Morning, Christy

you are so right, Christy

Christy!

Was just thinking about the whole beltway political environment being just like schoolyard bullying this morning, myself…

Well, neither Snowe nor Collins come out of all this smelling particularly good. But Collins, now she’s a real wanker. *rolls eyes*

Good morning Christy!

What happened to principle? And what did Cheney do when he met with the Repub Senate caucus for lunch? Hypnosis? Threats? The evil eye? Morons & cowards.

Good Morning Christy,

please forgive me for the OT
Blackwater gets a reprieve

I’m still sick about the last couple of days. Don’t know what else to do other than keep fighting.

if you have time at your computer a lot of the local newspapers allow comments at the end of stories…it is well worth to post.

Gromit @ 6

What happened to principle? And what did Cheney do when he met with the Repub Senate caucus for lunch? Hypnosis? Threats? The evil eye? Morons & cowards.

Did ya see Hillary saying that one can always tell when Cheney has shown up at the Capitol from the puffed-uppery by the R’s? and then called him “Darth Vader”?

jayt @ 10

Gromit @ 6

What happened to principle? And what did Cheney do when he met with the Repub Senate caucus for lunch? Hypnosis? Threats? The evil eye? Morons & cowards.

Did ya see Hillary saying that one can always tell when Cheney has shown up at the Capitol from the puffed-uppery by the R’s? and then called him “Darth Vader”?

Heh. Any candidate who calls him Darth Vader gets some extra points. I love it.

Shorter Susan Collins: “OMG! I went to sleep with cute lil’ bunnies and woke up with demented weasels.”

jayt @ 10

Gromit @ 6

What happened to principle? And what did Cheney do when he met with the Repub Senate caucus for lunch? Hypnosis? Threats? The evil eye? Morons & cowards.

Did ya see Hillary saying that one can always tell when Cheney has shown up at the Capitol from the puffed-uppery by the R’s? and then called him “Darth Vader”?

Yeah, I just don’t understand why these guys still fall in line for BushCo. It’s political death for them to remain associated, but they do it anyway. What’s the deal?

Sometimes, you read something and just roll your eyes…this was one of those times for me. Talk about yer commitment to principles and the wishes of yer constituents…nope, it’s all about how things will look. Jeebus. Let’s all break into a round of Kate Smith (YouTube) this morning, shall we?

(Why yes, I did wake up a little cranky today. Why do you ask?)

Mad Dogs @ 12

Shorter Susan Collins: “OMG! I went to sleep with cute lil’ bunnies and woke up with demented weasels.”

Susan-of-The-Thin-Skin gets punked again.

awww…. bless her heart.

To me, this sounds like Susan Collins is always going to look for “cover” for what she does so that she doesn’t appear to be “out there all alone”. Huh? Does she think the citizens of the state of Maine WANT someone who wants to swim in the middle of the school of fish for protection? Doesn’t she have an independent thought in her head (forget I asked that – we know that she’s hiding behind Joe L’s skirts all the time)? I think the people of Maine deserve better – much, much better than this.

(Why yes, I did wake up a little cranky today. Why do you ask?)

Rut-Ro. (putting my OT on indefinite hold).

Was the real motivation for Snowe to change her vote not mentioned – the fact that she flip-flopped after she knew her vote would have no effect? Snowe is a poseur.

It sure puts Collins in a very bad light, though. I’ll bet Susan C. is even more angry after reading this article than she was about the incident. Can you imagine how pissed off she is now?

I wonder if Susan Collins watches this at all?
http://icasualties.org/oif/ByState.aspx
Maine has lost 20 people in Iraq.

Toby Wollin @ 16

To me, this sounds like Susan Collins is always going to look for “cover” for what she does so that she doesn’t appear to be “out there all alone”. Huh? Does she think the citizens of the state of Maine WANT someone who wants to swim in the middle of the school of fish for protection? Doesn’t she have an independent thought in her head (forget I asked that – we know that she’s hiding behind Joe L’s skirts all the time)? I think the people of Maine deserve better – much, much better than this.

I would think the people of Maine would want someone who doesn’t have such obvious anger management problems, for starters.

I’m struck by the fact that every mention of Collins I come across (here and elsewhere), she’s pissed off. Every time. Um. Yeah. Right.

Levin-Reed going down, I’m assuming, on CSpan 2

In my wildest fantasies, I imagine Snowe pulling a Jim Jeffers. Stranger things have happened.

Looks like somebody’s priming the pump for the release of more negative info on Ted Stevens, or leaking information to screw up his probable indictment. I predict his and Don Young’s political fundraising efforts are about to flatline.

The New Best Congress Money Can Buy….. If one does not know what one does not know, it takes a pretty enquiring mind to sit back and wonder if perhaps all one’s precepts, knowledge and perceptions are skewed. They in Congress are so steeped in bribery masquerading as lobbying, so steeped in a generic national life time of propaganda and so trained to be uncritical, that it is impossible for us to receive valid leadership. And then, only about 40% of us bother to vote, which pleases the manipulators a great deal.

OT, but………. It is a measure of ‘Their’ lack of knowledge, understanding and subtlety that Ahmedinejad is not allowed to put a wreath at the WTC site. How dumb of ‘Them’. It would have been a wonderfully subtle and Middle East balancing dig at the provider of most of the bombers, the Semitic Sa’udis if their great competitors in that territory, the Aryan Iranians had been permitted to lay a wreath. But then, if our Preznit insists on dumping the more subtle and cleverer members of the State Department for his own ilk, whaddya expect?

itwasntme @ 21

Levin-Reed going down, I’m assuming, on CSpan 2

Did you see our pal Liberslime give Larry Craig a welcome and a pat on the back?

None of these people have any incentive to take their jobs seriously. The voters on both sides of the aisle have nowhere else to go and they know it.

Collins, who is facing a potentially tough reelection battle next fall against Rep. Tom Allen (D-Maine), an antiwar liberal, was visibly angry, according to eyewitnesses in the chamber’s press gallery. She paced around the floor, confronting several members of the leadership….

somehow, I have a hard time imagining a pissed-off Susan Collins striking much fear into the R leadership anybody.

twolf1 @ 25

itwasntme @ 21

Levin-Reed going down, I’m assuming, on CSpan 2

Did you see our pal Liberslime give Larry Craig a welcome and a pat on the back?

“Aw hell, Larry, everybody hates me too – it ain’t so bad…”.

jayt @ 28

twolf1 @ 25

Did you see our pal Liberslime give Larry Craig a welcome and a pat on the back?

