Welcome Alan! Great to have you back at firedoglake again.

Alan, welcome back to FDL– and thanks for making some time to us today. Before we get into this week’s Supreme Court ruling and before we get into how your campaign is progressing since you last visited with us, let me ask you about the war profiteering cases you have been working on. Are any unsealed? Are there any you are free to tell us about?

My pleasure. So happy to be hear again.

w00t Alan!

Jus Cogens!

We just got a $9 million settlement in a DOD case. The Bush Administration wouldn’t prosecute, and wouldn’t even allow the Government witnesses to show up at trial. But we won, anyway.

Another one — contractor employees stole weapons and equipment, and sold them in the black market, to insurgents. One road off with an SUV, sold it, and claimed it was lost. DOJ won’t prosecute.

Mr Grayson,
As a lawyer fighting these battles, how do you feel when you hear the President respond to the ruling by the SCOTUS

“It was a deeply divided court, and I strongly agree with those who dissented. And that dissent was based upon their serious concerns about US national security.”

Isn’t it a bit disingeneous when the justices are only supposed to be concerned with the Constitution? Do you think the dissenters have forgotten what they swore an oath to uphold?

Great job! Do you have a link so I can learn more about the case?

Would you say that there was a reason the Bush Regime wouldn’t prosecute and wouldn’t allow government witnesses to testify? It sounds like obstruction of justice.

Another one — the Secretary of the Navy and someone who worked for him directed government contracts to a favorite contractor, and then that contractor was bought by a mysterious Caribbean shell company — for a dollar. Guess who owned the shell company.

I think that this is a great opportunity to add to the bills of impeachment. It was a 5-4 court that made Bush President. Now, all of a sudden, he doesn’t like 5-4 decisions?

The Secretary of the Navy’s gay lover?

As a taxpayer and Citizen, I thank you for your work in taking these people to task. May you enjoy such success deposing “Babyface” Ric. He’s a real piece of work, that one.

They won’t prosecute because they don’t want more bad news coming out of Iraq. They want to perpetuate the fantasy that all is well. Because the only thing that they’re good at is “managing” the news.

McCain’s wife?

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Alan..IF they were doing their jobs right..who would be the agency or person who should be dealing with this – Defence contract Audit Agency?

The US Constitution clearly states that habeas corpus can be suspended only in times of REBELLION or INVASION. If we had a President who could read, he would know that the Supreme Court decision is right.

The DCAA investigates. The FBI investigates. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigates. And they turn all of their information over to the Department of Justice, which does . . . nothing.

Does anyone have any spare fingers? Mine are getting tired.

Well, we certainly know whose desk does NOT have the sign on it that says, “The Buck Stops Here”.

This has an explanation. Bush thought he could suspend habeas if we invaded some other country.

Thank you! Keller promised eight years ago to serve only eight years, and it’s my job to make sure he keeps his promise.

GW would take it literally.

Then I wish he had picked a smaller, friendlier country to invade, like the Bahamas.

No oil…

Except that Cheney is the one who has really cleaned up out of this war. I’d love to see THAT guy investigated for war profiteering.

Halliburton’s wife’s ex-gay lover?

It’s hard to imagine– especially in this economy– someone voting against extending unemployment insurance. It passed by a veto-proof majority (with 49 Republican votes and every single Democrat, even the worst, slimiest Blue Dog) but Ric Keller voted no. I hope that is the signal his political demise.

a pleasure to see you again Mr. Grayson

one of the lawyers that frequent this site said that his interperatation of the ramification for the past scotus ruling were pretty sweeping

that avery signing statement is void, every yoo memo, gone, every single decision the president made outside the constitution without congress’s approval rebuked

man I hope the decisions is indeed that sweeping

The sign on Bush’s desk should say “for sale — going out of business.” All lobbyists get 50% off.

the Department of Justice, which does . . . nothing.

But they do nothing very well…

Cleaning up Bush’s mess starting January is going to be a daunting task for the whole country– not just Obama and Congress– but it will be great to have sharp minds like Al Franken in the Senate and Alan Grayson in the House– that can have a sense of humor about it as well.

