Replies: 68 Comments
Comment #1: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 12:23am ET...
How would "Democrats" have lost the Torture bill if all 43 "Democratic" senators had filibustered and voted against cloture?
That would not have been voting in "lockstep", it would have been the only moral, rational, patriotic recourse.
Torture does not work.
Torture is immoral.
Torture makes us as bad as the terrorists.
Torture violates everything America stands for.
Torture violates the Geneva Conventions.
This torture bill passed because "Democrats" let it pass.
Period.
Quit making excuses for the inexcusable, Congressman. You should be expressing your shame right now, not giving us a hollow pep talk.
Comment #2: wallen said on 9/29/06 @ 1:43am ET...
GOP = United Sadists of America
Comment #3: keck said on 9/29/06 @ 1:53am ET...
If I hear one more person in Congress give a speech about all the things he/she doesn’t like about a bill and end by saying “I’m going to vote for it.”, I am going to throw up on a Congressional blog. This time it was a Republican, I think it was Gordon Smith of Oregon. He probably walks very funny after demonstrating his rolling fence sitting antics.
If the bill is anti American, nobody should vote for it. And surrendering the responsibilities of Articles 1 and 3 of the Constitution to the Executive Branch is anti American, anti Constitution, fascist, and unforgiveable.
At least half on that list of “Democrats” are not simply independent thinkers, they are very socially conservative Republicans who registered and ran and got selected as Democrats. We have a lot of that type running again in 2006 and I suspect even more for 2008. They have helped cost us $ billions for Iraq, they cost us the bankruptcy fiasco bill, the drug bill welfare gift to pharmaceutical and insurance companies and on and on. Frankly, I hope every one of them loses his/her next election.
We elect people to Congress to work for Americans and America, to help improve our country and our way of life and to better the world in general.
If anyone in Congress casts any vote for any bill that is not designed to protect and improve our country’s infrastructure, image, and our lives, that person is a total unmitigated failure as a representative of the people and needs to find another way to thieve their way to riches.
The work of Tom Delay lives on. God help the planet.
Comment #4: MAX 1 said on 9/29/06 @ 2:30am ET...
A few weeks ago I threw up a question for you, Congressman Conyers, and today would be a good time to consider it as a valid question. Today, you used the term "IF we can take back..."
What plans do you have IF we do not take back... toward implementing impeachment proceedings? Or is it like Bush's handling of al-Qaeda, 9/11, Iraq, Katrina, and OBL. A, "we won't know until we have to face it" type of plans come November, and then what? You know, short sighted.
House approves warrantless wiretap law
"The Democrats' irrational opposition to strong national security policies that help keep our nation secure should be of great concern to the American people," Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement after the bill passed 232-191.
"To always have reasons why you just can't vote 'yes,' I think speaks volumes when it comes to which party is better able and more willing to take on the terrorists and defeat them," Boehner said.
Boehner is bullying the Democrats and like the yard dog he is, bites back at those that attempt to challenge his views. And the Democrats continue to skirt the truth. Bullies bully because that's what they are good at. CONTROLLING the minority through demonetizing those weaker than you. And once established as the bully, only a bigger bully can challenge his B.S.
Have y'all seen him on
Chris Matthews? Boehner still touts the LIE. WHY??? Because there is no bully big enough to bully that bully back to the hell hole he crawled out of.
I have a saying: "Those that choose the path to hell, have no room to complain where they end up going."
What path is America being lead down?
Comment #5: MAX 1 said on 9/29/06 @ 2:36am ET...
Looks like the White House got caught lying about Jack, AGAIN.
Comment #6: MAX 1 said on 9/29/06 @ 2:53am ET...
Valid question:
So, can I be arrested at a protest as a suspected terrorist, held, and executed by Presidential order of extreme torture, err, excuse me, I mean by redefined interrogations that lead to my death?
I mean, IF he was a crazed mad man seeking to dominate all of those that get in his way of doing his business or be squashed?
Comment #7: MAX 1 said on 9/29/06 @ 2:59am ET...
ARE WE SAFER YET?
On a scale of ZERO-TEN, ten being safe, today's actions moved the needle which way?
Bush often says, "America is safer, but not safe yet."
Mr. President, please chart that for me. Where does that put America on a scale of ZERO-TEN?
Comment #8: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 3:17am ET...
I've had my fill of these exhibitions of Democratic strength, Congressman. A few more exhibitions of strength like this last one and we'll be watching Republican campaign ads featuring a videotape of Keith Olbermann being beheaded by Jerry Falwell.
The horrific depth and pervasiveness and treachery of Republicans is not being countered by equivalent Democratic condemnations.
When someone is a serial killer, "bucking" them doesn't consist of handing them more guns, ammunition, machetes, grenades, and flamethrowers while patting yourself on the back for calling them a shoplifter.
There is glaring proof everywhere we turn that this president and these Republicans in Congress are criminals. They have obstructed justice for years, they have conspired to violate the Constitution, they have violated it over and over again and again, and they have conspired to conceal these violations.
I could go on and on, the list is endless. But I have yet to see one Democrat even come close to expressing fury commensurate with these Republican crimes. Mild anger tinged with cautious regret is the most I've seen from a Democrat.
If this isn't moral cowardice on an unfathomable scale, then please explain to me what your definition of moral cowardice is, Congressman.
I'm tired of excuses. I'm tired of rationalizations. I'm tired of promises about accountability if Democrats win the House or Senate.
The pathetic cowering of Democratics since 2000 provides absolutely no indication that they will suddenly develop integrity next January and do what needs to be done.
Maybe they will, but I'll believe it when I see it. This "exhibition of strength" we've just witnessed, after Senator Reid guaranteed this torture bill would not pass, reveals that the Democratic "leadership" has not learned anything about how to stand up to this criminal Republican regime.
Senator Reid and Senator Leahy and who ever else joins their statement-issuing parade seem to think they're accomplishing something by simply scolding the killers of American democracy.
Just as disgusting are their assurances that this torture bill will be ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. They caved while Republicans stacked that Supreme Court with Roberts and Alito, so they'll have to forgive me if I'm not reassured.
Trying to spin this debacle as an exhibition of strength is patronizing and demeaning, and I resent it. Many of my friends here have endured terrible experiences, they've suffered health crises and lost jobs and have children in danger in the military, so do us a favor and START FIGHTING FOR US LIKE WE'VE FOUGHT FOR YOU.
Too many Democrats are worried about their political careers while millions of Americans like us are struggling just to survive. There is only one reason why this torture bill passed--the Democrats who refused to filibuster care more about their careers than they care about their country or about Americans like us.
That kind of craven attitude had better come to a screeching halt.
Comment #9: MAX 1 said on 9/29/06 @ 3:20am ET...
WHAT DO WE CALL COUNTRIES, WHO'S LEADERS TAKE IT UPON THEMSELVES, THE RIGHT TO VIOLATE HUMAN RIGHTS, HOLD POW'S AT THEIR WILL, COMMIT TORTURE, AND KEEP IT ALL SECRET?
