.

Sigh. I guess I just need to grow up and do it better, but it’s a long upward climb.

the fact that they caved is the reason they have their low approval even among democrats

we elected them to put a STOP to the depravity in office, yet they enable them again and again

it is very frustrating

Unfortunately, there is no “recall” mechanism that I know of for U.S. Senators.

If there were, Lieberman would have been a dead duck, rather then a lame duck, by now.

Good morning Christy and everyone at YKos. I’m so envious of your conversations. Next year. I’m writing this from Barbados, where I sneak down to the hotel internet service early in the morning before the line-up.

You are all doing great and truly important work. And yes, we can all do better.

ok, I formally propose teh yearly kos next year be held in ct, cali or new york

any of those would be great for me

christy – i’m so glad you’re having a good time. you really deserve it.

*yearns to be in chicago right about now*

I coulda been a contender in Chicago!

My Dem Senator, Evan Bayh, has officially just gotten on my last fucking nerve. First, his office turned me away when a sought help on a personal matter. Then this total waste of a perfectly good senatorial seat, who at least normally votes correctly, turns around and caves to Mr. 28% in favor of a vacation.

Bastard will be hearing from me Monday.

Lady of the Lake.
Thank you for all you do!!
Arthur

ArchTeryx @ 11

Unfortunately, there is no “recall” mechanism that I know of for U.S. Senators.

If there were, Lieberman would have been a dead duck, rather then a lame duck, by now.

Actually there is a recall option for elected people in several states. Not Virginia though. California certainly. Recall Feinstein!
http://texaspolitics.laits.ute…..ative.html

Lotta anger, frustration, no suggestions this morning. Seems appropriate after yesterday.

If the opposite of a terrorist is a humorist.
Perhaps, silly, comical, HUGE, Random acts of kindness would work??

selise @ 14

christy – i’m so glad you’re having a good time. you really deserve it.

ditto.

Now where was I? Oh yeah…

you know, somehow the democrats in office have been sold the idea that the net roots are extreme leftists

we aren’t extreme, we are centrists, our ideology is the majority

we need somehow get that message to them, they are being hypnotized by their repukelican peers that we do not represent their constituents

Thanks for the notes from the action! All this blogging has made y’all fantastic communicators for those of us who are only with you in spirit.
It’s hard to be jealous of those who share generously. Continue to have adventures.

Redd,

Blogs are great for conversation and information and there have been some offline actions.

But we should try to structure more face to face local groups who then develop a local action plan.

The nets can drum up excitement and these local meet ups can all be on the same day… Like everyone gets off their puter and heads off the their local group.

I think many reach out in the blogs but the call to get involved is WAY to vague.

I am sure if FDL’s stars… were to announce that they were having a mini “convention” in say Boston… loads of locals would come out. But we need to not be a top down movement.

We need a means to get together and I would welcome other’s ideas on how to do this… aside from calls, faxes and letters.

What if ten volenteer clowns, in ten major world cities gave away a hundred roses, or bottles of water or kisses or whatever all the same time? On a busy subway platform.

I haven’t tried to do this a while, but I’ve just started transcribing Howard Dean’s keynote speech from the other night. We’ll see how it goes…maybe I’ll do it in pieces. It’s probably a better, less frustrating use of my time than reading any more about the FISA debacle, though.

Torch and Pitchfork @ 19

If the opposite of a terrorist is a humorist.
Perhaps, silly, comical, HUGE, Random acts of kindness would work??

Better: enactments of the absurd (See the Yippie movement of the sixties)

Good morning all! I agree that we are going to eat a whole lot more shitburgers before the Gambinos are finished. It drives me nuts too, but we just have to keep building the infrastructure to undo all that has been done over the last 7 years. If we get some positive outcomes, they will be a bonus.

ellwort @ 17

Actually there is a recall option for elected people in several states. Not Virginia though. California certainly. Recall Feinstein!

But does it apply to federally elected offices? Many states have recall mechanisms against their OWN elected offices, but not the feds; there’s no recall in the Constitution.

Glad you’re having a great time, you really deserve it Christy.

oooooohhhh,
What if we all did something at the same time.
Like moon a traffic camera, any one close during Chimp’s next speech?? I like that one.
Who’s got a better?
Something funny.

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

It would have been great to have local meetups with yearlykos streaming. I just watched Dean speaking to yk on video. It gave me chills. He would have been such a great president.

I’ve sent the link to Howard Dean’s speech to all of my thickheaded friends. Now perhaps they’ll understand the word “plan.”

A friend sent me this great vid this morning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT9kUslHfBY

Don’t click off during the credits.

Whose poll will show Congress’ approval rating lower than whale shit next week? These people are working real hard to change my non-violent attitude. What they don’t realize is that I expect greedy self-serving people to do shit like this. Makes me angry as hell but I still expect them to do it. How did Gandhi put up with this kinda crap? It just reminds me that I’m not the human he was.

What international journalists are at ykos covering it? I like to read impressions from others outside our bubble country. Sometimes I wonder if reporters from other countries feel like they are visiting a human zoo.

ellwort @ 17

ArchTeryx @ 11

Unfortunately, there is no “recall” mechanism that I know of for U.S. Senators.

If there were, Lieberman would have been a dead duck, rather then a lame duck, by now.

Actually there is a recall option for elected people in several states. Not Virginia though. California certainly. Recall Feinstein!
http://texaspolitics.laits.ute…..ative.html

Nice graphic….but I’m certain it refers to those in Statewide office (e.g. Gray Davis), not Federal officeholders. Representatives and Senators cannot be recalled.

TexasEllen @ 22

Thanks for the notes from the action! All this blogging has made y’all fantastic communicators for those of us who are only with you in spirit.
It’s hard to be jealous of those who share generously. Continue to have adventures.

what she said!

egregious @ 31

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

I can’t see your shoes…

Democrats used to own these issues because they listened to the voices of those people who needed help, who needed a hand up, and who were willing to do the work on their end to get the job done. And they spoke up for them, gave them a voice in the halls of power.

this really hit home for me… and i think it used to be so (although it’s mostly second hand ‘cuz i was too young or not paying attention)… but since clinton it hasn’t been so. it’s not just 911 and the republicans. the dems lost the message in the ’90s.

even stiglitz (who, among other things was head of clinton’s economic advisors) talks about the abuses of clinton’s “trade” policies. really, really bad stuff – for americans and for many others.

the global justice movement really had it right (the coalition of unions, environmental activists, human rights activists and democracy advocates). 911 (and our response) undermined that movement.

i’m begining to think that if there is to be hope in our electoral process, the priority has got to be on the dems to become a party of the people – one that is truthful and explains what’s really going on. if there is to be kabuki – the theater must tell a deeper truth and not serve to obscure and distract.

so long as the dems continue to be the party of capitualtion (whether to the Rs on fisa or to corporate interests)… i don’t see how they’re going to succeed in helping the country do better.

… just trying to think this all through with fellow firepups.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo…..02234/3343

I believe that because of these and other efforts by many others the permit has been delayed. Kinder Morgan is not happy with the delay or my videos so they decided to call upon Homeland Security to silence their critics. This resulted in an armed raid and a no warrant search of my boat (home) and myself. My video tape and digital camera footage was viewed.

Through Reddit, I ran into this diary at DailyKos by saildude. I think it shows why we have HomLand Inseurity. It acts as a Gestapo to protect the Bush Crime Family and their corporate friends. Also, it is used to spy on citizens legally exercising their rights, to not be poisoned by corporate polluters. The company Kinder Morgan is run by former Enron executives. This is the new world order come to life. We are all guilty now. Be very afraid, anytime, anywhere…

http://www.charlestoncitypaper…..=oid:30895

Environmentally unfriendly actions like the ones Bonerigo documented are not unique to recent months or to Shipyard Creek. Since the Houston, Texas-based corporation’s formation in 1997 by Richard Kinder and Bill Morgan, both former executives for Enron and major financial supporters of President Bush, the company has been responsible for several environmental disasters, including a 123,000-gallon diesel spill in 2004 into California’s Suisun Marsh, the largest saltwater wetland in the western United States, and a 2005 spill of 70,000 gallons into Oakland’s inner harbor.

They told me it was a security exclusion zone, and that I wasn’t allowed to tape there,” says Bonerigo. After what Bonerigo calls “friendly conversation,” the officers began to depart, but then received a call from Homeland Security to remain there. During this time, one of the county officers noticed that Bonerigo’s boat’s registration decal had been expired for over a year.

Minutes later, several more officers, led by Lt. Jim Connelly of Project Sea Hawk, a multi-jurisdictional Homeland Security program protecting Charleston’s port, arrived and boarded Bonerigo’s boat. Bonerigo showed them his videos and photographs. During the search one of the officers accidentally broke his camera. Lt. Connelly refuses to discuss details of the boarding. “We’re allowed to board for safety purposes any time, anywhere,” he says.

Torch and Pitchfork @ 30

oooooohhhh,
What if we all did something at the same time.
Like moon a traffic camera, any one close during Chimp’s next speech?? I like that one.
Who’s got a better?
Something funny.

How about maintaining a sixteen-clown moon brigade to entertain each of the sixteen dems-gone-bad both in their home states and in DC whenever they show their sorry faces in public?

Elliott, the black Louboutins with the little green strap, from the trial.

