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As if the GOP dodge and phony show could not get any worse. From MoveOn.org this morning:
This morning the Senate is expected to vote on a resolution condemning MoveOn.org...
This is the same Senate that has done nothing to change President Bush's policy on Iraq. Yesterday, they couldn't even pass a bill to give soldiers enough leave with their families before redeploying. But they have plenty of time to crack down on folks who criticize the war. It's ridiculous, it's un-American, and it's wrong....
Why? They're flailing. Last week's Bush Administration PR blitz completely failed—the percentage of Americans favoring withdrawal from Iraq actually increased. Meanwhile, vulnerable Republicans are sinking lower and lower in the polls (or announcing their retirement). Bashing our ad is a way to distract the public—and intimidate war critics....
They're trying to use the full force of the U.S. Senate to shut us all up. To send a message that if you speak unpleasant truths about this war, you'll pay.This is what we expect from right-wing bullies like Fox, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity. But the Senate should know better.
Good lord. Yesterday, the majority of the GOP (and their BFF Joe Lieberman [CT-Turncoat]) couldn't be bothered to stand up for civil liberties, human rights and the Constitution, let alone the decency to support our nation's soldiers getting an honorable amount of time at home with their families before we ship them off to yet another overseas rotation. Now they turn around and attack MoveOn.org's right to free speech. How utterly unAmerican.
Call your Senators today and let them know that if they vote for this idiotic, showboat, waste of taxpayer money stunt, they will not get one cent from you. Ever. And that goes double for any Presidential candidates. You can call toll free here (H/T to katymine):
1 (800) 828 - 0498
1 (800) 614 - 2803
1 (866) 340 - 9281
1 (866) 338 - 1015
1 (877) 851 - 6437
Every single Senator needs a call today. You can also find direct dial numbers for each Senator here. And while you are at it, give the DSCC a jingle and let them know that there had better be pressure placed on the entire Democratic caucus not to slap out at their base, because that is exactly what this hollow, idiotic GOP political stunt is designed to do. You can reach the DSCC here: Phone (202) 224-2447 Fax (202) 969-0354.
What in the hell are these people doing debating a print ad in the NYTimes when our soldiers are still being gravely wounded and killed in Iraq? When they don't have adequate defensive armor, still? When military families are dealing with a crisis of money and exhaustion? When our veterans are not getting even remotely adequate medical and mental health care?
The GOP ought to be ashamed of themselves. This sort of manufactured outrage stunt is exactly what I expect from the Republican party -- all hot air, no real work product -- but there are larger issues at stake than John Cornyn getting camera face time and Mitch McConnell getting even with MoveOn for softening his already eroding political support.
It is well past time that the GOP was called on this idiocy. Publicly, swiftly and then some. This is not about "protecting our troops," if it were the GOP would not have stood up yesterday as a rubber stamping pack and refused to allow our troops adequate time between rotations with their families. This is a stunt -- pure and simple -- designed to whip their base and the lagging Wurlitzer back into a foaming at the mouth frenzy. And they are using our tax dollars to pull it.
Enough is enough.
UPDATE: Rick Perlstein and Jon Soltz have more.
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ha
on my second cuppa
Maybe Rather’s case will shake up the msm
Hello again, Christy…
trois, tres…
Seeing on TPM that the GOP is setting records for filibusters. That is so annoying it’s unbelievable, after all of the “obstructionist” pressure put on Dems up until 11/06. Is there just no way that the media can call these guys out?
I would call, but my phone’s been out for over 24 hours…:(
This is a continuation of the policy of intimidation. Don’t speak out, or you will be punished. Go along, and be a good German, especially while we’re at war, you know.
I called Cornyn’s office and let them know what I thought about them trying to trample my First Amendment rights. I also mentioned I contributed to help run that ad. At that point they hung up on me…
Since Senator Boxturtle is “my” senator, not sure what to say if I call–”Please go F yourself” sounds a bit harsh. Suggestions, anyone?
Well, Christy,
What was it Mark Twain said about horses?
Something about the front end being built somewhat to the west, but the hind end is completed, in vast numbers, in D.C.
It’s important to understand, folks: this is not just an attack on MoveOn.
This is an attack on you. It’s an attack on all the netroots, the progressive base and the anti-war movement. There are Democrats who are secretly willing to align their interests with those of the White House to keep you from gaining power.
