Chris Dodd has announced that he will put a hold on the bill granting retroactive telecom immunity.
Here’s his statement:
The Military Commissions Act. Warrantless wiretapping. Shredding of Habeas Corpus. Torture. Extraordinary Rendition. Secret Prisons.
No more.
I have decided to place a “hold” on the latest FISA bill that would have included amnesty for telecommunications companies that enabled the President’s assault on the Constitution by illegally providing personal information on their customers without judicial authorization.
I said that I would do everything I could to stop this bill from passing, and I have.
It’s about delivering results — and as I’ve said before, the FIRST thing I will do after being sworn into office is restore the Constitution. But we shouldn’t have to wait until then to prevent the further erosion of our country’s most treasured document. That’s why I am stopping this bill today.
Meanwhile, Pat Leahy throws Rockefeller under the bus — where he belongs — for letting things get so far down the road that this became necessary.
The battle is not over, it takes 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a hold so this is only the beginning. But good for Chris Dodd for having the courage to say “enough” to the criminal protection racket that the Senate has been endorsing with its acquiescence.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to call.
Related posts:
- Dodd: Reprimanding Lieberman is “Ridiculous”
- Member of Veterans Group “Gathering of Eagles” Told Dodd to Kill Himself
- Dodd Agrees to Ask Fed For Names of Banks It Has Loaned To
- Health Care: HELP Bill Released During Public Option Call With Sens. Dodd, Brown and Whitehouse
- Joe the Plumber Wonders Why Chris Dodd Hasn’t Been Lynched, Praises Founding Fathers’ Anti-Communism
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Yay!
Jane!
Ann in AZ:
You’re getting good at this. You must have taken my advice seriously…*g*
Thank Dodd!
Thank doG…I mean Dodd!
FITZ! (sniff!)
very interesting news
did i hear right, that SCHIP failed to overcome the veto?
60 votes to overcome a hold….hmmmm
Biodun @ 3
Yessir!
In Dodd we trust… one nation under Dodd… etc. etc.
Thank YOU, Jane.
And yes, PB, SCHIPs fell where they may.
scarlet p. @ 10
That’s a good one!!
Ladies and gentlemen, there stands a Man.
Meanwhile, kudos to Leahy for calling out the other Senators — and guess what? Feinstein is one of the schlubs backing the Telco-Immunity crap.
Singles ? Go Senator Dodd ! You too, Senator Leahy !
“No more.”
We need more people in Washington to say that. Thank you Senator Dodd.
w00t 4 Dodd!
Damn !
Better Dodd than DOD
I don’t think anyone should be surprised that the House was unable to overide Bush’s veto. For that to happen the House would have to be representative of “the people” who favor it’s expansion by 80%. This Congress is not the solution but the problem.
Thank Chris Dodd here:
http://action.chrisdodd.com/signUp.jsp?key=1570
This single act by Dodd has led me to support him in the primary. While every other Democratic candidate seems to want to ignore what a lawless, unconstitutional occupation we have of the White House Dodd is willing to do more than talk about any problems.
Our government is completely broken and the Democrats are acting like it’s not, which makes their “work” in Congress seem like a sick joke. History will point this out, not a pretty legacy.
I just stepped outside…it is a beautiful day…the birds are chirping…it all seemed so…..so….harmonious, and, and….normal…
It will be very interesting to watch this unfold. My gratitude to Chris Dodd for making Dumya work for his bills. Now if only the Dems will grow backbones…
arc parser @ 18
707!
He is looking more presidential all the time.
My humble contribution to the immigration debate:
http://freewayblogger.blogspot…..ebate.html
(sung to the tune of “The Candyman”)
check out that sign too! cost me something like a quarter…
Of course that EVIL DiFi sided with Rockefeller
she need to STFU…I am soooo over her.
Bi partisan my arze!
President Dodd would be fine with me. How to stop the Hillary machine is a bit more than a detail though.
pogo @ 23
It buys them time for transplants.
Thank you, Sen. Dodd. All those faxes, & finally, finally a response I can feel in my back pocket :)
OK, getting a little choky here, so back to work…
Finally, someone with balls! I may be changing my vote.
What is the likelihood that the hold will hold?
Does the criminal protection racket have 60 votes?
Dodd will be getting my vote in the primary. At last one Democratic whose spinal transplant hasn’t been rejected.
Woo Hoo!
LS @ 29
Heh!
LS @ 8
On this particular bill. I don’t think it will happen.. No D Senator/ presidential candidate will allow it now, not in this form.
Franco @ 27
“Feinstein said. “I’m absolutely convinced that the only way we can legislate on this is on a bipartisan basis. This bill so far is bipartisan — that’s good news.”
Diane – you need to repeat after me “Bipartisan is like those of us of a certain age wearing mini-skirts – just because we CAN does NOT mean it is good.”
This is NOT a good bill. Bipartisan…but not good.
You can thank Chris Dodd at this comment page on his website
http://action.chrisdodd.com/signUp.jsp?key=1570
yup, Dodd just got a supporter in Pennsylvania. I also gave him some money. And I will be highlighting his vote to the 800 members of the Philadelphia Drinking Liberally mailing list (I can’t endorse, but they’ll get the point).
feel the doddmania!
Jane, thanks for that nugget of parliamentary knowledge (takes 60 votes to override a hold on the legislation). I appreciate your knowledge. Any more items in this vein?
Marilyn
As was said in the last thread. I thanked the good Senator Dodd with $50. Anyone else up for it?
Of course, any amount will do, but give as much as you can. Show him we care and we are paying attention and that we reward good behavior (we’re seeing so little of it these days!)
Bravo, Sen. Dodd!
(And I just sent him a contribution.)
I’m oddly for Doddly.
x174 @ 32
Won’t that be interesting to watch?
Toby Wollin @ 37
707
Hmm. Those 60 votes. We’ll see. When even my so-called “progressive” Senator Amy Klobuchar voted for FISA…
Dodd done dit it.
Folks wake up and understand we don’t have a democracy.It’s an oligrachy we live in & that started with Reagan ,Bush,Clinton and now Bush 2.
Our elections are a sham (voting machines fixed)So even if you try to vote out the bad Dems it ain’t going to work.Moreoevr, what’s more disconcerting is that you hear all the time “”if you don’t vote for the bad dems you will cause repukes to get elected.Well maybe we just have to have principles no voting for the lesser of 2 evils & let the chips fall where they will.Seems at this point the country will have to be in tatters before any meaningful change for us, the people will come.
I emailed Dodd with my thanks and made my first primary contribution by giving him $50.
Just like with my dog, you have to reward good behavior.
Being a “bipartisan bill does not automatically make it “good news” if the bill sucks, Feinstein. Geebus!
Oh wow. Arriba Dodd!
OK, I can now overlook his long and suspect history of doing the bidding of the biggest of the big investment firms and banks.
No one is perfect, but man oh man, I’ve been SOOO waiting for someone to do something brave.
Drastic times call for drastic measures. These are drastic times.
You asked:
Well…let’s find out. Put up a poll.
I love it when a D senator plays Texas H*ldem!
katymine @ 38
Now that is refreshing!!!
Butto’s been home about 24 hours and they are already trying to blow her up…somebody sure likes blowing up things.
As I said: Glad Dodd is doing it. But I’m sticking with Edwards.
LS @ 43
707
RevDeb @ 41
Agreed. Dodd needs to feel the attaboys & support. First thing I did was shoot a donation his way when I read the news on my lunch break.
