From Dana Milbank, we learn that President Bush “spoke of his Freedom Agenda spreading democracy across the globe: “We are standing with those who yearn for liberty.”"
Except, of course, when we don’t.
Yesterday, the Bush administration unveiled a pragmatic new foreign policy: The Stand by Your Man Agenda.
In the intervening period, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, a U.S. ally, had suspended his country’s constitution, arrested Supreme Court judges, closed media outlets, and beat or imprisoned demonstrators by the hundreds — using some of his billions of dollars in American military aid to impose martial law.
Bush’s Freedom Agenda frowns upon these activities — and yet Bush and his aides acted yesterday as if Musharraf had made an illegal right on red, or perhaps parked in a handicapped space….
Maybe he’s taking his cues from Joe Lieberman.
(Photo via Big-E-Mr-G.)
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Christy!
Jeez
Hello again, Christy…
Every time the word ‘freedom’ comes out of his mouth, I want to throw up.
Forked tongue much?
-GSD
I think this deserves an EPU’d:
Biodun @ 102
My bold.
spurious @ 4
Every time a word comes out of his mouth, I want to throw up.
Wonder if Lieberman likes Mukasey?
Impeachment res on now!
BREAKING: Kucinich up
Dennis!!!
Did anyone catch Perino at the presser yesterday? I think she wants Colbert’s job.
nonplussed @ 11
What is he saying?
Kucinich on NOW!
http://play.rbn.com/?url=cspan…..proto=rtsp
Does Lieberman support attacking Iran?
He is reading HR 333 Articles of impeachment against Richard B Cheney…
Go Kucinich!!!!
mc @ 7
Well, that too.
My bold. Milbank is wrong on this score.
Another EPU’d from the last thread:
Biodun @ 43
wiki;
pakistan is a trial balloon, this adminstration is going to do the same thing as soon as it looks like either bush or cheney will be out of office, they have no intention of giving this unitary power to hillary and they cannot possibly believe a republican can win the general election
christy points out this was done in pakistan with OUR money, OUR aid and by direction of cheney himself
mushariff did NOT think he could pull this off without DIRECT approval and DIRECTION from the whitehouse
as quoted in the post below;
DK’s listing all the Cheney quotes which lied about Iraq having WMD
What is the status of the Pakistani legislature?
2. Cheney sought inaccurate intelligence.
Kucinich! We should be sending him more money than the neo-nazis are sending Paul.
“”What we think we ought to be doing is using our various forms of influence at this point in time to help a friend, who we think has done something ill-advised,” one of Bush’s top aides declared from the podium in the White House briefing room.
“The question is, what do you do when someone makes a mistake that is a close ally?” the official argued. “The president’s guidance to us is see if we can work with them to get back on track.”
This could just as easily be describing Cheney if the Musharraf action originated from Cheney’s office.
You have to think Cheney,Addington and Bush have all got wood watching their dry run pan out in Pakistan.
Somebody is taking notes.
Go Dennis!
Screw the table.. Impeachment is on the floor.
Kucinich
Kucinich bringing up aluminum tube lies.
Bush and his support for the Pakistan president is advance payback for support of an attack on Iran. It’s felt something big is going on. And what is the Bush Pakistan suck-up’s message to India?
Eureka Springs @ 28
Frodo Kucinich?
And what is Putin thinking?
Cheney acted contrary to, and subversive of, his role as VP in a way that warrants impeachment.
Speaking of spreading democracy across the globe:
Chimpy: Did you hear that?
Laughable. Pathetic. Chimpy: Stop deluding yourself.
“Is guilty of an impeachable offense warranting removal from office.”
Truer words never spoken.
Go, Dennis!
That’s funny.
Cheney sought to deceive the congress and citizens about links between Al Qaida and Iraq.
perris @ 20
Perhaps a logician can help with with the term I’m groping for, but this is seeing an improbable cause and effect relationship between events.
This isn’t the first time Pakistan has imposed a dictatatorship; it’s not even the first time under Musharraf! The idea that this country of 169 million people is a “trial balloon” in Cheney’s hands is outlandish.
