ThinksGiving: ThinkProgress Reader Henry Waxman
ThinksGiving: ThinkProgress Reader Henry Waxman
Our guest blogger is Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).
In my role as Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I know firsthand how important accountability is and the positive impact it has on our government.
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Waxman; PLEASE put impeachment of Bush/Cheney ON the table.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:18 pmKeep the spotlight on the cockroaches, Rep. Waxman!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:22 pm#3 Links to further information, please? That’s a strong accusation against the leading advocate of open-government reforms, and I, for one, would like to know where you are getting your facts.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:28 pm“certain officials in this country are engaged in treason against the United States and its interests and its national security” and nothing is done about it.
Well, Henry time to get to it, or has GW666’s illegal spying on you have a little blackmail on you too?
Bush/Cheney
Hague Trials ‘09
Buck Fush
November 19th, 2007 at 1:36 pmOops, sorry. My link is the same as Trips.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:37 pmIn my role as Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I know firsthand how important accountability is and the positive impact it has on our government.
We thank you for what you are doing, but if you don’t start enforcing subpoenas, everything you do will be a waste of time. You have a very potent tool available to you, Inherent Contempt, now use it!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:37 pmKeep up the good work, Congressman Waxman.
I hope my many many many faxes to you (and pretty much every other member of congress) isn’t over doing it.
;-)
Joshua E.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:38 pmNYC 10011
Comment by RemoveBush — November 19, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
Just read Zooey’s link. This looks bad, but it could also risk looking like a partisan vendetta if Waxman pursued it aggressively. I admit, I would love to hear what this woman knows and how she knows it, but it’s perfectly understandable that no credible news agency would touch her story with a ten-foot pole as long as it has the Damacletian sword of a judicial gag-order hanging over it. Does the public have a right to know? Yes, but expecting an outlet in our corporate-dominated media to willingly open itself up to criminal proceedings for violation of a court-order is just plain gullibility. Sad, but true.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:39 pmWaxman/Feingold ‘12
November 19th, 2007 at 1:44 pmwhoa… even TP doesn’t want the S.E. info here…
didn’t know you’d be stepping into THAT snake pit, did ya henry?
too bad… keep your promise…
and that matter of INHERENT CONTEMPT… USE IT.
keep up the investigations, sir… but, really, you have ENOUGH.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:44 pm.
Comment by Sahu — November 19, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Rep Waxman shouldn’t have made promises then. If he truly wants to conduct investigations, then he ought to do that — not pick and choose.
“Yes, but…” I’m sorry that you feel like the media gets a pass on this issue. It’s only our democracy we’re talking about here.
If Sibel Edmonds would talk to TheZoo, we’d be there in a heartbeat, consequences be damned.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:45 pmWow, just watch the posts about SE go poof. What did they do, promise Waxman that any negative posts about him would be immediately deleted. Come on TP, don’t post a blog by someone who can’t stand the heat. Shame on you!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:46 pmAlot of the comments here so far strike me as opinionated belly-aching of the kind that has plagued every progressive cause. Whatever pet peeves you’re nursing, Waxman is a hero. He has done more to bring accountability to our present reckless, often criminal government, than most others in public or private life.
I’m going to contribute the $ online in support of his words, and I urge you to do the same.
Remember, we may be on the left, but the corruption we’re seeing isn’t a left/right issue or a blue/red issue. That’s just camouflage. Bush, Abramoff, and their many sundry cronies are criminals.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:47 pmTP, Admin…
November 19th, 2007 at 1:48 pmCan we at least get an explanation for the censorship?
I don’t see how the posts break any rules. Please explain.
You know TP, taking down posts about SE is what is commonly known as censorship. I thought you didn’t do that here. Shame, Shame, Shame.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:49 pmNow we know TP watches posts & deletes them at will if not liked.
Who’s watching you?
November 19th, 2007 at 1:49 pmExcuse me, TP, but what is going on here?
Deleting the posts regarding Sibel Edmonds does not make the issue go away.
Could we get a statement from an admin regarding this wanton censorship?
November 19th, 2007 at 1:51 pmAlot of the comments here so far strike me as opinionated belly-aching of the kind that has plagued every progressive cause. Whatever pet peeves you’re nursing, Waxman is a hero. He has done more to bring accountability to our present reckless, often criminal government, than most others in public or private life.
There is no “opinionated belly-aching” going on, just a challenge to Waxman to do the right thing. And Waxman will never be a hero until such time as he follows through on something like enforcing subpoenas or instituting impeachment proceedings against Busharruf/Chaney. All he has done thus far is talk about the crimes of these people and write letters “asking” for information he knows he’s not going to get until he enforces subpoenas.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:52 pmIt’s funny how all the SE posts have been scrubbed, but “Shau’s” post…the one which precipitated the whole deluge, is allowed to stand.
I call shenanigans, TP.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:52 pmThis guy can’t even think for himself. He just votes along with Pelosi and Reid 97.5% of the time and investigates whomever they think needs investigating.
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/w000215/
Comment by cold_hard_left
So, when the Democrats vote the same as each other it means that they “can’t think for themselves”. What is it when the Republiscums rubber stamp everything Busharruf wants for six years?
November 19th, 2007 at 1:55 pmMr. Waxman,
Your over site leadership, has been one of the best watched shows on tv and live streaming this season! However, watching has made this viewer even madder than before your season began. So, what will your committee do with all the results that have darken our policies and inter-agencies that effected governments roll? Impeachment - but why is no one being held accountable for all of the crap that keeps surfacing in your committee? I just don’t understand how no one is held to their oath of office nor to the American tax payer?
Don’t make all your hard work mean nothing! Do what is required as an important part of checks and balances! And continue to remind your minority colleagues that when they were in control, they were part of this problem and allowed this to be part of the norm in not doing their job in the over site committee!
November 19th, 2007 at 1:55 pmZimzone:
Actually, we knew that a long time ago, ZZ…but now we know another one of TP’s “hot buttons” by name.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:56 pmI can’t access the links.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:56 pmWhat’s up with Sibel Edmonds?
because this Admin. have ass-whipped the Dems if they seem theleast bit soft on terrorism.
just like communISM — the “so called war on” terrorISM is a joke.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:57 pmmight as well put them back up, TP…
cat’s out of that bag… and you look bad for trying to hide it…
just sayin’…
November 19th, 2007 at 1:57 pmWe don’t do 9/11 conspiracy theories on ThinkProgress. There are plenty of places to discuss that, but not here. We’ve been clear on that.
Rep. Waxman is expressing his support for this community. I would hope that — even if you have disagreements with him — you could demonstrate your differences in a more civil manner.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:59 pmSounds like someone needs to investigate Waxman.
