Replies: 78 Comments

Comment #1: LeslieB said on 11/4/05 @ 4:29pm ET...

John Dean has an article up on FindLaw's website that's really good: "Having read the indictment against Libby, I am inclined to believe more will be issued. In fact, I will be stunned if no one else is indicted.

"Indeed, when one studies the indictment, and carefully reads the transcript of the press conference, it appears Libby's saga may be only Act Two in a three-act play. And in my view, the person who should be tossing and turning at night, in anticipation of the last act, is the Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney."

Comment #2: REB 84 said on 11/4/05 @ 4:38pm ET...

Dear Congressman Conyers,

It is about time more Democrats joined you to stand up and said enough is enough. The only way to defeat lies and misinformation is by speaking the truth and demandin g straight answers from those in power.

Once again, when confronted with uncomfortable truths, the neo-con establishment is attempting to deflect attention from the real issue. The outing of Valerie Plame was a criminal act that has made America less safe!

Valerie Plame-Wilson was involved in helping to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of America's enemies.

Instead of focusing on uncovering and prosecuting traitors within our government, the right-wing talkers have begun to attack the prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald by asserting - unchallenged by many so-called news people - that he and his grand jury are engaging in the "criminalization of politics."

When politicians commit crimes isn't politics criminalized by their actions? This is the real criminalization of politics. Aren't all Americans victims of this crime against national security?

Keep fighting to keep America safe and stron!

REB 84
www.QuestionItNow.com

Comment #3: Rusty said on 11/4/05 @ 6:50pm ET...

Republicans believe they are the master race of American politics. They believe they are morally superior, intellectually superior, ideologically superior, economically superior, and religiously superior.

They are fascists. Republicans speak like fascists, rule like fascists, and conceal their crimes like fascists. Republicans invade other countries like fascists, torture human beings like fascists, and worship militarism like fascists.

Republicans propagandize like fascists, demonize their political opponents like fascists, and control the media like fascists.
Republicans race-bait like fascists, hijack patriotism like fascists, and ally themselves with big business like fascists.

Republicans ignore the rule of law like fascists, subvert elections like fascists, and fearmonger like fascists. To make a long story short, they are FASCISTS.

Apparently, no progressives in Washington or the media wants to state the obvious, because they fear that pointing out that Republicans have become fascists would be like shouting "fire!" in a crowded theater.

Well I have news for them. The theater IS ALREADY ON FIRE. It's on fire because these fascists set it on fire by playing with their fascist matches. While the USA Theater is burning down all around us, none of these fascists nor their media enablers want to admit that the theater is on fire.

Meanwhile, the fire is spreading because playing with fascist matches all over the theater has become a habit for Republicans. They're playing with fascist matches in the front row. They're playing with fascist matches in the back row. They're playing with fascist matches in the lobby, aisles, balcony, projection booth, concessions stand, ticket window, and doorways.

When is someone in Washington or the media going to point out that the USA Theater is burning down because Republicans have become fascist arsonists? Apparently, no progressives in Washington or the media dare point out that Republican fascists at every level of the government have set the USA Theater on fire because most Americans won't believe that fascism is fascism.

After all, Republicans wear nice suits, are well-groomed, smile a lot, and proclaim their love for America and God, so how could they be fascists?

Duh. Well-dressed, well-groomed, smiling fascists are still FASCISTS, and progressives in Washington and the media need to start pointing that out. If they don't have the moral courage to state the obvious, I have to wonder if they have the moral courage to lead this country out of this fascist inferno.

I hope they do, and recent actions by Democrats in Congress indicate that some of them have finally summoned the moral courage to openly and publicly defy Republican fascism, which has surrealistically been portrayed as "mainstream conservatism."

Cautious inferences by Reid, Conyers, and a few others that Republicans have become fascists is an encouraging sign, but America's moment of truth has arrived and caution is no longer an option. There is too much at stake.

When Rosa Parks faced her moment of truth on a racist bus in racist Montgomery in racist Alabama in racist America, she didn't cautiously infer that racists weren't very polite people.

Instead, she concluded that centuries of African American caution hadn't produced very satisfactory results, publicly defied the racists all around her, and dealt a death blow to institutionalized racism in America.

Democrats in Congress need to emulate Rosa Parks and deal a death blow to institutionalized Republican fascism in America. That isn't going to be accomplished by cautious inferences or hints or laments that a small handful of Republicans might possibly be slightly dishonest about their policies.

Democrats in Congress have to tell Americans the glaring truth about institutionalized Republican fascism. The ugly truth is staring them right in the face.

It's time to put out the fire. It's time to confront these Republican fascists, their media enablers, and their ignorant supporters with the TRUTH.

Rosa Parks has been laid to rest, but we cannot rest until we quench the fires of fascism in America, just a she quenched the fires of racism in America.

Comment #4: gcm said on 11/4/05 @ 8:01pm ET...

Right on, Rusty.

Comment #5: gcm said on 11/4/05 @ 8:14pm ET...

It's about time Senate Majority Leader Frist got bitch slapped. What a pathetic joke. Remember this is the guy who had the the balls to diagnose brain dead Terri Shivo via a frigging video. Talk about about being slapped with an affront to the intelligence of the American Public. I believe the Tennessee State Board of Medical Examiners need to look at Frist's license to practice Medicine.

Comment #6: Jo said on 11/4/05 @ 8:14pm ET...

The Reverend Jim Wallis of Sojourners is collecting signatures demanding an investigation into reasons for the War.
http://go.sojo.net/campaign/demand_truth/forward/wn3sk8i2y5tiwmt?

Comment #7: noguns said on 11/4/05 @ 9:39pm ET...

#3 Rusty ... "right on!" really telling it like it is ...
"when the people lead", the "leaders will follow" my hope at this point ...

#6 Jo ... really good news ... "we the people" need to lead on this and perhaps (sorry to repeat myself) hire a lawyer and bring forth some suits ... or perhaps a "lawyer" will volunteer to move the actions of "citizens" into the courts ... and take it to the top ... oh yeah ... they control all three branches of the government ...
"we the people" will find a way and that is why we are communicating on our most courageous of all elected representatives blog ...
thank you Rep. Conyers.
noguns sheehan, santa cruz, ca.