Pakistan attests to our powerlessness, not the opposite.
egregious @ 22
It’s still intact. See my 19.
Is there going to be a vote on this today? Should we be calling our reps and telling them to vote to impeach Cheney?
I am on the edge of my seat. Waiting to hear what Hillary thinks on all theses developments.
Cheney was fully informed that no credible information existed to connect Al Qaida and Iraq.
Jane Hamsher @ 36
OT..My compliments to who (whom) ever did you FDL photo..it is fantastic..(no compliments are needed for the subject).
The problem with Dennis is that even in Ohio, few take him seriously. He’s still sometimes refered to as the “boy mayor” and not just by MSM.
Even though I think he’s right on every point with the articles of impeachment, it’s difficult for me to forget some of the things he fouled up in Cleveland.
Boxturtle (Gotta admit I’m enjoying listening to his indictment of Bush/Cheney)
brendan @ 38
brenden, if cheney is directing musharaff’s policy, the history you are talking about is disasociated with this event
if cheney directed this to happen, which is completely differant then when it happened without cheney’s direction, which is not a stretch in the slightest (Pakistan policy is essentially being run from Cheney’s office., then this is a trial balloon
As you watch other strongmen abuse their power in ‘emerging’ democracies, one gains more and more appreciation for what a great man George Washington was.
I love that Kucinich is using “subversive” to describe Cheney.
Hopefully Mr. Putin will be able to brunt our lunatic president.
The Asia Times (www.atimes.com) is good for commentary on this stuff. OT, but close, here is a good piece on the Kurks and the Turds today: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/M…..7Ak02.html
Boxturtle @ 44
These things need to be said on the floor of the Congress. All this shadow stuff is getting us nowhere. A lot of light and air might do wonders.
We are inching ever closer to world war.
Boxturtle @ 44
A right-winger couldn’t have done a better job of going after the messenger, when the message is irrefutable.
I’m just sayin’…
Oklahoma kiddo @ 48
Isn’t that a sad thing to have to say. We can’t even control our own country any more.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 51
The darkness is spreading from Mordor.
(Sorry, I know it’s geeky, but I can’t help but think of Tolkein’s fiction as the perfect metaphor for what’s happening.)
well it took long enough, bush’s polls go lower then nixons’ and are the worst in polling history
I wonder what took so long…think progress;
perris @45:
Don’t you think the junta in Pakistan have their own reasons for doing things — such as, for example, that they’re a junta?
brendan @ 38:
Dictatorships under: Ayub Khan (1958-1971); General Zia (1977-1988); and Musharraf (1999-present). And its Constitution has been suspended three times under those three dictators.
SufiLizard @ 52
DENNIS HAS MORE BALLS than the entire city of W.D.C.
SufiLizard @ 54
Speaking of Mordor, I hope Balrog shows up around here soon.
sadly yes @ 58
Amen.
SHOUT IT DENNIS!!!!!
“We stand with those who yearn for liberty…”
Except when they’re US Citizens who believe that upholding, defending and following the US Constitution is the best guarantee of that liberty!
Dis. Gusting.
And KO’s special comment should be force-broadcast on all networks a la V for Vendetta (C&L had the clip up yesterday, the 5th of November).
FunnyDiva
I TRULY LOVE THIS MAN
Oklahoma kiddo @ 51
See @49. Bush always lets the cat out of the bag, and did it again with that “World War III” quote. That’s what they Turkey piece made me think of. We’re effectively fomenting terrorism against a NATO member right now. That’s how far everything has come apart at the seams at this point.
Kucinich!
Link.
It’s in the record.
At least it’s in the record.
So Now What?
Any parlimentarians want to tell me what’s next?
SufiLizard @ 68
Impeach Bush!
The House has to vote on Kucinich’s resolution/proposal within two days?
Will there be a vote? For sure?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 41
Me too.
SufiLizard @ 52
Dennis is such an easy target that going after the messenger will work in his case, darn it. We need somebody with some political heft to get behind Dennis. Murtha, for instance. BushCo can’t tar him as a traitor or a coward, which kills most of their debate points.