Comment by cold_hard_left
For what, loon? Because he is trying to hold the Busharruf administration accountable for the crimes they have committed?
November 19th, 2007 at 1:59 pmWilco, go here.
November 19th, 2007 at 1:59 pmI sent TP a message asking why they’re censoring posts on this. You guys should do the same if you already haven’t. They’ve always contacted me in the past.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:00 pmRep. Waxman is expressing his support for this community. I would hope that — even if you have disagreements with him — you could demonstrate your differences in a more civil manner.
Comment by Faiz
So Faiz, when you post one of your solicitations for contributions, we are supposed to bow down and kiss the feet of the people you solicit to do your bidding. There was nothing uncivil about posters here asking Waxman questions about Sibel Edmonds. I am beginning to regret the contribution I made to TP.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:01 pmI would hope that — even if you have disagreements with him — you could demonstrate your differences in a more civil manner.
Comment by Faiz — November 19, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Sorry Faiz, I have to call BS on that. My posts were nothing but civil.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:01 pmFine Zooey. It’s still 9/11 conspiracy. Take it somewhere else.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:02 pmWe don’t do 9/11 conspiracy theories on ThinkProgress. There are plenty of places to discuss that, but not here. We’ve been clear on that.
Give us a break. The story Sibel Edmonds has to tell is not a 9/11 conspiracy theory, it is a tale about government corruption. Nice try though, we aren’t buying your excuse for censoring the mention of Sibel Edmonds.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:03 pmFine Zooey. It’s still 9/11 conspiracy. Take it somewhere else.
Comment by Faiz — November 19, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Well, maybe we should all be taking our business elsewhere. I’m so damn mad that I got duped into donating money to this site. I want a refund!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:04 pmWe don’t do 9/11 conspiracy theories on ThinkProgress. There are plenty of places to discuss that, but not here. We’ve been clear on that.
Comment by Faiz
I certainly appreciate this sentiment, but it’s proven unfounded on here time and again. People post regularly on the subject. But on this thread, it’s deleted. I understand wanting no disprespect toward such a man as Waxman, who is certainly deserving of respect. But I don’t see how censoring is really respectful either. I hope he wouldn’t find it respectful. Censorship never is.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:05 pmI’ll do that, Faiz.
See ya.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:06 pmAnd then there’s Daniel Ellsberg: “Now, Sibel is a person who has been checked out a good deal by some of the senators she’s talked to - Senator Leahy, Senator Grassley, Republican - they have always said, repeatedly, that she’s extremely credible. The FBI agents we’ve talked to have, in every respect that was raised, have confirmed her story - that she’s a very credible witness. Representative Waxman, to whose staff she’s spoken has said the same. So she is very credible. That’s a fact.”
So, Faiz, all these Senators are calling what Sibel has to say “911 conspiracy theories”
And are you telling us that there is no possibility that something nefarious went on in our government in regards to 911? Are you totally discounting everything everyone has said that shows our government had some culpability in 911? Why are you doing that? Are you under orders from someone? It seems to me this is a subject that your site should embrace not censor.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:07 pmAlright,
Rep. Waxman.
Thank you for holding hearings on some of the un-american activities and outright lying by Republicans and political appointees.
We’re pleased you claim to read Think Progress, and hope comments help you understand the current confusion about US Congress’s efforts.
Have you reached a point where ‘inherent contempt’ will be considered?
Many of us bloggers here at TP believe until you use this tool at your disposal, you will only face continued rebukes, negative or no responses and outright condemnation by the minority party.
Treason is the highest crime one can commit against their Country. We firmly believe that our current White House administration has not only committed treason, they revel in it.
Please take this request seriously and we’ll do the same in regard to your Chairmanship.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:07 pm.
Congressman,
What is accountability without consequences?
WHERE IS THAT IMPEACHMENT?
.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:10 pmMr. Waxman, please do everything within your power to allow Sibel Edmonds to speak!!
Mr. Waxman, please do everything within your power to get impeachment of Dick Cheney underway!
Thanks for all your tireless service!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:11 pmRep. Waxman,
November 19th, 2007 at 2:12 pmI applaud what you are doing but I do not see anyone held accountable for their wrongdoing. I hear lies, mistruths and deliberate spinning, yet, no one has paid for their crimes. Why aren’t they in jail or impeached? No wonder, the Dems are described as wimps! If the Repugs would have been in the same shoes, they would have impeached Cheney, Bush, Tenet, Miers, Bolton, Gonzales, Condi and many others a long time ago.
Waxman is great. He understands what oversight should be. He’s vigorous in his duties. He’s earning his pay.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:13 pmI hope he keeps it up under a Dem president
November 19th, 2007 at 2:15 pmComment by Beefeater
I guess some censorship is good. Thanks, TP.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:16 pmyep - THAT one deserved deletion…
November 19th, 2007 at 2:19 pmthanks TP
“What is accountability without consequences?”
wait! i know this one! the answer’s ’scooter libby’, right?
November 19th, 2007 at 2:19 pmIMPEACH, INDICT AND IMPRISON BUSH, CHENNEY AND THE REST OF THE FACIST WAR CRIMINALS THAT MAKE PART OF THE CURRENT US GOVERNMENT!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:20 pmRegarding the dictum that Sibel Edmunds is a topic non-grata at TP rings closely to the Church telling Galileo not to discuss solar-centered theories in Pisa. Rabble-rousing conspiracy theorist, BAD GALILEO!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:22 pmWaxman is great. He understands what oversight should be. He’s vigorous in his duties. He’s earning his pay.
Comment by Wilco
Yes, he understands what oversight should be. Bloviate and write letters but when it comes time to do something concrete like enforcing subpoenas or impeaching the criminals, Waxman folds like a cheap card trick.
If and when we see Waxman actually follow up on anything he has done and actually holds someone accountable, I will sing his praises. Until that time, not so much.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:23 pmFaiz sez:
9/11 is the defining event of this administration. It is the hub around which everything spins. As Chimpy is fond of saying, “9/11 changed everything”.
Attempting to discuss the state of affairs of this nation and this administration without making mention of 9/11 is like trying to discuss the fate of the Titanic while avoiding any mention of icebergs.
We have ample evidence that this administration has lied about a great many things, and TP exposes most of those lies with zeal and gusto. Why, then, does TP take the completely irrational view that the version of events surrounding 9/11 promulgated by this administration is gospel? They’ve lied about everything else…don’t you think they could possibly have lied about 9/11 as well?
The claim that the Sibel Edmonds posts were scrubbed because “9/11 conspiracy theories aren’t allowed here” is pure dreck. Those of us posting the info concerning Sibel Edmonds aren’t promoting any specific conspiracy theory…we’re just pointing out that someone who may have vital information concerning the worst terrorist attack ever on U.S. soil is getting the brush-off by Waxman. This is a fact. This is not a “conspiracy theory”.
