Think Progress

BREAKING: Feingold Accuses Senate Democrats of “Cowering” To Bush

Sen. Feingold said the following to Fox News’ Trish Turner:

I’m amazed at Democrats, cowering with this president’s numbers so low. The administration just has to raise the specter of the war and the Democrats run and hide. … Too many Democrats are going to do the same thing they did in 2000 and 2004. In the face of this, they’ll say we’d better just focus on domestic issues. … [Democrats shouldn't] cower to the argument, that whatever you do, if you question the administration, you’re helping the terrorists.

UPDATE: Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) accuses Feingold of “siding with terrorists.”



500 Responses to “BREAKING: Feingold Accuses Senate Democrats of “Cowering” To Bush”

  1. wisedup says:

    He is soooooooooooooooo correct.


  2. Drew Mackenzie says:

    Russ, you are a MAN.

    I point to the TV and say “Son, when you grow up, be like Russ.”


  3. ElectricBassPlayer says:

    Truly pathetic. Unbelievable. Cowards.


  4. Spudge_Boy says:

    The Democrats are just as big of a threat to themselves as the Republicans are. I have been saying it for a long time. The Democrats are a bunch of pussies. That is why we can’t let Hillary in. She is a part of the problem, not part of the solution.


  5. lib4 says:

    YOU GO RUSS

    Shame these cowardly Dems into taking a stand…….

    I heart Russ!!!!!


  6. Lesly says:

    I am ashamed to say he’s right about Democratic appeasement to the White House bully pulpit.


  7. KnightErrant says:

    “Profiles In Courage” should be required reading for all Senators. You’re not there because you look good with a lavalier stuck on your breast pocket. You took an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.” If you don’t have the guts to do that then resign, go home, and hide under your bed.


  8. dano347 says:

    And the Bill she rode in on!


  9. Wayne says:

    I for one am disgusted at the lack of backbonein so many Democratic Senators.


  10. unbelievable says:

    Any liberal who doesn’t know that the Democrats have their hands in our wallets just as much as the Republicans are getting an education this week, I hope.


  11. Bee says:

    Thumbsuckers, the lot of them.

    Useless, clueless.


  12. oldtree says:

    pretty much shows where our country is now, the third world
    corruption is everything, law is nothing
    good night and good luck


  13. Ajay says:

    Two party system does not work. These are all corrupt politicians. Republicans just happen to be in power and they have no respect for law.


  14. mparker says:

    If your representative is cowering somewhere. Call them , Email them , fax them and give them a real reason to cower.

    Russ Feingold Rules.


  15. Corinne says:

    Sweet! Go Russ!


  16. norbizness says:

    I think the DNC should change their slogan to “Democrats: Putting the Point-Two In America’s 1.2-Party System!”


  17. David B says:

    Take it to them Russ. Maybe some of the Dems will wake-up. Maybe Howard Dean will find his balls again. The forefathers are smiling. Thank god, a liberal witha cause.


  18. Robert Carver says:

    It is with great sadness that I see the Democrats once again do what the Republicans constantly accuse them of: show a lack of resolve and spine. Who had what to lose by supporting this censure? Finegold took a big risk here and I assume he spoke to his colleagues before proposing this and what happened? Betrayal. The Repubs will claim a huge victory here without even stepping into the ring. The Democrats can say goodbye to any significant change in Nov ‘06. They are blowing it. If this president is not impeached, no future president can be impeached for anything they do. All they will have to say is “Hey, look at what George Bush did and nothing happened to him!”

    I am worried.


  19. Speechless says:

    We really need to start talking about how the conservatives have infiltrated the Democratic Party, just like they linfiltrated the media.


  20. big papa says:

    DLC

    Disorganized. Lackluster. Cowards


  21. hawkeye says:

    This debacle by the Democrat’s is exactly what is wrong with the party. They fear everything and stand for nothing because of the fear. The leaders of the Democratic party are almost as responsible for the mess this country is in now as Bush is. Show some friggin’ backbone for ONCE.


  22. big papa says:

    ussenate.com
    google…us house of representatives

    …let them know we’re watching…


  23. Granite State Destroyer says:

    Deadbeat, Lackey Cornholers.

    -GSD

    God bless ya Russ. You will be remembered as the guy that put up a fight before the coup and dissolving of the US Constitution.

    -GSD


  24. progressive and proud says:

    Go Feingold Go! THAT is what we need. THAT is who we need to speak for us. He cares more about his country than his status with this admin. or his peers.


  25. Granite State Destroyer says:

    Can you imagine being afraid of these clowns? Frist? Bush? Rove? Rumholefeld?

    What a disgrace.

    -GSD


  26. Drew Mackenzie says:

    For all you who are quick to slam the Dems, please note that the appeasement is bipartisan, and only the Dems have someone who has the spine to stand up and rally his party to sanity.

    You really should be ashamed of yourself if you are doing anything other than cheering this man’s call for censure.


  27. LC Liberal says:

    Russ is absolutely right about the Democratic cowards in Congress. Most seem to be following the John Kerry 2004 mold, down to the “I wouldn’t vote for the Iraq war now” comments. The public obviously wants something other than GWBush and the GOP, but the Democrats are can’t capitalize on it until they quit this Republican-lite grbage.

    http://www.lcoliberal.blogspot.com
    Progressive commentary on the issues that really matter

    http://www.sunstateactivist.org
    The home for Florida’s progressive community


  28. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    Russ – grandstander and a terrorists’ best friend.

    Let Whine-gold rant, please. Destroying the Democratic Party would be the most patriotic thing he’s ever done.


  29. Mark says:

    Will Feingold become the Dems Edward R Murrow? This country desperately needs him to be just that.


  30. Linkmeister says:

    I wondered today:

    What if we reduced their pay to $30K a year? Would they recover some of their principles if losing their jobs didn’t cause such an economic hit?


  31. Drew Mackenzie says:

    #30 If they got most of their money from their payroll checks it might work. But they don’t.


  32. Deb says:

    I wrote to my CA Senators hoping that one of them (I would expect Boxer) would step up to support this forward-looking action of Feingold’s. THIS is why we lose elections, and dammit probably deserve to lose: our representatives have no sense of either integrity OR timing! This IS the time for Dems to really stand against Bush in unity.
    Sad sad sad.


  33. Paul says:

    Gore / Feingold 2008!!!


  34. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    #32 – lol!!!

    This would be the death of the left. I wish they were as dumb and unpatriotic as you were!


  35. Phoenix Woman says:

    By the way: Bill Frist thinks that censuring a wartime president for illegally spying on Americans and then lying about it is a “crazy political move”.

    But when it came to punishing Bill Clinton for winning the 1992 and 1996 elections, censure wasn’t anywhere near harsh enough for Frist and his Republican buddies.


  36. Wally O'Brien says:

    Will Rogers (paraphrased). ” I don’t belong to a party, I’m a Democrat.”

    Even if this guy was 100% wrong, at least he’s standing up and speaking against this administration. Where are the next leaders of the Democratic party? Even Obama can truly do some tap dancing. I’ve written his office a couple of times (he’s the Senator for my state). You should see the doublespeak nonsense that comes out of his office.

    I’d vote for the local dogcatcher over Bush, but I’d have a hard time with Hillary. Currently supporting the President and the war, brings up flag burning as if that’s an issue that most Americans care about right now. I’ve got to wonder where she thinks she’s headed?


  37. Captain Obvious says:

    This just in from Captain Obvious:

    Er, what Russ said.


  38. Gerald Gibson says:

    I say let the neocons and ex-conservatives devour the democrats. Let them have their fill and destroy the entire party. Let America have a one party system for a few years more until this fat disgusting political system/military industrial complex pushes the American people to the brink. Let them rape us all until the progressives and the trolls from the right join together to pickfork them all and replace them with people that can communicate with the left and the right with reason instead of fear.


  39. anti-semitic conservatives heart hitler says:

    Love the sudden influx of anti-semitic trolls attacking Feingold! The trolls wouldn’t be here if they weren’t scared to death of him.


  40. Proud American Liberal says:

    DLC…

    Disorganized. Lackluster. Cowards

    Comment by big papa — March 14, 2006 @ 3:25 pm

    DLC = Determined to Lose Committee

    God damn these Democrat cowards!

    God bless Russ Feingold!
    A true American patriot and a true Democrat!


  41. Michdem says:

    I really don’t remember any dems speaking out before the illegal invasion , and includes Feingold , never the less , let’s quict attacking the dems and stand with them . Almost everyone I know we’re afraid to say diddly (except me ) and I got in fights over this . I just would say ” step out side and call me unpatrotic ” . It’s time the dems , liberals , and moderates to quit being pussies and do something . The Reform Party and the Green Party aren’t going to save us .


  42. Dolly Lanna says:

    I have written all major players in congress to support this resolution. Please help out and write as many letters (via email and calls) as you can. Finegold needs our support. The Democrats are pathetic. We may need to clean the whole House and Senate? (except for a few brave souls) Pelosi and Reid have to get courage and unite behind the majority of the Democrats or RESIGN.


  43. dlet says:

    I just read an article about how Reid is going to look into this and see if there is support. Lieberman was there making statements too. Two statements. Reid shouldn’t be looking for support HE should be leading this by showing HIS support and others will follow. 2nd. What the heck is Lieberman still getting a stage to talk on about Dem strategy?


  44. Phil says:

    Pathetic, spineless Democrats – no wonder they are losers. The Democratic Leadership has got to go if there’s any hope in not electing other facists to the P/VP positions. Feingold is the only one to have serious chones to articulate the obvious, and his brethren are too afraid — of what? At least the miserable Republicans accomplished what they wanted when they stood together to impeach Clinton. These Democrats are wimps! Feingold should at least run for President, to helll with the rest of the notochord-less Democrats.


  45. Proud American Liberal says:

    DLC…

    Disorganized. Lackluster. Cowards

    Comment by big papa — March 14, 2006 @ 3:25 pm

    DLC = Determined to Lost Committee

    Damn these cowardly Dems. God bless Russ Feingold!


  46. dubya says:

    ..repeat after me..

    …PUSSIES…


  47. Solitaire says:

    Feingold stood up for the Constitution while the rest of Congress sat on their thumbs.
    Fear owns them.
    Feingold spoke out for the rule of law while the rest of Congress hid.
    Fear owns them.
    Feingold called for action while the rest of Congress slipped back into the slime.
    Fear. Gutless, spinewrenching fear owns them all.
    We have a Congress of one real American.


  48. Justin says:

    I hope feingold doesn’t die in a plane crash. He’s starting to sound like Paul Wellstone. Dick Cheney’s got an EMP waiting for him I’m sure.


  49. Godfry Daniel says:

    At least there’s one sane Democrat left. Thank you Russ, for what it’s worth.

    Anyone ready to start a new party? The Silly Party just doesn’t make it anymore. How about the Pissed Off Party?


  50. Brando says:

    Go Feingold. He’s so goddamn right. pathetic democrats. freaking pathetic. namby-pamby.


  51. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    #49 – or the party of unbridled anti-American hatred. Or the party that throws a temper tantrum everytime they lose an election. Or the party of absolutely not one positive idea.


  52. fielding melish says:

    The question is why?..One guess fear and a money trail.


  53. Salmon says:

    RUSS FEINGOLD FOR PRESIDENT

    Rumi, the poet from the middle east said about dialogue: “beyond the fields of left and right is where I will meet you”.

    the democrats are so damned cowardly they don’t know how to take a stand and see that to NOT fight Bush is to welcome terrorism in our own country by our own
    (p)resident.

    How do we know that the rest of the senate are not cowering in fear of what happened to Wellstone? That death sent a clear message to the opposition, that all rules will be broken if people step out of line.

    Four out of five dentists say you should chew sugarless gum. that is 20%. Cheney’s ratings are at or below 18% popularity, and Bush himself is plummeting.

    The Dems do not have a vision for the US as being a sustainable country able to support our own and not infringe on the resources of the rest of the world. In my own state, Senator Maria Cantwell, uh… can’t ..uh.. well…. and Senator Murray is just as lilly livered as the rest of the Democans.

    Looks like we do not have a government anymore. America is gone.

    Oh.. and yes, keep Gore out of the race..


  54. Gerald Gibson says:

    #49 – or the party of unbridled anti-American hatred. Or the party that throws a temper tantrum everytime they lose an election. Or the party of absolutely not one positive idea.

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin

    Back up your statements or shutup … being a liar shouldnt be feeding your ego… it makes you look very unintelligent.


  55. nostrafarius says:

    DLC=Repugs in sheep’s clothing

    It really is pretty hopeless, I hate to say. The country has been taken over by fascists that either have been joined by our Dem representatives or have intimidated and browbeaten those Dems that would protest.

    Sinclair Lewis wrote a book called “It Can’t Happen Here.” …. Well, it has, and we’re living it.


  56. chuck says:

    the dems HAVE become as bad as the repubs….we might as well elect a republican in november and finish the country off…get it over with…we`ve suffered long enough…!


  57. Spudge_Boy says:

    Liberals Heart Stalin

    Stalin was a fascist. Fascism is a right wing policy.


  58. pgw says:

    at which point, Mister Mxyzptlk suddenly vanished, returning to the fifth dimension


  59. Jay says:

    Perhaps the democrats are cowering because Feingold’s statements are not based in facts. He says, just like many liberal talking heads, that no Court has upheld any legal basis that Bush has any inherent Constitutional authority for warantless foreign surveillance. However, this is not the case.

    The Truong court, as did all the other courts to have decided the issue, held that the President did have inherent authority to conduct warrantless searches to obtain foreign intelligence information. It was incumbent upon the court, therefore, to determine the boundaries of that constitutional authority in the case before it. We take for granted that the President does have that authority and, assuming that is so, FISA could not encroach on the President’s constitutional power.


  60. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    #57 – he was a commie, asswipe. You’re favorite. He was like the people Joseph McCarthy was trying to protect us against. Of course, liberals went after McCarthy instead.


  61. SKdeA says:

    Is Liberals Heart Stalin a new handle for our old friend NED?


  62. Gerald Gibson says:

    WHEN THE PRIESTS OF ISRAEL TOLD JESUS TO SUBMIT OR DIE…. HE CHOSE DEATH. THAT WAS HONOR.

    WHEN THE AMERICAN PATRIOTS WERE GIVEN A CHOICE BETWEEN CONSERVATIVES THAT SUPPORTED THE KING OR DEATH… THEY SAID, “GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!”

    Is your “PEACE” so sweet democrats? So sweet that you will not put truth before all? Will lay down grasping the ghost of liberty and reason praying for someone to come save you?


  63. Congress is Allowing the President to Spy on YOU says:

    Meek is the word.
    Feingold has his finger on the pulse.
    At this rate I’m staying home. The Democrats deserve severe punishment.
    The Neocons may keep power but I’ve still got my guns.


  64. Just Plain Bother says:

    Republicans Gleeful, Democrats Incompetent…

    “Another top Bush aide who had predicted Democrats would do something to take the heat off Bush was gleeful over Feingold’s move. “The saving grace for us is just how inept they are,” he said…….


  65. Gerald Gibson says:

    #57 – he was a commie, asswipe. You’re favorite. He was like the people Joseph McCarthy was trying to protect us against. Of course, liberals went after McCarthy instead.

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin

    McCarthy was a maniac.

    What the hell does communism have to do with Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson style Liberty? Why do you all hate George Washingtons America so much?


  66. gwpinetree says:

    So now you know what to do when you get your request for a contribution to the Dems:

    Scrawl on the form: “When >50% of the Dem support censure, I’ll send a check.”


  67. mr ho says:

    The Cloture Club Democrats are spineless jellyfish..

    Well BEFORE YOU Senators start another WAR think about joining the Military and taking your Self Serving Asses to the desert and backing up all your laws and words and votes?

    Spineless Jellyfish. ALL of you Congress make me sick.
    You leave a bad taste in my mind.
    http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/03/14/deja_vu_all_over_iran.php
    The pieces are falling into place for Operation Regime Change II, this time in Iran. You’d think, given how badly it went the first time, and how utterly unpredictable a showdown with Iran would be, that the Bush administration would have at least changed its m.o.—but no. Shaking his head in New York, where he was attending United Nations Security Council discussions on Iran, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said bluntly: “It looks so déjà vu.” He ridiculed the idea of sanctions on Iran as useless and ineffective, and he called the U.S. push for a showdown over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program a “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

    He’s right. Even John Bolton, the neoconservative saber-rattler who represents the United States at the U.N., agrees. Said Bolton, when asked about Lavrov’s comment: “If that is déjà vu, then so be it, but that is the course we are on in an effort to get Iran to reverse its decision to acquire nuclear weapons.”

    So let’s look precisely at what course that is. In the past few weeks, we’ve seen the Bush administration create a brand-new Office of Iranian Affairs at the State Department, which looks suspiciously like a step toward creating the Iraq war planning office at the Pentagon called the Office of Special Plans. No word yet on whether the Department of Defense plans to create a parallel Office of Iranian Affairs, but it can’t be far behind. So that’s déjà vu, for sure.
    “““““““““““`

    Here comes the cherry picked intelligence Part Deux
    The WHIGS are back.


  68. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    #64 – actually, I would reserve the word maniac for Stalin.


  69. gwpinetree says:

    P.S Glad I’m from Wisconsin! :-)


  70. Michdem says:

    Back in 2000 and again in 2004 I heard this same comentary and look what happened . Has everyone forgotten who got us in this mess . Dems could’ve said and did and voted against Bush but what would’ve happened ? The same thing they were outnumbered and outranked , use your memory here , I should’nt have to remind you . This is the crap that gets repugnantcan elected . For you Dubya # 46 I said they were “being pussies” people like you ARE pussies , did you dodge the dodge of the draft or did you stay long enough to get your teeth done .


  71. chuck says:

    feingold is just drumming up support for a run for the presidential nomination…he looks too much like gray davis to be effective…!


  72. Gerald Gibson says:

    67) Stalin, Bush, Hitler, Most of the Popes, MAO, McCarthy, and many more were maniacs… it is not either or… anyone that acts irrationally is a maniac. You on the right that sold out what you stand for to the neocons are maniacs.


  73. newbroom says:

    copiece? Russ doen’t need a stinking codpiece.
    Feingold/McKinney!!
    Truth to Power, NOW!


  74. sally L says:

    Yeppers, looks like Al and Russ are the dudes out there with any balls at all. I often wonder what makes people like these guys…intelligence, genes, able to read a book, curiosity, humor, what? Whatever it is, I join in the long cry….GORE/FEINGOLD 2008


  75. bs says:

    BREAKING NEWS—-1/2 of moussouis case thrown out for prosecution witness tampering. noone will hear about the aviation case. still talking about it.

    government at it’s best. i smell something fishy??? what a joke.


  76. mr ho says:

    I say we let all the Saudi Royals
    the Bushies, The Israeli Kadimas, the Likuds, the Palestenian Leaders, the Hamas, the Spineless Democreeps,
    The corporate RePIGnicans, the UAE Royals, the Iran Royals, the IRAQ folks, the Yakuza, the Russian president, The Bush Team, and Chavez, ALL THE Limbaugh Pundits and MSM opinionist, all of these cheerleaders and buffoons, who hide behind the people, and let them go at each other..
    that is take all the stupid asses ABOVE out into a field, or a desert, and just nuke each other, lie steal, rob, stab, conspire, colllude, overtake, empire build, foment, mislead all that crap you leaders do, and keep repeating time after time, thru the centuries, and just Go do it.

    Just Go.


  77. Gerald Gibson says:

    Gore went to Saudi Arabia just a few weeks ago to make some bucks giving a speech and talking about how bad muslims have it in America… Gore??? I voted for you …you dip shit. Saudi Arabia HATES America. Not the left. Not the right. SAUDI ARABIA. They teach their children to hate us. Gore can kiss my ass.


  78. Hawkeye says:

    I hope Feingold does run in ‘08. I couldn’t think of a better candidate more out of touch with America at the moment. If you don’t believe me, just look at the response of his fellow democrats. Can someone just give one example of where someone’s privacy was violated by the NSA wiretaps?


