Replies: 55 Comments
Comment #1: unspun said on 7/29/06 @ 12:28pm ET...
Representative Conyers: I watched some of the C-span coverage of the Corporate Republicans in action last night. It was a disgusting display of their true priorities.
I wonder if the people that vote for these protectors of the super-rich are even dimly aware of their true agenda? It is truly sad that these voters are willing to sell out their children's future and their democracy because they are so scared of diversity, of freedom of religion (for everyone but themselves) and of the "terrists". They blindly and mistakenly believe the Rich Corporate Republican Chickenhawks will protect them from all these things.
Comment #2: Alma said on 7/29/06 @ 1:07pm ET...
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Comment #3: Citizen J said on 7/29/06 @ 1:09pm ET...
JC, you nailed it. We are "those people" to this crowd of corrupt chickenhawk bastards, and this is just breathtakingly cynical. When I read about the story yesterday, I was just shaking with rage. Do we need any better proof that the GOP cares NOTHING for the average American citizen?
As a friend of mine put it so well in a recent blog entry:
"i believe that it was in the time of Louis the XIVth when the people had the power. sure, most of them livid in unspeakable squalor, but when it got bad enough they busted down some doors, dragged Louis out and lopped off his head. I wonder sometimes how politicians would behave if there was an actual chance that if they messed up badly enough, a mob carrying pitchforks could carry them off and dismember them. I dont say this stuff to be unnecessarily gross, but to underscore that people of the early 1700s wearing rags and looking like a bunch of chimneysweeps were more willing to stand up to their king than we are. will it only be when we all look like we're the cast of some sad Dickens play that we realize we've been robbed and cheated?"
Comment #4: Nolip said on 7/29/06 @ 2:33pm ET...
The Republican's abuse of power during this administration is legendary and warrants the disdain of those good hearted individuals, like Congressman Conyers, who recognize this and call out the Rethuglicans for their despicable acts.
Greed is it's own reward...as can be easily attested to by Ken Lay and look where it got him. There are no U-hauls on the backs of hearses.
Comment #5: MAX 1 said on 7/29/06 @ 3:53pm ET...
LIVE VOTE ON MSNBC
Do you believe President Bush's actions justify impeachment? * 279163 responses @12:50pst
Yes, between the secret spying, the deceptions leading to war and more, there is plenty to justify putting him on trial.
87%
No, like any president, he has made a few missteps, but nothing approaching "high crimes and misdemeanors."
4.3%
No, the man has done absolutely nothing wrong. Impeachment would just be a political lynching.
7.1%
I don't know.
1.8%
The "I-WORD"
Comment #6: Kitty Gambler said on 7/29/06 @ 4:37pm ET...
A GOP majority guarantees the measure will pass in the Senate, and I have no doubt that the rovebots have smear strategies ready no matter how some or all Dem Senators vote.
The GOP may smugly assume that it has tricked the Dems into taking an unwinnable position, but this could become an opening for the Dems to upset the GOP momentum with something akin to a trick play (albeit the game itself is lost). I think the Dems might be able to stun the GOP strategists and force media to report on the vote if the Dems in the Senate dispersed and refused to vote on the measure as individuals, then united in condemnation of the GOP measure as a two-pronged attack by the GOP against middle class taxpayers.
Comment #7: Patriot said on 7/29/06 @ 7:04pm ET...
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Comment #8: A Concerned Citizen said on 7/29/06 @ 7:12pm ET...
Our "elected" officials are scum, almost every single one of them. It's never been close to an honest profession, but this entire administration has taken it to new lows. They have no shame, they just extend their middle finger (sometimes literally) and continue taking this country down the toilet with their dangerous, hopeless, clueless, and dishonest policies.
Neither house has done a damn thing for us common people but screw us and turn us into working slaves for the corporate rich, degrading our standard of living by leaps and bounds. We know it and they know it - but it continues unchecked.
We can't get any honest candidates to choose from and can't have an honest election if we could. Yep, we're screwed. Welcome to the United Corporations of America, where your every move is watched, crime pays and honesty gets you squat.
BTW - the MSN, or lack of them, is just as guilty as this administration, if not more so. They are worthless corporate whores, helping to destroy this country right along with them. It's all so transparent and pathetic. We need to work hard on getting the last 30% of the population to quit paying attention to them also and get informed by other reliable non-corporate sources. It's gonna be too late if something isn't done soon. Two and a half more years under this bastard administration will be too late.
IMPEACH COKE & BEER BUSH AND IN YOUR FACE WITH A SHITLOAD OF PELLETS DRUNKEN CHENEY NOW!!!
Comment #9: bill_o_carolina said on 7/29/06 @ 8:09pm ET...
everyone tune in to cspan 1 now for a very important message!
Comment #10: unspun said on 7/29/06 @ 8:37pm ET...
#9 Thaks for the heads up Bill.
Comment #11: bill_o_carolina said on 7/29/06 @ 8:43pm ET...
my pleasure, thanks. It's on again at 11 pm and once tomorrow.