Please point out the portion of my deleted post that was “uncivil”.
All in all, TP, I’m severely disappointed in you. I had thought that the days of ruthlessly quashing all discussion concerning the most important event in recent history was past. It appears I was wrong.
(BTW, in case this post gets scrubbed, you can view it in its entirety at TheZoo.)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:23 pmSen. Waxman, in every time of great turmoil and danger to this nation, there comes a scandal that threatens the existence of the Republic. It could be a direct attempt to create a dictatorship as FDR was invited to lead. (Wisely, he was a true Democrat and instead led us to a new era of prosperity and freedom.) It could be a president bending the government to ensure re-election. (Nixon) The Senate needs to investigate and to have this witness in closed session. We all know that the results would be shocking, However, there are ways to do justice under such circumstances. It has been done before as you well know. You do not want to watch sausage being made, however, someone has to do it.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:27 pmTripMaster Monkey, I understand you have a severe disagreement with us on our policy of 9/11 conspiracy theory postings. I hope that, at the very least, you’ll respect our decision to determine what content we do and don’t want on TP. Again, there are other places for other discussions.
I appreciate that so many of you choose to spend time on our site and contribute to its success. But that doesn’t mean we’ll sacrifice our editorial discretion for those who want to turn this site into something we don’t want it to be.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:30 pmComment by bilbobaggins
I agree not enough has been done. I was trying to be civil like Faiz asked.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:30 pmI still respect Waxman because he’s helped to bring these issues to the public.
Wow, TP has also purged Sibel Edmonds from their search engine. I was trying to search on her name because I remember reading quite a few posts about her here that were not scrubbed. But when I enter her name in their search engine, it comes up with zero hits. That’s way beyond censoring TP. I agree with TripMaster Monkey, I too am sincerely disappointed in TP and think that there is something nefarious going on with this site.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:32 pmComment by Faiz
Your 911 Conspiracy Theory policy is selectively enforced.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:33 pmBilbo, we’ve never posted on Sibel.
Wilco, I understand your complaint. It’s very difficult to enforce our commenting policy, but I just want to make sure everyone knows what it is.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:35 pmHey Faiz remember the Maine ? or Hitlers excuses for invading the Sudetenland . Conspiracy theorists have been vindicated in the past , but here your going to censor them ? Not enuf evidence of conspiracy for U in the administrations actions to date ?
November 19th, 2007 at 2:36 pmWho would have imagined that what we ALL know has taken place since W took office could ever happen here ,in our democracy .
The entire rewriting of our laws through the passage of the patriot act whose tentacles reach everywhere within our laws and statutes and was voted on by legislators who never even had a chance to read it !( Except for feingold and wellstone ohh he’s dead.)
The loss of habeas corpus and spying on millions of Americans by a secret government . Torture ,lies to go to war which HAVE been totally proven. the list goes on. But you want to stop conspiracy theories ?
?
I appreciate that so many of you choose to spend time on our site and contribute to its success. But that doesn’t mean we’ll sacrifice our editorial discretion for those who want to turn this site into something we don’t want it to be.
Comment by Faiz
So you don’t want this site to be a site about exposing the truth? Please tell us why so many people find Sibel Edmonds a credible witness and you choose to label her a “911 Conspiracy Theory Activist”?
Something is going on here that smells to high heavens. I think it’s time to find a site that doesn’t avoid the truth for whatever reason they have concocted.
I’m following Zooey out the door. I don’t care to visit a site that thinks that censorship for any reason is OK. I’m just sorry this didn’t happen before I contributed to this site.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:39 pmGood time as any to call attention to it…
Inherent Contempt
November 19th, 2007 at 2:39 pmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inherent_contempt
And are you telling us that there is no possibility that something nefarious went on in our government in regards to 911? …It seems to me this is a subject that your site should embrace not censor.
Comment by bilbobaggins — November 19, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
I agree whole hearted.
It is devastating that sites like TP and C&L , great sites they are, treat the 9/11 truth like they believe and support the official line. They behave like they have seen a video of a plane hitting the pentagon when we know they have not. My guess is the MSB (Mainstream Blogs) are afraid of being fringe loonies in the eyes of the media. Like to question 911 is a stain on their legitimacy as a news outlet. Really sad and horrifying in a way.
To all 9/11 “truthers”- the fate of the nation is in your hands. You know what I mean.
With respect and kindness to all. That includes Faiz, Amato and Waxman.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:40 pmComment by Faiz
Honestly, it’s only sort of a complaint.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:42 pmI’d love to not see anymore about 911 conspiracies.
The censorship looked bad to me specifically because you don’t ever censor, at least not that I’ve noticed. Perhaps this time was just more overt.
I’m torn over your policy. I understand your policy, and appreciate the reasoning, but I don’t like it either. Not completely, at least. It’s always unfortunate when topics are taboo, no matter how ridiculous or unreasonable one may find them.
Faiz sez:
That might be difficult, Faiz, seeing as how we weren’t discussing “conspiracy theory”…at least, not until TP started scrubbing posts.
Sibel Edmonds may have information regarding 9/11…we won’t know for sure until hearings have been held…hearings which were promised by Waxman during the last Congress, and were ostensibly not held because “the Republicans wouldn’t allow it”.
That is the story here - Sibel was promised an opportunity to speak by Waxman, who has since reneged upon his promise. “9/11 conspiracy theories” don’t even enter into it.
Again, TP verifies that it will only present information that does not clash with its not-so-clandestine agenda.
Funny, I don’t feel “appreciated” when one of my posts, which only contains verifiable factual information with no bias, is scrubbed. I don’t feel “appreciated” at all. I feel used.
I thought that this sort of bullsh!t ended, or at least attenuated, since the departure of Judd. I now see that I was wrong. If this is the sort of echo-chamber “Think Progress” is going to be, I don’t want any part of it.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI have had the greatest repect for the moderators on TP and yourself but this makes me wonder .To date without even flinching I can say thst the Bush presidency is an act of treason against the American people .Most of the general public is entirely unaware of the depths to which our democracy has fallen . It isn’t a great leap of faith in the face of so much criminality to ponder whether Bush was ever eleected or if his administration was complicit or even responsible for 911.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pmInteresting times .
Faiz -
This is Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com and you know I am a fan of yours.
That said, Sibel Edmonds story is not “9/11 Conpsiracy”. While many in the 911 movement have taken up elements of her story, she has been quite clear on what she does and doesn’t know about 9/11.