AND WHAT DO WE CALL THOSE TYPES OF LEADERS?
Comment #10: Nolip said on 9/29/06 @ 7:06am ET...
BREAKING: DNC Voting Rights Institute Endorses 11th Hour Emergency Paper Ballot Legislation!
Comment #11: wallen said on 9/29/06 @ 7:11am ET...
This pretty much spells it all out
On Friday, September 29, It's Mourning in America
Submitted by BuzzFlash on Fri, 09/29/2006 - 5:42am. Editorials
A BUZZFLASH EDITORIAL
Just as it is hard to fully comprehend the grief of a beloved friend or relative killed needlessly in an accident, it is excruciatingly painful to try to come to terms with the pernicious betrayal of our Constitution and liberty that occurred in the Senate on Thursday, September 28.
In the past week alone, we have seen factual evidence that belies the need for the power play/pre-election attack on our Constitution. In fact, these developments indicate that giving Bush even more unprecedented power is not only unconscionable; it puts the national security of the United States of America in peril:
Bush’s newly "revamped" top 16 intelligence agencies reached the conclusion that the Iraq War had become a primary cause in the growth of terrorists and the increased threat of terrorism to the United States. Bush called the report of his own top intelligent agencies "naïve." Meanwhile, a second U.N. report came to the same conclusion as the American spy agencies. The U.N. also reported that more Iraqis may now be being tortured under U.S. occupation than were tortured under Saddam Hussein.
And there is a second National Intelligence Estimat (NIE) report just on Iraq that the Bush Administration will not release until after the election. So it clearly must be even more harsh in its assessment of the Iraq War than the White House "selective conclusions" Executive Summary of the first NIE, which was revealed by the New York Times.
must read
Comment #12: koryannder said on 9/29/06 @ 7:31am ET...
Hurrah! Rusty's back! Applause, everyone.
Okay - we lost an important one, and I can tell you why,
The Democrats who did not filibuster against the bill KNEW exactly what Rove would do with it. He would tar the entire party with the "Obstructionist" brush, and make their campaigns that much more difficult.
Also, many "Democrats" are beholden to the DLC for both funds and philosophy, either not recognizing, or being complicit in the fact that said DLC is a Republican stalking horse.
IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE DEMOCRATS TO CLEAN HOUSE! TOO MANY REPUBLICANS WEAR THE DONKEY AS A LAPEL PIN, AND VOTE WITH THE ELEPHANT! IDENTIFY THEM AND GIVE THEM THE DEEP SIX!
Okay, JC; a word that is seldom heard and practically never acted upon is "REPEAL!" It is true that you either have to have overwhelming majorities, or a Democratic President to repeal some of Bu$h's fantasies - like the torture bill - but the main legislative agenda of the next Congress should be the attempt to repeal most of the evil things he has saddled us with, in the effort to raise consciousness, and bring about the supermajorities needed to override a string of vetoes. Also, it would be a VERY good idea to feed Hastert a dose of his own medicine (assuming the land deal doesn't get him tossed out on his ear). WHEN the Democrats take control, consider NO legislation proposed by a VERY lame duck President, start REPEAL of his most damaging proposals, and take up NO ideas proposed by Republicans! Explain to the American People that the next Congress is going to be too busy attempting to repair the wreckage that Bu$h has made of the Country, and trying to get back to Constitutional principles. Bu$h might even get disgusted and quit (he's never FINISHED a job in his life!), in which case be ready to impeach Cheney! (In fact, that might be an excellent first step for the new Congress! President Pelosi sounds a LOT better than Pesident Hastert! Get rid of Cheney and prosecute him for his criminal actions so that he's not around to be Bu$h's prompter, and Bu$h really might quit.)
And DUMP the DLC!!! It has caused more trouble than anything else in the Party.
Then, maybe, a REAL investigation can be mounted on exactly what happened on 9/11/01/
Comment #13: Truth_in_action said on 9/29/06 @ 8:09am ET...
Welcome back, Rusty. I missed you terribly.
We're all in this damned leaky boat together. Keep bailing and rowing, everyone. I don't know what else to suggest for now.
MAX 1, thanks for reposting your question.
Comment #14: unspun said on 9/29/06 @ 8:27am ET...
Congressman Conyers,
I hear you.
While I share everyone's deep disgust with anyone who would vote for such a repulsive piece of legislation, where does that leave us now? Throw in the towel & walk away? Tempting as that is, I for one, can't just lay down & let KKKarl win.
If you examine the Republican motivations in pushing through the torture bill now, they were in a win, win, win situation: 1. Win with their cowardly base who would "sacrifice liberty to gain temporary" (and illusionary) security" 2. Win by putting Dems up for election in conservative districts in a position of chosing to vote either "for the terrorists or for security"--(THEIR words--not mine). And remember this, either way that the Dems chose to vote on this--they were in a lose-lose situation--someone was going to be REALLY angry with their vote. 3. If by chance, they do lose the majority--Their Chickenhawk, Sadistic Leadership's, and their own butts are covered from future prosecution. So, this legislation was pushed by the Republicans before the Nov. elections because for them it was a Win, Win, Win; and for the Dems it was a Lose, Lose, Lose.
The whole timing of this issue, the pushing of this vote, I believe, is classic KKKarl Rove tactics to take away Democrat votes, any way possible, and failing that, try to cover Republican butts from accountability for criminal behavior.
So, I guess, the final question we each need to ask ourselves is--are we going to play KKKarl's game? Or are we going to spend the next 40 days holding our noses, electing Democrats & then, after they win--giving them 2 years to straighten up & fly right? That is what we each need to decide.
Comment #15: unspun said on 9/29/06 @ 8:32am ET...
BTW, this Bill is unconstitutional. Congress is not the branch of government to determined the constitutionality of a law. The Supreme Court can, and I believe, will strike down this disgusting Bush-Butt-Covering Bill.
Comment #16: Nolip said on 9/29/06 @ 8:56am ET...
What is of grave concern is the fact that this nation is moving away from it's centrist principles of fairness and even handedness through the callousness of George Bush and the neocons. George Bush doesn't understand torture because he never experienced it but murder and mayhem and torture are a great part of Bush and the neocon's lexicon because that's their inhuman response to the troubled people in this world who seek to harm others. What is of even greater concern is the fact that there are members of the opposition party who fall into lock step with Bush and the neocon agenda even as they mouth pious platitudes about how we need to continue to pursue the values our forefathers committed this country to in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The fact that Bush and his neocon friends continue to challenge anyone who opposes their pursuit of the principles of Atilla the Hun is tantamount to Herod (of Biblical times) telling the Jewish mothers whose children he's just slain that the kids deserved to die. We as a nation cannot stand on that mentality for it speaks to an erosion of our collective moral fiber and suggests that we as a culture will suffer, if not now, someday soon, the same fate that Rome endured when it self imploded so many centuries ago. If we seek to maintain this great nation of ours, it is in our best interests to speak out now and to tell those who would curry favor with this despotic president that he makes Saddam Hussein look like a Boy Scout after all that he's perpetrated on the good people of this nation and the nation of Iraq. This isn't leadership, this is villainy under the guise of good and is unacceptable to all good people everywhere. Those in this nation who continue to support this administration continue to support an evil empire and one that will lead this country to ruin if Bush and his policies aren't stopped in this election.