Just e-mailed DiFi and told her – again – NO IMMUNITY for telecoms. Also that ‘bipartisan’ is the excuse that GOoPers use for f*cking the 70 percent of the country that doesn’t agree with them.
Not that anything I said is going to register on her pea-sized brain.
Phillybits @ 52
One switch here. He’s been right on so many things, but I was holding out because of his ties to the mega-banks. This is enough finally for me to overlook that.
See how many times Feinstein can say “bipartisan” (from the “The Hill” article), like a robot with crossed wiring:
“At this stage, it is a bipartisan bill,” Feinstein said. “I’m absolutely convinced that the only way we can legislate on this is on a bipartisan basis. This bill so far is bipartisan — that’s good news.”
“No mas.” I like it as a campaign slogan. Can see GOP heads exploding.
Please go to http://action.chrisdodd.com/signUp.jsp?key=1570
and give Dodd your love. He is a standup guy, and deserves encouragement. Tell him how much you appreciate the hold. It’s giving Leahy and others some breathing space to organize a fight against the damnable cave-in on FISA. NO AMNESTY FOR TELCOMS.
Note to Feinstein and Rockefeller:
Stop letting them spy on us.
Thank you.
Interesting.
Putin’s Bicep @ 64
That name cracks me up!!
Time to bury Feinstein in faxes and emails. I know my homework assignment for tonight.
brendan @ 60
I wonder if the Californians can recall her ancient DINO butt. The great Harvey Milk always said she was a loser and ReTHUGlican lite!
RevDeb @ 44
See what happened?
Dodd’s hold totally reversed the Senate’s status quo.
Now it is the Republican’s turn to try to find 60 votes.
So cool.
LS @ 65
I know. I lost a few cookie crumbs when I saw that one.
da Man
Good news. Makes up for the hit we took in the House this afternoon on the Children’s health veto.
This is good for a number of reasons, the most important of which being that it can’t be ignored by the MSM. Dodd will get his air time, and he is articulate enough to spell out the basic Constitutional issues and maybe pound some knowledge about ‘rule of law’ into the heads of the bobble-brains and the public who get their news from them.
Thank all of you pups for the big push that made this possible.
brendan @ 60
She no doubt think Lieberman is bipartisan.
Rockefeller has known all along that something illegal was going on. He took an oath to defend the Constitution, and he did not protect us from “enemies within”. He is complicit and has to cover his sorry, chicken, *ass.
LS @ 64
listen to LS — Stop It!
tw3k @ 72
He is. He calls himself a Democrat, but votes Republican. His multiple personalities are members of both parties.
Re # 73
She is using “bipartisan” to cover for her Bush kissing.
Kitt @ 50
Sad to say yet DiFi is just a good ole repub boy in high drag and enjoys far too much influence over Barb Boxer and Nancy Pelosi IMHO.
Dodd!!! Dodd!!! Now let’s see Obama and HRC explain why they could not have done this in the next Democratic Wank-fest errrr….debate. My guess is, neither one will have had time to ’study the issue’ (Obama) or it will be “arcane minutae that we’re generating a position paper on” (HRC).
Dollars to donuts, that’s gonna be their response, or something like it.
Just kicked in 50 bucks for Dodd’s campaign. Good behavior should be rewarded. I hope he gets a bundle of cash for his action today. Maybe other spineless Dems will take notice.
Lieber = love
Lieberman = Loveman
Not.
Shall I zero out the triple poll and try it again?
Thank you Senator Dodd for actually enforcing congressional oversight. We need more of this.
I will never forget Senator Dodd’s face along with Kerry, Biden, Lincoln Chaffee, Kennedy and a few others during the John Bolton nomination hearings. They were demanding the NSA intercepts that Bolton had illegally accessed having to do with Colin Powells negotiations with Iran and other countries. I would think that these telecommunication companies had something to do with access.
The above mentioned Senators were so pissed I thought they were going to kick Boltons ass. ( I can dream about justice)
Thank you Senator Dodd. And thank you Senator Leahy for “throwing” Senator Rockefeller under the bus. Jesus Mary and Joseph we have yet to witness the completion of Phase II of the SSCI. We have yet to witness Senator Rockefeller hold anyone accountable for the creation, cherry picking and dessimination of false pre-war intelligence. And then Rockefeller wants to give these companies “retroactive immunity”/
What’s up with Rockefeller. According to John Dean he is not much better than Republican Senator Pat Roberts.
TJ @ 81
Yeah.
JF @ 75
Which both parties, the right and the far right?
scarlet p. @ 10
Changing title now.
retirin’ in five @ 61
By golly, I think you’re on to something with that, (No Mas!)
I doubt that HRC is much worried about Dodd.
LS @ 54
Pakistan is probably about to explode. Benazir Bhutto’s so-called deal with Musharraf will not hold: it underlines the corruption that is rife in Pakistan. The deal forgives Bhutto the bribery and corruption charges against her, while she allows Musharraf to run again for president after his promise to give up as head of the military–which he hasn’t done yet, BTW.
Meanwhile, there will be ramifications for Musharraf defying the Pakistan Supreme Court ruling that Nawaz Sharif be allowed to return from exile. Musharrif arrested Sharif at the Islamabad airport and deported him right back to London, while in the days before and after many Nawaz Sharif supporters were arrested and detained.
The judiciary and the military are at loggerheads.
And oh: The border and tribal mountainous regions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are still porous–allowing the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to flourish and attack US and NATO forces.
And then there’s that little problem of the nukes that Pakistan has and has tested many times…
Jane Hamsher @ 85
Yes!!!
Knut Wicksell @ 71
My thought, too. Lots of “bad press” for “soft” Democrats. More of this, please.
I bet the public hate their phone companies more then they fear “terra”.
LS @ 80
Loves those nukes tho!
If not the primary, he’s at least earned my vote in any upcoming straw polls that I participate in. That might be yet another way to reward him, despite whoever else you might have previously supported.
Panels now on the Mukasey nomination now up on CSPAN 3.
Hugh @ 94
thanks!
tw3k @ 91
Speaking of nukes…did you see the story about how shitteth hitteth the fan in the Air Force over the lost nukes??? The report is coming out tomorrow…plenty of head arollin’ and it’s going up the chain of command to the Generals!
Phoenix Woman @ 13
Where are Obama and Clinton?
Watch carefully the Democrats who cave into “retroactive immunity” watch closely. Who is Diane Feinstein the war profiteer working for?
i thanked Dodd.
we should do some counting though.
Lieberman, Feinstein and Rockefeller would, or could, go with the maggot brigade. can Fuckwad pick off eight more?
we’d better do some serious counting and lean on them.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 87
Apparently she isn’t worried about much at all.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 88
She’s not in the least. But she’s worried about Obama. And she’s not worried about Edwards–yet.
LS @ 95
yeah, now for accountability…
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 97
What the hell could be her rationale? Let’s watch who Feinstein caves in to.
This is not just about US telecommunication companies.
tw3k @ 100
maybe she should worry, tw3k, she’s not the nominee yet.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 88
Well if someone like Dood can get some TV exposure for doing this, she better start worrying. I wish Edwards would have said something. I see that Obama has finally started a rapid response team. I wonder what took him so long. I don’t see how any serious Democrat presidential candidate goes with out one.
Also sent $50 to Dodd, feels great!!
