Cheney funding cut stripped from Senate bill.
By on Jul 13th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Cheney funding cut stripped from Senate bill.
In a 15-14 vote yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment introduced by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) “to strike language in the Financial Services Appropriations bill that would have barred funding for [Vice President Dick] Cheney’s office until he complies with an executive order Democrats argue compels him to provide information on classified data.”
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GD, which Dem is the traitor…
July 13th, 2007 at 5:21 pmSee! I told y’!
You Lefties will never learn!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 5:24 pmHow are GOPers the minority party able to pass amendments to help Cheney?
July 13th, 2007 at 5:25 pmBen Nelson.
Go eat your own now.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:25 pmWimps.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:25 pmRepeat after me: “Dick Cheney is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being on the face of the earth.”
The film should have been entitled: The Manchurian Congress.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pmSo prez are you saying that transparency and accountability for ones’ actions is only a democratic value? Gee, I thought that was what our democracy was built one. Why would any american be against that. I would demand this from either a democratic or republican.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:28 pmExactly HOW do these guys justify allowing Cheneyto not comply with the law?
Any chance “Lieberman” was involved in this vote? If so, his chair needs to be yanked.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:29 pmFrom the linked article: “The vote was 15-14 after Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., switched his position from earlier in the week and backed Brownback after a letter from White House Counsel Fred Fielding Thursday clarified the administration’s position.”
Hmmm — I wonder what “clarified the administration’s position” looked like on paper? Did they give him an offer he couldn’t refuse?
July 13th, 2007 at 5:30 pmComment by Mr. President — July 13, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
These idiots said, “It’s a done deal” “You have no power” “There’s no way around our judgment”
They were warned, Mr. President. They lost (as usual).
Let the lefty hype, non-delivery (thank God), CONTINUE!
July 13th, 2007 at 5:30 pmSen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska is a melon head imbecile and is more like LIEberman than a real Democrat.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:31 pmI’m so going to enjoy the coming lamentation and gnashing of teeth over Ben Nelson’s vote and how people are going to swear they’re never going to vote for him again.
And then, in the next elections, they’ll do exactly that. What else would they do? Vote for a Republican?
July 13th, 2007 at 5:32 pmSo you asshats like the fact that there is no transparency or accountability for the actions of our elected officials?
July 13th, 2007 at 5:33 pmIf any Democrat’s name is on the DC Madam’s list, then it would be someone like Ben Nelson. He is more GOPer than a DEM.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:34 pmNothing like those honest republicans. God bless them!
How about goddamn them to hell! Open government my a$$!
July 13th, 2007 at 5:36 pmNelson is such a goddam chickenshit. He’s one of these idiots who has no clue what people out there, even in his own state, think about Bush and Cheney.
Here’s a clue, Ben: They want you to do something to stop Bush and Cheney from destroying the country. Not lay down like a welcome mat. It’s called “oversight”, jackass. Try it some time.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:37 pmOr maybe you should be going after Emanuel, instead…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/22/AR2007062201809.html
You were rolled, guys – by your own people no less.
Wake up! You’re being played just like we’re playing with our religious nuts.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:39 pmAh the right just loves criminal activity.
Butt Slush the offical slurpy of CT_V1
July 13th, 2007 at 5:41 pmBuch Fush: Bwahahaha! Let me quote South Park’s Cartman: “Let me taste your unfathomable tears of sadness – oh, yes, mm, they’re so good!”.
Oh this is sweet.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:42 pmWell, if it had passed, it would have seemed like Congress was acknowledging that the office of the Vice-Presidency is indeed not part of the Executive Branch.
Congress isn’t buying that bullsh!t, anyway.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:43 pmThis is why I tell people I only live in Nebraska…I’m not from Nebraska (wasn’t raised here, thank FSM). Ben Nelson just lost my primary vote. Unfortunately, any D is better than any R in the general…
July 13th, 2007 at 5:46 pmWhat kind of namby-pamby idiots did we elect?
November was like a country wide (excuse my crassness)
Orgasm – - –
And now crap like this and “Impeachment is off the table”?
They all need to go.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:47 pm“The president has the power and authority to issue executive orders to do exactly what he wants,” said Nelson, a former governor.
I sure hope that everyone remembers this when Democrats take the WH! Whoever it is will certainly be inheriting a ton of power and will basically be able to do whatever they please.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:48 pmHere Future Turd a quote from Cheney – Go Fu(K yourself.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:48 pmOh yes. Vote out the dems with political connections and experience and vote in hillbillies and wild-eyed activists…
July 13th, 2007 at 5:49 pmComment by Buch Fush — July 13, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
We know that disappointed lefties must act out on their discontent, their losses.
Rest assured, little boy, there will be plenty of Republican piss for you to casually sip.
If that’s the best you’ve got, thanks for the massage.
July 13th, 2007 at 5:50 pmWorst news ever, such false hope was given and now you’ve written the administration another blank check.
If you’re not going to take away his money for not complying with the law what exactly will you do to help this Dick comply with the law?
July 13th, 2007 at 5:53 pmhahaha. We strike again. The doors of hell were opened 7 years ago and we all came through. There is NO stopping us now!