Comment #17: point of order said on 9/29/06 @ 10:26am ET...
worldcantwait.org is discouraging Democrats from voting!
worldcantwait is planning a big walkout and general strike nationwide on October 5. Great, good!
worldcantwait is also discouraging Democrats from voting.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2852805
Comment #18: Citizen J said on 9/29/06 @ 10:40am ET...
Word, Rusty. Enough of the mealy-mouthed platitudes and hollow rhetoric from the "opposition" party.
OUR COUNTRY DIED YESTERDAY, PERIOD.
I don't give a f*ck WHAT Dems voted against it.
IT PASSED.
With Nary a Whimper of protest.
It's time for torches and pitchforks, because the Democrats REFUSE TO DO THEIR JOBS.
They are as guilty as the Rethugnicans.
Somewhere, POA is saying "I TOLD YOU SO!" and he's right.
Comment #19: koryannder said on 9/29/06 @ 10:52am ET...
Watch and wait. "Constitutional" is what the SCOTUS says it is, not what the Constitution says. This particular Court may simply refuse to take up the matter of the "Torture" bill, pleading a full calendar (like trying to gut Roe v. Wade further) and not having time to consider it. And, even if they DO consider it, the torturers have a year during which their nefarious operations are "Legal," and they will loudly proclaim that these activities have prevented all kinds of "Terrorist" activity (like blowing up airplanes with toothpaste and hair gel.), and claim that "Saving" Americans from "Terror" trumps everything else, and it isn't really unconstitutional if it keeps Americans safe. A liar needs no excuse for his lies - he tells them because they are useful.
Comment #20: Nolip said on 9/29/06 @ 12:59pm ET...
Government of the special interests, by the special interests and for the special interests...
"WASHINGTON - Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff had hundreds more contacts with top White House officials than those Bush administration officials had previously acknowledged, according to a congressional report to be released Friday.
The report by the House Government Reform Committee, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, said the panel found about 485 contacts between Abramoff and his associations and the White House, including 10 with Karl Rove, who is President Bush's top political adviser."
Abramoff had more White House ties
Comment #21: Frosted Flake said on 9/29/06 @ 1:13pm ET...
Trying to work some of the bile out of my retoric, will post later. For now, This and this says much of what I would, with much less swearing.
Good to see you P.O.O., welcome aboard.
Frosted Flake
Comment #22: clbrune said on 9/29/06 @ 1:26pm ET...
The passage of this bill is moral unjustifiable. Democrats know it.
The passage of this bill is unconstitutional. Democrats know it.
Bush and Congress have had 4 years to deal with this issue. The timing of it is transparently political.
While I do understand the politics of many Democrats voting for torture and suspension of habeus corpus, it's a tough pill to swallow.
If Democrats can gain control of something--ANYthing--I hope they do what they can to facilitate a court challenge to this bill's constitutionality.
I (hopefully not naively) agree with Rep Conyers that if the Democrats held a majority such a rupugnant, illegal, and inhumane bill would never have even been considered in the first place.
Let's first clear out the Republican majority, then move on to improving the Democratic party.
Comment #23: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 3:02pm ET...
This Modern World notes that:
Senator Carper of Delaware is leading his Repug opponent by 40 POINTS, but is so afraid of Rove he caved and voted for this torture bill.
Senator Nelson of Nebraska is leading his repug opponent by 23 POINTS, but he is so afraid of Rove he caved and voted for this torture bill.
Senator Nelson of Florida is leading his Repug opponent by 28 POINTS, but he is so afraid of Rove he caved and voted for this torture bill.
Senator Menendez of New Jersey is leading his Repug opponent by 6 points in a state that hasn't elected a Repug to the senate in 34 YEARS, but he is so afraid of Rove he caved and voted for this torture bill.
Millions of voters justifiably dislike many Democrats because the political repercussions of an issue exclusively determine how they will vote. In far too many cases, principle doesn't guide them, politics does.
It's a tragic irony that EVERYTHING Repugs do is political, yet they are overwhelmingly perceived as standing on principles.
Democrats will pick up seats on November 7 mainly because they are not Republicans. If they maximize that advantage and actually start standing up aggressively FOR the Constitution and angrily condemn Repug corruption, war profiteering, and lawlessness, these Midterms could be a rout of historic proportions and establish Democratic control of Congress for a generation.
They refused to filibuster this atrocity and Bush is calling them "obstructionists" and "cut and runners" ANYWAY. Today he accused them of "buying into terrorist propaganda". They are going to be slandered and swiftboated and demonized no matter what they say or how they vote. WHEN are they ever going to understand that?
It may be up to generals in the Pentagon or progressive activists or an alliance of foreign countries to shut down this criminal regime, because it doesn't appear likely that Democrats ever will.
Comment #24: Ron said on 9/29/06 @ 3:28pm ET...
J C ,
Is this your attempt at being humorous?
Democrats Exhibit Strength in Bucking the President
If it is ,you have failed miserably.
What a joke this one sentence is.
It should say::
Democrats having difficulty getting their combined heads out of Georges ass!
This would be closer to the truth!
By now even the dumbest among us should see that we are being played.
I for one am through believing ANYTHING that comes out of ANY politicians mouth.
The old adage has proven itself correct:: How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer:::
His mouth is moving!
What a SHAME
Tell ALL of your buddies , Shape up, Or ship out cause ,,,,us po foks is tied of yalls shit!
No disrespect intended!!! NOT!!!
Comment #25: Reed31463 said on 9/29/06 @ 3:43pm ET...
I must agree with Rusty. Usually I can find something positive in any situation or event, but there isn't one damn good thing to say about this.
The time for incompetent silent leadership from the Democrats is over. This was an EASILY winnable battle, and yet the opposition party ROLLED OVER AGAIN.
It is apparent leadership void must be filled. Otherwise this whole thing dies: the Downing Street Minutes and Memos, the Constitution in Crisis report, the rigged elections, the Hurricane Katrina debacle and accountability will just be overcome by events (OBE). This latest Cluster F@@K is proof.
Moreover, options for a peaceful restoration of democracy are being dashed and destroyed by our own Democratic leadership. This is one issue where the Democrats should be unified on and there should be no debate. Any politician that voted for this is either a war criminal or too incompetent to be in office. No excuses. Meanwhile, the American people and the netroots activists, who are carrying the ball for democracy right now, are again left empty holding the bag.
Let it be known that we the people cannot hold out much longer. Our sacrifices and casualties are continually mounting and desperation is setting in. My own situation is dire. Just a week ago, my family and I were staring complete destitution and homelessness in the face by the end of this month. Fortunately, my wife caught a break and there is now hope, but our personal situation is still precarious at best.