OT, but I wake this morning to find that whenever I phone or email family and friends in France, Italy and Great Britain my communication will be monitored by the government. Would anyone like to answer how this is any different from the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany? Authoritarians are about control and make no mistake America, this is an authoritarian administration. Like all authoritarian systems fear is the weapon of choice. Will Americans finally realize that the Republican Party as nothing more than fear mongering totallitarians bent on holding on to power at all costs before it really is too late?

OT, but Nick Coleman, columnist for the Minneapolis paper and MN state treasure, nails it with his column about politics and responsibility for the collapse of the 35W bridge. A ‘must read’ this morning.

http://www.startribune.com/357/story/1343575.html

you poor americans and your electoral college … maybe you should try out democracy sometime. snark but true …

considering the fear meme : you should fear. The bushies can’t win in 2008. So if Karl says the math (read : Florida style or Ohio style) may be too weak, they may opt for the emergency underground directorate solution. Which means, some buildings need to get blown up to provide an attack, no matter if Al Qaida manages to provide some planes for coverup this time or not. So if another outer wing of the Pentagon gets cleared for renovation, be alert…

Morning gang — my room service coffee just arrived. Boo yah! Man, do I need it this morning — was up way too late last night talking shop with the labor folks…

In the WaPo there’s an article that says Gonzo corrected his comments. Does anyone have a link to the letter? I can’t find it.

Twisted Martini @ 27

Good morning all! I agree that we are going to eat a whole lot more shitburgers before the Gambinos are finished. It drives me nuts too, but we just have to keep building the infrastructure to undo all that has been done over the last 7 years. If we get some positive outcomes, they will be a bonus.

Lying fries and deceitful Cokes to go?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 45

Morning gang — my room service coffee just arrived. Boo yah! Man, do I need it this morning — was up way too late last night talking shop with the labor folks…

Morning, Christy!

Old Chicago native here, but sadly couldn’t make it to YearlyKos. I hope that the city is treating you well. :)

George Fucking Bush’s War on Terror turns out to be real after all…

Problem is – it’s the citizens of the United States he’s Terrified of.

ArchTeryx at 48 — It is, indeed, treating me well. I love Chicago, especially the lovely view out at the lake. It has been just gorgeous while we have been here — couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Although I’m absolutely tuckered out from all the walking at the convention center — the place is HUGE.

Frank33 @ 39

Through Reddit, I ran into this diary at DailyKos by saildude. I think it shows why we have HomLand Inseurity. It acts as a Gestapo to protect the Bush Crime Family and their corporate friends. Also, it is used to spy on citizens legally exercising their rights, to not be poisoned by corporate polluters.

you remind me of a famous thomas friedman quote:

“For globalization to work, America can’t be afraid to act like the almighty superpower that it is. The hidden hand of the market will never work without a hidden fist. McDonald’s cannot flourish without McDonald-Douglas, the designer of the F-15, and the hidden fist that keeps the world safe for Silicon Valley’s technology is called the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.”

clinton was the face of the “hand”, bush is the face of the “hand”. neither are particulary hidden.

fyi – the house is in session. on c-span now… can we expect fisa vote?

Christy Hardin Smith @ 50

ArchTeryx at 48 — It is, indeed, treating me well. I love Chicago, especially the lovely view out at the lake. It has been just gorgeous while we have been here — couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Although I’m absolutely tuckered out from all the walking at the convention center — the place is HUGE.

McCormick Place? Is Yearly Kos taking the whole thing?

jayt @ 49

George Fucking Bush’s War on Terror turns out to be real after all…

Problem is – it’s the citizens of the United States he’s Terrified of.

Another classic example of projection, brought to you courtesy of Sigmund Freud.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 50

ArchTeryx at 48 — It is, indeed, treating me well. I love Chicago, especially the lovely view out at the lake. It has been just gorgeous while we have been here — couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Although I’m absolutely tuckered out from all the walking at the convention center — the place is HUGE.

you need a Segway

It appears that the House is up on C-Span, and that the games have already begun. Senselessbrenner is objecting to the certification of yesterday’s Journal of Proceedings. I’m hoping that the figurative blood-bath of yesterday continues, and sending out big positive vibes to Nancy Pelosi to stand tall and tough…

Chris Weigant’s Huffington Post article: HAL 9000 Meets Big Brother?

What if the core issue in the warrantless wiretapping arguments currently raging is one that nobody has mentioned? What if the real secret that has yet to be exposed is a logical next step in technological wiretapping capabilities, but one that our legal system has never been faced with before? What if — in essence — computers are the ones deciding which calls to tap, rather than NSA agents or judges?

Before I get started here, let me state for the record that everything in this article is pure and utter speculation. I do not have access to anything other than publicly available documents. I have no secret sources. I do not claim anything I say here is the truth — merely rampant speculation and educated guesses.

Mostly, this means paying attention to what is not now being said by all concerned. The Boston Globe has a good article which outlines the current debate in Congress, and what the Bush White House is pushing for RIGHT NOW, before Congress’ summer vacation.

The elephant in the room nobody’s talking about, though, may be a seemingly natural technological step but an enormous legal chasm which must somehow be bridged: what legal rights and responsibilities does a machine have as a part of our justice system?

(snip)

Christy- you bring tears to my eyes this morning. Thanks for doing this for us all. I’m so upset about the votes yesterday on FISA I don’t know what to say.

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 57

Chris Weigant’s Huffington Post article: HAL 9000 Meets Big Brother?

What if the core issue in the warrantless wiretapping arguments currently raging is one that nobody has mentioned? What if the real secret that has yet to be exposed is a logical next step in technological wiretapping capabilities, but one that our legal system has never been faced with before? What if — in essence — computers are the ones deciding which calls to tap, rather than NSA agents or judges? [Mod:snip]

Humans program the computers, does that negate the argument?

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

peter defazio did a good job of tying together the lies, iraq and falling down bridges all together in about 1 minute.

Christy: Me, GrandmaJ and GrandmaJo are very upset that we didn’t know about the FDL breakfast. We are all sitting in the Grand Ballroom weeping….

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 60

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

I completely flunked law logic myself

Part 1 of Dean speech transcript–the part about voting–is up.

Hi,thisis GrandmaJ. GrandmaJo and I have not had access to the computer so if that is the only place it was talked about. Shucks. I went to the FDL caucus and it was not mentioned.

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

Christie, I caught a glimpse of you on Thursday at that convention cafe, but look forward to the lunch panel today. I second all positive about John Dean. He was completely friendly and relaxed at the writers’ reception and looks better in person than on Countdown. I think he comes on tv with grim news, but here he is really among people who understand what he writes, and he clearly enjoys it.

The Senate Democrats throw away the rest of the Fourth Amendment, give Alberto the authority to wiretap Democratic campaigns, and do it when a lot of the left blogosphere is at Yearly Kos.

Has this news penetrated the wall of the convention center in Chicago? Will the folks at Yearly Kos confront the Congresscritters seeking netroot votes over this?

Is there anybody there? Does anybody care?

And no, I’m too angry to pull up a chair. I’ll just stand, thank you.

Perris @10:

the fact that they caved is the reason they have their low approval even among democrats

Absolutely. Why are the Dems so dense that they can’t get this??? They think that voters are going to delve into the subtlety weeds to parse various shades of votes. They fear attacks by the Repubs. All the Dems have to do is put together a series of memes [starting with “obstructionist Republicans”] and go on the offensive.

BTW: Christy, I hope you will take adequate credit for the incredible job you[and the other Pups] have done in establishing this blog and maintaining its high quality.

I came here from “another” blog that used to be my regular “first thing,” but now I come here first, then migrate to The Next Hurrah, and visit a few others.

You are the best.

(((ccmask)))
(((GrandmaJ)))
(((GrandmaJo)))

I’m glad someone is posting pictures of firedogs at yKos. (Those of us without Facebook have trouble seeing them, though. Could y’all make an open page somewhere for them?)

I, like selise, want to know if one less Dem vote would have stopped the fisa amendment…before I call Sen Klobuchar for an explanation of her yes vote.

eCAHNomics @ 3

Is John Dean still a R?

Dean was on a panel moderated by Cenk Uygur called “Left Behind by the Right” that also featured David Brock of Media Matters Eric Massa of NY and Ariana Huffington-except Ariana couldn’t come because of her broken foot/ankle (too bad, dahlings)All had in common a GOP past and a progressive future.

Dean mentioned that he believes Goldwater would be a liberal in this environent. BTW Deans’ new book is titled: “Broken Government: How Republican rule has destroyed the executive, legislative and judicial branches.” Can’t wait for that one.

There were many choice comments from the session. Massa said that “why is healthcare a political issue when it should be a national birthright?” Well said.

Brock called his entry into conservatism originally as a “cult-like” experience. He said the vast right wing conspiracy is real because he was a part of it.

I asked David Brock later in the day about Dean’s party affiliation and he didn’t come out and say it exactly, but he seems awfully supportive of progressive positions.

Cenk at one point said that his confession about his GOP past felt like an AA meeting. “I am Cenk and I used to be a Republican”

The crowd replied on cue: “Hi Cenk”

Battery life on the iphone seems a bit deficient don’t ya think.