Please hit the phones. Don’t let them. This is not just about MoveOn. It’s about all of us. All of us are under direct attack.
Sandia Blanca @ 9
Sounds good to me…:)
I’m not against he MoveOn.org ad. And I will call my senators. But can you see how, in a somewhat perverse way, the ad has been appropriated by MSM and Repug members of Congress as a big distraction?
nonplussed @ 8
Now this kind of thing makes my jaw drop. I assume Cornyn is your Senator? Can your own Senator really have his staff hanging up the phone on you?
Republicans: more concerned about spending Senate time to debate a harmless newspaper ad than they are concerned about protecting our troops.
They block a vote on giving our soldiers adequate time off, and will instead spend time debating a tiny insult.
Republicans: they prioritize war PR over our soliders.
Republicans don’t care about the troops. They care about selling the war and silencing its critics.
Drastic times call for drastic measures.
What sorts of drastic measures could our Senators and Reps do to stop this Iran madness.
Good morning Christy
It seems the Republicans keep mining away, finding new depths of divisive, partisan ignorance.
I noticed last night right before I went to sleep that the Rubber stamps had turned into a brick wall when it comes to passing legislation.You would think that it would be patently obvious at this point that to try and compromise with these thugs is not in your best interest,I’m talking to you Harry.
Make the bastards fillibuster until they are hoarse.
Some pictures from my recent trip down to Santa Barbara:
http://freewayblogger.blogspot.....coast.html
4,000 volunteers: 1357 signs posted.
One guy with a pickup truck: 1625
It’s also a direct attack on free speech. The Senate should not be in the business of doing this.
Sandia Blanca @ 9
Go ahead, tell him to go F himself or Cheney himself…even better.
NOT One more dime….for this silliness…
There were a couple of diaries over at kos from military who served under Patrieus, it seems he has been called that for years one quoted back to 2003 by the personal who served under him.
Anyone want to bet on Kyl & McCain votes?
How did this even get introduced? Don’t the dems control what comes to the floor?
zhiv @ 5
Yeah, and I’m getting goddamn tired of seeing “the Webb Amendment was defeated 56-44″ on the MSM. Makes it look like the majority was against it. Why not, “the Republican filibuster was upheld by a minority, 56-44?”
nonplussed @ 8
Sounds like it’s time for a LTE to all the papers in Cornyn’s district. If a staffer at an office ever hung up on me, I would be all over the local media, spreading the story. They freaking work for us, and have no g-d damned right to dismiss us and our opinions. They are paid by OUR dollars to answer the phones and listen to us.
Pach @ 11:
I agree with you here. MoveOn.org has always been (for rightists of all stripes) the code-word the appositive, the emblem, the metonymy if you will, of the myriad progressive netroots movement.
Should I waste any electrons on Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Ted Stevens? They’ve not yet changed a single vote due to my protests over the years.
Where were these guys when Tom Delay was criticizing The Clenis™ and his Generals over Bosnia/Kosovo?
Oh silly moi, Tommy Boy is a republican. On a lighter note, have you seen that Petraeus wants to run for President? No, really. Wow, can you imagine the authoritarian cargo cultist worship that would go along with that? Every republican would have to wear Depends so that when they creamed in their jeans it would not show.
I wonder if he (and his republican cronies) would understand that MoveOn might have a few things to say in the media about him then?
ot - Chimp live on msnbc
I just called Levin and Stabenow and thanked both for their votes yesterday and then laid it on them about the MoveOn resolution.
Gad Zooks…this week is the first time I’ve ever called my senators…and now I’ve done it 4 times. They’re going to get to know me!
Ed*ard Teller @ 26
Yup, call ‘em. Just to give them grief!
How idiotic and hypocritical. Senator Durbin and Senator Boxer did a great job throwing the hypocrisy of this effort back in Senator Cornyn’s face last night.
This move smells like Turdblossom is lurking and in action.
Oh, and will any of our guys filibuster this bullshit resolution? Or have they lost their balls completely or are they in a panic about not being invited on Press the Meat or getting to the next A-list cocktail party?
Hey, NRA. When they take away our right to free speech, there’ll be nobody left to protest when they send Blackwater for your guns.
Niemoller Rules.