July 13th, 2007 at 5:58 pmhttp://bennelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Contact info for Nelson
July 13th, 2007 at 6:01 pmmore treason, when will we have enough of these murderers?
July 13th, 2007 at 6:02 pmNelson is from Nebraska, where they are apparently aren’t smart enough to master the bicameral system of state government. Thankfully, they’re the only unicameral state in the Union — a concept I’ll bet most of Nelson’s constituents can’t describe, spell, or pronounce.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:02 pmUnbelievable support for such a corrupt, un-American, fascist, POS.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:06 pmI just don’t understand the perverse glee that right-wingers on this site get from insulting people who want justice and accountability. What are you people so afraid of? Why do you feel so threatened when Congress (in their clearly defined Constitutional role of oversight) attempts to do its job? Clearly Cheney needs reining in – he may be the most corrupt, unscrupled, unprincipled, dishonest, power-hungry VP this country has ever seen. What will happen when the shoe is on the other foot (and it will be, never fear) and a Democratic VP acts in the same manner? Will you be just as “understanding” then? I’m going to venture a guess and say no – you’ll be screaming for his impeachment.
I just don’t understand how it is useful for you who are on the right to taunt and ridicule without engaging in honest debate about whether Cheney should have funding cut off because of his possibly illegal actions. How can we go anywhere in this country if people aren’t willing to engage in honest and fruitful dialog.
I’ve been reading this blog for a long time (although I don’t comment too often), and the comments from the “trolls” are just so nasty, hateful, spiteful and mean-spirited that it’s disheartening to think that people really behave this way. Can’t everyone just be civil and argue the merits of the post and not engage in personal attacks – or is that too much to ask?
Peace
July 13th, 2007 at 6:06 pm#32: Come on, now. Even Emanuel said it was just a stunt – never meant to actually defund Cheney.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:07 pmCan’t everyone just be civil and argue the merits of the post and not engage in personal attacks
What personal attacks have the trolls made in this thread? All personal attacks I see are from your side, attacking either the trolls, Nelson or Cheney.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:08 pmCT and FT,
We warned the Lefties not to get their hopes up, but did they listen?
It seems not!!!!
We are better than them, so we shouldn’t rub it in their faces too much!!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 6:12 pmThose sold out Dems just keep proving at the end of the day, they are no different. The ones that voted for it knew it wouldn’t actually go through, they just wanted to look like they were trying.
The whole damn thing is too corrupted.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:13 pmI don’t know about anyone being better than anyone else.
Seems some folks are real happy with a totally corrupted government.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:14 pmNebraska, where they are apparently aren’t smart enough to master the bicameral system of state government.
Shit most of them think a bicameral is something you ride in the desert.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:15 pmMy prediction is that when Democrats take a supermajority in the Senate next year, Ben Nelson and Joe Lieberman will be stripped of their committee positions and sent into the back corner where they can just sit and stew while real Democrats get things done.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:17 pmTime to primary some bluedogs and third-way-ers.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pmFor Truth: “Those sold out Dems just keep proving at the end of the day, they are no different.”
What the hell are you talking about? It was one conservative Dem who switched. What do you mean “they?”
July 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pmCheney scares the shit out of them. Boo!
July 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pmMr. President: I know. I kind of felt bad for Carol there and maybe I’ve been enjoying myself too much here. She was open and honest about how she felt, but unfortunately that’s just the way the system works these days.
You know, back in the old days, the guy who lost the Presidential elections was supposed to take up the post of the Vice President. In hindsight, the Founding Fathers had way too much faith in the patriotism of the presidential candidates and were amazingly naive as far as politics and human nature are concerned. It would have never worked.
It’s the same thing here. Quite frankly, I don’t understand why the dems played it this way because it was obvious that defunding Cheney would never happen. It might have been good for the country, but very, very bad for the political system. Just like having the loser of the elections as the VP.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:18 pmIt’s the tone of the posts – the constant taunting, ridiculing, dismissing, and nastiness when the trolls perceive that they’ve “won” a round (such as this vote today). Perhaps this particular post had no personal attacks (although it’s early…), but there’s enough nastiness and childish statements (i.e., They were warned, Mr. President. They lost (as usual). Let the lefty hype, non-delivery (thank God), CONTINUE!) to go around. Yes, we on the left get nasty too, but generally in response to something asinine some troll posted. And truly, I think most people here are sick and tired of having to deal with the ignorant and many times unfounded statements that are made. There are people here that want to honestly debate and are prevented from doing so when the threads are hijacked by people who have nothing useful to say other than insults and taunts.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:20 pmThe thing to do now (if it’s not too late) is to approve the funding but to make it clear that is for “that part of the Executive Branch known as the Vice-Presidency.” Cheney takes the money and thereby either acknowledges that he is part of the Executive Branch, or that he is just stealing the money from the American people.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:21 pmClean Sweep in 08 – everyone of these whimps need to go – both Republican and Democrat. And so far, there isn’t anyone in the cadre of candidates on the horizon with courage to lead honestly and who are not already in the pockets of the corporations – except Kucinich and Paul. Sorry to say.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:22 pmEggregious: We KNOW Cheney’s been stealing the people’s money – it’s called Haliburton.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:23 pmEggregious: But your idea is a good one to see if he’ll take the bait and seal his fate.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:24 pmComment by Future troll — July 13, 2007 @ 6:18 pm
Well, back then things were different. These Lefties have gone so far out in left field that they actually WANT America to fail.