Zogby has Congressional approving dropping further. Who is surprised. The Republicans are the ones that will benefit because the Dems are unable to frame this as Republican obstructionism in the MSM.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200….._poll_dc_2

CCmask, GrandmaJ and GrandmaJo — SO sorry you missed the breakfast yesterday morning. We had posted notes on the blog, and I know a lot of folks came via other folks letting them know and such. I completely forgot to mention it at the caucus — was so tired by the end of the day Thursday that it just slipped my mind. You guys are such sweeties, and I’m so sorry that you didn’t get to see the notes here…

(Sorry this took a few minutes, am running around gulping coffee, trying to catch up on news for my lunch Hot Topics panel, and trying to wrestle my damned hair into submission, so I’m just now getting back to the thread.)

P J Evans @ 70

I’m glad someone is posting pictures of firedogs at yKos. (Those of us without Facebook have trouble seeing them, though. Could y’all make an open page somewhere for them?)

i’m gonna bet that kathryn in ma will put up a great page (as she did last year after ykos).

selise @ 66

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

That’s how I understand it. This is the reason I’m furious. I don’t take kindly to being played for a fool. The fix was in. Gave some the right to say they voted ‘no’ while still assuring it’s passage. We’re being played, people.

Well, I guess it’s official. There really is no difference between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to protecting and preserving the Constitution of the United States.
When these elected dumbasses come home from DC for their August break, give them an earful. They have sold our rights out from under us and the time has come to seriously consider a third party in this country that will return us to Constitutional law.

Christy: Is the lunchtime panel the Hot Topics panel at 11:45 in the ballroom? Thanks!

Kevster @ 73

eCAHNomics @ 3

Is John Dean still a R?

Dean was on a panel moderated by Cenk Uygur called “Left Behind by the Right” that also featured David Brock of Media Matters Eric Massa of NY and Ariana Huffington-except Ariana couldn’t come because of her broken foot/ankle (too bad, dahlings)All had in common a GOP past and a progressive future. [Mod:snip]

Cenk at one point said that his confession about his GOP past felt like an AA meeting. “I am Cenk and I used to be a Republican”

The crowd replied on cue: “Hi Cenk”

Thanks. A friend of mine is considering inviting him as a speaker & asked his party affliation. I suggested she just call & ask him!

cc at 79 — Yep — Digby, Taylor and I are on it, I know that…and maybe Duncan (Atrios?) and I’m not sure who all else. Should be a fun one. :)

solai @ 78

selise @ 66

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

That’s how I understand it. This is the reason I’m furious. I don’t take kindly to being played for a fool. The fix was in. Gave some the right to say they voted ‘no’ while still assuring it’s passage. We’re being played, people.

well, i’m trying to make sure i’m not misunderstanding the issues before i make any potentially unfair accusations. but it does look bad.

selise @ 67

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

Yes, as I understand it, the vote would have failed w/o sixty in favor.

Although it’s tempting to single out individual senators for fault, e.g. Landrieu, Webb, Lieberman, etc., I’m trying to keep in mind that every single Dem lie-down vote bears equal responsibility.

Landrieu(sp?) really boggles me, though. How can this woman, from Louisiana, vote for a single damn thing that Bush proposes, after what he did to New Orleans? That one I’ll probably never understand. I can’t imagine any LA representative, in either house, in either party, not going to war against Bush on *anything* that Bush proposes.

I believe Mr. Dean while guesting on Countdown said he is an Independent.

Does anyone else think that Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, looks like a younger, but equally insane, version of Melanie Morgan?

(she’s up now, bitchin’ and lyin’)

debate on the house floor is on the energy bills (H.R. 3221 and H.R. 2776 i think). then looks like the defense appropriations bill and then fisa.

i think?

here’s hoyer’s daily leader (warning pdf) for the items on the agenda.

looks like fisa will be later today (?).

A quote on the last thread: “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part” brought to mind another saying — saw it on a church sign this week. It’s attributed to Andrew Jackson:
Never take counsel of your fears.

Wish more lawmakers and those in the administration would adopt that line of thinking.

Sally @ 84

I believe Mr. Dean while guesting on Countdown said he is an Independent.

don’t forget – there used to be progressive republicans.

TarheelDem @ 68

The Senate Democrats throw away the rest of the Fourth Amendment, give Alberto the authority to wiretap Democratic campaigns, and do it when a lot of the left blogosphere is at Yearly Kos.

Has this news penetrated the wall of the convention center in Chicago? Will the folks at Yearly Kos confront the Congresscritters seeking netroot votes over this?

Is there anybody there? Does anybody care?

And no, I’m too angry to pull up a chair. I’ll just stand, thank you.

I’m with you. Veering between a state of being really pissed off, with periodic episodes of barely controlled rage, is actually starting to affect my mental health. Seriously, I’m not kidding.

WTF is the matter with you people? You bang on about how great your constitution is, and how great it was you had a revolution, and dispensed with the monarchy. The first time someone comes along with a mind to impose a dictatorship, the whole thing collapses. Canada makes you look pretty stupid right now.

I’d move back to the UK, but the exchange rate would bankrupt me. I guess I’ll stay here and watch the US turn into 1980’s Latin America.

/Rant over.

DiFi planned to vote for the *ISA skulduggery because she didn’t understand it. Talk about Bush being an idiot.

OT. FDLers:

Don’t miss the Ustream YKos “Past Clip” of the “Bloggers and the MSM” panel wherein FDL’s very own T-Rex nails the panelists as to why they continue to use sources which have continually proven themselves unreliable. It’s a proud moment!

Go to:

http://ustream.tv/channel/year…..ntion-2007

and find the past clip from 8/3 1:21 p.m. Unfortunately, it’s not labeled properly (at least at the moment).

jayt @ 83

Although it’s tempting to single out individual senators for fault, e.g. Landrieu, Webb, Lieberman, etc., I’m trying to keep in mind that every single Dem lie-down vote bears equal responsibility.

agreed. and i’m not happy with those who didn’t vote.

but i’m also mindful of the possibility of the “fix”, as solai described. which expands the responsibility further.

selise @ 88, “progressive republican” sounds like an oxymoron to me.

Bilbo @ 91

OT. FDLers:

Don’t miss the Ustream YKos “Past Clip” of the “Bloggers and the MSM” panel wherein FDL’s very own T-Rex nails the panelists as to why they continue to use sources which have continually proven themselves unreliable. It’s a proud moment!

Go to:

http://ustream.tv/channel/year…..ntion-2007

and find the past clip from 8/3 1:21 p.m. Unfortunately, it’s not labeled properly (at least at the moment).

thanks.. will go looking for it now. could use a bit of cheer while i wait to watch the house vote on fisa.

There’s a diary at DKos entitled “The day the music died”. One of the comments listed these dems as voting ‘yes’:

Lincoln AR
Prior AR
Feinstein CA
Salazar CO
Carper DE
Nelson FL
Inouye HI
Bayh IN
Landrieu LA
Mikulski MD
Mccaskill MI
Klobuchar MN
Conrad MT
Nelson NE
Casey PA
Webb VA

Lieberman CT

Elliott @ 37

egregious @ 31

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People&#153 briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

I can’t see your shoes…

I can’t see the photo. It is ‘unavailable’ …

Sally @ 93

selise @ 88, “progressive republican” sounds like an oxymoron to me.

nowadays, yes.

Moyers Special Report re: Selling The War is an excellent story several years too late. Though it attempts to let the Media off the hook for its complicity in cheerleading the war, it presents a solid case against the administration (and its efforts to dupe the public).

I hope that many Republicans (and Independents) get to see it.

Di Fi has some serious splainin to do..I’m sorry but her admission that she didn’t really have enough time to read and study the proposed FISA legislation but was going to vote for both bills is just what this country does NOT need right now. But she had to approve something because well they were going to break for recess and because Mike McConnell told her that the chatter was up.

I’m just sick and tired of this. Although in her defense at least she admitted up front and out loud what she was doing and why even if it was incredibly foolish sounding.

Wonder how many of the Senators will be traveling overseas for vacations and calling friends and relatives back home? Guess they won’t mind having their phone calls listened to now. Guess the fact that Gonzo, the most incompetent boob in the world, a man they feel isn’t qualified to do his job because of his partisan politicization of his dept, will be one of the two deciders about the need to listen in on their overseas phone calls doesn’t concern them in the least? Yup let’s give the man a raise while we are at it for this extra work he might encounter.

Hey Di Fi and all those that supported Bushie’s (aka Addington and Cheney) Fisa Bill.Here’s what I got to say to you.

Can you hear me now? Didn’t think so.

jayt @ 86

Does anyone else think that Marsha Blackburn, R-TN, looks like a younger, but equally insane, version of Melanie Morgan?

(she’s up now, bitchin’ and lyin’)

she’s always doing that

One thing important to us here in this house which we think the next president should do is grant a full pardon to Mr. John Dean. We believe this is a good and decent man, who has more than paid his dues.

I’m watching the house debate the energy plan. These Repugs turn my stomach, particularly that pipsqueak McHenry.

Good morning:

I can’t ever thank you enough, Christy, Jane and all FDL posters and commenters for the community of acceptance, of hope and of activism that you’ve created, nourished and exported!
My onetwo wishes:

Patrons and sponsors for progressive blogs and bloggers to compete more evenly with the MSM for breadth and depth of message penetration to the population at large.