Comment #12: wallen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:02pm ET...
By their actions you will know them.
Comment #13: wallen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:07pm ET...
Report on Prewar Intelligence Lagging
Information Democrats Want Most Might Not Come Out Until After Election
By Dafna Linzer
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 30, 2006; A07
When angry Democrats briefly shut down the Senate last year to protest the slow pace of a congressional investigation into prewar intelligence on Iraq, Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) claimed a rare victory.
Republicans called it a stunt but promised to quickly wrap up the inquiry. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which is overseeing the investigation, said his report was near completion and there was no need for the fuss.
That was nine months ago.
The Republican-led committee, which agreed in February 2004 to write the report, has yet to complete its work. Just two of five planned sections of the committee's findings are fully drafted and ready to be voted on by members, according to Democratic and Republican staffers. Committee sources involved with the report, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they are working hard to complete it. But disputing Roberts, they said they had started almost from scratch in November after Democrats staged their protest.
But Roberts spokeswoman Sarah Ross Little said the slow pace is partially the result of Roberts's desire to give members a chance for input. She said Roberts will make public the two completed sections "when they are approved by the committee and have been declassified," rather than wait for the other three to be done, as well. If the sections are not approved by the committee next week, they will have to wait until members return from recess in September.
The section most Democrats have sought, however, is not yet in draft form and might not emerge until after the November election, staffers said. That section will examine the administration's deliberations over prewar intelligence and whether its public presentation of the threat reflected the evidence senior officials reviewed in private.
more here
Comment #14: wallen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:22pm ET...
Um, Colin and Condi have some 'splainin' to do...
Audit Finds U.S. Hid Cost of Iraq Projects
By JAMES GLANZ
BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 29 — The State Department agency in charge of $1.4 billion in reconstruction money in Iraq used an accounting shell game to hide ballooning cost overruns on its projects there and knowingly withheld information on schedule delays from Congress, a federal audit released late Friday has found.
more here
Comment #15: wallen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:36pm ET...
MSNBC Poll
Do you believe President Bush's actions justify impeachment? * 283453 responses
Yes, between the secret spying, the deceptions leading to war and more, there is plenty to justify putting him on trial.
87%
No, like any president, he has made a few missteps, but nothing approaching "high crimes and misdemeanors."
4.3%
No, the man has done absolutely nothing wrong. Impeachment would just be a political lynching.
7.3%
I don't know.
1.8%
vote here
Comment #16: wallen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:54pm ET...
People Empowering People to Impeach
By Kathlyn Stone
"Let it not be said that people in the United States did nothing when their government declared a war without limit and instituted stark new measures of repression." -- Not in Our Name, 2002
Daniel Fearn is hoping you'll hear about the "Blackout of National Shame" and start turning your lights off at home every Wednesday from 9 to 9:30 p.m. What's that about?
The light's out protest is the latest of many ideas Minneapolis resident Fearn has presented, hoping one will be the tipping point that ignites people to actively support impeachment. Fearn is aiming his message at anyone dissatisfied with the hard right turn the country has made under President George W. Bush.
Fearn, a former Marine sergeant, is an impassioned proponent of impeaching Bush, and one of a growing number of dedicated impeachment activists taking their work to the national stage. The impeachment coordinator for Veterans For Peace Chapter #27 in the Twin Cities, Fern is also hoping the national VFP leadership will adopt his "Impeach for Peace and Justice" campaign on a national scale. In the meantime, the campaign and others like it are generating intense interest around the country.
...
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced H. Res. 635, a resolution creating a committee to investigate the Administration's possible impeachable offenses. Among the 36 co-sponsors are Minnesotans Oberstar, Sabo and McCollum.
more here
Comment #17: A Concerned Citizen said on 7/29/06 @ 10:56pm ET...
#13 Wallen - that's sad and We The People should be demanding that report!
Comment #18: Happy said on 7/30/06 @ 2:41am ET...
I am dumbfounded and awestruck at the sheer turpitude of these scrooges. I sincerely hope that those responsible for this type of immoral behavior get a quick visit from their consciences.
If not, it is up to us to change society, or create an alternative society where behavior like this is unacceptable. Don't get me wrong, I think there's a place for getting ahead. But I think this shows that there is a fundamental lack of perspective at work here. Disproportionate might be a good descriptor.
Comment #19: koryannder said on 7/30/06 @ 5:51am ET...
But. hey - that's the way these bastriches get things done! "Do it late at night when no one is watching, and maybe the Sheeple won't find out about it." The only hope is that some honest Senators (we have some) will put a few poison pills in the package, like an 80% "Windfall Profits Tax" or a "Deferred Inheritance tax" - let them have the bundle for one year and then sock it to 'em on what's left - or possibly a firm date to bring ALL troops home from everywhere - or a "Fully Funded" VA - you know, the kind of things that the House Rethuglicans will never stand for in conference. That sort of thing will get the people aware of what is happening, and put some more feet in the fire - OH! I know! A requirement that ALL voting machines furnish an auditable, permanent paper trail! That oughtta kill the whole thing. These rotten sons of unmentionables will NEVER stand still for an honest election! (And maybe some serious jail time for attempts - successful or not - at disenfranchising legitimate voters?) As my grandma used to say, "There are more ways to kill a cat than by drowning it in the cream pitcher."