Anyway, it is a good thing that the most of the people in this country are more level-headed.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:25 pmisis11: “Clean Sweep in 08 – everyone of these whimps need to go”
I’m sorry, but that’s just stupid. There are Democratic Senators who didn’t vote for the war authorization or the Patriot Act. There are Democratic Senators who are signing on to impeachment mandates. Get a frickin grip and figure out for yourself who they are. Now, I agree that if you’re given a choice between a moderate Dem and a progressive Dem, by all means go with the progressive. But, please keep in mind that congress is a complex political organism. The Senate was actually designed by the Framers of the Constitution to slow things down no matter who is in control.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:28 pmGD, which Dem is the traitor…
Comment by Ben B
I think it was Ben Nelson.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:30 pmTroll: “Anyway, it is a good thing that the most of the people in this country are more level-headed.”
Evidently, your head is so far up your ass that you haven’t noticed that over 70% of American want us out of Iraq.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:30 pmhese Lefties have gone so far out in left field that they actually WANT America to fail.
Anyway, it is a good thing that the most of the people in this country are more level-headed.
Comment by Mr. President
Dishonest, irrational, and therefore IRRELEVANT!!! NEXT!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 6:31 pmIf the Dems werent’ just lite versions of Republicans, we would have impeachment on the table.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:31 pmThat is an absolutely baseless, false, ridiculous and absurd statement and, while I realize I shouldn’t “feed the trolls”, I must object. This is exactly the kind of thing I’m talking about. We on the left are trying to save our democracy, one that we love deeply. I would like you to provide us with one instance (with a link) of a “lefty” who wants America to fail. That is so absurd it’s not even worth debating. We may disagree with this administration, we may hate what’s happening, we may fight against what we see as gross and egregious abuses of power, but we absolutely do NOT want to see America fail.
Please, please stop making this kinds of asinine statements that do nothing but inflame people and contribute to further divisions. It’s not helpful and you just validate your ignorance every time you post.
Peace
July 13th, 2007 at 6:34 pmIf the Dems werent’ just lite versions of Republicans, we would have impeachment on the table.
Comment by ForTruth
Now, there is some truth in this one. While we’re at it, is it possible to simply strip Cheney from the spending bill?
July 13th, 2007 at 6:34 pmThese trolls are working in the White House for Karl “Pinky” Rove. It looks like “The President” is our old friend Michale from the Huffington Post. He is really Karl Rove’s best friend, Jeff Gannon. They had to find a job for him after he was outed and lost his White House Press Pass. He is a paid prostitute (no, I don’t mean for being a troll on Progressive sites, he is actually a male prostitute and has worked for Karl Rove for a long time). He is now doing Karl’s bidding by going onto Progressive websites and being the ass he is in real life. Just ignore him. “Pinky” thinks he is so smart and that he can beat these ‘intellectual’ progressives at their own game. Ho Hum. But, don’t be too hard on “Pinky”, he was probably tormented on the playground until he was a senior in college.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:35 pmforTruth: “If the Dems werent’ just lite versions of Republicans, we would have impeachment on the table.”
Actually, you’re 180 degrees off. If Dems were like Republicans, they would have initiated impeachment proceedings as political theater knowing full well that they didn’t have the votes to convict, just as the Repubs did to Clinton. The Repub house knew damn well that there were no impeachable offenses; they knew they wouldn’t get a two-thirds vote in the Senate; it was pure theater to embarass Clinton instead of legislating, which was their real job. When Senate Dems get enough Repub support to override a veto, I’ll support House Dems beginning impeachment proceedings. Until then, it’s just hot air.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:35 pmEvidently, your head is so far up your ass that you haven’t noticed that over 70% of American want us out of Iraq.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
The People’s Republic of Colonistan?
July 13th, 2007 at 6:35 pmCarol,
I don’t know how long you’ve been on the net, but it sounds like you haven’t been around that long. Please believe me, I’m not trying to patronize you, but after you’ve been through about twenty years of BBS/internet debates and flamewars like me – both dishing it out and taking the hits – you’ve pretty much reached the conclusion that a) most on-line debate is futile and b) all debate on the net is much more rude than any real-life debate. From BBS and Usenet to these blogs, it’s always been sarcasm and insult galore. But it’s really not personal – it’s just the nature of this media. Don’t take the taunts and “nastiness” personally. Hit back and kick our troll butts like Zooey does everyday! You might even discover your inner troll…
July 13th, 2007 at 6:35 pmI don’t get it, why would anyone except the government be happy about sustaining the unaccountability of the government?
Baffling.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:36 pmHow many Dems are not influenced by big money/corporations, or the military contracts?
A handful.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:41 pmFuture, my dear, I have been around for a long time (a lot longer than I care to remember!), but it’s getting more difficult to maintain equanimity and not get disheartened. I disagree – I think the dialog has gotten worse in the past few years and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my trying to raise the level of discourse just a hair, even if it means being ridiculed. I appreciate your post – see, my posts did work a little, didn’t it? You posted something that was intelligent, sensitive and substantive without being nasty or taunting – and there was even some humor there!
