Deans are first,

but Democrats are fading as they fail to take stands to end the occupation. It is up to us to hold their feet to the fire.

Meanwhile, they spend their time condemning an ADVERTISEMENT, and half the Senate Democrats bite the hand that feeds them.

Let the discussion begin.....!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/the-democrats-couldve-ha_b_65281.html

Posted September 20, 2007 | 09:42 PM (EST)

The resolution condemning MoveOn.org for its Petraeus ad was a no-win proposition for the Democrats - so why did they allow it to come to a vote without calling Admiral Fallon to the stand? Democratic Senators were left with the choice of either attacking MoveOn or opening themselves up to cheap shots come election time.

Instead, Senate Democrats could've taken this position: We can't judge the fairness or accuracy of the MoveOn ad until we hear from Gen. Petraeus' boss. The ad says Petraeus is a political general who shades the facts, and he deserves a fair hearing. So let's put his boss under oath and ask him these questions:

1. Did Gen. Petraeus level with the American people, in your opinion?

...

This GOP maneuver provided the ideal opening for Dems to do what they should have done before. Petraeus is a mid-level general. Why did the Senate minority and the Administration get to pick him, rather than a higher-ranking officer, to present his skewed version of the facts?

Admiral Fallon's opinions on these questions are well known, and his answers would almost certainly have rendered the MoveOn resolution politically dead.

...

Both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama tried, in their separate ways, to make the best of the situation. Sen. Clinton defending MoveOn from scapegoating, while Sen. Obama essentially said what many people were thinking: Don't you people have more important things to do?

Both responses have some merit, but they and other Democrats were forced to play a bad hand. Why are they letting the minority decide who testifies and what comes to a vote?

This situation could have, and should have, been handled strategically. It would have served the Democrats politically - but more importantly, it would have given the American people a chance to hear the unvarnished truth.

and half the Senate Democrats bite the hand that feeds them.

Correction: They all did but one.......

Everyone is focusing on the Cornyn amendment, but it's the Boxer amendment which is even more offensive since it condemned us too and was supported by every Democrat -- except Russ Feingold. 

Boxer Amdt. No. 2947; To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.

That means every Senate Democrat voted to condemn me since I have attacked the integrity of Gen. Betrayus. It isn't good politics to condemn the people from whom you hope to get support and votes. 

And speaking of Russ Feingold, in all the mispalced hoopla about the Cornyn amdt, Feingold Amdt. No. 2924; To safely redeploy United States troops from Iraq got voted down when 18 Democrats collaborated with Bush and the GOP.

Nays 

1. Baucus (D-MT)
2. Bayh (D-IN)
   
3. Casey (D-PA)
4. Conrad (D-ND)
5. Dorgan (D-ND)
6. Johnson (D-SD) (welcome back, a-hole)
7. Landrieu (D-LA)
8. Levin (D-MI<>
9. Lincoln (D-AR)
10. McCaskill (D-MO)
11. Mikulski (D-MD)
12. Nelson (D-FL)
13. Nelson (D-NE)
    
14. Pryor (D-AR)
    
15. Reed (D-RI)
16. Salazar (D-CO)
17. Tester (D-MT)
18. Webb (D-VA)

Not voting:

1. Biden (D-DE
2. Cantwell (D-WA

Let's be clear why the question was asked in the ad: it wasn't because he betrayed America, but that he may have betrayed his own word last Spring during his hearings that he would come to Congress and directly, honestly tell the truth about the success or failure of the surge.

He did not do that. The surge/escalation has failed to achieve any more than 3 of the more minor benchmarks. It's time to hold them accountable, and not get sidetracked with the Senate (and half the Democrats) condemning an ADVERTISEMENT.

Sitka
Fri, 09/21/07
1:09 pm

Webb and Tester need to hear from the netroots....who jump-started their campaigs.

Yes, the defeat of Reid-Feingold is yet another capitulation. But you know, they had Levin's milder amendment which they all could vote FOR knowing it would fail, so they can play both sides. Who will be fooled?

The resolution condemning MoveOn.org for its Petraeus ad was a no-win proposition for the Democrats

Who will be fooled?

Increasingly fewer. 

Obviously I can't type or spell.