A group blog which covers all things policy, legislation and issues, rather than candidates and elections.

My blog gets 90% of its “visitors” from the rabid hate wing on the right. I get few, if any , daily readers from the progressive side of the fence. I’m not the only one who feels out there all alone in trying to address (In my case, health)policy and issues without a true progressive blog community. I often believe that I go OT here in even trying to tangentially reference health issues. On a mega site like Kos, those issues get lost in the dizzying speed and number of diaries. The issues need to be visible, easily accessed, and bring together experts and activists so readers have a one-stop place to visit and build community. And the politicians, staffers and candidates will also have a community in which to hold forth on policy and legislative views and stances.

Please consider my li’l ole plea! *g*

Thanks!

selise @ 92

jayt @ 83

Although it’s tempting to single out individual senators for fault, e.g. Landrieu, Webb, Lieberman, etc., I’m trying to keep in mind that every single Dem lie-down vote bears equal responsibility.

agreed. and i’m not happy with those who didn’t vote.

but i’m also mindful of the possibility of the “fix”, as solai described. which expands the responsibility further.

Actually, Ive already changed my mind about what I said above. There is one Senator who deserves special scorn and blame.

He’s from Searchlight, Nevada.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO READ A BILL BEFORE A VOTE, THEN VOTE NO!

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

And then there’s this. All we need is Rudy to make the scene picture perfect.

AP – President Bush, who is still criticized for his administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, says he will stand with Minnesota residents as they recover from this week’s bridge collapse.

Another quote to live by — or at least to get out of trouble with –
I do not view instances of inadvertent intelligence collection mistakes as abuse of civil liberties.
Thank you, Mr. Attorney General. I’m keeping that one handy in case I get pulled over for speeding.
“But, but, but I didn’t mean to!”

I live in a red state suburb and I am at my limit with people. 10 yrs ago,I had neighbors and friends. Today,nada. I don’t do church and my child can’t do organized sports,which is pretty much all there is left to do here,unless you count shopping as a hobby. We’re not christian republicans so no one wants a thing to do with us as soon as they figure out we’re not christian republican.

And I’ve tried,starting book clubs,a community garden,a school garden,potluck supper clubs,a small farmers market. NONE of it has worked. I think the main reason why is all this stuff has been labeled “liberal”and it’s all for godless DFH and not something respectable people do. Stupid and silly,but there it is. My son’s school had an environmental club last year,their first order of business was to chop down trees behind the school and build a CEMENT SIDEWALK into the woods. Argh. I quit after the first week,to these people “nature is dirty and needs tidying up”. Shoot me,please.

Out of all the things today’s “conservatives”have done,the most unforgivable to me is this horrible division of neighbor against neighbor,family member against family member,religion against religion. I can’t forgive that.

Sorry for the rant,I’m just lonely and really tired of this crap.

msmolly @ 97

Elliott @ 37

I can’t see your shoes…

I can’t see the photo. It is ‘unavailable’ …

If you’re a member of facebook, click on the “Photos” icon to the mid-left of the page. TexB’s album is the first on the left middle, and it is great!

The state of things is sickening.

I think the only thing that will change anything now is to start challenging people in elections and diverting their campaign funding/volunteers to candidates who do care. And if the new representatives betray us, then replace them, too. Rinse, lather, repeat. Weed out the chaff.

If they can’t be bothered to read what they are voting on (don’t they have staff to help them?) and take real responsibility, then they desperately need to be replaced by people who do care.

That’s consequences.

Anything else is persuasion and that’s just not working.

Crap.

As for low approvals for Congress ~ bring it on. They don’t seem to be feeling any pain yet. Lower than Bush? Fine. Bring it on.

When will they feel our disgust?

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 60

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

Neither do I; however it’s possible to program the computer to “learn” and start making decisions based on its experiences. This can lead to unpredicted behavior.

As an example when putting together CGI scenes in LotR, Jackson’s crew couldn’t just program the actions of each and every soldier in the armies massed. So they gave them a basic set of “rules” and found out that in the mass, these “soldiers” behaved about the same way as people: some charged forth, some maintained heavy support on the equipment, and some few ran away! That last bit has always stunned me.

I don’t know if this is the big chasm in legal theory — I’ve dabbled in legal stuff, but there’s bigger guns out here in that than me. I can only confirm that computers can be programmed to act independently, and we may need a legal procedure to account for that (eg, that the human or company responsible for the computer or program is still responsible for its actions), I don’t know.

My rage is turning into despair.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 107

And then there’s this. All we need is Rudy to make the scene picture perfect.

AP – President Bush, who is still criticized for his administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, says he will stand with Minnesota residents as they recover from this week’s bridge collapse.

Yes, I understand he sent Laura-bot. That oughta take care of it.

Marsha Blackburn believes that we can solve any government financial problem by cutting waste and fraud. She has nothing else to contribute to any debate.

John Dean told me that he really enjoyed the book salon that he did here at FDL.

I’m pretty sure the feeling’s mutual. Especially since John Dean is the gold standard of book salon guests when it comes to making sure everyone’s questions got some attention.

Ugh. The cave on FISA depresses me — and how many of the ‘yeas’ on the Dem side read the damn text, and knew the context? I still don’t know if it retroactively legalises all the illegal shit BushCo has been doing. Legislate in haste, repent at damn leisure. Shameful.

Could FirePups take time out to call their House-critters’ offices and ask whether the distinguished representative for whereever has actually read the bill?

OK Kiddo @ 102, agree. Mr. Dean is a much better and decent American than some our party elected–a true patriot.

Webb is still mostly a republic. If we get more in our party like him, the republics win–again. The lowest common denominator works for that sorry bunch.

solai @ 95

There’s a diary at DKos entitled “The day the music died”. One of the comments listed these dems as voting ‘yes’:

Lincoln AR
Prior AR
Feinstein CA
Salazar CO
Carper DE
Nelson FL
Inouye HI
Bayh IN
Landrieu LA
Mikulski MD
Mccaskill MO
Klobuchar MN
Conrad MT
Nelson NE
Casey PA
Webb VA

Lieberman CT

It is far, far simpler to perpetuate the lie (that much of the public believes to be true) than to attempt explain the truth.

The public does not know what FISA is or how it works. They don’t know that Bushco already has all the power it “needs”. And that FISA simply requires a judge to be included in the process. Its not difficult to comprehend, but the Media refuses to explain it to the public. Dems like Bill Nelson are not going to explain it either.

{{{{{{{{{{anangryoldbroad @ 110}}}}}}}}}}}}

hackworth @ 119

Mccaskill MI

Is this Claire McCaskill MO?
[Mod: fixed]

emal @ 99

Di Fi has some serious splainin to do..I’m sorry but her admission that she didn’t really have enough time to read and study the proposed FISA legislation but was going to vote for both bills is just what this country does NOT need right now. But she had to approve something because well they were going to break for recess and because Mike McConnell told her that the chatter was up.

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

anangryoldbroad @ 110

I live in a red state suburb and I am at my limit with people. 10 yrs ago,I had neighbors and friends. Today,nada. I don’t do church and my child can’t do organized sports,which is pretty much all there is left to do here,unless you count shopping as a hobby. We’re not christian republicans so no one wants a thing to do with us as soon as they figure out we’re not christian republican. [Mod:snip]

Sorry for the rant,I’m just lonely and really tired of this crap.

AArrgggghh! I thought it was bad in the deep Red suburban bush where we live in Alaska, but this sounds very bad. At least they let me coach! Maybe my win loss record (74-12-21) had something to do with it. But it can be frustrating seeing almost all your kids friends – sometimes very bright kids – believing the planet is only 6,011 years old…

anangryoldbroad @ 110

I live in a red state suburb and I am at my limit with people. 10 yrs ago,I had neighbors and friends. Today,nada. I don’t do church and my child can’t do organized sports,which is pretty much all there is left to do here,unless you count shopping as a hobby. We’re not christian republicans so no one wants a thing to do with us as soon as they figure out we’re not christian republican. [Mod:snip]

Sorry for the rant,I’m just lonely and really tired of this crap.

I have expereienced all that and much more (loaded guns, threats, harassment until I literally fled).

What has been done is unconscionable. the sole means to change it is to vote every single elected official out at every level who doesn’t represent “we, the people”.

We have to start all over and undo the damage step by painful step. If this doesn’t happen in ‘08, I believe all is lost – the Constitution is already in flames. It will be ashes then.

aaob -

Out of all the things today’s “conservatives”have done,the most unforgivable to me is this horrible division of neighbor against neighbor,family member against family member,religion against religion. I can’t forgive that.

It’s hard for me to label any one thing as “most unforgivable” but your *fav* would surely be included among my top five. I definitely would include it in one of bushco’s INTENDED consequences. And, boy do I agree with the tired of the crap part!

TarheelDem -

What part of the state? Have mentioned before in comments about possiblility of NC pups getting together. Any interest on your part?

selise @ 122

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

I assume she means that her office hasn’t done a detailed legislative analysis of the bill.. not that she hasn’t physically read it.. I hope… if it’s the latter, then perhaps we should start talking about term limits…

anangryoldbroad: I’d be ranting too. I can’t imagine living surrounded by a total red fog. At least where I live, there is a diversity of views & I can find like minded people. Hang in there. There are cracks in the walls.