Nonplussed, this is my take too. I would not take that shit. This would be like having your local school teacher hang up on you, or the Police Dept. Email or call some local papers. And I’d call back and try to get the name of that staffer. Basic accountability for one’s choices. For. Everyone.
Biodun @ 13
Yes. And this is one reason I have wished (for several years) that MoveOn wouldn’t be so provacative in their actions. They sometimes play right into the media frenzy, getting the attention off of the actual ISSUES at hand. All anyone talks about with this situation is “Betray-us”, not the actual substance of criticism for Petraeus’ cherrypicked testimony.
Speaking of distraction, Bush is going on about SCHIP, trying to say that “Congress is trying to put health insurance for poor kids aside for political reasons”. He also said that Congress wants to raise your taxes. Nice. Makes you forget all about those protesting black people in Jena for a few minutes, doesn’t it?
triciawrites @ 2
The MSM went along with it.
Once again:
Free fax online.
Ed*ard Teller @ 26
Oh yeah. Just call up and berate them.
GWB lookin’ hung-over.
Biodun @ 37
I tried that several ways last time and just could not get it to work.
Chimpy on MSNBC - calls dems irresponsible for waiting until last minute to pass the SCHIP bill they know will get vetoed. basically blaming veto on dems.
-if the dems fail, 1 million children could lose healthcare
-current program expires sept 30, they need to pass a bill I (chimp) won’t veto
-”not getting nothing done” (direct quote)
Bush “not getting nothing done”
Been phoning Durbin’s office and each time a message says “due to a high volume of calls, we cannot answer your call, please try again later”. Obama’s office was very receptive as was Harkin’s. Will keep trying Durbin and maybe will phone Cornyn too, just to pile on.
Jane Hamsher @ 19
Yep. The Senate is going to vote against the First Amendment? It boggles the mind.
Carolyn@15
Yes, he is. We have a long & stormy relationship. We have agreed on one single issue in the entire time he has been around, including his time down here in Texas. That was increasing access under FOIA. The man is a Class A dipshit. I will visit his office next time I am downtown and express my extreme displeasure.
Solai @ 22
Good point. How did it come up?
landofthefree @ 24
keep calling Cornyn’s office
Bush:I look forward to working with Congress to change FHA loans. Don’t allow the Congress to raise taxes-I’m optimistic. I got a B in economics, but an A in keeping taxes low.
I must be missing something, but doesnt the leadership have the ability to keep nonsense votes like this (and the Huckleberry “sense of the senate” from yesterday) from ever reaching a vote?
Chimpy on MSNBC - question time:
Q -are we gonna have a recession?
chimp - i am optimistic about economy unless the dems mess it up. dems want to raise taxes.
Q -is there risk of recession?
chimp - I got a B in economics 101, i got an A in keeping taxes low heh heh heh
Jo Fish @ 27
Just think how well the “stabbed in the back” meme will work for Betrayus in 2012!
Hey, Harry!
Hey, Nancy!!
HEY, DEMOCRATS!!!
carmen at 46 — Through a procedural loophole that (this is my guess) Trent Lott knew how to exploit in terms of bringing up amendments. I’m hoping someone inserts a poison pill amendment into it along the lines of condemning Boehner saying that the troop deaths in combat were a “small price to pay” or some such in response.
Asking again: Anyone know?
How did this get introduced? Don’t the dems determine what bills come to the floor?
twolf1 @ 50
to clarify my 35: When I say “I wish MoveOn wasn’t so provacative”, I don’t intend to imply that MoveOn not take on important topics. They should be challenging the WH on how they are manipulating the media and using this General as a human shield from the truth. They should question how forthright he has been. It’s the lightning-rod cheap shots like calling him “Betray-us” that gets the media feeding frenzy focused on the so-called insult, rather than the substance of criticism. You’re handing the media a nutritious meal, and that distracting wilted parsley in the corner is all they will focus on.
Oh, and Bush is now telling us that the economy is strong! Wow, I feel awesome now! Oh, and “he got a B in econ 101″ (I guess in college). Wow, grading on a curve in a really dumb class, perhaps?
katymine @ 40
The fax number has to be properly formatted (with country and area codes):
For example: 1-212-555-1970
twolf1 @ 50
did he really say that? omg
OT and EPU’D on last thread, but wanted to highlight Ghostman’s analysis.