Franco @ 68
You can’t recall a US Senator.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 88
Yeah, but you know OK, stuff like this resonates and HRC is not exactly noted for her incredible leadership in much excepting generating campaign cash, trading on her name, acting all entitled to run and continue the Dynasty and having the only “Leadership” attached to her be “Democratic Leadership Council” to which I am sure the TelCo’s make their tithing.
So is HRC worried today? No, probably not. But folks who pay attention, for instance Firepups will not forget who stood where when this happened. The contempt Congress has for the Middle-class was shown by the failure to override the S-CHIP veto, and anyone associated with that failure (all of Congress) better have a good explanation ready when they go back to face their constituents.
HRC worried today? No, but tomorrow may be a different story. Leadership is more than just a word.
Ive been sending my $$ to Edwards, but today I kicked in $50 for Dodd, too. My vote is irrelevant since the real action will be over by the time I get to vote. I may find some more for Dodd in the coming weeks.
Kathleen @ 103
No it isn’t. It’s about the sell out of the country to some corporations.
Kitt @ 87
OK, folks, I’ll bite — what does “no mas” mean?
awesome, awesome!
i’d just like to add, there are two additional unacceptable fisa items that the house leadership put in their restore act:
1) basket warrants (and sloppy loop hole creating language)
2) prospective telco immunity.
in the house, holt has been fighting the good fight on this. maybe holt and dodd could get together and make an alternative proposal (yeah, i know dodd is not on the right committees for this)… since holt already has a pretty good bill that the house leadership has buried in committee.
MSNBC: Mike Stark in trouble…RNC attacking him…inflammatory…blah, blah, blah…”Mike Stark, known as a liberal, but has a very sharp tongue.”
*sshooools.
LS @ 96
OOOOO, really? Where’s althespook when you want commentary?
Biodun @ 101
Hillary should be worried very very worried. She does not have it yet.
Biodun @ 107
many U.S. Senators can’t recall what the Constitution is about.
Toby Wollin @ 110
no more in Spanish.
From DailyKos poster Rayk:
The “law” would be illegal.
The Constitution (remember that document, anyone?) says:
“No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.”
I’ve heard people say that ex post facto means ONLY that you can’t make something retroactively illegal. That seems to be false.
From lectlaw.com (see http://www.lectlaw.com/… we see that:
“An ex post facto law is a law passed after the occurrence of an event or action which retrospectively changes the legal consequences of the event or action.”
So, the crimes already committed by the telecoms CANNOT be made legal under our Constitution. Of course, this is irrelevant because the government has effectively suspended the Constitution. But we’re all supposed to pretend it’s still in force…
When a government violates the unalienable rights of the people, it loses its legitimacy.
by Rayk on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 02:30:07 PM EST
I’ve been checking the NY Times and Wash Post since I read about Dodd on TPM; they still have no mention of Dodd’s hold. Hmm.
Toby Wollin @ 111
“no more” in Spanish
The unofficial Triple Poll that addresses some of the issues brought up in the comments has been zeroed out. Please vote again!
The Results are on a free service with annoying advertisements and audio, so please forgive the inconvenience. It does have a pretty bar chart that makes it easy to read.
No mas: Spanish means “no more”.
I can smugly state that I do not have to change to support Senator Dodd.
Now that the smugness button is off, will someone please send sharks with laser beams in their heads to DiFi’s office? Please?
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t the temporary spy bill sunset and if nothing new is passed FISA laws revert to some earlier state? If this is so it seems to me there’s no incentive for Democrats to give away any pieces of our Constitution or reward lawless corporations. But then again, they all cower in fear when anyone says “terrorist”. It sure would be nice to see some thinking instead of pants-wetting. The Senate is supposed to be our government’s deliberative body.
just discovered that i need to make a change to let people who voted vote again. will be back shortly.
Toby Wollin @ 114
Here’s the link buried at Rawstory:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..amp;sub=AR
I just called Rockefeller’s Charleston office and was told something that was either a lie or useful information. I asked if Rockefeller would continue to support telcom immunity and no one knew. The second person I spoke to said it would be better to call the Washington office. He said the local office handles “case work”, while the D.C. office handles “legislation”.
Charleston
405 Capitol Street
Suite 508
25301-1749
(304) 347-5372
(304) 347-5371 Fax
Washington, D.C.
531 Hart Senate Office Building
20510
(202) 224-6472
(202) 224-7665 Fax
“NO mas” is “No More” en espanol. Line in the sand, gauntlet thrown down kinda thing.
I’ve always like Chris Dodd and would vote for him for president in a heartbeat if he keeps this up.
This is one of the ways the heads of the Senate and House majority could be helped relieving the pressure they’re no doubt feeling from the people over legislation.
Its time to start using the rules in favor of the people, we’re watching and I like it.
“no mas, no mas”
Roberto Duran v Sugar Ray Leonard
I hate boxing.
ramjet @ 118
Excellent!
This is a vitally important development. May this first real sign of open resistance to the liberty-hostile, Constitution-abrogating behavior of fellow Members of Congress, including to the Executive Branch-subservient will of Congressional Democratic leadership, sparked this week by Rep. Rush Holt and now Senator Chris Dodd continue, and strengthen.
[Someone needs to step up, and join Dodd, by putting a hold on Mukasey, the authoritarian wannabe AG, who is clearly telegraphing his Cheney/Addington “belief system” regarding Muslims and unConstitutional (meaning more than a ‘political difference’ fundamental unsuitability for this particular public office) concepts of presidential power.]
This is putting country and Constitution before party. THANK YOU Chris Dodd, more than words can say.
[It would break ‘hallowed’ Senate tradition for Harry Reid to schedule a vote over Dodd’s hold, and to force a bill with retroactive immunity in it to debate on the floor by trying for 60 votes in order to overcome Dodd’s hold. As one example, Reid, right now, and for months before this when it was an anonymous hold, is letting Senator Ensign singlehandedly hold up a Senate campaign finance reporting computerization bill that has overwhelming support in the Senate. That’s the power of a Senate hold before a measure hits the floor, when your party is in the majority (and usually even when it isn’t).]
Dianne F(ein)rankenstein has been manchurian candidated.
What plausible reason is there to grant blanket immunity to communications companies? I can come up with no single reason.
That said, Payoffs/Bribes would be the ONLY excuse to fasttrack this abomination.
LS @ 130
Yeah, it’s great. But try to find a judge who will enforce it. (At least for the next 15 months)
Jo Fish @ 108
You hit the nail on the head. On another blog, they are letting supporters write articles on the front page. The Clinton supporters call the Edwards and Obama supporters haters and all that. We don’t hate Hillary, we want her to show more leadership. Where is an important bill that she helped get passed, or blocked a real crappy one? Why do you think there have been only two sitting Senators elected as President in like 150 years? Sounds like Hillary and Obama for that matter should read up on LBJ. He knew how to get things done in the Senate.
Well, surprise, surprise.
Well, knock me over with a feather. DiFi said that? I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell you!!!!
Quick, whip out the signing statement pen!
;>)
I’m at odds with one of the statements and i don’t understand, this quote from here ;
I think there’s no problem with a provision like that, “if they can demonstrate they were cooperating lawfully” means they don’t need any kind of immunity
what am I missing here?
Putin’s Bicep @ 133
Dementia.
Almost all better. I didn’t figure out how to fix the vote total on top, but it doesn’t appear to affect voting.
brendan @ 127:
That’s a good one. Now that’s bipartisan…
Connect the data mining dots and you will see who the Reps who vote for “retroactive immunity” are protecting. If it is true that Amdocs, Comverse Infsys or Nice, (Data mining companies that have access to most US phone companies systems) and it is true that one of these systems was compromised…just who is being protected here…National Security, the American people or these companies?