Comment #8: brucef3680 said on 11/4/05 @ 10:25pm ET...

Thank God we are getting this CLOSED SESSION to discuss pre-war intel. Do not let these guys get away with this travesty of power, this murderous scam they perpetrated on you, on me, on we the people, in order to go into Iraq -- it was the Tonkin Gulf Incident all over again! Please stand up for your character and the ideals of our nation. Please do this dilligence for those who have already given their lives, those who will die between now and whenever we can extricate ourselves from Iraq. Please do this for all those who will serve our nation in the future. Tell Frist to sit down and shut up and participate with true impartiality and resolve to get to the bottom of this; otherwise he is a traitor as well. This takes courage of the highest order. Courage such as Rosa Parks. Thank you. Bruce Freeman; 100% Disabled Vietnam Era Veteran; former Navy Corpsman with the Marines FMF

Comment #9: shaolin032003 said on 11/4/05 @ 11:33pm ET...

Thank you Representative Conyers, Jr., for leading the Democrats to bark up one of the right trees - now other Democrats will start barking.
What many of us want is something more than noise, we want action and swift action.
We, like the late Rosa Parks, are tired of waiting and waiting for investigation after investigation and through delay after delay.
The time is right now!
We are tired of paying our taxes only to see them go to the CIA to assassinate or support dictatorial leaders (including the former Shah of Iran and Saddam Hussein) of other countries and to the DOD (military) for a state of perpetual war.
As Rusty said, a fire is a fire!
More and more people suffer injury and die needlessly every day this administration is allowed to continue torturing and murdering others under the ridiculous rubric of a war on terror.
Can't the Democrats unmask this insane policy?
Apparently, some fresh air is desperately needed in the Pentagon - they've been couped up too long with the same stale, distorted view of the world. This view is inhumane, foul and rank.
The military needs to experience the poverty of poor people in this country and those who are poor need to benefit from the funds that normally go to the military.
No more shell games.
Name the big names.
Do the right thing.

Comment #10: alizaryn said on 11/5/05 @ 12:31am ET...

I have to wonder what the backlash will be when the millions of people who have been duped, figure it out. When the Christian Evangelicals and the TRUE Conservative voters "see the light" and realized that they have been "played", I have a feeling all hell is going to break loose. I almost feel sorry for them. (I said ALMOST.)

Comment #11: gcm said on 11/5/05 @ 1:45am ET...

Take heart fellow progressive posters, like I said in the last thread (my #40)"It ain't over 'til it's over". Read John Dean's view of the indictment of Libby.

Comment #12: indy_sweetheart said on 11/5/05 @ 8:29am ET...

What kind of country do we live in when republicans try to impeach a President for a personal matter, such as having oral sex and lying about it, yet those same republicans will not even look into the matter of a President lying and misleading the american people and getting us into a war that should never have been fought? When it comes to matters like this, the party that you are from should not matter. Whether you are democrat or republican, right is right and wrong is wrong. Both parties should stand for what is right!! How long are republicans going to continue standing behind this President? Our government is suppose to be "for the people, by the people"! So start working for us and stop standing behind a President who is obviously taking us in the wrong direction. Decisions that are being made by this Administration have proven (and I am being gentle here) to be misleading. Its time to say enough is enough and take our government back! This is a crooked administration and it is time to hold all of them accountable. This should not be a country where oral sex is wrong, but lying about a war and getting thousands of INNOCENT people killed, is not!!! I dont know about all of you, but I not as proud of being an american as I once was. This administration has embarrassed us time and time again and discredited us over and over, with other countries. We are no longer a respected country, we are a hated country and it is time to say enough!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment #13: James Clair Lewis said on 11/5/05 @ 10:18am ET...

When I see what you are doing & saying, I feel proud to be an American again. We need to take our government back from this corrupt & criminal regime.

This middle-class, middle-aged white guy would love to see you as President.

Comment #14: JC said on 11/5/05 @ 10:59am ET...

Thanks for the contributions everyone. It's nice to see some new faces here as well. Leslie B and gcm linked to a very interesting article by John Dean offering his interpretations of Fitzgerald's intentions. I hope you all have the chance to read it.

Comment #15: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/5/05 @ 11:31am ET...

#5, I agree completely! Frist is a joke! An idiot!
He sat with Stephenopolis and said aids could be spread by kissing. And he's supposed to be a doctor? He's a joke!
So is Santorum!
Mr. Conyers, Thanks once again for speaking the truth! You are a great leader!
#13, I also agree with you as I am a middle aged white guy from S. Carolina and would love to see Mr. Conyers as pressident!

Comment #16: cyberpj said on 11/5/05 @ 11:31am ET...

IT'S TIME FOR US EDUCATION OF P.N.A.C.

Finally, other Democrats are joing you and the precious few that have been onto what needs to be done for ages now.

I hope now that more Americans have come to understand what's happened to our country, they'll be ready to learn about the PNAC and it's goals and major members who have directed the Bush administration from the start.

A great start to understanding that information is this site: http://demopedia.democraticunderground.com/index.php/PNAC_101

Please give it a look and consider putting a little of that information into U.S. consciousness too, won't you?

Thank you again and again and again for all you do.

cyberpj
http://www.democraticunderground.com/

Comment #17: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/5/05 @ 11:36am ET...

Joe cannon on vote fraud;

http://www.cannonfire.blogspot.com/

We must restore integrity to the elections!

Comment #18: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/5/05 @ 12:11pm ET...

PNAC needs to be brought forth into the light of public scrutiny. The MSM should be reporting on the influence of PNAC on today's disasterous Middle East policies!

How long will the coverups and deception be allowed to continue?

Comment #19: Ringwind said on 11/5/05 @ 2:17pm ET...

Google: "Arrest Bush 41"

Comment #20: malleckson said on 11/5/05 @ 2:45pm ET...