“Aw hell, Larry, everybody hates me too – it ain’t so bad…”.

“That was some impressive tapping yesterday afternoon Larry!”

Ed*ard Teller @ 23

Looks like somebody’s priming the pump for the release of more negative info on Ted Stevens, or leaking information to screw up his probable indictment. I predict his and Don Young’s political fundraising efforts are about to flatline.

Tsk tsk :)

Levin-Reed fails in Senate. Naturally.

jayt @ 28

twolf1 @ 25

Did you see our pal Liberslime give Larry Craig a welcome and a pat on the back?

“Aw hell, Larry, everybody hates me too – it ain’t so bad…”.

Glad I wasn’t drinking my coffee when I got to the end…

LOL Christy! Thanks so much for posting this. I pasted this quote from the article on my blog yesterday:

“As grown-ups, Snowe and Collins are moderate Republicans who though, as far as we know, don’t call every morning to see what the other is wearing, do usually coordinate votes on key issues. That is why Collins was steaming mad yesterday when Snowe, without warning, switched her vote to side with Democrats to restore habeas corpus rights for terrorism suspects.”

Aren’t we lucky here in Maine to have a couple of cat-fighting bozos representing us? It’s known that Olympia has never really been impressed with Collins.

A vote against Habeas Corpus means one is a traitor to America and our ideals. Well, Suzie-Q is sure sitting high up there on the traitor ladder! Wow. I can hardly see her. Anyone have a pair of binoculars?

Maunga@24

Well said.

maunga @ 24

OT, but………. It is a measure of ‘Their’ lack of knowledge, understanding and subtlety that Ahmedinejad is not allowed to put a wreath at the WTC site. How dumb of ‘Them’. It would have been a wonderfully subtle and Middle East balancing dig at the provider of most of the bombers, the Semitic Sa’udis if their great competitors in that territory, the Aryan Iranians had been permitted to lay a wreath. But then, if our Preznit insists on dumping the more subtle and cleverer members of the State Department for his own ilk, whaddya expect?

No subtleties needed for a slash and burn mind.

Toby Wollin @ 32

“Aw hell, Larry, everybody hates me too – it ain’t so bad…”.

Glad I wasn’t drinking my coffee when I got to the end…

Did Joe kiss Larry? He’s known to sometimes kiss on the floor of Congress. Was anyone watching their feet?

Would you believe that Collins & Snowe have never shoe-shopped together? I wouldn’t either.

Gromit says:
I just don’t understand why these guys still fall in line for BushCo. It’s political death for them to remain associated, but they do it anyway. What’s the deal?

Its not political suicide until the general election. Its still politically expedient for most R’s to go along with C Augustus for the primaries.

In some districts, R voters will vote for the looniest of the two Republican warmongers (cuz they make em feel safer).

Now when they get to the general election, its gonna be suicide. They will try to change their tunes, but it should be too late.

itwasntme @ 21

Levin-Reed going down, I’m assuming, on CSpan 2

I can accept to an extent the repeated mantra that “we don’t have the votes” but for me that is not an excuse for not bringing bills and amendments. I want these guys to keep going, keep going – at this point, it’s useful because it gets these votes on the record and tells us who we can trust. Makes me crazy though because many folks who think they know what’s going on don’t really pay attention to votes. I know that until I came to FDL, I never did.

(I would love to see a collection of statements like that, culled from these comment sections: “Until I found FDL, I….”.)

ET: Doesn’t the Daily News owe you a burger? What I’m not reading in that paper is amazing . . .

Rep Peter King (R-Klan NY) stated there are too many mosques in America and they are breeding hate

King a frequent hatespeaker for the Plunger was defended by the Plunger who said he has done a lot of studies on America muslims and hate and King is right

Shouldn’t he be sharing that information with the FBI
which seems to have a very different take on the matter

I think the media coverage of the moveon story should erase any doubt that they are in the tank with Shrub

and what is that thing Snow is wearing on her head?

hearing update! there is a live stream for the webcast of this hearing – starting in 3 minutes.

there’s a whistle blower hearing this morning on blackwater (dorgan’s DPC committee, at 10:30am). jeremey scahill is testifying, but i don’t know the names of the whistle blowers yet.

good news! thanks to jayt for the heads up (he heard about this hearing yesterday on washington journal).

Brings to mind the two following aphorisms:

1. The definition of Hollywood: High School with money;

2. The definition of Washington: Hollywood for ugly people.

Levin-Reed fails 47-47.

Reid still has the Defense Appropriations Bill in his pocket, right?

He should keep it there – and if it is brought up for a vote, make the R’s do it. Then use the 60-vote bill-bomb on *them*.

hackworth @ 38

Gromit says:
I just don’t understand why these guys still fall in line for BushCo. It’s political death for them to remain associated, but they do it anyway. What’s the deal?

Its not political suicide until the general election. Its still politically expedient for most R’s to go along with C Augustus for the primaries.

In some districts, R voters will vote for the looniest of the two Republican warmongers (cuz they make em feel safer).

Now when they get to the general election, its gonna be suicide. They will try to change their tunes, but it should be too late.

I’m going back to a question that was raised in a former thread(I think) which is what has Cheney done in this recent luncheon? What pressure has he brought to bear? What threats? Personally, I think it all revolves around, “vote with the Administration or I’ll make sure the GOP does Not give you a dime for your next election.” Just a thought.

Well, nothing very surprising here. The Rethugs have already stated that they will not allow one decent effort to accomplish good legislation to go thru if it puts a win on the Dem’s side. So Susan Collins was just doing what was expected of her, what she will always do when push comes to shove, she will vote her party’s line. So will Snowe when it matters.

OT, but I finally located transcripts from a Center for American Progress show I was very impressed with some weeks ago. Here is a link to the site so that y’all can read the transcripts. But just to whet your appetite, here is an example of the discussion:

REP. EDWARDS: Has it ever occurred to you – I’m sure it has, Mort, to you – that while the 435 elected members of the House and the 100 elected members of the Senate chosen by the American people to represent them and having taken an oath of office to uphold the Constitution are not able to get this information, the information that they are denied is known to perhaps thousands of people who work in the various agencies of the federal government of the executive branch. So you know, these are the closely held secrets that people all through the defense, intelligence agencies, the Defense Department, you know, the White House have. For the Congress to put up with that absolute nonsense is annoying as hell. (Laughter.)