Elliott @ 120
lol, then that is gooper head exploding material!
No Mas!
LS @ 117
If there are any boxing fans remaining, they may remember the line being used/made famous by Roberto Duran when he boxed Sugar Ray Leonard
Toby Wollin @ 110
It’s Spanish for “No more”. It became a very famous phrase due to Roberto Duran saying “No mas” (and thus, stopping the fight) to Sugar Ray Leonard in during, I believe it was, the eight round of a boxing match between them back in the ’80’s.
TJ @ 138
can you give me the link to vote?
Elliott @ 130
Why … because it epitomizes the Male ego like no other ’sport’ ?!! /s
darkblack @ 137
Is that Jeff Gannon?
tw3k @ 143
I know, being in Spanish ices it.
brendan @ 127
Locals offices of Senators or Reps never seem to know what is going on. It is frustrating. That is why it is better to call DC(and it’s toll free too, if you know the right numbers!!)
darkblack @ 137
Fantastic DB! Your skills never cease to amaze…:)
kdh22 @ 151
Hillarious!
LS @ 140
LOL…yeah, that too!!
This was refreshing to see. I was moved enough to donate what I could.
Thank you, Senator Dodd.
Kathleen @ 142
The companies always have to be protected. Just look at “Helicopter” Ben Bernanke. There was no reason to cut rates a half point, but he did it to suck up to Wall Street and help them out.
Petrocelli @ 147
something like that *s*
dakine01 @ 144
Yes, when Duran did his famous impersonation of Ray Leonard’s Punching Bag …
A strolling drone gathers “no mas!”
http://chrisdodd.com/
Go to his site. He is asking for support. He needs help to inject spine into other dems. We’ve used the stick, now let’s use the carrot.
punaise @ 158
no mas!
somebody explain to my why it’s a problem if a company gets immunity “if they can prove the were acting lawfully”
the very statement begs the same statement and I don’t see a problem at all
LS @ 140
Damned helmet hairspray will do it everytime. ;~)
Re: no mas:
Roberto Duran was supposed to have said “no mas” “no mas” to Sugar Ray Leonard in their famous fight in 1980 in New Orleans. But he never said that. Howard Cosell did. God rest his soul.
punaise @ 158
The Punmeister strikes!
To vote, please see comment 119.
newspaperbrat @ 162
Yeah…I’ve always wondered if she just screws off her whole head and puts it in a hatbox when she goes to bed at night.
brendan @ 127
I called again today, and the aide said that this is still in committee. He would not say anything about “retroactive immunity”.
I also asked the aide why ALL of Phase II of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has never been completed. He kept saying that “most” of it had been completed or released. I said “most” is not “all” and when will the American public know what took place in the Office of Special plans, and the WHIG (white house Iraq group_ and WHEN WILL WE WITNESS ANYONE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PRE-WAR INTELLIGENCE? When?
This is the very least THE VERY LEAST that our Reps can do for the hundreds of thousands of people who are dead and injured based on a “pack of lies”.
TJ @ 165
thanks!
Putin’s Bicep @ 133
Most likely due to AT&T’s massive spy room being in San Francisco, her home base. Gotta help out those lucrative corporate donors, don’t you know.
Elliott @ 131:
See my 163.
Elliott @ 168
oops?
Biodun @ 170
I never heard that, hmm
LS @ 166
777
JF @ 148
Reed Walter ” I can make your lives disspear with a stroke of a pen”
Bush “I can make Justice and truth disspear with a stroke of a pen”
Enough
puppethead @ 169
Hey – from an economic development standpoint, it’s a whole new industry…
Time to ramp up on Leahy, Feingold, and the other human beings on the Judiciary (that would exclude Feinstein who never saw a corporation, or war, she didn’t want to f*ck).
A split Democrapic party is better than a Democrapic party united in screwing the People and the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
TJ @ 119
Did this not work?
Nice teal tie
Nice “hold”
RF in NH
1./ Gore
2./ Edwards
3./ Dodd (moved WAY up)
4./ Obama
5./ Notice no HRC anywhere… hmmmm….
They’re too busy trying to get votes to care about the voters. I don’t think Obama has voted on a single bill since he went on the campaign trail. Not very encouraging, especially when I want to respond to my senators’ votes. What to do if he doesn’t even deign to show up?
TJ @ 176
it wasn’t there, I guess I should refresh my page!
Re: no mas and Roberto Duran:
My bold.
puppethead @ 169
I don’t care if a Rep is a Democrat or a Republican. Investigations of Senator Feinstein’s “conflict of interest” Milcon,and her families war profiteering need to be investigated.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 155
The reason was that the stock market is the most visible and easiest-to-point-to indicator of the health of the economy (if not the best or most accurate). Bush is trying to keep the economy at least appearing to be healthy until he leaves office. Once the next Pres takes office, Bush will take his finger out of the dike and the whole economy will come crashing down. But by then it won’t be his problem. Same strategy on Iraq, btw.
JF @ 148
Bigger than life
;>)
Biodun @ 180
thanks
At 162:
I know that’s just another website I’m quoting from, but I watched that fight, and that is the way I remember it. I don’t think Howard Cossell had anything to do with it except for explaining to the audience what Duran had said.
fahrender @ 99
How does Hagel stand on this, and some other repugs that are still for a constitutional democracy?
How does a hold work, anyway? I thought I knew, but I guess I was wrong. I thought a hold would prevent a vote until the hold was removed, but you all seem to be saying that they can vote to get rid of the hold. I still think some Rethugs may go with the Dems.
pow wow:
“[It would break ‘hallowed’ Senate tradition for Harry Reid to schedule a vote over Dodd’s hold, and to force a bill with retroactive immunity in it to debate on the floor by trying for 60 votes in order to overcome Dodd’s hold. As one example, Reid, right now, and for months before this when it was an anonymous hold, is letting Senator Ensign singlehandedly hold up a Senate campaign finance reporting computerization bill that has overwhelming support in the Senate. That’s the power of a Senate hold before a measure hits the floor, when your party is in the majority (and usually even when it isn’t).]”
This Ensign hold has inspired multiple editorials, in the Post and NYT. Look forward to one from Hiatt. I bet their will be a lot of editorial hand-wringing on this one.
OT, WaPo reporting an assassination attempt on Bhutto today. 30 killed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…..id=topnews
Go Chris Dodd!
Just sent him a donation.
Tried calling DiFI, but it’s been busy for an hour … hopefully she’s getting an earful. I’ll keep trying, but in the mean time I sent the most scathing email I’ve ever sent her; and I’ve sent a few.
P J Evans @ 59
It wont register. She’ll claim that she hasn’t heard a single peep from her constituents on this. Of course, she doesn’t count PEOPLE as constituents, she only counts corporations as constituents and they wont say a thing against bipartisan destruction of the Rule of Law.
Bluetoe @ 188
Yeah, it is bad…lots of people killed and injured.
DiFi had no choice but to register Democrat or she had no chance to win in SF. And, so she did.
She didn’t just sympathize with Republicans while mayor, she was a die-hard Repug. Did you ever see her neighborhood in SF? It’s gated with plain dressed security riding around the circle. She was taken care of by a rich daddy, then went directly to a rich hubby, inherited some serious bucks from both and remarried into wealth, again. Wow! Why didn’t that happen to me? I must live on the wrong circle.