Last night while lamenting over the sickening show in congress this week, we were watching a history channel program about Marie Antoinette. My daughter turned to me and very insightfully said, "Dad, if things keep going like they are, there will be a revolution like that in our country." I could not tell her she was wrong. I could only say to her that it seems more likely by the day.
President Clinton has lead by example and once again he has shown the way for any democrat with enough moral courage and honor that will actually feel a sense of duty to uphold our values and the Constitution. Who in the Democratic Party has the guts to do the right thing and stand up and speak for the Constitution. on a consistent basis?
Look who led in the Nielsen ratings Wed night for cable news: Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
The American people are READY and WAITING, YEARNING, CRYING, and DYING for a strong vocal progressive leader to step forward. One that will unify the millions and millions of people whose morale and hopes are getting crushed on a daily basis. One that will magnify and echo our millions of voices into unified action in Washington DC.
These next 38 remaining days are critical. If no one steps forward to fill this leadership void, all of our efforts for a peaceful solution will be for naught.
Thanks.
Comment #26: Nolip said on 9/29/06 @ 3:48pm ET...
"A desire for a Democratic victory is, at least for me, about the fact that this country simply cannot endure two more years of a Bush administration which is free to operate with even fewer constraints than before, including the fact that George Bush and Dick Cheney will never face even another midterm election ever again. They will be free to run wild for the next two years with a Congress that is so submissive and blindly loyal that it is genuinely creepy to behold. A desire for a Democratic victory is also about the need to have the systematic lawbreaking and outright criminality in which Bush officials have repeatedly engaged have actual consequences, something that simply will not happen if Republicans continue their stranglehold on all facets of the Government for the next two years. "
Beltway Democrats are seriously flawed, but the election is still critically important
Comment #27: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 4:00pm ET...
While Frosty is trying to work some of the bile out of his rhetoric, I'll share the news that Republican Mark Foley has just worked his way right out of Congress, apparently because this Repug Chairman of the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children has been exploiting children.
Immediate Resignation
I imagine Jeb Bush will appoint another family values Republican to fill this suddenly vacant seat, but Democrat Tim Mahoney just got handed a bombshell issue to attack Repugs with and win this seat.
Comment #28: unspun said on 9/29/06 @ 4:54pm ET...
Rusty, #27: I don't understand why the "investigative journalists" who were so obsessed with Clinton/Monica are ignoring the fact that the Mark Foley report is just the latest in a series of such incidents involving Republicans in sensitive positions to do with safeguarding children:
From a LTE to the St. Times there is this
…“It seems that the Department of Homeland Security has more than pedophile senior executives (Brian Doyle and Frank Figueroa) in its employ. News comes from Englewood, Florida that Leander Pickett, a teacher's assistant at Englewood Elementary school, was roughed up and handcuffed by two Homeland Security agents who interfered with Pickett as he was directing school buses in front of the school. Pickett politely asked the two to move their vehicle and they refused. The Homeland Security officers claimed they pulled on to school property to read a map. With Doyle and Figueroa targeting teens in Florida, there is a distinct possibility that other Homeland Security agents are, like Doyle and Figueroa, using their positions to entice children, including those on school property….”
Wayne Madsen Report has more: Involvement of Bush Republicans in pedophilia and child prostitution back in news
Politics aside, as a grandparent, it outrages me that there seems to be an abundance of perverts holding government positions that involve safeguarding children. Doesn’t it outrage the Democrats enough to do something about it? There were certainly enough of them that thought that the future of America was compromised because Bill Clinton had sex with that woman.
Comment #29: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 5:29pm ET...
Hi unspun,
Those are the same "investigative journalists" who ignored Gannon/Guckert's 200 visits to the White House and reported NOTHING about his lewd, Hi! I'm a Male-Prostitute! website.
It's encouraging that ABC broke this story and ended the political career of a Republican pervert. I suppose it would be too much to ask to see a major tv event docudrama, "The Path to Republican Perversion", but at least some people at ABC are doing their jobs.
In addition to pedophiles in Homeland Security, that bastion of Repug hypocrisy, The Washington Times, is trying to keep the lid on multiple scandals. The list goes on and on. We're seeing revelation after revelation proving that the right wing movement draws the scum of the earth to its ranks, with the worst scum rising to the top of the movement.
As a follow up on #27, Foley's name must stay on the ballot, Jeb Bush cannot appoint a successor, and FL 16 is now a very likely Democratic pickup.
Comment #30: cali said on 9/29/06 @ 5:56pm ET...
Diebold Added Secret Patch to Georgia E-Voting Systems in 2002, Whistleblowers Say
Diebold Added Secret Patch
Comment #31: Frosted Flake said on 9/29/06 @ 6:51pm ET...
Can't say I much care for that rabbit, Congressman. The critter ain't got no ears. And it looks a lot like Rahms' centerist stratagy. You recall, the stratagy that assumes if you all be nice to everyone, then everyone will be nice to all of you. The stratagy that neglects the simple idea that in order for a election to be one, it must present at least two alternatives to choose from. This is why we call it an elect - shun. Elect means choose.
Look at the product laid in front of the voters. Our alternatives are, to go along with the rebels, or to go along with those who go along with the rebels. Far from fighting for us, the Democrats are fighting against us. And you hold that critter up to see what we'll call it.
Uuuuummmm,...it looks a lot like a possum. But, to be fair, it could be a big wet rat.
I hope folks understand, I had to rewrite this and take out the swear words. It was better.
Here is what I was hoping to see.
1/ A roadmap tween here and the Supreme Court. This needs to happen ASAP. It will not happen by itself. Because this Bill contains every trick in the book. You were there, Congressman. You saw it happen. You know it better than anyone. In addition, you have experience which is invaluable and the education to clearly understand the situation. And you are on point in this matter, and everyone knows that. If you sit there, so will many. If you stand, so will many. If you say, "Here is what we should do", a million ears will strain. I want from you, Congressman, leadership and direction on the best way to get this issue before the Court.
2/ The word, Impeachment. If we can't vote for Impeachment, then we have to vote against it. This will hurt turnout (he said, with astonishing brevity). Rahm Emmanual is not able to cast the votes of those who stay home, and needs to be told as much, bluntly. He also needs to hear some other things, but I took the swear words out. Except for this one ; "Keep your powder dry"
3/ Battle Stations. I don't know if the Congressman has ever been at battle stations on a warship, for real, but I assure him there is there an air of seriousness there absent here. If you want to see what I'm talking about, look across the isle. Many of those are not even vets, but they obviously understand this is serious. Many of the Democrats seem to think themselves members of a gentalmans club and appear not to understand they are making decisions more important than whether to have drinks before, or after, dinner.
B/ Gung-Ho. There is a much misunderstood word. It means work togeather. Nothing more. This is what is really missing here. And the only reason this bill passed. The rebels are gung-ho. The Democrats not only refuse to accept discipline, they also refuse to apply it, yet, perversly, they expect it, from us. It seems the threat is, if we don't vote for them, we will wind up rebel slaves. They seem to believe we should have more concern about thier interests than they should have about ours. There is this mysterious air of detachment as if the Democrats are going to be Ok, no matter what happens to the Voters. This is not gung-ho, Congressman. Nor is it rational. Enless you're just shining us on, in which case notice there is a green limosine parked at the curb with the motor running. Anyone can get in.
