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Sen. Jeff Sessions -- and the leadership of the Republican Party -- thinks you are stupid enough to swallow their inaccurate, fear-mongering PR-tested swill whole and never bother engaging your brain. Their floor show in the Senate yesterday serves as a crystal clear example of the GOP Expressway to Rubeville they've dragged the entire nation down the last few years.
Resisting the urge to pelt my television with a copy of the Federalist Papers, I hoped I'd hallucinated this particular idiocy from Jeff Sessions on the floor of the Senate yesterday. But, lo, Senator Slicker'n Snot On A Glass Doorknob, not so much: (H/T unAmerican Revolution)
Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama said in a derogatory tone:
“The civil libertarians among us would rather defend the constitution than protect our nation’s security.”
I am sure he realized how dumb he sounded because he stuttered as he made the statement. He made no apologies for the remark, however, and continued right along with his unique brand of ultra patriotism.... (emphasis mine)
Never mind that the either/or structure of this sentence is flat out false and reads more like a push poll. Or that America did, in fact, deal with a more enormous threat throughout the Cold War -- with real, live nuclear missiles pointed at us -- and managed not to hand over the Constitution and the Bill of Rights wholesale from our trembling, surrender monkey supplicant "save me daddy" hands.
Never mind that the FISA law does not apply to foreigners' calls -- but only to Americans and legal residents here who are expressly covered by the Fourth Amendment and the Constitution. Or that not one Senator of either party wants to prevent lawful surveillance of potential terrorists -- they simply want the Bush Administration to respect the rule of law and get a court-reviewed warrant like every other law enforcement agency in the country.
Never mind that you can simultaneously protect our national security AND uphold the principles of "liberty and justice for all." Don't just take it from me -- try the Heritage Foundation on for size: "To frame the fight against terrorism as a choice between safety and freedom offers a false choice. The most effective way to wage a war on terrorism is to adopt policies that secure both safety and freedom equally well." Or that Sen. Sessions and every other lawmaker take an oath of office which reads, in its entirety, like this:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. (emphasis mine)
See any "the laws don't count if terrorists make you wet your pants" exception there? Nope. See any "if the President tells me to break the law it's A-OK because he's a king and I do what he says and don't ask questions" exception? No siree. How about a "threats to the US void any and all adherence to the very principles on which our nation was founded so long as it serves our political fear-mongering PR purposes in an election year" escape clause? Nada.
In a jury trial, opposing counsel would rip that apart in about two minutes. As a former USAtty, Sessions knows this, but he's banking on the American public not bothering to think.
Jeebus. I have never needed the mockery of this Kung Fu Monkey post more than I do this morning. Just go read it. I mean, honestly, what sort of moh-ron falls for that scare tactic, factually inaccurate bullshit any more without fact checking it? (Oh, never mind...)
(If you live in Alabama, or if you just think this is the dumbest thing you've heard in weeks, feel free to let Sen. Sessions know your thoughts on patriotism versus highway rube-ery. In fact, Sen. Sessions is up for re-election this year, so please take the time to send in some letters to the editor to your local papers as well. Your nation thanks you.)
UPDATE: Cinnamonape brings up a very good point: for all of Sen. Sessions NRA pals, how do you feel about his disdain for the Bill of Rights -- which would include the Second Amendment? If it makes us more secure, is it a-okay with y'all that the government just rounds up everyone's guns in the name of national security? That slippery civil liberties slope ain't so purty any more, is it?
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Christy!
Shouldn’t a read it first! Congrats Biodun, well done :-)
OK, what’s going on here?
Last week it was Jane approvingly quoting a Red Stater, and now Christy’s doing the same with the Heritage Foundation?
Better watch it, or George Soros will stop sending those six figure checks to FDL.
*g*
By the way Christy, I think that Sessions is bankable. Thanks for all the hard work of everyone here yesterday!
christy - just want to say that yesterday’s success was very much your’s. you’ve been dogging this one for a long time and i can’t tell you how much i’ve appreciated your efforts. so glad the senate waited until you returned from vacation so that you could be here while it was going down.
Peterr — I find that smacking them upside the head with their own words is useful. Especially whn it is some bankroll verbage like Heritage, which has been wingnut welfare central for years.