Comment #20: wallen said on 7/30/06 @ 7:13am ET...
Bush submits new terror detainee bill
By Anne Plummer Flaherty, Associated Press Writer July 28, 2006
WASHINGTON --U.S. citizens suspected of terror ties might be detained indefinitely and barred from access to civilian courts under legislation proposed by the Bush administration, say legal experts reviewing an early version of the bill.
A 32-page draft measure is intended to authorize the Pentagon's tribunal system, established shortly after the 2001 terrorist attacks to detain and prosecute detainees captured in the war on terror. The tribunal system was thrown out last month by the Supreme Court.
Administration officials, who declined to comment on the draft, said the proposal was still under discussion and no final decisions had been made.
Senior officials are expected to discuss a final proposal before the Senate Armed Services Committee next Wednesday.
According to the draft, the military would be allowed to detain all "enemy combatants" until hostilities cease. The bill defines enemy combatants as anyone "engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners who has committed an act that violates the law of war and this statute."
Legal experts said Friday that such language is dangerously broad and could authorize the military to detain indefinitely U.S. citizens who had only tenuous ties to terror networks like al Qaeda.
more here
Comment #21: Truth_in_action said on 7/30/06 @ 9:14am ET...
Off topic, could some cash be flowing into the US from offshore funds?
Also, off topic, C-sSPAN will be showing that very important show again today. Check out www.c-span.com.
Comment #22: Truth_in_action said on 7/30/06 @ 11:08am ET...
This is interesting. What are they preparing for? Hummmmm. Trying to fill up the new Halliburton detention centers?
A broad definition of a 32-page draft of a terrorism bill Bush is proposing (Bush Submits New Terror Detainee Bill) catches up more than it should, according to experts.
One expert, a law professor, speaks about this bill and also posts a copy of it on a blog posting. Scroll down to blog entry by Marty Lederman: Thursday, July 27, 2006, The Bush Administration Draft Hamdan Response Bill
Comment #23: Truth_in_action said on 7/30/06 @ 12:20pm ET...
Off topic, not good news for anyone left in Lebanon.
The UK Telegraph reports "You're all targets, Israel tells Lebanese in South".
Comment #24: wallen said on 7/30/06 @ 1:07pm ET...
New maximum-security jail to open at Guantanamo Bay
Far from winding down, the controversial US detention centre is expanding
By Andrew Buncombe in Washington
Published: 30 July 2006
The controversy over the US-run detention centre at Guantanamo Bay is to erupt anew with confirmation by the Pentagon that a new, permanent prison will open in the Cuban enclave in the next few weeks.
Camp 6, a state-of-the-art maximum-security jail built by a Halliburton subsidiary, will be able to hold 200 prisoners. Commander Robert Durand, a spokesman for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, said the $30m, two-storey block was due to open at the end of September. He added: "Camp 6 is designed to improve the quality of life for the detainees and provide greater protection for the people working in the facility."
This development will refuel the controversy about the jail, which still holds 450 prisoners from President George Bush's "war on terror". Campaigners pointed to Mr Bush's claim earlier this summer that he would "like to close" Guantanamo. Just weeks after he made his comments in June, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration's system for trying prisoners using military tribunals breached United States and international law.
At the time, some campaigners predicted the decision marked the beginning of the end of Guantanamo Bay. Since then, however, the Bush administration has signalled its intention to introduce new legislation that would circumvent the court's ruling. The revelation that Camp 6 is poised to open is proof that it intends to keep using the prison.
Amnesty International's UK campaigns director, Tim Hancock, said: "This appears to make a mockery of President Bush's statements about the need to close down Guantanamo Bay. In addition to strongly urging the President to step in to prevent any extension to this already notorious prison camp, we call on him to speed up the process of closing Guantanamo and of ensuring that all detainees are allowed fair trials or released to safe countries."
Zachary KatzNelson, senior counsel with the group Reprieve, which represents 36 Guantanamo prisoners, argued that public opinion and the courts would ultimately force the US to close the camp down. "If Bush had the choice, he would not shut it, and the men [held there] would never see the light of day, and neither would their stories come out," he said. "The reality is that the world knows too much. He has to shut it down."
The new facility is reported to be modelled on a jail in Lenawee County, Michigan. Commander Durand said Camp 6 will have better recreation and exercise amenities for detainees and integrated medical care. Other facilities at the US naval base on Cuba include Camps 1, 2, 3 and 5, which are maximum-security, single-cell blocks; Camp 4, which is a medium-security, communal living prison; and Camp Iguana, also medium security, which houses detainees cleared for release and awaiting transfer.
Of all the prisoners ever held at Guatanamo since it was established in January 2002, only 10 have been formally charged. An investigation earlier this year by New Jersey's Seton Hall University showed that, based on the military's own documents, 55 per cent of prisoners are not alleged to have committed any hostile acts against the US, and 40 per cent are not accused of affiliation with al-Qa'ida.