Right on Rusty #3! Call it for what it is. The problem I see tho, is so many dems have dirty laundry too. Congress is full of members who have their hand out to any lobbyist willing to gift them with money, trips, etc. Why don't they just apologize to the American people and say they will no longer accept bribes to buy votes. Americans are a forgiving people, we will forgive them if they ask and prove it by their actions. I know this concept is so foreign, many would not even consider such a thing.

I just have so much trouble with the 'we were misled' statement. I don't believe that those that gave away their congressional duty to wage war to a pychopath did not know the truth. I cannot believe a secret can be a secret for that long. I believe both parties are to be held accountable. (I give exception to those that voted against this of course).

The signs were appearing at the beginning of this fascist 'mission accomplished' neocon takeover, (bush sending all his Texas governor papers to Poppy's library to be sealed forever, amen).

The Neocons were dems first, switched sides and hijacked the GOP. These people collected followers along the way.

The playbook goes all the way back to Kennedy assasination as far as recent history..about 230+ years in reality. (Still can't figure out why Johnson was with Kennedy that day..duh). Thought that was a rule, they do not travel together..ever..!

We the people are in a catch 22 position. The 401K scam, invest in the corporations that are running this country into the ground. We can't even boycott, or we loose all we have invested. Their bottom line is our bottom line.

So much undoing to do and no one to do it for us, Congress is bought and paid for, our Country bankrupt.

Sorry for this long post just have a lot of things running through my mind. One last point...the important legislation that was postponed because of the 'closed' senate session that Frist was whining about...well guess we got to see why that couldn't wait, didn't we.

One more thing, now the UN wants us to pay for Halliburton's misuse of funds that were supposed to pay for Iraq's reconstruction, (money used to construct new bases not reconstruct anything). I look so foward to the day Mother Earth takes revenge. I hope she starts at the black white house.

Comment #21: BrianA_In_WA said on 11/5/05 @ 3:05pm ET...

Thank you Mr. Conyers.

I have become very cynical about our political situation, but it is representatives like you that help restore my belief that we might actually overcome the problems we all face as a nation.

Again, thank you.

Brian A. Price
WA USA

Comment #22: cwolman said on 11/5/05 @ 3:15pm ET...

Dear Mr. Conyers,

Thank you so much for this blog, and for all your wonderful work in arousing the people to the abuses of power and public trust on the part of this administration. And thank you for using the word "treason"- that is certainly what it is. A capital offense, I believe. The outing of Plame gave aid and comfort to terrorists all over the world.

What are the steps from here to impeachment? How can we the people best influence the Congress to move in this direction?

Peace, Carol Wolman

Comment #23: number6 said on 11/5/05 @ 3:18pm ET...

Tomorrow the NYTimes will publish documents proving the Bush Admin new the intel the were using to start the Iraq War was BOGUS

With 51% percent of Americans saying that Bush should be impeached, had they lied about the intel, this is HUGE!!!

Comment #24: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 3:19pm ET...

Off topic but a great speech in the Texas Legislature about the religious right.

Comment #25: number6 said on 11/5/05 @ 3:21pm ET...

Sorry that should have been 'KNEW the intel...'

Comment #26: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 3:32pm ET...

#11, that really is a good article you've linked to. Thanks.

Comment #27: Gerry Hiles said on 11/5/05 @ 3:33pm ET...

Great work ... it is good to see things moving.

Off topic, but one I have been uncovering since the indictment came down and one which is very much part of why we are in the mess we are today:

http://www.geocities.com/zuhairhm/Zuhair/how2.htm

Comment #28: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 4:03pm ET...

Google "failure"

Comment #29: pizano said on 11/5/05 @ 4:06pm ET...

Mr. Conyers,

Your courage in standing up against the neocons is like a breath of fresh air in a world of Democratic timidity and ineffectiveness. More than once I have been tempted to leave the Democratic party and become an independent. It is due to the actions of you and an all to few handful of other Democrats that I still remain in this party. By now I realize that you will not waver in your attempt to restore some semblance of respect, decency and democracy to our country. Thank you.

Comment #30: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 4:09pm ET...

#3 Rusty. How very on target. That's what needs to be said... at every level. As usual, you amaze me with your command of the English language.

JC, let's make this the new "F-word", just as frequently spoken.

Comment #31: nomad said on 11/5/05 @ 4:10pm ET...

- VOTER REPRESSION REPORT–
A somewhat related story that I think deserves attention - which I thought I would post here because of the recent observations on the life of Rosa Parks:

The RNC in King County (Seattle), Washington has mailed out hundreds of "challenges" to voters they say do not have legitimate voter registration addresses. I might note that some apartment buildings surrounded by more commercial businesses (often part of low income community revitalization plans, and old residences in newly commercial-rezoned areas) can be “mistaken” for commercial businesses. These GOP "mistakes" are often made in the hopes that at least some people will not notice or not question them in time to make the correction, and their votes are then invalidated. This tends to happen to socioeconomic groups that are likely to vote Democrat. There is only today – November 5 – for these people to reregister a correct address (if they truly didn’t use a legal one) in time to vote on November 8 – or use a provisional ballot. As we saw in the last election, provisional ballots provide opportunities for more “mistakes.”

The Seattle Post Intelligencer story is at: seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002605462_challenges05m.html

I am pointing this out for two purposes: First, we must all be vigilant in rooting out every attempt the GOP makes toward the repression of Democratic votes – THE STEALING OF THE 2006 ELECTION IS WELL UNDER WAY. Second, all these attempts should be exposed to as much of the nation as possible: The same or similar tricks are likely to be tried elsewhere, and not always make the paper or even be noticed by the voters.

Any GOP attempt at such dirty tricks should receive HEAVY criticism and pressure to desist.

The State GOP chairman is Mr. Chris Vance.

The RNC HQ address is: 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98188

Phone: (206) 575-2900
Fax: (206) 575-1730

E-Mail:
chairmanvance@wsrp.org

Comment #32: Nolip said on 11/5/05 @ 4:17pm ET...