Obviously I can't type or spell

When I quit blogging it will be because of frustration with my eyesight and typing. 

seashell, here it is  http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/21/115032/846

Hi Folks,

 I appreciate the comments about the craven behavior of the Democrats.  The Republicans seem to be authoritarians and fascists, ( I sometimes wonder if in our ongoing evolution, the Republicans are the Neanderthals, and we Progressives are Homo Sapiens Sapiens, that we're seeing different speicies in competition!), but I expected more of the Democrats.  Frankly, folks, I think they are not only craven, but just plain stupid.

Keith Olbermann's editorial was right on.  I nearly wrote to MSNBC after the two nights of O.J.--what a colossal waste of time, media, electricity.  Alisson is pretty cute, actually beautiful, but if she had anything to do wtth the 30 minutes plus each night O.J. she's got a ways to go before she'll be taken seriously. 

 And so we go on.  Alan Greenspan remarked on the Jon Stewart show that human nature doesn't seem to change.  So, that means we'll probably always have the fanatics, the ideologues, the power cravers, the greedy, the dishonest, the crazies, as well as the idealists, the communitarians, the merciful, the thoughtful, the geniuses, etc.  And you can guess which category I put Progressives into.

Thanks linda b.  I can get the ad and I thought you posted a vid.

Correction linda b, I can't read the wording of the ad, can't make it bigger and can't find it on kos.  -(

OK, I finally got to the ad, but it's hard to read  Oh well.  Now this type is number 6.

seahell the ad is a parody, not a real ad. read the dailykos memo. they wanted just to get across the type of ad that should be up there.

It isn't just Fox—even the liberal media is in the fake news business. Here's the proof.
Ted Genoways,  Mother Jones

Offices more polluting than cars, says Gore


Advertisement

AL GORE, the former vice-president of the United States and now a climate-change crusader, has warned that office towers produce more carbon dioxide than cars and says tougher regulations should be applied to building.

Mr Gore, who was in Sydney last week, said there was growing pressure on commercial property developers to build green skyscrapers and for staff to demand that the properties fulfilled new "green" requirements.

"Architecture, design and building of the property should all be environmentally sound and adhere to the new regulations," he said.

"Making a building green, first and foremost, should be on the top of all developers', landlords' and tenants' list."

Mr Gore said that despite all the scientific evidence about climate change, inaction still ruled among governments and business.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/offi...

A little tease coming from way of Austrlia.

"Mr Gore dodged a question from broadcaster Derryn Hinch about whether he was losing weight in preparation for another tilt at the presidency, joking that "it's interesting" how weight loss had emerged as a political indicator. "That's how I knew Paris Hilton was running," he said."

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/i...

As the Democrats try in vain to end the war, and the president fights to extend it, everything has become a drama. Tall tales from the annals of the Bush Administration.
Ira Chernus,  TomDispatch

And BOY did I let Senators hear from me first thing this morning. Even Senator Leahy, advising how truly disappointed that he supported such a Bill.

I figured that with my first cup of coffee would DEFINITELY wake me up. (OH YES IT DID)

Look at this disconnect and obfuscation.

There's a delicious lack of self-awareness on display in these comments by former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. He suggests, without bringing up specifics, that there is trouble in Rudy Giuliani's personal life — the "number of marriages," the "relationship he has with his children." And then, in the same breath, Vilsack transitions to Hillary Clinton's history of familial problems and says, "We ought to be focused not on scandals. We ought to be focused on the direction of this country."

http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2007/09/5538_tom_vilsack_doe.html 

It isn't just Fox—even the liberal media is in the fake news business.

"What liberal media?"

I would trust Gore, Feingold, Howard, Dennis, Gravel and Dodd to restore HC and give up some *executive* powers. 

Too bad Edwards is sucking up to Israel.  He was still on my list. 

I'm glad someone is finally saying it.  And maybe some of the fundis watch LKL.

Look at this disconnect and obfuscation.

When a waterboy carries his load, he doesn't ask if it's dirty or hypocritical.

Too bad Edwards is sucking up to Israel.

His call to let Israel into NATO is nothing short of insane. 

Yea IndySteve!  My Hero!

 Linda. what was Leahy thinking?  I can't believe he voted to condemn Move-On.

1. Has everyone visited realnews.com. Think it's just a startup, but the idea is that they won't have any corportate sponsorship or advertising. Now all they need is some actual news on their website LOL. Idea is great however.

http://www.therealnews.com/web/index.php...