BoxTurtle (Bet Dennis doesn’t even get mentioned on the MSM news tonight)
Eureka Springs @ 71
Calling my rep now! HR 333? Right?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 15
If he doesn’t want to attack Iran, he wrote a d**ned funny bill asking that information for regular reports about how Iran is responsible for ‘Murkan deaths in Iraq. Pretty much have to ask first ‘Does A*P*C want to attack Iran?’, I think. Then you transfer that answer to Joe-Boy. ;-)
Biodun @ 57
… not that Pakistan had democracy in between the Military Juntas …
Imagine how foolish this Congress will look in the eyes of history for rejecting Cheney articles of impeachment.
Pepe Escobar dissects the Turkish/Kurd Bush dilemma.
From Asiatimes.
-GSD
Boxturtle @ 74
Bushco can tar anyone as a traitor or a coward. If George Washington were alive today, they’d go after him because he would certainly be opposing their tyranny.
Remember these guys smeared war heroes John McCain, Max McClellan and John Kerry — on their service!!!!!
We just can’t afford to be their echo chamber, they have enough help with the MSM. Don’t repeat their frames.
Aren’t any other Congresscritters going to stand up and support DK ?
Has Congress given up on impeaching Cheney/Bush ?
Twain @ 53
Perhaps England could lend the State Department some expertise.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 41
The burden of triangulation is indeed heavy.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 15
GSD @79. I linked to that at @49.
Breaking:
- Bush to invade Pakistan using Blackwater operatives.
- Pakistani lawyers have been declared unlawful enemy combatants.
- Congress drafting emergency legislation to immunize Blackwater for anything it does anywhere.
In other news, another Canadian guy will be kidnapped from a New York airport and shipped to an undisclosed location for torture just because.
solai @ 84
Lordy.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 15
LOL.
Via Atrios — Bush beats Nixon!!!
Bush has the charm of Nixon, the brains of Harding, and a smirk that is beyond obscene.
Yes, Jane it wouldn’t surprise me if Lieberman was in on a conference call. He sponsored Obama in the Senate and is close to him. Republicans are changing parties in the first three contests to vote for Obama. Hmmm. Give him the benefit of the doubt, but with eyes wide open.
Musharraf , according to CNN is making deals with the Islamic radicals to maintain power. He can thumb his nose at Bush, who now backs Bhutto. Musharraf never intended to be anything more than a tin medal military tyrant.
Notice how this government seems paralyzed? Bush has really stepped in it this time.
OT..
TPM
Mary @ 86
Well, I feel safer now.
OMG, Congress is enabling the m*rder of the English language … who wrote Corrine Brown’s speech ?
Petrocelli @ 93
Try “murther” next time.
Mary @ 86
Thanks for the warning … adjusting travel plans right away …
(Bold mine)
brendan @ 85
You can’t fire me, I quit!
-GSD
OT..A little common sense??
link
Imagine that: Joe-Lie parking his car in the handicapped parking spot. That says a lot about the man. A lot. For starters: dishonest; inconsiderate.
SufiLizard @ 80
Echo chamber is one thing, sticking our heads in the sand is another. We need to be aware of our sides weaknesses as well as our strengths.
Dennis, despite the courage he’s showing now, is known as a political lightweight with some baggage.
And MSM is unlikely to give him the airtime to prove he’s grown as a leader. It would sure be to our benefit if we could help him show that, but if we don’t even admit there’s a weakness…
BoxTurtle(GOOOOOOOO Dennis! Don’t hold back a thing)
Biodun @ 98
Perhaps they are giving out permits to people who are morally handicapped.
I’m hoping (against all reason) that the Kucinich effort is covered by the traditional media. Even if it goes down, let the conversation begin.