I suggest you read the allegations she has made (and others have made on her behalf) much closer, as you do a disservice to both your readers and your mission by declaring this important story of a landmark American FBI whistleblower as “9/11 conspiracy”.
As the legendary Pentagon Papers whistleblower told me, in the exclusive story I quoted him in today (http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5260), Edmonds charges “are far more explosive than the Pentagon Papers”.
As to an earlier commenter who said:
This is hardly a “partisan” matter, which is likely one of the reasons it hasn’t been pursued, despite promises from Waxman’s office prior to the election, since he has gained the chairmanship.
There is no “judicial gag-order hanging over it.” The gag order has come from the Dept. of Justice, not the courts. And there is no longer any earthly known reason for such an unprecedented gag (to the point that she may not even give her date of birth, college degrees, and anyone who watches the 60 Minutes story on her allegations could be found in violation of accessing classified information, since the DoJ retroactively classified the report after it aired, incredibly enough!)
It may be sad, but the gullibility might appear to be yours. Please note the long record, in the country, of media outlets willing to take on such challenges to their First Amendment rights, and winning. The NY Times’ publication of Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers are one such notable example.
To suggest that the media would or should NOT take on its responsibility as watchdog for the citizenry, especially in a case as notable, and credible (vetted by senior Senators from both parties, the FBI Inspector General, the 9/11 Commission and many others as exceedingly credible and serious) is, in fact, what is sad.
They need to be called out for their massive failure here. As, unfortunately, do my friends at TP for their inappropriate censorship of comments here. I will believe it is simply a matter of misunderstanding the story, for the time being. But I hope they will review this matter carefully, and contact me with any questions or concerns they may have.
Brad
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI think it’s sad that Thinkprogress censors it’s own website re: discussions of what happened on that sunny, Tuesday September morning in 2001.
This is the Mother Issue of our time. And everything that is going on in the world right now is based on that day. Our current reckless foreign policy is all based on a lie.
So, to close the doors on any discussion is sad, in my book.
19 Muslims with boxcutters is THE other conspiracy theory.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI would hope that our commenters would measure us by the volume of our work and not by this one issue alone.
That said, if you wish to leave, that opportunity has always and will always be there for you. We’ll always be happy to have you back.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:44 pmQ: What’s worse than Trollshit?
A: Censorshit.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pmI reject your declaration of Shennanigans, so put down that broom.
All I did was point out that asking a for-profit media outlet to assume the inevitably-hefty legal fees involved in willfully violating a court-issued gag order is like begging a Pro-Lifer for a ride to the Family Health Clinic–it’s a waste of good time you could be using to walk there yourself (slow, but you might actually get there eventually)
As for not holding closed-door hearings, isn’t Waxman’s whole point getting more transparency into gov’t?
On the other hand, I fail to see how this falls under the heading of “911 conspiracy theories” I mean, if she has facts about 9-11 that haven’t been heard, and they are true, then it’s not a conspiracy theory, then is it? And what about the page-long rants I’ve read on numerous threads here blaming 9-11 on everyone from the Mossad to General Electric and all points in between?
What, it’s ok to blame Israeli intelligence, but not the known liars and crooks in the White House?
Shame on you, TP. I never thought I’d see you carrying water for Darth Dick and his pet chimp.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:47 pmBrad, thanks for that. We’ll read up on Sibel Edmonds more. If information comes to light that changes our minds, we’ll be happy to reverse course and let everyone know. My interest is in not having this blog be overrun by 9/11 conspiracy theories (even if they are improperly using the Edmonds story for their own purposes).
November 19th, 2007 at 2:49 pmIf information comes to light that changes our minds…-Faiz
Hmmm, maybe read the link before censoring?
November 19th, 2007 at 2:52 pmIt is through Chairman Waxman’s excellent oversight that the American People are beginning to see the extent of this administration’s lawlessness and contempt for the Constitution. I deeply appreciate all his work.
At the same time, I feel strongly that the administration’s illegality needs to be officially punished during the current term. Bush and Cheney’s actions are setting disasterous precedents that must be repudiated lest they be repeated in the future. It is NOT enough that they cause an electoral backlash; the abuses of this administration need to be rolled back. The rights trampled by this administration are not the property of the next President to give back. Their seizure is a crime which needs to be prosecuted.
It is time to show that there are consequences to lawlessness by the administration. It is time to publish the extent of the administration’s crimes and make those who would support Bush and Cheney (when all is revealed) DECLARE THEMSELVES FOR THE RECORD. There is no law that says the Republican’s have to vote to impeach Bush/Cheney or vote to convict them in the Senate. But, we deserve to know it unambiguously so that we may act in the next election. Now, they may pretend that their support is given in spite of trivial infractions and not the massive crimes that we, who have dug deeply, know to have been committed.
When massive crimes are not prosecuted because of tactical political considerations, the whole legal fabric of our nation is damaged. We need to invoke the Constitutional mechanism for redress. We need to show that the mechanism works. If we assume it will not; we have lost it forever. We need to impeach Bush and Cheney.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:55 pmComment by BradBlog
Thank you Brad for setting things straight. Now wait for your post to be scrubbed. TP can’t have anyone challenging them on their edicts. They are the GODs of this site and what they say goes.
Faiz - I would like a refund of the money I donated to this site. You have totally betrayed my trust and that was the basis of my contribution. I will be contacting you on your e-mail address with the information so you can refund my contribution to my credit card.
In the meantime, this is my last post on this site. I choose not to post to a site that censors the most important event of your lifetime.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:55 pm.
Congressman,
What kind of man claims to be accountable, yet refuses consequences?
Similarly,
What kind of man enforces oversight and refuses to enforce accountable measures?
Each time members of this Administration come to your committee and LIE to your face, they do so because there has been no accountability for there have been no consequences.
Sending letters IS NOT accountability, they are letters! Follow-up on them, dear man.
Similarly so, subpoenas gone unanswered AND unenforced are meaningless, MEANINGLESS at best!
.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:55 pmWe need to impeach Bush and Cheney.
Comment by Peter C — November 19, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
I agree.
Plame, Millions of missing emails, rigging the DOJ, Domestic spying and Torture to be specific.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:57 pmOkay, I didn’t know about Sibel Edmonds - i looked it up, and it’s a substantive question that deserves investigation. But, bilbo et. al., I still think you’re on the wrong track, condemning Waxman. Obviously, the man is a committee chairman working in a larger political organization, the Dem party — you’re not going to get everything you want.
What Waxman HAS actually done is more than most of us can. He has aggressively persued and peeled back the secrecy around some — some, not all — of the rampant and dangerous corruption that afflicts our country.