As for the Soros checks, I’m still waiting by the mailbox, but alas, it’s still empty. *G*
Good Morning ,Christy
I sat and listened to the fear,9/11,9/11 all day yesterday and heard Sessions’ comments. Thanks for bringing it out into the open.
Shopping and lunch today…ray
Given the fact that folks like Rachel Paulose can say the same, this made me wonder who made Sessions a USAtty and when.
From wiki on Jeff Sessions:
Ah, the good old days, when the Judiciary Committee didn’t rubber stamp judicial nominees.
I’m guessing Sessions is still smarting over that smackdown.
selise — Thanks so much, but it was all the calls and faxes and everything that everyone has been doing for so long. This issue is one of fundamental principles, and it is so highly offensive that the GOP would attempt to game this just to protect Dick Cheney’s ample behind regardless of the long-term ramifications for the rule of law.
I’ve just had it with the lying, that’s all. And I’m so happy that I got to be home to help smack them oin the face with it.
I noticed the exact same sentence you did, and the disdainful way he said it. Remebering Patrick Henry’s, “Give me liberty or give me death.” I thought what a shame it was that an American politician could make the statment Sessions did and that the media and public had become so fearful and cowardly that they would think nothing of it.
off topic, thought you would like to keep your eye on this chrisy;
raw story is developing the following lead (no further data yet)
It’d be a bit funny to get folks all upset in ‘Bama about Jeff Sessions not supporting the Constitution and all, while Ron Paul is out to protect our Second Amendment and all those other Constitutional Rights!
Alabama Newspapers
And if you haven’t read the Kung Fu Monkey piece before, do go read through it. I’ve got it bookmarked, and laugh my way through it every time some moronic “be afraid” campaign gets started.
Jeebus, how did we get to a point where every little thing sends us screaming for the hills? Pathetic.
As a former USAtty, Sessions knows this, but he’s banking on the American public not bothering to think.
It’s working on me. I very consciously and with fierce determination try to not think about Jeff Sessions.
cinnamonape — I had the same thought on the Second Amendment. And meant to mention it in my piece - not enough coffee as yet, I’m afraid. Will drop in an update. Thanks much!
Redd’s got her dander up this morning.
Someone’s going to pay…besides Sessions, he’s not worthy.
Good to see you again CHS. Missed you and your wisdom while you were awol. Hope you and the Peanut had a swell time on your well-deserved sabbatical. She is the perfect age for Christmas.
T-
Weee, I’m registered here now!
So another Puke isn’t interested in his oath of office. How do these people stay employed? all the blackmailing from their spy-tactics? That’s why they don’t need real educated spies like Valerie Plame, I guess.
With that statement and logic, I guess Sen. Sessions does not support the 2nd amendment either. Wow, I wonder if his hardcore GOP base realizes this?
..the GOP Expressway to Rubeville they’ve dragged the entire nation down the last few years.
I thought, perhaps, that you were speaking of the GOP selling our nations highways to the highest bidders:
Foreign Privatization of U.S. Highways
American roads are the hottest commodity in the international marketplace. State and local governments are falling all over themselves to sell off highways, bridges, and all sorts of other revenue-producing infrastructure, to international financiers who are eager to snap up structures Americans have already paid for, and for which they continue to pay maintenance costs through endless taxes.
http://www.augustreview.com/ne.....007052160/
By the time the GOP and complicit DINO’S are done, the US Constitution will be tossed aside and replaced by the North American Union. US citizens will be
ownedindentured to aforeignglobal governmentChristy:
Small typo @ second line of second para: this particular idiocy…
T- — We had a fantastic time, and came home refreshed and relaxed. And it is all we can do to get The Peanut to wait for Santa. It’s a good year for it this year, and we are savoring it while we can. Hope you and yours are having a good one, too.
I don’t think she was awol at all.
I think she was resting up — and I’m glad she did!
Christy,
It is such an honor to be a member of this amazing community. You have taken the point on this FISA issue for months, and it has paid off.
Not that we’re done yet, but frankly, I’m glad the next time will will battle over this, it won’t be competing with Christmas. The way all the pups, just dropped whatever they were doing in their own lives and started dialing and emailing was just inspirational.
Also, the way the fact based community was able to support each other, I’m thinking of the complimentary posts up at Kos, explaining the Seante rules and our linking to Glenn Greenwald’s petition–really is a role model fo rhow to do on line activism.