Now, what do you do about it? I mean, first of all, I don’t have a problem if the decision is made to share only with certain members of the legislative branch. That’s a decision that Congress can make. But look, if you ask the executive branch for information and they don’t give it, then they don’t get what they want. I mean, it’s that simple. (Laughter.) How is that complicated? You say, “We want this information.” They say, “We won’t give it to you.” Say, “Okay, we won’t appropriate the money for X and we won’t then appropriate the money for Y. If that didn’t get your attention, we won’t appropriate the money for Z and we’re going to issue subpoenas and we’re going to require you to – you know, we’ll send this – if you can’t get the FBI to enforce our subpoenas, we’ll send the sergeant at arms of the House to enforce our subpoenas. I mean, this isn’t the equal branch of government. The executive branch has no authority to say, we will not give you the information you need, you know, and for the Congress to say, okay, well, gosh, we can’t do anything. Would you please give it to us? I mean, you know, it’s absurd. (Laughter.)

It gets even better as it goes on. Also, it is notable that the man who said this is a former Republican Representative. You can see his full pedigree on the website along with the transcripts, which are listed under “Resources.” The full name of the program was “FISA: Safeguarding Both Security and Freedom”
Restoring Checks and Balances.

OT with apologies

selise? you here?

i left a little comment/answer downstairs at #125.

thanks for your correction. do you know where i could look up the actual vote tally on the MoveOn ad slap-doodle-condemtarnation?

Thanks (from a Maine resident) for posting this, Christy! It’s hard to figure out which one of them was slimier here. But Collins actually voted against habeas, so I think I’ll try a letter to the Bangor Daily News about her.

Incidentally (OT a little), in 1996 she promised to only serve for two terms, which she’s done already, and there was an article the other day about it. Her excuse for running a third time is that she didn’t realize how important seniority was, at the time.

OT – my favorite headline (heh) of the day, from the IndyStar:

$2.1M Gift gives Carmel Lice-fighters Head Start.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/p…..S/70921001

As soon as I read here at FDL that Snowe changed her vote, I knew it was b/c it would not change the outcome and Snowe could say she supports the troops, OR-well, she supported them after she didn’t support them.

Our county Democratic Party last night voted to support a resolution supporting MoveOn and the right of free speech.

Dems are angry. One woman said she told the national party to take her name off their call list (they called yesterday for money) and not to call her again until the Democrats stand up.

Toby Wollin says
I’m going back to a question that was raised in a former thread(I think) which is what has Cheney done in this recent luncheon? What pressure has he brought to bear? What threats? Personally, I think it all revolves around, “vote with the Administration or I’ll make sure the GOP does Not give you a dime for your next election.” Just a thought.

I think that’s exactly what he did. If they don’t toe the line, there is another vacuous, unprincipled R whore to ready to step in for a primary run.

This looks quotable
“Overstretched and Under Strain: Bush Administration Mismanagement of Our Military Leaves Us Less Capable of Responding to Threats at Home and Around the World

September 19, 2007″

http://democrats.senate.gov/dp…..-110-1-146

I still don’t understand why Snowe didn’t have a rougher time getting re-elected. I know that New Englanders usually elect Senators for life, but the people of Maine really should know better.

Suzi C, you ignorant slut!

You reap what you sow, dumbass!

Ahgoo @ 40

ET: Doesn’t the Daily News owe you a burger? What I’m not reading in that paper is amazing . . .

It isn’t the ADN that owes me a burger, it is the Editor Pat Dougherty. I’ve been writing about the Alaska press’s shortcomings in regard to investigating some clearly obvious leads for a long time. I’ve sort of become a thorn in Pat’s side, but I have a lot of friends who work at the Anchorage Daily News.

Reporters at most Anchorage news outlets have many stories of being shunted off of a hot political corruption story by their editors or station managers.

My favorite example of something along these lines was last October. As Don Young snuck in a backstage door for his one and only scheduled joint campaign appearance with Diane Benson, his chief of staff shoved an elderly woman in her late 70s holding a Diane Benson sign off of the stairs and over the railing. She ended up in the hospital. A Channel 11 TV news reporter was standing next to me, videoing the incident.

He said “Jeezuz! Now THAT’S a money shot!” It never showed on TV.

Lots of senate votes this week- most didn’t really have a chance in hell- and HAD they passed the 60 vote mark- they would have been vetoed anyway.. It’s all meaningless bullshit in my opinion- without 67 votes, nothin is going to happen about the war or anything else…

Dems are stymied- about all they can do is to orchestrate the votes for maximum political impact. Don’t know if they are accomplishing that or not.

Nothing is going to happen about Iraq until this odius asshole leaves the White House- and if he’s followed by a gooper- nothin will happen AFTER the election.

Adie @ 47

OT with apologies

selise? you here?

i left a little comment/answer downstairs at #125.

thanks for your correction. do you know where i could look up the actual vote tally on the MoveOn ad slap-doodle-condemtarnation?

got it and replied – thank you.

here are the roll call votes for the two amendments that condemned moveon, Cornyn Amdt. No. 2934 and Boxer Amdt. No. 2947

ET at 55 — Good lord! Now THAT is a letter to the editor in waiting for a competing news organization. *G* (Oh, except you don’t really have those, do you, because they all do CYA for each other…SIGH)

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

OT: I’ve been thinking about what McConnell said and of the FISA law being violated. Here is what I think is at the heart of the situation. I believe that the technology they keep referring to is the existence of surveillance “bugs” already built into the actual cell phones. That means that the FISA warrant requirements are moot, because they are always in violation of the law. They cannot get a warrant within the required time 72 hours after placing the bug, because it is always already there. It also means that most cell phones possessed by members of Congress, contain the technology; as well as the rest of the population. Since the monitoring of communications overseas from overseas does not violate the law, the monitoring of overseas targets routed through the US does; and it is always in violation, because it is already technically in place. Monitoring US targets to US targets specifically, requires a warrant; but if the technology is already always there and all calls are routed through the same sources; admitting that violates the law, all the time. That is why they need immunity, because the whole country could sue them all.

Hearing on and loud and clear.
So after the hearing…then what?

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

Adie @ 47

OT with apologies

selise? you here?

i left a little comment/answer downstairs at #125.

thanks for your correction on the MoveOn ad vote slap-doodle-condemtarnation?

Update: I just found your roll call list wayyy way downstairs.

Sherrod Brown did indeed vote AGAINST the condemnation of MoveON, as did Russ Feingold.

Thanks Christy, and a special thank you to selise from this lurking hearing junkie.
(((((selise)))))
Good start by Dorgan. This is gonna be juicy.

Why is C-Span still reporting Liarman as an “I”?

Didn’t he re-register as a democrat the other day?