I think he deserves respect. I think the Sibel Edmonds story deserves more daylight. Civil discourse here — and nationwide — is the way to advance the issues we care about.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:58 pmFaiz, I think to make up for all this, you should reconsider me for Art Director at TP. I have a Waxman stick figure drawing I could’ve used for this thread. It would have been truly awesome.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:00 pmFaiz sez:
Sorry, Faiz, but that dog won’t hunt.
If that’s the rationale you’re going to use, you better not post any more stories about Cheney, since someone might “use the story for their own purposes”. Ditto for Chimpy, the Pentagon, anything mentioning the Twin Towers, etc., etc., etc..
You’ve maintained that discussions of 9/11 “conspiracy theories” are not tolerated here, and that’s all well and good. But now you’re justifying the censorship to the Sibel Edmonds posts based upon the supposition that that may have spawned a 9/11 conspiracy discussion?
Exactly how many “degrees of separation” do we have to stay away from 9/11, Faiz? One? Two? Six? Given that “9/11 changed everything”, how many “degrees of separation” can we stay away from 9/11, especially if our usual topics involve the administration?
You’ve started down a perilously slippery slope, TP. It’ll be interesting to see where you end up.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:02 pmRep. waxman ,
November 19th, 2007 at 3:03 pmyour among my favorites , thank you for holding investigtions into the SECRET gov’t of goerge bush .
Impeachment of Dick Cheney is the only viable avenue for pursing the restoration of our democracic and god given inalienable rights and those of the Iraqi people .
To protect the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic .
Nancy pelosi’s speach from the floor of the House and the votes on FISA and against retroactive immunity for the telecoms are the first acts of spine I have seen from the democrats since 911 and begin to restore faith in the possibility of my continuing to vote for democratic candidates.
Keep at it you are a national treasure .
#48…Remember TP, the Church ended up apologizing to Galileo! It took over 300 years, but in the end they admitted they were wrong!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:03 pmThanks, Hug the Moon.
You are right, Max-J,
November 19th, 2007 at 3:04 pmIf our government can LIE to us, we do not have a democracy. One of the counts against Nixon was ignoring a congressional subpoena.
How is “Faiz” pronounced, anyway?
November 19th, 2007 at 3:08 pmSimilarly so, subpoenas gone unanswered AND unenforced are meaningless, MEANINGLESS at best!
Comment by Max-1 — November 19, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
I agree. We’re no longer impressed by theatrics. We need to see Harriet Miers being charged with Inherent Contempt. And dragged before the House in chains. And put on trial immediately. Karl Rove too. And then we need to see some GUILTY verdicts. Nothing less will do.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:15 pmTrip, Zooey, Bilbo - please don’t leave for good! I don’t blame you for being upset as I’ve been censored before and it feels terrible. Kind of a betrayal. But you’re part of why I come here and I’d miss you all terribly!!
Mr. Waxman, I appreciate your efforts, your tenacity and your hard work. But, it seems as though your efforts are not taken seriously. I get the impression that the letters, subpoenas and just about all your efforts to get testimony, accountability and truth as basically ignored without recourse. It’s very frustrating to watch.
I personally don’t want the Democratic party to look like they’re all bark and no bite. I insist on accountability.
Please help us in this regard.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:16 pmThank you!
Thank you, Rep Waxman. I don’t envy your job. It’s gotta be hard investigating all the muck and figuring out which issue needs to be addressed first.
Keep it up … maybe we will get the investigations you are onto, to somehow get the people out of our government PERMANENTLY — even in the non-elected positions.
(and maybe we will get to hear what a certain former FBI employee nows)
November 19th, 2007 at 3:17 pmgreat comment, mary @ 3:16, #84
November 19th, 2007 at 3:19 pmIs it still OK to discuss Colleen Rollie?
Another female FBI agent who can’t seem to be taken seriously…
November 19th, 2007 at 3:21 pmThanks sc mom. We’re a passionate lot here at TP!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:24 pm.
Congressman,
How does one “FIX FACTS”?
Google Downing Street Minutes or just visit Congressman Conyers.
.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:25 pmI think Waxman has generally been doing a good job of doggedly pursuing the crimes of the administration against tremendous headwinds. I’m sure that many of the supine and spineless Democrats in Congress aren’t supporting his efforts. I would like to believe that Waxman is laying the groundwork for more aggressive investigation but is moving slowly because of the tricky situation in this country. The Bush administration is not above using means outside of the law to shut Waxman down. As I have said many times here before, the Bush administration and many of its supporters have abandoned the rule of law as a governing principle. The administration has already aggressively gagged the person in question. Surely she has been threatened with imprisonment and isolation if she breaks whatever “rules” have been laid out for her. We know this administration is perfectly capable of declaring U.S. citizens enemy combatants and imprisoning them without habeas corpus. My hope is that Waxman is biding his time until the administration is too weakened to shut down the investigation. This might not occur until after the next election. I think it is a shame that our country has come to this state, and I would love as much as anyone else to see Bush impeached and the gang imprisoned, but that doesn’t seem likely to happen while Bush is still in office. I still hope against the odds that there will someday soon be an airing of the tremendous crimes committed by this administration and a day of reckoning for the gang. Without it I fear this country will never be healed. My greatest fear is that the Democrats will gain power and then adopt a kumbaya approach of moving forward and everybody getting along “for the sake of the nation”. So I urge BradBlog and all the other bloggers to stay on top of the story, and keep pushing on it, but at the same time I urge them to give Waxman some slack to do things his way, because I think he is really trying to accomplish something.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:34 pmSad to see it come to this, I have been banned, deleted and shut out for mentioning my horror and sadness for the bombing of Lebanon by Israel..When I have been realy rude in my use of bad word’s toward’s member’s of this administration several of my post’s were scrubbed last week, I figured they might be….Interesting though they dissapeared before I could count to one..The latter were the site’s right…..Indeed Faiz and the sight manager’s you have a right to do anything you choose, as this is your sight and I am mearly a passing guest, posting at will my own personal opinion’s…I don’t agree that it is a progressive pose however…Censorship is regressive.
Now to Senator Waxman..I respect what you have done Sir but must add it is not nearly enough….Not by a long shot..Allowing the people you request an appearance of by supone to simply walk away and continue to resend more letter’s is tantamount to be an enabeler or poor parent of very bad children..The letter’s need to be enforced immedietly, no more time (out’s) limits..
This administration has not been held accountable for anything, before or since the 110 th congress came on board..Sadly the majority of the voting democrat’s are sick of excuses and deviding the party or leaveing it all together because no one is standing up and fufilling their obligation to our constitution and the people of our country…
I am sure the democrat’s will loose in the 2008 election if they do not change their way’s now…Taking impeachment off the table was the big mistake, not following through on the supoenas and demanding accountability is another and rolling over and caving on financing bush’s war’s is the final nail in the coffin of all our service men..Please Sir, follow through or leave and allow some one else to run for your seat…..Blessings
November 19th, 2007 at 3:35 pmIf that link didn’t work, I’m trying it again right here, in hopes of clearing up unnecessary confusion about what Sibel’s story is actually about.