  79. jlukes says:

    To Liberals Heart Stalin,
    When the economy comes crashing down on your stupid head and you want to find the reason all you have to do is look in the mirror. Million of morons just like you voted for it and supported it. Please do not get all manly and start calling me names wimpy. I spent 19 months in Vietnam and I am not a pantywaist Republican who is only brave when typing on a keyboard. To parphrase Ben Franklin “Those who would give up freedom for security deserve neither and should be known as pantywaist Republicans”. Now why don’t you run along get back to one of your sissy fear based wimpy Republican websites and let real red blooded Americans discuss what we need to do to get rid of the sissies that run our government


  80. Gerald Gibson says:

    Can someone just give one example of where someone’s privacy was violated by the NSA wiretaps?

    Comment by Hawkeye

    How could they? No one is keeping them in check. That is the point of our founding fathers when they wrote the consitution … NO MAN CAN BE TRUSTED AND MUST NOT BE TRUSTED.


  81. Congress is Allowing the President to Spy on YOU says:

    Ed Schulz just played a montage of the Dems who went on his show condemning Bush.

    And will you back woods goobers quit calling progs “Stalinist”. It’s really absurd.


  82. Lesly says:

    Jay wrote:

    Perhaps the democrats are cowering because Feingold’s statements are not based in facts. He says, just like many liberal talking heads, that no Court has upheld any legal basis that Bush has any inherent Constitutional authority for warantless foreign surveillance. However, this is not the case.

    The Truong court, as did all the other courts to have decided the issue, held that the President did have inherent authority to conduct warrantless searches to obtain foreign intelligence information. It was incumbent upon the court, therefore, to determine the boundaries of that constitutional authority in the case before it. We take for granted that the President does have that authority and, assuming that is so, FISA could not encroach on the President’s constitutional power.

    Completely beside the point. The Troung court handed down a verdict before Congress passed FISA and the creation of a rubber-stamping court, FISC. FISA does not infringe on the Executive’s spying power because FISA is based on the Fifth Amendment and the Executive is restricted by the Fifth Amendment in regards to citizens and resident aliens. The Bill of Rights is not put on hold following a national crisis.

    By the way, in the FISC ruling you cite, the administration was arguing that FISA was constitutional (the ACLU was arguing it wasn’t in the hopes of throwing out several new provisions in the Patriot Act). After we find out Bush has been wiretapping citizens and residents without notifying FISC, all of a sudden, FISA infringes Bush’s spying powers.

    Justice lawyers say they believe that the president’s powers are consistent with FISA but that if there is any question of a conflict, the president’s powers trump FISA.

    - Administration Paper Defends Spy Program

    Why do you think this is?


  83. Gerald Gibson says:

    79)

    I dont think our economy is going to crash.. that is what the neocons are doing …they are taking from others to keep Americas dollar worth more than the non existant gold it is NOT based on. They are going to ignore all that America was to keep the money flowing. Never mind there is a better way that solves the problems without becoming everything America stands against… as long as we got the money who cares…


  84. KingCranky says:

    Let’s see if we can dumb this down enough for some obviously reality-challenged GOPbot trolls here

    The President does NOT have “inherent authority” to violate the U.S Constitution any time he likes

    Such a shame the cluesless lackeys trolling here have to be exposed to a reality they can’t just spin away, no matter how fervently they wish

    Even more pathetic?

    These dimbulb ninnyhammers like Stalin Lover actually think their puny & pathetic trolling actually gets noticed and APPRECIATED by those whose ass they kiss so gladly

    Oh well, keep reaching for the stars, lil’ trooper

    And these friggin’ spineless Dems are just as much to blame for how badly off-track our country is as Dear Leader W, a clearly incompetent hack unable to perform the job of President with the efficiency & effectiveness the job truly requires

    Dear Leader W is the ultimate example of Affirmatvie Action, in the sense that one clearly so unqualified for the position trumped out over those far better suited for the job, and thanks to activist judges, this perfidy was allowed to stand


  85. Mary says:

    They whose name must not be spoken have alot to do with the lack of decisiveness on the parts of most pols in DC.It may seem like bushcheney are in control but look behind them at the neocon principals and think about why there will be no action on getting rid of this illegal,immoral situation.War drums for Iran will be cover for some destructive financial manouvering that will only benefit the faithful,not the evangical whackos,but the truly faithful who include the majority of our Dem congress.When push comes to shove it will be over quickly.And all the witnesses are dying.


  86. Neal says:

    Russ for 08!!!!!


  87. Congress is Allowing the President to Spy on YOU says:

    Hawkeye, Data mining has already been determined to violate the rights of all Americans.
    Take your back woods country wisdom down to the Five and Dime and tell it to Andy Griffith, why dontcha.


  88. Dave says:

    I called Senators Allen and Warner (VA) both yesterday and today, and got the same result both times:

    Allen – hasn’t released a statement ( no further info available )
    Warner – believes the resolution is a “political stunt of the worst kind”

    I reminded them both that we have a President, not a King, and recommended they think long and hard about whether they support the Law or the Lawbreaker.

    Can’t believe the Senate Dems are so spinelessly fleeing the thought of actually taking *gasp* a principled stand against an illegal act committed by an unpopular President.


  89. Michdem says:

    Forget Gore and Feingold how “bout Evan Bayh , always wins his elections , in a red state too


  90. Gerald Gibson says:

    I live in Indiana … Bayh is republite.


  91. Hawkeye says:

    I have nothing to hide! Please search me, big brother! I want to show my loyalty. Bush is always right! I must work harder!


  92. Michdem says:

    Hawkeye will be gone now , skeetshooting is comming on OLN right now


  93. Rumblelizard says:

    I really don’t remember any dems speaking out before the illegal invasion , and includes Feingold

    Feingold voted against the Iraq resolution. One of the few.

    Also, ignore the trolls, all they’re here for is to disrupt and start flame wars. Just like the so-called “leaders” whose asses they lick, all they know how to do is slime and destroy.

    GO RUSS!!!


  94. Michdem says:

    What do you mean GG help me understand he was also the Gov too what gives


  95. Nancy Richardson says:

    >I hope Feingold does run in ‘08. I couldn’t think of a better candidate more out of touch with America at the moment. If you don’t believe me, just look at the response of his fellow democrats. Can someone just give one example of where someone’s privacy was violated by the NSA wiretaps?

    Uh….I guess you have a security clearance which allows you to see the list of people who were bugged without a warrant.

    And seeing that this corrupt and incompetent administration has done a piss poor job of catching and bring terrorists to justice, my guess that Republican lemmings like yourself just assume that these crooks and liars tell the truth about anything.

    Why do guys like you hate the constitution?


  96. Mark says:

    #51, If you say the dems are the party of no idea’s so be it. They have no reason to put forth any ideas now, as the republicans steal or kill the ideas before anyone knows the ideas exist. But I woudl take a party of no ideas and no action over a party that continually puts forth bad ideas, poorl;y executes the bad ideas then has no ability to stand up and say, that was a bad idea, lets do something different. They would rather destroy the country through policy and ineptitude rather than share governance with democrats.


  97. david says:

    Fing A!!! you tell’em Russ



  98. Gerald Gibson says:

    He is making a cushy life being a pro politician. He doesnt do ANYTHING unless it is popular among the elite he golfs with. He didnt take a strong stand about impeachment over sex. He didnt take a strong stance when supporting Clintons attempts to get Osama. He didnt take a strong stance against doing something America has never done before by being the agressor in a war against Iraq. He hasnt said a damn thing about Saudis involvement in 911 or terrorism. He bends over when APAC comes calling.

    Where is the person that preaches like a preacher with unbending defiance against anything that is truelly immoral? All I see are reserved political correctness. If we are so concerned about saving the world what about Sudan? What about Palastine? What about the death squads in various south american countries? What about Saudis preaching the rape and pillage of innocents?
    http://www.nationalreview.com/document/document042602.asp

    Isnt there a single damn thing that any republican or democrat is willing to stand up against for nothing more than the sake of RIGHT vs WRONG?

    Rarely do you hear something like the “I have a dream” speach from these people and what better things are they doing that doesnt leave them with the time to contemplate how America can set the example for the world instead of falling back into our past animalistic ways?

    We humans have destroyed the libraries of Alexandria… setting us back how many thousands of years? Well I guess Eisenhower predicted it …

    Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war — as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years — I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.

    Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961


  99. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #59 – Jay makes an excellent point.

    Instead of whining about a perceived lack of courage among the Democrats, their failure to support Feingold’s self-serving partisan scheme should be embraced by their followers as a sign of restraint, and recognition that we may be, indeed, one nation, despite the best efforts of fringe elements.


  100. Lowly Knave says:

    Tom Dascle in ‘08! he is a proven loser!


  101. lance says:

    when will americans realize that the democrats are “in on it” and are working in concert with the republicans? if they censure bush, they compromise their “gravy train”.


  102. Spudge_Boy says:

    After Lenin’s death in January 1924, Stalin, Kamenev and Zinoviev together governed the party, placing themselves ideologically between Trotsky (on the left wing of the party) and Bukharin (on the right).

    Stalin was not a lefty dumbass.


  103. Badmoodman says:

    I’m a Feingolddigger!


  104. Gerald Gibson says:

    #59 – Jay makes an excellent point.

    Instead of whining about a perceived lack of courage among the Democrats, their failure to support Feingold’s self-serving partisan scheme should be embraced by their followers as a sign of restraint, and recognition that we may be, indeed, one nation, despite the best efforts of fringe elements.

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto

    What are you talking about? Have you EVER read the writings of this countries founders? We today act NOTHING like those people. Those people and the world they were trying to start was the ONLY thing about America this is good. Without those liberal ideals of the power being in the hands of the people FOR THE PEOPLES sakes this country is no better than nazi germany. Restraight while we violate the Constitution. Restraight while we violate th Bill of Rights? Restriaght while we show the world that we are no longer interested in setting the example, but now only care for EMPIRE?

    Yin/Yang… history repeats itself… I dont think there is anything we can do to stop it. We really are just animals it seems. Reason was a fluke in the late 1700s early 1800s.


  105. Adam C-Chang says:

    Second that GORE-FEINGOLD 2008!!!. Forget playing to the middle, forget the previously confused swing voters. Pounding these neocon chimps with the truth will be more than enough.

    Individual rights not corporate fiat. Citizen benefits not crony welfare. Republic not Empire.


  106. Gerald Gibson says:

    Stalin was not a lefty dumbass.

    Comment by Spudge_Boy

    Why do people keep comparing the right in communism as being the right in Americanism? Why keep comparing the left in communism with the left in Americanism? They are two totally different lefts and rights.


  107. Tony Economou says:

    My Lord, 2008 seems like and eternity!


  108. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #105 – GG: Typically, rants aren’t very illuminating. What civil rights of yours have been violated? And no friend of a friend’s sister’s mahjong partner’s uncle’s fifth cousin examples, either.


  109. Michdem says:

    G G so tell me what is the deal with Bayh , I went to French Lick in august of 2004 and Birch was there , when he came out everyone went nuts , Indiana loves the Bayhs , I’m from Michigan hence the name Michdem so I really don’t know , I do know he has been quite critical and outspoken about Bush , so again what gives .


  110. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #106:

    Second that GORE-FEINGOLD 2008!!!. Forget playing to the middle, forget the previously confused swing voters. Pounding these neocon chimps with the truth will be more than enough.

    Individual rights not corporate fiat. Citizen benefits not crony welfare. Republic not Empire.

    Comment by Adam C-Chang — March 14, 2006 @ 4:53 pm

    Excellent. I encourage you to move even further to the Left. What a pity comrade Fidel wasn’t born in America.


  111. Lowly Knave says:

    Dascle-Castro ‘08! Wahooooo


  112. Dem02020 says:

    SENATE DEMOCRATS (and to a far lesser extent House Democrats) ARE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO ARE SO DISSATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION AND MAJORITY IN CONGRESS…

    …are just going to turn to them this fall, as being the ‘Party of Default Choice’.

    They are under the impression that had better not say or do anything ‘controversial’, or else they may inadvertantly direct the American People’s dissatisfaction towards themselves.

    And so in this present climate of an American People’s dissatisfaction, they are choosing to do nothing at all in opposition to the Administation and the Majority in Congress…

    …nothing but wait until this fall, and be the ‘Party of Default Choice’.

    GUESS WHAT?

    Doing nothing whatsoever, has never been a quaification for leadership, or anything else anywhere or at any time that I know of.

    THIS IS EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOUR, BASED UPON AN EXTRAORDINARY THINKING, THAT SHALL RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THESE DEMOCRATS TO TAKE BACK THE GOVERNMENT…

    …which shall be a failure to serve a dissatisfied American People, all due to something which seems to be COWARDICE, where Courage is what We the People want right now.

    Courage is what Democrats in the Senate are wanting in right now, and because of it and because of doing nothing at all, they will become in the fall the ‘Party of Default Choice’ to nothing at all.


  113. Edward Teach says:

    Aye….a strong ditto to what Mr. DBP be a say’n…


  114. JustJohn says:

    We will have to wait and see what happens to Russ, they will dig into everything to bring him down or at least smear him and that is the reason this administration has no opposition.


  115. Spudge_Boy says:

    They are two totally different lefts and rights.

    Yep.


  116. Borna says:

    We are all getting too emotional on this. Ross is great by standing up and fight for what is right, but scroll through the comments so far already made on this issue and you will see almost everybody is frustrated with cowardly democrats.
    That is not the problem. The problem is each political party comes to life by whom it represents. Republicans are truly representing corporate America and their relations are mutual and both sides (Party and corporations) are feeding off each other.
    Democrats, on the other hand have not decided whom they want to represent. They say they are pro education and social security and health care representing poor people, but at the same time blinking to corporations and looking for big money. They must take a clear side or they always will be looked at as a shadow of the Republican Party and not worthy of even called a party.
    Time to move on, I have waited long enough.
    It is time for a third party, or better yet, a 2nd party with backbone.
    borna


  117. Steve says:

    A Gore/Feingold ticket is about the only winner out there. “Re_elect Gore” is the perfect slogan… it says it all.


  118. Mark says:

    #100 Your link is funny because even the most disgusting form of political expression is still protected by the constitution. I say your link is funny because once again republicans want to stifle political dissent. Sure it’s disgusting and probably amongst the worst hate speech to come out of the right, but it is still protected speech. To limit even the dregs of the earth from their right to speech is to drive another nail in the coffin with which you and your ilk have stuffed the constitution to be buried in.


  119. Gerald Gibson says:

    #105 – GG: Typically, rants aren’t very illuminating. What civil rights of yours have been violated? And no friend of a friend’s sister’s mahjong partner’s uncle’s fifth cousin examples, either.

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto

    The right of security from unreasonable search…how about that one? NO American today knows that they are not being politically spied on. NONE. We are not secure in the knowledge that the peoples government will not allow that to happen. It WAS happening in Nixons administration. FISA was passed to stop it. FISA is being ignored by the same people that were in Nixons administration. So my first example is all of America.

    Journalists are being threatened with their jobs if they say anything that is true, but makes their employeer mad. That is a violation of the right to free speech.

    Where are all the progressives on TV telling the nation exactly what they think of the adminsitration? They are not there. Only one side is being given a chance to tell the nation what is going on with a long long list of facts, dates, documents, etc. That is a violation of free speech.

    I personally could not get a bank account for 3 years because I got in a dispute with my bank which used some new patriot act provision to black list me as if I am a terrorist. I dont know what right that violates, but I am no terrorist and so I was not being treated like an American… maybe someone can enlighten me to which right that violates.


  120. Hawkeye says:

    #105
    Its logic and thinking like that, that has kept the democratic party in the minority for the last decade. Keep it up! Empire? What empire? You’ve lost me.


  121. yankeluh says:

    DLC
    Deballed Lillylivered Cowards


  122. Gary says:

    I wonder? Am I crazy to think: Russ Feingold for President


  123. Lowly Knave says:

    We should think of the Constitution as a living breathing document and amendd it so we act globally. Then we could have Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez on the same ticket!


  124. Amazed says:

    I would say about 10 or 20 of the Democrats in Congress can think for themselves, and care more about the future of our country instead of the future of corporations or what the Bush Republicans want them to do.

    But Feingold is right on the money on that statement. And that’s the sad thing.


  125. Anne says:

    The spinelessness of many of the Dems worries me a great deal. I can’t see where they have anything to lose by standing up for the truth, and demanding that the GOP stop aiding and abetting the Bush administration in obstructing the truth.

    I’m sick to death of every damn decision being made by our elected representatives having to be weighed, measured and tested for political consequences before any of them dare to take a stand, and have pretty much decided that most of them have forgotten – if they ever knew – how to do what’s right for the country. There simply is no excuse for it, and I think it’s time the people demanded more.

    So what if the censure resolution will never pass? And so what if a yes vote means that some Republican will try ot make an attack ad out of it? Seems to me that there is an abundance of credible evidence that Bush has, in fact, broken the law, and the truth of that should be far more powerful than any weasely GOP ad campaign.

    Bush is like the abusive husband who has finally been rendered almost completely useless, but whose wife is still so afraid of the power he used to have that she is conditioned to cower in the corner.

    We need to demand that our Democratic senators get out of the corner and come out swinging. At a minimum, they might find a measure of self-respect that would enable them to actually believe in the power they donlt realize they have. The country would be better for it.


  126. Michdem says:

    I know it was boring but Kerry did explain why he voted , do you remember , his along with the rests fault comes in believing Bush would fullfill his promisses about using diplomacy first before going to war . Who could forget Colin Powell holding up that vial , come on you did trust him a little didn’t you .


  127. Veritas Regina says:

    The left has rallied to another loser. Why are they continually surprised? Har!!


  128. JoAnne says:

    Do something! Write Reid and tell him to STEP DOWN. Feingold for minority leader!


  129. underseige says:

    If I were a democ. politician I wouldn’t want to be leading this govt now. Way too much damage has been done, The horrendous state of the fiscal and trade deficit is going to
    blow up soon. Right now, it’s still not evident to much of the american public. People don’t even know that they have a Republican Congress. Who ever takes over next has to solve all the problems that will pop up under their governance and whosever next in line can expect a massive outcry from the public.

    I think a lot of Democrats are waiting for the Republican crackup to destroy the party completely. Our economy could collapse into depression due to higher interest rates, historic deficits and the housing bubble deflation, which probably won’t be evident until next year.

    The military has been severely damaged, so few countries in the world fear us anymore. South Americans are thumbing their noses, Iran, Pakistan and India don’t fear us. So, What can repubs do- talk tough? They have no military left and the cold war defense budget continues with massive amounts to cold war weaponry, while limiting army divisions, troop numbers shrinking, stretched to the breaking point.

    Massive corporate tax increases will be needed to bail out the economy, trade wars will have to be fought to protect the middle class but in the meantime, the corporate media and the defense contractors will still be able to destroy any Democratic “liberal” politician who tries to correct all the weaponry pork or impose taxes on corporations. How many people could be this saintly to put themselves in front of this crapstorm. I can’t imagine being out there trying to sort thru this mess. It’s asking a lot of politicians to put themselves in front of the fierce and ignorant american rabble who will just hang them by their necks.


  130. Jeff says:

    I truly hope the Sen. Feingold runs for President in ‘08. The Dems desperately need a backbone. They sound like a bunch of whining spineless whimps afraid to rock the boat. It’s amazing how everyone’s ears perked up when Rep. Murtha sounded off. Along with Murtha, the only two pols I’ve seen with any backbone that are not total lunatics are Sens. Feingold and Barak. Wouldn’t THAT be a great ticket in ‘08???!!! Oh, and by the way, it’s time to ditch Howard Dean! He’s taking us NOWHERE.


  131. JustJohn says:

    There is a reason for the GREAT fear of this administration, could it be they have something on everyone? They have everything in place to get unlimited information on anyone, right?