Brownback up now approvingly showing a map of how the Ottoman Empire handled the Iraq sectarian problem. Yeah, Sam let’s go back to that. Progress with a very small “p”.

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

Thank you!!

Christy Hardin Smith @ 58

ET at 55 — Good lord! Now THAT is a letter to the editor in waiting for a competing news organization. *G* (Oh, except you don’t really have those, do you, because they all do CYA for each other…SIGH)

If Pat pays up, I’ll freeze the milkshake and send it to you, ’cause you, Jane and Marcy are my constant inspiration when I get in the old muckraking mode.

Christy -

If anyone gets info wrt recent increases in membership/donations to MoveOn could y’all be sure it gets prominent notice in a post vs. a comment?

This is probably not data the organization will release publically but it sure would be fun to see.

Apologies for bringing it up on this thread but was late to Scarecrow’s most excellent posts; assume it is you and Jane who would make that decision anyway.

zennurse @ 62

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

This is how they react in general to offers of reconciliation and peace. War makes more money for their colleagues.

“ottoman empire”

That sounds interesting- what did they do?

I am still having my cuppa coffee and am still steaming mad at those 22 cowardly democrats. I have donated to NotOneRedCent and I will fight back!

zennurse @ 62

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

Even Bush hasn’t said that Ahmadinejad had anything to do with 9/11 so why not let him place a wreath. I think it’s a stupid move.

Blackwater just keeps moving. Iraq cant stop them and Bushco doesn’t care. Sovereign Government…not
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories…..4603.shtml

Ed*ard Teller @ 55

Ahgoo @ 40

ET: Doesn’t the Daily News owe you a burger? What I’m not reading in that paper is amazing . . .

It isn’t the ADN that owes me a burger, it is the Editor Pat Dougherty. I’ve been writing about the Alaska press’s shortcomings in regard to investigating some clearly obvious leads for a long time. I’ve sort of become a thorn in Pat’s side, but I have a lot of friends who work at the Anchorage Daily News.

Reporters at most Anchorage news outlets have many stories of being shunted off of a hot political corruption story by their editors or station managers.

My favorite example of something along these lines was last October. As Don Young snuck in a backstage door for his one and only scheduled joint campaign appearance with Diane Benson, his chief of staff shoved an elderly woman in her late 70s holding a Diane Benson sign off of the stairs and over the railing. She ended up in the hospital. A Channel 11 TV news reporter was standing next to me, videoing the incident.

He said “Jeezuz! Now THAT’S a money shot!” It never showed on TV.

That’s a nicely written piece, Ed. Is Insurgent 49 an online only publication? It seems that most of the MSM is totally corrupt.

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

Frank Probst @ 53

I still don’t understand why Snowe didn’t have a rougher time getting re-elected. I know that New Englanders usually elect Senators for life, but the people of Maine really should know better.

She’s very good at doing her “homework”, ie doing local things for people, and she projects an image of being a “nice, caring” type person. Once you’re in that position, people are very hesitant about replacing you, unless you screw up big time, in ways that effect them directly. “All politics is local”, after all!

rwcole @ 70

“ottoman empire”

That sounds interesting- what did they do?

Broke Iraq into three separate entities.

kdh22 @ 54

Suzi C, you ignorant slut!

You reap what you sow, dumbass!

ouch! I want ALL the Suzi-clones outta the Senate ASAP too, but egads, man. u have a nice day too, y’hear?!

[YEAH! I’m just as white-hot angry as you right now, but… nevermind. Don’t hold anything in if it’ll esplode yer headbone… i guess.]

Adie @ 63

Sherrod Brown did indeed vote AGAINST the condemnation of MoveON, as did Russ Feingold.

sorry, that’s just not so.

they both voted against condemning moveon via the cornyn amendment.

only feingold voted against condemning moveon via the boxer amendment (brown voted yes).

Thanks selise. You’re speedy as well as kind ;->

I simply cannot keep up with the speed of this place lately. Might just as well go out and thin carrots, sigh. But it’s fascinating.

*sneaks back to lurk*

At least half of the Diane Rehm show focused on the Move on Ad. They did not address the Iraqi refugees, they did not focus on Iaea’s El Baradei efforts to clarify the situation in Iran, not on the Webb Amendment failing, not on the Blackwater crimes, not on Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iran not on etc etc

Some discussion on Jena 6

LS @ 60

OT: I’ve been thinking about what McConnell said and of the FISA law being violated. Here is what I think is at the heart of the situation. I believe that the technology they keep referring to is the existence of surveillance “bugs” already built into the actual cell phones. That means that the FISA warrant requirements are moot, because they are always in violation of the law. They cannot get a warrant within the required time 72 hours after placing the bug, because it is always already there. It also means that most cell phones possessed by members of Congress, contain the technology; as well as the rest of the population. Since the monitoring of communications overseas from overseas does not violate the law, the monitoring of overseas targets routed through the US does; and it is always in violation, because it is already technically in place. Monitoring US targets to US targets specifically, requires a warrant; but if the technology is already always there and all calls are routed through the same sources; admitting that violates the law, all the time. That is why they need immunity, because the whole country could sue them all.

I think you are right. Others have said that for illegal spying for the govt, the govt will have to pay any judgments. What the telecoms are afraid of, is all of the illegal data mining they have been doing on their customers for business reasons. If that comes out at trial they are screwed. One of the major reasons reasons that Ed Gillespie is in the WH is to fix that problem.

Adie @ 78

kdh22 @ 54

Suzi C, you ignorant slut!

You reap what you sow, dumbass!

ouch! I want ALL the Suzi-clones outta the Senate ASAP too, but egads, man. u have a nice day too, y’hear?!

[YEAH! I’m just as white-hot angry as you right now, but… nevermind. Don’t hold anything in if it’ll esplode yer headbone… i guess.]

I’m not really angry. Suzi C’s reaction to Snowe’s calculated defection was totally expected. Suzi’s one of those girls that can’t go to the ladies room by herself.

However, I have found that letting my frustration out is much better for my health. So, I need to say thanks to Jane and FDL for that release.

(((((Jane & FDL)))))

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

this one has large potential…

Selise thank you for linking the hearing on Blackwater with Scahill

http://democrats.senate.gov/dpc/

Adie @ 80 –

like i said, the only way i have a chance of figuring this stuff out is when we work together. don’t hesitate to call bs on me – more often than not, you’ll probably be right! *g*

Waccamaw @ 75

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

yeah and realaudio suxit :’(

hackworth @ 74

That’s a nicely written piece, Ed. Is Insurgent 49 an online only publication? It seems that most of the MSM is totally corrupt.