As mayor, her primary focus was business. Business. Business.
I never voted for her, ever. She gets tremendous financial support from outside the state and her loyalty is to her supporters, not constituents. A vote for DiFi is a vote for a Repug. I really dislike insidious people. For years we wanted another Democrat to run against her. Try that one with the Democratic Party! The Party itself stopped us from putting up a progressive candidate against her.
Chris Dodd comes close to earning that prestigeous title that so few can claim, “A Good Honest Man”.
Senator Feinstein, I did not elect you to enable the government to spy on me. The matter of FISA is not up to some deluded view of “bipartisanship”. I elected you to UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION. IT IS NOT CONSTITUTIONAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SPY ON ME WITHOUT A WARRANT. The senate version of the FISA bill IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
I am very glad to see Senator Dodd exercise some sense and put a ho-ld on the bill. Please reconsider your ill-advised “bipartisanship” slant and think of how the government is SUPPOSED to work, and how laws should not desecrate the constitution.
I most certainly will not be voting for your reelection in 2012, although I realize you may not care. But you are a disgrace to the Democratic party and you fail to represent my interests.
Why are my posts disappearing into a black hole? I used to at least see it up with a “awaiting approval” but now, absolutely nuthin.
well, I am a Dodd supporter now. I hope everyone signs the petition at his website in support of his hold, and contacts sympathetic friends and relatives who will also sign the petition, make a call, or write a letter in support. This is great great news, and Dodd needs to be able to provide evidence that a mass quatitiy of gazillions of US citizens support his show of real integrity and leadership today.
And if I see or hear some big media jerk turn this into a cyncial campaign ploy on the air I will write their network and tell them that is total crap and ask that the Timmy/Little Davie/Broderella/Matthews be fired for actively working to undermine our democracy.
Elliott @ 160
namaste!
Thank you Chris Dodd! This is a huge development in terms of privacy rights in this country. During the 2000 Presidential campaign, Al Gore said that the single most important issue facing our country was privacy rights (he’s not just a one-trick global warming pony).
Appears that Dodd has picked up on that. (Hmmm, Dodd is the new Gore?)
The information age: it’s a good thing AND a bad thing. Watch a gooper try to wrap his/her head around that!
Here’s another “no mas”.
http://tinyurl.com/33xmh4
Jo Fish @ 108
Wait until you see how she votes, for or against Dodd, if it comes to holding a vote on his hold.
Or listen to how she triangulates on immunity and Dodd’s stand. This is some touchy sh*t she will wade into. Make or break stuff.
For Feinstein constituents – when she calims she doesn’t hear from folks against her position (like with this “bi-partisan” nonsense, how about maybe sending her postcards with return reciept/signature required then going on the TV to kinda rub her lies in her face.
Worth a thought though could get a little pricey after a bit.
Here’s a more reliable link on the assassination attempt on Bhutto. Sorry I had to link the WaPo.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/paki…..15,00.html
Biodun:
Pakistan is exploding. :(
Elliott @ 185
but I disagree
I saw the fight and in my minds eye he waved his hand and from what I could see him mouthing he said it
his corner and he supposedly say he said “my stomack is hurting too much” but I don’t buy it
in any event, it was a no more moment and he meant “no more” no matter what it was he said
Biodun @ 46
We won’t see any leadership from Amy Klobuchar on this issue but I spoke with her when she attended a function in Minneapolis recently and she said she regretted her vote and also that she would not approve a reauthorization when it comes up again. That was before this bill came up so I don’t know if that meant this bill or the idea of telecom immunity. Amy, like the other Senators, needs to hear from us that she should not support such e-coli tainted product out of the sausage factory.
This is a good sign. From Kagro X’s “So FISA’s on hold” thread at DKos:
If the righties thought they could break the hold, they’d be trying to break the hold, urging their people to get on the phone to tell their Congresscritters to do so.
Instead, they’re pretending that they don’t really care about that stupid bill, so nyahh!
AL GATITO SKIPPYJONJONES
LE GUSTA PERSON CON COJONES
DICE, “SENADOR DODD
ES MAS CERCA AL GODD
QUE QUALQUIER D’LOS
D’MAS DE LOS PHONIES”
IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, PLEASE CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO CHRIS DODD’S CAMPAIGN AND SIGNING HIS PETITION.
QuakerGirl @ 191
More A Good Honest Man/Woman!
Phoenix Woman @ 203
Goody Gumdrops!
I’m so proud of Chris Dodd! He’s my new man!
ok I thanked him & hit the kitty also~
Way late to this thread, but I happily just thanked Senator Dodd — and contributed $50. I told him there were many reasons why my union, the IAFF, has endorsed him and how proud we are about him.
kdh22 @ 203
The good news is, it’s cyclical.
The worse news is, they’re a nuclear state.
Now COME ON! Am I being censored here or what?! I’ve been a member here for a long time and now NONE of my posts show up while everyone else’s are flying onboard?
Petrocelli @ 210
I’m afraid of Pakistan
mc @ 195
707! well it is binary *g
Ann in AZ @ 187
We should be calling the Republicans who are against the “retroactive immunity” and calling the Republicans who are on the fence. If we get more Republicans to vote no on “retroactive immunity” that would really make the Senator Feinsteins holding the telecom bag. Investigate Feinsteins war profittering !
DiFi = JoeLie?
The West Coast Edition or maybe Lieberman in drag? Has anyone seen them together on the floor of the Senate?
I didn’t think of contacting my reps and Senators. I will do that too. Even though they may lie about it, it is important to make the effort.
If your reps lie about it in public or in Congress, then you can conact their colleagues and tell them that your own Congresscritter has unfortunately turned into a shameless public liar, I suppose.
Thanks to commenters for suggesting contacting other Congresspeople to indicate your support of Dodds move. A gazillion letters to them would be good too.
A message of disapproval to Rockafeller for caving probably a good idea too. It seems harder to contact other districts/states’ Congresspeople these days, but if I cannot figure out how to do it on his Congressional web site, I will write a note and cough up the dough to mail it.
peanutbutter @ 193
PB – I feel the same way and for years worked to have another Democrat run against her. I did the same thing with Tom Lantos who also gets outside support. The Democratic Party will NOT support another candidate. Here is the giant flaw in “electing” your congressperson. It must be Halloween season because I’m having some pretty dark thoughts – more images than action. I watched so many good fine people cross over to the other side and DiFi is still here – only the good die young! (Bab, bad, QuakerGirl.)
Toby Wollin @ 111
No more. Bastante=enough
Dodd reminds me of this guy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I…..atejko.jpg
Petrocelli @ 213
Hi Petro
Cyclical yes, but these times are precarious and uncertain. Add the nuke capability and…I shudder.
Jo Fish @ 217
They were last seen together in a public toilet.
Elliott @ 214
The World fears Pakistan’s handlers … AKA BushCo …
LoudounLib @ 212
I just thanked him and sent along a few $s as well
Jo Fish @217: LOL.
Praedor Atrebates @ 214
Refresh you browser, not just refresh comments, and your comments appear above.
wesgpc @ 217
a postcard will get to him faster, their mail has to be screened these days
JF:
“The reason was, that the stock market was the most visible……but by then, it won’t be his problem. Same strategy on Iraq, BTW.”