Once in a while we have to get past the nastiness and rudeness and see if we can come to some kind of understanding, don’t you think? If everyone stays entrenched in their positions nothing is gained. Look at Iraq – even if you don’t agree with me, the President is so locked into his position that there is no other possible solution to him. That’s not helpful…
Thanks again!
Peace
July 13th, 2007 at 6:41 pm“The People’s Republic of Colonistan”???!!! Oh my god, that’s the funniest thing I’ve seen all day. Nailed it, TROS!
Loonie, only corporatists and cultists want unaccountability. Real Americans, whether in or out of government actually want transparency and accountability. That’s certainly what the Founders wanted so I would call it an American value. Corporatists and cultists are truly unamerican.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:46 pmNo shit, RCJR. I’m neither American nor resident in the US, and even I seem to actually care more about America than they do.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:49 pmFor Truth: “How many Dems are not influenced by big money/corporations, or the military contracts?
A handful.”
Now that’s a great question and it gets to the heart of what is breaking our system. They all need to feed from the same table because of the realities of what it now takes to get elected. However, it doesn’t follow from that that they’re all corrupt or coming from the same place politically. I just don’t believe that they’re all crooks and I believe that many of them sincerely value the idea of public service. But, there’s one surefire way to fix this: public funding of all federal elections.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:52 pmGetting rolled would mean that we would have to have believed that the Democrats are better in some way to the Republicans. I for one don’t buy one thing either side says or does. All that matters is how they vote or not vote. As far as I can see, the DLC and the NeoCOns are working together to fu*k the country.
Too bad you trolls seem to think it’s a good thing.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:53 pmSpudge: “Getting rolled would mean that we would have to have believed that the Democrats are better in some way to the Republicans.”
Since early in the 20th century, the Democratic party has generally been representing the working class and the Republican party has been representing the investor class. It was the Democratic party’s New Deal policies which created the strongest middle class in American history. Now, I know that it’s more complex than that, but in general, there is a difference. I’m just sorry people like you have come to the point where you don’t see it.
July 13th, 2007 at 6:58 pmRepublicans are simply making it easy for us next year. Keep obstructing, keep protecting criminals, keep ensuring the body count in Iraq rises. That equals supermajority for Democrats.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:04 pmComment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 13, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
I am not talking about the early 20th century or even the mid 20th century. I am talking about today’s modern Democratic party and in particular the Democratic Leadership Committee. I am not talking about history that has happened, I am talking about the history that is happening right this very minute.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:04 pmIt would take more than that Col. Great place to start, but it would have to go much, much, MUCH farther. There is so much money sloshing out of our children’s future piggy banks into global corporations that there has to be a war fought to sever the ties between the corpoCons and the corpoLibs. We currently pay farm subsidies to dead people who aren’t raising anything and openly admit it. Why? Because ADM and Monsanto want to keep a stranglehold on the market. They raise an obscene amount of government subsidized corn and soy, which drives the price of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oil down. Try buying a snack or grain product without either of those. YOU CAN’T. This stuff is the root problem of our obesity epidemic, but the FDA won’t do anything because they are staffed with Dairy, Beef, and Big Ag lobbyists. It will take a war.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:04 pmSpudge: “All that matters is how they vote or not vote.”
If you really believe that, how can you believe there’s no difference. Almost all Dems vote to get out of Iraq. Almost no Repubs vote that way. Dems vote for Stem Cell research. Repubs don’t. Dems vote for increasing minimum wages. Repubs don’t. Most Dems want some sort of universal healthcare or at least universal coverage. Most repubs don’t.
I enjoy your posts and believe you to be a very intelligent poster. I just want to understand you position….
July 13th, 2007 at 7:05 pmAnd for the record, the Democrats are demonstrably better than the GOP. Worlds better. When did the GOP even BRING UP Cheney and Chimpy’s lawlessness, let alone try to address it?
The day after never. Get a grip. We are still being rolled by the GOP, but not by much.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:06 pmSpudge: “I am talking about today’s modern Democratic party and in particular the Democratic Leadership Committee.”
OK, fair enough. But even members of the DLC consistently vote differenly than Repubs on most issues. Listen, I’m a balls-out liberal on every issue. I never voted for Clinton in a primary because he’s far too conservative for my tastes – but, I absolutely voted for him in the general because the alternative was unthinkable to me. I don’t like the DLC either, but I believe there is still a strong strain Democrats who could legitimately be called “New Deal Democrats.”
July 13th, 2007 at 7:08 pm“… just like we’re playing with our nuts…”
Comment by Future troll
I’m sorry, Mr. “Future Troll”, if that is your real name, but this is a family-oriented blog. If you continue to make such lewd statements here, management is going to have to ask you to leave.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:08 pmWell, all I can say on this one is, it looks like the Democratic incumbents on the committee don’t want their Senate seats any more.