  132. Bobby Couillard says:

    An ass with its’ tail between its legs – a perfect symbol of today’s Democratic party. Feingold, a voice crying out in a wilderness of politics. Now more than ever it’s time for a 3rd Party that truly represents the American people.


  133. Gerald Gibson says:

    121)

    Screw the democrats. They sucked back when they were the KKK south. The party doesnt matter. Empire? Are you kidding me? You dont see America murdering millions in Vietnam for no defensive reason as being like something that ROME did? How about invading a country that did not attack us? How about setting up death squads in south america? How about using the CIA to replace the elected leader of Iran with a dictator of Americas choosing? That is what ROME did to Israel. It goes on and on…How about Americas involvement with the Chinese Boxer Rebellion and all the opium that the west was pumping into China under the protection of Americas military? Why do you think the south east asia uses the death penatly for all drug offenses? It isnt because they are on some war on drugs…it is because the west has repeatedly used drugs to destroy their sociaties …on purpose… go to the library look it up… this empire crap is spelled our right there for all to see.


  134. This man for Russ says:

    Can someone just give one example of where someone’s privacy was violated by the NSA wiretaps?

    Comment by Hawkeye

    Yeah, I can – I believe it was a 20/20(or a similar show) producer and his son who got into trouble because his son was helping him with a production on Iraq and had to make frequent calls to his Iraqi contacts.. Guess who came knocking?


  135. Jeff says:

    FEINGOLD/OBAMA in ‘08!


  136. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #120 – And so you answer with another hysterical rant. Big surprise. Sound and fury, GG.

    C’mon, just ONE specific example from your own life, just one.


  137. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    GO ALLARD! Put those little whiny Democrats in their place. These are the same Democrats who sat back for eight years and let terrorists attack America without repercussion! Those of their ilk sided with communists!

    Feingold HATES America and I wish the left was dumb enough to nominate someone like him!


  138. Gerald Gibson says:

    #120 – And so you answer with another hysterical rant. Big surprise. Sound and fury, GG.

    C’mon, just ONE specific example from your own life, just one.

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto

    I gave you one….you as the righty that you are didnt read.


  139. Lesly says:

    I was going to write a some witty responses to the apologists, the ones that don’t give a shit about archaic notions like freedom and liberty unless it’s the religious and capitalist variety, but I’ll link two threads on a message board that go into some detail in regards to Bush’s illegal wiretapping. May Jaime and Mike forgive me; I’m tired of rehashing this issue.

    #1: Government Spying on US citizens

    #2: Expanded Domestic Surveillance


  140. Phidippides says:

    Feingold and Murtha are both brave to stand up, but where is the Democrat who can lead his or her own party and make them cohere? I love Lone Rangers, and maybe Murtha and Feingold spoke out, even without a chorus, because they were just so frustrated with their own party and figured that someone had to say these things, even if it was only a solitary voice. But Lone Rangers do not a President make. Isn’t there anyone who can make this party act like a party instead of a chaotic cacaphony of cats? If we can’t find someone who can lead their own party, what hope do they have of leading the country in these times?


  141. Hawkeye says:

    JustJohn,
    The Dems feel they can win without rocking the boat.
    They also had 2 senior Senators advocate the spying.
    The Democrats are not going to save you or me.
    They have no desire to do that.
    They only want to continue their bipolar lock on power with the Reublicans because they don’t know how to get real jobs.


  142. SandyH says:

    Russ Feingold for president. Check out his web site http://www.feingold.senate.gov
    He is the real deal.


  143. Gerald Gibson says:

    #120 – And so you answer with another hysterical rant. Big surprise. Sound and fury, GG.

    C’mon, just ONE specific example from your own life, just one.

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto

    Here is another I have the right to my own religious beliefs yet here is the rightwingers trying to force their religious beliefs about abortion on all the rest of us the first chance they get. They also tried to destroy the definition of SCIENCE itself so that they could force their ID on us.


  144. Gerald Gibson says:

    GO ALLARD! Put those little whiny Democrats in their place. These are the same Democrats who sat back for eight years and let terrorists attack America without repercussion! Those of their ilk sided with communists!

    Feingold HATES America and I wish the left was dumb enough to nominate someone like him!

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin

    Lie ..lie ..lie …but calling you a liar doesnt bother you because you are proud of it… WWJD? pathetic.

    Clinton bombed bombed bombed and the republicans howled…. hypocrits


  145. Michdem says:

    G G gritting your teeth and stomping your feet isn’t going to do any good , I could’ve guess you were from Indiana , you sound like a typical hoosier gripping about democrats while you vote for Mitch Danials . By the way thanks for voting the tollroad away , I’ll have to take US12 to South Bend now , get out and vote for a change instead of bitching about it , no wonder you don’t like Bayh he actually wins down there>


  146. Who is John Galt? says:

    He’s right!

    I’m so f**king pissed off right now over this issue, I can’t think straight!


  147. liberal elite says:

    Ukraine BushCo! Orange ‘em!


  148. Cbond says:

    The difference between a Democrat and a Republican: Republicans are INCAPABLE OF TELLING THE TRUTH!! Feingold is slinging a big ball of truth, Democrats. Don’t you all want to try and catch it?


  149. Gerald Gibson says:

    JustJohn,
    The Dems feel they can win without rocking the boat.
    They also had 2 senior Senators advocate the spying.
    The Democrats are not going to save you or me.
    They have no desire to do that.
    They only want to continue their bipolar lock on power with the Reublicans because they don’t know how to get real jobs.

    Comment by Hawkeye

    I can agree with you there. I really can not wait till this country gets so bad that the left and the right join together and stop all the BS they throw at each other (me included) and start attacking the fat corrupt politicians of all stripes.


  150. Bush Loves Osama and Saddam says:

    Bush family friends. Sleeping with the enemy all these years.
    How could we ever fight the war on terror when the Bin Ladens and Saddams have had the run of the place?


  151. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    “Clinton bombed bombed bombed and the republicans howled…. hypocrits ”

    yes, and Clinton was a hero to the left! Puh-leeze – when it matters, you people have always, ALWAYS sided with the wrong people. You’re cheering for the terrorists now! Treasonous scum!


  152. Montague says:

    Feingold is a true patriot and a true American.


  153. jeraddc says:

    Finally!!! Here’s to Russ Feingold for president in 2008.


  154. Decision ‘08 » Blog Archive » It’s Not a Political Stunt says:

    [...] Feingold on his fellow Democrats, who want no part of his ‘censure’ legislation: I’m amazed at Democrats, cowering with this president’s numbers so low. The numbers so low? What do numbers have to do with it? It’s not a stunt, is it? I mean, it’s the principle of the thing, right, Russ?…Russ?… [...]


  155. Bklyn says:

    Now will you apologist Democrats face the fact that us “blogosphere nuts” are absolutely right about the Congressional Dems being in bed with the Repugnants? Feingold forced their hand and THERE THEY ARE. Hillary – fascist. Reid – Fascist. Schumer – Fascist. Feinstein – Fascist.

    What fucking more do you need to see that there is NO DEMOCRATIC party?


  156. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    Feingold is un-American. IN the words of John Edwards….


  157. Richard says:

    Wow.The Dixie Chick was soooooooooooooooooooo! correct. We should of listened.


  158. George W. Bush says:

    Hi. I want to torture POWs more sadistically than law will allow. I also want to spy on every single American to make sure they are safe.


  159. Gerald Gibson says:

    G G gritting your teeth and stomping your feet isn’t going to do any good , I could’ve guess you were from Indiana , you sound like a typical hoosier gripping about democrats while you vote for Mitch Danials . By the way thanks for voting the tollroad away , I’ll have to take US12 to South Bend now , get out and vote for a change instead of bitching about it , no wonder you don’t like Bayh he actually wins down there>

    Comment by Michdem

    In Indiana anyone that kisses ass with a smile can win. I voted all democrats but that was a vote against right wing unAmerican style christianity…not FOR Bayh. There are alot of “Not my man mitch!” stickers on peoples cars… dip shits voted him in. The tollroad is stupid. It was going to take a bunch of peoples land away to benefit a few businesses. The existing roads can be expanded and with no tolls.


  160. Grand Moff Texan says:

    OK, where is Russ Feingold and what have you done with him?

    This guy is obviously a netroots plant. He’s ignoring the Zombie Lies script and everything.
    .


  161. Michdem says:

    Hey Stalin dems didn’t want the port deal . Now Bush is whinning about anti-arab sentiment like he’s a beloved figure over there , what a joke . Oh and I always hate to break things to people but you seem to be the last to know that Bush is the terrorist


  162. George W. Bush says:

    Dear Iraqi Shiites,

    If I train you to use this weapon will you promise not to attack me?

    Thanks,

    Mr. Bush


  163. Left In The Beltway » Wow, A Democrat Gets To The Point says:

    [...] It’s sad that it’s so rare, but Russ Feingold hits the Democrats upside the head. I’m amazed at Democrats, cowering with this president’s numbers so low. The administration just has to raise the specter of the war and the Democrats run and hide. … Too many Democrats are going to do the same thing they did in 2000 and 2004. In the face of this, they’ll say we’d better just focus on domestic issues. … [Democrats shouldn’t] cower to the argument, that whatever you do, if you question the administration, you’re helping the terrorists. [...]


  164. Gerald Gibson says:

    You’re cheering for the terrorists now! Treasonous scum!

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin

    Really where? Got a link? No I didnt think so you idiot. And it has nothing NOTHING to do with siding with people. WTF kind of idiot thinks that way? What is right is right. What is unAmerican is unAmerican. Clinton bombing terrorists was a good thing. Clinton didnt point at low hanging fruit in Iraq and make up bullshit about terrorists running the country like your pussy party did… Where is OSAMA? Why do you traitors support the Saudis….the ones that attacked us on 911???? Why? Traitors for greed…that is why.


  165. The Vile Blade says:

    When your’re running for President you need to pull some pretty ridiculous stunts to rally the troops but this made RF look the partisan fool and was a real gift to the Republicans. His judgement has to be seriously questioned.


  166. Michdem says:

    Well I did ask you what your problem with Bayh was G G , I work in a union shop in Indiana , do you know what that means , I can’t vote there and it’s frustrating .


  167. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #145 GG – I thought you were joking, you mean you were serious? Your BANK invoked the Patriot Act? Which provision?

    And you really think that the only argument against abortion is religious, and that people should not allowed to talk about their religion?

    Tell the truth, aren’t you really an RNC mole trying to make the Left look ridicuous?


  168. Liberals Heart Stalin says:

    Gerald – Clinton had Osama and looked the other. Clinton was in bed with the Saudis, as well. AND every ThinkProgress headline is orgasmic at death and destruction in Iraq and abroad. You love it so you can blame Bush.

    You people are sick and unfit to lead. Apparently, the country feels the same way.


  169. Michdem says:

    That’s it G G attack them not the dems you’re on the right trck now


  170. George W. Bush says:

    Stalin?
    Isn’t that what we’re doing in Iraq? Until the PTSD shakes pass?
    Heh Heh…
    Hey! Let’s be careful on that friendly fire, fellas! Enlistment’s down!
    Heh Heh…


  171. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #166 I’d give you the link, GG, but Michael Crook took down his site and slunk away.


  172. Alito, Vagina Inspector says:

    Clearly, the Dems aren’t fit to lead.


  173. Gerald Gibson says:

    When your’re running for President you need to pull some pretty ridiculous stunts to rally the troops but this made RF look the partisan fool and was a real gift to the Republicans. His judgement has to be seriously questioned.

    Comment by The Vile Blade

    Bush broke the law. Period. Bush violated human rights. Period. Bush has violated the seperation of church and state. Period.

    There is plenty to see that this is NO stunt. You chickenhawk wussies are acting like these terrorists have Russias nuclear stockpile and can destroy us at any second. AND even if they did so the fuck what? America didnt ignore the Constitution or Bill of Rights just because of Russia…. so why are you such chickshits now?


  174. Michdem says:

    Stalin that was really stupid , let me guess you are one of those 36 37 % that everyone laughs at when they read polls


  175. Henry Jennings says:

    The whole thing seems like a cold fart on a hot griddle. I don’t get why everyone got so excited by this move by RF; I coulda told you the weenies in the Democrat caucus would pull their heads in and run away.

    The only people who gained by yesterdays phone-a-thon was the phone company. Sheez.


  176. Spudge_Boy says:

    These are the same Democrats who sat back for eight years and let terrorists attack America without repercussion!

    Ever heard of Able Danger? Created under CLinton to use offensive tactics against Al Qiada/ These are the same guy who identified Mohammed Atta 13 times in 2000, which lead to the Presidential Daily Briefing on August 6, 2001 that said “Osama determined to attack inside the US.,” WHich Bush ignored.


  177. Jeff says:

    Allard’s an ass that needs to return to his practice, birthing puppies.


  178. Prissy Patriot says:

    71 chuck- Someone should notify you 2008 is a long way off-this country may not hold up that long under this crew…who cares if he wants to be president? At the rate we are going-there may not BE a 2008 election!

    God Bless Russ, at least one American besides Al Gore, who won’t go down without a fight.

    These cowering Dems and Republicans should be impeached-NOW. They refuse to do their jobs and/or respect the will of the people.

    The rhetoric coming out of this congress should be enough reason to throw them out.

    IMPEACH CONGRESS!


  179. Gerald Gibson says:

    168) I answered in 100 ..I forgot to mention his name.


  180. The Dread Pundit Bluto says:

    #175 GG, Jay posted the relevant rulings, and they disagree with your unsupported assertions. Do you sit on a higher court by any chance?


  181. Henry Jennings says:

    Prissy, you really think that “this country might not hold up” until 2008? Are you smoking something funny, or does paranoia run in your family?


  182. Gerald Gibson says:

    169) And you really think that the only argument against abortion is religious, and that people should not allowed to talk about their religion?

    Do start going on about being the christian victim. I grew up in church I know how that works. Abortion is all about religion. Period. And you can TALK all you want about it. You simply do not have the right to force that religious view onto other Americans by turning our own laws against us.


  183. Henry Jennings says:

  184. Eileen2DLeft says:

    You want to know what the Republicans are doing?
    FOLLOW THE MONEY.
    You want to know what the Democrats are doing?
    FOLLOW THE MONEY.
    They are all the same and
    not ONE of them except Feingold
    gives a toot whethere we live or die.
    There are plenty of Indians and Mexicans to do our jobs
    for half the pay.


  185. Gerald Gibson says:

    Gerald – Clinton had Osama and looked the other. Clinton was in bed with the Saudis, as well. AND every ThinkProgress headline is orgasmic at death and destruction in Iraq and abroad. You love it so you can blame Bush.

    You people are sick and unfit to lead. Apparently, the country feels the same way.

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin

    Prove it. Do you mean orgasmic like some of the nonNazi germans were when they heard the bad news from the eastern front? Try using your brain a little. It is “SEE WE TOLD YOU SO YOU NONTHINKING RIGHTWING BIGOTS” … that is NOT loving the death and destruction. That is us saying we told you this stupid shit was going to happen and if you had considered more than ONE approach you may have seen that for yourselves, but as we all know republicans dont think …they make decisions and stick to them no matter what because they would rather be caught with a prostitute than be caught being wrong.


  186. Democrat Rallying for Bush says:

    The Democrats could be waiting for another attack before they express any real opinions.


  187. Michdem says:

    It was a mistake to go to Iraq and now the mission is a failure , that’s done now let’s move past this and start talking about a pull out before we have another failure , is everyone going to be bitch because the demorats didn’t stand up for this too , you guys will .


  188. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Bush broke the law. Period. Bush violated human rights. Period. Bush has violated the seperation of church and state. Period.

    There is plenty to see that this is NO stunt. You chickenhawk wussies are acting like these terrorists have Russias nuclear stockpile and can destroy us at any second. AND even if they did so the fuck what? America didnt ignore the Constitution or Bill of Rights just because of Russia…. so why are you such chickshits now?

    They do or will soon have access to nuclear bombs or at least the material to make a dirty bomb. How hard do you think it would be to float one into the harbor in New York or Washington DC?


  189. Henry Jennings says:

    Angus, there you go again, casting pearls before swine.


  190. Gerald Gibson says:

    #175 GG, Jay posted the relevant rulings, and they disagree with your unsupported assertions. Do you sit on a higher court by any chance?

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto

    Those rulings have been debunked on this very site. Those rulings came BEFORE FISA and have no part in this. Why you keep bringing it up I dont know. About your majesty the King of Englands 1500th century edicts ..are those valid also?


  191. Democrat Rallying for Bush says:

    Stalin wasn’t a bad guy.
    Yeah, he killed innocent people. ALOT of peole.
    He wore elevated shoes to look taller, too.
    And he only spoke to hand-picked audiences.
    And he spied on everyone.

    But hey, who doesn’t?


  192. Henry Jennings says:

    I am all for Russ Feingold for President in 2008. I will do everything in my power to make sure he’s the nominee.

    I would just LOVE to see another electoral college map on election night that looks like 1984.


  193. Lowly Knave says:

    175

    Bush broke the law. Period. Bush violated human rights. Period. Bush has violated the seperation of church and state. Period.

    Wow you shore have alot of periods.

    Do you also have facts?


  194. Democrat Rallying for Bush says:

    If we don’t stop raping Arab lands there will always be a threat of nuclear retaliation.
    No matter how well Bush spies on you.
    It’s comin’!
    You’ll see!
    Look how sicko the Jesus freaks are here-the Islamogoobers are that TIMES 100!


  195. Gerald Gibson says:

    They do or will soon have access to nuclear bombs or at least the material to make a dirty bomb. How hard do you think it would be to float one into the harbor in New York or Washington DC?

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    How easy was it for Russia to just shoot 3000 of them at us? Real easy… but they didnt…for the same reason Iran NEVER will… oh and YOUR partner in the war on terrorism PAKISTAN has “THE MUSLIM BOMB” and has selling the equipment and know how to Iran, Libya, and North Korea…. and they are our ally how? Bush was shaking those fuckers hands just a couple weeks ago and that is the same country Osama ran to from Afghanistan….in fact they are the last ones to see Osama….


  196. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Prove it. Do you mean orgasmic like some of the nonNazi germans were when they heard the bad news from the eastern front? Try using your brain a little. It is “SEE WE TOLD YOU SO YOU NONTHINKING RIGHTWING BIGOTS” … that is NOT loving the death and destruction. That is us saying we told you this stupid shit was going to happen and if you had considered more than ONE approach you may have seen that for yourselves, but as we all know republicans dont think …they make decisions and stick to them no matter what because they would rather be caught with a prostitute than be caught being wrong

    You seem to suffer from the delusion that you live in Nazi Germany and that you’re one of the good guys. Gross exageration is a refuge from critical thinking.


  197. Prescott Small says:

    As a Democrat and a former Democratic Candidate, I can tell you personally that I am extremely frustrated with some of our older Democrats that are afraid to challenge the Republicans out right.

    The Censure is a nice gesture. But it is essentially a hollow slap on the wrist. Sure the Republicans are outraged, they have no choice. But Clinton was brought up on impeachment for lying about a sexual affair, no one died. Bush has lied and thousands have died. Where is the motion to impeach?

    Now Bush has openly committed felonious acts as many as 31 times in illegal wire taps. 31 impeachable offenses! – Where is the impeachment hearing?

    As a Democrat I choose to lead by example. The bottom Line is Bush is a Liar, Cheney is a Liar, Ashcroft & Gonzalez – Liars. Tom Delay – is a liar and a crook that deserves to go to prison. These people are destroying America and have essentially gutted the Constitution.

    I am sick and tired of these gutless versions of Democrats. It is time we had more Democrats that will stand up show some backbone.

    When the republicans lie in their debates or on the Floor I demand that my Democratic leaders stop using Phrases like “I understand you think differently….” Come out and call them on it Lying is lying and Americans are sick and tired of the Democrats not calling them on it. If you want more votes then show the desire to get in their face and fight.

    the democratic party has a lot of new younger blood that is a lot braver than the old school Democrats. It is time to hit the Republicans with what they can’t stand, the Truth, and hit them hard!