And that, amigo, is the best description of the bushCo “plan”, which has been posted by one of us Firecurs, that I’ve seen on here. :o)
That’s Moses comin’ down the hill with the tablets, is what that is.
And a couple of weeks ago, when Hillary talked about “we don’t know what we’re going to inherit” as she (and Edwards and Obama, too) refused to say that they, if they are elected, would have the troops out within 5 years of now, that was them saying:
“C’mon, you can dump the flaming bag of shit in our laps, george.”
BTW, here she is, speaking in Davenport, Iowa, on January 29th of this year:
“We expect him to extricate our country from this before he leaves office in January of 2009.” and:
“It would be the height of irresponsibility to pass the war along to the next commander-in-chief.”
And THOSE words sure caught my ear, since I thought at the time:
“Maybe she gets it…finally.”
Now, obviously, she, and the other front-runners are willing to catch the turd-bouquet, as long as they can be the next “bride”.
Yeah Senator Dodd! I was part of the 6% in Jane’s poll, and I’m glad to see that my faith wasn’t misplaced.
Now to go sign his petition. And tell Obama ain’t-standing-up-for-nothing to STOP SPAMMING me.
Katymine at 20.
I signed, forwarded, and contributed.
Hopefully this will encourage more of the same kind of upstanding behavior. If we could then see less shirking by others, it will be a fantastic turn of events.
I am hoping.
LoudounLib @ 212
I’m sending him some chilled Leffe, virtually of course …
Can we keep Leahy’s smackdown of Rockefeller going for a while ?
RBG @ 228
Got it. Thanks.
RT Firefly @ 226
W00t!
We should be calling all the Republican Reps who are against “retroactive immunity” and working on the ones who are on the fence. This would really leave the Feinstein roll overs left holding the telecom bag.
And a big Thank you to Jane for staying on this and I am sure influencing and encouraging Senator Dodd to make a stand. Thanks Jane
Petrocelli @ 233
Petro, I’m sure he’ll appreciate that contribution! *g*
RBG @ 227
((( RBG )))
Waddup, dawg ?!!
Bluetoe @ 222
They were last seen together in a public toilet. Yes, I have noticed their rather wide stance of allowing all the illegalities of the 1600 Crew to come to pass. I always wondered where they learned their hand signals, I guess it was in the Stall of America. Inquiring minds, and all that.
TJ @ 119
By request, I zeroed things out to start again today. I hope it’s useful.
Hear that sound? That freedom and liberty loving Americans across the land cheering. The criminals who are the Bush administration and their enablers need to be held accountable for their crimes against the Constitution and their crimes against the American People. This a damn good first step in that direction. Restore the Constitution, conduct a Great Repeal!
Elliott @ 226
That’s why I suggested postcards but return receipt/signature required to show that the critter has actually received it.
schip lost.
Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
On the Senate Intelligence Committee’s Consideration of FISA Legislation
October 18, 2007
“As a member of the SSCI, I will strongly oppose any FISA legislation that fails to protect the rights of law-abiding Americans, overseas and here at home. When the Committee considers this legislation today, I will also fight to reject immunity for anyone alleged to have cooperated with the Administration’s illegal warrantless wiretapping program. The documents made available by the White House for the first time this week only further demonstrate that the program was illegal and that there is no basis for granting retroactive immunity to those who allegedly cooperated. The one silver lining of the flawed FISA bill passed in August was that it had a 6-month expiration date. It would be shameful to miss this opportunity to fix the law. It is time for Congress to stand up for the rights of Americans and to defend the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Found this on Feingold’s website. Seems like he has seen the so-called “legal directives” and has found them wanting. I think Dodd’s hold just received a little support.
TJ @ 235
and twolf1 got the zed!
Jane, I just sent Dodd $50. I told him he had you and his decision to put a hold on the
completely unlawfulretroactive telecom immunity bill to thank for it.kdh22 @ 221
Exactly ! … makes you wonder who worked out this arrangement … will there be tit- for- tat assassinations, mass bombings …
their economy was just getting on even keel.
grayslady @ 244
w00t!
Paul @ 241
So that’s what that clicking sound on my phone is.
grayslady @ 239
that’s great, he’s the first one I’d expect to step up here
I just sent my first campaign contribution for a presidential candidate[this cycle] to Chris Dodd. It feels as good as the one I sent to Darcie Burner.
It feels as good as being in the crowd of 2,000 people yelling ” Fuck Bush” at his motorcade in Bellevue,Wa.last month.
LoudounLib @ 236
He’s Irish … might prefer Guinness … which I’ll happily exchange after today’s action.
Called Rockefeller. Asked for immunity for a bong hit in college. Said I knew it was easy compared to what those phone companies did.
Wow. Senator Dodd, thank you.
I’m wondering why are not also getting this kind of support from Bernie Sanders, who has absolutely nothing to lose in Vermont by it. Is it because he is so junior, or because he is his own party, that he can’t hold. I can think of any number of recent pieces of legislation that he could have blocked this way. There must be some set of reasons why not.
You can download postcards to send from the Backbone Campaign
Backbone cards to those who show spine
AND
Spineless cards for those who don’t
ohcomeon @ 250
Just one bong hit? You must not have gotten out very much huh?
dakine01 @ 257
But did you inhale?????
I hope that the candidates start to realize that what they are doing now makes more difference than all the promises for the future.
dakine01 @ 257
LOL !!! Go dakine01 !!! *g*
i too have now sent in my first presidential contribution this year.
thank you sen. dodd for standing up for the constitution.
thank you jane for lighting the way.
Dodd has my vote in the Massachusetts primary. I was wondering what to do with it, and now I know.
Chris Dodd – one of the Old Lions
And we need every one of them now. It must be very fulfilling to have grown wise and have the vitality to run for president. He has young children, and I know he is doing this for them and all of ours as well.
Sen. Dodd’s courageous stand is why he’s at the top of my presidential preferences. More like this, please!
Bob in HI
perris @ 161
As soon as you explain to me why they need immunity when they could just get a blanket pardon or something like that from the President that would make any legal case moot.
punaise @ 158
Ay, Dios mio!
(translation: OMG!)
marymccurnin @ 255
I refuse to answer unless assured that the statute of limitations has run out…
ohcomeon @ 252
From Jim Hightower’s latest newsletter:
Ann in AZ @ 265
Except…the court system has REPEATEDLY concluded that they did NOT act legally and cannot claim the protections already written into law (because their violations were so obviously on the wrong side of previous rulings). The COURTS decide, not Congress. That is the Judiciary’s job under the Constitution.
The Telcos ran crying to Congress because they were getting their asses handed to them in the courts of LAW.
pow wow @ 268
707!
Ann in AZ @ 265
if they recieved a pardon they would have to testify under oath since they could no longer incriminate themselves
pardon or no, executive priviledge or no, the president does not want that kind of embarassment
A question, for anyone who wants to take a shot at answering it:
Do you think that the leading democrats, candidates or not, think it’s too soon to be levelling full-bore broadsides at bush and the GOP?
Is it too early for someone, preferably, a candidate, to be going through the entire rolodex of; lying, crooked, bloody-handed bullshit, that bush and the petros have brewed up and laid on us, to create and to sustain this monumental fuckup?
Just askin’…
dakine01 @ 242
I think there used to be postcards with two pieces folded together, one with the ‘to’ stuff, and the second being the return half. If they’re still available, they’d do nicely for this sort of thing. I think you could do it with print-your-own-cards, if you fold two together and put a couple of stickers on the long edges to keep it closed.
perris @ 271
Ah…I think I misunderstood the original intent of the question…
Although, if they have immunity, what’s to stop them from testifying then? They are still conviction-free so there’s no possible harm on the legal front.