Because theres going to be a lot of fresh faces occupying them come 08.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:11 pmMy position is that the NeoCons have spent years infiltrating every level of government from the local PTA all the way to the Oval office. They said they were going to do it. Now, if you were going to try and take over government at all levels, why would you only take over one side? That isn’t a good plan for take over of anything.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:11 pmBubble: if we provide public funding for all federal elections, there is absolutely NO reason for the Monsanto or ADM lobbyist to be in your representative’s or your Senator’s office.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:11 pmBTW Ret. Col. Jack Ripper, you aren’t getting your DLC and DNC mixed up are you? The DLC is who decided to back Joe Lieberman instead of Ned Lamont. Don’t you think there is a reason for that? We knew there was issues with Lieberman years before this happened. How come the DLC didn’t?
July 13th, 2007 at 7:13 pmWake up! You’re being played just like we’re playing with our religious nuts.
Comment by Future troll
Oh, BTW, this EXACT same line got used before, about a month ago, by Jake at the time. EXACT. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say Jake and Future Troll are the same person.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:18 pmSpudge, Neocons are “corporatists.” They believe that a form of corporate oligarchy is the most effective and efficient way to run a country, with a small group of “special gentlemen” making the decisions for the masses. I just don’t think you would find many democrats who agree with that. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree, but thanks for your explanation.
Note to trolls: this is how you have an adult disagreement without resorting to juvenile, snide, personal attacks. Thank you, Spudge.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:18 pmNo, Spudge, I know the difference and I don’t agree with the DLC. They seem to think the way to political power is to work corporations better than Repubs have been doing. I come from the opposite camp. I believe the biggest problem with our system today is the political power of corporations and I think we the people should take that power away from them.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:21 pmRet. Col. Jack Ripper,
We are on the same page, but you are more optimistic than I am. That is where we diverge.
There are good Democrats. Way more than good republicans. But, I feel that there are more bad than more good, so the scales are tipped towards the bad ones. Russ Fiengold, Jim Webb, guys and gals like these are fine Americans. Hillary and Obama can blow me. The problem is that none of the good Democrats have a chance to win the presidency, because they AREN’T bought and paid for by corporations.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:27 pmI must admit, while I’ve tried to keep faith in the democratic congress, that jobs getting harder and harder every day.
In fact, I’m thinking of quitting.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:36 pmNo, Spudge, I know the difference and I don’t agree with the DLC. They seem to think the way to political power is to work corporations better than Repubs have been doing. I come from the opposite camp. I believe the biggest problem with our system today is the political power of corporations and I think we the people should take that power away from them.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
Absolutely. There was a time when the NeoCons were not bought and paid for as well. Any corporate influence in the operation of government will lead to corruption. It is the nature of profit. It always needs more and the ultimate profit generating system, is the political system.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:38 pmBen Nelson of Nebraska all too often votes with the Repugs.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:43 pmWhat the hell is wrong with him?
Are the people in Nebraska that stupid?
Are the people in Nebraska that stupid?
Comment by Marie
Yes?
July 13th, 2007 at 7:43 pmSpudge, maybe I am more optimistic, I don’t know. But, I am what they call a “true believer.” Jefferson saw corportions as a new way of setting up a landed aristocracy. A landed aristocracy or oligarchy is distinctly Unamerican. De Touquville (spelling?) wrote that the only problem with American capitalism was that if it got to big, it would become amoral. The Founders were all about doing the decent, moral thing for citizens (”provide for the general welfare…”)
The only real difference between our modern society and the rest of the industrialized world is the political power we have given corporations. All good things flow from taking that power away from them – war profiteering, the lack of universal healthcare, the broken state of our Fourth Estate, etc. etc.
I don’t believe that Dems like Hillary and Obama are bad people. I think they are pragmatic moderates who are trying to get elected. I would predict that an administration run by either one of them would be night and day different from what we’ve got with this maniac.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:45 pm#33 Carol Soprano
July 13th, 2007 at 7:45 pmWell said.
We don’t hear from you often, but when we do, it’s a good one.
I must admit, while I’ve tried to keep faith in the democratic congress, that jobs getting harder and harder every day.
In fact, I’m thinking of quitting.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 13, 2007 @ 7:36 pm
That’s right! The DNCC Democrats are useless Corporate Facists just like the Repugniscums! This is why I won’t vote for Hillary.
The heart of the party is in the hands of Dr. Howard Dean. This is the side of the party that attracts independents. Just as the Repugniscums need to expel the neocons in their party; the Democrats need to expel the Corporate SuckA$$es in their party!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 7:47 pmThe Democrats are NOT IN POWER. They were allowed to take just a bare majority in name only. ANYTHING they try to do is blocked by an OBSTRUCTIONIST GOP, but a GOP not identified to the American garbage news consuming public as obstructionist.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:53 pmAfter the 2000 theft, it is difficult not to look at this whole situation (the current American Congress) as having been rigged by Karl Rove et al.
While the Democrats accomplish nothing, the GOP is able to get their message out through the MSM that the Dems have the power but do nothing and in order to retain checks and balances we need a Republican president in 08.
It could not have been rigged better for the GOP than it is today.
MARK MY WORDS; there will be a GOP president in the WH in 08. And he likely will not have gotten there as a result of a fair election.