The same documents suggested only 8 per cent of prisoners are accused of fighting for a terrorist group, and that 86 per cent were captured by the Northern Alliance or Pakistani authorities "at a time when the US offered large bounties for the capture of suspected terrorists".
Speaking in the Rose Garden in June following the suicide of three prisoners, Mr Bush said: "I'd like to close Guantanamo, but I also recognise that we're holding some people that are darn dangerous, and that we better have a plan to deal with them in our courts."
The controversy over the US-run detention centre at Guantanamo Bay is to erupt anew with confirmation by the Pentagon that a new, permanent prison will open in the Cuban enclave in the next few weeks.
Camp 6, a state-of-the-art maximum-security jail built by a Halliburton subsidiary, will be able to hold 200 prisoners. Commander Robert Durand, a spokesman for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, said the $30m, two-storey block was due to open at the end of September. He added: "Camp 6 is designed to improve the quality of life for the detainees and provide greater protection for the people working in the facility."
click here
Comment #25: Reed31463 said on 7/30/06 @ 1:56pm ET...
Unfortunately koryannder, the no matter what is said in the bill, the unitary executive decider will attach his defacto line item veto signing statement. If they happen to miss some small wording or loophole, not likely, Bush will just amend his signing statement in a postscript.
Why not? This administration has displayed many unprecedented abuses.
Please do not dismiss the following post because of length. It is more philosophical and instructive than it is tediously technical to read.
Relax, Reflect, and Prepare
Then Sign on the Dotted Line: I Want You!...................... (hey, there's a dotted line! : p)
There are less than 100 days before
THE most important election in this country's history. (and this is a midterm election). We are entering a critical period before the election and I would like to share with everyone my perspective.
Preface and Intent.Carefully read this over and reflect upon it for a few hours. Take all day or even pray if you wish. But then ask yourself, "How far are you willing to go when standing up and fighting for the Constitution and America?" Are you willing to protest; are you willing to bear arms; are you willing to hunger strike; are you willing to make speeches; are you willing to be civilly disobedient; are you willing to write letters; are you willing to be jailed indefinitely? Are you willing to die defending America's freedom?
I wrote this, not because I advocate violence, but because I want everyone to mentally prepare for what
might happen. If things go beyond what you are willing to participate in, I want you to already know when you will reach that point. If sucking tear gas and being drug to the slammer is not your thing, please do not feel compelled or be ashamed. You made your choice for well thought out reasons and I respect your decision.
What I am trying to avoid is anyone getting surprised. Then in haste make an ill prepared decision and in regret saying to yourself, "I wish I hadn't done that, I had no idea things would get this crazy."
The Situation.Both the Congressional and Executive republicans are guilty of war crimes. They hope to gain absolute power in a fascist coup. They already control the House, the Senate, and the Office of President along with all the subpoena power that entails. Congress refuses assert their Constitutional power and they are making excuses not to investigate Executive constitutional abuses of power. They are in effect, actively involved in the coup. What I mean is, "If given a choice, would you investigate and indict yourself for war crimes and treason?" If you did do an investigation, you most certainly would rig it so you were not held to account, right?
The committees are filled with illegal or unconstitutional legislation that grants the executive, powers to interpret laws, make exceptions that violate civil liberties, grants departments immunity from oversight, relieves responsibility from reporting & auditing requirements, allows abuses of freedoms, targets litigation, and usurps the powers of the other two.
Member of congress know or are aware of, the neocon agenda and can see the bills GOP congressmen have planned to pass. This agenda is confirmed by the events of which, we are seeing unfold right before us.
Currently, there are only a handful of Reps who have co-signed HR 635. By fully committing to this bill, they are in effect choosing sides: the Constitution and the rule of law. Others not aligned with BushCo refuse to commit to protecting the Constitution. Either they fear retribution or they are pasting their hopes that no one notices them falling into line on one side of the fence or the other. Which side they fall will depend upon which side prevails in the upcoming the election. Some have even covertly co-signed fascist repug legislation, slipping their name on it quietly and hoping no one will notice. (ie John Kerry-- Line item veto bill).
Those who made a pact with BushCo and are responsible for war crimes are caught and desperate. Because of the serious nature and consequences, they know that getting indicted for supporting and facilitating war crimes may lead to execution. It is then reasonable to assume that they are also aware of this and truly are fully committed to this coup. If you didn't know it before, know it now: they
will not capitulate until indicted and arrested.
On the other hand, those that want to protect the Constitution have only one course of action. Help the Democrats win back a majority. In order to
even begin the accountability process, the Democrats must gain a majority in the house to gain supoena power. If they fail, it appears there will not be enough democracy left in this country to remain a republic after the next two years.