They folded in May. Liberal blogging and activist progressive online journalism in Alaska are in their infancy. White supremacist, nativist and Christofascist sites are plentiful, though.

Waccamaw @ 75

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening

statements. webb up now.

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

That is rather odd that C-Span is not taping this hearing

Waccamaw @ 75

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

severe disappointment

Scahill up

zennurse @ 62

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

Well………… I offered something at # 24, above.

Steve-AR @ 82

LS @ 60

OT: I’ve been thinking about what McConnell said and of the FISA law being violated. Here is what I think is at the heart of the situation. I believe that the technology they keep referring to is the existence of surveillance “bugs” already built into the actual cell phones. That means that the FISA warrant requirements are moot, because they are always in violation of the law. They cannot get a warrant within the required time 72 hours after placing the bug, because it is always already there. It also means that most cell phones possessed by members of Congress, contain the technology; as well as the rest of the population. Since the monitoring of communications overseas from overseas does not violate the law, the monitoring of overseas targets routed through the US does; and it is always in violation, because it is already technically in place. Monitoring US targets to US targets specifically, requires a warrant; but if the technology is already always there and all calls are routed through the same sources; admitting that violates the law, all the time. That is why they need immunity, because the whole country could sue them all.

I think you are right. Others have said that for illegal spying for the govt, the govt will have to pay any judgments. What the telecoms are afraid of, is all of the illegal data mining they have been doing on their customers for business reasons. If that comes out at trial they are screwed. One of the major reasons reasons that Ed Gillespie is in the WH is to fix that problem.

I can easily imagine that Ashcroft and Comey did not want to certify such a program. The fact that eventually it was supposedly certified, may be because they were told that warrants would be honored if the targets were inside the US, but I don’t believe they were told the truth about the technology. They can listen in via your cell phone, even when it is off. That technology exists. I think that Bolten got intercepts of Congressmen who were overseas, meeting with leaders of other countries and were spied on. This is a huge, huge scandal. Congress must not grant immunity or they can never be brought to justice when/if the truth ever comes out.

Waccamaw @ 75

selise @ 59

DPC committee hearing on blackwater and whistleblowers.

dorgan and reid just made their opening statements. webb up now.

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

i called c-span yesterday to request they cover it.. at the time they told me that they were thinking about it. this morning when i called they said they wouldn’t even have a camera there (for later showing). guess they thought there was someplace else more important to have their camera. i hear rice is having a presser. :(

the DPC will have their video up on their archive (thank goodness!). and i’m recording the audio.

LS @ 93

Steve-AR @ 82

I think you are right. Others have said that for illegal spying for the govt, the govt will have to pay any judgments. What the telecoms are afraid of, is all of the illegal data mining they have been doing on their customers for business reasons. If that comes out at trial they are screwed. One of the major reasons reasons that Ed Gillespie is in the WH is to fix that problem.

I can easily imagine that Ashcroft and Comey did not want to certify such a program. The fact that eventually it was supposedly certified, may be because they were told that warrants would be honored if the targets were inside the US, but I don’t believe they were told the truth about the technology. They can listen in via your cell phone, even when it is off. That technology exists. I think that Bolten got intercepts of Congressmen who were overseas, meeting with leaders of other countries and were spied on. This is a huge, huge scandal. Congress must not grant immunity or they can never be brought to justice when/if the truth ever comes out.

I’m not holding my breath LS
but in yesterday’s hearing, and I forget which Dem Rep it was, sounded all willing to give immunity but wanted to know what the immunity was for.

I’m not hopeful.

I reserve my right for redress, btw.

Ed*ard Teller @ 88

hackworth @ 74

That’s a nicely written piece, Ed. Is Insurgent 49 an online only publication? It seems that most of the MSM is totally corrupt.

They folded in May. Liberal blogging and activist progressive online journalism in Alaska are in their infancy. White supremacist, nativist and Christofascist sites are plentiful, though.

Rather paradoxical that so many Alaska voters support the R’s and their assault on Alaska’s wilderness. Must be the gun thing (the NRA), the bogus smaller government diatribe, and the pulling up by the bootstraps that inspire Neanderthal appeal.

Sorry to be off topic but I just took the time to jump in the time machine back to Jan 20, 2001 to read Dubya’s inaugural address. What a piece of work viewed through the lens of 2007. Some eye openers….

“And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity.”

Where is is magical nation of which you spoke?

“Some seem to believe that our politics can afford to be petty because, in a time of peace, the stakes of our debates appear small.”

Now a classic Bushism “Some seem to believe…” Who are these people you so often speak of that are so fond of saying retarded things? And why do you insist on quoting them?

“Our national courage has been clear in times of depression and war, when defending common dangers defined our common good. Now we must choose if the example of our fathers and mothers will inspire us or condemn us. We must show courage in a time of blessing by confronting problems instead of passing them on to future generations”

Translation, get ready for some war making people, I got some bones to pick!

“Together, we will reclaim America’s schools, before ignorance and apathy claim more young lives.”

Wow. Ignorance and apathy could be the title of your autobiography.

“We will build our defenses beyond challenge, lest weakness invite challenge.

We will confront weapons of mass destruction, so that a new century is spared new horrors.”

We will, however, ignore any actual challenges presented to us in our daily briefings.

WMD. Did he really blow this horn 30 seconds into office? Thanks for a horror free new century too!

“Government has great responsibilities for public safety and public health, for civil rights and common schools. Yet compassion is the work of a nation, not just a government.”

Since I’ve never really been the responsible type, prepare for monumental failures in each of these areas.

“Many in our country do not know the pain of poverty, but we can listen to those who do.”

Odds are good that if you didn’t know one of these people to “listen” to, you are now one of them and someone can “listen” to you.

“America, at its best, is a place where personal responsibility is valued and expected.”

So by your own definition, America is now at it’s absolute worst. I thought so. Nice job!

“After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: “We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?’”

Translation: It’s okay that I’m stupid and week, ’cause God is on my side.

Jefferson response to Page: “Are ye drinking again John”

“Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration. The years and changes accumulate. But the themes of this day he would know: our nation’s grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.”

Dude? Jefferson would have been shiting himself with rage had he seen a unelected President seated by an illegal Supreme Court decision.

“This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.”

Lucifer was an angel.

Since yeasterday I have been wondering what happened to the Mandelas in the Republican party.
Now I know. They never got out of junior high.

selise @ 94

the DPC will have their video up on their archive (thank goodness!). and i’m recording the audio.

your ace!