Boxturtle @ 99:
What baggage? When he was Mayor of Cleveland?
egregious @ 100
Excellent !
brendan @ 56
of course that’s a possibility but brenden, every single action taken by this adminsitration has been to gain and keep power.
we can hope you are right but we have to prepare for what looks like a course of action this administration is taking
let’s put it another way;
if we were to take all of the misteps from this adminsitration and put it into a novel as a coup culminating in an over throw, the reader would discard the novel as having to suspend TOO much disbelief
the president deliberately went to war with a country it knew posed no threat, full knowing it would CAUSE terrorism not prevent it
he deliberately diverted resources we knew were neccessary for the fight against terrorism
he was given precise intel on an impending attack and actually took vacation
he ordered our armed forces to stand down when the perpetrator was cornered…he did this twice
he guaranteed warrants were aquired when he knew as a fact warrants were never even requested much less aquired
I think there are plenty of people burying their head in the sand for what has certainly been a planned course of action by this adminstration
Biodun @ 102
iirc, around ‘79.
Pretty but daft and snippy:
solai @ 72
At the end of Kucinich’s speech, the Chair announced some procedural gobbledygook that I hope Christy or LHP or someone will explain. It seems that the Speaker will take a few days to decide whether or not Kucinich’s motion is a matter of personal privilege– in other words, rather than move to table, the Speaker may cut off any vote by some other procedural manoever, if I understand correctly.
Bob in HI
Loo Hoo @ 82
My understanding is that even as I type, Tony Blair is lending his vast expertise in the Middle East.
Biodun @ 102
From Wiki:
[edit] Cleveland Mayoralty, 1977–1979
Main article: Mayoral administration of Dennis Kucinich
In 1977, Kucinich was elected Mayor of Cleveland and served in that position until 1979.[8] At 31, he was the youngest mayor of a major city in the United States.[2] Kucinich’s tenure as mayor is often regarded as one of the most tumultuous in Cleveland’s history.[9][10] After Kucinich refused to sell Muny Light, Cleveland’s publicly-owned electric utility, the Cleveland mafia put a hit on Kucinich. A hitman from Maryland planned to shoot him in the head during the Columbus Day Parade, but the plot fell apart when Kucinich got sick and missed the event. When the city fell into default shortly thereafter, the mafia leaders called off the contract killer.[11] Kucinich is the only former Mayor of Cleveland without a portrait hanging in Cleveland’s City Hall.[citation needed]Melvin G. Holli, in consultation with a panel of experts, placed Kucinich among the ten worst big-city mayors of all time for reasons of temperament and performance in the book, Best and Worst of the Big-City Leaders 1820–1993 while Kucinich’s supporters say that Kucinich kept his campaign promise of refusing to sell Muni Light to CEI and was brave for not giving in to big business. Specifically, it was the Cleveland Trust Company that required all of the city’s debts be paid in full, which forced the city into default, after news of Kucinich’s refusal to sell the city utility. For years these debts were routinely rolled over, pending future payment, until Kucinich’s announcement was made public. In 1998 the council honored him for having the “courage and foresight” to stand up to the banks and saving the city an estimated $195 million between 1985 and 1995.[12]
[edit] Post-mayorship
After losing his re-election bid for Mayor to George Voinovich in 1979, Kucinich kept a low profile in Cleveland politics. He criticized a tax referendum proposed by Voinovich in 1980, which voters eventually approved. He also struggled to find employment and moved to Los Angeles, California where he stayed with a friend, actress Shirley MacLaine.[13] During the next three years, Kucinich earned money as a radio talk show host, lecturer, and consultant.[5] However, this was a very difficult period for Kucinich financially. Without a steady paycheck, Kucinich fell behind in his mortgage payments, nearly lost his house in Cleveland, and ended up borrowing money from friends, including MacLaine, to keep it.[13] On his 1982 income tax return, Kucinich reported income of $38.[13] When discussing this period, Kucinich stated, “When I was growing up in Cleveland, my early experience conditioned me to hang in there and not to quit. . . (During that time, his family had moved frequently, sometimes living in cars between apartments.) It’s one thing to experience that as a child, but when you have to as an adult, it has a way to remind you how difficult things can be. You understand what people go through.”[13]
In 1982, Kucinich moved back to Cleveland and ran for Secretary of State; however, he lost the Democratic primary to Sherrod Brown.[13] In 1983, Kucinich won a special election to fill the seat of a Cleveland city councilman who had died.[14] His brother, Gary Kucinich was also a councilman at the time.