  198. Henry Jennings says:

    the democratic party has a lot of new younger blood that is a lot braver than the old school Democrats. It is time to hit the Republicans with what they can’t stand, the Truth, and hit them hard!

    I take it you didn’t win as a Democrat candidate. Right?


  199. Gerald Gibson says:

    175

    Bush broke the law. Period. Bush violated human rights. Period. Bush has violated the seperation of church and state. Period.

    Wow you shore have alot of periods.

    Do you also have facts?

    Comment by Lowly Knave

    The fourth amendment makes Bushes unilateral decision to break FISA law illegal.

    Iraq did not attack America. America attacked Iraq. That is illegal.

    Faith based anything being given money and halting science on stem cells in the name of religion is a violation of the seperation of church and state.


  200. Gerald Gibson says:

    You seem to suffer from the delusion that you live in Nazi Germany and that you’re one of the good guys. Gross exageration is a refuge from critical thinking.

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    Germany wasnt nazi germany in the 1920s either…so whats your point?


  201. Mark says:

    #138 I am not a public figure so there is no reason for my speech to be stifled, but how about corraling people in pens far away from the politcal party meetings? How about the woman who was fired for having an Air America sticker on her car? How about the Colorado three who were removed from a Bush event for having a bumper sticker on their car? That is stifling and supressing politcal speech. Do I like what Mr Phelps and his right wing hate group has to say? No not at all. Do I like what the right wing illinois Nazi’s have to say when they march in Skokie? No not at all. Do I like when Ann Coulter spews her filth? No not at all. Do I like what you say or how you say it? Not at all. Do I deny your or their right to say what they want? No not at all. The ACLU is in place to protect the constitution of the united states. Does the ACLU like what these people have to say? (you will say yes, but you will not be able to point to any prooof) But the ACLU still believes in defending the constitution. Does Rush like the ACLU? Hell no, but he willingly accepted their help, which was far more extensive than he will ever admit. Why do they help rehpreensible people? Because they believe in the constitution, which from your tone I can guess you do not like at all.

    #139 remember the republicans controlled congress for those 8 years and worked very hard to twart the then president from acting on any threats from abroad. Do we really need to break out all those old quotes where the republican leadership attacked every anti-terror move Clinton made?


  202. Henry Jennings says:

    Love the t-shirt idea. Selling like hotcakes are they? Wanker indeed.


  203. Lowly Knave says:

    Right, Prescott, and Dan Rather was merely mistaken.


  204. Angus Thermopylae says:

    How easy was it for Russia to just shoot 3000 of them at us? Real easy… but they didnt…for the same reason Iran NEVER will… oh and YOUR partner in the war on terrorism PAKISTAN has “THE MUSLIM BOMB” and has selling the equipment and know how to Iran, Libya, and North Korea…. and they are our ally how? Bush was shaking those fuckers hands just a couple weeks ago and that is the same country Osama ran to from Afghanistan….in fact they are the last ones to see Osama….

    Russia was for the most part a rational actor, Iran is not. Ally does not imply that they are our friends. It only means we are pursuing a shared goal. Pakistan is a good example of why we shouldn’t trust the muslim world with nuclear technology and why I fear DC will be covered in radioactive dust in the future.


  205. The Vile Blade says:

    (#199) Wow Prescott, that is very likely the most profound illustration of monumental hyperbole I have ever witnessed, way to blow away the competition.


  206. The Pittsburgh Kid says:

    Who’s the hottie over Feingold’s left shoulder?

    .


  207. Lowly Knave says:

    The fourth amendment makes Bushes unilateral decision to break FISA law illegal.

    That would be your interpetation. It is wrong.

    Iraq did not attack America. America attacked Iraq. That is illegal.

    Faith based anything being given money and halting science on stem cells in the name of religion is a violation of the seperation of church and state.

    If attacking Iraq was illegal why did democrats vote for it?

    As for the separation of church and state, why bother going into a courtroom and taking an oath to God?
    You can swear to tell the truth or Chairman Mao will strike you dead.


  208. Gerald Gibson says:

    Russia was for the most part a rational actor, Iran is not. Ally does not imply that they are our friends. It only means we are pursuing a shared goal. Pakistan is a good example of why we shouldn’t trust the muslim world with nuclear technology and why I fear DC will be covered in radioactive dust in the future.

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    I cannot say I believe Iran is rational just because from judging how crazy Americas taliban are it seems Iran is about 3 times crazier than them…so I agree with you there… however my belief in Jesus tells me that if we APPOLIGIZE for overthrowing their leader and putting a puppet in his place Iran would be totally shocked and their belief that America can only treat them as equals when they have nukes just might be thrown into question.

    Pakistan does NOT share any antiterrorism goal with America. They are constantly bombing India and of coarse their people refuse to hand over Osama…. Remember what Bush said about those that aid Osama? I agreed with him on that. So why have we not attacked Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?


  209. Edward Teach says:

    Makes my blood boil when someone say’s, like #203, that the ACLU defends the constituion….anyone with one eye and half a brain can see that the ACLU is, and has, used our beloved Constitution to attempt to destroy our great country and sublimate our traditions and rights…..


  210. Get Real says:

    Feingold is a joke.


  211. Gerald Gibson says:

    If attacking Iraq was illegal why did democrats vote for it?

    As for the separation of church and state, why bother going into a courtroom and taking an oath to God?
    You can swear to tell the truth or Chairman Mao will strike you dead.

    Comment by Lowly Knave

    For the same reason that many of us are pissed at democrats… they didnt stand up for what was MORAL from Americas point of view. We dont allow cops to kill drug dealers just because they ell like it do we?

    MY GOD is NOT you GOD… so that is neutral. WTF does Mao have to do with anything? YOUR religious beliefs are your OWN BUSINESS… Jesus said to NOT go out pushing your religion on the street corner but to pray in your closet one on one… he didnt say ANYTHING about using the laws of the land to force (rape) the people to be just like YOU …that is bigotry and Jesus was no bigot.


  212. TerrytheTurtle says:

    #206, Iran has not yet shown that it is an irrational actor, I disagree. A dishonest one, maybe, but not yet irrational. You might point out some serious misgivings: adherence to Holocaust denial, Protocols of the Elders of Sion, wipe Israel off the face of the earth. This all bears watching and continual refutation. But how different is that from Khruschev hammering his shoe on the table at the UN or yelling ‘We will bury you’. Or Ronnie Reagan going off on the “Evil empire”. There’s rhetoric and there are actions, we should separate the two carefully.


  213. The Vile Blade says:

    The ACLU has one supreme immutable goal that supersedes everything…….self perpetuation.


  214. Gerald Gibson says:

    Makes my blood boil when someone say’s, like #203, that the ACLU defends the constituion….anyone with one eye and half a brain can see that the ACLU is, and has, used our beloved Constitution to attempt to destroy our great country and sublimate our traditions and rights…..

    Comment by Edward Teach

    I donate to ACLU …

    Give one link to prove it. One. Do you mean your Taliban american ways? Or Ben Franklins AMERICAN ways?


  215. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Germany wasnt nazi germany in the 1920s either…so whats your point?

    Neither is America 2006 anything like the Germany of the 1920s. Germany had lost a major war and been forced into signing a humiliating treaty. They were ripe for picking. The only thing I see now a days that concerns me is the weakling Democratic party. You guys are supposed to be the counter weight to the Republicans but instead you’ve all turned into gibbering lunatics. All I ever hear from your side are mindless bumper sticker sized phrases repeated over and over again until they’re meaningless.


  216. Edward Teach says:

    AMEN…to the “Vile Blade”……self perpetuation…..


  217. Lowly Knave says:

    I am couragous for dissenting. Fiengold is in lockstep with the terrorists. As for you God or mine, you are right they should be left out of it.


  218. Susan Jennaro says:

    The Democrats should not count on support for cowardly behavior. The stakes are too high. Should a worthy independent candidate step forward to run for president (are you interested Senator Feingold?) I would support him or her.


  219. Gerald Gibson says:

    Neither is America 2006 anything like the Germany of the 1920s. Germany had lost a major war and been forced into signing a humiliating treaty. They were ripe for picking. The only thing I see now a days that concerns me is the weakling Democratic party. You guys are supposed to be the counter weight to the Republicans but instead you’ve all turned into gibbering lunatics. All I ever hear from your side are mindless bumper sticker sized phrases repeated over and over again until they’re meaningless.

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    Have you not been watching what the evangelical christians have been doing in this country for the past 30 years? How about the KKK south that joined the Republican party? Study the rise of the Nazis… it didnt happen over night either.

    The religious right hates the Constitution. They hate freedoms for ALL Americans. They HATE the phrase “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”. They hate the Bill of Rights unless it is protecting them. They say things like womens right are destroying America…that means they HATE Freedom. They think SCIENCE is out to get them. They WANT to see all jews in israel killed so that their crazy bible story can come true. They HATE anything that anybody does in the government to try to help people… only “faith based” have that right…


  220. TerrytheTurtle says:

    #219 – From the fourteen points of fascism:
    (3.) Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause: The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.

    Lowly Knave, Teddy’s calling you out:

    “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President or any other public official save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country.”
    -Theodore Roosevelt
    “To announce there must be no criticism of the President, and to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, it is morally treasonous to the American public.”
    – President Theodore Roosevelt

    So, so are you unpatriotic, servile, morally treasonous or all three?


  221. Edward Teach says:

    To Commrade Gibson…..who proudly said….I donate to ACLU …stop throwing your money away…Communism is in remission…..


  222. Brion says:

    Feingold is right and second-guessing his motivation or the potential political fallout of backing this gutsy move is only a continuation of “business as usual” wimpishness that permeates the Dem’s leadership.

    He’s showing the huevos to go on the offensive – that’s what we need and have needed.


  223. Gerald Gibson says:

    WTF does Communism have to do with ANYTHING? Come on Mr. I heard it on Rushs show last night…. Come on… tell me…WTF does communism have to do with ANYTHING?

    Left in America means LIBERTY ..aka GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!

    Left in communist Russia means mobster rule.


  224. Dennis says:

    Mr. “Teach” – what in God’s name are you talking about? Please explain for all of us one-eyed, half brained folks. After a statement of such amazing ignorance like the one you just posted, you MUST give ONE EXAMPLE, if at least to try and convince YOURSELF you are correct.


  225. Angus Thermopylae says:

    I cannot say I believe Iran is rational just because from judging how crazy Americas taliban are it seems Iran is about 3 times crazier than them…so I agree with you there… however my belief in Jesus tells me that if we APPOLIGIZE for overthrowing their leader and putting a puppet in his place Iran would be totally shocked and their belief that America can only treat them as equals when they have nukes just might be thrown into question.

    Iran is a bully. They push just to see how much they can get. If you give a little they push harder until your back is against the wall. The idea that we apologize to them and they will quit being bullies is just laughable. It’s never worked in the history of the world.

    Pakistan does NOT share any antiterrorism goal with America. They are constantly bombing India and of coarse their people refuse to hand over Osama…. Remember what Bush said about those that aid Osama? I agreed with him on that. So why have we not attacked Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?

    But they are looking the other way while we look for Osama. How do you know Pakastan already has Osama?


  226. Don says:

    If you’re against the ACLU you’re against the Constitution and for torture. I urge everyone who cares about personal liberty being protected by the Constitution to join the ACLU at aclu.org.
    —proud ACLU member


  227. Lowly Knave says:

    TTT,

    Do you mean to tell me I am not couragous for dissenting?


  228. shargash says:

    Can someone just give one example of where someone’s privacy was violated by the NSA wiretaps?

    Hawkeye, that has to be the dumbest statement of the week, or at least since Bush opened his mouth last. The Bush administration is hiding exactly that information, threatening to imprison people who would release it. They know what will happen to them when that information gets out, and it will get out sooner or later (sooner with hearings, later without).

    Oh, and Edward Teach, the ACLU DOES defend the Constitution, albeit imperfectly. With the whackjobs in control of our government, there is almost no one else who is even trying. They get my money, and will continue to.

    Do you even know what sublimate means? LOL! From that alone, I know you’re a wingnut. And what traditions are you talking about. The tradition that had the first 6 or 7 presidents be NON-CHRISTIANS (look it up). ROFMAO.


  229. Carol says:

    JAY: You left out the rest of that finding above:

    Recent testimony before the Joint Intelligence Committee amply demonstrates that the Truong line is a very difficult one to administer. Indeed, it was suggested that the FISA court requirements based on Truong may well have contributed, whether correctly understood or not, to the FBI missing opportunities to anticipate the September 11, 2001 attacks.29 That is not to say that we should be prepared to jettison Fourth Amendment requirements in the interest of national security. Rather, assuming arguendo that FISA orders are not Fourth Amendment warrants, the question becomes, are the searches constitutionally reasonable. And in judging reasonableness, the instability of the Truong line is a relevant consideration.

    The Fourth Circuit recognized that the Supreme Court had never considered the constitutionality of warrantless government searches for foreign intelligence reasons, but concluded the analytic framework the Supreme Court adopted in Keith–in the case of domestic intelligence surveillance–pointed the way to the line the Fourth Circuit drew. The Court in Keith had, indeed, balanced the government’s interest against individual privacy interests, which is undoubtedly the key to this issue as well; but we think the Truong court misconceived the government’s interest and, moreover, did not draw a more appropriate distinction that Keith at least suggested. That is the line drawn in the original FISA statute itself between ordinary crimes and foreign intelligence crimes.


  230. The Vile Blade says:

    “Feingold is right and second-guessing his motivation or the potential political fallout of backing this gutsy move is only a continuation of “business as usual” wimpishness that permeates the Dem’s leadership”

    You want to support the Don Qixote’s of the world OK by me. Personally I look for a leader who is a bit more rational.


  231. Jerry says:

    TWO thumbs up to Senator Feingold, he is the only Democrat Senator who have stood up against these Neocons, and Senators like Sen. Wayne Allard who just in lock step with the wrong doing of King Bush, Prince Cheney and Halliburton, Sen. Wayne Allard have the nerve to say that Sen Feingold is siding with the terrorist, no Sen Wayne Allard you seems to be the one who is siding the terrorist, Sen. Wayne Allard you are not for the people of this country, you voted to bomb Iraq even though they had nothing to do with the WTC Attacks, Sen. Wayne Allard you voted for the bank ruptcy bill that hurt the poor in this country, Sen. Wayne Allard you voted not to investagate the wiretaping wrong doing, so seen Mr Allard your siding with all the wrong doing in America, Sen Feingold got it right you know, I know, and most Americans know if Mr. Allard, but aslong as King George and Prince Cheney keep on giving tax cuts to their friends and the rich I guess Mr Allard that maybe what you consider a patriot uh, Sen. Wayne Allard maybe one day you will grow some balls and do the right thing one day, but hoping your seat will be gone soon.


  232. Gerald Gibson says:

    Iran is a bully. They push just to see how much they can get. If you give a little they push harder until your back is against the wall. The idea that we apologize to them and they will quit being bullies is just laughable. It’s never worked in the history of the world.

    What they want is their dignity back which we stole from them…they are human beings also. If we are trying to set an example for how people act why dont we start off giving them the chance to realize America is NOT evil. If they dont take that chance then nukem or whatever, but if we just egg them on into war after what we did to them then it just shows we dont want Iran to be good because we want to destroy them..that IS evil.


  233. TerrytheTurtle says:

    #229, actually, since you boast of your dissent at the same time you irrationally smear Feingold’s dissent shows you to be dishonest. The smear of Feingold by suggesting he is siding with terrorists is a facet of a fascist and the inability to allow any criticism of the President, well you heard Teddy. I thought it was all very simple. Has this helped?


  234. Jay says:

    Yes, Fiengold for president! I’m all for it! He is bound to win!!!! He has the entire democratic party wrapped around his finger! He is sure to blow the primaries away, and then take the presidency away from Bushitler and restore the peace and tranquility of Clinton’s golden age!


  235. Lowly Knave says:

    Carol, excellent point. Much like the Kelo decision, private correspondence could be condemned just like property, for the good of the masses!


  236. Gerald Gibson says:

    You want to support the Don Qixote’s of the world OK by me. Personally I look for a leader who is a bit more rational.

    Comment by The Vile Blade

    Fool me once … fool me twice… fool me into thinking neocons are conservatives…

    That rational?

    That Constitution is just a damned piece of paper!

    That rational?

    To tell you the truth I dont really think about Osama anymore…

    That rational?


  237. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Have you not been watching what the evangelical christians have been doing in this country for the past 30 years? How about the KKK south that joined the Republican party? Study the rise of the Nazis… it didnt happen over night either.

    The religious right hates the Constitution. They hate freedoms for ALL Americans. They HATE the phrase “ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”. They hate the Bill of Rights unless it is protecting them. They say things like womens right are destroying America…that means they HATE Freedom. They think SCIENCE is out to get them. They WANT to see all jews in israel killed so that their crazy bible story can come true. They HATE anything that anybody does in the government to try to help people… only “faith based” have that right…

    Where do I go to meet these people? I’ve been to lots of Republican events and I’ve never met anyone that thinks any of those things. I certainly don’t. Picking fringe elements of any group and painting them as if they were the mainstream of that group is a silly way of arguing.


  238. Ho Chi Minh says:

    Feingold is the ONLY Democrat with the mojo to tell it like it is. A REAL PROFILE IN COURAGE. FDR, JFK, and Sam Ervin must be spinning in their graves at how spineless their party has become. RUSS FOR PREZ!!!


  239. Gerald Gibson says:

    Where do I go to meet these people? I’ve been to lots of Republican events and I’ve never met anyone that thinks any of those things. I certainly don’t. Picking fringe elements of any group and painting them as if they were the mainstream of that group is a silly way of arguing.

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    Your own president put ID on equal footing with SCIENCE… is that fringe enough for ya?


  240. hotfroggy+ says:

    so what are we going to call the new party!? i’m so sick of the dems cowering i could puke! wtf is up with all the wussies in the dumbocrats crowd? go russ!!! maybe a new left will emerge pissed and ready to take on karlpug and the bushco’s. time for a drink….


  241. Jay says:

    Gerald Gibson, you make me sick. Why don’t we just send Bush over to Iran and have him lick their boots, and grovel about how sorry we are for being soooo evil to the poooooor Islamofacists. If you really think that will work you are a joke.

    Yes, the people of Iran are human beings. Their government is evil, don’t care about them or anyone else in the world other than their crazed ideologies. Their government is insane and are entirely too dangerous to allow to have nukes. If you think we can TALK them into giving up nukes with a bunch of hippy, tolerance talk…you haven’t studied their ideology very well…it does not include tolerance nor does their mentality. If you are so scared of war, which I hate to break it to you is sometimes the only language a primative like Iran’s leader will listen to, then you don’t understand human nature at all…so don’t talk about people being human.

    Appeasment never works, it never has, and I’ll be damned if we repeat history again. Diplomacy is good, and we should let it play its course…sometimes it can actually work, if we were not talking to an insane maniac that thinks he is ushering in the Muslim Messiah to put the entire world under Islam…

    Personally, I don’t believe diplomacy will work with a madman, and I defintely don’t think appeasment will.


  242. Angus Thermopylae says:

    What they want is their dignity back which we stole from them…they are human beings also. If we are trying to set an example for how people act why dont we start off giving them the chance to realize America is NOT evil. If they dont take that chance then nukem or whatever, but if we just egg them on into war after what we did to them then it just shows we dont want Iran to be good because we want to destroy them..that IS evil.

    What they want, and I mean the mullahs in charge of Iran, is to keep their power. They see the liberty ship sailing into the harbor and they are desperately shouting and brandishing their spears in an attempt to scare it off. It won’t work in the long run but they could do a lot of damage in their death throes. There is no dignity to be had for women in a muslim country. At least not any dignity I can see. How can you have dignity when all your choices have been taken away.