All the Supreme Court did was simply read the Constitution, and then tell people what it says. Which Scalia and the other dissenters somehow couldn’t bring themselves to do. If you need an emetic, read Scalia’s dissent.

If nothing is all you do, you get good at it.

we need to frame this discussion with the actual ramifications rather then “habeas corpus protection”

it’s just stunning to me the issue was even in question, of course a president can’t hold innocent people, of course he can’t write new law to keep people when they commited no crime untol the president made up one in his own head just to hold that person, of course a person can show they commited no crime and of course they can know what crime the president is making believe they commited

it is insulting, the very notion that a president can gather you up, not tell you what foolishness he thinks you commited, not give you the right to show you did not commit that foolishness, and keep you there under the threat of torture

the very notion is disgusting

Howie – that’s the whole point – no matter how any of us supported before, we have to give Barak Obama a Congress tha will work with him. We won’t have a chance of getting any cleanup at all if we don’t.

Right. Everyone held in prison by the U.S. Government — in many cases, for six years — gets a date in front of a judge; that’s what the Constitution says. Unless you think that the President can do no wrong. But I think that that theory has pretty much been disproven.

Alan’s got the best election day ground plan I’ve ever seen. He’s very serious about winning this race and he needs our help. This is still below the radar and I don’t expect the DCCC to figure it out until around 8PM on election day. Even if you don’t want to free CDs, please consider contributing to Alan’s campaign.

The only thing that bothers me about Barack Obama is that he graduated from Harvard Law five years after I did. Which makes me feel really, really old.

but what the supreme court did was say to the president, you cannot overule the constitution and you are bound by it here and abroad, nothing you say can change that fact

that’s what they said with the ruling, it becomes sweeping when put into that context, it means his signing statemenst are his opinion which carry as much weight as his opinion regarding habeas corpus

Aren’t the Republics going to hold on to that theory to the bitter end? It’s the underlying thesis of their campaigns, even now.

You’re right. And if the President ignores that and goes ahead with the Guantanamo trials — as DOJ said today — then we’re heading for a Constitutional showdown.

but my point alan is the way the discussion needs to be framed, most people are clueless what can be done to them or their family or their friends without that protection

That kind of thinking went out with Louis XIV — “L’etat, c’est moi” (”The Goverment is me,” or more colloquially, “I’m the decider.” And look how he ended up.

Again, you’re right. They’re just looking for Daddy Bush to protect them from the forces of evil, when the man can’t even find his own rear end with both hands.

It ended up well– from humanity’s perspective– for Louis XIV’s grandson.

then we’re heading for a Constitutional showdown.

we’ve been heading for that showdown too many times and it just never happens

his power stops where congress says it stops, his power originates from congress and it ends where they say it ends, they must make their stand for the president’s power to be reigned

and nothing even needs to be proven at a trial of impeachment, they can indeed impeach “because”, it is not bound by a judge or a court, they are bound by themselves

Done – I’m in..who else wants to jump in the water?

Oooooh, I Love secret plans. Especially during elections. I’m guessing it’s something that no one has ever done before?
Right now I’m looking for Why Mr. Grayson is a Blue America Candidate and why I should contribute. No offense meant, just waiting for some meat.

“Bound by themselves” is exactly right — they are bound by their own weakness and cowardice.

bingo

Check the first link in today’s post which is to the original Blue America visit by Mr Grayson.

There should be plenty of meat to justify the endorsement.

“I AM the federal government.” –Tom DeLay

What will keep the Republics from changing the subject of the election away from them to one or more of their tried-and-true issues like gay marriage? They have managed to make that a state issue in CA already.

Because, like all of you, I have a conscience, and it has guided what I’ve actually done with my life. That’s why I’ve spent the past four years prosecuting war profiteers in Iraq, when no one else has. I’m not going to stop doing good things for the people, just because I get elected. I’m not running for Congress to be something; I’m running to do something.

Greetings everyone and welcome Alan!

You seem like a real American hero!!! watching your video is balm for this patriot’s soul. You could add a photo of the pallets of cash gone missing in Iraq while we pay more for gas and groceries.