If this doesn't sending you into laughing fits, nothing will...

From the King of Situational Ethics and The End Justifies the Means...

Drum Roll Please!!!

“According to a memo sent to aides yesterday, Bush expects all White House staff to adhere to the "spirit as well as the letter" of all ethics laws and rules. As a result, "the White House counsel's office will conduct a series of presentations next week that will provide refresher lectures on general ethics rules, including the rules of governing the protection of classified information," according to the memo, a copy of which was provided to The Washington Post by a senior White House aide.”

Bush Orders Staff to Attend Ethics Briefings

Comment #33: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 4:18pm ET...

Jimmy Carter says this administration misled the American people about the reasons for going to war.

Comment #34: point of order said on 11/5/05 @ 6:11pm ET...

A Wayne County judge has appointed a receiver to take over absentee ballot voting operations in Detroit after finding that city Clerk Jackie Currie's workers violated a court injunction Thursday regarding the use of election ambassadors just hours after it was issued.

A state Bureau of Elections worker testified at an emergency hearing Friday that she observed one of the ambassadors, Gracie Allen, ask an apparently incapacitated person at the Fairlane Nursing Center twice "Do you want to vote for Jackie?" and then marked that person's ballot.

This is the first time the state has ever been asked to intervene like this.

The general election is on Tuesday.

In just the second day of observing how Detroit runs its absentee ballot voting Thursday, observers from the state Bureau of Elections witnessed a myriad of violations, some of them felonies, being conducted by one of Currie's election ambassadors and others.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0511/04/curr-372359.htm

Comment #35: gcm said on 11/5/05 @ 7:06pm ET...

#34 POS: How many times are you going to post this? We get it. It doesn't amount to anything relative to the election fraud that put your little boy in the white house in 2000 and 2004. Get it? Just remember what your VP once said, the same applies to you.

Comment #36: St Louis said on 11/5/05 @ 7:45pm ET...

Hi all,
So much good reading here today. Many many thanks to the brave, tireless members of Congress, like Cong. Conyers, Sen. Levin, Cynthia McKinney, et al, the whistleblowers, the high level officials who are finding their voices after being silenced by the Bush/Cheney/Feith/Wolfowitz/Rumsfeld/DeLay/Hughes/Rice/Daddy Bush
steamroller, the veterans and mothers for peace, even an ex-president...Can you believe Jimmy Carter had to write a book to get MSM to pay attention to the Bush Admin abuses? From Paul O'Neal, Richard Clark, General Shinseki, Joe Wilson, Larry Johnson, Sybel Edmonds...It is amazing and frightening how quickly and deeply the PNAC political machine had rooted itself, grown, mutated with the help of its Limbaughs, Coulters, O'Reillys, Hannitys, Kristols, and its Congressional nasties, too numerous to mention. It is taking so many voices to "out" the criminals. Our national body had been attacked by a fast growing cancer, dangerous, deadly, and not to be underestimated........BUT....it CAN be removed without killing the patient.....It looks like America is finally waking up from its PTSD after 9/11. Check this out from Afterdowningstreet.com:

For Immediate Release: November 4, 2005

New Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support Impeachment;
ImpeachPAC is Launched to Support Pro-Impeachment Candidates

By a margin of 53% to 42%, Americans want Congress to impeach President Bush if he lied about the war in Iraq, according to a new poll commissioned by AfterDowningStreet.org, a grassroots coalition that supports a Congressional investigation of President Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

The poll was conducted by Zogby International, the highly-regarded non-partisan polling company. The poll interviewed 1,200 U.S. adults from October 29 through November 2.

The poll found that 53% agreed with the statement:

"If President Bush did not tell the truth about his reasons for going to war with Iraq, Congress should consider holding him accountable through impeachment."

**Congressman Conyers, It takes only one Congressman to recommend the Vice President for Impeachment in the morning. A vote can be taken in
the afternoon. You can show him the door by 5. The President will take a little longer. It is time.

Comment #37: Patriot said on 11/5/05 @ 8:19pm ET...

St Louis, has your son been deployed to Iraq?

Comment #38: St Louis said on 11/5/05 @ 8:24pm ET...

Hi Patriot,
Thanks for asking :) He thinks he will be going with a group to Alaska right before Christmas. I have been waiting this weekend for him to call me with his orders. His new wife just joined him, and so the future is pretty vague for them. He says, "Alaska would be OK, Mom....at least its not Iraq." Keep us in your prayers. K

Comment #39: Nolip said on 11/5/05 @ 9:32pm ET...

“Mr. Bush, he said, "knows" that Karl Rove, his senior adviser, had not been the source of the leak. Pressed on how Mr. Bush was certain, Mr. McClellan said he was "not going to get into conversations that the president has with advisers," but made no effort to erase the impression that Mr. Rove had assured Mr. Bush that he had not been involved.

Since then, administration officials and Mr. Bush himself have carefully avoided disclosing anything about any involvement the president may have had in the events surrounding the disclosure of the officer's identity or anything about what his aides may have told them about their roles. Citing the continuing investigation and now the pending trial of I. Lewis Libby Jr., Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, they have declined to comment on almost any aspect of the case.

The issue now for the White House is how long it can go on deflecting the inquiries and trying to keep the focus away from Mr. Bush.”

White House Tries to Keep Distance From Leak Case

Comment #40: Nolip said on 11/5/05 @ 9:36pm ET...

George Orwell was a prophet and now Big Brother Bush and his cronies are watching...

“The FBI came calling in Windsor, Conn., this summer with a document marked for delivery by hand. On Matianuk Avenue, across from the tennis courts, two special agents found their man. They gave George Christian the letter, which warned him to tell no one, ever, what it said.

Under the shield and stars of the FBI crest, the letter directed Christian to surrender "all subscriber information, billing information and access logs of any person" who used a specific computer at a library branch some distance away. Christian, who manages digital records for three dozen Connecticut libraries, said in an affidavit that he configures his system for privacy. But the vendors of the software he operates said their databases can reveal the Web sites that visitors browse, the e-mail accounts they open and the books they borrow.”