Major Kudos to Chris Dodd– A real man (and I don’t say that about too many members of his gender), a real patriot, and golly, a Seantor who showed up to do his job when it needed doing, instead of putting himself first and tending to his residential campaign.
After 9/11, my thought was that, although terrorists could do some painful damage, there was no way a band of rag tags wanting to return to the 7th Century could bring down the United States, unless we did it to ourselves by our reactions. Since the build of to Iraq, I’ve watched in horror as the Bush Administration proceded to do their best to accomplish that very thing. The largest part of it involves this ridiculous fear on the part of some of the population. We need to find some way to point it out to the public and make them too ashamed to support politicians who play upon it.
Selise deserves a hand to for supersleuthing congressional activities. Hope you can keep it up while digging out in the BlueSnowAndIceState, Selise!
If someone actually were able to get a Letter To The Editor into an Alabama Newspaper one could almost bet that Sessions would respond that he wasn’t trying to emasculate the Second Amendment because having automatic weapons is absolutely essential to protecting us from bomb-planting terrorists. He’d say he was only trying to meddle with the Fourth Amendment!
Damn those Civil Libertarians!
Damn those Guerilla movement, foul-mouthed Fem Bloggers!
Selise deserves alot of attagirls. not only does she ferret out all the contact info, but she reinjects it at just the right place in everythread.
Timing is ritical if you want readers to follow through, and Selise is blessed with teh gift of perfect timing
Jayeff Sayshons is a WATB fo sho.
This is Jacques Derrida’s concept of pharmakon, derived from Plato, that I talked about a while back: poison or cure, depending on the dosage. Immunization works the same way: injecting a portion of the virus to fight the virus.
No idea why — maybe I’m just a little tired this morning or something — but the phrase “Highway Rube-ery” cracks me up. hehehehehe
Wish you guys were here, I made some pizelles yesterday for our cookie tins and I’m having a couple with my coffee this morning. Nummy.
The Senate is too collegial and polite. Senators are always allowed to stand and spew to their hearts’ content, uninterrupted and unchallenged. That what is said is blatantly incorrect (read “lies”) simply does not matter.
I think that each party should be allowed one “I call bullshit” challenge per day; permission to interrupt a speaker who is in the process of lying, proposing unconstitutional actions or interpretations, etc.
Maybe the Dem’s should get two. An automatic one for whenever Jeff Sessions speaks, and another at-large “I call bullshit” to be used at the party’s discretion.
‘We’ didn’t get that way by accident. This is part of a concentrated effort to make our nation over in the mold of a Fascist state. It’s not the first time this has been attempted nor will it be the last.
Frankly I was disappointed that Reid caved. He correctly decided that having Senator Dodd on coast to coast explaining to the low-info citizens just exactly what’s going on in D.C. was not in the interests of the Fascist Coalition of which he is a member. Too damn bad as it would also have highlighted Senators Cackle and Compromise’s ‘rubber stamp’ strategy for dealing with the Fascistii. That is, give them whatever they want so the campaign dough continues to roll in. Between the Oprah fiasco and now Big Puppy’s proposed ‘World Tour’ with ‘Poppy’ Bush we can see that neither of these folks are fit to work the clown act at the circus much less clean up Junior’s ‘Big Shitpile’.
And there’s nothing funny about Jim Sessions. He’s as dangerous to our nation’s political health as the bird flu and should be removed from the Senate as a hazard to the public health.
jayt — Have you ever watched “Prime Minister’s Question Period” in the House of Commons in the British Parliament (or the Canadian Parliament) when they show it on C-Span? I so wish we got to do that, even if it were only a once a month thing. Bring the President in — or, in this case, a party surrogate, because watching Bush have to answer questions on the spot on substantive policy issues would be altogether too painful just on a grammar basis — and pelt him with substantive questions, continuing to demand answers, with factual back-up, until you actually get them.
SIGH
And I like this bit from Kung Fu Monkey (link in Christy’s post):
I wonder what’s on Osama’s list this Christmas…
Alrighty, Bush’s answer to rising fuel prices is ethanol. Big business for ADM, and contaminated water for the rest of us. Did the EPA close its’ doors or what?
US corn boom has downside for Gulf
JEFFERSON, Iowa - Because of rising demand for ethanol, American farmers are growing more corn than at any time since the Depression. And sea life in the Gulf of Mexico is paying the price.