Tanbark @ 271
they need to start talking about impeachment, they really need to start talking about how much damage this president has done to our military, they need to attack the president’s republican brand
they need start now so it’s part of the very discussion and becomes part of every debate
Tanbark @ 272
Too early? Fuc- no!!!! If Democrats in Washington could collectively get their heads out of their ass and act like the majority, we could out the Rethuglicans in the minority for the next 40 years. Will that happen? Not unless Harry Reid can channel the ghost of LBJ and Sam Rayburn.
tw3k @ 270
The more I read about Hightower, the more I like him. It’s too bad he’s too radical for Texas at this time.
Not surprisingly, the MSM announced the failure of SCHIP immediately but looking at websites of NYTime, WAPO,ABC, and CNN — nothing on this feat of an in your face to the White House. Failure of Dems — big news, failure of White House on immunity to telecoms — nothing.
Tanbark @ 272
How about someone compiling a long list of all the crimes of the Bush Administration that have already been fairly well documented. Putting it into a nice graphic format. Making a PDF out of it and make it available on the web for groups across the country to download and put in their local papers. And keep publishing it over and over in papers across the country from now until the election?
Just a thought.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 276
I hadn’t heard of him before. Sounds like a keen observer.
Question of law:
If the Telcos were to be fully and successfully nailed (this IS a civil suit isn’t it?), CAN Bush pardon them and render a civil judgement moot? Surely not! Can’t a Bush pardon simply render them safe from CRIMINAL prosecution?
If Dodd keeps this up, he’ll have my vote, and my cash. I’m already VERY interested.
selise @ 112
I guess that means you and I are pledged.
Jim Hightower has been telling it like it is for a long time now. He’s an old school, populist, yellow dog domcrat. The kind that once had a loud voice in Texas and Oklahoma – before illegal redistricting crushed the loyal opposition.
tw3k @ 279
OT
Dozens killed in blasts near Bhutto’s convoy
Two explosions near the motorcade of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto have killed at least 30 people, officials say. Bhutto, who was on her way home after years of self-imposed exile, was not reported hurt. “There are dead bodies everywhere,” said CNN’s Dan Rivers, at the scene.
TJ @ 177
wesgpc @ 221
I have emailed Rockefeller before (on the torture legislation) … from his website. I am not his constituent. I will wait to see what he has to say (if anything) about this latest infamy, but I used to admire him in the 90’s when he held hearings on healthcare.
ohcomeon @ 282
figures :/
raven @ 279
It sounds absolutely horrific. She wouldn’t fly in on a helicopter.
All right FDLers
Here’s Chris Dodd’s petition. No Telecom Amnesty
For more about Jim Hightower (”keen observer” describes him well, and he can really turn a phrase):
http://www.hightowerlowdown.org
[The title of his latest newsletter: “While most of the Democrats in Washington cower, The presidency is taking over the courts and Congress.“]
This is Jim Hightower’s website.http://www.hightowerlowdown.com/
I’ve been reading his monthly Hightower Lowdown for a few years. He was a close friend of Molly Ivins and used to be the secretary of agriculture in Texas. He knows lots about Rove’s ways, Bush and Texas politics as well as having his finger on the Bush outrages for a longtime.
Tanbark @ 272
Nah, it’s not too early. Instead of campaigning as if she had won the primary, HRC should be campaigning aganist Bush. And all the others should do so, as well.
mui @ 287
I certainly like the way he framed that much better then the other democrats, I think when he was here he answered my rant by saying he agreed the issues are usually framed by the republicans
good on him, nicely done…though I still like the use of the word “stealing our information”, his is certainly more professional
mui @ 288
Shout it Loud and Strong!
Elliott @ 289
I guess a crystal clear honest answer about whose responsible is out of the question?
pow wow @ 289
Cool, thanks!
Spotlight that poll!!
Marilyn In Texas @ 292
I agree. Everyone jump on Bush. We can pick our candidate based on how well they can take down the oppostition. That is what we will need in the end anyway.
mui @ 290
I signed. I donated.
perris @ 294
Stealing. No. See it as having influence.
perris @ 294
Dodd has certainly raised the bar for the other Democratic candidates. Wonder what their comments/actions will be. Hmmmm
The nuke story has legs.
mui @ 296
Twarnt Mormons. (Jeremiah Johnson)
The spinning wheel told me that Swopa is upstairs.
To tell the truth I was leaning toward Edwards before.
FYI, New post
Praedor A. @ 280 – From the Jack Balkin post Kagro X has linked on the front page of DailyKos today:
http://balkin.blogspot.com/200…..unity.html
raven @ 304
Musharref has Mormons in his Secret Service/Army?
I was half-heartedly supporting Edwards until this moment. Finally someone who stands up for the right thing instead of submitting to the Repubs. You go Senator Dodd, you have my vote now in the primary.
Praedor Atrebates @ 269
But, Praedor, they could just as easily go crying to the Executive branch that got them into it in the first place. Secondly, where does the President get off thinking that he can require another branch of government to give immunity to anyone or any entity for anything, especially something that he himself has contrived. He expects them to comply because they always have, I guess.
I am fired up about Dodd right now…and he’s seeing it in triple figure donations twice already today (did I say I was fired up??) This is leadership. This is what we aren’t really seeing from Obama and HRC. They already have positions of power…what are they doing with the power they’ve already got?
The Dems have a majority in both houses…and yet they let this legislation get to a point where it all depended on one guy to uphold his Oath of Office to defend the Constitution and step out on a political limb to put a stop to this POS revision of a POS ‘temporary’ statute.
This is a much better frame in any case. Dodd is *fighting* to defend the Constitution…not caving in to follow the Dear Leader.
I am fired UP!
mui @ 283
yeah!!! and new hampshire is not far…
Thanks to everyone for their positive feedback – as well as push to get Senator Dodd to lead on this issue.
I’d suggest that this is a great opportunity for Fire Pups to use the “Spotlight” function on this post. Today there were major stories in the NYTimes and Washington Post on the Senate Intel Committee caving to the White House requests for telecom community. We need journalists to cover Dodd’s FISA hold — stopping a bad bill from moving forward — to make sure that EVERYONE knows that he stood up for the rule of law. The assaults on the Constitution will not stand on Dodd’s watch, but the press has to be telling that story so it exists beyond the blogs, too.
Thanks again for your help,
Matt
Disclosure: I proudly work for Chris Dodd’s presidential campaign.
katymine @ 38
I just sent him $25 and a pat on the back. Thanks for the link!
1,630 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..
Citizens Hamsher, oklahomakiddo and the Firepup Freedom Fighters:
“I doubt that HRC is much worried about Dodd”
But that’s the point of this, brother kiddo, if Dodd ken use his visibility on the Senate floor to represent the interests of the people on issues like this, the Attorney General nomination, labor legislation and telecommunications in which better’n 60% of the population sides with the progressive position, then he can not only change the terms of the debate in the debates but he can overcome millions in corporate contributions with media attention to his battles on the Senate floor and in committee.
The forces of evil are gunna come after this guy BIG TIME now, so we gotta get his back…but remember, “any publicity is good” at this stage and it doesn’t cost anything.