  243. TerrytheTurtle says:

    Why is it that because people can’t be bothered to work out someone else’s motivations, they are a ‘madman’? I think Ahmadinejad is rational, I think Saddam is rational and so was Milosevic. Ahmadinejad is behaving as if he has a much better hand to play than anyone else: I think he is right.


  244. Thea2b says:

    I dont have a name for the new party but I have a slogan… “The Party is Over!”


  245. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Diplomacy is good, and we should let it play its course…sometimes it can actually work,

    It only works when the other side is convinced they have to deal with you.


  246. TerrytheTurtle says:

    #244 and playing into the mullah’s hands by giving them a nationalist cause to whoop up around is not going to do anyone any good.


  247. JIMBO says:

    Feingold/Obama 2008


  248. George W. Bush says:

    I only want to spy on you because I love you and know what’s best for you.

    http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/14098211.htm


  249. Joe Webmaster says:

    Dear Editor:
    There are numerous impeachable and indictable offenses that have been perpetrated by the Bush administration. Here are some of them which are all completely supported and substantiated by numerous articles on my web site which has several URLs which are http://www.Bushguiltyof911.com , http://www.Bushhackedelection.com and http://www.Bushstole04.com.:
    1. planned and orchestrated 9/11;
    2. stole election by computer fraud;
    3. lied about weapons of mass destruction;
    4. illegal war against Iraq;
    5. illegal wiretaps;
    6. outed CIA agent;
    7. mass murderer and war criminal;
    8. removed United States from the World Court so he and his administration can travel freely throughout the world after he leaves office without being arrested and tried as a war criminal;
    9. dispersing depleted uranium throughout the Middle East which is contaminating the world;
    10. imminent plan to use tactical nuclear weapons against Iran based on lies.

    There are many more impeachable and criminal offenses. Both the Bush administration and the mainstream media should be tried for treason.


  250. Sister Boogie Woman says:

    RUSS FEINGOLD FOR PRESIDENT!


  251. Henry Jennings says:

    Just think of all the phone calls that aren’t begging the other Senators to support the resolution because they’re sitting here responding to a massive troll.

    My eyes are misting over with the beauty of it all.


  252. Angus Thermopylae says:

    Why is it that because people can’t be bothered to work out someone else’s motivations, they are a ‘madman’? I think Ahmadinejad is rational, I think Saddam is rational and so was Milosevic. Ahmadinejad is behaving as if he has a much better hand to play than anyone else: I think he is right.

    You are correct that they act rationally from their point of view but I can look at that point of view and determine if it’s rational or not. He seems to believe that if he blusters and cries foul enough that America will back off and let him maintain his dark ages political system. I think that’s crazy. We’re not going away and we’re not going to let them start proccessing nuclear fuel.


  253. Angus Thermopylae says:

    #251 Linking to conspiracy theory websites does not make you look good or prove any point.


  254. Angus Thermopylae says:

  255. Jay says:

    Terry the Turtle…I completely disagree with your assertiaon of these people being rational. I take it that you think Hitler was rational too? And for your assertion of playing into their hands…had you rather just let them get nukes? Since he is so rational, I’m sure you believe he only has peaceful purposes for them…right?


  256. Claytron says:

    Liberals Hear t Stalin: do what thou wilt. You can reserve the use of the word “maniac” for whoever you want, but kindly reserve the word “dipshit” for yourself. What a joke you are. An unfunny, pathetic, uninspired joke, at that.


  257. Commodore Clue says:

    For despotic regimes, diplomacy serves only to mask evil intent and to complete preparations for inflecting pain and suffering on others. Those of you who fail to realize this will be confounded time and time again.


  258. Vaughn D. Taylor says:

    Finally, a Democrat with a big set of brass ones. I love it! Feingold for Prez! Russ, we non-politicians are all standing behind you.


  259. Truth says:

    If liberals love Stalin, you demented fascist, why does under-investigation ‘libertarian’ Grover Norquist keep a photo of his pal, Lenin, in his K Street office?
    Webster’s 11: Republican. (noun) feces; corrupt; fascist; closet queen.


  260. Tom says:

    It is time that the entire Democratic caucus simply got up and walked out. Enough is enough, take back the friggin country from the neoconically simpleminded.


  261. Barrelhse says:

    Thank You, Mr. Feingold!


  262. TSmith says:

    Lets get it straight here, its not democrats that are pussies-its POLITICIANS. See how the republicans are distancing themselves from the Bush Admin. when his ratings plummet-just before election year. If you ask me, I say they all suck–and they (Dems and Repubs) never really represent the American people, they only seek to polarize this country for their own political gain.


  263. Gerald Gibson says:

    What they want, and I mean the mullahs in charge of Iran, is to keep their power. They see the liberty ship sailing into the harbor and they are desperately shouting and brandishing their spears in an attempt to scare it off. It won’t work in the long run but they could do a lot of damage in their death throes. There is no dignity to be had for women in a muslim country. At least not any dignity I can see. How can you have dignity when all your choices have been taken away.

    Comment by Angus Thermopylae

    You do know that the dictator we put in power in Iran was the one that started the nuclear program right? And America helped him do it….you know that right? The mullahs kept it going because they were NEVER going to let America or anybody else do that to them again … If we admit this and appologize and offer a middle east wide peace offer backed by America total will power THEN we can say that we gave them a chance…we tried to make amends…. and if they still kept going on about death to America and wipe Israel off the map then they brought it on themselves…but as it stands right now we are in the wrong. We did something to them that we ourselves would NEVER put up with. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO DO UNTO YOU…. if we live by that and still the mullahs keep up their shit then by all means ….Bushites have fun killing and pillaging …we know how the kings subjects love that stuff…


  264. Dave says:

    YES!!! GO FEINGOLD!!!! I am ashamed of being a democrat today. Grow a backbone and attack this President.


  265. Ragnar Danneskjold says:

    What they want is their dignity back which we stole from them…they are human beings also. If we are trying to set an example for how people act why dont we start off giving them the chance to realize America is NOT evil. If they dont take that chance then nukem or whatever, but if we just egg them on into war after what we did to them then it just shows we dont want Iran to be good because we want to destroy them..that IS evil.

    Dictators have been using the “dignity” claim to get their way since time immemorial. Anything you do to me, I can claim to be an “affront to the dignity of the noble people of _______-stan.” It doesn’t matter what it is. If I don’t get my way, I’ll stamp my feet and shout “we _________-stanis are mad as hell and we’re not gonna take it anymore!!!” If the infringment of dignity is defined by the infringed party (as it necessarily is), there is no end to the appeasement that must be tendered in order to avoid “indignities.”

    You have to draw the line somewhere, dignity be damned. In the 1930s, the Allies drew the line just East of the Sudentenland. In retrospect, I think we can all agree that was just a little too far East.


  266. BillG says:

    Keep going, Russ! Finally, someone is speaking up.


  267. Gerald Gibson says:

    1. planned and orchestrated 9/11;

    Are you kidding me? The people behind 911 would NOT let bush in on something like that …let alone bush being behind it???? ahahaha the guy can not even speak…


  268. kali says:

    Lets call our widdle Democratic wussy Senators and let them feel the heat.
    Fearful little creatures that they are, personal political survival is the only thing that prompts them to action.
    Like stupid lambs, they bleat and look to the leadership sheepdogs for direction and cower at the prospect of taking a stand of principle,
    Feingold and Murtha for 08!!!!!!!!.


  269. Bush Bites says:

    AM I MISSING SOMETHING PROCEDURAL OR SOMETHING?

    I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEMS AREN’T AT LEAST PUTTING THEIR OBJECTIONS ON THE RECORD..THEY SHOULD HAVE A VOTE; GET IT ON THE RECORD THAT THEY’RE AGAINST BUSH’S NAZISM; THEN MOVE ON.

    BUSH IS AT 30-SOMETHING PERCENT…AND HE’S NOT GOING TO HAVE A SECOND ACT…HE’S USED ALL THE TRICKS HE CAN…..HE’S TOAST….IT DOESN’T EVEN REQUIRE COURAGE….ALL THE DEMS HAVE TO SAY IS “I’M AGAINST BUSH SECRETLY SPYING ON AMERICAN CITIZENS UNDER THE GUISE OF FIGHTING TERRORISM…..AND HE HASN’T DONE A DAMN THING TO PROTECT OUR PORTS OR BORDERS EITHER.”

    THAT’S IT. WHAT AM I MISSING?


  270. Henry Jennings says:

    THAT’S IT. WHAT AM I MISSING?

    About 50 IQ points?


  271. LoneStarLefty says:

    Feingold/Clark ‘08!


  272. Gerald Gibson says:

    Dictators have been using the “dignity” claim to get their way since time immemorial. Anything you do to me, I can claim to be an “affront to the dignity of the noble people of _______-stan.” It doesn’t matter what it is. If I don’t get my way, I’ll stamp my feet and shout “we _________-stanis are mad as hell and we’re not gonna take it anymore!!!” If the infringment of dignity is defined by the infringed party (as it necessarily is), there is no end to the appeasement that must be tendered in order to avoid “indignities.”

    You have to draw the line somewhere, dignity be damned. In the 1930s, the Allies drew the line just East of the Sudentenland. In retrospect, I think we can all agree that was just a little too far East.

    Comment by Ragnar Danneskjold

    That is true… however you must keep in mind Americas CIA …DID depose the Iranians leader and put in his place OUR puppet… would YOU accept that in America? Would you? Why dont we disarm that argument by owning up to it and apologizing? We DID do it. It WAS wrong. If we make amends and agree to work with them and israel to bring an end to the Palastine question with a guaranteed American backing then what excuse do they have left?

    Why not let the Americans (on the left) that believe in justice and honor at least be able to tell their children and grandchildren that before we killed all those Iranians we gave them a chance? Why do we have to sit here and look like the germans that said nothing while the nazis rose to power? Why can you on the right not act like honorable Americans and only kill after you gave them a chance. Would Hitler have accepted that chance? Hell no. But that circumstance was totally different. Give Iran a chance… dont back them into a corner when they have a valid point about Americas interference and Israels nukes….


  273. hpcharlie says:

    I completely agree with Senator Russell Feingold! Outside of Senator Feingold and Congressman John Conyers…the rest of the Democrats are “wimps” and are “cowered by the
    GOP and the Administration!

    Considering all the scandals, the high probability that 9-11 was an “engineered government inside job”….it seems “completely hopeless” that the Democratic Party will ever have a “backbone” anytime in the near future!

    The perception is that either the majority of Democrats apparently are ‘in-cahoots” with the GOP or the majority of Democratic Senators and Congressional Members “Have No Guts” to Defend Our Constitution and Democracy. IT’S PATHETIC AND A DISGRACE!

    Charlie C.
    Dallas TX


  274. kali says:

    God, I’m embarrassed to be associated with the Democatic Party.
    They are on display as fearful cowards who will soon be asking for my vote in 06 to stand up to terror and big money. Hell, they can’t stand up to the cookie monster, or big bird.
    Unless they grow some backbone.. I’m thinking about a third party.
    Let’s call them to put a comment of disapproval into their phone logs. Perhaps if there are more negative than positive comments they might be frightened into pretending they have courage.


  275. Gerald Gibson says:

    Just think of all the phone calls that aren’t begging the other Senators to support the resolution because they’re sitting here responding to a massive troll.

    My eyes are misting over with the beauty of it all.

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    I contacted Byhe and Lugar… many others here have also. But that only takes a couple minutes. Then you are just sitting there wondering if things are going to get to the point where you are going to have to quit your job and join a militia…. then you say f*k that and get back on here and argue …


  276. KingCranky says:

    #105 – GG: Typically, rants aren’t very illuminating. What civil rights of yours have been violated? And no friend of a friend’s sister’s mahjong partner’s uncle’s fifth cousin examples, either.

    Comment by The Dread Pundit Bluto — March 14, 2006 @ 4:56 pm

    I believe the following response will probably best sum up those who wanted an example-and it’s a Republican who filed suit to boot

    D’OH!!!

    Republican Sues Bush, Cheney, NSA, TSA for Illegal Surveillance, Wiretapping

    Scott Tooley, a Republican, and former Congressional aide and law school graduate, educated at renowned Christian universities, has filed suit against the President, Vice President and relevant federal agencies for their illegal surveillance programs.

    According to the complaint, the Bush-Cheney Administration initiated numerous illegal and perpetual surveillance methods on Mr. Tooley and his family after he was incorrectly placed on the TSA’s “selectee” or watch list.

    And for the trolls, please point out where, SPECIFICALLY, the US Constitution gives the President the right to violate the US Constitution any time he feels like

    Dear Leader W is the BEST recruiter al-Qaeda’s ever been blessed with, and since W said the terrorists “hate freedom” and since W rapes the US Constitution EVERY chance he gets, then we all know who the REAL terrorist lovers are don’t we?

    That would be Usama bin Laden’s multimillionaire brother in arms & ideology, President Jr

    Anyone who voted for W voted for Usama bin Laden at the same time, two scumbags who didn’t give a damn about ANYONE killed on September 11

    And thanks to the traitors at the highest levels of this Administration, if there IS a WsMD attack here on US Soil, then the Bush Jr Administration deserves just as much of the blame as the attackers themselves would

    How?

    When Benedict Rove decided to put satisfying political hissy-fits ahead of the National Security by outing Valerie Plame, a CIA Operative whose job was to track & disrupt the transfer of WsMD to rogue regimes, groups & individuals

    Just how did outing Plame make the US a SAFER society?

    Just how did exposing her overseas connections make it EASIER to recruit the spies & double agents necessary to know what’s going on in other countries?

    Sure must suck being a GOPbot lackey troll right about now, seeing as how so few people these days are willing to back the clearly incompetent & traitorous hack currently masquerading as US President

    And no amount of pathetic, rhetorical bleatings from willfully iignorant trolls is going to turn Dear Leader W’s political fortunes around,

    Don’t you trolls EVER get tired of REAL reality-as opposed to Dear Leader W’s reality-always smacking you upside the head & in the face on such a constant basis?

    This President’s hapless, stumblebum strategy has achieved the exact opposite of every stated goal of Dear Leader W’s Iraq policy

    The only thing this Administration does, and does VERY well, is to enrich campaign cojntributing cronies & industries

    It’s time to face the truth W lovers

    This Administration considers the US Constitution & the US public as enemies to be suppressed & dealt with

    Again, where, SPECIFICALLY, does the US Constitution give the President the authority, inherent & otherwise, to violate the US Constitution whenever he wants?


  277. Henry Jennings says:

    Geraldo, you are a hoot. You’re perfectly willing to accept the Iranians doing whatever they want because you “trust” them to be rational. You don’t have children, do you. OMG I certainly hope not…

    Regardless, I’m with Kali. I’m embarassed that ANYONE would be associated with the Democratic Party. What a bunch of idea-less, whining, carping chicken littles.

    It is fun though to watch the whole gang tearing themselves to shreds. ;)


  278. Henry Jennings says:

    I contacted Byhe and Lugar… many others here have also. But that only takes a couple minutes. Then you are just sitting there wondering if things are going to get to the point where you are going to have to quit your job and join a militia…. then you say f*k that and get back on here and argue …

    I would like to personally thank you, since I have stock in a number of Evil Corporations that make money off of … phone calling. Hopefully it was long distance for you. Keep calling, I’ll keep counting the dividends.


  279. KingCranky says:

    Sorry about forgetting the link, so D’OH!! for myself as well

    Republican Sues Bush, Cheney, NSA, TSA for Illegal Surveillance, Wiretapping

    http://newsblaze.com/story/20060217114414nnnn.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Story.html


  280. Henry Jennings says:

    Kranky, you’re gonna blow a vessel if you don’t calm down.

    “This Administration considers the US Constitution & the US public as enemies to be suppressed & dealt with”

    Have you considered lithium?


  281. Henry Jennings says:

    Love the link, Kranky. Yeah, he’s a Republican. Uh huh. Do you guys share a therapist?


  282. josh says:

    Thank you Russ. Feingold ‘08! Why do no other Dems have the balls to stand up like Russ? What are they afraid of? Losing? Already done that. They really can’t lose any more. With no power at all in our government, the only thing left is to raise your voice and proclaim that what is happening herre is WRONG and something needs to be done about it. Now, while censure doesn’t really do anything but wag the finger at whoever is being censured, it’s the only thing the dems can do now, AND THEY BACK DOWN! Thank you Sen. Feingold for representing the majority of Americans while your colleagues cower.


  283. vesparia says:

    “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – - Edmond Burke


  284. Scott Presnall says:

    Thanks, Sen. Feingold, for hitting the nail on the head! The current crop of Democrats (House and Senate) lack the testicular fortitude to stand up to a warmongering and truthbashing administration (with the obvious exception of Feingold and very few others). C’mon! You took an oath to “…preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution…”, and you’re letting an unpopular administration run roughshod over it.


  285. ElectricBassPlayer says:

    I never heard Rush Limbaugh complain when the ACLU filed a brief in support of his right to medical privacy.

    Sometimes the ACLU, like any advocacy group, goes a little too far, but they are absolutely ESSENTIAL to protect our civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution but held in contempt by the Neocons.

    Even you Bush-worshipping trolls would be protected by the ACLU if you needed it.


  286. pizzmoe says:

    #

    “Profiles In Courage” should be required reading for all Senators. You’re not there because you look good with a lavalier stuck on your breast pocket. You took an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.” If you don’t have the guts to do that then resign, go home, and hide under your bed.

    Comment by KnightErrant — March 14, 2006 @ 3:16 pm

    Constitution? what’s that? Never heard of it


  287. Gerald Gibson says:

    Geraldo, you are a hoot. You’re perfectly willing to accept the Iranians doing whatever they want because you “trust” them to be rational. You don’t have children, do you. OMG I certainly hope not…

    Regardless, I’m with Kali. I’m embarassed that ANYONE would be associated with the Democratic Party. What a bunch of idea-less, whining, carping chicken littles.

    It is fun though to watch the whole gang tearing themselves to shreds. ;)

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    I am getting really sick of you assholes putting words in our mouths so you can pretend you didnt hear what we really said.

    Yes I have children. And I teach them that all people are HUMANS. And that all people can be good or evil…their actions make the difference.

    I do NOT trust Irans mullahs. I DO trust that Iranians NEVER attacked America before we deposed their leader. I DO trust that the Iranians as a whole do NOT want to live under the mullahs and that they do NOT want to be destroyed by Bushco. I do trust that a real leader by now could have arranged a test for Iran to tell if they can be convinced to turn things around.

    Do you consider JESUS a chickenlittle? Do you? Or is YOUR Jesus a red eyed forked tongued slave owning southern KKK republican?

    There are all kinds of things a REAL leader could do in this situation to shake things up….hey this idea is just crazy enough to work! How about Bush setup a “faith based” meeting between Americas religious elite and Irans…. MAKE them talk to each other face to face until they see humans on the other side instead of deamons. Do the same thing with Americas Congress and Irans…. after that if everybody still hates each other fucking kill them all or what the hell ever you are after… but you people have done NOTHING but encourage a solution that only ends in WAR…. WWJD?


  288. Progressaurus Rex says:

    #215:
    The ACLU has one supreme immutable goal that supersedes everything…….self perpetuation.
    Comment by The Vile Blade — March 14, 2006

    your comments also aptly describe christianity, the republican party and the u.s. government


  289. Henry Jennings says:

    Do you consider JESUS a chickenlittle? Do you? Or is YOUR Jesus a red eyed forked tongued slave owning southern KKK republican?

    Since I’m Jewish, I really don’t have a “my” Jesus. But thanks for asking.

    “WWMD” would be a better question. And I think it wouldn’t involve bending over for the muzzies, as you suggest.


  290. Publicus says:

    434 congressmen, 100 senators, one president, all sworn to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Only one has upheld his oath of office. The rest should ALL be impeached. They have committed not only perjury, but treason.


  291. Gerald Gibson says:

    Even you Bush-worshipping trolls would be protected by the ACLU if you needed it.