The FBI's Secret Scrutiny

Comment #41: Nolip said on 11/5/05 @ 9:41pm ET...

“A new poll of likely voters by Zogby International has found that a majority of Americans support Congress considering the impeachment of President Bush if he “did not tell the truth about his reasons for going to war with Iraq,” RAW STORY has learned.”

Zogby poll: Majority of likely voters support considering impeachment
if Bush lied on Iraq, 51-45 percent

Comment #42: Vyan said on 11/5/05 @ 11:55pm ET...

It may not be July, but it doesn't mean it isn't time a bit of Fireworks from the New York Times:

Smoking Gun on Manipulation of Iraq Intelligence? 'NY Times' Cites New Document

Ever since the Democrats briefly closed the U.S. Senate from view earlier this week, to protest alleged Republican foot-dragging in probing Bush administration pre-war manipulation of intelligence, the press has been asking: So what new evidence do the Democrats have in this matter?

Tomorrow, The New York Times starts to answer the question, with reporter Doug Jehl disclosing the contents of a newly declassified memo apparently passed to him by Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

It shows that an al-Qaeda official in American custody was identified as a likely fabricator months before the Bush administration began to use his statements as the foundation for its claims that Iraq trained al-Qaeda members to use biological and chemical weapons, according to this Defense Intelligence Agency document from February 2002.

It declared that it was probable that the prisoner, Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi, "was intentionally misleading the debriefers" in making claims about Iraqi support for al-Qaeda's work with illicit weapons, Jehl reports.

"The document provides the earliest and strongest indication of doubts voiced by American intelligence agencies about Mr. Libi's credibility," Jehl writes. "Without mentioning him by name, President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Colin L. Powell, then secretary of state, and other administration officials repeatedly cited Mr. Libi's information as `credible' evidence that Iraq was training Al Qaeda members in the use of explosives and illicit weapons.

Comment #43: Nolip said on 11/6/05 @ 6:51am ET...

Now we have to prevent the Republican machinery from playing with the voting machines...can everyone here say "Coingate"...

“One year before the 2006 midterm elections, Republicans are facing the most adverse political conditions of the 11 years since they vaulted to power in Congress in 1994. Powerful currents of voter unrest -- including unhappiness over the war in Iraq and dissatisfaction with the leadership of President Bush -- have undermined confidence in government and are stirring fears among GOP candidates of a backlash.”

Voter anger could bring an electoral shift in '06

Comment #44: Nolip said on 11/6/05 @ 7:08am ET...

Dick is to Darth what Cheney is to (In)Sidious...

“Vice President Dick Cheney's office was responsible for issuing the directives which led to U.S. soldiers to abuse prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a NPR interview with Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Wilkerson says he traced a trail of memos authorizing the questionable practices through Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's office directly to Cheney's vice presidential staff.”

Cheney's Office Implicated in Torture of Prisoners


Comment #45: Gerry Hiles said on 11/6/05 @ 9:06am ET...

Help!

Vyan, nolip, anyone ... how do I get bits of script to appear in red, so as to be clickable links?

Comment #46: Jo said on 11/6/05 @ 11:05am ET...

Beatty and Bening are fighting for nurses, firefighters and teachers .
Beatty Tries to Crash Schwarzenegger Rally
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press Writer
..The Hollywood couple …strode side-by-side to the entrance of an airport hangar where several hundred of the governor's supporters had gathered.
A Schwarzenegger aide told the "Bulworth" star he was not on the guest list and did not have the appropriate wristband to get inside.
"You have to have a wristband to listen to the governor?" Bening asked. "He represents all of us, right?"

Comment #47: Red State Blues said on 11/6/05 @ 11:37am ET...

Dear Congressman Conyers,

I just wanted to let you know how proud you make me to be a Democrat. I only wish my Representative had one-tenth of the courage and convictions you have.

Please keep up your work. You are a beacon of hope in a really dark time.

Comment #48: Gerry Hiles said on 11/6/05 @ 1:17pm ET...

I thought this would be useful:

http://nightweed.com/usavotefacts.html

Comment #49: Nolip said on 11/6/05 @ 1:37pm ET...

Don't stop at Rove...make it a clean sweep George and don't let the door hit 'ya where the good Lord split 'ya...

“Despite Rove's flashes of ebullience in recent days and the insistence of friends that he is out of legal jeopardy, several of the most important lawyers who deal with special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald said they saw more clues last week that Fitzgerald is continuing to look into the possibility of charging Rove with lying to investigators or the grand jury or both. If that happens, Rove almost certainly would resign immediately, as did I. Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, when Libby was indicted two weeks ago.”

A White House Without Rove?

Comment #50: tahoebasha1 said on 11/6/05 @ 2:40pm ET...

Comment #1: tahoebasha1 said on 11/6/05 @ 2:14pm ET...

#3 - Rusty - Excellent!
#20 Malleckson - Very good!

Also, the John Dean article is great and provides even more hope.

Whatever comes to light with respect to Cheney will surprise me in no way -- his moral depravation is endless! Let's get him and let's get them all -- TIME TO IMPEACH!

Without wishing to deflect the importance of the topic here, I would like to, at the same time, call your attention to:

More sad news:

Senate O.K.s Budget Cuts (three days ago) – cuts to Medicare, Medicard, farm subsidies and student loan subsidies to the tune of $36 billion. Two democrats voted "yes" for these cuts, one being Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA) because "state won emergency aid under the bill." Bought?