“I’ll throw a few thoughts in…I think they fit in. “Pretend” you’re the Iranian leadership. You have before you the proverbial “win-win” options.
1. your forces ARE supplying/training people to go kill Americans in Iraq. You like this. You DISlike Americans, and so this is a good thing.
2. America responds militarily:
a) you know USA cannot invade. USA can only do airstrikes.
b) you also know USA airstrikes WILL be devastating….but your country WILL survive.It will take 4-5 years to rebuild….but it’s “do-able”.
c) you also know, in event of airstrikes, the citizens WILL rally around you, the leadership. This allows you, the Iranian leadership to further consolidate domestic power….always a good thing.
Thus, as an Iranian leader, you now have the classic win-win. You may continue helping to kill US soldiers. And your only punishment will be an economic set-back of 4-5 years; but with vastly increased power and support from your citizens.
If I’m anywhere near right on this….then the Iranians have boxed us. And we have the “great thinker” Condi & Bush in charge?? I will now slightly throw up in my mouth.”
Ghostman
Chimpy on MSNBC - iran talks of using force on israel, israel is our strong ally. we love the iranian people, not their gov’t. their economy is suffering due to internal and external actions. we will keep the pressure on them.
George the fucking dreamweaver is rambling on and on again.
-GSD
We are talking to various finance ministers about how to send a message to Iran-we must take the Iranian threat seriously, especially when they threaten Israel. We like the Iranian people-it’s their government that won’t work with the world in a responsible way.
Good with the taxpayers money…horse crap. How many billions have been spent.
The real cost$$$ of this war
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq.....19,00.html
Good question David Gregory. Kept digging “no comment”
What is Bush not commenting on?
They did worse than not stand up. It must take quite a lot of organization and phone calls to filibuster. I can clearly remember the letter HoJoe sent us after the failed filibuster on Alito. It said the gang of (14?) had decided to filibuster only under extraordinary circumstances. Now it seems filibustering is the daily routine for Republicans, plus one HoJoe. We are not just lobbying for legislation to pass on the Dem side. We are fighting against the “filibuster.” Who will stand up and embarrass the Repuglicans, plus HoJoe, for their hypocritical use of the filibuster?
landofthefree @ 35
I have to disagree. Move On provides the political cover that allowed Dem Senators (and even a couple of Rep Senators) to ask Petreaus some hard questions.
They also show some spine. I love ‘em.
GSD @ 61
He’s high again.
Snort. Bush mention “Return on Success” again. Wow, hasn’t anyone mentioned to him that this is one of the silliest catch phrases his WH has ever crafted?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 53
So, Tom DeLay was able to stop investigation of the Mariana Islands but the dems can’t stop this bull. I’m getting a little tired of the dems being so bad at playing the game.
Cornyn has actually introduced this ridiculous amendment before. In the “collegial” Senate “any Senator may offer an amendment on the Senate floor, and this often results in a much slower legislative process than that of the House. It is not unusual for a major bill in the Senate (for example, a Defense bill) to contain more than 100 amendments.”
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/p.....;b=1573655
landofthefree @ 69
That shows his economic brilliance. /s
I think I’m gonna puke.
Kathleen @ 64
I missed David’s question. What was it?
GSD @ 61
Note to self: Quit watching this idiot.
Remember what the doc said about the blood pressure.
Chimpy on MSNBC - chimp has no comment on israel bombing syria (i think that was what Gregory asked about)
What Iranian President really said about Israel. Not how the neo-cons interpreted it.
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/05/156102.php
http://www.counterpunch.org/tilley08282006.html
http://www.juancole.com/2006/0.....chens.html
zhiv @ 5
Josh Marshall repeatedly makes this point. Just see today’s Post coverage, where the bill is described as “needing 60 votes to pass”.
The Post, by the way, has better stuff tucked inside, a scathing Milbank piece on John Warner and a little piece that casts a little light on Snowe’s and Collins’ phony moderate votes.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....id=topnews
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....02150.html
Bush: There are two types of reconciliation in Iraq: one is passing laws, like an oil-revenue sharing law, election laws, de-Baathification laws, equitable oil-sharing laws. There’s no “instant democracy” because everyone is still recovering from Saddam. Where’s Mandela? Mandela’s dead, ’cause Saddam killed him.