    Comment by ElectricBassPlayer

    DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU…

    But would the republicans do the same for us?

    I think not. They would sell us as slaves to the Saudis if the Saudis asked them to.


  292. Gram E says:

    Does anyone wonder any longer just who Bush Co. is wiretapping that he doesn’t want us to know about? Even an old liberal grandmother here has butterflies about expressing opposition to his power grabbing. Senator Feingold is a brave man and a true patriot.


  293. The Vile Blade says:

    “I think not. They would sell us as slaves to the Saudis if the Saudis asked them to.”

    Unfortunately the Saudis have no use for you either.


  294. Lee Kujawa says:

    Damn, I’m proud this man, this “REAL” man, comes from the same state as me. Keep up the good work Senator Feingold.


  295. Gerald Gibson says:

    “WWMD” would be a better question. And I think it wouldn’t involve bending over for the muzzies, as you suggest.

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    You, like your president, are a lieing pig. I never said bend over for anyone. When you child does something wrong do you swoop down on them and not listen to what they have to say and just start beating them? Do you? I said act like a responsible, compationate, Jesus loving, peace loving, privacy loving America.

    Saying that is bending over is EXACTLY what makes you nazis. Can you not see? You act like this is a WWF wrestling match…. cheering and hooting like a Bush Jr. cheerleader over WAR. You have evil souls…EVIL. WAR can ONLY be justified by DEFENSE. Anything else is EVIL.


  296. Henry Jennings says:

    Gerald, are you so far gone that you can’t see that there’s very little dividing you from the rest of the citizens of this country? The differences between the parties are next to nil; and even if you think that somehow you’re “farther Left” or whatnot, you’re still part of the body politic.

    This constant incessant insistance that somehow liberty is gone, that fascism is nigh, that there will be no America left to save in ‘08 is just silly.

    Elections happen. You get to vote, just like me. Get a candidate, put some good ideas in his head, and run a campaign already. It worked for Newt — it can work for y’all, too, if you’d stop talking about how stupid the voters are long enough to actually give them a reason to give y’all power again.


  297. Progressaurus Rex says:

    #291
    so, henry, how does it feel to associate with a party that’s been hijacked by fundamentalist whackos that, although they love your support, also privately believe (and hope) that you’re going to burn in eternal hellfire when the rapture comes?

    seems a bit counter-intuitive, doesn’t it?

    also, in reference to your comments in #279 – the dems aren’t the only ones tearing themselves to shreds these days…


  298. Left of Center says:

    Support Feingold
    Support couragious Democrats like Russ Feingold.


  299. Henry Jennings says:

    Saying that is bending over is EXACTLY what makes you nazis.

    Oh, that’s rich. Now I’m a Jewish Nazi.

    Seek help. Please.


  300. Gerald Gibson says:

    “I think not. They would sell us as slaves to the Saudis if the Saudis asked them to.”

    Unfortunately the Saudis have no use for you either.

    Comment by The Vile Blade


  301. Chessie says:

    If the beltway Dems can’t follow this man… then they are a waist of breath.


  302. Turbo Horn says:

    Sign this petition to Censure Bush. It will automatically send the email to both of your US Senators after you enter your address:

    http://political.moveon.org/censure/?id=7035-5643447-WsnAMQv2aaPJrxb2cCBUCA&t=2

    Let Congress hear from us now!!!


  303. bill says:

    I appologize for coming a little late to the party but air-time is limitted. Anyhow- a quick one. Given the apparant lack of support for the Feingold censure motion from the “Democrats” in the senate, are there any of you folks out there still willing to support in any way the democratic party?
    Face it folks, the dems are dead! DEAD! It is time to form a new party and start the building process anew.
    billjpa@aol.com


  304. a crank’s progress » Not sure which party is worse for America says:

    [...] Think Progress » BREAKING: Feingold Accuses Senate Democrats of “Cowering” To Bush: Sen. Feingold said the following to Fox News’ Trish Turner:I’m amazed at Democrats, cowering with this president’s numbers so low. The administration just has to raise the specter of the war and the Democrats run and hide. … Too many Democrats are going to do the same thing they did in 2000 and 2004. In the face of this, they’ll say we’d better just focus on domestic issues. … [Democrats shouldn’t] cower to the argument, that whatever you do, if you question the administration, you’re helping the terrorists. [...]


  305. Cookie says:

    Bravo Senator. You are doing a very sensible yet bold thing. It’s too bad too many Dems are still without a backbone.


  306. The Vile Blade says:

    “privately believe (and hope) that you’re going to burn in eternal hellfire when the rapture comes?”

    That statement illustrates how completely warped your understanding of a Christian or Jew or any person of faith for that matter truly is. People who have a bonafide relationship with a higher power wish and pray for nothing so much as that their fellow man be welcomed into their reward along with them.


  307. Mordechai Shiblikov says:

    If I were paranoid, I would say that the Democrats have been paid off handsomely by the cryptofascist Republican Party to become a permanent (but really wealthy) minority party. But I’m not paranoid, so I’ll just say they’re a pack of miserable, rotten cowards who should burn in Hell alongside Bush and Company, LLC.


  308. Gerald Gibson says:

    Gerald, are you so far gone that you can’t see that there’s very little dividing you from the rest of the citizens of this country? The differences between the parties are next to nil; and even if you think that somehow you’re “farther Left” or whatnot, you’re still part of the body politic.

    This constant incessant insistance that somehow liberty is gone, that fascism is nigh, that there will be no America left to save in ‘08 is just silly.

    Elections happen. You get to vote, just like me. Get a candidate, put some good ideas in his head, and run a campaign already. It worked for Newt — it can work for y’all, too, if you’d stop talking about how stupid the voters are long enough to actually give them a reason to give y’all power again.

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    I am a student of HISTORY. Human history scares the crap out of me… we humans have made the SAME mistake over and over and over and over… did you know that ROME once had a Senate? Until ONE of the leaders of Rome violated a few big laws and dared anyone to challenge him? You know what happened next? A LEFTY leader got in power…and you know what happened then? He used the precident of the previous leader to go even further…. You know what happened next? A RIGHTY got into power and he disbanded the senate. And not long after that the christians were being fed to the lions.

    Have you studied what the founding fathers of America said? Warned YOU and ME about? Many of those things have been happening little by little… some of it started after the civil war with a super powerful federal government. Some of it happened after the 1929 stocket market crash. Some of it happened as part of the “military industrial complex” after WWII which Eisenhower a (republican) warned us about. Some of it happened at WACO…. some of it has happened during Bush Jrs term. But now it has gotten to the point where the REAL America feels so far away and the America that is ROME looks far closer.

    I grew up in evangelical churches… I am not paranoid. They believe the “world” is out to get them. They disagree with much of the Constitution. They BELIEVE the founding fathers were a bunch of right wing christians and brainwash their children into thinking so as well. They are a huge powerful cult that has no problem replacing Americas seperation of church and state with a theology and totally rewrite Americas history so no future generations even know that Thomas Paine said the bible was evil. That government cannot be trusted. That the USA is OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE…. that to me is called DESTROYING America.

    What good did voting do in 2000? If all votes were counted the results would have been different, but no one cares. I watched on TV all these people standing out side in the dark and rain trying to vote FOR THE SECOND TIME THAT DAY in 2004 only to be turned away. I have worked for a right wing republican PAC where the guy that ran it bragged about their plan to change districting to put the neo cons in power forever!!!! There are major differences… some people in this country HATE Ben Franklins America.

    Show me different and I will be much happier …but I dont see how you can.


  309. Gerald Gibson says:

    Saying that is bending over is EXACTLY what makes you nazis.

    Oh, that’s rich. Now I’m a Jewish Nazi.

    Seek help. Please.

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    Excuse me. I really like jews in general… Nazis were evil for what they did…

    I meant to say you were a facist (zionist if you prefer)


  310. Gerald Gibson says:

    That statement illustrates how completely warped your understanding of a Christian or Jew or any person of faith for that matter truly is. People who have a bonafide relationship with a higher power wish and pray for nothing so much as that their fellow man be welcomed into their reward along with them.

    Comment by The Vile Blade

    That is not what I heard in church…


  311. r schleifer says:

    The DLC is taking us for granted. “They’ll never vote Repulican”. But we can write in Sen. Feingold, whether he’s nominated or not. I’m ashamed to be a democrat, and I suspect that Russ is too! Paul Revere.


  312. Progressaurus Rex says:

    #308
    i didn’t say “christian” or “jew”. i said “fundamentalist whackos”. and i do have a very clear understanding of religious faith and the heights and depths thereof.

    your statement is still conditional, as far as christianity is concerned. to say, “People who have a bonafide relationship with a higher power wish and pray for nothing so much as that their fellow man be welcomed into their reward along with them,” leaves out the implied part of christianity – that the “reward” is only on offer to those who disavow other faiths and devote themselves to christianity alone.

    that, in and of itself reveals the truth of modern christianity: world domination.

    i refer you back to the response to your statement that i made earlier: christianity has one supreme immutable goal that supersedes everything…….self perpetuation

    jesus didn’t want christians, he wanted better jews.


  313. Sharon Cox says:

    Well now, here we all are where I have been for 5 years. Kicking and screaming at my progressives for not doing what is right for our country, our constitution and the people.

    I can tell you I got no response from any of them when I took my name off their mailing list and answered their question why I was leaving. Told them I wanted my 44 years to matter, I was part of their base, I stood for hard work and was tired of Rep. lite, wanted Dem’s with back bones and standing up for the truth. No response, nada, none. But maybe if all of you did the same they would get the picture. Write them, tell them you are pissed and if they are going to keep this crap up you will take your vote else where.

    Yep! It does appear Gore/Finegold might make a good ticket, providing we are all able to vote. The thoughts of detention camps don’t hold with voting. Have read somewhere Finegold has been married 3 times, that may hold a problem with the holier than though. They don’t mind their leader is a druggie, drunk, AWOL bully who would push others into war and dying but being married 3 times or getting a BJ in office is out. ….Shoot, Bush likes being the dictator in charge so much he will probably change another law and stay in forever….Blessings


  314. BillN says:

    Russ – grandstander and a terrorists’ best friend.

    Let Whine-gold rant, please. Destroying the Democratic Party would be the most patriotic thing he’s ever done.

    Comment by Liberals Heart Stalin — March 14, 2006 @ 3:36 pm

    Hey, dipshit… when this constitution is GONE, there won’t be a special one written for you so-called “Bush faithful.” Neither will there be a Republicans-only version of the Social Security system when it is squandered away. It will be gone too… and you, like the rest of us will be equally screwed. Your president broke the law, period. He even publically proclaimed that “wiretaps require warrants” yet he felt himself above applying for the proper warrants under the FISA law. This is a matter of LAW… not politics. Get it straight.


  315. worrris dumas says:

    america was doomed when the supreme court intervened in 2000. history is repeating itself.
    this president and vice made premeditated plans to invade a country. the precursor to war was guised as a energy meeting, yet he refuse to share the minutes of the meeting with the american people. executive privelige need not apply the criminals. they have not earned the right. the meeting was held in the Peoples House not in the holiday inn near crawford. the people have a RIGHT to know.


  316. BillN says:

    #41 Senator Russ Feingold was the only Democrat who voted against the original Patriot Act. When asked why, he responded: “…because I read it.” Perhaps if every other Democrat had actually read the legislation before blindly signing it, we would be in better shape. Of course, Feingold was villified then, too.


  317. The Vile Blade says:

    “jesus didn’t want christians, he wanted better jews”.

    Now in a divine inspired revelation you presume to decipher what was truly in Jesus Christs mind?

    I’ll say one thing for you PR, what you lack in intellect you make up for in cajones.


  318. Henry Jennings says:

    Hey, dipshit… when this constitution is GONE, there won’t be a special one written for you so-called “Bush faithful.”

    Well I for one feel a lot better, now that you’re fighting on my behalf to save this doomed Constitution. I’ll sleep so much better tonight.

    Thank you. You are An American Hero.


  319. Secret Squirrel says:

    Feingold in ‘08!

    (Hell, I’d welcome a Gore/Feingold ticket in ‘08!)


  320. LizDexic says:

    FEINGOLD
    and
    MURTHA

    for 2008.
    And the rest can go to hell.


  321. r.r.stevens says:

    Senator Feingold is right on the money!

    The corruption and incompetence and mean-spiritedness of this Cheney-Bush must not continue. Bush must be impeached and, if at all possible, be imprisoned for being the #1 terrorist and who has, with his every action during the last 5 years, worked against the interests of 98% of the American people.
    His residency in the W-House shows the permeating political pall that, although caused by stupid and cruel men, can afflict a whole society as encompassing as lasting bad weather. IMPEACH!
    If Democrats continue this weak sister approach, they only suggest that they will continue the disastrous policies of this poor excuse for a human being.
    DEMOCRATS, G*DDAMMIT, WAKE UP!


  322. Neal says:

    Call or email your senators people!!!!!! Tell them we are enraged at there fence stradling behavior!!!


  323. Ronald Reagan says:

    That statement illustrates how completely warped your understanding of a Christian or Jew or any person of faith for that matter truly is. People who have a bonafide relationship with a higher power wish and pray for nothing so much as that their fellow man be welcomed into their reward along with them.”

    Comment by The Vile Blade — March 14, 2006 @ 7:49 pm

    But sometimes we gotta make sure they get there first, eh, good buddy?

    That “final reward” thing ain’t what it’s cracked up to be, lemme tell ya’.

    Bill Casey keeps sticking me in the ass- ow! Look, I gotta’ go…


  324. Gerald Gibson says:

    “jesus didn’t want christians, he wanted better jews”.

    Now in a divine inspired revelation you presume to decipher what was truly in Jesus Christs mind?

    I’ll say one thing for you PR, what you lack in intellect you make up for in cajones.

    Comment by The Vile Blade

    Intellect if for people that question the world and then question their perception of that world…something you do not seem to do.

    Jesus was a Jew in occupied Israel under Roman rule… There was no such thing as “christians” until Romans created it later. I believe they were normally called pagan followers of the jew Jesus or something like that.

    Jesus didnt ask the people to change their religion.

    Jesus asked the people to stop pretending they were following their religion while they were really trying to better their own situations under Roman rule, by turning on each other to gain Roman favor. Jesus didnt tell the people at the Temple to stop being Jews and start being Christians… he told them to be better Jews….

    Have you people ever been embarressed for being wrong? Or do you ALWAYS tell yourself that you are right no matter what so you do not have to deal with that little voice inside?


  325. Robert Eagle says:

    Feingold is to be congratulated for having the guts to do the right thing again. He and Mertha are a real pair of leaders in the otherwise weak Democrats side.


  326. Gerald says:

    Thank you Senator Russ Feingold for saying what needed to be said and doing what needed to be done. The other Democrats in Congress are spineless. We are the oposition party! everyone in Congress needs to start acting like it. You have to take it to the Bushies and not back down because they sure as heck are not going to stop.


  327. Barbara Kabbas says:

    Come on congressional democrats, stand up for what is right and censure is the right thing to do. Thank god for Senator Feingold. President Bush must be shown that he is not above the law, like the rest of us. He just seems to have trouble grasping this concept, “the rule of law”. When the republicans were hounding Clinton, that phrase was used ad nauseum. Bush’s lousy policies will bring him down, but we can help him along and do what is right at the same time. STAND UP WITH SENATOR FEINGOLD AND BE COUNTED!



  328. legadillo says:

    I just got a bleat for money in the mail from the DNC today. They can kiss my ass.


  329. Progressaurus Rex says:

    well, since you accused me of a completely warped understanding of persons of faith, as someone who has not just “read” the bible, but actually studied it at a religious university, my statements are completely backed up by the bible.

    in fact, i challenge you to do the following:

    1) find anywhere in the bible where jesus says that his followers must become members of a religion.

    2) find anywhere in the bible where jesus gives even the slightest hint of founding a religion based on his teachings.

    3) find anywhere in the bible where jesus gives any evidence of knowing or even envisioning such a religion.

    4) find anywhere in the bible where jesus even once asks his followers to become christians.

    jesus asked his followers to follow him, a jew. jesus the jew asked his followers not to become christians, but to become the kind of jews god always intended them to be: doers of justice, lovers of kindness, and those who walk humbly, rather than arrogantly and self-righteously, with their god.

    that last sentence sums up fundamentalism quite effectively: arrogant and self-righteous.


  330. The Vile Blade says:

    Your statements are nonsensical on their face. Of course the first Christians were Jews as was Christ. The difference is that some Jews chose to accept Christs teachings and thus became Christians others did not .

    Your statement “jesus didn’t want christians, he wanted better jews” is an obtuse characterization of Christs intent. Christianity grew from the population of Jews that chose to adhere to the teachings of Christ.


  331. Progressaurus Rex says:

    my olast comment was for vile blade, btw.
    props to gerald for beating me to the punch!


  332. Current Era Blog » Feingold Accuses Senate Democrats of “Cowering” To Bush says:

    [...] Think Progress Sen. Feingold said the following to Fox News’ Trish Turner: [...]


  333. Gerald Gibson says:

    Your statements are nonsensical on their face. Of course the first Christians were Jews as was Christ. The difference is that some Jews chose to accept Christs teachings and thus became Christians others did not .

    Your statement “jesus didn’t want christians, he wanted better jews” is an obtuse characterization of Christs intent. Christianity grew from the population of Jews that chose to adhere to the teachings of Christ.

    Comment by The Vile Blade

    Romans created christianity. Just following Jesus does not make you a christian. Jesus never once heard the term “christ”. That was created way later by people who were in the midst of using Jesus to start a new organized religion that was going to challenge the Roman emporer for power.


  334. Henry Jennings says:

    Yes, even Christianity was a plot.

    ROFLMAO


  335. T says:

    With the exception of Russ Feingold, I’m thoroughly disgusted by the Dems. Shame on the lot of them.


  336. Gerald Gibson says:

    Yes, even Christianity was a plot.

    ROFLMAO

    Comment by Henry Jennings

    That is what history says. And for you to laugh makes you truelly laughable… but now I am going to laugh at you by qouting Thomas Paine… one of Americas founding fathers … >-)

    It is curious to observe how the theory of what is called the Christian church sprung out of the tail of the heathen mythology. A direct incorporation took place in the first instance, by making the reputed founder to be celestially begotten. The trinity of gods that then followed was no other than a reduction of the former plurality, which was about twenty or thirty thousand: the statue of Mary succeeded the statue of Diana of Ephesus; the deification of heroes changed into the canonization of saints; the Mythologists had gods for everything; the Christian Mythologists had saints for everything; the church became as crowded with one, as the Pantheon had been with the other, and Rome was the place of both. The Christian theory is little else than the idolatry of the ancient Mythologists, accommodated to the purposes of power and revenue; and it yet remains to reason and philosophy to abolish the amphibious fraud.

    Nothing that is here said can apply, even with the most distant disrespect, to the real character of Jesus Christ. He was a virtuous and an amiable man. The morality that he preached and practised was of the most benevolent kind; and though similar systems of morality had been preached by Confucius, and by some of the Greek philosophers, many years before; by the Quakers since; and by many good men in all ages, it has not been exceeded by any.

    Jesus Christ wrote no account of himself, of his birth, parentage, or any thing else; not a line of what is called the New Testament is of his own writing. The history of him is altogether the work of other people; and as to the account given of his resurrection and ascension, it was the necessary counterpart to the story of his birth. His historians having brought him into the world in a supernatural manner, were obliged to take him out again in the same manner, or the first part of the story must have fallen to the ground.


  337. JOHNT says:

    THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY IS THAT THERE ARE ONLY 2 DEMOCRATS LEFT, MR. FINGOLD AND MR. MURTHA


  338. TerrytheTurtle says:

    #257, Jay are you still out there?

    Terry the Turtle…I completely disagree with your assertiaon of these people being rational. I take it that you think Hitler was rational too? And for your assertion of playing into their hands…had you rather just let them get nukes? Since he is so rational, I’m sure you believe he only has peaceful purposes for them…right?