Take Action -- From MoveOn.org -- Speak Out Against the Budget Cuts

“Congress may vote as early as mid-November to slash Medicaid, student loans and food stamps, all to pay for tax breaks for the rich. So on November 16th we're organizing local "Speak Outs" across the country, where folks from your community will speak about the local impact of the proposed budget cuts. Can you organize a "Speak Out" in your area?” Click here to sign up:”

MoveOn.org Action page

The Pentagon has an annual budget of $401 billion annually, excluding the costs of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. But we have to keep United Defense, et al. happy for the Carlyle Group, now don't we?.
~~~
FEMA bills $3.7 billion to Louisiana
~~~
Senate Votes "Yes" to Arctic Drilling

When the issue of Arctic drilling first came up, Sen. John Kerry sought out experts and scientists and discovered there is NOT ENOUGH OIL to merit destruction to one of the last of our beautiful, pristine wildernesses and voted against it then and now.
From the Pen:

“SENATORS KERRY AND CANTWELL ARE MAKING ONE LAST PUSH TO SAVE ANWR

It's now or never if we want to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the White House and Republican leaders in Congress are stacking the odds against us. They're using underhanded procedural tactics to sneak through legislation to destroy the Arctic Refuge. The vote will occur this week in the Senate and next week in the House of
Representatives.

These votes will decide the fate of the Refuge. It's no time to be sitting on the sidelines. We have to make our voice heard in this debate on Capitol Hill, and if we lose the vote there, we have to make sure we don't lose the debate across America.

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are currently rising one percent a year, while the ice caps melt and we see unprecedented hurricane violence already. The insanity of putting every atom of carbon since prehistoric times back into the atmosphere must stop!. Instead we must get serious about conservation and have a crash program to develop
renewable energy sources.”

From the Wilderness Society

". . . Two hundred animal species use the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge, including snow geese, golden eagles, polar bears, musk oxen, wolves, snowy owls and the caribou. The Coastal Plain is the most significant on-shore polar bear denning habitat in the U.S. And, the 150,000-member Porcupine River Caribou herd has used it as a calving area for millennia, traveling hundreds of miles each spring from wintering grounds in Canada and the U.S.

. . . To the Gwich'in (Athabaskan) Indians, the Coastal Plain is sacred, with their relationship to the Porcupine River Caribou herd dating back to the Ice Age. Survival of the Gwich'in is dependent on the caribou's survival, for if the herd is diminished in size or its migratory patterns disrupted, it would deprive them of a major source of food, tools and clothing.

. . . Over 125 species of these birds migrate back to the Arctic Refuge from distant wintering grounds around the world. These "air commuters" survive because the Arctic coast, with its astounding natural productivity, offers them important food, water and ideal shelter during the critical nesting and migration seasons. . . . See: The Wilderness Society's Artic Refuge Migratory Bird Initiative "http://earthday.wilderness.org/backyard/amazing/mission.htm/

This Arctic drilling is nothing but "makeshift" and will only serve to help the "oil people" get richer yet, but destruction to this wilderness will be irreversible.

SAVE ANWR action page

Comment #51: REB 84 said on 11/6/05 @ 4:44pm ET...

Wild Bill had previously published a link to the neo-con think tank Project for the New American Century http://newamericancentury.org This group strongly advocates the idea of pre-emptive military action and helped push America into the Iraq War.

Any American who cares about the future of Democracy should learn more about this group.

REB 84
www.QuestionItNow.com/blog

Comment #52: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/6/05 @ 5:04pm ET...

Here also is a good link concerning the PNAC cabal.

http://demopedia.democraticunderground.com/index.php/PNAC_101

Comment #53: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/6/05 @ 5:07pm ET...

Off topic but you know? Frist reminds me of E.B. Farnum on the HBO series Deadwood.
Anyone else here watch that series?

Comment #54: JC said on 11/7/05 @ 8:59am ET...

Significant in the Times piece from yesterday is this excerpt from a February 2002 Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report:

“Saddam’s regime is intensely secular and is wary of Islamic revolutionary movements," the D.I.A. report said in one of two declassified paragraphs. “Moreover, Baghdad is unlikely to provide assistance to a group it cannot control."

Comment #55: number6 said on 11/7/05 @ 10:37am ET...

From the GuardianUK.

The last paragraph is the imortant one... 'He' is the UK Ammbassador, and he is referring to when to start the Iraq War...

"He reveals that Karl Rove, the political adviser to the president, told him there would have been no problem for Mr Bush in waiting until the end of 2003 or even early 2004 and this would not have risked entanglement in the US presidential campaign."

Some immiment threat, huh?

Comment #56: Ron said on 11/7/05 @ 12:01pm ET...

Rusty

as usual ,To The Point !


To the heart of it all (<:)

A short musical interlude ,and my true feelings by the way!

Not for sensitive ears!

Comment #57: blu218 said on 11/7/05 @ 1:33pm ET...

i am so glad that democrats are now taking a firm stand in demanding answers.And the pressure should not cease until we get to the bottom of this mess and hold people accountable. This whole Iraq situation is shameful and decitful and we need to get to the bottom of exactly went into the decision to go to war. And if there was misuse or a "fixing" of the intel to support this war, we need to look at impeachmening the president. He has put our troops in harms way and so many have lost thier lives and are forever effected by that decsion. It would be an embarrassment to all America is suppose to stand for if we allow our leadrer to lie at the cost of our military personell's lives. If President Clinton could get impeached over a lie about oral sex then this one is an even greater lie againt the American people and even a greater lie to the military and thier families. SO many have lost thier lives, families *check out stats on divorce rates for the military* and have been injured that this needs to be seriously dealt with. While many say that the ones who have already lost thier lives would have done so in vain if we pull out, but i tell you what, if my husband was to die in Iraq and it was discovered that we went there under false pretenses i sure as hell would not want someone else to lose a loved one just because my husband lost his life out there. As a military wife i think that our troops are owed the truth, they are the ones putting thier lives on the line and i hope that the deomcrats and the American people do not stop until we get to the TRUTH.

The mission is called Operation Iraqi Freedom and on Dec 30th the mission will be complete with the Iraqis having thier own goeverment put in place that they elected. So they will be FREE.

Comment #58: The Forest said on 11/7/05 @ 2:30pm ET...

This is quite a first post to have to make, in a "Treason" thread no less, but WAR CRIMES have occurred and what more is there to say:

Italian Television has just exposed the truth about Fallujah:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/11/7/11819/9522

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE OF GENOCIDAL PROPORTIONS. DISTRIBUTE THIS INFORMATION THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE,

AND DEMAND!!! ACTION!!!