The nation’s corn crop is fertilized with millions of pounds of nitrogen-based fertilizer. And when that nitrogen runs off fields in Corn Belt states, it makes its way to the Mississippi River and eventually pours into the Gulf,
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200.....6Ox_9v24cA
Pollution health risks in our midst
3 area plants among 20 worst in nation, EPA data reveal
The U.S. Steel mill in Gary and the BP refinery in nearby Whiting rank among the nation’s worst factories on health threats to neighbors from water pollution…Mercury, lead and other pollutants poured into the Lake Michigan basin by the two industrial giants account for the high health-risk scores tabulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....?track=rss
I wonder when Nestle will print a warning on its’ Ice Mountain bottled water; contains traces of mercury and lead
More like they need the UK parliament’s rules. They’re allowed to loudly denounce what they don’t agree with. Even to the Prime Minister’s face. There’s reasons why the seats have the sword’s length space between them. *grins*
We need something similar to that here. Getting along does just fine–but being allowed to call bullshit is much more important. Granted, the Brits are better at the veiled insults when they aren’t being bellicose like those shouting sessions i’ve seen. ^^
“Senator Slicker’n Snot On A Glass Doorknob”
Love it.
I missed that particular statement. Pretty dumb. But hey, he didn’t say we were more interested in the rights of terrorists than the safety of americans.
What will be today’s dumb-assed statement of the day. If DAD Dana opend her mouth, she will likely win the award. Maybe she’ll compare Reid pulling the FISA bill to the Suez Crisis. She’s not too good at her crises.
Oh, Dana!
I think the press is supposed to serve that purpose in this country. I remember when it used to.
Nummy? Is that like yum-o?
Beerfart at 39 — Yes, but far less perky. *G*
that would be some catastrophy so our ruler has an excuse to declare and emergency and suspend elections
I was thinking of that yesterday. First of all, the members would actually have to be in the chamber! They’d have to listen to each other. They’d have to rub shoulders, so to speak. And yes, if only bush were exposed as unable to think on his feet. They have something like that in Canada too.
Ugh…. frustrating!
My take from the repubs yesterday is that they simply recycle the lies, no matter how many times they’ve been disproved. Recycle ad infinitum.
The Senate is too collegial and polite.
Except for of course, Biggus Dickus, who can tell senators to go f themselves…
Good. I hate perky.
That’s at the WaPo this morning, Perris.
Grrreat lead, Christy! Get ‘em!
Love your taxonomic skills at I.D.’ing “Redneckus Peckerheaderi”. :o)
And some cautionary words from Glenn today about yesterday:
I know, right. some nummy snacks with coffee are great for the taxonomic skills. I particularly liked “Senator Slitherin’ Snot on a Glass Doorknob.”
I don’t know who said it or the exact quote, but it’s been said America can never be defeated in battle, if we are ever beaten it will come from within
something to that affect
some other great quotes;
Fascism will come wrapped in a Flag carrying a Bible
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. — James Madison
‘When the government fears the people it is a democracy….when the people fear their government it is tyranny…’ — Thomas Jefferson
Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. — Benjamin Franklin
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive.– Thomas Jefferson
The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home. – James Madison
The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders…tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. – Herman Goering
I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. – James Baldwin
Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices. – Voltaire
The cry has been that when war is declared, all opposition should be hushed. A sentiment more unworthy of a free country could hardly be propagated. – William Ellery Channing
“if there be one principle more deeply written than any other in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest.” — Thomas Jefferson
Criticism in a time of war is essential to the maintenance of any kind of democratic government. – Sen. Robert Taft, (R) Ohio
Fascism will come wrapped in a flag and carrying a Bible. ~ Sinclair Lewis 1935
“patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels.” - Samuel Johnson
“If the American people ever allow the banks to control issuance of their currency, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers occupied.” -Thomas Jefferson
“The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists.” -J. Edgar Hoover, former head of the FBI
BEWARE THE LEADER WHO BANGS THE DRUMS of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know ? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar.”
But, but, but isn’t that what Soros means when he talks about an “open society”?
I’ve told myself again and again that I know I’m in trouble when I find myself agreeing with Pat Buchanan much of the time. But somehow, I also find it somewhat comforting that suddenly we are finding common ground, and that ground happens to be the basis for our whole society.