    No, don’t put words in my mouth. I stand by my assertion that Ahmadinejad and his mullah backers are rational. Saddam is as rational as the nearest crime boss, so was Milosevic. Ahmadinejad is playing to his populist base. I don’t know if he really believes the Protocols or not, but he knows that a lot of his base do and if there’s anything to get people in muslim lands wound up and away from worrying about how crappy their lives are, it’s jew-baiting. US did it all through the Cold War – red under every bed there was.

    Do I think it’s a good idea for Iran to be nuclear? No. Do I think Iran will do anything stupid with them? I don’t know. Look at North Korea, is KJI a nut case? Doubt it, but he hasn’t yet. He knows that those nukes keep him safe and so does Ahmadinejad. Look what happened to the only member of the Axis of Evil who didn’t have any WMD – he got invaded. Very simple lesson, the motivation for Ahmadinejad is easy to spot.

    Do I think anything the Chimp has done in the last week or last 5 years has done anything except play into their hands, no. He unilaterally destroyed the NPT last week by dealing with India and rewarding their nuclear programme – it was a short term gain for a long-term blunder. Iran won’t stop now.

    And finally Hitler – yes he was a nut, at the end, as was Stalin with his paranoia. But to begin with he was just another xenophobe, until he lost his grip on reality under the pressure of fighting a world war.


  339. Gerald Gibson says:

  340. Veritas Regina says:

    Wow! If there are only “two Dems left”, the others must have figured out that the U.S. Constitution is NOT a suicide pact!
    Ignore The Fool Feingold.


  341. Ryan says:

    All, it’s time to back a third party, the Progressive Party, and have Russ Feingold on our ticket. Fuck the Dems, fuck the idea that a third party vote’s a wasted one, and God bless Russ Feingold. He has the people on his side. The DLC can take their cash and back another Loser in ‘08. Let’s not get fooled again!


  342. Progressaurus Rex says:

    vile, apparently you don’t realize the contradiction inherent in christianity then.

    what’s obtuse about asking if jesus actually wanted freaks killing, bombing abortion clinics, heckling the families of dead soldiers, and even persecuting other religions in his name?

    what’s obtuse about asking whether jesus actually wanted to become a perverted symbol of american hegemony?

    what’s obtuse about asking whether jesus wanted at all to be representative of a religion that has gone to war, maimed and killed, persecuted, dominated, deceived and even committed acts of cannabalism, all for the purpose of spreading christianity?

    there are two possibilities:

    either,

    1) jesus wanted to be worshipped, in which case i would posit that such a person, desiring to be worshipped, doesn’t deserve to be;

    or,

    2) jesus didn’t want to be worshipped, in which case i would ask: why are you worshipping him?

    if you choose to pursue a religion based on the teachings of someone, that’s fine by me. if you choose to worship someone that wanted (or commanded) you to worship him, then you are a tool. if you choose to worship someone that didn’t want to be worshipped (i.e. you are worshipping the messenger, but missing the message entirely – which i believe to be the case for most christians), then you are doing jesus a disservice — in defiance or ignorance of his true wishes — and perverting his message.

    i could reason circles around you day and night, vile. your arguments aren’t backed up by anything beyond grand statements of ecumenical purpose. enhance your words with factual or even theological truth and maybe you’ll sway me. otherwise give it up.


  343. Cwnidog says:

    One of my Senators, Maria Cantwell, ha sbeen targetted by the Republicans for defeat this November. And it’s close.

    She also has a Green Party challenger who is an honest-to-god lefty. If Cantwell doesn’t get it together, I’ll find it easy to vote for the Green. And screw those who claim “a vote for the Green is objectively a vote for the Republican”. With thi sbunch of cowards, a vote for the Democrat is effectively a vote for a Republican candidate.


  344. Jas C says:

  345. Marie says:

    Makes my blood boil when someone say’s, like #203, that the ACLU defends the constituion….anyone with one eye and half a brain can see that the ACLU is, and has, used our beloved Constitution to attempt to destroy our great country and sublimate our traditions and rights…..

    Comment by Edward Teach


    That comment is nothing more than uninformed, un-thought-out propaganda by the likes of the right wing nuts on Fox-TV.
    American Civil Liberties Union
    The American system of government is founded on two counterbalancing principles: that the majority of the people governs, through democratically elected representatives; and that the power even of a democratic majority must be limited, to ensure individual rights.

    Adopted in 1920:

    The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees:

    Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state.

    Your right to equal protection under the law – equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion or national origin.

    Your right to due process – fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake.

    Your right to privacy – freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairs.

    The ACLU even defends the rights of your beloved druggie radio host, Lintball –They represent anyone whose rights are abridged or abused, regardless of sex, creed, color, religion — just like the Constitution guarantees.


  346. Marie says:

    #135, Sharon Of course, you are right when you say:
    They don’t mind their leader is a druggie, drunk, AWOL bully who would push others into war and dying but being married 3 times or getting a BJ in office is out. because the implication there has something to do with sex. The puritan Republicans are no different from the Pilgrims in Salem… they haven’t progressed from that time in history.
    Heterosexual sex, homosexual sex, too much sex, too little sex, abortion as the result of sex — sex is the only thing that is evil in this world according to them.
    If Feingold runs, they will vilify him for his personal life, ignoring his attributes, while they will contnue to adore the ignorant, conniving, lying warmonger in the White House because he claims he “found Jesus” and has been married once.


  347. Fran says:

    Russ,
    Let’s start a new Party!! You lead the charge. Time for a revoution. We are alost country.


  348. Hughes for America says:

    Russ Feingold on cowering Democrats…

    From Think Progress:I’m amazed at Democrats, cowering with this president’s numbers so low. The administration just has to raise the specter of the war and the Democrats run and hide. … Too many Democrats are going to do the same…


  349. Ken says:

    Give them Hell Russ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Do the right think not the easy thing.
    Russ just became my front runner for president.


  350. margaret koscielny says:

    The number of people who have posted here and over at Firedoglake (which keeps crashing because its exceeding its bandwith limit) is only a fraction of the people who are upset about how Feingold is being treated. The Democrats in the Senate and Howard Dean should take a look at these blogs and feel the rage and lack of respect that Democrat citizens feel toward the people who are supposed to be representing them in government. WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT! Give us reassurance that our Constitution is safe from an irresponsible Administration and Congress!


  351. Ho Hum says:

    I just sent this to the DNC:

    Well, here’s my last communication. I took my “Texas Democrat” sticker off my Excursion today. I used to spot “Bush/Cheney” and “W” stickers on the highway and I’d pull in front of them so they’d get the message. You’ve lost a supporter.
    I know. I’m just from Texas. Sam Johnson will get 85% in my district this year. Blah blah. But you know what? It is hard as hell being a Democrat in Texas. I get harshly criticized by my coworkers and peers and family. It’s a tough job. But I’ve learned something from you. I quit.
    You guys made a fatal error with a very large and getting larger community of voters by not supporting Feingold. Feingold is turning into a goddamn folk hero before our very eyes. Dean was gaining this reputation and you keep him in a jar.
    Shame on you. Shame on each and every one of you. Racing to the bottom. Pathetic.


  352. Truth Seeker says:

    Another stalwart standing alone..Hail to Russ…He reminds me of GOd rest his soul Paul wellstone..Where is Ron paul???? Obama??? Vote for noone but russ in the next election…


  353. SALLY says:

    WHY DON’T ALL OF US QUIT THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND START OUR OWN “AMERICAN” PARTY……….DO SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE THE WORLD TAKE NOTICE………ALL DEMOCRATS STAY HOME ELECTION DAY AND LET THE STUPID BASTARDS HANGING IN THE WIND.


  354. Commodore Clue says:

    Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
    Not the *sob* BUMPERSTICKERS!!!!!


  355. Brian says:

    To listen to clips of Feingold’s speech listen to our podcast at
    We just recorded it tonight. It will be out tomorrow. We love Russ!


  356. reece4879 says:

    Russ is right. Wre need more Democrats like him. This sucking up to the repugs and the right wingers just ain’t getting it.


  357. joshdestardi says:

    I like this guy. He’s proven over the past few years to stand up to this administration, and he’s the only guy who has voted my own conscience repeatedly. He’s not just politics as usual.

    I would vote for Russ Feingold.


  358. Commodore Clue says:

    It really is a revelation reading some of the posts here. If this is the heart of the new Democratic party then the pubbies are going to be running the show for a long, long time. Don’t worry kids, the grown ups are still in charge. We’ll pay the bills, we’ll keep those bad bad men far away from you so you can pretend to plan the next revolution. It’ll keep you busy and out of our hair while we run the country.


  359. Ryan Herlinger says:

    Wake up elected Democratic politicians – you have nothing to lose but your foreign-produced, taxpayer subsidized, child-labor based corporate chains.


  360. Milt says:

    Accountability, Responsibility, Culpability… three words that are meaningless in the U.S Legislative and Executive Branches.

    What a sorry collection of money-grubbing worms.

    You have to admire a man who has the courage of his convictions… they are so few in America today.


  361. paul w. miller says:

    Maybe the DNC or the DLC or whoever the hell they are have a plan to get Joe Biden the nomination. I suggest using the anger to get out on the street on March 18 and tell the world we say NO to both of the war parties.


  362. joshdestardi says:

    I admire the right wingnuts’ ability to make a blatantly false statement, with such vigor and matter-of-factness, and say it over again, until it becomes “true.”

    This is some scary stuff.

    I guess that’s why you find so many progressive liberals at INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING, where there many many BOOKS LABORATORIES PROFESSORS and CLASSROOMS.

    rightwing people live in the dark ages; denying science, attempting to oppress other people’s (AMERICAN’S) opinions, trying to socially engineer the entire country based only on their narrow scope of how things should be.

    NO F*CKING THANK YOU!!!!


  363. Jeff Richardson says:

    Call your Senators now! Support Feingold’s censure of the President!

    Toll Free Number: (888)355-3588


  364. Commodore Clue says:

    And if that doesn’t work, there are some coloring books in the trunk. And if you don’t stop asking “Are we there yet???” I’ll turn this car around so fast it’ll make your heads spin.


  365. jan de bont says:

    What in God’s name you have to do to wake up these democrats in Washington? After donating money to them for so long I am now really giving up. As the Republican party now stand for corruption, the democrats stand for inaptitude. Shame on all of you in the Senate and in Congress. Do you really want to force us to start a new party and throw you all out, it really looks like that. At least try to get 50% of what Feingold, the only democrat left standing, stands for and is willing to fight for. You are not fighting you are hiding in your posh homes in Washington furnished and paid for by the same lobbyist whio screw up America.


  366. Craig Davie says:

    I called John Kerry’s DC office today and the ’seventh-in-command’ with whom I spoke could not tell me WHY his boss has not spoken loudly on behalf of Feingold’s motion….truly pathetic to see such political (and personal) cowardice.


  367. Commodore Clue says:

    No josh, those so called institutions of higher learning are the last refuge of unprincipled but tenured frauds who hide from the accountability of the private sector, where results count and people lose their jobs for lack of performance. These institutions that you are so proud are one of the few places in this country where free speech is meaningless and the PC crowd dictates what is acceptable and what isn’t.

    Now go back to your coloring book josh, and fer crying out loud stay within the lines!


  368. Martampa says:

    I have been a lifelong strong Democrat but am hard pressed to find a Democratic senator or congressman that has a backbone. What are they afraid of – losing a vote? Please spare me from having an excuse NOT to vote in the 2008 Presidential elections but if they nominate Hillary Clinton that will be the first time I do not vote in any election. Any Dem condidate that supports the war in Iraq and sits by and let’s the Republicans dictate what they say and do is a loser. Shame on all Democratic senators for not supporting Russ Feingold regarding the censure of Bush.


  369. Wondering...in Maryland says:

    My prayer and wish is that ALL THE ELECTED DEMOCRATIC POLITICIANS will read these posts, WAKE UP and sieze the moment and take a hard look at where your principals and values are. This is not your time. It’s our time! And, we want you to stand up to these wingnuts. This is why you were elected. For once in your lives, take a risk that is bigger then you and do not sell yourself short AGAIN.


  370. Don says:

    Somebody mentioned firedoglake–I just checked the premier Dem site DailyKos and they’re making like this never happened. NO COVERAGE AT DAILYKOS–ZIP, NADA, NONE. MyDD is covering it.


  371. Don says:

    The situation is different, and the man is different, but for a model of a third party presidential campaign check out John Anderson 1980.
    http://www.geocities.com/dave_enrich/ctd/3p.anderson.html


  372. dave freedom says:

    Russ for PRESIDENT…AND KUCINICH FOR VICE.


  373. wickedwizard says:

    Russ Rocks!

    Be a Patriot Support Russ!


  374. snead says:

    354. Ho Hum: good letter. Says it all. I scrawled mine across the DNC request for $$$ I got in the mail today. It said KISS MY ASS.


  375. John says:

    “Cowering TO Bush”- Who writes these headlines? Kowtowing to Bush, fine. Cowering in the presence of Bush, fine. But not cowering TO Bush.

    Please.


  376. Desert Rat Democrat says:

    Cowardly Senate Democrats…

    I can say one thing, with absolute certainty. With a President whose popularlity is hoverning in the mid-30’s, with a Democratic Party that has a 16% generic Congressional Race edge in recent polls, and with Republicans attacking Republicans in recent…


  377. Kirk Knutsen says:

    I mailed the following letter to my hometown senator Harry Reid. I encourage y’all to consider doing the same:

    RE: Senator Feingold’s Censure Resolution

    Dear Senator Reid,

    Let me begin by saying that I am a lifelong Democrat. My involvement in politics began by walking precincts for Bobby Kennedy in Oregon when I was 9 years old. I worked as a lobbyist, strategist, and consultant for Democratic causes for over 15 years, and I have worked for and contributed loyally to Democratic candidates for almost 40 years.

    I provide this abbreviated resume to try to amplify the fact that in my 46 years on this planet, I have never been as disappointed in my Democratic Party as I have been this week. I placed this letter under “Homeland Security” because there was not a category on your webform for “Presidential Censure” — but there should be.

    President Bush flaunts our laws, he lies to the press, he assaults our Constitution, and still our Democratic Party leaders, to quote Senator Russ Feingold, “cower to the argument, that whatever you do, if you question the administration, you’re helping the terrorists.” Simply stated, President Bush clearly and flagrantly violated FISA. The President should be censured for it, even as he and Congressional Republicans scramble to make his illegal actions retroactively legal.

    Instead, it is with great sadness that I again watch my beloved Democratic Party do what the Republicans accuse us of: acting out of fear, with a lack of resolve or backbone. It is difficult and against my nature to communicate with a Senator I’ve long respected with such a lack of temperance, but I, along with more Americans that I think you realize, are quickly losing patience with a Congress that fiddles with political tactics while our liberties burn.

    My mother taught me to tell the truth, if for no other reason than it’s easier to remember. Legendary California Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh taught me a political corollary to this principle: “We might as well do the right thing, if for no other reason than our politically motivated tactics usually do us as much harm as good anyway.”

    Senator Reid, I sincerely believe that the time has come to put political tactics aside. It is time for us all simply to defend our Constitution and the Rule of Law, and let the chips fall where they may. I have never been an alarmist, and as I have grown older my politics have become consistently more moderate, but I have now joined a rapidly growing number of Americans who are in a genuine state of fear for the future of our Republic. To make matters worse, the number of elected officials who seem to share our fears, or have the courage to articulate them, is alarmingly small.

    We have become citizens in a society where we live in a state of perpetual war, where victory is neither defined or expected; the President has assumed nearly unlimited war powers; and preemptive attacks, torture, and secret arrests, without charge or access to counsel are not only theoretically possible but are now empirical realities. Had any political scientist in 1985 predicted that such a description would be an accurate picture of the United States in 2006, they would have been labeled insane, a communist, or both. Yet here we are, much like the frog in a pan of water with a slowly rising temperature. My question to you Senator Reid is when will enough be enough?

    I am convinced that my views, while not yet the majority view, are far from fringe opinions, and are growing in currency with every day’s news. I also believe that my views are an accurate description of the state of our nation. The Republican Party, starting with the late Lee Atwater, and culminating with the work of Karl Rove, have succeeded in systematically changing the rules under which “democracy” operates in the United States. The result is that our Republic is at risk, perhaps as never before.

    As my elected leader, if you share this view then I believe that it is your unambiguous moral obligation to lead the fight to defend our Constitution and the viability of our Republic. If I am wrong, then I encourage you and the Democratic leadership to explain to those who think like me why our nation is not at grave risk. Either way, millions of Democrats like me are looking for leadership instead of political tactics as usual. What I need from my Party is both a full-throated crticism of the present and an alternative vision for the future. Absent this, and as someone who has spent endless hours trying to talk California Greens back into the Democratic fold, I can assure you that huge numbers of otherwise loyal Democrats will be open to the idea of alternatives.

    One place to start defending our Constitution is for the Democratic Party to get behind Russ Feingold’s censure resolution. The floor debate on this measure could represent a dramatic forum for our Party to dispute the proposition that Homeland Security must necessarily tradeoff with our Constitutional Rights. Further to argue for such a tradeoff is un-American, a cynically false dillemma, and along with so many other Administration policies, serves to start us down the road to tyranny.

    Senator Reid, I have been proud to have you as my United State Senator since moving to Nevada in 1997. Now, in our time of need, millions of Americans are looking to you for both guidance and leadership. Please don’t let us down.

    Sincerely,

    Kirk L. Knutsen
    constituent


  378. Briseadh na Faire says:

    This was written after the 2000 election. It seems appropriate today:

    The marionette dances to the fiddler’s tune.
    Hey diddlee-i diddlee-o-o-o.
    And the string-master looks to the witch’s rune.
    Hey diddlee-i diddlee-o.

    With a clap and a slap
    And a point of the nose,
    (hey diddlee-i diddlee-oze)
    And a twist and a turn
    And around he goes,
    Hey diddlee-i diddlee-oze!

    Now the string-master’s finger got caught in the twine,
    Hey diddlee-i diddlee-ee.
    And the marionette drank all the people’s wine.
    Hey diddlee-i diddlee-ay.

    And the fiddler left town
    Yes, the fiddler left town,
    With the money that he stole,
    Yes, the money that he stole,
    With the money that he stole from the show.

    Hey Diddlee-I Diddle-O!

    If the Democrats cannot even censure a man who has committed international warcrimes and violated his oath of office, then the Democratic Party has sunken into irrelevance.


  379. A Patriot says:

    Although the call should really be for impeachment, at least Feingold has a pair! Bush and company thrive on our fear. If our elected representatives continue to give into his tyrannical and hateful intolerance rule, cowering like lemings whenever the word “unpatriotic” is chanted, they will continue to play right into the right-wing sucker punch.

    Bush has effectively bullied the congress into the “Patriot” act and the Iraq war. These right-wingers played the same game with the CIA by indirectly pressuring analysts to omit facts not advantageous to the administrations drum beat for war. The administration was then able to turn around and place all the blame on “bad” intelligence. Bad Bad intelligence.

    If Dems don’t follow Feingold’s example and speak clearly about Bush’s betrayal of our Constitution, people of reason and conscience will continue to be marginalized because our leaders don’t have the balls to speak the truth. With the VP at 18% approval and the Pres at 36% , what the f*ck are they waiting for?


  380. Bob Brookover says:

    I am no longer supporting the Democratic Party with financial help. I am only supporting specific
    candidates like Fiengold, Murtha, Harkin etc. I am supporting the Iraq veterans that are running for
    offices.



  381. TJ says:

    someone here mentioned “or else” as a consequence. these senators must fear for their lives.


  382. monstruo says:

    Patience grasshoppers.

    Now is not the time. If we try too much it may backfire and hurt our chances of gaining control of the senate and house. There will be time for censure and eventual impeachment proceedings after the Nov elections.

    In the end the American people will decide on impeachment in Nov.