Here's whats at stake.As Nov 7th draws nearer, the polling numbers will start to indicate with more and more certainty the outcome of the election; the greater the chances are that Democrats will win a majority in one or both houses of congress, the greater the chances are that the war criminals will be investigated and indicted. This in turn will translate to a greater chance that those currently in control will manufacture a triggering event. One that will suspend elections and allow this administration to invoke continuity of government procedures.
We are entering a period of great cusp, where the interactions of a billion separate intertwined forces and events will determine the probable course that America will take. Possibly for the next few decades and/or centuries ahead. Three months are all that remain to affect the fulfillment and outcome of these events.
If the Republicans win the election and the 110th Congress refuses to assert their power, the path to imperialist global fascism is almost assured. There will be no real avenue available to turn back the losses of liberty without assistance from outside the US.
If Democrats win, the road to accountability will remain open and preserving the Constitution will remain a viable option. The main cast of usurpers will almost assuredly be investigated. However, unlike a Republican victory where the means to restoring liberty will be nearly impossible, a Democratic victory will see paths that are more easily turned and reshaped. With our country weakened and debt laden, a new main cast of usurpers may easily be inserted into the finance and monetary structure still
in situ, and again attempt to gain control.
Reflect and Choose.
The Downing Street Minutes jump started this movement, and IMHO without it, we would have never known what hit us. Nevertheless, the stage is set and the stakes are very high for both sides. When you have had time to reflect on the gravity of our dilemma, strap yourself in and prepare for overload. They are going to throw an overwhelming amount of chaos, chaotic information, and influence events around the world that further their agenda
and distract from our main objective: [a] holding those responsible to account and; [b] electing a majority in order to hold those responsible to account.
With the extent of damage the Republicans have done to this country and their steadfast "blood pact" commitment to rebel against, ignore, and rewrite and the constitution: Democrats and Americans face an uphill battle to preserve the Constitution. There are many paths leading to despotism and few paths that lead to full accountability, restoration of civil liberties, and leadership & respect among other nations. At this point going forward, we really have no other options. The pitfalls are many, but given the choice to fight for Liberty or consent to Fascism: I choose Liberty and the Constitution.
Comment #26: Rusty said on 7/30/06 @ 4:33pm ET...
Thank you for #25, Reed.
As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies by the hour, and BushCo exploits the suffering to indulge their insatiable lust for power and wealth, our moral courage will be tested as it has never been tested before.
I hope we pass that test. I think we will. And if we do, it will be because of posts like Reed's.
Comment #27: Truth_in_action said on 7/30/06 @ 6:43pm ET...
Would that we could be this bold should we be robbed again at the polls in 2006 and 2008. This protest happened today!
Estimated 2.4 MILLION in Mexico City Protest Demand Recount.
Comment #28: wallen said on 7/30/06 @ 8:58pm ET...
Is Bush Trying to Dodge the Gallows?
Could George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and maybe Alberto Gonzales all end up sucking poison gas?
That, apparently, is a concern now being taken seriously by Attorney General Gonzales, who is quietly working with senior White House officials and friendly members of Congress to do what murderous dictators in Chile, Argentina and other bloodthirsty regimes have done as their future in office began to look uncertain: pass laws exempting them from prosecution for murder.
At issue is a growing legal threat of the president and other top administration officials facing prosecution for violations of the U.S. War Crimes statutes, which since 1996 have made violation of Geneva Conventions adopted by the U.S. violations of American law, too.
Gonzales knows the seriousness of this threat. As he warned the president, in a January, 25, 2002 "Memorandum to the President" (published in full in the appendix of Barbara Olshansky’s and my new book, The Case for Impeachment), "It is difficult to predict the motives of prosecutors and independent counsels who may in the future decide to pursue unwarranted charges based on Section [the US War Crimes law]." In another part of that same memo, Gonzales notes that the statute "prohibits the commission of a `war crime'" by any U.S. official, with a war crime being defined as "any grave breach of" the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War or of the Geneva Convention's Article 3. That article extends protection to combatants in other than official wars or formal armies. Gonzales, in that me
mo, also pointedly notes that the punishments for such violations, under U.S. law, in the event that mistreated captives die in custody, "include the death penalty."
click here
Comment #29: Neerav said on 7/30/06 @ 10:44pm ET...
Here is an e-mail message that I got from Representative John Conyers about him in helping them form the Progressive Democrats for America, as one of thier members as he is celebrating their two year annievrsary! Go Mr. Conyers, you rock!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two years ago, a tireless band of organizers launched the Progressive Democrats of America in
Roxbury—and I was there with them at their launch. Against all the odds, PDA decided that it could
move the Democratic Party, change American politics for the better, and help make this a more
peaceful, more just world.
That same fall, when irregularities emerged after the 2004 elections in Ohio, PDA and I again
worked together to challenge the results, to hold voting rights hearings in Columbus, and to
investigate the results. Most people, and even many progressive groups, avoided the Ohio controversy at the
time—but PDA showed up to fight back against the fraud.