Except for of course, Biggus Dickus, who can tell senators to go f themselves…
Trying to decide whether this qualifies under the “I call bullshit’ rule… hmmm.
Nope. The source must be a member of some constitutionally recognized branch of government.
Sorry, (pause) Dick.
Seems like this would be a good thread to repeat my terrorism-is-like-acne meme:
Watching CPAC can truly be enlightening visavis our CSPANs. It’s available online here:
CPAC
Also from Glenn about what Harry Reid is up to now:
(Same link as my 47.)
LHP why do you use the term patriotism? It is a word that has so many questionable associations such as racism, exclusionism, wartime slogans like my country right or wrong. We need to support good and ethical values and “nationalism” and patriotism can be applied to any nation regardless of how it treats people.
Better to be a good citizen than a good patriot in my book.
However, you can’t simultaneously protect our national security AND uphold the principles of “liberty and justice for all” AND gather as much plunder as possible. Republics claim to do the first in order to maximize their opportunities to do the last.
OfT - Pat Buchanan proclaims that Ghouliani is “cooked”.
Today’s LA Times coverage of the FISA debate, etc., is smaller than a postcard and on page 23 of a 27-page front section. It gets key parts of the substance wrong:
OfT - Pat Buchanan proclaims that Ghouliani is “cooked”.
Interesting that the insertion of an “r” just after the “c” in “cooked” still results in a true statement…
So did Sessions take Heflin’s seat? And if he did, hasn’t he already taken revenge?
The FISA postponement was hardly a victory, but it will be a delay of the inevitable. I don’t see that they will ever let any cases go forward because there is too much shit in there that they will never let see the light of day in a civil suit.
There will be no trials of telcoms.
We live with big brother watching all our moves and when you act up too much you get taken down. I don’t think we will see any real hardball played against BigB. He plays dirty and he has all the high cards, big guns and bribes.
Pogo: We have met the enemy. And he is us.
Sweet Jesus, that is one of the most ignorant, offensive and outrageous statements I have ever heard in my life. I am tired of Confederate concern trolls running around with wet pants and hot breath trying to scare Americans into abandoning the glue that holds the nation together.
-G
Does any one know if Qwest was ever given a subpoena to compel them to allow the wiretaps, or did they determine that what they were after was not worth doing it right?
What’cha gonna do when Hukster-amania runs wild on you?
All of those terms are relative and depend on the meanings assigned by the listener. A good citizen of the Third Reich sould turn in parents and neighbors to the Gestapho. A good citizen in Napoleonic France volunteered as canon fodder for the empire or turned in anyone crictical of Napoleon.
I’m tired of surrendering language to the right wing. They have worked to make the terms Democrat and liberal into terms of derision. Inadvertantly, they have given bad connotations to words like Christian and patriotism. The way they use it, I dislike the word patriotism
as much as you do. But, I think there are valid reasons for love of country and that’s what we’re trying not to lose.If you want total security, go to prison. There you’re fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking… is freedom.” David Dwight Eisenhower
“… there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the extent that it’s in my control.” JFK
“We are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covet means for expanding its sphere of influence; on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerillas by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which as conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly-knit highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific, and political operations. Its preparations are concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its dissenters are silenced, not praised. No expenditure is questioned, no rumor is printed, no secret is revealed.” JFK
Seen any reasons lately that you could remind us of? I mean something that the country has done in it’s official capacity, not things that folks like us are doing.
Can you love the country and take impeachment off the table?
Well, the fact that we’re still able to do what we’re doing.
The instant the wingnuts get into liberties vs. safety mode four things should leap to mind:
Whenever they bring this nonsense up, they should be beaten mercilessly.
Shorter Jeff Sessions: Sometimes you have to destroy the country in order to save it.
Ahem, if “official U.S.” had its way, that would not be so.
eCAHN — Do not make the mistake of equating the entire nation with the actions or inactions of the Bush Administration. I don’t define myself or my expectations for government by them. And I certainly don’t define the character of the country based on George Bush or Dick Cheney.
Podhoretz up on Brian Lehrer on wnyc.org.
Just trying to remind the perspective the rest of world has. They don’t see us.
LHP- Ditto on Christy’s efforts! Thanks SO MUCH Christy and all who have called, emailed, lettered and faxed on FISA.