Gung-ho means working with one another and also working with us. When something wrong comes up, gung-ho means you vote against it. When some of your members worry what the voters in thier district might say, you tell them to answer by pointing out that you will not vote against the Constitution and if that is displeasing to any, then they should vote for someone who will. When you need a few more seats to hold sway, gung-ho means the incumbants get out and stump for the challengers in thier State. The speech goes along the lines of : "I need your vote, and I need you to vote for this guy too. Then, togeather, we'll clean up this mess!" Behind closed doors, the converstation is like : "We are helping you do this, and in return we need assurance you will help us do this, and this, and this, and this and that. Right?"
That is gung-ho. You got a better Idea? Spit it out.
Frosted Flake.
Now if I may be excused, I have a protest to attend.
Comment #32: wallen said on 9/29/06 @ 7:05pm ET...
Bush has lost FOX news' Sheppard Smith...
watch it
It's over, why are the dems caving in now?
Comment #33: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 9:27pm ET...
Frosty, your posts are superb. You always bring a unique perspective that clarifies the fundamental issues and targets exactly what needs to be done. I'm beginning to suspect that you are some sort of combined reincarnation of Cicero, Benjamin Franklin, and Will Rogers, but I can't prove it, so I'll have to set that hypothesis aside for now.
I'm sure this forum appreciates you as much as you appreciate this forum.
Comment #34: Rusty said on 9/29/06 @ 9:59pm ET...
Thanks, wallen #32, that Sheppard Smith video is something to see. When a FOX anchor is so furious about Bush's fiasco in Iraq and his politicizing of the war that he can barely contain himself, why can't Democrats attack Bush and the Repugs with the same fury?
If they do, these Midterms will be the Custer's Last Stand of the Republican Party. If they don't, there will be a third party movement like this country's never seen. Or a Second Civil War.
Take the gloves off and grab a two-by-four, JC. Do it now.
Comment #35: LeslieB said on 9/30/06 @ 1:35am ET...
Thank you Congressman Conyers for your hopeful words. I've really been dismayed by the military tribunal bill and its passage, and also that twelve Democrats voted for it. The bill grants Bush almost dictatorial powers to indefinitely detain and imprison, deny habeas and torture American and non-American citizens without any oversight, just on the President's say so. I forget who it was, but one Republican senator who voted for the bill said he did so because the courts will work out habeas. But didn't the Supreme Court already decide this in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld? Bush feels he can ignore the Constitution, the Courts, Congress, the Geneva Conventions and take this nation back to the Middle Ages, pre-Magna-Carta. Not only that, but the corporate media presents this issue, when it bothers to present it all, as a he said/she said partisan issue. The Constitution and habeas are partisan issues? Torture is a partisan issue? The Supreme Court ruling is partisan? What planet do these people live on?
But, again, thank you for your hopeful words Congressman. I hope we win at least one house of Congress this November, and I'll be volunteering to help get out the vote.
Comment #36: Chemung said on 9/30/06 @ 5:00am ET...
It is amazing that so few democratic candidates are failing to propose alternatives to the utterly invalid and failed "pre-emptive" (elective war) Iraq policy, thus playing into and feeding the Macheesmo republican charge that Democrats are the party of "cut and run".
One Navy Veteran (Eric Massa) running for Congress in New York proposes that what remains of Iraq (we destroyed a state and turned it into a "killing field") could be allocated ethnically into three states (Sunni, Shiite, and Kurd), like what became the solution for Yugoslavia.
Jack Murtha has realistic ideas. Zbignew Brysynski has proposed a four point strategy for transitioning control of Iraq to the people.
Why are such ideas so "unmentionable" and out-of-the-realm of congressional debate?
It is because the vision of Iraq as a "democratic" pro-US, pro-corporate, imperialist puppet-governed "Shah-like" bastion of currupt political power planted in the middle of the middle east is just too compelling to everyone who is under the spell of imagining western dominance of global power.
The Neo-Conservative radicals (and even many Democrats) will never envision the US military leaving Iraq ("cut and run"), precisely because it is their furtive intention to be there for decades in order to assure US hegemony in the region. This is their dirty little secret.
Comment #37: Rusty said on 9/30/06 @ 5:51am ET...
The utter depravity of the Republican Party has now been laid bare for all the world to see. A Republican sexual predator stalked the halls of Congress for a year and his fellow Republicans did nothing. Hastert knew about him, Boehner knew about him. At least six other Republican congressmen knew about him, yet instead of acting immediately to protect young pages from this menace, they conspired for a year to conceal and cover-up the crimes of that perverted hypocrite, Tom Foley.
How much lower does the Republican Party have to sink into the slime before this nation, the corporate media, and the Democratic Party finally understand that this bizarre cult called the GOP is a despicable pack of criminally incompetent, sadistic, racist, pathological liars incapable of running a car wash, much less the government of the United States?
If this horror show of Republican pedophilia doesn’t stun this nation into loathing for the Republican Party, nothing will. Americans will turn the channel when daily clips of carnage in Iraq are broadcast, they’ll shrug about genocide in Darfur, they’ll frown briefly whenever they hear about corruption in Washington, but this is SEX. This is a family values, troop supporting, Bush loving, liberal bashing Republican who also happens to have written 35 pages of lurid e-mails and nauseating instant messages soliciting sex from minors.
Hey RePugs, remember Monica? Paybacks are a bitch, aren't they?
Undaunted by Foley’s sordid stalking of children to satiate his perversions, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has already rushed to salute Foley and issued one of the most sickening statements I’ve ever seen: “Congressman Mark Foley’s resignation is a great loss to Florida and the nation. He has been a hard-working, dedicated and effective Congressman. He will be missed.”
Say Hello to the Coddlers of Pedophiles at the NCMEC
Spin THIS, Tony Snow. If you can spin this without puking all over your Press Room podium, you win the Depraved Republican Asshole Award for the next ten years. Democrats, take this issue and nail it to every Republican’s forehead for the next 37 days. John Lausch, you are about to receive a LOT of contributions, and you deserve every nickel for having the courage to run against Dennis Hastert before anyone knew he would break the world’s record for political suicide.
There is a God.
Comment #38: wallen said on 9/30/06 @ 6:05am ET...
GOP Members Knew Of Rep. Foley's Emails To Minors For Months...
They knew, and did nothing... That\'s the do-nothing GOP
Comment #39: wallen said on 9/30/06 @ 6:22am ET...
Under the radar...
Legislating Violations of the Constitution
By Erwin Chemerinsky
Special to washingtonpost.com
Saturday, September 30, 2006; 12:00 AM
With little public attention or even notice, the House of Representatives has passed a bill that undermines enforcement of the First Amendment's separation of church and state. The Public Expression of Religion Act - H.R. 2679 - provides that attorneys who successfully challenge government actions as violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment shall not be entitled to recover attorneys fees. The bill has only one purpose: to prevent suits challenging unconstitutional government actions advancing religion.
click here
Comment #40: wallen said on 9/30/06 @ 6:35am ET...