When the Downing Street Memo was leaked in the spring of 2005, most of the mainstream media and
the pundits mocked its value. Together with PDA and the newly-launched activist internet group
AfterDowningStreet.org (whose founding members were all active PDAers, including Tim Carpenter), I held
packed hearings in Washington, D.C., with testimony from Cindy Sheehan, Joseph Wilson, Ray
McGovern, and John Bonifaz.
And our close working relationship continues to the present, as PDA keeps pushing, day after day,
for accountability at long last by the Bush Administration.
Plus, PDA understands that to move forward with those investigations, with an increase in the
minimum wage, with health care for all, with the Apollo initiative for renewable energy, with
developing a plan to end the occupation and real election protections, we must first take back the House
in November—and PDA staff and volunteers are spending countless hours this year helping progressive
underdog candidates grow stronger.
So Happy Birthday, Progressive Democrats of America.
I look forward to working together with you next year, under vastly improved working conditions.”
John Conyers, Jr.
Congressman
PDA National Board Member
Comment #30: Reed31463 said on 7/31/06 @ 1:42am ET...
On topic, this ties into Comment #25 on what types of tactics we may expect leading up to the November election.
"those currently in control will manufacture a triggering event. One that will .....allow this administration to invoke continuity of government procedures."
House Leadership Invokes "Martial Law," Forcing Members to Vote
WASHINGTON - July 28 - Statement by Robert Greenstein, Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The House Republican Leadership has announced its intention to have the House vote, before adjourning on Friday or Saturday, on several major pieces of legislation that are not yet available to House members in final form because behind-closed-door negotiations on the proposals are still going on. The Leadership apparently intends to use a process known as “martial law” to allow these bills to be brought to the floor very shortly after negotiations are completed, with the result that Members of the House are likely to have virtually no time to examine and consider the details of the legislation before they will be required to vote on it.
Among the matters the House may be asked to vote on under martial law are a major conference report on pension legislation, a costly bill that would permanently reduce the estate tax and extend certain expiring tax provisions, and a bill that would combine a controversial health insurance proposal with an increase in the minimum wage. The House Rules Committee on Thursday afternoon reported a resolution that would provide martial law authority in relation to all of these bills.
IMO this is not just a dirty trick to pass lousy legislation. From a tactical point of view, it is a training iteration for the Rules Committee members and their staffs on how to go about coordinating and executing this "martial law" procedure. I suspect that some "observers" were actually evaluating the execution of this trial run. The observations will provide the GOP with insights on how to improve upon the process and what they may expect from Democratic opposition.
Additionally, it forms a basis (or a baseline) to study the reactions of the Democratic leadership and will enable the GOP to draft and employ measures that will interdict or prevent possible opposition.
From a strategic point of view, this action will breed familiarity amongst the opposition. Familiarity with the process will lower the natural resistance to change that everyone possesses and make a second and a third time progressively easier.
Comment #31: wallen said on 7/31/06 @ 8:29am ET...
9/11 American Scholars Symposium Panel Discussion
Comment #32: Truth_in_action said on 7/31/06 @ 8:37am ET...
In watching the symposium of 9/11 Scholars on C-SPAN, there appears to be quite a bit of discussion that there may very well be a plan in place for some kind of "event" to be "enacted" and Marshal Law may be the end result.
There should be as much noise made as possible about Martial Law provision being executed in Congress. There can be no good reason to act as "bullies" in this regard.
It's now or much harder later (I'm saying much harder instead of never because I'm an optomist?).
Comment #33: Truth_in_action said on 7/31/06 @ 8:47am ET...
Regarding Reed's #25 and 30 post, it's all very distracting what is happening in Israel and Lebanon, isn't it?
There's no telling what can get accomplished when the world's eyes and ears are focused elsewhere.
Comment #34: feline said on 7/31/06 @ 11:07am ET...
Discussion of Martial Law on U.S. Constitution
Martial law is not mentioned in the text of the Constitution, but suspension of Habeas corpus is mentioned.
The following text pasted from U.S. Constitution website analysis:
On September 15, 1863, Lincoln imposed Congressionally-authorized martial law. The authorizing act allowed the President to suspend habeas corpus throughout the entire United States. Lincoln imposed the suspension on "prisoners of war, spies, or aiders and abettors of the enemy," as well as on other classes of people, such as draft dodgers. The President's proclamation was challenged in ex parte Milligan (71 US 2 [1866]). The Supreme Court ruled that Lincoln's imposition of martial law (by way of suspension of habeas corpus) was unconstitutional.
"...Martial rule can never exist where the courts are open, and in the proper and unobstructed exercise of their jurisdiction. It is also confined to the locality of actual war."
End of pasted text.
This text is from the link at Common Dreams #30, Reed:
Among the matters the House may be asked to vote on under martial law are a major conference report on pension legislation, a costly bill that would permanently reduce the estate tax and extend certain expiring tax provisions, and a bill that would combine a controversial health insurance proposal with an increase in the minimum wage. The House Rules Committee on Thursday afternoon reported a resolution that would provide martial law authority in relation to all of these bills.
End of text.