Whatever happened to the concept of checks and balances in this country?

they are bound by their own weakness and cowardice.

Let’s turn that around a bit. Who do you admire most in the present Congress? (House and/or Senate)

I don’t think that will work any more. Not when gasoline is $4 a gallon. Not when one out of ten families are behind on their mortgage. Not when we’re wasting a million a minute on the war. Not when the dollar is starting to resemble a piece of toilet paper.

Okay, I will. But I can do that anytime. I kinda thought the point of a blog was the Now part of it.

demi, not “a” Blue America candidate– THE Blue America candidate. There is no better Blue America candidate anywhere in any state for any office. I love them all; but Alan is unsurpassed– both in terms of policy positions and in terms of brilliance and in terms of progressive LEADERSHIP.

Thank you. That’s admirable.

I think that Senator Kennedy has been the conscience of the country for over forty years. He has done whatever he could to improve the lives of ordinary people, even when the Republicans were in charge and made it so difficult. But the real prize in that family was, of course, Bobby.

Alan, I know I’m not alone when I say that I hope one of the things you ‘do’ once you get to the House is help President Obama clean up the DOJ. That’s a House of Horrors.

My doctor says that I should get at least an hour of exercise every week. Does this count? My fingers are getting quite a workout.

The MEAT is this:

We’re STARVING for doers in congress. We’ve got enough “GEE, that’s terrible, yes but I don’t think it’s time for impeachment, or, GOSH, Immunity is never warranted unless someone’s broken the law, but why don’t we just throw it in the bill and call it a day anyway” types!

Mr. Grayson KICKS CRIMINAL’S ASSES. I’m not able to give $30 but I will for SURE be in for $5. Anyone want to join me?

Absolutely. I can’t tell who is worse at DOJ — the ones who do nothing, or the ones who do something evil.

Must we choose?

You are so right. I keep a list of all the bills that I want to introduce when I’m in Congress, and people like you are always adding to the list. Now, IT’S OUR TURN.

My fingers are getting quite a workout.

That’s why I only use two or three at a time – leaves several in reserve for when the original typers get tired.

We appreciate your comments.

Without a doubt, my favortie candidate.

Alan, do you know any good people in PA?

* looking in the direction of comcast carney *

Howie, how are the FISA Carney commercials going?

No. Just send in the exterminators.

When you get there – look up Mike Arcuri(used to be a prosecutor in Utica, NY) and Maurice Hinchey. No one that I know of hates these guys as much as Maurice. Mike actually represents me(we have a funky district here), but Maurice represents most of my country so I work for him too.

If it’s Jacqrat’s turn, watch out Bush Crime Family!!!!

We’re getting ready for Round 2 in the education of the voters in PA-10

They all had better watch out. The last thing that the Bushies want is me with subpoena power.

Not when we’re wasting a million a minute on the war. Not when the dollar is starting to resemble a piece of toilet paper.

republicans don’t see it yet, nor will they see it all, most of this will be payed in a decade even though we are suffering now

Great! :)

>

“When” I get there? Not “if”? I have to say, I like the sound of that.

You’re right. The poll that we’ve done show that my voters care about the price of gas, how to pay their mortgages, the cost of health care, etc. And my opponent’s voters don’t. They’re living in a dream world.

I often think of our current administration/congress/public dynamic as that of an abusive family. The abuser is evil for sure, but the victim always holds more resentment against the bystander for not doing anything to step up to stop the abuse.

Of course you are going to get there! Central Florida deserves no less! By the way, as someone who is not only an attorney but was also in the telecom business – do you want to comment about warrentless wiretapping and FISA?

I hope that we have a session on the big changes that we need to turn this country around. People are too used to playing defense, and they’re still thinking small. We’re going to have a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress — what we need now is a Democratic Agenda.

Right. The whole country is now a victim of the Stockholm Syndrome.

Yikes, I realize I resemble that remark, dosido. :D

I am up to HERE with the bystanders in Congress not doing anything to stop the abuse.

I am confident with more congresscritters like Mr. Grayson, there will be some DOIN’S going on!