We have endlessly been hearing from the Bush administration and our Reps. say the Iraqi government needs “to step up to the plate, take responsibility for your government” etc etc.

Then when the Iraqi government tells Blackwater get out of Iraq for your 7 deadly incidents …the Bush administration and our Reps undermine the Iraqi government’s demands.

What f–ing hypocrisy!

Scahill is ripping a new hole in the bubble around this immoral and criminal war

maunga @ 92

zennurse @ 62

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

Well………… I offered something at # 24, above.

Iran had nothing to do with 9/11. Who refused?

Why can’t he just go.

Clusterfuck continues to hang on to existanc by pushing his proposed greatness off into the future- “We’re makin progress- we’re makin good time- we’ll be kickin ass soon”

That act has run out of track…I see the end of the line- and we’ve got nothin in our victory bag but a ton of bullshit.

Welcome to hell Mr. President- the hell constructed out of your own ignorance- your own incompetence- your own lack of attention to detail- your own absurd faith in things that will never be..Welcome to HELL.

selise @ 94

Waccamaw @ 75

Can’t believe C-Span isn’t taping this for future showing. :-(

i called c-span yesterday to request they cover it.. at the time they told me that they were thinking about it. this morning when i called they said they wouldn’t even have a camera there (for later showing). guess they thought there was someplace else more important to have their camera. i hear rice is having a presser. :(

the DPC will have their video up on their archive (thank goodness!). and i’m recording the audio.

C-Span *does* apparently have enough equipment to vid tape some NRA cr*pola. :-(

maunga @ 92

Well………… I offered something at # 24, above.

Who cares.

selise @ 79

sorry, that’s just not so.

they both voted against condemning moveon via the cornyn amendment.

only feingold voted against condemning moveon via the boxer amendment (brown voted yes).

now see?! told ya a couldn’t keep up. DANG.

I watched Boxer furious in mid-rant with her amendment, & even winced when I heard her grump about the ad. Never did have time to get the gist of her amendment. different shades of gray….

I suspect Boxer and Brown are both on the same page thinking the ad was more “over the top” than it should have been.
Feingold is a real purist, with tremendous courage. for that, he’d probably never be elected president. And that’s a real shame, tho it’s a joy to have him in the Senate.

We’re both solidly progressive/liberal in this house. Hubby thinks the ad was too extreme. I’m delighted it caused enough of a stir that it shed more light on the underlying issues.

I think i’ve got it all straight now.
Thanks again selise, and apologies for OT, pups…

Nick’s is another great opening statement!

I want to see a transcript

Steve-AR @ 82

LS @ 60

OT: I’ve been thinking about what McConnell said and of the FISA law being violated. Here is what I think is at the heart of the situation. I believe that the technology they keep referring to is the existence of surveillance “bugs” already built into the actual cell phones. That means that the FISA warrant requirements are moot, because they are always in violation of the law. They cannot get a warrant within the required time 72 hours after placing the bug, because it is always already there. It also means that most cell phones possessed by members of Congress, contain the technology; as well as the rest of the population. Since the monitoring of communications overseas from overseas does not violate the law, the monitoring of overseas targets routed through the US does; and it is always in violation, because it is already technically in place. Monitoring US targets to US targets specifically, requires a warrant; but if the technology is already always there and all calls are routed through the same sources; admitting that violates the law, all the time. That is why they need immunity, because the whole country could sue them all.

I think you are right. Others have said that for illegal spying for the govt, the govt will have to pay any judgments. What the telecoms are afraid of, is all of the illegal data mining they have been doing on their customers for business reasons. If that comes out at trial they are screwed. One of the major reasons reasons that Ed Gillespie is in the WH is to fix that problem.

Can someone explain this to me? I am aware that cell phone LOCATIONS can be tracked, but I’d like to know more (link please) about this technology in the phone that allows conversations to monitored, even if the phone is turned off. That is scary stuff.

Collins had better wake-up, soon.

Stevens in Flames – clearly not politically survivable:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITI…..index.html

egregious @ 69

zennurse @ 62

I’m wondering what folks think about Ahmadinejad’s request to visit ground Zero and offer a wreath as well as the refusal to allow it?

This is how they react in general to offers of reconciliation and peace. War makes more money for their colleagues.

Flynnt Leverett (middle east expert who quit the Bush administration before the invasion) over at New America Foundation has stated that Iran has on numerous occasion Iran has tried to meet with and negotiate with the US.

How in the hell can they keep him from placing a wreath?

really

no spine or too much spine

I pick too much and a big fu to bigot buchanan

raven @ 104

kathleen @ 101

Who cares.

I did not say who cares. Why did you put my name on that Raven ?

97 days in solitary!

Mr. Vance’s testimony was frightening

kdh 22

Suzi’s one of those girls that can’t go to the ladies room by herself.

AH! Perfect! Glad ta hear hear it’s controlled sputter.

you’re quite eloquent when you’re not angry, you know.

LOL

Elliott @ 106

Nick’s is another great opening statement!

I want to see a transcript

DPC posts their transcripts in their archive.

From what you have seen or heard about the situation in Iraq, what should the United States do now? Should the U.S. increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, keep the same number of U.S. troops in Iraq as there are now, decrease the number of troops in Iraq, or remove all its troops from Iraq?”

.

Increase Same Number Decrease Remove All Unsure
% % % % %
9/14-16/07
6 21 39 29 5

6% of americans want Clustefuck to send MORE troops to Iraq–21% think that the number is just fine–39 percent want a reduction- and 29% want em all taken out…

That’s how america views Iraq according to CBS.

I can easily imagine that Ashcroft and Comey did not want to certify such a program. The fact that eventually it was supposedly certified, may be because they were told that warrants would be honored if the targets were inside the US, but I don’t believe they were told the truth about the technology. They can listen in via your cell phone, even when it is off. That technology exists. I think that Bolten got intercepts of Congressmen who were overseas, meeting with leaders of other countries and were spied on. This is a huge, huge scandal. Congress must not grant immunity or they can never be brought to justice when/if the truth ever comes out.

Let’s get back to OJ and not worry ourselves about such trivial matters.

You would think these Senators would be fuming. I can’t believe Reid calmly asked “were you physically tortured” as if the psychological torture Mr. Vance had been subjected to was not horrifying enough.

OT..

BAGHDAD (AP) – American convoys under the protection of Blackwater USA resumed today, four days after the U.S. Embassy suspended all land travel by its diplomats and other civilian officials in response to the alleged killing of civilians by the security firm.
(snip)

link

selise @ 115

Elliott @ 106

Nick’s is another great opening statement!