This is fresh from this morning. The timing of Waxman’s editorial here, is certainly coincidental to it…
EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Ellsberg Says Sibel Edmonds Case ‘Far More Explosive Than Pentagon Papers’
Brad
November 19th, 2007 at 3:39 pmColeen Rowley has testified to the SJC on June 6, 2002. it was a hearing that i couldn’t stop watching. i wished to see HER run for president… but at least she ran for congress in 2006 — lost — BUT i believe she is running again. i’m not SURE — but i HOPE she will run again!!
November 19th, 2007 at 3:40 pmComment by BradBlog — November 19, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
Brad, it was precisely that link, plus a short excerpt, that was summarily scrubbed by the TP admins (great story, BTW). It’ll be interesting to see if it lasts any longer this time around.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:42 pmMr. Waxman -
Why won’t you begin hearings on Sibel Edmonds’ claims?
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5260
November 19th, 2007 at 3:43 pm.
Congressman,
How are you supporting and defending the Constitution of the U.S.A. when you tolerate the blatant usurpation and seemingly willful violation of the Constitution, it’s laws and treaties?
When members of this Administration come before you and lie to your face and nothing is done, it is blatantly apparent in that moment, that ANY Oath taken or given can be ignored at leisure.
The measure of accountability is in it’s actions NOT words. You’ve supported your accountability position with many words, letters, subpoenas, hearings, etc.
NOW ACT ON IT!
.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:49 pmThank you TripMaster Monkey. I’m sorry that TP made the choices they did, but hopeful they will set things right. Just as I hope Waxman will do same.
As things move forward, however, and incidents like this occur (along with the response from Waxman’s office, as reported in my story today), it does get more and more difficult.
Let’s hope the light prevails and emerges from the darkness. Particularly given what might be seen as exceedingly ironic comments from the Congressman, in the light of my story today.
Of course, I invite Rep. Waxman to offer a full rebuttal, which The BRAD BLOG would be more than happy to run in full. We’re not trying to sandbag anybody. Just trying to get to the truth, which benefits us all. As the Congressman wrote today, “I know firsthand how important accountability is and the positive impact it has on our government…This role is even more critical when dealing with an Administration that routinely insists on secrecy…The Administration has rolled back open government laws and expanded those laws that allow it to operate in the shadows.”
And I couldn’t agree more, and hope that he and his office will review those sentiments closely, as they apply to “our government” as he wrote, and that includes the entirety of our government.
Brad
November 19th, 2007 at 3:55 pmFaiz, not allowing Waxman to see the posts on this thread that point out how outraged we all are will turn him into the type of out of touch leader that all those right wing types who only watch Fox News are. Perhaps if the members of Congress were to see how we feel and all the things we are aware of they would understand why approval ratings are so low for Congress and maybe they would start doing the people’s work.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:59 pmThe Revolution has come
time to pick up a gun.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:05 pmUncle Ho, I’m ready, willing and able……Blessings
November 19th, 2007 at 4:13 pmThe Incredibly, Credible Sibel
National Security Whistle Blowers: The ‘Undead’?
January 2005
November 19th, 2007 at 4:17 pmOffice of the Inspector General
“…Our investigation concluded that the FBI did not, and still has not, adequately investigated these allegations. Our review also found that many – although not all – of Edmonds’ allegations about the co-worker had some basis in fact. …. Had the FBI investigated the claims thoroughly, it would have found that many of Edmonds’ allegations regarding the co-worker were supported by documentary evidence or other witnesses. …”
http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/special/0501/index.htm
You can put me on the front lines, Uncle Ho, I am tired of this SH!t.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:26 pmIsn’t it interesting that when TP decided to censor a few incidental comments regarding Sibel Edmonds from this thread, the resulting furor over the censorship ensured that the thread became predominately about Sibel Edmonds?
There’s a popular saying regarding this sort of phenomenon that originated in the early 1990s:
TP, you really ought to know this by now…
November 19th, 2007 at 4:28 pmThinkProgress plays a critical role in combating this secrecy. It unstintingly shines a spotlight on corruption and radical right-wing propaganda, while at the same time helping readers to better understand the issues progressives care about. -Henry Waxman 11/19/07
I appreciate that so many of you choose to spend time on our site and contribute to its success. But that doesn’t mean we’ll sacrifice our editorial discretion for those who want to turn this site into something we don’t want it to be. -Comment by Faiz — November 19, 2007
There you have it. Content over context? Discretion over discovery? You be the judge…
November 19th, 2007 at 4:28 pmSuppression of truth, censorship of dissentors
TP now stands for toilet paper. The kind I am going to flush. Progressive my a$$……
November 19th, 2007 at 4:37 pmFaiz says:
“My interest is in not having this blog be overrun by 9/11 conspiracy theories (even if they are improperly using the Edmonds story for their own purposes).”
wow… does that mean Wesley Clark can’t be mentioned? he said:
“We’ve never finished the investigation of 9/11 and whether the administration actually misused the intelligence information it had…”
and Lt. Col. Shelton F. Lankford, U.S. Marine Corps… he said :
“Regarding 9/11 “Our government has been hijacked by means of a “new Pearl Harbor”…”
and Lt. Col. Karen U. Kwiatkowski… she said:
“I believe the Commission failed to deeply examine the topic at hand, failed to apply scientific rigor to its assessment of events leading up to and including 9/11, failed to produce a believable and unbiased summary of what happened…”
and Major Scott Ritter, U.S. Marine Corps… he said:
“I, like the others, are frustrated by the 9/11 Commission Report, by the lack of transparency on the part of the United States government…”
and Senator Max Cleland… he said :
“As each day goes by, we learn that this government knew a whole lot more about these terrorists before Sept. 11 than it has ever admitted.”
and Senator Mike Gravel… he said :
“And I pledge to the people who are concerned about that, that should I become President, we’re going to have a new investigation.”
and Senator Bob Graham… he said:
“Two of the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers had a support network in the United States that included agents of the Saudi government, and the Bush administration and FBI blocked a congressional investigation into that relationship….”
and Congressman Dennis Kucinich… he said:
“First of all, you have to understand that all over the country people are concerned about whether or not they’ve been told the truth about 9/11. And the way that the administration handled 9/11, taking us into a war against Iraq that had nothing to do with 9/11, deepened people’s suspicions about the possibility there may have been a cover-up. Because, why would the government lie about a cause for war?”
there are over 200 other lawmakers and civil servants and military and CIA experts calling for a new investigation!