It’s is, unfortunately, ridiculously easy for the Administration to get a warrant — the judges almost never turn them down. The fact that they often didn’t bother to do so shows how drunk they have been with power.

Yes, and I resemble that critter.

So no one ever answered the question, Alan. Who DOES own that Caribbean shell outfit that bought the company for one-dollah?

Just a note of interest for everyone…the Obama campaign has set up a relief fund for the victims of the flooding that has so far horribly damaged 2 American cities with probably several more to come. Bush and McBush….*crickets*…. Boo Yaa…

Alan Grayson, you are something else…you are going to win!!!!

My guess is Halliburton or Blackwater or the like

I spent some time with a Democratic member of Congress from Florida recently — just the two of us. I asked her what she liked most about her job. She said, quite simply, “helping people.” And it was just the two of us, so she had no reason to put me on. What’s the most common reply to that question from Republican members — “the free golf trips”?

Look up Zack Space, OH-18. He seems to be rather easily led. So, like, lead him to the non-Blue Dog side, please? I’m tired of begging him to vote like a damn Democrat for once.

Yes we are.
If you were in office today, would you sign on as a supporter to Mr. Kucinich’s 35 counts of Impeachment?

Last I looked in florida, Republican’s favored the young, buff Congressional Pages…. Like, OMG! WT R U WEARING?

The Secretary of the Navy became Chairman of the Board of a company that put out a press release saying that it bought that contractor.

As opposed to OMG HW R U VOTING!

Both Bush and Cheney deserve to be impeached.

You’re a talky bunch, but I seem to have left you speechless.

That’s what I like to hear from someone running for Congress. We need more Democrats like that and less go-along-get-along types. Don’t forget, please.

lol, i stop commenting when i hit four in row.

I’m still here. Do you have any strategy on how to fire up the veterans of Congress?

There is waaaaaay too much go-along, get-along. People in Congress need to remember that it’s not all about them.

We’re dumbfounded at a politician who is willing to say things not vetted through layers of polling and focus groups!

And loving it.

That’s what I think too and I believe most people at this site feel the same way.
Would you sign on as as a supporter and why do you think so few representatives have done so to date?

This morning saw a rerun on CSPAN1 of the governers. Seemed to mostly talk about funding the infrastructure and privatization.

Mayor bloomberg joins governors rendell and schwarzenegger to create “building america’s future” – a non-partisan coalition for federal infrastructure investment

Non-partisan sounds good but is it progress?

That’s a good question. I think that a lot of the old-time Democratic veterans actually feel bitter about how little they’ve been able to accomplish. I’m hoping that actually getting things done might get the juices flowing again. What do you think?

Maybe you should be VP!!

It really is a pleasure, isn’t it? And with a sense of humor instead of being stuffy. Made a trip to Blue America just now. Thanks, Alan.
See you in Congress.

Is it IRI? that’s a nonprofit, so probably not.

What do you mean? My pollster has me in a choke-hold right now. But I’m fighting him, lunging for the keyboard.

Because they got convinced that impeachment was “wrong” when it was directed against Clinton, and they can’t mentally shift gears, even though it’s a decade later.

Maybe I should be VP? Why? To rehabilitate the job?

By electing real independent leaders to Congress– men and women like Donna Edwards and Alan Grayson– we’re setting up a bench for future presidents and vice-presidents. If we don’t do it, rest assured, Rahm Emanuel will.

Yes, see you in Congress. You’re all invited to the swearing-in. Remember to wear blue.

Because you seem like Cheney’s kryponite, that’s why. we need more like you.

Thanks Howie for inviting Alan here to the lake…. it is fantastic to hear such humor and fast wit…..

Why should we have to start a coalition to “rebuild America.” How about just doing it?!

Anything that restores the strength and meaning of the Constitution is OK with me as top priority. That means respecting checks and balances, country before party, disinfecting DOJ especially.

ya, I felt like I was monopolizing your time alan, I am having a great time reading this thread

are you inclined to impeach after the president and vp leave office?

I think that might be the only real method we have to rebuke their lawless administration

Because you’ve got the balls it’s gonna take to turn the Titanic around…formidable. Great judgment…you could step right in with a great mind should it be needed.