In 1985, there was some speculation that Kucinich might run for mayor again. Instead his brother, Gary ran against (and lost to) the incumbent Voinovich. Kucinich, meanwhile, gave up his council position to run for governor of Ohio as an independent against Richard Celeste, but later withdrew from the race.[14] After this, Kucinich, in his own words “on a quest for meaning,” lived quietly in New Mexico until 1994 when he won a seat in the State Senate.[14] “He was in political Siberia in the 1980s,” said Joseph Tegreene years later. “It was only when it became clear to people that he was right… he got belated recognition
The default was what really hurt him. Nobody really remembers that the city government decided he was right 20 years later.
Boxturtle (Hopefully, it won’t be 20 years before people realize he’s right this time)
More on the impeachment resolution??
Joe Lieberman has been right about everything all of his life. If you don’t believe me just ask him, Ned Lamont and Hillary Clinton.
SufiLizard @ 75
Well, yes and no. H.Res. 333 has already been referred to the HJC. Kucinich said during his speech that the substance of his point of personal privilege is the same as H.Res. 333, i.e., it’s parallel but not the same. I missed the beginning so I don’t know if it has a number, but I think not. I think what we need to ask is that our Reps support Kucinich’s point of personal privilege offered on the floor today, as well as H.Res. 333.
IANAL, YMMV, etc.
Bob in HI
Blair in the Middle East. I have to say that was slick.
You all watching the House right now? Pardon my ignorance, but who is this?
Any matters pertaining to impeachment, must go through the Speaker’s office.
Next for Kucinich – Articles of Impeachment for Bush:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._1106.html
solai @ 114
Nevermind.
Now comes word of a second anti-Beshear robocall with an anti-gay-themed message. This one purports to be from an actual gay rights organization in Kentucky and touts Beshears’ support for “the homosexual lobby.” But the group, Fairness.org, denies being responsible for the call. The Fletcher campaign also denies any involvement.
We’re trying to track down the source of this call. If any of our Kentucky readers have received this latest robocall, shoot us an email. We want to hear from you.
–David Kurtz
Can’t they check with the phone company about who put the calls out?
HRC might just have helped Lamont win. Am I wrong on this? If so how?
So, will each supporter read the impeachment articles in their entirety?
I wish this woman had better speaking skills…
Oklahoma kiddo @ 119
She sent Lamont money for his campaign.
FYI
Per cspan: H.Res 333 Cheney Impeachment Resolution
Loo Hoo @ 118
*69 ?????
So he’s consistently had the courage of his convictions, stood his ground in the face of stiff resistance and done what he thought was right even when it had personal (assassination plot) and political costs.
And history has shown him to to be right time after time.
Geeez, that’s awful baggage to be burdened with.
(I say that with a clear understanding that he comes across as a little “kooky” at times, but that’s the last reference I’m going to make to that because if the cons can whitewash Bush’s pathetic history we can certainly help smooth the rough edges of an actual American hero.)
Oklahoma kiddo @ 108
There! All fixed!
Oklahoma kiddo @ 115
dlc turncoat :(
re: 118. Yea, the phone companies are always willing to divulge this kind of info. Or is that only when reThugs ask? Any lawyers know if any laws are broken here and if so who would have standing to subpoena the phone companies?
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is just the clerk.
anne @ 128
I believe you are right. Any idea what happens next?
Loo Hoo @ 121
Yeppers. A whopping $5,000. And she sure was with him when the going got tough. Wasn’t she. More triangulating? Oh I luv to discuss Hill. Would you perhaps let us know what you think of HRC’s vote on attacking Iraq and Kyl-Lieberman. Not to mention what your views are on her position is as Leadership Team Leader within the DLC.
Chacounne has a DKos diary about heading to DC to fight torture.
I’d bet she’d appreciate any recommendations from fellow Firepups.
1,650 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN’ GOEZ ON AND ON AND..