I’ve just sent Senator Bill Nelson (pantywaist, FL) the following email regarding his FISA vote. While it may not be as polite as some wish I’m through being subservient to these bastards.

“Once again I am extremely disappointed in a vote you’ve made in my name. Hasn’t the White House shown on numerous occasions that it cannot be trusted to follow the laws of the land? Did you really have to give them more leeway to infringe upon the liberty and rights of American citizens?

I can only surmise that you have become just another frightened old man who cringes and kowtows each time Bush/Cheney/Rove open a fearmongering campaign.

You can rest assured that the grass/netroots community in Florida will put forth maximum effort to replace you with a responsible person who will serve the interests of the American people rather than have you running scared each and every time the White House says boo.

We are Americans, Mr Nelson, and we are not afraid. We are Americans, Mr Nelson, and we will stand and fight for what is right for all Americans. Even if you will not.

Decorated Viet Nam combat veteran 1963-64, 1967-70.”

Flame away, if you’re so inclined, but I make no apologies and stand by every word.

jayt @ 115

Oklahoma kiddo @ 107

And then there’s this. All we need is Rudy to make the scene picture perfect.

AP – President Bush, who is still criticized for his administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, says he will stand with Minnesota residents as they recover from this week’s bridge collapse.

Yes, I understand he sent Laura-bot. That oughta take care of it.

Remember when Babs Bush toured the stadium in NO after Katrina, and said something to the effect that the people there we’re probably enjoying themselves?

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/07…..b111146cc7

Blub @ 126

Yup, but we won’t get term limits, campaign financing or even any un-radical common-sense thing done until we have reasonable people representing us.

This bunch of frackers “don’t have the votes.”

(((((anangryoldbroad)))))

do you live in a small town or a city?

I want a tshirt that says “Pardon John Dean”.

Well yesterday I emailed DiFi about her Southwick support and in that message urged her not to pass the FISA legislation, not to leave for August recess, and to support ways of impeaching or otherwise removing Gonzales asap.

Somehow, I don’t think she’s listening to me :-(

Blub @ 126

selise @ 122

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

I assume she means that her office hasn’t done a detailed legislative analysis of the bill.. not that she hasn’t physically read it.. I hope… if it’s the latter, then perhaps we should start talking about term limits…

They don’t read the bills. Staff members take care of that, and some of the staff can be quite junior, especially for the Dems who had their assets stripped during the Repub reign.

RE #92

Sadly, Ustream has truncated the “Bloggers and the MSM” panel clip and T-Rex’s interaction with the panelists is NOT included. :-(

fdl reader @ 130

Blub @ 126

Yup, but we won’t get term limits

yeah, I know, I’m just being facetious…. I guess I just have to write yet another “disappointed constituent” letter to DiFi…

Hell, the President doesn’t have to follow the law! Any law! So what’s left?

Oh Blackbird! My better half and I went there when we were dating. I was working in Chicago for a while and she visted. It was one of those nights where we knew this was the one. Still talk about that place to this day. Glad you got to go Christy!

Depending on what the House does in the next few days, you might want to watch this space:

http://www.cindyforcongress.org/

The DNI and the Democrats had agreed on a compromise to the FISA which the king scuttled. That should have been enough for the Democrats to conquer the “weak on terrorism” mantra and vote to live free or die.

jayt @ 114

Oklahoma kiddo @ 107

And then there’s this. All we need is Rudy to make the scene picture perfect.

AP – President Bush, who is still criticized for his administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, says he will stand with Minnesota residents as they recover from this week’s bridge collapse.

Yes, I understand he sent Laura-bot. That oughta take care of it.

Dubya is on deck to do a fly-by – though, he’ll have to have his feet on the ground for all photo-ops. The picture of him (gazing out the window of his plane over Katrina devastation) shall not be duplicated for public consumption.

GREAT post Christy…Thanks for telling us what you are up to at YKos.
Next year I will def. be there. FDL has really helped to change my life….Thank you all!

Franco

SouthernDragon @ 128

That is gorgeous: so well said! Not a *thing* wrong with that. I don’t even think it’s disrespectful at all. YOU are being disrespected by this administration and your representative.

You rock.

Blub @ 125

selise @ 122

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

I assume she means that her office hasn’t done a detailed legislative analysis of the bill.. not that she hasn’t physically read it.. I hope… if it’s the latter, then perhaps we should start talking about term limits…

it doesn’t take a detailed legislative analysis to see if oversight is by the AGAG or the fisa court. AGAG oversight ought to require a “NO” vote (in a sane universe).

and i haven’t even seen mcconnell/bond amendment yet, so maybe i’m being unfair here… maybe it’s confusing? but even if that’s the case, she could have asked feingold’s staff.

if i assume good intentions and reasonable values… nothing makes any sense to me…

ironranger @ 132

I want a tshirt that says “Pardon John Dean”.

Y’know, I never thought about that. Why didn’t Ford pardon him? I’d buy one. Saw a lot of “1-20-2009″ t-shirts yesterday at the Anacortes Arts Festival, but couldn’t find a place where they sell ‘em.

Blub @ 107

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

I was wondering yesterday if they were not hoping for/counting on a veto. An awfully risky strategy if that is what it is.

SouthernDragon — excellent, imho.

Franco @ 141

GREAT post Christy…Thanks for telling us what you are up to at YKos.
Next year I will def. be there. FDL has really helped to change my life….Thank you all!

Franco

Where’s it supposed to be in 2008?

Sally @ 118

OK Kiddo @ 102, agree. Mr. Dean is a much better and decent American than some our party elected–a true patriot.

Webb is still mostly a republic. If we get more in our party like him, the republics win–again. The lowest common denominator works for that sorry bunch.

Webb is a very, very conservative person who went to the Dems over one or two specific issues. He is reverting to type, though.

I don’t just blame the ‘yes’ voters. I equally blame Reid and everyone running for pres. If you can’t flip (1) fellow dem, then you’re not a strong enough leader. Especially the freshmen, you leaders couldn’t convince the newbies to vote against this? Not buying it. Fortunately, none of them have gotten a dime from me. Going now to contribute (again) to John Edwards.

Torch and Pitchfork @ 19

If the opposite of a terrorist is a humorist.
Perhaps, silly, comical, HUGE, Random acts of kindness would work??

humanist?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism_(life_stance)

PB @ 113

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 60

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

Neither do I; however it’s possible to program the computer to “learn” and start making decisions based on its experiences. This can lead to unpredicted behavior.

As an example when putting together CGI scenes in LotR, Jackson’s crew couldn’t just program the actions of each and every soldier in the armies massed. So they gave them a basic set of “rules” and found out that in the mass, these “soldiers” behaved about the same way as people: some charged forth, some maintained heavy support on the equipment, and some few ran away! That last bit has always stunned me.

I don’t know if this is the big chasm in legal theory — I’ve dabbled in legal stuff, but there’s bigger guns out here in that than me. I can only confirm that computers can be programmed to act independently, and we may need a legal procedure to account for that (eg, that the human or company responsible for the computer or program is still responsible for its actions), I don’t know.

wow, thank you for all that! I really appreciate it. So human programming does not negate the argument.

egregious @ 134

They don’t read the bills. Staff members take care of that, and some of the staff can be quite junior, especially for the Dems who had their assets stripped during the Repub reign.

Actually, I beg to differ on this… they don’t read ALL the bills, but I know for a fact that at least one of my senators once made a reasonable effort to read/skim legislation for important votes back a few years ago, when I had reason to know this sort of thing… I presume she still does. I don’t know about a lot of others, but Levin generally did as well, as did Gordon Smith… Landrieu, I’ve heard, almost never did. Clinton claimed to… Strangely, Helms reliably read legislation he voted on…

Selise @ 122.

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

I watched her floor speech last night on cspan. She said she really didn’t have enough time to really read through and study the proposals. She mentioned she had only received one proposal 20 minutes ago I believe. So she said she was going to vote for both proposals and versions (the dem and gop versions I guess)so at least something would get the 60 votes needed to pass. She seemed really anxious and bothered when speaking…but that is what she said last night.

ET: It’s on my list of many projects to learn to create my own t-shirts & wear the messages I want & can’t find.
Off to do errands wearing my “Thought Criminal” tshirt.

So, do you guys think I can get away with wearing thongs around the vast convention center today and just bringing my Louboutins with me to wear for my panel and the Presidential Forum? A silk wrap dress and some thongs would look okay, wouldn’t it? *g*

I’m having a rough day with my joints from lack of sleep, and I’m trying to be kind to my knees — so I think that’s what I’m going to do.

Oh, and have I mentioned lately how great it is to see Jane? She looks wonderful, btw… (Am running around the room with curlers in my stubborn hair trying to tame out the mass of frizz. SIGH)

Fern @ 148

Webb is still mostly a republic. If we get more in our party like him, the republics win–again. The lowest common denominator works for that sorry bunch.

Webb is a very, very conservative person who went to the Dems over one or two specific issues. He is reverting to type, though.

How so, Fern?