2. Moveon funnies -- I wish JC were here and could give us a visual for the idea of Patreaus in a long dress and Bush peeking out from under his skirts as in the Olbermann theme.

3. I still like Seashell's slogan, and I have a slight mod and still think it should be moveon's next ad:

Seashell's idea w/ slight mod:

The Germans couldn't (or didn't?) stop Hitler either (my mod is the 'either')

2.  You're right.

29.

donna in evanston

I know. That blew me away! So so sad.

Senators Betrayus.

i watched Dan Rather on Larry King last night. I'm glad Dan is standing up for himself. Just wanted to note that both of them appeared uncharacteristically nervous to me.

Sitka
Fri, 09/21/07
2:02 pm

___________________________________________________________________________

I have been tellin ya guys for 2 years now your are all wasting your time with these characters........unless some or all of you like "falling in line"...............as for me, no thanks........

Clearly we started in the right direction backing candidates like Hackett and Cegelis and Lamont and this week has proven the Democratic Party in need of bottom up change. I just don't know how you who leave the party can effect that change. Well maybe. Start a bonfire for roasting weenies and maybe us party members will drag some of ours over and stick them in. Feet first.

a HOWARDLY to IndySteve and where can I find your ActBlue acct.?

Regarding the Ted Genoways article above that seashell shared with us - the title Whiskey Tango Foxtrot  or WTF - yep, that about sums up our leadership in Washington right now.

28.

Sitka
Fri, 09/21/07
2:02 pm


Too bad Edwards is sucking up to Israel.

His call to let Israel into NATO is nothing short of insane.
-------

He is generally moving in a right direction (like many others are going are to) not only slow but in..."sinusoidal" fashion.., lol.

Annilow, I like your modification but...it almost implies that we Americans did/should/ stop Hitler.  It's a bit confusing.  But that could be dense me.  Couldn't implies that Hitler, like Bush, is unstoppable, which I don't believe. 

 But you're right.  There's a word missing...

How about:  "Bush Rising....The Germans Didn't Stop Hitler."

"American/"German voters...  The Germans  Didn't Stop Hitler." 

Maybe the "either" does work.  Let's have a vote! 

4.  I don't mean to quibble.  But, considering that most everything about the Iraq misadventure has been "clasified"--i.e., declared a matter of national security and not to be discussed in public--how does one get around the fact that only false information can be safely provided?

Joe Wilson, for example, was able to talk about the yellow cake because it didn't exist.  Whatever else he and his wife know about clandestine activities, he's precluded from revealing without being charged as a traitor or spy.

While this condition is difficult enough, Bush Two has the advantage of being able to declassify information on the fly, so to speak, whenever it's convenient for his agenda, and that information can't even be challenged as to its veracity because the classified designation still applies.  Just because the President reveals a piece of information doesn't mean the veil of secrecy is lifted.

Jim Webb, on the floor of the Senate the other day brought up the plan to maintain a military presence in Iraq for fifty years.  The President has mentioned it too, but the people on the intel committees who are, presumably, in the know, can't reveal the particulars.  They are actually immune from prosecution for what they talk about on the floor of the House or Senate, but if nobody participates in a dialogue, there's not  much opportunity for new information coming out.

One of the reasons I'd like to see a real filibuster is because it seems to me that would be an opportunity to address some of this classified stuff.  think about it. 

tip of the day:

Many parts of America are Amish country and a parked buggy with a sign "Fresh Pies" should never be driven past. But with both apples and pumpkins in season the choices get harder, even as plain ole vanilla rises to the top as ice cream choice

today I chose pumpkin, and was not disappointed

buy fresh, buy local

32.

Annilow
Fri, 09/21/07
2:08 pm

...both of them appeared uncharacteristically nervous to me.
--------

'cause it's "nervouse" time lays ahead..., including for our media "wizards"..., lol.

For those of you still under the delusion that this is a Democratic Party Blog, an authoritative statement from Monica Smith (yesterday):

"DFA has no connection to the Democratic party.  BFA is a house organ of DFA and is paid for by the members.  We're more like a political club. "

 Therefore, we independents and other apostates don't need to be "tolerated" by Democratic true believers. We have as much right to post here as they do

"Originally the official campaign blog of Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign, Blog for America now serves as the community blog for Democracy for America's national grassroots network."

Howard ran for the Democratic Party nomination representing the "democratic wing of the Democratic Party"; but other than that the connection is slimmer. However I would expect with a blog pedigree like that more than a smattering of Democrats would be found here.