Citizen Hardin Smith and the Firepup Freedom Fighters:
Jeezus H. keeRIST on a god damned crutch…the Democrats can’t even get the impeachment thing right. Impeach CHENEY and the rest a the Potemkin village comes down without a sound. Cheney ken be impeached for exposing Valery Wilson, setting up ENRON to take down Grey Davis and California, and war profiteering. Once the impeachment investigation is underway, none a the documents requested by committee ken be covered by executive privilege and when Cheney goes the Clustrerfuck will hafta nominate a replacement which hasta be confirmed by the Senate…Clusterfuck will be left ta swing in the wind and the Democrats ken decide ta let ‘im play out the term or go for the jugular and begin an impeachment investigation which ken drag on as long as they want it to until they get all the fuckin’ evidence. That way no one gets pardoned and all the evidence of treason, bribery, extortion and profiteerin comes out into the sunshine of history.
Cut off the head and roast the rest of the snake.
KEEP THE FAITH AND PASS THE AMMUNITION…WE GOTTA SHOW ‘EM WHERE WE’RE GOIN’ SO THEY KEN LEAD US THERE!!
solai @ 129
IANAL … I’m sure one will be along soon to tell us … however I do know what should happen next … thousands more should descend on Pelosi’s doorstep and sit there until she allows Cheney’s impeachment to go ahead.
Instead of blocking this Resolution, Speaker Pelosi ought to be looking for ways to ensure that impeachment proceedings begin.
RBG @ 131
Done.
HRC is a DLC Leadership Team Leader. Joe Lieberman is a past chair of the DLC.
Re: Kucinich’s impeachment bit:
It ain’t going anywhere. And in any case: Do you think Chimpy cares? Darth? They’re already playing their endgames until January 2009.
David Swanson reported on Kucinich’s speech on the House Floor this morning:
For more, follow the link.
Bob in HI
Jane’s got a new thread.
I’m With Donna Edwards
Dunno what happens next. There’s a DKos diary up, with folks talking there as well.
anne @ 139
Steny Hoyer apparently moved to table, and the vote is going on right now.
Bob in HI
On CSPAN1 right now, the vote is going on, and while the vote is going on, they’re replaying Kucinich’s speech.
So far, the Republicans are fast out of the block to Table; Democrats are slower to vote. So far, most Democrats are voting to TABLE! (Grrrrrr.)
Bob in HI
Biodun @ 39
But with the Constitution suspended I don’t see how it can act. And many of the members of Parties in opposition to Musharraf have been arrested, including their Paliamentary Members. MP Imran Khan, the popular cricket player was arrested after he slipped out after being placed in “protective custody” at his home. Aitzaz Ahsan, a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) member of parliament, who had distanced himself from the reconciliation talks with Musharraf and became the president of Bar Council, was arrested on Sunday. There may been many others.
The leaders of several opposition parties have been arrested, including Javed Hashmi, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, and Khawaja Asif from the PML-N, the leaders of the Islamic party, Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan, Fareed Ahmed Paracha and Ameerul Azeem.
bobschacht @ 107
A question of personal privilege usually means that someone has raised the question whether Kucinich, in his statements, personally insulted a fellow member of the Senate or the body as a whole
Unless Cheney is regarded as as a Member (from being the Senate’s Presiding Officer) I don’t think that anything that Kucinich said will fly. Otherwise one would never be able to IMPEACH/CONVICT a Vice President, when that power is clearly held by the Senate. But I don’t think that he’s actually a member of the body, as he isn’t bound by all the other limitations that Senate Members are, nor is he able to apply the priviledges of a Senator.
He is an official, much like the Sgt. of Arms…
watching the impeachment vote…can anyone explain whats going on?
running commentary on randi rhodes show – not clear on whats up
Biodun @ 98
Gee, I don’t know. After all, he does have that mental impairment and that nasty flesh-eating bacteria he got from Republicans.
Give the man a break. He’s carrying around a lot of scum these days.
bobschacht @ 140
…
Steny Hoyer apparently moved to table, and the vote is going on right now.
strangest vote I have ever seen…ever
I have no doubt when the neocons see how easy it was for Musharraf to void his “goddamn piece of paper,” they see an opportunity for themselves. It comforts them to watch a long sought after idea play out.