So, Dixie Blood, if it comes down to a choice between Hillary Clinton, who pledges to get troops out of Iraq and persue universal healthcare if she wins or Mitt Romney, who pledges to “stay the course” in Iraq and continue the current healthcare “system”, do you pull the lever for Hillary or do you stay home and risk letting Mitt win? Unfortunately, that may be the question.
I really do understand your position, but I want to know what you’ll do next year in November.
July 13th, 2007 at 7:58 pmThanks, Marie – I appreciate that! I don’t comment too often, but I am here all the time (lurking and reading) and sometimes I just have to say something! :)
Peace to you
July 13th, 2007 at 8:00 pmAnyone just hear breaking news that Bush is invoking Executive Privilege again, in the investigation over the death of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan?
July 13th, 2007 at 8:03 pmSo, Dixie Blood, if it comes down to a choice between Hillary Clinton, who pledges to get troops out of Iraq and persue universal healthcare if she wins or Mitt Romney, who pledges to “stay the course†in Iraq and continue the current healthcare “systemâ€, do you pull the lever for Hillary or do you stay home and risk letting Mitt win? Unfortunately, that may be the question.
I really do understand your position, but I want to know what you’ll do next year in November.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 13, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Simple. Hillary.
When I spoke of never voting for Hillary I should have made more clear. I meant in the set of Democratic candidates currently running.
There is not Repugniscum on EARTH that will get my vote until…never!!!
I hope that’s cleared up…
July 13th, 2007 at 8:04 pmWell if that vote was between Hillary Clinton and Ron Paul my answer would be easy.
But if Hillary and a neocon are the only two major party choices, then my guess is its going to be a banner year for the independents.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:06 pmWill someone please get rid of the Nelsons. Both Ben and Bill are traitors to the Democratic party and need to be voted out of office.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:09 pmWell if that vote was between Hillary Clinton and Ron Paul my answer would be easy.
But if Hillary and a neocon are the only two major party choices, then my guess is its going to be a banner year for the independents.
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 13, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
I like Ron Paul but he will never be nominated by a bunch of mouth-breathing Jesus mongering racist that dominate the area of our country snugly tucked just beneath the Mason-Jar (usually called Mason-Dixon) Line.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:15 pm“http://bennelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Contact info for Nelson”
Do contact Nelson. Just make up an address and use the city Omaha and the zip code 68104. Otherwise his form may reject your comment.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:15 pmAnyone just hear breaking news that Bush is invoking Executive Privilege again, in the investigation over the death of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan?
Comment by BARTLEBEE
Cheney shot him? i knew it.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:15 pm“I like Ron Paul”
Have you ever really read up on him? His votes are mostly as right wing as Bush and if not, they are libertarian. The only thing he says that a true Progressive would agree with is his stance on Iraq. He’s right on that one.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:16 pmHave you ever really read up on him? His votes are mostly as right wing as Bush and if not, they are libertarian. The only thing he says that a true Progressive would agree with is his stance on Iraq. He’s right on that one.
Comment by Katie
He is very pro-bsiness and privatization. However, he does say the the Income Tax is illegal. Thats something.
July 13th, 2007 at 8:17 pmAnd then, in the next elections, they’ll do exactly that. What else would they do? Vote for a Republican?
They should. Ben Nelson is better than idiot Chuck Hagel. Wanna trade?
July 13th, 2007 at 8:21 pmThe only thing he says that a true Progressive would agree with is his stance on Iraq. He’s right on that one.
Comment by Katie — July 13, 2007 @ 8:16 pm
Katie,
My focus is to end the slaughter of American soldiers first and foremost. Ron Paul is the only Repugniscum running, as you point out, that would end this bastard born war!! That’s enough for me in the short term. I wish things were better in both parties…they aren’t…Now I have to go puke. Thinking over my choices in both parties has made me very sick!!
July 13th, 2007 at 8:23 pmCheney shot him? i knew it.
Comment by willyloman — July 13, 2007 @ 8:15 pm
You may be closer to the truth than you know.
Tillman was a Wellstone like thorn in the side of the Bush administration.
He was easily the most visible and popular soldier serving in the middle east, and he was also one of the most credible and visible opponents of the war in Iraq.
And then, he died.
Not by enemy fire, but by friendly fire, that to this day cannot be explained, as he was shouting, and witnesses standing next to the shooters had already identified him, but the soldiers just kept firing.
And so another of the Administrations most damaging opponents, was silenced. Permanently.
And now, when the Congress wants to investigate that death, Bush invokes Executive Privilege.
hmmmmm
July 13th, 2007 at 8:55 pm[...]And now, when the Congress wants to investigate that death, Bush invokes Executive Privilege.
hmmmmm
Comment by BARTLEBEE — July 13, 2007 @ 8:55 pm
Excellent post! You are right on point!!
July 13th, 2007 at 9:03 pmscuuse me, i need to go wank off now. back in a sec.
July 13th, 2007 at 9:03 pmscuuse me, i need to go wank off now. back in a sec.
Comment by Mr President — July 13, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
“i need to go wank off now. back in a sec.”