I want to see a transcript

DPC posts their transcripts in their archive.

selise
thank you!

Blackwater was forced to promise not to kill anyone who doesn’t need killing.

OK, found this.
http://www.news.com/FBI-taps-c…..40191.html

What they are doing is that..
“The U.S. Commerce Department’s security office warns that “a cellular telephone can be turned into a microphone and transmitter for the purpose of listening to conversations in the vicinity of the phone.” An article in the Financial Times last year said mobile providers can “remotely install a piece of software on to any handset, without the owner’s knowledge, which will activate the microphone even when its owner is not making a call.”
I realize that perhaps this sounds like splitting hairs (or hares) on this, but it sounds as if what they are saying is NOT that cell phones have a bug built into them already (as if the feds have ordered all cell phones sold in the US to be “monitor-able”, but that in the right hands, they can turn a cell phone into a listening device. Now, if these hearings can show that members of Congress have been monitored in this way, well, THAT is the hook to hang them with for sure.

Is anyone else crying at the whistleblowers testimony? I cant stand what my country is doing

Gromit @ 6

What happened to principle? And what did Cheney do when he met with the Repub Senate caucus for lunch? Hypnosis? Threats? The evil eye? Morons & cowards.

I was not invited to the luncheon but my guess would be that he told them a vote to restore habeas corpus was a vote for Osama bin Laden.

raven @ 104

kathleen @ 101

Who cares.

I would like the moderator to note that Raven has posted something I did not say under my name. Please take note. Thanks

this has been another glimpse into the rarified world of The Plastics.

snowbird42 @ 123

Is anyone else crying at the whistleblowers testimony? I cant stand what my country is doing

yes. don’t know what i’d do without the moral support of other firepups. this is very hard to listen to.

rwcole @ 121

Blackwater was forced to promise not to kill anyone who doesn’t need killing.

That is rather vague. Why weren’t they forced to sign up to oversight and prosecution for their actions?

Iraq is learning that democracies, even fake ones, must submit to he will of the mega-corporations.

-GSD

Meanwhile Vicente Fox drops another bombshell. Bush is afraid of horses.

So we had the media pushing themes that Americans would like to have a drink with a dry drunk who doesn’t drink and liked the down home cowboy charm of a man who’s afraid of horses.

Meanwhile the media is asking Sen. Clinton if she’s a lesbian.

selise @ 127

snowbird42 @ 123

Is anyone else crying at the whistleblowers testimony? I cant stand what my country is doing

yes. don’t know what i’d do without the moral support of other firepups. this is very hard to listen to.

Guess I’ll have to wait on the transcripts – can’t access at work.

Webb asked about Blackwater in NOLA!

I’m sure this point has been made before but has anyone else noticed how much “Election” actually foreshadowed the 2000 election?

Kathleen – Raven’s error fixed. Hard refresh.

hackworth @ 96

Rather paradoxical that so many Alaska voters support the R’s and their assault on Alaska’s wilderness. Must be the gun thing (the NRA), the bogus smaller government diatribe, and the pulling up by the bootstraps that inspire Neanderthal appeal.

I’ve seen knowledge trump ignorance in the past, and hope to see it again.

When I first came to Alaska in 1973, I fished commercially out of Cordova. At the time, the fishermen were starting what became the largest fishermen-controlled hatchery system in the world, the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation. I volunteered and worked for them during the startup. I saw about 700 commercial fishers converted from people ignorant of how a holistic cycle works, turned into concerned members of a complex operation. I sat through UA extension courses on aquaculture next to men who had earlier been willing to totally rape a creek to get every last fish into his boat’s hold. Once they understood, the fishery was transformed. People began looking at their fish as a potential value-added product the second it entered their net, and began to think more long-range in terms of the fishery.

Your basic Alaska hunter who live in an urban or suburban setting, doesn’t understand habitat and life cycles. If they could be educated more fully, I believe they’d reject a lot of the Neanderthal non-logic of the existing hunting, motorhead and gun-nut organizations.

Toby Wollin @ 107

Steve-AR @ 82

(snip)
I think you are right. Others have said that for illegal spying for the govt, the govt will have to pay any judgments. What the telecoms are afraid of, is all of the illegal data mining they have been doing on their customers for business reasons. If that comes out at trial they are screwed. One of the major reasons reasons that Ed Gillespie is in the WH is to fix that problem.

Can someone explain this to me? I am aware that cell phone LOCATIONS can be tracked, but I’d like to know more (link please) about this technology in the phone that allows conversations to monitored, even if the phone is turned off. That is scary stuff.

The surveillance technique came to light in an opinion published this week by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan. He ruled that the “roving bug” was legal because federal wiretapping law is broad enough to permit eavesdropping even of conversations that take place near a suspect’s cell phone.

Kaplan’s opinion said that the eavesdropping technique “functioned whether the phone was powered on or off.” Some handsets can’t be fully powered down without removing the battery; for instance, some Nokia models will wake up when turned off if an alarm is set.
(snip)

link

The Lurking Mod @ 133

Kathleen – Raven’s error fixed. Hard refresh.

Thank you..I sure hope it was an “error”

kathleen at 81—on fridays, the diane rehm show is national for the first hour, then international the second hour………..they are addressing many of the things you mentioned in the second hour.

it used to be friday news round-up for all subjects for one hour, the format was expanded a while back to give time for national and international, respectively.

Selise where do you think we will be able to go to tap into this hearing again?

Ed*ard Teller @ 134

When I first came to Alaska in 1973, I fished commercially out of Cordova. At the time, the fishermen were starting what became the largest fishermen-controlled hatchery system in the world, the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation. I volunteered and worked for them during the startup. I saw about 700 commercial fishers converted from people ignorant of how a holistic cycle works, turned into concerned members of a complex operation. I sat through UA extension courses on aquaculture next to men who had earlier been willing to totally rape a creek to get every last fish into his boat’s hold. Once they understood, the fishery was transformed. People began looking at their fish as a potential value-added product the second it entered their net, and began to think more long-range in terms of the fishery.

Cool Ed. No wonder you like your salmon so much :)

dmac @ 137

kathleen at 81—on fridays, the diane rehm show is national for the first hour, then international the second hour………..they are addressing many of the things you mentioned in the second hour.

it used to be friday news round-up for all subjects for one hour, the format was expanded a while back to give time for national and international, respectively.