But, I agree with Howie…we really, really need you in Congress too.

I’m just very impressed, and believe me, I’m not easily impressed. *g*

One of the most important things we need to remember is “POWER CORRUPTS”. We need to install Democrats who will CONTINUE to have honor and integrity after elected…

not those like LIEBERMAN AND CARNEY, who are in the lobbyists pockets, now working only to fill their own –

the only way we’re going to get that is if the good ones like ALAN GRAYSON get elected…so…

That’s why Howie busts his ass to vet and bring the good’ns here.

SO WE CAN HELP GET THEM ELECTED! Got it? It’s really a simple concept…

Cheney’s kryptonite is alcohol and a shotgun together. He’s the only public official we’ve ever had who could shoot someone in the face, and then get an apology from him.

I would also like more follow up on Gitmo interrogations cuz I think that will lead to war crimes trials vs. impeachment. Impeachment seems to have a statute of limitations and limited punitive value.

707…see…that’s why…*g*…lol

I would prefer something less symbolic for them. Like prison.

One of the most important things we need to remember is “POWER CORRUPTS”. We need to install Democrats who will CONTINUE to have honor and integrity after elected…

we are not like the republicans jacrat, we WILL hold our elected officials’s feet to the fire, we will NOT allow them to corrupt themselves, we WILL elect someone else as soon as we see they are not doing the peoples work

Oh don’t forget two dozen paramedics “oh they;re not for me, they’re for you!”

You’re right. For all this equivocation in public, it’s pretty clear at this point that the authorization for torture came right from the top.

I don’t believe there is any punative value to impeachment, I think the only real purpose is to rebuke that officials behavior

WOW – dosido what an iDEA!

HOWIE – you need to hawk “Cheney’s Kryptonite” tee shirts with Grayson’s photo plastered on the back! Screw the 2-CD BOX SETS for 30 buck donations here – you need to tailor the prize to the audience! :D

Yesterday on Democracy Now was a former defense atty who has written a book on prosecuting GWB for murder. He is looking for any AG or other govt official at any level who can prosecute who will do it. Have you heard of this? His book outlines the case for the prosecution. He says he is sending a copy of it to every (1,000) prosecutor in the US.

I wish someone would prosecute this case.

You’re absolutely right that we are not like them. There is no moral equivalence between Democratic principles and Republican principles. Not even close. It’s not like Boston vs. LA, it’s like the Allies vs. the Axis.

I do not believe you can try them in american courts, they have the defense, (I don’t know the name of that law), where a person can’t be put in jail if they can show they did what they did for their office

I know it’s sick but I do not believe we could prove otherwise

Oh I don’t know about that. IANAL, but as I understand it, a successful Impeachment and conviction means loss of gov’t pension rights and all sorts of other punitive deals.

Cheney and Bush can both afford the hit financially but there is a principle involved.

I heard of it. But if we can’t get them to prosecute the easy cases, how can we possibly get them to prosecute the hard ones?

With all due respect, are you familiar with Kobe’s tactics of intimidating the refs? ;)

ok, ok, i won’t start! go celts!

It seems to me that we will not get the case for impeachment, but perhaps a case for murder, brought in a lower court by one brave individual would be another tack in the right direction.

Forgive me. I went off topic. It’s my fault.

He has a huge plan to get it done. Vincent Bugliosi. He prosecuted Manson. He wrote Helter Skelter. He’s never lost a case.

Check out the transcript on Democracy Now website for yesterday.

http://www.democracynow.org

Well worth looking at.

As weird as it may sound, a “person” cannot bring a charge for murder. Only a government prosecutor can do that. The creative element of what I’ve done, fighting contractor fraud in Iraq, is to find a way to pursue these cases even without a government prosecutor to help. Because they don’t help.

I did not hear the whole thing, but I thought it seemed like a good case. I had not heard about it before.

I’m eating fresh tomatoes now, right from our garden. Organic. Thank you, wife Lolita.

Like throwing Al Capone in prison for tax evasion. Love that thinking outside the box stuff!

A hush fell over the crowd . . . .