The point is Faiz, your “list” is about to get alot bigger.
And we will remember your stand on uncovering the truth.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:46 pmWell said Willy, TMM, Zooey, Bilbo, and others. TP is about to lose its “base”.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:53 pmOops, unless you count the trolls. In that case it will be going strong.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:54 pmThinkProgress may have just been exposed as a safe and tidy playground for progressives who don’t realize they are being corralled and guided gently in ‘properthink,’ which of course never ever allows any challenge to the facts about 9/11 that have been carefully circumscribed by the blessed Cheney and Bush propaganda factory.
Thanks for dropping the veil, albeit briefly. See ya.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:01 pmJohn J. Farmer, Jr., Senior Counsel, 9/11 Commission
“I was shocked at how different the truth was from the way it was described,” John Farmer, a former New Jersey attorney general who led the staff inquiry into events on Sept. 11, said in a recent interview. “The tapes told a radically different story from what had been told to us and the public for two years. … This is not spin. This is not true.”
November 19th, 2007 at 5:04 pmTimothy J. Roemer, PhD, 9/11 Commissioner
“A member of the 9/11 commission said Wednesday that panel members so distrusted testimony from Pentagon officials that they referred their concerns to the Pentagon’s inspector general. … “We were extremely frustrated with the false statements we were getting,”
November 19th, 2007 at 5:07 pmFaiz, maybe you should note the backlash Bill Maher received for calling those questioning the official report of 9/11 nutty and not dismiss the issue like we’re all a bunch of whackos. Of course it is your site and you’re free to do whatever you wish with it. But perhaps there was some overreacting on the part of TP censors today and frankly as you can see the disappointment is palpable among your regular posters. Do you really intend to alienate your progressive base?
November 19th, 2007 at 5:08 pmOh No! We have to add the 9/11 commissioners themselves to “The List”
November 19th, 2007 at 5:08 pmReally Faiz, you put Waxman on to help raise funds but shot yourself in the foot by deleting regular posters because you deem the content of their posts counter to your mission. I guess true progressives here were confused as to what your real mission is. Maybe you should offer some transparancy as to what that mission truly is. Because many of us donated and now feel as if we were totally suckered. It does seem that TP is carrying water for interests that many of us don’t share.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:13 pmWow, shayne, Hadn’t even clicked on the turkey to see that TP was raising money on this post!
Sure, we’ll hand over money so you can tell us what is worthy of thinking and what is not! Brilliant!
Sensoring comments during a fund raising drive on an “open” progressive website. That is almost laughable.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pmI mean “I hadn’t clicked…”
November 19th, 2007 at 5:23 pmOverheated rhetoric aside, I’ve gotten curious about the Sibel Edmonds story. What’s the deal, really? I understand she had (and I remember this now) what seemed like very substantive beefs about the incompetence of the FBI and the counter-terrorist effort — complaints that time has only leant greater substance to.
But…the Brad Blog piece seems to hint at a more profound issue. AIPAC involvement? Something that could destabilize relations with Turkey? Could it possibly be that there’s something ELSE about the Saudis that the keepers of the Big Machine don’t want us to know? (naw, that can’t be it– that file’s busting out already).
I don’t understand, and I suspect that other posters here could at least speculate about the blanks.
I find Edmond’s claim that she will ONLY spill to one of the big networks a little thin BTW. Obviously, she could tell the Guardian, and it would percolate back, the way the Downing Street Memo’s did. Not the same as having an octogenerian from 60 Minutes do the interview, but if its so dang important….
Let’s try to avoid insulting each other while we have this conversation.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:50 pmLet’s try to avoid insulting each other while we have this conversation.
Comment by alexlerman — November 19, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
No one was insulting anyone — just presenting facts in a civil manner.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:59 pmIf she goes to the Guardian, or other small organization, it will go the way of rumor and be suppressed and marginalized. If a major outlet broadcasts it, she has the chance to be heard by people who won’t be told from a second or third hand source (or Fox/O really/Limpballs) People would actually have a chance to see it for what it is and make the determination before someone else blacklists/smears the info. THATS WHY! I thought it was obvious. I guess only to some.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:00 pmSo I see several more posts have recently been deleted. I went back to review some, and re read Faiz’s original post. He states TP has made it clear they don’t like 911 conspiracy theories. He links to 2 thread posts from Judd from over a year ago.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:12 pmHow is this making it clear?
Geez, man. Try putting this into the rules. If you’re going to discriminate because of some policy, make the policy available!
How the carp is everyone supposed to know, by searching through every thread to find those postings?
Zooey from TheZoo
has a number of links with more information about Sibel Edmonds.
This is more about corruption at the highest levels of government that threatens our national security; a corruption so powerful that she is the most gagged person in the nation’s history (according to the ALCU).
Sibel Edmonds is an FBI whistleblower who worked translating top secret documents, beginning shortly after 9/11. When she saw corruption taking place she reported to her supervisor and was promptly fired. When she tried to speak out, she was slapped with gag orders and threatened with imprisonment. She is an intelligent woman who is fighting to expose what she says are serious corruptions at all levels that pose a real threat to our country and our national security, even at the risk of her own safety and well being. She says that she has evidence to back it up. She is willing to risk her own future to do it. Its that important. To me, the fact that she is willing to put herself at risk, that is the measure of a patriot.
If our government and our FBI are broken, it is essential to expose it and do what it takes to repair the damage. It is not the first time in our history that we have had to deal with something so serious. This is about the continued integrity and survival of our country, and a measure of who we are as a people. The people of this country are strong enough to get through this. No matter how shocking or damaging, or however much it encompasses, we need to know. We already know a lot that is wrong withint this corrupt administration (that nobody is willing to do anything concrete about). We as a nation need to clean house. This affects every person in this country.
When the House of Representatives, who has the power of oversight, says all the right things but does not use that power to back up what they say, then they prove themselves to be impotent. The balance of power is gone. They set a dangerous precedent. Not just by giving this corrupt administration a green light to do whatever they want without fear of repercussion or consequence, they set the precedent for future administrations. The next president is not going to give back the power that they have inherited. If we don’t have the balance of government so wisely set up by the framers, the we no longer have a democracy, it is a dictatorship or an oligarchy. They understood the dangers presented by a rogue president trying to grab too much power to himself.
This is what it feels like right now. Congress is going through the motions of appearing like we are a functioning democracy, that they still represent the people (who they are NOT listening to), but so much is broken, that it all appears to be theater with no substance, power, or will. There is no heart, no conviction, no passion for what is right and true. It does not represent the PEOPLE.