OMG where is my head? STEVE YEAAAHHHHH!!!! Way to go. Hold those feet to that fire and YOU ARE holding them accountable as you said. Way to go.

much to do

bbl

42.

Huron John
Fri, 09/21/07
2:25 pm


For those of you still under the delusion that this is a Democratic Party Blog...

...Therefore, we independents.

----------
That's a good point, imo, that's a PRINCIPLE!

21.  I think what we need to understand is that "winning" is a myth.  Nobody want's to win anymore.  When you win, that means the action is over and everybody goes home.  Bush and his cronies don't want to go home; they want to stay in the action.  And the only thing that lets them stay is to fail, so they can "try and try and try again."  Longevity is guaranteed by failure, not success.

The military/industrial sector wants to maintain not just a high level of military hardware production, but a regular opportunity to test and expend the stuff.  That's why they need the long war. 

34.

Michael Ellis
Fri, 09/21/07
2:10 pm

I have been tellin ya guys for 2 years now
-----------

Hey Mike, when I'll finally get a chance to read your Book....,
ISBN #?..., lol.

42.  LOL

Tom Hartmann just said what I said about the false comparison with Swift Boaters to the Betrayus campaign on the bottom of the last thread.

choices that should appear on the ballot along with None of the Above; might include Random Name from Phone Book

former
Fri, 09/21/07
2:40 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Its called "The Decline of America 1980-2004"..............the way things are going, I may ned to add a couple of chapters............never in my worst nightmares has any of this shot been predictable............

I have been tellin ya guys for 2 years now your are all wasting your time with these characters........unless some or all of you like "falling in line"...............as for me, no thanks........

You're probably the only person on the blog who has ever accused me of falling in line.  I've fought many a battle with some who have even attacked my very personality for not doing so.

I wanted to run this past you all to see if any of you have been experiencing anything similar. I had not been getting any emails from Move-on for a long time. I thought they just stopped emailing me. A few days ago I happened to be in my "outlook Express" when It said I had just gotten 2 new emails. When I looked in my inbox only 1 was there. I started looking & I found the other new email in my deleted items folder. This email was from Move on. It had for some reason gone directly to my deleted box instead of my inbox where it should have gone. The same thing happened yesterday. An email from move on & I looked in my deleted box & there a new one was. I don't use any spam protector in my email. or anything like it.Everything is supposed to come directly to me & then I do what I want with it. My email comes in to Yahoo &  then automatically is sent to my Outlook express. Can someone or something be messing with Move-on's emails?

Too bad Edwards is sucking up to Israel.

-----------------

His call to let Israel into NATO is nothing short of insane.

----------------

He is generally moving in a right direction

----------------

So do weather vanes. 

moveon.org has taken in over half a million since yesterday.

send some love their way. www.moveon.org.

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Is DFA going to sponsor any democrat presidential forum/debate ?

If so, who will be the moderator ?

Linda. what was Leahy thinking?  I can't believe he voted to condemn Move-On.

Even Bernie Sanders did. It was a dark day for DCDemocrats. Maybe the day they finally cut their own throats. How do people forget that they were betrayed and attacked by the very people they have put the most confindence, support, and votes in?

Åfter watching the campus shooting in Delaware today, I've reached an extreme conclusion.

Males should not be allowed to have/own/buy/beg/find/use guns! 

Exception would be males who can prove they hunt for food and must be over 40 years of age.

Military would be an exception much as I hate to write this.

Either that, or men who want guns must have 2 years of private and group therapy and must submit to weekly mental health evaluations.

Think about how much safer we women would be if men didn't have guns.  Deny them knives as well.  It's that one apple in the barrel thing.

Ok,I got that outta my system. 

DE shooter still at large. 

moveon.org has taken in over half a million since yesterday.

To slap the Democrats who slapped them. 

In light of President Bush’s disgraceful presser today, Keith Olbermann decided to make a Special Comment on tonight’s Countdown and wow, did he make the most of it. Olbermann blasts the president for his cowardly and un-American behavior of pimping General Petraeus as a political hack and hiding behind him to deflect criticism.

To say that Keith took the president to the woodshed would be an understatement.

 Download (8902) | Play (12565)  Download (3335) | Play (6518)

Euro strength

The euro, which breached the key 1.40 dollar-level on Thursday, reached 1.4120 on Friday, leaving gold likely to test beyond $740, said forex analysts.