Is there some reason YearlyKos is scheduled the week before Congress recesses for the summer when Bush/Repub’s pull out all the terror threats and Dems lose nerve and agree to loss of habeus corpus and warrantless wiretapping? Instead of congratulating each other on panels and over coffee during this critical week maybe you could schedule it for a week later next year and set up shop on the Hill to keep the democrats feet to the fire. Spencer at TPM did an admirable job of staying on top of the FISA maneuverings yesterday but it would have been nice to have more blogging firepower focused on the issue in real time rather than trying to catch up on news second hand between panels. Again, a simple request to schedule this conference for a different week next year to allow the bloggers to crawl all over the shananigans on the Hill that happen every year before summer break.

Blub @ 106

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

i think we must consider the posibility that we are being had. that many/most of the dems (including the leadership) just don’t care about this type of issue. (i do think that the evidence is that feingold and leahy are not in this group – if it exists).

Christy Hardin Smith @ 155

Christy: you should wear *whatever* you want! It’s Saturday at YKos! Breakout!

Christy Hardin Smith @ 155

So, do you guys think I can get away with wearing thongs around the vast convention center today and just bringing my Louboutins with me to wear for my panel and the Presidential Forum? A silk wrap dress and some thongs would look okay, wouldn’t it? *g*

I’m having a rough day with my joints from lack of sleep, and I’m trying to be kind to my knees — so I think that’s what I’m going to do.

Oh, and have I mentioned lately how great it is to see Jane? She looks wonderful, btw… (Am running around the room with curlers in my stubborn hair trying to tame out the mass of frizz. SIGH)

Well, if you wear them on your feet, yes! *g*. Be kind to joints at all costs. (((Christy))))((((Jane)))) Great to hear that Jane is looking (and I hope feeling) well!

emal @ 152

Selise @ 122.

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

I watched her floor speech last night on cspan. She said she really didn’t have enough time to really read through and study the proposals. She mentioned she had only received one proposal 20 minutes ago I believe. So she said she was going to vote for both proposals and versions (the dem and gop versions I guess)so at least something would get the 60 votes needed to pass. She seemed really anxious and bothered when speaking…but that is what she said last night.

wow, thank you for describing that to me. i missed that.

well then, i have to blame both difi (for voting yet) and reid (for pushing his caucus to vote when they didn’t even know what they were voting on).

The reuters headline was pathetically revealing:
“WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Democratic-led U.S. Senate, amid warnings of further attacks on the United States, approved a bill on Friday that would allow President George W. Bush to maintain his controversial domestic spying program. “

Amid warnings of further (imminent) attacks????? One would hope that at least Reuters might be expected to attach one iota of critical assessment to their journalistic writing.

Hi Christy. Thank you for making the time to post here at FDL while your obviously so very busy at the convention. I really appreciate your chronicle of YKos07 as well as those from other FDL contributers.

Hi John Dean. Thanks for all you do to provide your fellow citizens with an insight into executive conduct, its effect on the character of our great nation and on the lives of its citizens.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 154 –

please! wear the thongs!

Gonzo Recalls Things

Gonzales Now Says Top Aides Got Political Briefings

By Dan Eggen and Paul Kane
Washington Post Staff Writer and washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Saturday, August 4, 2007; Page A05

Justice Department officials attended at least a dozen political briefings at the White House since 2001, including some meetings led by Karl Rove, President Bush’s chief political adviser, and others that were focused on election trends prior to the 2006 midterm contest, according to documents released yesterday.

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales told the Senate Judiciary Committee last week that he did not believe that senior Justice Department officials had attended such briefings. But he clarified his testimony yesterday in a letter to Congress, emphasizing that the briefings were not held at the agency’s offices.

…

oh, it’s iced tea! very good idea in this heat. mornin’ y’all. how’s Chi-town holding up after FDL painted the town red last night?

Blub @ 152

egregious @ 134

They don’t read the bills. Staff members take care of that, and some of the staff can be quite junior, especially for the Dems who had their assets stripped during the Repub reign.

Actually, I beg to differ on this… they don’t read ALL the bills, but I know for a fact that at least one of my senators once made a reasonable effort to read/skim legislation for important votes back a few years ago, when I had reason to know this sort of thing… I presume she still does. I don’t know about a lot of others, but Levin generally did as well, as did Gordon Smith… Landrieu, I’ve heard, almost never did. Clinton claimed to… Strangely, Helms reliably read legislation he voted on…

You know, the IRS wouldn’t let me get away with saying I hadn’t read my tax return before I signed it.

Isn’t Bush violating the Hatch Act when he gives Republican talking points to Republican bloggers on Federal property?

selise @ 161

well then, i have to blame both difi (for voting yet) and reid (for pushing his caucus to vote when they didn’t even know what they were voting on).

What is difficult to realize is that many Dems are not doing the will of the people, and that they are also kowtowing to the entities that control their own self-interests over the people’s and the country’s. They all have to go. Their actions last night – and on many occasions – is inexcusable.

Christy– I think it rather depends on the thongs.

*g*

Glad to hear you are having fun– hugs to you and Jane and everybody!

So, do you guys think I can get away with wearing thongs around the vast convention center today

I thought at first that you meant ‘thong panties’ rather than ‘thong sandals’. Are you trying to lighten the mood? If so, congrats. First time I’ve laughed in 24hrs.

There are no legitimate terror threats. There never have been since 9/11. We only have the word of LIARS on this and I am sick of it. Congress is being played and they should be smarter.

Go for it Christy. How many women wear walking shoes or sneakers on their commute and change into their dress shoes at work? Many of them do.

I’m surprised about your hair, you’d think by now it would know not to mess with you.

Democrats are simply not getting the message about not compromising with Bush. We are specificially reacting to the the spy bill (FISA) in which our party blinked. In this house, we are thinking about getting angry with our party.

Torch and Pitchfork @ 30

oooooohhhh,
What if we all did something at the same time.
Like moon a traffic camera, any one close during Chimp’s next speech?? I like that one.
Who’s got a better?
Something funny.

I have given this suggestion before:

Massive gathering on the Mall in DC. Everyone faces the same direction and on cue from someone at the front in perhaps military-like dress with whistle and raised baton in hand. Whistle blows and baton is lowered: All turn around and MOON the Senate, when the baton goes up, pull up the draws and then turn to the House: Wait for cue and then altogether MOON the House: Lastly and most vigorously MOON the Supreme Court with farts and raspberries in all their glory!

Let them all know we have *no* respect for people who are either wing nut tools or who refuse to lead us by actually REPRESENTING We The People.

My 2 cents

Cat In Seattle

*wonders what kind of “disappointed constituent” letter he should write to DiFi’s office this time* Urgh.

Does anyone think there is any hope that Pelosi will perform a miracle and stop this madness?

Good Morning Christy.

You warm our hearts! Thank you for sharing so much of your experience and feelings with those of us who couldn’t attend YKos in person. Sounds as if you are making the most of a terrific opportunity, and having fun doing it.
Wonderful! We’re gonna savor all those kibbles of good news and ideas from YKos, because they are badly needed.

It was an eventful day all around yesterday. We tried to pester our congresscritters enough, but apparently nothing could stop them from their self-imposed embarrassment. The YouTubes of Rs’ “Waaaaaaahmbulance” pressers will be instant classics. Shameful and downright Idiotic!

now back to catch up on comments.

N=1 @ 169

They all have to go.

Yes: that’s our only remedy at this point.

Well as another commentator just said above. All one had to do was to listen to Feingold last night before voting.

He summed it up accurately. (quote from my memory but I think it is accurate)

We can’t just suspend the Constitution for six months.

Ed*ard Teller @ 156

Fern @ 148

Webb is still mostly a republic. If we get more in our party like him, the republics win–again. The lowest common denominator works for that sorry bunch.

Webb is a very, very conservative person who went to the Dems over one or two specific issues. He is reverting to type, though.

How so, Fern?

I found the first few pages of this article to be interesting regarding his background and instincts.

http://www.newyorker.com/archi…..030fa_fact

I’ve transcribed the second part of Howard Dean’s keynote–the part about the power of the internet–here.

selise @ 164

Christy Hardin Smith @ 154 –

please! wear the thongs!

you mean her big girl panties??!

sorry Christy, I couldn’t resist

In sunny SoCal, we wear “thongs” with everything. However, we call those cute little sandals “flip-flops,” so there’s no confusion. *g*

Ending Iraq is critical.

It is also critical to develop a theme, and organize around it, that addresses ending the “security state” and the unchecked executive power it creates.

Franklin’s line about those who trade liberty for security deserve neither is a classic summation.

Bush has used the idea of absolute safety from terrorist attack as a theme to expand power, and the Dems have been unwilling or unable to argue that he is using a false premise.

Terrorists don’t win by when they launch an attack.

They win when America gives up its principles from fear of attack.

selise @ 157

Blub @ 106

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

i think we must consider the posibility that we are being had. that many/most of the dems (including the leadership) just don’t care about this type of issue. (i do think that the evidence is that feingold and leahy are not in this group – if it exists).

Congresscritters are dealing with an immensely uninformed and misinformed public. It is easy for them to maintain the status quo and difficult (it takes work) to swim against the current. The netroots are bigger than they realize, but marginalized in congesscritters’ eyes by the MSM and their own handlers (beltway types, lobbyists, consultants).

In other words, they are scared bunnies. They would like to believe that we are extremists and DFH’s and that we will just go away.