Tomatoes are the Newest Terrorists. Have you not heard?

Box? What box? Is there a box?

Not from my garden, they’re not. Those tomatoes are my friends. But I eat them anyway.

You crack me up.

didn’t he also write Outrage, a book about how the prosecution lost the OJ case? what a circus. I’m going to check it out.

Back on topic, I have to wonder how many other people who have devoted their lives to law & order are simply aghast at what bushco has gotten away with. If we don’t have the highest officials honoring the laws of our land, we’re lost.

You eat your friends the tomatoes??? Ouch! That is not nice!

When Bush took the oath of office, to see that the laws are faithfully executed, his fingers were crossed behind his back.

Yes, the label says “congressional hearings”. and no cool prize either.

It’s the skeleton in my closet. Yes, I eat tomatoes. But only you and 100,000 others know that, now. So my secret is safe.

Let’s play a game — “There Ought to Be a Law”. You tell me what law there ought to be. I’m taking notes.

Can we clone you?

Oh, for goodness sakes. Everyone else would charge $100K in PAC money for this. I’m giving it away for free!

Yeah…then, after he “took” it, he shredded it along with that pesky Constitution….and all the emails and all the documents…

Probably ended up in that shredding truck at Darth’s house.

I’m thinking really hard (it’s Saturday) but all the good ones are already laws!

There ought to be a law against government officials still having ownership stakes in companies that do business with government: i.e. Cheney and Halliburton.

Let’s play a game — “There Ought to Be a Law”. You tell me what law there ought to be. I’m taking notes.

if there is repair to a road that is not a hazzard, there can be no repair on the parrallel road

if you are working in one area slowing traffic, you must consolidate to that work area, not allow traffic to flow again only to have yet another work area slowing traffic yet again

There ought to be a law against denial of benefits for medical care.

There ought to be a law, stating that the president and his cabinet cannot invoke special no-bid, cost-plus contracts and award them to a companies that are indirectly or otherwise still paying said cabinet member a salary!

Let’s play a game — “There Ought to Be a Law”. You tell me what law there ought to be. I’m taking notes.

corporations cannot invest in politicians or law

anyone or entity giving more then a certain amount to a campaign or party must be anonymous

Good one. Consider it done, in January 2009.

Well not to beg the question, but there are already a lot of good laws out there that need to be enforced. I think that is one thing.

Another thing would be a law about mercenaries.
Another would reinforce exec branch transparency.
Another would define executive privilege with dotted i’s and crossed t’s.

There oughtta be a law:

“All US officials, elected or appointed, upon swearing their oath to the Constitution, have to demonstrate that they truly understand that oath before they can actually take office”

There will be. It will be called “National Health Care.”

Excellent. No more corporate PACs. Already thought of that one.

Let’s play a game — “There Ought to Be a Law”. You tell me what law there ought to be. I’m taking notes.

“regulations” or “taxes” that are initiated to address an issue created by industry, (for instance the epa) should be called “damage assesment” rather then “tax” or regulation, thus if they want to get their “damage assesment” lowered they would have to show they paid for that damage and will not create the issue again

Very good. Keep them coming.

and the law needs to be any profit’s made while in office with those companies you hold stock are federal property not your property

something about media reform and undoing the consolidation that’s been going on. I don’t think a “media” organization should be allowed ever to hold itself out as “independent” or “neutral” when representing GE or corporations as major PR outlets. restore the watchdog function of MSM.

ding, ding, ding..we have a winnah!!

Absolutely. But then all the corporate big shots won’t want to “serve” in public office any more. What a terrible, terrible loss that would be.

Here’s another one, Alan — no outsourcing of war. If we can’t fight it ourselves..then it doesn’t get fought. Period.

What about Bush and the DOJ threatening to ignore the SCOTUS ruling?

Oohhh. I’m breathless!

Fairness Doctrine, fairness doctrine, fairness doctrine.

There will be. It will be called “National Health Care.”

and never accept the argument that national health care or single payer is socialism, it is not

anyone who wants to will still be allowed to get their own private health care if they want to and in fact, private health care will be cheaper since it will have single payer to compete against

Or maybe giving PBS and NPR the money that they need to be an independent voice again.