If certain members of Congress are, in fact, using "martial law" rule to circumvent House procedures rules, they are simply full of it. Pushing through a bill without allowing a period of examination before a vote has nothing to do with suspension of Habeas corpus or martial law! It's a political coup, and it's in violation of House rules! This seems to me tantamount to Congressional mutiny.
This is something that needs to be taken very seriously. Hopefully these members of Congress who are consciously violating the House Rules will be held accountable by their fellow members, or more specifically, the Courts.
Comment #35: tahoebasha1 said on 7/31/06 @ 11:40am ET...
#34 - Feline
Re your paragraph beginning: "Among the matters the House may be asked to vote on under martial law are a major conference report on pension legislation, . . . "
The bill referred to is H.R. 5970 --"Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act"
Here is some information about the bill and an action page: Removal of Estate Tax, etc.
Comment #36: Truth_in_action said on 7/31/06 @ 12:08pm ET...
Also, #34, feline, 35 tahoe, note the words "Among the matters..."
In legalese, that means many other matters not specifically referenced.
Important to always scan for such wording even from what seems like friendly sources of information for obfuscation or doublespeak or even just clues such as those words. I wonder what other items were be rushed through the voting procedure?
Did this all take place this past Friday/Saturday? Is more to come, I wonder?
Comment #37: Truth_in_action said on 7/31/06 @ 12:19pm ET...
feline, Tahoe, my post #36 wasn't meant to be snide. It sounded kind of cryptic. I have WAY too much respect for your intellects, combined and separate, to have referenced such. More like a "Hummmm. Wonder what else was out there" comment.
Comment #38: Truth_in_action said on 7/31/06 @ 12:59pm ET...
Election lawyer to file legal contest in California congressional race.
Comment #39: tahoebasha1 said on 7/31/06 @ 1:00pm ET...
#37 - TIA
Didn't take offense -- I think that was understood. These people are notorious for trying to slip other things through under the guise of another bill(s). It's nothing new -- I'm going to call my Senators on my lunch hour for the umpteenth time.
Comment #40: Rusty said on 7/31/06 @ 1:21pm ET...
Hi Truth in Action,
I'm the Snider-in-Chief around here, and have extensive experience with being snide, not only here, but in multiple locations around the Internets. So let me assure you that your #36 wasn't even remotely close to being snide. Just to be sure, I ran it through my patented Scale of Snideness ®, and it came up 0.
Please resume your regularly scheduled posting, everyone, and keep them coming, these threads get better every day.
Comment #41: Rusty said on 7/31/06 @ 1:33pm ET...
I have been informed by reliable sources that Alma is posting a Kos diary tonight around 7PM EDT in support of JC's H.R. 635 and the nationwide PSA Project which has been implemented to raise public awareness of the need for a Select Committee to investigate the Bush Administration's pre-Iraq war deceit and other outrages against American democracy and our Constitution.
I hope ConyersBloggers will read Alma's Kos diary and add their insights in the comment thread. We have to help empower Congressman Conyers, and one of the best ways to do that is to work together to elevate public awareness of the dire need for the Select Committee proposed by JC and his co-sponsors in H.R. 635.
Comment #42: bill_o_carolina said on 7/31/06 @ 2:38pm ET...
That telecast will air again on cspan at 6:10 pm on Tuesday! Please watch and tell everyone!
Comment #43: cali said on 7/31/06 @ 4:13pm ET...
LAWSUIT FILED TO CONTEST BUSBY/BILBRAY ELECTION, SLEEPOVERS!
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=3151
Comment #44: wallen said on 7/31/06 @ 4:47pm ET...
Group identifies new flaws in Diebold evoting machines
07/31/2006 @ 4:05 pm
Filed by RAW STORY
GROUP: 'Vote counts can be changed with the flip of a a switch'
The Open Voting Foundation, a California-based nonprofit organization that works to promote the adoption of "open source" technology to the nation's voting machines, has announced it has found what it calls the "worst ever security flow found in Diebold RS voting machines."
Advertisement
The Foundation claims to have discovered a switch inside of the machine which, when flipped, can have the machine operate in "a completely different manner compared to the tested and certified version."
click here
Comment #45: unspun said on 7/31/06 @ 6:59pm ET...
Rusty, #41: Thanks for the heads up about Alma's coming post at Kos and thanks for the link via Soapbox4truth.org to the PSA project. I listened to the PSA's by Haley Mills, Chevy Chase & Immortal Technique. These celebrities express in a concise, and intelligent message why they urge support of HR 635.
The PSA’s are a great way to get the word out and start the ball rolling.
Comment #46: Alma said on 7/31/06 @ 7:11pm ET...
Congressman Conyers Deserves Our Help
I want to help, so please help me!
I'm afraid of what will happen to my country if millions of Americans like me watch in intimidated silence while criminals destroy everything we cherish.
House Resolution 635, introduced by my Congressman, John Conyers, would establish a select committee to investigate the Bush Administration's deceit prior to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, as well as other outrages such as torturing human beings, and the monstrous betrayal of a CIA network working to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Upon concluding its investigation, there is no doubt this select committee would be able to present conclusive evidence to the House of Representatives that George W. Bush has committed multiple Impeachable offenses.
