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Late in January Blue America made its first endorsement of the year, central Florida progressive, Alan Grayson. Because Alan is a distinguished and knowledgeable attorney, we asked him to come back again today to talk with us about this week's Supreme Court ruling. Before we get into that, though, let me remind you that there are many issues on the minds of Orlando voters above and beyond Bush's unlawful detainees. Alan's opponent-- going out of his way once again to show what an utter rubber stamp he is-- refused to join the veto-proof majority in the House this week when it passed a bill to extend unemployment benefits for struggling workers.
This is especially ironic since Ric Keller voted down the line for every failed economic policy spewed out by the Bush Regime, the actual cause of the catastrophic unemployment trends, the mortgage crisis, the spiraling inflation and the whole glorious Bush Economic Miracle. When I asked Alan Wednesday about Keller's refusal to give working people a break he predicted he would soon regret his vote. "Keller will wish that he'd voted for it when he's unemployed, on Nov. 5th."
Alan's campaign has put together a video that is a good introduction to him and his candidacy and it might be a good idea to watch it before we get into a discussion with Alan:
If you agree with me that Alan is just the kind of forward-looking and proactive guy we need in Congress, please consider joining me in donating, or donating again, to his campaign at our Blue America page. We have a box of brand new 2-disc sets (Quixotic, which doesn't come out until July 8) from Matt Keating and the first 20 people to donate at least $30 today get the CD set.
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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
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.
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.
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.