And a marketing arm of the DOD.

Right. The Spartans didn’t outsource war — why should the Chickenhawks?

Oh on media stuff.

I think there should be clear cut rules about how the Office of the President conducts itself with the media. No more special access for stenographers. That’s just BS. Everyone in the WH press room. No teacher’s pets.

CONGRESSIONAL AND SENATORIAL PAY INCREASE IS WEIGHED AGAINST MINIMUM AND LIVING WAGE

I don’t want to see DOD running ads that romanticize war.

Showdown? A showdown implies two more-or-less equal adversaries. So far, only Bush has shown up. Apparently, John Conyers has been threatened with the loss of his committee chair if he touches Kucinich’s impeachment bill. Who is going to be the other, umm, entity in this showdown?

All right! Very good idea. More, please.

*dons tie and fancy hat*

Well, if our Emperor had any clothes, then he wouldn’t have to worry about tough questions from the media.

yes!

Oh I don’t know how to phrase this but the issue is to limit the friggin’ cronyism. How can it be that oil execs get appointed to conservation efforts? I’m making up that example, ok, like a horse club prez for FEMA. I mean that galls! Still does.

I don’t know if a new law would fix that. But there’s an issue for yall.

or presented as objective news.

You have seven minutes to go. This chance may never come again. You may one day tell your grandchildren about it. WHAT ARE YOUR BEST IDEAS?

US interests should be in the interest of the people!

Mr Grayson, excuse me a second sir, I have to deal with something here

HOWIE ???

no snail mail address ???

dude, are you a slow learner or what ???

this is the THIRD TIME I’ve had to say it

put the SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS in the fookin post

(wink*)

Mr Grayson, pardon me, you just can’t get good bloggers anymore

the check will be in the mail, as soon as I locate the address (mean look toward Howie). Some of us more paranoid people love to donate, we just don’t trust the innertubes with our money

thanks for helping defend and protect our nation

*ps, jes kiddin howie, I love what you do, but don’t forget snail mail

Lobbyists should not be allowed to write laws.

Yes, exactly dosido… how in the hell does the ex-CEO of a coal mining company become head of the agency that is supposed to keep miners safe?

Hiring fund-raising RANGERS to positions that guard human lives is the worst kind of evil.

Prisons should not be privatized, because it encourages convicting innocent people to make money for corporations who own the prisons.

Grayson for Congress
8419 Oak Park Road
Orlando, FL 32819
407-228-9840

(but telephones are so 20th Century — don’t you think?)

my favorite though is not a law, it’s parsing of the discussion

I do not want us to call progressive tax increases “tax on the wealthy”

reagan wasn’t a lowering politician, that is a myth, he raised taxes more then any peacetime president before him

what he did do however is redistribute the tax so the middle class pay with their dollars and their infrastructure and the wealthy do not

I want to call it “asset reclamation” or something easier to understand, but they will NOT be “raisng taxes on the wealthy, they will be getting our stuff back and putting it back where it came from and where it belongs

Three minutes to go. Here I am saving you the trouble of running for Congress yourself, and all I ask is that you tell me what needs to be done.

Using “the Homeland” instead of “the United States of America” should be against the law. In fact, anywhere it has been used should in legislation should probably make that legislation moot, because we are not The Homeland, we are the United States of America.

And no foreign Lobbyists, that is what diplomacy is for.

It isn’t just about tough questions from the media, it’s the feeding of false information and innuendo in private. reporters shouldn’t be trading access for special favors.

I want everything on the record, out in the open. A tall order I know.

please make it a law when the press asks a question or someone serves a subpoena, THE administration has to respond with an answer or an appearance.

Oh, and make it a law cheney can never ever serve in govt again. Period.

And attracts a very unsavory group as “privatized” prison guards, I’ll bet. Blackwater rejects.

Thank you all.

Alan, you rock. Best of luck to you!

Something that declares that females are people too — I’m really sick of what we have to go through all..the..damn..time. All I want are the same rights and protections that men have.