LHP & Christy, how about a standing ovation for Dodd at the next Dem presidential candidate debate? A standing up for the rule of law ovation…
OT sorry but a tip o’ the pin to the Vikings. 5 straight wins and playoffs looming large.
Oops. Hey Christy, hey all!
I think they do see us. A lot of the people in the world love the American people. They do not like our government.
I disagree. “Officlal” U.S. is more than the administration. It includes Congress and the Judiciary. There are still many representatives of those two branches who still value open debate and dissent.
Anyone who wants to know how NYers think about Podhoretz can follow the comments at
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/e.....ents/90605
Please don’t let the right define what patriotism means or what a patriot is, just as we’ve let them define what liberal is… Also, please don’t let the right appropriate the use of the American flag, and also define what it is. The American flag belongs to every American…
OK. I give up.
The fight is still on. Let’s hope that Dodd’s filibuster gets more traction over the holidays. A lot of things are happening now that from the perspective of the Establishment are going out of control. Bernanke’s attempt to service the financial markets has failed; inflation is rising; the Christmas shopping is a bust, and Huckabee is winning in Iowa. Nothing is working for them. Too many chickens, to short a roost.
Iowa and New Hampshire will be earthquakes if Huckabee scores big, Clinton scores small, and Edwards does well enough to stay in the race.
Hey Balrog:
The Vikings are not out of the woods yet…
Please don’t!
Christy I just emailed you something on vacations.
I love the fact that the procedures in the Senate still allowed Senator Dodd to foil passage of the Intelligence Committee bill. On the larger scale, I love the fact that there is still some chance of restoring and saving the democratic form of government. I love the fact that there has been a way of life worth restoring. I definitely do not like the trends, but, at this point, there is still no where else I would choose to live. That could change, but I would still love the “once and future” United States.
My point is that, if you choose to view “patriotism” strictly as nationalism, chauvanism, exceptionalism, imperialism, that is your choice, but it can, and for some does, have other meanings.
I used to be a card carrying member of the NRA because i do believe in the right to own a gun or several if you like. I’ve been trained and know how to use them - well in fact. I keep them locked in a substantial safe when not in use.
I didn’t agree with everything the NRA did or said, and sometimes their tactics were questionable, but hey, their basic premise was sound I thought.
This went along this way until June of 2004 when I received one of the NRA publications, “Americas 1st Freedom” Everyone who’s a member gets one of these and I’m not into shooting small furry defenseless animals, so this is the one I elected to get. It deals mainly with topics of self defense and so on.
Well that issue was a wake up call. On the cover was a picture of Dick Cheney at a national NRA meeting in Pittsburgh. I consider this man liar and a thief. The next thing I did was call the NRA and have them remove me from their membership roles. The thing that cracked me up about that issue was that toward the end there was a comment from Larry Craig, our erstwhile Senator from Idaho.
I was going through some old papers the other day and ran across this issue. I hadn’t thrown it away at the time because I wanted to keep it to remind myself to stick my head up now and then and take a look around.
Sheeesh! sometimes we really get dumb and complacent
I just meant that y’all are ganging up on me on a minor point & I’m not gonna press that one anymore.
I always told my son to choose his battles, so I’m takin my own advice.
I’ll be back on other themes.
Amen!
Hypersonic communications will help us all to luuurv Murica again!
“You luuuurve Murica!”
“I hate what it has become.”
“But you LUUUUUURV MURICA!”
“I…I…I…”
“LUUUUURV MURICA!”
“I…I…LUUUURV MURICA!”
“Thought you did!”
This about fear from kung fu monkey totally cracks me up:
Are the scary terrorists worse than our enemies in WWII? Worse than the Soviets who could literally have destroyed our country with nuclear weapons?
Seems to me that the victory, at least thus far re FISA, involved two parts. One was knowing and using procedure in the Senate. The other was related to the Constitution and all the logical and psychological arguments.
Almost as if you need two teams of people for the fight. One team to work on rapid response related to Senate rules and procedure. The other related to the verbal back and forth.
So, more education on both fronts. And I personally think that to get people to write their own things that they would say to the senate if they could is extremely effective.. not just because it brings in ideas, but because people become more committed AND that in itself gives everyone more FIGHT.
Can he get any shorter?
-G
TheraP — It also gives folks a head start if they wanted to then send it in as a letter to the editor in their local paper. (hint, hint)