AGAINST BUSH'S WAR CRIMINALS

NOW!!!

We have become those we "hate."

Comment #59: Dr Alan H Levinson said on 11/7/05 @ 2:57pm ET...

I've been contemplating the issues surrounding the "run up to the war" and am unsure how to understand some of the events. The administration continues to make the argument that the Democrats who voted for the war got to see the same information as the Republicans.

1. Is this true, or is it that officials within the administration withheld any dissenting info and only presented whatever furthered their pro-war agenda?

Or,

2. Did the administration 'doctor' the information that was presented in order to exaggerate the threat?

Or,

3. Was all the information presented in total, and all who voted for the war were in agreement about what the intel. concluded?

Or,

4. Was all the information presented, and those who voted for approval (but now express regrets) are only sorry because the polls regarding the war have gone so painfully low and they are looking to cover their behinds?

My question is based in some cynicism, some reality, and some ignorance. But I think it is important to know just what information was provided to our senators and representatives...and what the adminsitration knew but weren't saying!!

Comment #60: cali said on 11/7/05 @ 5:02pm ET...

Forest
This indeed should be shown but what I fear is that it will end up like the AbuGraib pictures, nothing done! I couldn't stop crying
They waited until after the election to go into Fallujah. OMG
English version of Italian program on US' use of chemical weapons against civilians in Fallujah
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/ran24/inchiesta/video/fallujah_ING.wmv

Comment #61: Gerry Hiles said on 11/7/05 @ 5:25pm ET...

re#60

Also:

http://iraqwar.mirror-world.ru/article/69376

Terrible stuff, major war crimes.

Comment #62: Ohiodem1 said on 11/7/05 @ 5:34pm ET...

Off topic - For Patriot - Follow this link to Steve Clemons - He is visiting Prague this week and is inviting Prague-based bloggers to contact him.

Steve Clemons Prague visit

Clemons' blog, The Washington Note has been putting up some very persuasive stuff re: the Bush/Cheney cabal. It is worth a visit.

Comment #63: Gerry Hiles said on 11/7/05 @ 5:45pm ET...

A long article, but worth a read for anyone trying to understand the manifold parts of this increasingly global disaster:

http://www.counterpunch.org/halper11072005.html

Comment #64: sanitysojourner said on 11/7/05 @ 6:33pm ET...

My silence of late has been a result of letting all of this disgusting, revolting, shameful (need I go on?) news sink in about the actions of the country I was taught to love.

My only suggestion is that whatever acts of torture for which Mr. Cheney is fighting so hard should be first tested on Mr. Libby since he is currently under indictment. Since Mr. Rove remains under suspicion, he should be treated the same way. Whatever the two of them decide is the best, most truth-provoking torture should then be passed on to Congress for approval -- after, of course, a sampling of Congressional names have been picked out of a hat for them to experience the about-to-be-approved treatment as well. Some names need not be thrown into the hat: anyone in Congress who is also under indictment, such as Mr. DeLay, should be automatically included.

Further, to enhance the fair and balanced reporting of the various torture methods, the press should get their chance. Judith Miller, Mr. O'Reilly, Mr. Novak should be among those who get first crack at the experience so they can document its effectiveness for the American people.

Oh, and let's not forget the clergy. Surely, the religious right should be consulted about this weighty subject. Pat Robertson and Pastor Ted, just to name a couple (additional names welcome) would certainly have useful assessments and should be able to sing the praises regarding the ultimate Christianity of any of the proposed acts of torture.

Comment #65: malleckson said on 11/7/05 @ 6:48pm ET...

#59.....very valid questions. I think Congress knew and voted for the IWR for reasons Congress does most things, money and power. The lobbyists outnumber the members of congress by a huge number, I read it somewhere, but have forgotten the ratio. By voting for the IWR, they would later be able to say, (if everything went south, as it is now) that they didn't know. Lets them off the hook because it is bush's war. My question is not about the intelligence they were shown, or not shown. My question is why did so many average Americans know about PNAC and the Neocons and Congress did not. I find that very hard to believe. When the President is elected by the Supreme Court, I think everyone in Congress should have stood up and yelled FOUL. I do not have any doubt certain members felt they were really pulling one over on us and enriching themselves all the while.

The PNAC agenda was clear. Iraq was targeted. They needed their Pearl Harbor to pull it off, so they created one. PNAC was clear..Empire. Many Americans are still in denial that our elected leaders do not care about people. We are nothing to them but slaves. They care about their wallets and nothing else. No conscience, no morality, no love of their Country.

Why did they sell us out. Why do they hate America. That is the question I want answered and I want each and every one of them held accountable.

John Conyers is doing everything in his limited power to change the course. Harry Reid also. A few are beginning to realize that we are not as dumb as they thought. More American's are waking up and the elected ones who sold us out will reap what they sowed.

Comment #66: malleckson said on 11/7/05 @ 7:12pm ET...

#64 I have not yet gone to the sites recommended but only can conclude by your comments that they are horror. I know our military used DU in Iraq and the land is totally contaminated. Our soldiers are returning full of this and having deformed babies as well as all kinds of health problems, since 1991.

I agree with your total statement. All cheney's tactics should be used on those that were a part of this travesty. Put the torture on tv, so we the people, can see how our moral executive branch and cronies in congress treat those that dare to disagree with them. I would watch, you bet I would. Realty TV. Shock and Awe for America. All the Neo's and friends (include the Merry Sunshine Media spinmeisters) piled up naked, put a leash on them and threaten them with dogs....that would even be too kind.

Comment #67: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/7/05 @ 7:58pm ET...

They waited to go into Faluja for selfish political reasons while hostages were getting their heads cut off in Faluja!

Comment #68: Bill_o_Carolina said on 11/7/05 @ 8:11pm ET...

I remember news stories that said that after our troops took the city they found buildings where hostages were held and tortured. They found blood and records.