A second? Figures…For Repugniscums, a second is holding out for your partner’s needs and desires!! Otherwise you’d be gone an a Yocto second!! That’s 10 to the -44 power!
It’s nice to see you commit to a full 1 second of sex with yourself and others!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 9:29 pmSo, Dixie Blood, if it comes down to a choice between Hillary Clinton, who pledges to get troops out of Iraq and persue universal healthcare if she wins or Mitt Romney, who pledges to “stay the course†in Iraq and continue the current healthcare “systemâ€, do you pull the lever for Hillary or do you stay home and risk letting Mitt win? Unfortunately, that may be the question.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 13, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Unfortunately what you have outlined here is exactly why I feel the way I do. I don’t get a choice of who is the Democratic candidate. Zero. I don’t want fu*king Hillary Clinton for president. I don’t believe her when she says she will bring the troops home. Sorry, but, I DO NOT think Hillary has our or the American people best interests at heart. Hillary has profitted off of this war and still won’t admit it was a mistake starting the war.
I also don’t want smooth talking Barrack “I think impeachment should be off the table” Obama for president either.
July 13th, 2007 at 9:58 pmComment by Nas — July 13, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
Sorry, I don’t use any form of that word, so no I am not down with you.
July 13th, 2007 at 10:08 pmSo, Dixie Blood, if it comes down to a choice between Hillary Clinton, who pledges to get troops out of Iraq and persue universal healthcare if she wins or Mitt Romney, who pledges to “stay the course†in Iraq and continue the current healthcare “systemâ€, do you pull the lever for Hillary or do you stay home and risk letting Mitt win? Unfortunately, that may be the question.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper — July 13, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Now you toss in a new variable. Healthcare.
Before I discuss these choices further you need put all of the variables you perceive between all of the candidates on the table and stop playing “what about if X was this and then I toss in Y to muddy the argument”…It’s a very cheap, cheap debating technique employed by the military and shallow middle managers working in this corporate sucking facist government!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 10:17 pmComment by Nas — July 13, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
Seems Nas$ is an As$$!!
July 13th, 2007 at 10:18 pmAhhh………that was real nice!
If only I had a blow-up doll girlfriend to cuddle with, I’d be a happy man.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:17 pmIf only I had a blow-up doll girlfriend to cuddle with, I’d be a happy man.
Comment by Mr President
Good Lord, man… even SHE turned you down???
July 13th, 2007 at 11:31 pmshooter must have invited Nelson over to the VP digs…of course lil shooter (Lynne) was there in her little fury nightie. Both the fat asses fell asleep after 5 beers… but lil shooter still had her “imaginary lover”
annie coultergeist…
Sorry to paint this unsavory picture, but TP needs to pick it up.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:44 pmGood Lord, man… even SHE turned you down???
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
She put him out on the street turning tricks for crack.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:56 pmSorry to paint this unsavory picture, but TP needs to pick it up.
Comment by Pat
Oh, that’s okay Pat… uh, excuse me for a minute, okay? I need to go someplace private and CLAW my own own eyeballs out of their sockets after reading that. I’ll be back, shortly.
July 13th, 2007 at 11:58 pmFkn idiots.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:19 amFkn idiots.
Comment by Neeko
Perhaps you’d care to expand on that.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:24 amI would like you to provide us with one instance (with a link) of a “lefty†who wants America to fail. That is so absurd it’s not even worth debating. We may disagree with this administration, we may hate what’s happening, we may fight against what we see as gross and egregious abuses of power, but we absolutely do NOT want to see America fail.
Comment by CarolSoprano — July 13, 2007 @ 6:34 pm
Gary Kamiya: “I have at times, as the war has unfolded, secretly wished for things to go wrong,†Kamiya acknowledged. “Wished for the Iraqis to be more nationalistic, to resist longer. Wished for the Arab world to rise up in rage. Wished for all the things we feared would happen. I’m not alone: A number of serious, intelligent, morally sensitive people who oppose the war have told me they have had identical feelings. Some of this is merely the result of pettiness — ignoble resentment, partisan hackdom, the desire to be proved right and to prove the likes of Rumsfeld wrong, irritation with the sanitizing, myth-making American media.â€
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/154.html
One small instance. ;)
July 14th, 2007 at 12:58 am#123 ~ Nah, I agree… that sums it up pretty well.
July 14th, 2007 at 1:00 amThat’s right, you deluded, self-important ass-wipe. Cull up the comments of one crank, and try to claim it represents all of us. Why, that’d be like saying Ann Coulter talks for all Righties when she calls for judges to be poisoned.
Hmmm… actaully she does speak for you, doesn’t she?
;-) ;-) :-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) :-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)
July 14th, 2007 at 1:02 am#123 ~ Nah, I agree… that sums it up pretty well.
Comment by DM
Okay, you 2… time to get a room…
July 14th, 2007 at 1:08 amComment by The Republic of Stupidity — July 14, 2007 @ 1:02 am
Dang it, stupid, I really thought ya were catching on. Don’t worry, bud, I’ll help ya out. Carol posted: I would like you to provide us with ONE instance (with a link) of a “lefty†who wants America to fail.” Stupid, she asked for one lefty, I gave her one lefty. Read back through my post and point out where I said that particular lefty represents Carol, or Stupid or any other particular lefty. Calm down a little, buddy. It’ll be ok. ;)
July 14th, 2007 at 1:31 amA tell all guide to troll-spoting
http://www.benfrank.net/disinfo/#top
pass it on.