WTF?
I thought about Ghostman’s comments. But of course, we’re only boxed from the chimps perspective. We are not actually required to attack them.
looseheadprop @ 67
You’re right, it’s an Overton window thing.
Christy @ 53
‘Poison pill’?
The d’s?
How high your hopes?
Kathleen @ 63
We are solid middle class and I can say for sure that our taxes HAVE NOT gone down over the past seven years. It is a big, fucking lie.
looseheadprop @ 67
Yes they did provide cover. Moveon. What’s more we shouldn’t condemn the Cindy Sheehans, Murthas(when he was good) and the moveons of the world because the Repuglicans are trying to distract the public from their own criminal messes by making a lot of noise about “the other side.”
I’m proud of this resolution. How DARE MoveOn stick up for the battered wife democrats.
Now I really hate Saddam, He killed Nelson Mandela!
Asshole.
-GSD
Condemning moveon.org? Well, I have an answer for that: F*ck You, Republican scum.
New slogan -
“GOP: Republican before American.”
This is the coverage list for Free fax online.
Are those two of the ugliest faces you’ve ever seen?
Solai at 70 — Tom DeLay was operating in the House. They have very different rules from the Senate. And it was a committee issue and not a bill on the floor of the Senate. Apples and oranges.
I’m ready to buy another full page ad!
There is a “recovery” going on from the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Still blaming everyone else for the worst strategic blunder in our history
looseheadprop @ 67
Yes. Agreed.
It would work even better if the dems learned how to play the media cycle. Pivot and Attack. Media training should be compulsory.
What on EARTH is he talking about?
“Mandela is dead, because, Saddam Hussein killed all the Mandelas”.
Wow. Just wow.
His body language is really, really weird. I backed up to see if I caught this correctly, and it was very interesting to see his body language. I don’t want to get all Fristy, but he does not look right.
“No comment” twice on Israel’s actions. Shut it down, par for the course. NO ISRAELI LOBBY HERE
Biodun:
Do you really think the public is supportive of this Senate spectacle, particularly in the wake of them obstructing Webb’s amendment? It’s reminiscent of nothing so much as Schiavo. Think about what you’re saying. You’re getting too meta.
Gouch Potato at 93 — If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said that…SIGH
RonD @ 78
Totally, full-goose gone-zo.
He’s hung over and surly. Next question needs to be - “When’s the last time you had a psychiatric consultation? And would you promise the American people that you’ll get one? Soon? Cross your heart?”
W has big bags under his eyes. Must be all that cryin’.
Chimpy on MSNBC - asked about Jena LA protests - also about noose found on campus in DC. is the state of race relations deteriorating in the country - specifically in your party.
chimp - we need to reach out to minorities. the doj and fbi r monitoring the situation down there. we have a good record to run on, my advice to our candidate would be to run on it (almost mumbling, very hurried to get to next question)
bonkers @ 16
Impeachment of Cheney and Bush would be a good start.
Fuck’m..$250 to MoveOn
Bush has no concept of “Fairness”! He also has eyes just like a Boa Constrictor I once cared for (I’m such a sucker for any rescue animal!)
David Gregory asked the toughest question twice about Israel’s pre-meptive bombing of a Syrian target. “no comment” Shut it down.
Bush: I understand why NYPD doesn’t want Ahmedinajad at ground zero-I do not comment on decisions by the Fed. The worse decision Congress could make is to raise taxes-we can have a balanced budget by 2012 without raising taxes.
Chimpy on MSNBC - what do u say to those who criticize u for not speaking out on Jena LA.
-I just spoke out on it.
Kathleen — You know, the “Israeli” lobby is not a monolithic one. You’d be more accurate to say the neocon lobby there. There are a lot of Israeli political groups working toward peace, reconciliation and such — just because they don’t get a lot of media play in this country doesn’t mean they don’t exist and that they don’t deserve our support. And denegrating all of Israel as a monolithic entity is insulting for the progressive caucuses there and here who support change in policies. I’m just saying…
landofthefree @ 94
WTF?????? What connection does Hussein have with Nelson Mandela?
Dee @ 101
The Republicans could trump the Democrats if they were to push for Impeachment first, they could flip the next election. I really believe this