Tick, tick, tick...
Report Says Rove Aide Accepted Abramoff Gifts
By James V. Grimaldi and Susan Schmidt
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, September 30, 2006; A03
A top aide to presidential adviser Karl Rove passed along inside White House information to superlobbyist Jack Abramoff at a time when she was also accepting his tickets to nine sports and entertainment events, according to e-mails released yesterday in a bipartisan congressional report.
click here
Comment #41: wallen said on 9/30/06 @ 7:19am ET...
Oh, and about the dropping price of gas...
In a claim that could fuel conspiracy theories about the recent oil price decline – in an interview to be broadcast on CBS on Sunday – Mr Woodward described a conversation between Prince Bandar bin Sultan and Mr Bush in which the former Saudi ambassador said he could ease oil prices ahead of the elections.
"They could go down very quickly. That's the Saudi pledge. Certainly over the summer, or as we get closer to the election, they could increase production several million barrels a day," Mr Woodward said.
manipulation
Comment #42: unspun said on 9/30/06 @ 10:36am ET...
I think that a post by Julia Ann at daily kos says it all about the Republicans:
From Now On, I Refuse to Deny My Gut Instinct
Here's a snip from her diary:
"3. The Republican Party is sick and twisted. I don't mean just bloated with power and arrogance, and totally corrupt. I mean sick and twisted. If our country has a prayer, it means this party must die. Intellectually, I try to tow the line. I try to avoid comments about people's looks, or their accents, or their idiosyncracies. I try to wait for facts, and for evidence. But my gut told me about Allen and Foley a long time ago. And it tells me that the GOP is the party of fearful and perverted people who get their jollies from pissing on others. These are the brownshirts, the psychologically unbalanced, the racists, the uncool kids, the thin-lipped fat white bad dancers, the authoritarians, the C students, the control freaks, and the dispossessed -- all joined together in one political party dedicated to sticking it to whomever they can momentarily feel better than. I can look at the Republicans in my own family and see the truth: these are people who are more afraid and less educated, and willing to do almost anything to be "on top" because they spent a pivotal time in their lives feeling unimportant. They need counseling, but they won't get it. Sure, we can discuss it -- for days, for months, for years. My gut says: these people are dangerous -- at every time and in every place they have appeared in history."
These People MUST NOT win in November.
Comment #43: wallen said on 9/30/06 @ 10:40am ET...
Republicans are the United Sadists of Amerika!
Comment #44: Patriot said on 9/30/06 @ 1:34pm ET...
------- TeamConyersBlog Update -------
General membership meeting in session now. Click my name then "Login". After login, follow path:
Members (top left) > Soapbox > Chat > Enter
Comment #45: ljm said on 9/30/06 @ 2:21pm ET...
The way I see it, those who voted for this bill were being directly threatened by BushCo. Other than negative campaign ads running up to the election saying they were "soft on terrorism," what else were they being threatened with to get them to vote this way? I always figure Landrieu is told they won't rebuild the levies if she doesn't do what they want. What sort of strong arm tactics are being used to intimidate these elected officials?
Comment #46: noguns said on 9/30/06 @ 5:26pm ET...
i have to agree with rusty and frosted flake, ron, citizen J, reed31463 and the rest ... this is really over the top ... the cowardly behavior of fearing to offend the 'base' ... this is a time to make a stand ... watch the musical 1776 and the words of those who signed the Declaration of Independence will ring in your ears and guide the action we must take ...
peacefully in the streets and stay! till we get the whole cabal exposed ...
time is really getting short ... remember the baseball thing about three strikes and you are out ... i don't want us to strike out ...
Comment #47: Frosted Flake said on 9/30/06 @ 5:54pm ET...
Nice to see you Noguns. Hope you are feeling well.
Came by to hang a story on you all. No, wait, I can say that better. Aw, heck. Just read the story.
Woodward Excerpt Appears in 'Post' With New 9/11 Bombshell
Comment #48: LeslieB said on 9/30/06 @ 7:34pm ET...
Regarding one Woodward bombshell: The meeting between Tenet and Rice, warning her about al Qaeda for the umpteenth time. Why wasn't the 9/11 Commission told about this meeting? What else wasn't the 9/11 Commission told about?
Comment #49: MAX 1 said on 9/30/06 @ 11:43pm ET...
IF there ever was a smoking gun to a conspiracy around 9/11, THIS is it.
To purposefully with hold pertinent information concerning who knew what and when. I could accept one of them forgetting...BUT ALL THREE???
Conspiracy!!!!!
Comment #50: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 12:04am ET...
If I knew that my neighbor was a child preditor, and conspired to keep it a secret, would that make me guilty of obstruction? A cover up? Or would that make me the Speaker of the House of Representatives and/or the House Majority Leader?
Comment #51: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 1:32am ET...
"At home, we put the security of our children first and Republicans are doing just that in our nation’s House. We’ve all seen the disturbing headlines about sex offenders and crimes against children. These crimes cannot persist. Protecting our children from Internet predators and child exploitation enterprises are just as high a priority as securing our border from terrorists. . . That’s why today we passed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006."
~ Dennis Hastert
Comment #52: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 1:35am ET...
"House Republicans have a record of working to strengthen our communities and protect American values. So far this year, House Republicans have approved legislation that protects our children from Internet predators and violent criminal offenders; improves communications capabilities of first responders and emergency personnel; and guarantees Americans’ freedom to display the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance."
~ John Boehner
Comment #53: koryannder said on 10/1/06 @ 4:25am ET...
Suggestion: Google Bohemian Grove, and find out where a lot of Presidents and other powerful figures spend their free time and what they do while they are there - - - it's not for the faint-hearted or easily sickened. It IS for those who want to find out about the culture of putrescence that has taken over governance, and an alert to what will continue if it is not stopped. Caligula and Nero were pikers!
Comment #54: Rusty said on 10/1/06 @ 5:31am ET...
FoleyGate Republicans Thrown Under Buses: A Handy Scorecard
This is becoming such a mess even Josh Marshall is getting dizzy. So in order to help out, I’m entering the fray. My journalistic experience is basically limited to looking at the pictures in The Weekly Reader back in grade school during the Kennedy Administration, but hey, that makes me more qualified in 2006 America to report the news than 90 percent of the journalists, reporters, anchors, RNC talking point stenographers in this country.
Bear with me, this may take awhile . . .
By now even Brownie is aware of the general sequence of events which have transpired since Pedophile Mark Foley (R) got frog-marched into oblivion by the Palm Beach PD, but with so many Republicans throwing each other under buses every five minutes, it would be useful to recap the action for those of you keeping score at home.
On Friday afternoon, Pedophile Coddler Dennis Hastert claimed he didn’t even know who Pedophile Mark Foley (R) was. This initial claim was about to be printed and broadcast all across Amerika’s corporate media until an alert intern at the New York Times noted meekly that Hastert’s claim didn’t appear to be very credible.