The fact that the Justice Department is also involved with silencing Sibel Edmonds (at the will of the WH), tells me that the WH controls everything now - Congress, Justice, Intelligence, Military, and the MSM. What is left?
I think Ms. Edmonds will only talk to the MSM in the US is to make sure she is heard by a large number of Americans, and that they hear and understand the scope of this problem. If enough people know what she has witnessed, then Congress will be forced to deal with it.
Her safety and future are at risk. I can understand this. It is NOT a partisan issue, this is a national issue - an American issue.
By the press going dead silent on this speaks volumes. I am sad and alarmed.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:35 pmMy thanks to Brad Friedman for clarifying just who Sibel Edmonds is and what this story is about. I read his blog and have the utmost respect for all the work he has done with exposing voting issues and fraud. I have read everything he has posted on Ms. Edmonds. I am thankful someone is keeping track of this story and giving it the voice it deserves.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:41 pmThere is also a lot of information here at the ACLU that has followed what has transpired with the Sibel Edmonds case.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:43 pmRep. Waxman, (if you are really reading this), I have a lot of respect for you. I have written to you many times over the last year. I have never received a response. I continue to support you because we need you to keep moving forward on behalf of the country. It is just so very necessary, now more than ever.
I am disappointed more than I can say that you have not followed through with impeaching VP Dick Cheney. You have the support of most of the country. There is nothing you could do (short of ending this war) that would energize this country and restore the confidence in our government to be able to operate the way it should. Dennis Kucinich did a brave thing by standing on the House Floor and calling for his impeachment. PLEASE do not let the bill die in committee. I firmly believe it will go a LONG ways towards righting what is so very wrong. It will at the very least bring the administration into check. It will demonstrate that you all are fighting to defend and protect our Constitution. It is what Americans want to see. We NEED it.
Please, sir, please call Ms. Edmonds in and get what she has to say on the record. Then, please deal with it.
November 19th, 2007 at 6:59 pmit provides intelligent, up-to-the-minute coverage and analysis of the most important issues facing our country
In my case, not so intelligent. But, I know enough to be outraged every day, every minute, every second of my life to know that DEMOCRACY IS DYING ON THE VINE IN THIS COUNTRY!!!
Waxman? Would you like to help stop this??? Can you stop the corporate facism washing over this country? Can you take the media back and put into the hands of the people again? Can you stop the international corruption we face? Can you restore the middle-class? Can you just make dent somewhere soon????????
November 19th, 2007 at 7:27 pmWaxman isn’t intested in justice. He only investigates when he sees potential political gain and in the end, accomplishes nothing.
Comment by cold_hard_left — November 19, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Don’t you just wish that were true. Hahaha! Waxman will take your traitors down, down, down.
November 19th, 2007 at 8:09 pmOkay, nwmuse. You’re educating me. The Edmonds issue seems real and important. I still have a problem with the notion that TP and Waxman are somehow in on a conspiracy to suppress this.
Faiz, if you’re reading these posts, I hope you’ll comment. If people are posting garbage about Cheney planning the attacks, I can understand why you would pull that kind of nonesense. But that’s not what the Edmonds issue is, is it?
I read TP regularly, but have never seen her name come up, at least not for a couple years. Why not?
November 19th, 2007 at 8:43 pmalexlerman — a diarist, lukery, at DKos has been writing about Sibel for quite a while — he has a few blogs of his own that keeps up with news on Sibel.
here is a summary on one of his blogs that answers these questions
1) what is Sibel claiming?
November 20th, 2007 at 12:06 am2) does she have any credibility?
3) who does she suggest is involved?
4) who fits that profile?
Faiz,
Normally I’m 100 percent in concurrence with your “i dont want this to show up on bill o reilly” sentiment. However, Edmonds is a credible, articulate woman with some very exposive information, which isnt at all unplausible: that some members of our government knew the attacks were going to occur and did nothing to stop it. I dont know enough facts to disagree with anyones theories, but I do know that the assertion that there was advance knowledge of these attacks that wernt acted on makes alot of sense. 9-11 was the best thing that ever happened to bush + co. I personally dont believe there were missles or explosives, I just think what was going to happen was known, and nothing was done to stop it. I think its wrong for you to treat Edmonds like someone claiming aliens shot JFK. Frankly, I think there are MANY democrats who are just as dirty as republicans, and the information Edmonds has could bring down alot of people, in both parties. And frankly, it cant happen soon enough.
November 20th, 2007 at 7:34 amsc mom - thanks for the link. I feel like i’m starting to understand what everyone posting is talking about. I have to say I find the notion of Bush et. al. promoting the 9/11 attack ludicrous.
it’s not that I think he’s morally above such an act. it’s not that he and his cronies aren’t guilty of crimes of almost equal measure.
but - for one thing, he and his pals just aren’t bright enough. Rove is a schemer, to be sure — but his acts are transparent enough under any reasonable scrutiny — he’s depended all along on dominating the media, etc, to avoid that kind of scrutiny.
Read Richard Clarke’s ‘against all enemies’ and Wrights ‘the looming tower’ for a good picture of the forces, and the stunning incompetence in the Bush admin, the FBI, and the CIA, that made 9/11 possible.
Has this incompetence been covered up or ignored in the US? No doubt about it. Did George Tenet refuse to tell the FBI that known al queda operatives were active in the US? He sure did. Did the 9/11 commission supress the section of their report dealing with Saudi Arabia? That’s another plain fact.
But there are many ways to understand these facts, including several that are more credible than a conspiracy.
I have to say, I am less sanguine about the NEXT big terrorist attack. It’s hard to see what else can save the gang of crooks in power now.
I have, as I’ve said above, been troubled by the tone of some of the comments here, e.g. referring to Think Progress as toilet paper, etc., and denounce Faiz and Waxman as dupes or conspirators themselves.
This is the way political movements fragment and fall apart: the more paranoid members of the cause start attacking the leadership.
Is it possible that there are other layers of conspiracy? We know there are - start with Pat Tillman, and keep driving. But to claim that the staff of TP are in on it? That’s crazy. If they deleted ‘conspiracy’ posts, its because they don’t want to be ridiculed as crazy.
I realize my post probably won’t convince anyone who feels differently. And I sympathize with ‘conspiracy theorists’ - we live in a world that has a lot of evil in it, and ever more secrecy. But TP is one of our champions. Waxman is another.
November 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pmKudos to Bradblog and the TP Irrregulars for pushing back TP’s shameful attempts at censorship. It seems that TP and Congressman Waxman are after the same thing: the appearance, but not the substance, of justice. Sibel Edmonds’ information (I won’t even qualify that with “if true;R