If you look on the Tool Box on FDL main page, there is a button for Support – there is the address:
The Firedoglake Company
6312 Seven Corners Center
Suite #333
Falls Church, VA 22044

Using “the Homeland” instead of “the United States of America” should be against the law

BINGO

I cannot BELIEVE we are referancing hitler’s friggin nazi terminology when taling about MY COUNTRY

THIS IS AMERICA NOT “THE HOMELAND”

have a great day alan, I had a ball

Restore intellectual property laws to the state they were in before the DMCA and the Mickey Mouse extension on copyrights then limit the time a software innovation can be patented to something reasonable – like five years.

Thank you, Alan! Always great to hear your voice here.

Bye, bye tomato eater!! *g*

Thanks for coming by Alan. I think you can tell that you’re welcome here any time. I hope in January we’ll be celebrating your swearing in celebration in Washington.

Thanks so much for coming by the Lake, Alan. The conversation was one of our most fascinating threads this week. I just sat back and watched in awe.

Thanks for a very lively session, Alan. We are looking for great things from you in Washington. Come back again soon please?

Free nursing school/free LPN school/free nursing instructor education. We have to deal with the shortage of nurses and instructors.

See? they call us dirty Fucking hippies, and NOT ONE Of us has called for the relaxation of Marijuana Laws; End of the drug war; or legalizing pot!

But if you want to do that, I’ll not object :D

Hey, hey, let’s not get personal! That’s “Mr. Tomato Eater,” to you.

Yes, stop wasting our tax dollars on “wars” on drugs, pornography, and other victimless crimes. Could save lots of money there.

hey, I’m on dialup here, so be careful

I got a computer, and I ain’t afraid to use it (well, for some things I’m not afraid to use it)

I like phone lines (it’s those damn cordless thingys that piss me off)

now, if you’ll excuse me a minute, I gotta address an envelope (feel free to criticize the mailman, the bastard probably works for the CIA anyway)

(wink)

I’ll come back any time, egregious. Thanks for making it happen.

;P

Free tomatoes!

Forget marijuana — a law that says that industrial hemp is NOT canibis and can be grown throughout the US. Now THAT would be something.

End “The Global War on Terror” immediately!

jaqrat, this is for you friend.

you’re giving them away too ???

damn things are growing wild here, and I’m not eating them

Hear, Here.

At the very least, a permanent ban on the use of the phrase “War On ..” for anything that’s not an actual war would be a good start.

End “The Global War on Terror” immediately!

and then IMPEACH AND REMOVE the four “so called” supreme court justices who FAILED to uphold Habeas Corpus

that really burns my ass

who DOESN’T support HABEAS CORPUS ???

NAZIS, That’s who

no, i’ve only started to get blossoms.

that’d work.

Why do Scalia, Thomas, and the new guys hate our freedoms?

the yoonitary

you show me a jailed tomatoe and I will have it freed

A law banning “Extraordinary Rendition” of anyone, by anyone originating anywhere in the United States and by anyone in the United States or a foreign contractor hired or enabled by anyone in the United States.

I know where to look… :O

do cages count, lol

trust me, I been to jail

you don’t want the tomato’s they serve there

avoid the “lunch meat” too (learned that one the hard way)

thanks for that excellent kryptonite video. Grayson is indeed “Cheney’s Kryptonite” and thanks to Howie for his hard work, and all those who gave what they could to help Alan storm congress in ‘09!

This was fun. :D

Dave Neiwert upstairs

we don’t need new laws banning extrordinary rendition and torture

we GOT laws on that

just enforce the damn laws

lock up john yoo for aiding and abetting in crimes against humanity

that will stop future fools from writing comical legal opinions to be used to dodge the law

just indict these assholes, and explain to 12 people how these assholes twisted language to attempt to justify their crimes

worked with scooter libby, till george bush obstructed justice

after January 20th, 2009, thaa aint a problem

let that idea sink in and watch the indictments fly

Let’s hope that’s how it turns out. Right now, though, Congress is acting like it has just 33 vertebrae among all the Democrats, and Dennis Kucinich is using them all.

lock up john yoo for aiding and abetting in crimes against humanity

that is one fine course of action right there

AMEN to that!