We will keep on fighting for our right to party.

egregious @ 31

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

my, my. I would never have guessed you were so young, eg. such an accomplished woman at, what, 29?

bernhard had a good post on fisa (before the vote even happened). here’s a bit:

Digby asks:

What are they afraid of, that the Bush administration will blame them if a terrorist attack occurs and they didn’t approve another blank check? Guess what? It wouldn’t matter if the Democrats named Bush king with the power to draw and quarter hippies and Muslims on the white house lawn, they will still blame the Democrats if there is another terrorist attack.

That is obvious. So why do the Democrats cave in and why do they not meet any Bush demand with an all out serious demand of disclosure?

The simple answer is that they don’t want any. I am afraid the real answer is worse …

Elliott @ 37

egregious @ 31

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

I can’t see your shoes…

but you just know they are fabulous.

Okay, you guys are cracking me up with the “thongs” discussion. Man, I needed that giggle this morning. *g*

Shows you how tired I am that I missed the potential double entendre altogether…

And Millineryman — my hair NEVER cooperates. It has a mind of its own, but as a redhead, I’ve learned to expect it. ;-)

N=1 @ 160

Christy Hardin Smith @ 155

So, do you guys think I can get away with wearing thongs around the vast convention center today and just bringing my Louboutins with me to wear for my panel and the Presidential Forum? A silk wrap dress and some thongs would look okay, wouldn’t it? *g*

I’m having a rough day with my joints from lack of sleep, and I’m trying to be kind to my knees — so I think that’s what I’m going to do.

Oh, and have I mentioned lately how great it is to see Jane? She looks wonderful, btw… (Am running around the room with curlers in my stubborn hair trying to tame out the mass of frizz. SIGH)

Well, if you wear them on your feet, yes! *g*. Be kind to joints at all costs. (((Christy))))((((Jane)))) Great to hear that Jane is looking (and I hope feeling) well!

I bet you could stay comfy in yer thongs, and get even more effect from the Louboutins by just hooking a finger thru the straps & dangling them over yer shoulder. That plus the killer redd hair should be irresistable! Go for it! ;->

TiredFed @ 187

my, my. I would never have guessed you were so young, eg. such an accomplished woman at, what, 29?

56 and proud of it!

Called and e-mailed Waxman, and e-mailed Pelosi, and said that they should maintain the standard of ‘probable cause’, or just simply repeal the Constitution and pass a law declaring Bush president-for-life as his Pissiness George I.

The staffer in Waxman’s office was nice.

egregious @ 192

TiredFed @ 187

my, my. I would never have guessed you were so young, eg. such an accomplished woman at, what, 29?

56 and proud of it!

Almost, but not quite, out of the child prodigy category! *g*

hey bilbo – if you see this… email me at speakeasy dot net

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 60

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

Late to the party so this has probably been answered but as someone who has tested various custom software applications, I can gay-roan-tee that human programed computers produce unintended consequences; sometimes called bugs, sometimes called undocumented features.

egregious @ 192

How close to the next one are you? I’m three months from it now. (Reminds me: my most-senior-aunt turns 93 today; gotta call her. She’s liberal bipolar, too ….)

selise @ 66

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

Morning, all.
Christy glad you guys are enjoying yourselves.

Selise, the way I understood what the chair was saying after each vote I think 2/3s was needed for the motion to pass. There were only 88 senators present and voting last night IIRC so the motion would have passed with 59 yeas.

I could be wrong.

A quick aside, I’ve been reading through the House draft proposal that the GOP is trying to torpedo and I don’t like it. There is no definition of “person” and the bill talks about capturing the communications of persons not within the United States…that doesn’t exactly spell out, to my mind, foreign nationals. It also declares it to be OK to tap communications if a “significant purpose is to obtain foreign intelligence information.” (my bold).

Not information as it relates to terrorism or terrorist threats against the US, foreign intelligence information. And the persons being surveilled don’t have to be identified nor do the places being monitored. Just trust the AG to do the right thing.

And even this open-ended invitation to abuse the privacy rights of Americans overseas, because there is no distinction betw Americans outside the US and others outside the US, even this is considered too restrictive for the pueposes of the Bush administration.

We would do well to remember in this country that after WWII when the allies and the rest of Europe were trying to decide what to do about the war criminals one of the arguments used to object to the trials of war criminals was that, even though the laws were bad laws, the Nazis and those who followed them were still following the law. What they had done was legal as far as they knew. Almost the entire legal community in Germany was part of a party organization and the laws were crafted to appear innocuous and ordinary. One of the reasons there was a reluctance to have German judges try Germans was for the very reason that they would be hesitant to find them guilty because the men had been following the Nazi laws.

Everything this administration does it does for a reason, make no mistake about it. Looking back on Germany in the aftermath of WWI and the assault on the Weimar govt and its constitution and the subsequent rise of Hitler, everything they did was laid out in the open for all to see, including Hitler’s plans for the Jews detailed in Mein Kampf.

We would be wrong to think that the foundation hasn’t been laid for a complete make-over of our system of government using the very laws such as the Democrats are acquiescing to this weekend.

Dubya is on deck to do a fly-by – though, he’ll have to have his feet on the ground for all photo-ops.

Oh lord:

Dubya the Death-Kitty headed to Minneapolis. Run for your lives!

P J Evans @ 197

egregious @ 192

How close to the next one are you? I’m three months from it now. (Reminds me: my most-senior-aunt turns 93 today; gotta call her. She’s liberal bipolar, too ….)

It was only 4 days ago…don’t rush me :)

selise @ 122

emal @ 99

Di Fi has some serious splainin to do..I’m sorry but her admission that she didn’t really have enough time to read and study the proposed FISA legislation but was going to vote for both bills is just what this country does NOT need right now. But she had to approve something because well they were going to break for recess and because Mike McConnell told her that the chatter was up.

are you sure about this? the bill i saw yesterday was 13 pages long – double spaced with wide margins.

The bill you read was the amendments to the already existing FISA law.

egregious @ 31

Photo of some egregious commenter in Chicago who emerged from introvert world to Talk With People briefly.

h/t to TexB for the photo

darn you egrege! I guess I’m gonna HAVE to join Facebook to be part-a the in crowd, sigh ;->

jayt @ 84

selise @ 67

i have a question about last night’s fisa vote in the senate:

would the 60-28 vote on the mcconnell/bond amendment have failed with one less “yes” vote?

Yes, as I understand it, the vote would have failed w/o sixty in favor.

Although it’s tempting to single out individual senators for fault, e.g. Landrieu, Webb, Lieberman, etc., I’m trying to keep in mind that every single Dem lie-down vote bears equal responsibility.

Landrieu(sp?) really boggles me, though. How can this woman, from Louisiana, vote for a single damn thing that Bush proposes, after what he did to New Orleans? That one I’ll probably never understand. I can’t imagine any LA representative, in either house, in either party, not going to war against Bush on *anything* that Bush proposes.

and she changed her vote twice. first she voted yes, then no, then yes. what’s up with that?

james @ 197

It also declares it to be OK to tap communications if a “significant purpose is to obtain foreign intelligence information.” (my bold).

Not information as it relates to terrorism or terrorist threats against the US, foreign intelligence information. And the persons being surveilled don’t have to be identified nor do the places being monitored. Just trust the AG to do the right thing

sounds like corporate sponsored spying to me.

jayt @ 199

Dubya the Death-Kitty headed to Minneapolis. Run for your lives!

Will he be in a flight suit?

Sometimes I wish I didn’t care. I will be having some friends over later today. Of the 4, none will be aware of last night’s vote. None are neo-cons but neither are they politically active. They may even be shocked when I tell them but it won’t ruin their day. I, on the other hand, am sorry that I have this obligation. I’d rather sit here watching cspan and blogging. Their life is easier. But to quote Neil Young “How can you run when you know?”

dakine01 @ 196

Stephen Parrish, CPA @ 60

Elliott @ 6:07 am -

I don’t have an answer now for your excellent question, although I am leaning toward the opinion that Chris Weigand’s argument is not negated because humans program the computers. Suppose the program produces unintended consequences…

Late to the party so this has probably been answered but as someone who has tested various custom software applications, I can gay-roan-tee that human programed computers produce unintended consequences; sometimes called bugs, sometimes called undocumented features.

Started out in life as a programmer, here. I agree with all that’s been said.

Bottom line though (and IANAL YMMV) to me is *someone* is responsible for identifying who has been targetted and doing the warrant paperwork. So, once they have a *hit* can they not provide the paperwork within 72 hours with *some* justification based on the original algorithm/program and the data collected? This sounds more after-the-fact than I mean it ~ there has to be some way to figure out why the program identified someone as a target. Or they are wasting their time and our money.

Oh, yeah, right. Sorry.

I just put up a fresh thread with a request for some phone calls to Reps today. Thanks gang — have to finish getting ready and head over to the convention center.

Was really good to type at everyone for a little while this morning. :)

TiredFed @ 189

Elliott @ 37

I can’t see your shoes…

but you just know they are fabulous.

Do be careful, this internationally famous shoe thief has been seen lurking in the area

Jumping down because I’ll never finish reading the comments before a new thread:

To do better:

We’re already doing a lot of things that will make that happen! Howard Dean is doing it. Christy and Jane and the bloggers are doing it. Whenever we push back the media and the status quo, we’re doing it.