If Dodd can hold his ground and create a progressive coalition with Feingold, Sanders, Leahy, Durbin on this AND the Attorney General nomination he can force Mrs. Clinton and Obama out from under the cover of their corporate handlers and take command of the progressive ground in the Democratic Party. This is HUGE, brother kiddo, jest HUGE!!
KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION,WE GOTTA MAKE ‘EM FIGHT IT OUT ON EVERY ISSUE, HOUSE BY HOUSE AND STREET BY STREET!!
selise @ 313
There is also the Hartford office, right Matt Browner Hamlin?!? Unless you prefer N.H.’s foliage. Okay, okay. I’m grateful. I’m pledged.
“Now, obviously, she, and the other front-runners are willing to catch the turd-bouquet, as long as they can be the next “bride”. Tanbark
lol
Matt Browner Hamlin @ 314
thank you matt! and please give our thanks to senator dodd.
also, if you-all haven’t already taken a look, there is a pretty good fisa bill (no retroactive or prospective immunity, protections wrt basket warrants) stuck in the house committee by rush holt (h.r.3782).
holt is on the house intelligence committee (so he knows what changes may be needed) and he wrote the bill with a couple of other committee members and consulted with the aclu.
the holt bill was the one the aclu was supporting.
i’d love to see dodd and holt work together in support of a good fisa bill.
best to you and the dodd campaign. hope i will get a chance to canvass for senator dodd – this action has convinced me to get off the fence.
I’m in for fifty!
A bit more of this and a small but timely consumer strike would sure “bitch slap” corporate “Amerika” back into reality.
mui @ 317
where ever i can do something useful!
hope my health is good enough soon to do lots volunteering… this is exciting!
CocoaBeach @ 106
DITTO
SufiLizard @ 279
You must not have seen Hugh’s effort on this. Don’t have a link though.
I know this is EPU land, but I had to add my thanks to Senator Dodd.
Matt Browner Hamlin @ 314
done – for my local papers (boston and worcester).
peony @ 323
hugh’s list of bush era scandals
Slightly off-topic but I didn’t see a thread regarding the Iraq War so I will post it here.
I am sick to death of hearing the fake opposition Dems in Congress moan about not having enough votes to end the war in Iraq. They give lip service to the myth that the only way to end the war is to write a bill saying “the war is now over” and send it to Bush for a prompt veto, then override the veto. They then throw up their hands, saying “Well, as you can see, we don’t have the votes to override any veto, so there’s no way to end the war. Sorry folks.”
This is disingenious and vividly illustrates who the Dems are really serving: the establishment, not their constituents.
Here’s how to end the war: No bill specifically ending the war is even necessary. Remember those supplemental funding bills the Cheney regime has to constantly ask for, to continue funding the Iraq war piecemeal instead of in yearly lump sums attached to the actual defense budget? That’s the achilles’ heel of their war effort. The next time Bush asks for another $80 billion or whatever to keep the Iraq bloodbath going, all the Democrats have to do to end the war is to say: NO. To say “We won’t allocate one more penny for your illegal war”. Last I checked the Dems have a wafer-thin majority in both houses. With no Dems voting for the next spending bill it won’t be passed and thus it won’t make it to Bush’s desk for signing. Bush (and especially his puppetmaster Cheney) may have concentrated an inordinate amount of power in the hands of the executive branch, but even they can’t send spending bills to their own desk. That necessarily has to come from Congress. If it never reaches his desk he can’t sign it, and will have 2 choices: 1.pull the troops out while there is still enough money left in the pipeline so to speak (and anyone who has five or more brain cells knows that the money isn’t going to run out the next day, that’s a non-issue that the right wing tries to use as a scare tactic but it is ridiculously dumbed down and simply not true; they don’t wait until they have $5 left before asking for another supplemental OK?); or 2.don’t pull them out right away, and leave them to wither on the vine in Iraq until the money DOES completely run out and they have to withdraw from Iraq chaotically, burning their supplies and vehicles. Either way the war will end pretty soon if the Dems refuse to vote on supplementals. They don’t have to write a bill saying they are cutting off funding; this is only a fig leaf so they can pretend to be doing something to end the war when all they are doing is purposely spinning their wheels. All they have to do is to NOT VOTE ON SUPPLEMENTALS. Pretty effing simple. The people NOW need to DEMAND in so many words that if the Democrats are a genuine opposition party that they will carry out the will of the people and NOT VOTE on supplementals. If they are a fake opposition party as I feel they are, and are acting not in the people’s interest but playing for the same team as the Republicans, then continue with more of the same hand-wringing and impotent nonbinding resolutions that resolve nothing. Decision time Democrats. Which are you? Genuine? Or fake opposition? I think I already know the answer to that one but why don’t you surprise me?
Matt Browner Hamlin @ 314
Done. I highlighted local CT.
Thank you Senator Dodd.
I’m in for Chris, and thank you Jane Hamsher for calling us to arms.
I’ve been waiting for someone in the Democratic field to step up. You know, the kind of principled stand that one takes at the risk of career and electability…the kind of act that could get someone included in a Kennedy-style “Profiles in Courage”. I’ve just seen that person for the very 1st time in this “oh so vetted”, CYA campaigning.
Thank you, Chris..you’ve helped me make up my mind about who I want to see as a leader.
Ann in AZ @ 311
Damn I hate coming late to the party. The reason the Telocoms are begging for this is that a Presidential Pardon would actually be WORSE than for them than not getting one in the first place for the shareholders and board members. Only individuals are eligible for pardons so the various people in the corp. offices that made the decision could avoid criminal prosecutions but the telocoms would still be on the hook for civil liabilities from mass torts. Add in the fact that accepting a pardon has been ruled as an acceptance of guilt, would give the companies no real legal defense in a civil trial.
I would also like to know how these immunity provisions square with the prohibitions on expost facto legislation and bills of attainder?
Praedor Atrebates @ 274Although, if they have immunity, what’s to stop them from testifying then? They are still conviction-free so there’s no possible harm on the legal front.
Simple. Bush could simply say “it’s a National Security Issue”.
Ironically, they can be CONVICTED for violating the law, with the National Security issues held in camera (secret hearings so they are not revealed to the public. But if they receive immunity (or I suspect, are pardoned) none of that can be exposed. Unless the acts were illegal and illegitimately classified or never were.
Jonathan @ 331
I doubt this bill would be a Bill of Attainder because a Bill of Attainder is basically legislative punishment, which only the judiciary can mete out. I think for the same reasons it cannot be an ex post facto law. But if it is a violation of FISA, perhaps retroactively repealing a claim could be a denial of property without due process of law.
Dodd is presidential with this type of leadership as an example. He also has very good energy plans. I will vote for him based on civil liberties though. With out those there isn’t any democracy. Now if he would pick Feingold as his running mate. Whoa mamma!
LS @ 55
Who do we know who likes to blow things up? Hmmm. Oh Yea…Dubya!
I wonder if he personally gave the okay.
Toby Wollin @ 175
Jeez, our whole country is soooo screwed up because of Money and the fact corporations have a bit more than you or I.
NorskeFlamethrower @ 316
Or, it might just encourage some Edwards supporters to switch to Dodd and thereby weaken Edwards, so Clinton can win in a walk.
Don’t underestimate the way the Clinton campaign will try to undermine it’s opposition.
I like what Dodd is doing, but I’m still supporting Edwards. He’s said all the right things and has a great background like none of the other candidates.
PTrig @ 15
Thank God for men like Sen. Dodd & Leahy who are willing to stand up and demand accountability rather than political game playing.