After that intern was fired, declared a national security risk by Homeland Security, outed by the Free Republic, and rendered to Uzbekistan for waterboarding, the leaders of our free and independent press conferred and agreed that Pedophile Coddler Dennis Hastert (R) must have indeed known Pedophile Mark Foley (R), and duly reported this breaking news.
Instead of ABC, the Washington Post was apparently left out of the RNC Stenographer’s Loop ® at this point, and accidently kept pursuing this story, which produced a statement from Pedophile Coddler John Boehner (R) temporarily affirming that, “he had learned this spring of some ‘contact’ between Foley and a 16-year-old page. Boehner said he told House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert and that Hastert assured him ‘we’re taking care of it.”
After a brief but no doubt spectacular conversation with Pedophile Coddler Hastert (R), Pedophile Coddler Boehner’s (R) new and improved memory compelled him to salute the Speaker of the Pedophile Coddlers and throw himself under a bus.
By Saturday evening, Pedophile Coddler Tom Reynolds (R) resolved to demonstrate the Pedophile Coddler Hastert (R) and Pedophile Coddler Boehner (R) weren’t the only Pedophile Coddlers who knew how to throw other Pedophile Coddlers and/or themselves under buses, so he duly threw Pedophile Coddler Hastert (R) and Pedophile Coddler Rodney Alexander (R) under the first two buses available.
“Rodney Alexander brought to my attention the existence of e-mails between Mark Foley and a former page of Alexander’s,” Pedophile Coddler Reynolds (R) grudgingly explained. “Despite the fact that I had not seen the e-mails in question, [LIE] and Mr. Alexander told me that the parents didn’t want the matter pursued, [LIE] I told the Speaker of the conversation Mr. Alexander had with me.”
More accustomed to throwing other Pedophile Coddlers under a bus than being thrown under a bus himself, it’s no surprise that being thrown under a bus twice in one day did not sit well with Pedophile Coddler Hastert (R), who crawled out from under the latest bus and immediately convened an emergency meeting of his most experienced liars. An eternity of pounding Republican heartbeats later, Pedophile Coddler Hastert (R) released a concocted, ass-covering pack of lies, which imploded within hours as Congressman Kildee (D), a multitude of progressive bloggers, and assorted interns at the AP, WaPo, and NYT shot it full of holes.
Not to be outdone, Pedophile Coddler John Shimkus (R) proceeded to throw the entire Pedophile Coddler Leadership (R) under a fleet of buses, and then threw himself under the last bus by telling the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Pedophile Foley’s (R) e-mails had been read by just about every Republican in Washington except Jean Schmidt, who as we all know, is illiterate.
During a brief intermission in the festivities late Saturday night, a Reynolds aide observed, “This is what happens when one member tries to throw another member under a bus.”
I only have one more thing to add at this point: Pedophile Mark Foley (R) forgot to smile during his mug shot. What a rookie.
Comment #55: Patriot said on 10/1/06 @ 9:28am ET...
Excellent commentary, Rusty. You continue to encourage me.
Day 3
We are only in Day 3 of the scandal, and the facts are only begining to be discovered. This has the potential of going much further as layer after layer is removed and the deeds and cover-ups exposed.
Stay tuned, this may get really nasty as the pages come forward with their stories, plus other young boys in other possible circumstances. What were all of his interactions with young boys? As a Christian, did he teach Sunday School, for instance, or help out with Scouts? Take his nephews on camping trips?
This would be interesting to watch unfold if it weren't so incredibly sick. I have two sons and this conduct makes me feel ill.
Comment #56: Nolip said on 10/1/06 @ 9:39am ET...
The Bob Woodward Effect
The White House is in full damage-control mode over his new book.
Comment #57: Nolip said on 10/1/06 @ 9:43am ET...
"They went over top-secret intelligence pointing to an impending attack and “sounded the loudest warning” to the White House of a likely attack on the U.S. by Bin Laden.
Woodward writes that Rice was polite, but, “They felt the brushoff.”
Bush Officials May Have Covered Up Rice-Tenet Meeting From 9/11 Commission
Comment #58: Patriot said on 10/1/06 @ 10:11am ET...
As I said, the layers will be lifted and more abuse exposed:
More of Foley's disgusting behavior
How did this intern know of Foley's activities on Sept 5?
Comment #59: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 12:47pm ET...
Rep. Foley: “If I were one of these sickos, I’d be nervous with America’s Most Wanted on my trail.
Comment #60: Reed31463 said on 10/1/06 @ 1:08pm ET...
Congressman,
I am willing to bet that you know far more about these current events than you are letting on.
The alleged rumors and allegations again resurface for the umteenth time. How often do these pedophiles have to be implicated before a pattern of abuse is more than just an isolated incident?
As predicted in comment #10 on May 8th of 2006. Additional sources: Cannonfire Coverage in December, Shelock Google on Daily Kos, Cannonfire, Watergate Hotel, and a gay connection?
Wilkes befriended other legislators, too. He ran a hospitality suite, with several bedrooms, in Washington – first in the Watergate Hotel and then in the Westin Grand near Capitol Hill.
Finally: Our story goes gay. Remember the squib about that possible "hot pillow" operation at the Watergate hotel? Remember the strong suggestion that pols and other interested parties might have been "entertained" at this venue?
Does this really surprise anyone? Guess who was near the forefront documenting this thing from the very beginning? If you guessed Congressman John Conyers you are correct. Thurs, June 29th, 1989: Gay sex scandal makes front page news.
In 1992 a 107-page congressional report was issued by Rep. John Conyers Jr., urging Bush to fire Roskens, who had "abused the public trust" for private gain until AID's inspector general "forced a change in his patterns of behavior." His "patterns," according to the Washington Post for October 2, 1992, included "taking thousands of dollars from outside organizations, including some that do business with AID."
Porter Goss ran a gambling bordello and contracted a limosine service inherited from Duke Cunningham. Mark Foley is a pedophile. Jeff Gannon, the homosexual prostitute and White House press corps reporter, had unprecedented access to the White House. Homeland Security officials are pedophiles. Tom Feeney, Tom Delay, Bob Ney, Jean Schmidt's campaign manager, Jack Abramoff......the list goes on and on and on.
Comment #61: unspun said on 10/1/06 @ 2:24pm ET...
Re: #60 Reed: Thank you for your background report, detailing how long these reports have been available to the public.
Yet, oddly, though the reports were publicly presented in some newspapers, they stories quickly faded away. There was little to no follow-up. Why? Bill/Monica wasn't allowed to be a blip on the radar.
This time, the Democratic leadership must demand a thorough investigation, by an independent special prosecutor. Congress cannot and will not adequately and objectively investigate itself.
In the last 1-2 years, Foley is the FOURTH PEDOPHILE in government exposed (no pun intended) and/or arrested. As you said, Reed--Department of Homeland Security had THREE employees arrested for child sexual misconduct. Figueroa of DHS had been at one time in charge of Operation Predator--an operation whose purpose was to catch internet predators! I believe these incidents are indicative of something very, very sick going on in our Republican-led government.