But we need to be more aggressive about what we want. I’m thinking we need to lobby Al Gore hard to run. He’s the one I see that we can sincerely back. We need to tell him that he IS our choice because he is uniquely qualified to deal with a situation the other candidates just don’t get.

He’s done it before when he ran the Government Reformation under Clinton. He knows what needs to be done to fix what Bush broke and make it better than before. I don’t trust a single one of the current candidates to understand that.

Blub @ 107

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

I have that same feeling. Mikulski voted yes. that does not make sense to me. I’m gonna talk to her about it on Monday, but I’m getting the feeling that this was a “show” vote. Didn’t the House version crash and burn? If so, is there a chance the Senate version won’t pass the House? Or, if there is a House version, does it differ from this and will there be a conference committee? Or is this a House-passed bill and the Senate is now sending it to the Prez for signature?

GrandmaJ here again. So,therewas a FDL breakast and they went to Chinatown last night. Speaking only for myself, it doesn’t quite feel like home here anymore. Well, that isn’t the end of the world, I guess, but still it hurts a bit.

I will of course get over it, but not today or tomorrow.

This is just me talking.

The Republicans do not have a monopoly on arrogance. In this house the view is beginning to seep in that our party, the Democratic Party, is taking us for granted. We are hoping the Dems have some sort of strategy (fisa vote) of giving the GOP enough rope to hang itself. Democrats in Congress should start thinking about their future. If you make enough Democrats angry you will be out of a job. Think third party.

James @ 198 says;

“Everything this administration does it does for a reason, make no mistake about it. Looking back on Germany in the aftermath of WWI and the assault on the Weimar govt and its constitution and the subsequent rise of Hitler, everything they did was laid out in the open for all to see, including Hitler’s plans for the Jews detailed in Mein Kampf.

We would be wrong to think that the foundation hasn’t been laid for a complete make-over of our system of government using the very laws such as the Democrats are acquiescing to this weekend.”

DING! You Win!

All the evidence is there, in plain sight.

http://www.themodernword.com/e…..shirt.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/…..57,00.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ…..amp;sr=1-1

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Is it time yet?

ccmask @ 212

GrandmaJ here again. So,therewas a FDL breakast and they went to Chinatown last night. Speaking only for myself, it doesn’t quite feel like home here anymore. Well, that isn’t the end of the world, I guess, but still it hurts a bit.

I will of course get over it, but not today or tomorrow.

This is just me talking.

GrandmaJ – that’s horrible. aren’t people using face book or email or something so that everyone is included?

Christy, thank you.

Switching gears, I read this morning that al-qaeda is perhaps planning to attack congress.

Do we get to watch?

Had to try the link again…

If at first you don’t suceed (or maybe it shoud be-if at first you do, don’t edit!

grandmaJ here again. I do not have an expensive laptop (am using another’s right now) or an expensive cell phone to communicate. We have seen and talked to a few people and no one mentioned anything.

nonplussed @ 209

TiredFed @ 189

but you just know they are fabulous.

Do be careful, this internationally famous shoe thief has been seen lurking in the area

I have no doubt that egregious could take her. would be fun to watch, though.

Battery going on this laptop. Gotta go.

ccmask @ 212

GrandmaJ here again. So,therewas a FDL breakast and they went to Chinatown last night. Speaking only for myself, it doesn’t quite feel like home here anymore. Well, that isn’t the end of the world, I guess, but still it hurts a bit.

I will of course get over it, but not today or tomorrow.

This is just me talking.

GrandmaJ,

I am heartbroken that you missed the breakfast. Between illness and busyness on this end, the breakfast didn’t get organized til the last minute.

I put a notice in the comments a few times including one immediately after a comment of yours so that YOU in particular would see it.

Then Thursday there was a Scarecrow update to a post announcing it, and a Friday morning room heads up. We really dropped the ball here and I promise we will get our act together before next year.

(((((((GrandmaJ, GrandmaJo, ccmask)))))))

solai @ 206

Sometimes I wish I didn’t care. I will be having some friends over later today. Of the 4, none will be aware of last night’s vote. None are neo-cons but neither are they politically active. They may even be shocked when I tell them but it won’t ruin their day. I, on the other hand, am sorry that I have this obligation. I’d rather sit here watching cspan and blogging. Their life is easier. But to quote Neil Young “How can you run when you know?”

We all have friends that “aren’t political” and their in lies the problem. Americans do not see themselves as citizen but merely consumers. In that they have become nothing more than subjects. In any authoritarian state citizens are to be feared, subjects to be subjegated.

With so many Dems. voting for this egregious piece of legislation you have to wonder if they were blackmailed. Or maybe the administration threatened to stage a terrorist attack. Yeah, I know it sounds like I need a tin foil hat but you just gotta wonder what the hell happened.

I’m so thoroughly disgusted I just don’t have words to express it.

I forgot to say…..LOVE JOHN DEAN.

Bluetoe @ 75

Zogby has Congressional approving dropping further. Who is surprised. The Republicans are the ones that will benefit because the Dems are unable to frame this as Republican obstructionism in the MSM.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200….._poll_dc_2

Some brunetter Colter wannabe on Bill O’ Last night (didn’t catch her name, very dumb, very pretty seemed to think a hot pink beaded cocktail dress was suitably professional for debating politics on TeeVee)
Said that the Zogby poll had Congress’s handling of the war at 3%.

I think the problem may lie i how these polls are framed. If the polled had asked “WHY” the voters are dissatisfied (ie. cause Congress haas not eneded the war?)

it might give the dems some useful info. I am always stunned by the amorphis way these questions are asked do the results often don’t yeild any actionable info and are so damn spinnable.

TiredFed @ 219

nonplussed @ 209

Do be careful, this internationally famous shoe thief has been seen lurking in the area

I have no doubt that egregious could take her. would be fun to watch, though.

Oh sure. Three years of karate. Green belt.

Did anyone in Chicago make it to the money meeting last night at the Plymouth Bar? Reps from the local foundations were there (MacArthur, Harris, etc.) with private philanthropists who had BIG OPEN CHECKBOOKS. I hope someone from FDL got wind and went.

solai @ 114

My rage is turning into despair.

we all run that cycle on a regular basis, eh?

that’s why we need eachother.

don’t give up.

when all else fails, stubborn is good ;->

Blub @ 107

Please tell me that there is some type of secret rhythm or reason to the apparent Senate cave-in to shrub on FISA. Is this outright capitulation to fearmongering or am I mssing some subtlety to our party’s strategy here?

It looks like the former. I was travelling all day yesterday, by car through 4 states. I made the same trip last week. Yesterday, there were military aircraft EVERYWHERE.

Not so, last week. It’s a goddamned cheap stunt and these idiots fell for it. Again.

Gee, I wonder how many of them got worried sounding phone calls in thier district offices inquiring about why the planes and chopper were flying so low over the houses?

jayt @ 115

Oklahoma kiddo @ 107

And then there’s this. All we need is Rudy to make the scene picture perfect.

AP – President Bush, who is still criticized for his administration’s sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina, says he will stand with Minnesota residents as they recover from this week’s bridge collapse.

Yes, I understand he sent Laura-bot. That oughta take care of it.

What with all the chaos and turmoil in the area from the accident itself, i’m stunned speechless that they would have the nerve to send laurabot, or any other secret-service-motorcade type deal into the area to stand there in pastel suits & ties, impeding search and rescue, not to mention “normal” traffic, which must surely be royally snarled already, even without the addition of the useless, self-serving motorcade! SHAME on boooosh & his missus! Idiotic, unthinking, inexcusable! Tell the leeches to stay home and watch the telly like NORMAL humans! /rant

Christy Hardin Smith @ 155

So, do you guys think I can get away with wearing thongs around the vast convention center today and just bringing my Louboutins with me to wear for my panel and the Presidential Forum? A silk wrap dress and some thongs would look okay, wouldn’t it? *g*

I’m having a rough day with my joints from lack of sleep, and I’m trying to be kind to my knees — so I think that’s what I’m going to do.

Oh, and have I mentioned lately how great it is to see Jane? She looks wonderful, btw… (Am running around the room with curlers in my stubborn hair trying to tame out the mass of frizz. SIGH)

most of us would kill to have redd “frizz” like yours. *g*

take care of those joints, dear gal.
them’s orders from headquarters! ;->

anangryoldbroad at 110

If you’re a single mother that may be part of being ostracized. My son and I were never accepted by the “family” community. (That was years ago. I can just imagine what it’s like now)

solai @ 206

So true. I run in to so many people who don’t have a clue. Sometimes I almost wish I could be like them – living their peaceful lives. Then I think yeah, they may be peaceful for now but when it dawns on them …

solai @ 206

Sometimes I wish I didn’t care. I will be having some friends over later today. Of the 4, none will be aware of last night’s vote. None are neo-cons but neither are they politically active. They may even be shocked when I tell them but it won’t ruin their day. I, on the other hand, am sorry that I have this obligation. I’d rather sit here watching cspan and blogging. Their life is easier. But to quote Neil Young “How can you run when you know?”

I know exactly how you feel. I have friends like that. Most people view any conversation that relates to politics as too volatile. So instead of delving into those topics, they avoid them so as not to ruin their evening. Or they just don’t see the necessity to care. We have been led to believe for many years in this country that our constitution and government is the best in the world and that it can weather any storm. People just don’t see the danger.