July 14th, 2007 at 1:48 amThankfully, they’re the only unicameral state in the Union — a concept I’ll bet most of Nelson’s constituents can’t describe, spell, or pronounce.
Comment by J Lewd — July 13, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
The mark of a true lefty. If you disagree with the actions of a Sen/Rep, slam the residents of his district. ;)
July 14th, 2007 at 1:51 amComment by willyloman — July 14, 2007 @ 1:48 am
Very interesting, will. ;)
July 14th, 2007 at 2:00 amDick Cheney comply with the law?
Mahahahaha
Might as well ask for Osama Bin Laden to become a member of Brookings.
July 14th, 2007 at 7:05 amDo we need a guide to spot trolls? They’re the illiterate ones who are always sneering, gloating, or blaming Bill Clinton.
July 14th, 2007 at 9:18 amA silly peice of showmanship that was doomed to fail before it even got started. A pure distraction to make it seem like some Democrats have a backbone when we know they don’t.
The Dems are in the majority of both Houses. That means they can stop this war by cutting off funding. Biden and the rest of the shills covering these clowns’ asses claim they need sixty seven votes. Funny, because the Republicans in the minority can stop whatever bill they choose, but the Democrats need sixty seven votes to stop any bill that has war funding in it.
Which of course begs the question: why? By now, it’s clear that the Democrats are not interested in stopping this illegal and immoral occupation. Is it only because of 2008?
That’s probably a big part of it to be sure. But keep in mind that all the politicans are now talking about an indefinite occupation. One of our fourteen “embassies” is larger than the Vatican. The only Dem Presidential candidates talking in terms of a complete pull out are not anywhere near currying enough corporatist media favor to have a chance of winning.
So not only do the Dems resist the expenditure of political capital associated with the inevitable bloodbath that will ensue when we disengage, they’re hearts aren’t in it to begin with. When we explain their inaction solely by craven political motivation, we overlook this undercurrent of treasonous allegiance to corporate interests, now unanimous between the two parties.
So they offer us this meek poke at Cheney as a flaccid substitute for defending our Constitution against the rampant and egregious clear-cut violations.
As much as I’d like to see the criminals pay, it’s an even larger issue than merely these bastards. Moyers had an enlightening chat with Bruce Fein (and ultra-right Constitutional expert in fact) and John Nichols. These two polar opposites of the political spectrum were unanimous in asserting that failure to hold this administration accountable will have disastrous repercussions in future Presidencies, not unlike the Ford pardon of Nixon that energized these criminals.
This is hardly a partisan issue — we MUST impeach.
July 14th, 2007 at 10:30 amPerhaps you’d care to expand on that.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — July 14, 2007 @ 12:24 am
I’m referring to the pathetic cop-out that has once again happened. Why the fk did Nelson puss out?? I’m so tired of these pathetic morons that always back down when dealing with “leaders” that are obviously corrupt and out of control.
Why are they such wimps? Did the wiretapping find dirt on all of them? Are they slaves to their financiers? We voted them in to make changes but they’re following the Hillary plan of play it safe and don’t make waves.
I’m tired of this. Let’s only vote in people that are financed by the people. Folks from other countries organize protests and raise hell when they aren’t happy with the current state of affairs. Why are we so complacent?
We allow people that could be great protest leaders to be chewed up by the media. Cyndy Sheehan and Micheal Moore have said as much. Why do it if it just leads to pain without progress.
July 14th, 2007 at 12:19 pmSounds like Congress doing what German parliament did in WWII: Enabling a dictator.
July 14th, 2007 at 5:29 pmJUST PROVES WE NEED MORE DEMOCRATS IN 2008 TO GET THINGS DONE.
July 14th, 2007 at 5:47 pmCheney is not above the law. He must comply with this executive order. It is ridiculous for him to say that he is not part of the executive branch or that he is part of the legislative. This argument was so juvenile that he has now abandoned it. His argument that he is not an agency is also ridiculous. He must comply with the law. While Congress has suffered a setback they will continue to push him on this critical issue.
July 15th, 2007 at 12:17 amIf Nelson hadn’t voted to give Cheney a pass, he threatened his own re-election. In my state (the one so many of you gleefully slammed, and in so many ways, it is deserving) one is either a DINO or a Republic…if you want to hold office. Our “conservative” tilt isn’t negotiable, and Nelson wants to hang on to his seat.
I was not surprised by his vote, nor will I be surprised by the response I get from my message to him that he has enabled further violations of the constitution by Cheney/Bush. He knows I won’t have much choice during the next election-it will be between Nelson and some neanderthal fundie with good hair, and I will vote for him over the Reduncelican. Sad, but true.
July 15th, 2007 at 11:03 amWhat, were they afraid he was going to shoot them?
This is absurd. Everytime the freaking congress says they’ll do something to make a point against the corrupt Bush Administration they pussy out.
Asses.
July 15th, 2007 at 9:44 pm