I'm going to contact my representative, who happens to be Representative Kildee--the only Democrat on the Congressional Page Committee, and the only one who wasn't informed of the Foley e-mails. I will ask him to initiate/cosponsor a Bill calling for a special prosecutor/Grand Jury to investigate criminal sexual misconduct of government officials.
If government officials choose to use their positions to abuse or to allow others to abuse children--it is up to the citizens to step up and demand investigation, followed by prosecutions. Also, the Watergate/Westin Hotel reports that came and went so quickly, as well as Jeff Gannon's (male prostitute/alleged reporter) multiple (late night) visits to the white house need to be investigated as well. You can bet that any money that changed hands in these escapades ultimately came from taxpayers.
Comment #62: Reed31463 said on 10/1/06 @ 3:01pm ET...
Comment #53: koryannder,
It all ties together and has only one explanation. These people are sick and twisted.
In order to keep yourself grounded in facts before venturing out into the wild speculations that exist about this camp, I suggested those unfamiliar with Bohemian Grove to use these references as starting points:
Ted Gunderson's BOHEMIAN GROVE EXCLUSIVE
The Power Elite at Summer Camp
Jeff Gannon, Johnny Gosch, Hunter Thompson, and Bohemian Grove snuff porn
Infiltration at Bohemian Grove
How long will it take before the CIA and FBI put their media information blackout programs into effect on this story?
It is time to dismantle this whole "New World Order" group and bring them before The Hague.
All it would take is one State Attorney general to start prosecution of a DoJ staff attorney for war crimes. Start with the Bybee memo and torture.
Comment #63: Patriot said on 10/1/06 @ 4:18pm ET...
During the summer of 2006, the same period Congressman Reynolds was keeping Mark Foley's inappropriate emails with minors a secret, his campaign committee coffers received a $100,000 donation from Foley.
More...
Comment #64: Nolip said on 10/1/06 @ 9:39pm ET...
Condi Rice is as adept at three card monty as she is at the shell game but the bottom line is she as National Security Advisor chose to ignore the warnings and one suspects it was because BushCo wanted the attack to occur in order to push this country in to war with Iraq...
"The crux of the issue is a January 25, 2001, memo on al-Qaeda from counterterrorism coordinator Richard Clarke to National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, the first terrorism strategy paper of the Bush administration. The document was central to the debate over pre-9/11 Bush administration policy on terrorism and figured prominently in the 9/11 hearings held in 2004. A declassified copy of the Clarke memo was first posted on the Web by the National Security Archive in February 2005.
Clarke's memo, described below, "urgently" requested a high-level National Security Council review on al-Qaeda and included two attachments: a declassified December 2000 "Strategy for Eliminating the Threat from the Jihadist Networks of al-Qida: Status and Prospects" and the September 1998 "Pol-Mil Plan for al-Qida," the so-called Delenda Plan, which remains classified."
Rice versus Clinton on January 2001 Clarke Memo
and now the smoking gun...
"On July 10, 2001, two months before the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, then-CIA Director George J. Tenet met with his counterterrorism chief, J. Cofer Black, at CIA headquarters to review the latest on Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda terrorist organization. Black laid out the case, consisting of communications intercepts and other top-secret intelligence showing the increasing likelihood that al-Qaeda would soon attack the United States. The mass of fragments made a compelling case, so compelling to Tenet that he decided he and Black should go to the White House immediately.
Tenet called Condoleezza Rice, then national security adviser, from the car and said he needed to see her right away. There was no practical way she could refuse such a request from the CIA director."
Two Months Before 9/11, an Urgent Warning to Rice
Comment #65: noguns said on 10/1/06 @ 9:48pm ET...
i am still in Hospice care, but hopeful and can do a bit more on computer ...
Rep. Conyers, i realize the timidity you are showing is because you are making sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed ...
aren't you there yet? i know we are all looking at the same information ... we simply can't strike out the third time. hoping we call ourselves to do what the Ukranian and Mexican voters had to do ... and to it in a total peaceful way
at least the conversation continues and at some point you and the Black Caucus, that has led the truth outting on all of this will insist on equal time with the media.
then i read the article you suggested Frosted Flake #47 and realized it is all in motion ... hoping the truth is bursting out all over ...
Comment #66: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 10:54pm ET...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 01, 2006
Pelosi Letter to Ethics Committee on Cover Up of the Foley Matter
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following letter sent today to House Ethics Committee Chairman Doc Hastings and Ranking Member Howard L. Berman about the Foley matter. The text of the letter follows:
October 1, 2006
Chairman Doc Hastings
Ranking Member Howard L. Berman
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member Berman:
On Friday, I offered and the House unanimously passed a resolution directing the Ethics Committee to begin an immediate investigation and provide the House with a preliminary report in 10 days concerning allegations about Congressman Mark Foley's highly inappropriate and explicit communications with a former underage Page. The resolution called for an investigation of "when the Republican leadership was notified, and what corrective action was taken once officials learned of any improper activity."
Since that resolution unanimously passed, Republican Leaders have admitted to knowing about Mr. Foley's outrageous behavior for six months to a year, and they chose to cover it up rather than to protect these children.
As the author of the resolution that the House unanimously passed, I am writing to insist that the Ethics Committee act as directed and immediately form the investigative Subcommittee and begin work on the preliminary report in 10 days. Central to the investigation is immediately questioning, under oath, the House Republican Leadership.
It is a nightmare for every child, parent and grandparent to learn that a child is being stalked on the internet by an adult in a position of authority. The fact that Mr. Foley was engaging in this behavior with underage children, that the Republican Leadership knew about it for six months to a year and has characterized the inappropriate behavior as "overly friendly" and "acting as a mentor" and that apparently no action was taken to protect these underage children is abhorrent.
The children, their parents, the public, and our colleagues must be assured that such abhorrent behavior is not tolerated and will never happen again.
Sincerely,
/s/
NANCY PELOSI
Comment #67: MAX 1 said on 10/1/06 @ 11:01pm ET...
Newly-disclosed e-mails from the Minority Chair of the House Government Reform Committee Henry Waxman provide new areas of insight into Jack Abramoff's closeness to the Bush administration. Most shocking of all (at least of those I've been able to read so far) is that Abramoff off-handedly mentions "the upcoming war in Iraq." The date--March, 2002.
For someone who wasn't a frequent visitor, he sure did know a lot more about things before Congress did.
Isn't that strange? To think Jack was just a fly on the wall?
Comment #68: cali said on 10/2/06 @ 12:01am ET...
The biggest question mark was Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld:
In private conversations with Bush, Cheney said Rumsfeld's departure, no matter how it might be spun, would be seen only as an expression of doubt and hesitation on the war. It would give the war critics great heart and momentum, he confided to an aide, and soon they would be after him and then the president. He virtually insisted that Rumsfeld stay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/01/AR2006100101148.html