  383. Geezer says:

    Russ, my man…you are the ONLY man in the senate with any BALL, any inteligence, any sense of morality…!!! This LOSER PRESIDENT, George Weasel is the worst of the worst, ignorant, cowardly, completely controled by others…like a golem…he is pathetic. To cower before the mere idea of such an creature is shameful. Well, that’s what we have, a nation of cowards…floating down that river in Egypt, afraid of the world, the future, themselves, their Mommies…. This “new America” is pathetic!!!


  384. Briseadh na Faire says:

    #384,

    escellent article!


  385. Hatemonger says:

    You fricking people are only good for a laugh. The laws this idiot claims were broken are being reworked, because, oh well, maybe, ummmm, intercepting communications in and out of the country between parties vowed to destroy the Great Satan, might be a good idea.

    Again, and Again, and Again, you people prove only one thing, your stupidity.



  386. secularhuman says:

    #38 Let America have a one party system for a few years more until this fat disgusting political system/military industrial complex pushes the American people to the brink.

    Been there. Done that.


  387. Don says:

    URGE FEINGOLD TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT

    The purpose of this petition is to urge Senator Russ Feingold to announce his candidacy for the Presidency in the 2008 election.

    Senator Feingold has been a consistent critic of the war in Iraq. He voted against the resolution authorizing the President to use force in Iraq and was the first senator to urge a withdrawal timetable for the troops. Since he was first elected to the Senate in 1992, Russ Feingold has built a record as a staunch advocate for working families by fighting for measures to lower health care costs, stop the flow of jobs overseas, and preserve and strengthen our public education system. He has made combating terrorism a top priority and has worked to give more resources to first responders on the front lines at home.

    Most recently Feingold introduced a resolution to censure President Bush for his “actions in authorizing the illegal wiretapping program and then misleading the country about the existence and legality of the program.” He says the resolution is “an appropriate and responsible step for Congress to take in response to the president’s undermining of the separation of powers and ignoring the rule of law.” Unfortunately Feingold received no immediate support from any Democrat in Congress. A nation of laws? The President violated the law but Russ Feingold is apparently the only one in our Congress who believes that the President is not above the law, and that the Congress is the Constitionally-appointed body for determining the law.

    Russ Feingold is used to being alone. He was the one dissenting vote in the 99 to 1 vote in the Senate against the Patriot Act in 2001 and the lone Democrat to vote against dismissing impeachment charges against President Clinton in 1999. Feingold is also known for leading the fight for campaign finance reform in the Senate with Republican Senator John McCain. Feingold has been a tireless leader in bipartisan efforts to restore fiscal discipline in Congress and reduce the federal deficit.

    “[Feingold] showed that a politician need not shelve his conscience to achieve success.”
    - “A Principled Win,” The Washington Post, November 5, 1998

    In this critical time of our nation’s history we desperately need a President who understands what it means to be an American.

    We, the undersigned, gladly sign this petititon to urge Senator Russ Feingold to run for President in 2008 because we need him, with his courage, his independence and his respect for our laws and our Constitution, as our President.

    ***************************
    http://www.petitiononline.com/Russ2008/petition.html


  388. queenofstuff says:

    Save Senator Feingold, the Democrats are a bunch of PW’d equivocating bloviators. Where is the leadership here?


  389. Craig Davie says:

    And you people, #389, prove again, and again, and again that you are too stupid to really get it…it is not the “intercepting communications in and out of the country” that is a problem; the problem is that we have a president who thinks he is above the law and needs not abide by the law of the land in order to do that intercepting of communications…

    There, now…got it???


  390. John says:

    Gawd…I feel like FINALLY someone has spoken for me! Thank you for your courage, Russ. Finally a man with a spine, to stand up for our Constitution and all we stand for.
    Thank you.


  391. Ryan Neat says:

    “You fricking people are only good for a laugh. Hatemonger”

    Well, that’s one more thing than you’re apparently good for.

    “The laws this idiot claims were broken are being reworked, because, oh well, maybe, ummmm, intercepting communications in and out of the country between parties vowed to destroy the Great Satan, might be a good idea. Hatemonger”

    Well first of all, these ‘laws’ cannot circumvent the constitution which is why you’re implying they should do. The constitution protects americans from evesdropping without warrants. But you are typical of the Nazi/Reichwing/Fascist retarded goons, who don’t realize that the FISA laws already permitted spying on terrorists, but that wasn’t enough for you and your fascist goons. Instead you decided to spy on AMERICANS, without cause, with proof, and without warrants. And it’s why you, and your president are unamerican fools.

    And the fact that you just don’t get how unamerican you are is typical of the RepublicaNazis. You are a fool, a coward, and an idiot – just like your ‘president’.

    “Again, and Again, and Again, you people prove only one thing, your stupidity. Comment by Hatemonger”

    You prove the old adage that you can only see yourself. Just because you’re too retarded to recognize the difference between spying on americans, and spying on terrorists doesn’t mean you’re unamerican, but it does mean you’re stupid.


  392. KC says:

    You rule, Senator Feingold! If you start a new party for the people, I’ll join!!!


  393. authorship says:

    Once again, Sen. Feingold has passed the spine test. He may be the Lone Ranger, but he is the MAN OF THE MOMENT. The GOP jettisoned its principles years ago. Presented with the road of opportunity paved by the most blogged-about Democract since Dean to call the president (employed by ‘We the people…’) to accountability – the Democrats are shameful, impotent, weighed in the balance and found wanting! THIS COUNTRY NEEDS A STRONG 3RD PARTY – LED BY THE CHIEF CHEESEHEAD, WHO’S THE MOST CEREBRAL … a man of UNPARALLEL INSIGHT AND THE COJONES TO TAKE A STAND IN SPITE OF THE SHAMEFUL ‘elected’ around him…and we won’t forget in November (Can you hear me now?)!


  394. Geoff Keenan says:

    Any liberal who doesn’t know that the Democrats have their hands in our wallets just as much as the Republicans are getting an education this week, I hope.

    Comment by unbelievable — March 14, 2006 @ 3:17 pm

    republicans have their hands on your wallet, your heart, your dick. wake the fuck up. go back to school.


  395. David Ashford says:

    It’s time to end Career Politicians grip on this country. We should have term limits for Congress and the Senate too. More fresh faces, fewer fat old men.

    Those people just don’t care. They have their pensions wrapped up. They don’t want to rock the boat.


  396. Joe Buckstrap says:

    The Repugnants have two things to offer America today:

    1. Fear
    2. Tyranny

    It is startling how the Repugnants will go to any lengths to shield the criminality of the Dumbya dictatorship.

    Worst of all, it is sickening to see the response of the Democraps. I don’t know who’s worse, the Repugnants for derogating the Constitution and the rule of law or the Democraps for refusing to make an issue of it.

    This is BEYOND politics! If we cease to be a nation based upon the rule of law we might as well do away with the pretense of Congress and the Courts and elections. Neither of these monopoly parties is worth supporting. In fact, anyone who voted for the Patriot Act should be thrown out of office.

    ****************************************************************

    “Terrorism is the best political weapon for nothing drives people harder than a fear of sudden death.” – Adolph Hitler

    “Naturally, the common people don’t want war … but after all it is the leaders of a
    country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country.” – Hermann Goering, In War


  397. EDalpe says:

    This issue has nothing to do with Democrat or Republican; titles mean nothing in today’s political climate. International corporations are the intuitions that hold sway over our republic, with a small “r”. Democrats and Republicans no longer answer to the voter, they answer to their shareholders.

    Immediately after Senator Feingold introduced a resolution to censure Bush, Senator Spector immediately blasted Senator Feingold for his actions. This is the same genius that formulated the “Magic Bullet Theory”! Hum… Apparently, Sandra Day Oconnor is right on target about belligerent Republicans. Oconnor recently told an audience at Georgetown University
    “Republican proposals, and their sometimes uncivil tone, pose a danger to the independence of the judiciary, and the freedoms of all Americans.”


  398. Old Woman says:

    This old lady stands behind Feingold. I have emailed my reps in Washington, but since I live in Arizona, I’m sure the emails went right into the trash file. I also emailed the DNC to let them know that my money goes only to courageous candidates who listen to the base, and I’ll decide who those candidates are.. not the DNC.
    I’m proud of Feingold, and couldn’t care less that he’s been married three times. He’s got cojones, and I hope to hell it’s contagious among his compatriots in the Democratic party.


  399. Mr.Murder says:

    The probability of the Censure requests passing is next to nothing.

    One would have to assume this was understood and had political use.

    Reps are running from Bush in their upcoming races and if anything plan to run off one another’s differences(Santroum and Specter, etc.) and this is a way to stick them to their vote.

    It would be the one chance to close the gap with world perception and take care of American business to the point we can actually confimr a coalition follow through.

    Then again Bush put it to this point. He and Rummy lost this war.

    just as the remfs used to say about ‘nam- “we never lost a battle” but the shot callers were in over their heads.

    Rummy was calling a lot of those shots by the way…
    Now it will stand on record where you stood when we were at the precipice of Democracy’s rollback at the hands of an unruly gang of PR wielding, deficit drunk assclowns…


  400. Mr.Murder says:

  401. Al C says:

    That was an excellent idea Old Woman, I just went to the DNC and did the same thing.


  402. Joe Buckstrap says:

    I think what the cowardly Democraps fear is getting more white powder in the mail from the Praetorian Guard.

    Despite Russ’s fortitude for faithfully adhering to his oath of office, his effort may be for naught.

    There are palpable indications that the Dumbya dictatorship shall reiterate synthetic terrorist attacks in the United States in order to declare Martial Law and suspend Congress and the Courts. Many of our brainwashed citizens – especially Bible thumping nincompoops – will support this final coup. Most likely the date of this psy-op will be this June 6 and the attacks will likely be engaged in 4 American cities. Here are a few indicators …

    1. Rumsfeld quietly modified the succession of government protocols for Doomsday scenarios during the Christmas holiday week. In such an event, his hand-picked sycophants will replace the various Secretaries of the Armed Forces branches.

    2. General Eberhardt, who was instrumental in disabling NORAD during the 9/11 attacks, recently said, “We should always be reviewing things like Posse Comitatus and other laws if we think it ties our hands in protecting the American people.” The General apparently thinks that he can unilaterally repeal acts of Congress and settled law, which prohibits the military from engaging in civil affairs.

    3. The closed military bases will be useful along with the gulags that Halliburton is building now for mass processing of “undesirables”. Rail lines conveniently connect to these camps. Rumsfeld must fancy himself the American Himmler.

    4. Dumbya recently issued an Executive Order bringing faith-based groups into the Homeland Security nexus. This is no doubt preparation for the preferential treatment of certain select groups in the aftermath of the attacks as preparations move swiftly for the installation of theocratic corporatocracy.

    Just like 9/11 was a date chosen for attacks, in part for the symbolic connotation of 911 and its association with emergency …. thereby reinforcing the myth that the attacks were externally contrived (despite an abundance of unassailable evidence indicating the attacks were an inside job) … using the date June 6 will have symbolic connotations for Christian zealots and their beliefs in Revelations, 666, the Apocalypse, End of Days and their yearning for Rapture. Despite his false piety, our Born Again inveterate liar and Mass Murderer-in-Chief has milked the support of legions of Bible thumping nincompoops in this country and they will be rejoicing for Dumbya when the 4 Horsemen blow up 4 American cities that day. You can expect the media to fall over itself milking every drop of Biblical significance as it eagerly inters the last vestiges of the Enlightenment and swear loyalty to the Fuehrer. All Dumbya, all the time our channel with the Lord and Saviour.

    Russ Feingold has shown us that Constitutional American Democracy is dead.


  403. Edward Buchman says:

    I wonder how many of those Democrats that did not vote to censure Bush take AIPAC bribe money?


  404. mr ho says:

    There are four entities who represent the most dangerous enemies to American liberties since George III.

    They are:

    1.The Neocons or Likudists who owe their personal allegiance to another country and now completely control our foreign policy. They lied and deceived us into the Iraq war and are demanding that more and more American soldiers die to preserve their own country and ideals.

    2. The Christian Evangelical right who is trying to force the United States into becoming a theocracy [Biblical Law Duetromony]] under their rule. They know in their hearts that they alone can restructure a secular humanist America into their idea of Heaven on Earth. [[ back to England with you! aka 'Falwellian' or 'Blow-u-up' Pundits ]]

    3. An element of American society that call themselves Patriots and are obsessively militaristic and great admirers of the corporate or fascistic state. Many of these have been very minor members of the American military and as a counterbalance to their reserve or rear area tours of duty, are rabidly in favor of draconian military action, the bloodier the better. Usually these drumbeaters are too old, or too fat, to fight and have no sons of draft age.[[The I-Right-I, Xtreme RW Freepers, bb guns, etc..aka 'Paint Ball Pundits' or 'Chicken Hawk' Pundits]]

    4. George W. Bush, who is the worst president in the history of the United States and directly responsible for the huge death tolls in Iraq, is determined to rule the United States until God puts a stop to him and is even more determined to force the American people into becoming obedient, Christian and self-sacrificing lemmings who worship at his shrine and march in step.[[ No Explanation Necessary for Buffoon Boy]]


  405. Kevin Burton says:

    Seriously. Feingold is my new hero.

    This is win/win for him though. Even if he looses out right now he’s going to be a hero to many Democrats sick of appeasing Bush. It will also force republicans to show they still support this looser.

    The tide has turned. Bush is sinking fast and we need to push him out.


  406. Pat Perkins says:

    It should be painfully obvious, to any astute observer, that the Bush administration is practicing the age old art form of premeditated political manipulation. Those Democrats who are bucking Feingold obviously have dirty hands, and the Repubs are well aware of that fact because they set them up in advance of this moment. In compromising their principals. those breakaway Democrats have effectively been neutered by the Rove/Abrahamson crowd. Any Democrat not siding with Feingold can be considered “suspect”. Russ Feingold should be put on a pedestal! As far as I’m concerned, he is above reproach.


  407. BillG says:

    Has anyone realized it yet?

    We need a new party to represent those who abhor the Bush disaster.

    Try to talk to a Democratic Senator about your feelings as a voter – or any staff member.

    They are NOT interested. Goodbye.


  408. The First Seal says:

    Soon enough the time will come for all evil men on this planet to pay the price they owe. This will include most all “politicians”.


  409. Anne says:

    Something is definitely amiss with the “Democratic” party. I think any one of them in the Congress or Senate that is not doing all they can to impeach Bush’ candyass out of the White House should be kicked out of Congress themselves. What a bunch of feckless little cowards. They care more about offending the lunatic fringe in this country than representing the interests of those who elected them. They are compicit in all of this as far as I’m concerned. If they do not have the guts to hold the criminals in the White House accountable at this stage of the game, then when? I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. We need a new party.


  410. BuffaloPundit » Blog Archive » I believe in the Environment. That’s why I’m standing in front of a river says:

    [...] When Clinton had a sub-50% personal approval, and 60% job approval rating, Republicans continually referred to him as “unpopular”. With Bush at 34% job approval, it’s pretty much Feingold and nobody else saying Bush is unpopular. [...]


  411. Liza B says:

    Perhaps Mr. Feingold should consider starting a new political party. We could call it Politicians with a Spine.


  412. Tony Carcirieri says:

    Never has it been so clearly illustrated why Swing voters go Republican rather than follow the wilting flowers of the Democratic members of the Senate. This last demonstration of timidness is embarrassing at best and horrifying at least. We are leaderless.


  413. Tallulah Bankhead says:

    Debbie Stabenow should be on ticket as Veep in 2 0 0 8. What a great gal!

    http://highvizpr.blogspot.com/2006/03/dangerously-incompetent.html

    “Dangerously Incompetent” indeed!


  414. Robert Borden says:

    I’ll bet that not a single member of the DNChas read through all these comments. They are so in hillary’s debt that they wouldn’t recognize ‘the handwriting on vthe wall’ if it was written in flaming letters. Russ Feingold represents the ACTIVE arm of the party. They = inactive!


  415. chuck says:

    Russ – grandstander and a terrorists’ best friend.

    Yes, because we all know that the Constitution is quaint and outdated. It’s great to praise the Constitution, but as soon as there is any kind of threat or enemy, it should be tossed out the window right away. The President should not be held to any standards at all, and Congress should just give him whatever he wants. He should be allowed to do anything and everything he wants in secret, without any pesky private citizens or reporters wondering what he’s up to. God, you people act like the President is our employee or something. Like we pay his salary or something. Like our government was based on checks, balances and transparancy or something.

    [Disclaimer: Of course, I mean everything I wrote here . . . unless the President happens to be a Democrat, of course.]


  416. .. says:

    [...] UPDATE: Feingold Accuses Senate Democrats of “Cowering” To Bush via TPM Published by Graham @ 11:10 [...]


  417. Briseadh na Faire says:

    BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH


  418. Tom says:

    Thank you Senator Russell Feingold. I am a Democrat, and I am appalled by the weak constitution of the many people we have elected to represent us Democrats. We should be electing officials of the like of Senator Feingold – those with conviction and conscience.


  419. ben says:

    This censure resolution is Russ’s way of saying to the history books “I did not sit by and watch the administration not be held accountable for violating the constitution.” Good for him.


  420. Mark says:

    #211 Makes my blood boil when someone say’s, like #203, that the ACLU defends the constituion….anyone with one eye and half a brain can see that the ACLU is, and has, used our beloved Constitution to attempt to destroy our great country and sublimate our traditions and rights…..

    Comment by Edward Teach — March 14, 2006 @ 6:06 pm

    So Mr Teach, please do tell how the ACLU is destroying the constitution by defending it? Give specific examples and please don’t use the “they defend flag burners” argumant because free speech is protected even if you don’t like it. Please do not use any of the arguments about them defending murderers with death sentences argument as they are working to ensure due process, as guaranteed by the consitution, is being followed. Please do not use the they help drug dealers get off on technicalities arguemnt either, as without it Rush Limbaugh is someones bitch in prison. But I do want specific instances of how they work against the constitution, not just idle I Hate the ACLU crap that is usually spewed.

    How about arguing issues where by the 4th amendment has dissapeared? How about arguing issues whereby the executive branch feels they have ultimate power to do what they please in the name of war…using this argument the president can cancell elections and stay in office till he feels the war is done. Why not argue issues which really do degrade the constitution?


  421. barbara harshav says:

    The democrats need to stop acting as if Bush has an approval rating of 100%!


  422. Sam Samalin says:

    The reason they’re afraid is that they’re being wiretaped. That is WHY Bush is wiretaping, to intimidate his political oppnents, their funders, judges, media and anyone who may run. Bush wiretaps them all. Welcome to slavery slaves.


  423. Sam Samalin says:

    PS: Thats why NIxon and J. Edgar Hoover wiretapped.


  424. Sharon Cox says:

    Good Morning progressives, how are ya.? Great posts all, Well with our heroes in place like Finegold, Murtha, Kuchenich and few others we have a good start. I for one am not going to stay home and not vote. I will vote for my choice. Hillery was a good choice at one time, not any more, she now is a Rep. Lite and supports the war.

    Noticed a few new Washington state posters who agree with me on Cantwell, nice lady I am sure but no longer going to get my vote, wrote and told her some time ago,” I helped put you in office and now will work to put you out.” No response. No suprise there, none of the party has responded to me at all except to ask for money.

    Some one recently told me they thought the Dem. party was sitting on the side lines watching and waiting for the true conservatives to take their party back. My coment was the Dem’s needed to take their party back also or start a new one. Maybe now, with so many voters saying and doing what I did they will listen, we can only do our best, hope for the best and prepair for the worst. Having said that we can make a diffrence even with a new party…..Blessings


  425. Nevena says:

    I am a liberal and a democrat and cannot stand those democrats like Lieberman that constantly try to please everyone. The democrats lost in 2000 and 2004 precisely because of these cowards, who didn’t do much but to stir up doubts as to where we, democrats, all stand. Dems should be forceful, critical and on the offensive if they are to regain respect and authority.