In order to rally public support across America for this vital resolution, concerned citizens, progressive bloggers, media activists and celebrities are joining together in national efforts such as the H.R. 635 PSA Project. This expanding project is a way to directly support these courageous Democratic lawmakers. They are defending us against the BushCo criminals who have hijacked our government, so why are so many progressives refusing to actively support Congressman Conyers and his 36 co-sponsors of HR 635?
These dedicated defenders of our Constitution need our help. America needs our help. The world needs our help. Bush and his co-conspirators must be held accountable for their lawlessness. We must work together now to build public support for Select Committee investigations and Impeachment hearings so Congressman Conyers can build on that momentum when the next Congress convenes in January.
As a wife and mother, I am deeply concerned about the horrors my children and grandchildren will be subjected to if we fail to remove this criminal president from office. If we truly love our children, we will all support worthy progressive efforts like this one. Please donate a few dollars to the H.R. 635 PSA Project. Please take a few minutes to call a local radio station and ask them to air one of this Project's public service announcements.
I think Congressman Conyers and his co-sponsors of H.R. 635 deserve at least that much support from us. I hope you agree.
Cross Posted at Daily Kos
Comment #47: wallen said on 7/31/06 @ 8:54pm ET...
EXCLUSIVE: Bush Admin May Have Violated 26 Statutes, Dems Say
By Justin Rood - July 31, 2006, 1:53 PM
The Bush administration may have broken over two dozen federal laws and regulations -- some of them multiple times -- according to an unreleased report from the House Judiciary Committee Democrats.
"The misconduct I have found is not only serious, but widespread," reads a draft summary of the report by Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI):
click here
Comment #48: wallen said on 7/31/06 @ 8:55pm ET...
Conyers Report on Potential Bush Crimes
07-31-2006
click here
Comment #49: wallen said on 7/31/06 @ 10:00pm ET...
Will the Dems make the argument that the super rich have been evading taxes all along, and that to repeal the estate tax would be tantamount to rewarding them further for their crimes? JC, the case is being made for you. Spread the word, and make it stick. They are stealing from all of us, and the republicans want to give them more!
Tax cheating by super rich out of control
07/31/2006 @ 9:39 pm
Filed by RAW STORY
According to an article to appear in Tuesday's New York Times, a new Senate report on high-level tax schemes will reveal that "so many super-rich Americans evade taxes using offshore accounts that law enforcement cannot control the growing misconduct," RAW STORY has learned.
Advertisement
The report estimates that tax cheating now costs the government as much as $70 billion a year, or 7 cents out of every dollar. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), whose staff ran the investigation, says, "The universe of offshore tax cheating has become so large that no one, not even the United States government, could go after all of it."
more here
Comment #50: Rusty said on 7/31/06 @ 10:05pm ET...
Thank you for #46 and for your Kos diary and Soapbox4Truth article supporting the PSA Project, Alma! Good job!
Comment #51: Alma said on 7/31/06 @ 10:31pm ET...
You are welcome Rusty, and thank you! A big thank you to everyone who helped from our CB family.
Good news to report from my kos diary. Looks like a couple of the PSAs are being picked up to be played for a few weeks.
Comment #52: tahoebasha1 said on 7/31/06 @ 10:37pm ET...
#46 - Alma
Thank you for a most forthright post expressing your concerns and what should be all of our concerns in relation to our world, our children, our grandchildren. You did a wonderful job of expressing that which was within you and, hopefully, within so many of us.
There is no question that America needs our help. And there are many ways in which we can help.
I commend the producer of this effort of which you speak to have solely and, at his own expense, committed himself to bringing these PSA messages from the likes of Hayley Mills, Chevy Chase, Immortal Technique and so many others, who are voicing their support of Congressman Conyers' H.R. 635 efforts to have a complete investigation of the Bush Administration violations of so many laws, which are impeachable.
The efforts of each of us to help the H.R. 635 PSA Project is such an important step forward.
I hope that everyone will join in in this effort to have these PSA's established on progressive radio spots, blog spots, and anywhere and everywhere that they might gain recognition. If you feel that you cannot join in that effort, then at least please try to make a donation to the producer's courageous and sole efforts in order that he may continue to fulfill his commitment and, thereby, fulfilling a measure of our own commitment.
Comment #53: Rusty said on 7/31/06 @ 11:00pm ET...
Alma #51,
The PSA's set to be aired in Virginia was just initial feedback from one Kossack, I think the positive responses to your Kos diary will produce much more in the days to come.
Tahoe #52,
Very well said, I always look forward to your posts, they get to the heart of the matter and are always focused, concise, and on target.
Comment #54: Frosted Flake said on 8/1/06 @ 1:11am ET...
Wow.
I appreciate this forum.
Frosted Flake
Comment #55: feline said on 8/1/06 @ 1:48am ET...
#48 Wallen, thank you for the TPM link to Conyers' Report.
Alma, thank you for getting the word out about the PSAs and H.R. 635.