Comment #69: cali said on 11/7/05 @ 9:15pm ET...

did the BBC know and Did BBC ignore weapons claim? They should be investigated as well
On Thursday, 14 April, 2005, in the article "Did BBC ignore weapons claim?" Director of News Helen Boaden said: "But I repeat the point made by my editors, over many weeks of total access to the military operation, at all levels, we did not see banned weapons being used, deployed, or even discussed. We cannot therefore report their use.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ukfs/hi/newsid_4390000/newsid_4396600/4396641.stm

Comment #70: cali said on 11/7/05 @ 9:19pm ET...

The BBC should be investigated
On Thursday, 14 April, 2005, in the article "Did BBC ignore weapons claim?" Director of News Helen Boaden said: "But I repeat the point made by my editors, over many weeks of total access to the military operation, at all levels, we did not see banned weapons being used, deployed, or even discussed. We cannot therefore report their use.
Did BBC ignore weapons claim?
The BBC has been accused of failing to investigate claims that the US used banned weapons in Iraq. Is it ignoring the story or has it done its best to seek out the truth?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ukfs/hi/newsid_4390000/newsid_4396600/4396641.stm

Comment #71: noguns said on 11/7/05 @ 9:37pm ET...

#43 Nolip ...

the major problem ... is that we had a big win in 2004 and possible in 2000 ....

what we must do is make sure beyond any doubt ... that they don't have the "next trick" ready to cement this "fascist" overthrow of our "once upon a time democratic republic"

#45 Gerry Hiles ... i want to know also about how to do the clickable links ...

thanks:
# 58 The Forest,
#60 cali,
#61 Gerry Hiles,
we must definately not turn away from looking, we must work to make sure the "christian right" looks and a whole lot of Republican Business men's families too ! and, if their children have watched horror movies that are in the same category of blood guts and gore, then they should see the real thing.

# 64 sanitysojourner ... i tend to agree with you !

#65 malleckson .... i don't think they ever thought we were dumb ... just that we'd never get our courage to do what we are called to do by the major documents we "STAND UP ON"

Oh Rep. Conyers ... so much hope is on you and those standing with you ...
noguns sheehan, santa cruz, ca.

Comment #72: malleckson said on 11/7/05 @ 9:49pm ET...

Just watched the video twice. Am downloading to show everyone I know. This is despicable. The journalists are being killed that are trying to report and timing for this assault was planned for the day after the election. I am sick to my stomach.

Comment #73: malleckson said on 11/7/05 @ 9:54pm ET...

Mr. Conyers....it is imperative that members of Congress, on the fence, see this video. Please assign this to a staff member to get the word to both houses immediately. We will no longer tolerate the lies we are being told. The World will see it tomorrow nite. Millions are watching it as I write this.

Comment #74: tahoebasha1 said on 11/7/05 @ 10:52pm ET...

#67-Bill

I had mentioned this long ago about what happened in Fallujah. Here is an article for all to reckon with:

Fallujah: Napalm By Any Other Name

Cheney in the Bunker

Comment #75: malleckson said on 11/7/05 @ 11:45pm ET...

#74 Went to your link. I have also been to other sites that say this is an old story. I am late in arriving, just started getting online again 3 months ago. Have been buried in tons of books since 2000 selection. Learned much from them but being online I am learning up to the minute info. I always buy the newest books, but gosh the info is old by the time I read it, however, they do provide facinating background. I am still reading but have been on the net so much, I find reading is providing background information only. I often think of Clarkes book, about 911, how rice stood by and let him make all the decisions, until cheney showed up and told him to go home...he was really used IMO.

Anyway, regarding the chemical weapons used in Falluja...seeing the documentary made more of an impression than I would have gotten than reading about it in a book. I am glad this is being shown to the World. I want the World to see what the bush regime has done. I am glad people are talking about it here and on other sites. There are alot of us that need to hear it, for the first time perhaps, like me.

As far as the demented group "the Vulcans", yes, this group does not have an allegiance to anyone but the power elite which exists in many countries. For years I have been reading about globalization and watched this being instituted. The cabal is global. We unfortunately can only deal with what is happening in this Country right now...save ourselves, if even possible.

Videos like this need to be shown to the World over and over again. We do not see the truth unless we look to other sources, like the net, and now they are trying to take control of that. I feel a great urgency to reach as many people as possible. The end is very near. Thank You for clearing the path for those of us that are coming behind!

Comment #76: Amos said on 11/8/05 @ 3:31pm ET...

This from Independent / UK via Common Dreams – US Forces 'Used Chemical Weapons' During Assault on City of Fallujah -- http://www.commondreams.org/headlines05/1108-01.htm

Comment #77: tahoebasha1 said on 11/8/05 @ 10:39pm ET...

#75

I appreciate the difficulty of "coming on board" and not knowing what's been said and what has not. It's so true, you can read mountains of books, and, yet, you find yourself somehow "behind."

The issue of "Fallujah," I have mentioned before, but there has never been a lot of reaction. I think, possibly, that most Americans simply cannot "deal" or live in "denial" of those facts. For me, it remains a "horrific" example. But, it was also completely outside the Geneva Conventions. In other words, war crimes! (As you will note, however, I don't know of any newspaper in the U.S. that had any news of this -- of course.)

These are the kinds of things that we must keep on top of and, hopefully, eventually, EVERYTHING will be exposed and this dreadful "cabal" will be "forced" to be made accountable for all of their "evil" actions, and made to bear the consequences for ALL.

Comment #78: malleckson said on 11/9/05 @ 7:59pm ET...

#77 Well, thank heavens it is getting attention now. Almost every site I go to is mentioning the video. Maybe it just needed to be seen to be believed. Dailkos has a diary following up on the story with info from a military article that confirms the use as well (just in case anyone says 'we didn't know'). Of course the argument about whether or not is is chemical weapon is being tossed about but I don't find that relevant in this case. I would bet anyone saying it isn't would have second thoughts if their house was full of it and their families were melted to the bone.