Yes I listen quite frequently and thanks for reminding me of the second hour

Fresh thread up and running for everyone…

Folks, it has been a really long week for everyone this week. Let’s try and keep the sniping at each other down to a low roar, shall we?

http://www.pollster.com/blogs/word_association.php

Link to a recent poll on presidential candidates..

People think that Hillary is tough and smart- but not friendly–don’t know if that means that they don’t like her or only that she’s VERY serious.

kathleen @ 138

Selise where do you think we will be able to go to tap into this hearing again?

i don’t understand what you’re asking..?

Finally a response to my phone call regarding the FISA vote before the August recess…this, after his aide told me if I didn’t think the legislative update was vital to national security, I was “delusional”:

“Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Having the benefit of your views is important, and I appreciate you sharing them with me.

I remain respectfully yours,

JOHN CAMPBELL
Member of Congress”

gotta get some coffee… back in a few.

selise @ 144

kathleen @ 138

Selise where do you think we will be able to go to tap into this hearing again?

i don’t understand what you’re asking..?

In the future where do you think we will be able to go on line to watch this hearing again. I would like to share it with others.

I generally go to C-span and tap into their archives.

kathleen at 125-”I would like the moderator to note that Raven has posted something I did not say under my name. Please take note. Thanks”

it was a typo, happens all of the time here….when you don’t scroll down all of the way when quoting……….

Christy Hardin Smith @ 142

Folks, it has been a really long week for everyone this week. Let’s try and keep the sniping at each other down to a low roar, shall we?

Please? A legitimate request

dmac @ 148

kathleen at 125-”I would like the moderator to note that Raven has posted something I did not say under my name. Please take note. Thanks”

it was a typo, happens all of the time here….when you don’t scroll down all of the way when quoting……….

A simple apology would have been welcomed. Just as CHS and others do not want to be misquoted I feel the same.

kathleen @ 149

Christy Hardin Smith @ 142

Folks, it has been a really long week for everyone this week. Let’s try and keep the sniping at each other down to a low roar, shall we?

Please? A legitimate request

Please clarify…

I did notice watching the vote on the Boxer resolution Frist personally walked her to the table to vote….probably holding the arm he twisted

kathleen @ 147

selise @ 144

i don’t understand what you’re asking..?

In the future where do you think we will be able to go on line to watch this hearing again. I would like to share it with others.

I generally go to C-span and tap into their archives.

check back later at the DPC archives linked above

selise @ 153

kathleen @ 147

In the future where do you think we will be able to go on line to watch this hearing again. I would like to share it with others.

I generally go to C-span and tap into their archives.

check back later at the DPC archives linked above

Thanks

hackworth @ 18

Was the real motivation for Snowe to change her vote not mentioned – the fact that she flip-flopped after she knew her vote would have no effect? Snowe is a poseur.

It sure puts Collins in a very bad light, though. I’ll bet Susan C. is even more angry after reading this article than she was about the incident. Can you imagine how pissed off she is now?

Bingo.

Suzie-Q hates being portrayed as out of control, or as “thin-skinned” (esp. in MSM newsprint–it never happens in Maine).

Esp. the BDN, natch.

Snowe is equally complicit; however, she knew that her roll call vote wouldn’t matter (damned thing wasn’t gonna fly).

Both of ‘em do this all of the time when they vote–it’s not difficult to predict which way they’ll go (on the votes which truly matter–or via introducing “amendments” which don’t have a rat’s butt chance of ever being passed).

…hell, it all looks fine in a 10 sec. soundbyte; or in a newspaper article (most elderly folks here read the 2 dailies; as well as faithfully watch the local evening news broadcasts, BTW).

Furthermore, we’re stuck w/Snowe until 2012, so she can “afford” to appear as a so-called ‘moderate’ (which really yanked me, re: seeing that word in yesterday’s WaPo article).

Both are equally complicit…pls. do not offer Snowe any slack, folks.

Go, Tom!, indeedy.

kathleen @ 136

The Lurking Mod @ 133

Kathleen – Raven’s error fixed. Hard refresh.

Thank you..I sure hope it was an “error”

It was my note @ #24 Raven considered to be of no account……….. His/her? opinion is his/her prerogative, but the tone jarred a spot!

Wow, no one in America even knows who The Saints are. You go, Christy. I once bought Chris Bailey drinks at the River Cafe in New York during his first US tour. I was the only one who recognized him in the whole city practically. Great guy, great songster/songwriter too. Necessary.

Thanks for the link.

maunga @ 156

kathleen @ 136

Thank you..I sure hope it was an “error”

It was my note @ #24 Raven considered to be of no account……….. His/her? opinion is his/her prerogative, but the tone jarred a spot!

While I appreciate the moderator trying to fix this, I don’t think the moderator clearly gets what Raven did. She/he literally took out someone elses name and put my name on that quote. This was more than an error.

Mad Dogs @ 12

Shorter Susan Collins: “OMG! I went to sleep with cute lil’ bunnies and woke up with demented weasels.”

Yeah, that first stab in the back would always be a surprise.

As the election draws nearer watch for individual Repubs to draw out little niche positions which protect them from the potential devastation the rest of the party could take. There will be a lot of back stabbing and a lot of CYA politics in coming months.

Ed*ard Teller @ 55

…
Reporters at most Anchorage news outlets have many stories of being shunted off of a hot political corruption story by their editors or station managers.

My favorite example of something along these lines was last October. As Don Young snuck in a backstage door for his one and only scheduled joint campaign appearance with Diane Benson, his chief of staff shoved an elderly woman in her late 70s holding a Diane Benson sign off of the stairs and over the railing. She ended up in the hospital. A Channel 11 TV news reporter was standing next to me, videoing the incident.

He said “Jeezuz! Now THAT’S a money shot!” It never showed on TV.

Damn Liberal press!

Toby Wollin @ 122

OK, found this.
http://www.news.com/FBI-taps-c…..40191.html

What they are doing is that..
“The U.S. Commerce Department’s security office warns that “a cellular telephone can be turned into a microphone and transmitter for the purpose of listening to conversations in the vicinity of the phone.” An article in the Financial Times last year said mobile providers can “remotely install a piece of software on to any handset, without the owner’s knowledge, which will activate the microphone even when its owner is not making a call.”

Can they do this even when the phone isn’t turned on by it’s owner? Can they communicate with the phone when it’s off (so far as it’s user knows)? Could they use it to listen even without it appearing to come on (lights flashing and so on)?

…
Now, if these hearings can show that members of Congress have been monitored in this way, well, THAT is the hook to hang them with for sure.

Wow! I hadn’t thought of that, but once you can spy the purposes become wide-ranging, political, business, personal, etc.