ETM said the US dollar came under renewed pressure after reports that Saudis would not be reducing their interest rates in line with the US.

"This has been taken as a clear signal that they are looking to divorce themselves from the dollar peg in time," ETM said.

http://business.iafrica.com/news/576360....

I found it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    The predecsoor to the Bill Oreillys and Sean Hannitys..............

Angry TV host, De Mornay father dead
Wally George was a pioneer in 'combat TV'
Tuesday, October 7, 2003 Posted: 12:10 PM EDT (1610 GMT)

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California (AP) -- Conservative talk show host Wally George, who sparred with liberal guests for two decades on "Hot Seat," died Sunday of pneumonia. He was 71.

George, the father of actress Rebecca De Mornay, had been at the hospital for three months due to complications from cancer.

George's combative television show, broadcast on KDOC-TV in Anaheim, rose to popularity in the 1980s. He called his approach "combat TV" and was known for interrupting guests by shouting insults at them.

George told the Los Angeles Times in 1984 that fans saw him as a "down-to-earth guy who's speaking not so much from a highly intelligent brain but who's speaking from his heart and gut."

Born George Walter Pearch in Oakland to a former vaudeville actress and the owner of a shipping company, George moved to Hollywood with his mother and at age 14 became a disc jockey with KIEV-AM in Glendale.

He hosted "The Wally George Show" on Inglewood radio and was a producer and co-host of "The Sam Yorty Show" before "Hot Seat" premiered in 1983.

KDOC has been airing reruns of the show since George underwent surgery in June to remove a bone near his spine that had disintegrated because of cancer. He said at the time the problem was discovered by doctors after a fall in his Garden Grove home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJDLEfVjMoM

jao, AOL and several  others are blocking truthout mail...maybe they're also blocking moveon.

Check all your folders everyone.  Fascism is on the march thru the Net.

 And please call your dem senators.  Quote the passage I quoted to the woman who answered and she was very surprised that Wyden would sign such a thing.  I didn't display any anger, just bewilderment and sadness at being BETRAYED by the senator I always support.  Make sure you quote that passage.

In an email today from Ned Lamont:

Today, I'm proud to announce the first four such leaders to be added to my new ActBlue page: Chris Dodd, Tom Allen, Jim Himes, and Chellie Pingree.

Why wasn't Olbermann (last night) or other progressives hammering Bush and other repugnant R creatures for claiming that the Move-On ad attacked "the military" when they know Petreaus is not the entire military?

We need to be hitting back on all cylinders all the time!

Jena is getting a lot of coverage today.  Good.  Show the South for what it still is............

68...drop a  note to Keith...I think he listens.

Jena is getting a lot of coverage today. 

...

J. Bush or J. Louisiana ?

Just ccontributed to DFA, Truthout, and MoveOn.org 

Frankly, I think it's going to be locals all the way for our involvement.  I cannot believe what pusilanimous,, caviling dunderheads we have for Congress.  Unbelievable.  

Why wasn't Olbermann (last night) or other progressives hammering Bush and other repugnant R creatures for claiming that the Move-On ad attacked "the military" when they know Petreaus is not the entire military?

Boxer Amdt. No. 2947; To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.

65 seashell   I'm not a conspiracey theorist by nature, but I'm beginning to think as you say, something may be happening with emails. 

At our Lake  County DEC meeting last night we were privileged to be visited by one of Dean's 50-state strategy guys.

He works out of the Florida Dem Party HQ, but his check comes from the DNC. This guy could be running for office himself he was so effective. I talked with him for several minutes after his presentation and Q&A about the primaries situation here. Many of our members are Hillary-types and were blaming everything on Howard Dean. Before the evening was over we set that straight.

Afternote: While our DEC meeting was going on in Tavares, there were countless lightning strikes, deafining thunder and tons of rain -- not exactly new to us Florida. We all walked out in a light rain and left completely unaware of anything urgent.

What we didn't know was that there were tornadoes flying all around us at the time, coming within blocks of us. When we got home (30 miles) our weather radio was getting a real workout but talking only to the parrot who didn't give a hoot! I guess member survived OK and dodged a bullet.

52.

Michael Ellis
Fri, 09/21/07
2:53 pm


Its called "The Decline of America 1980-2004"..............the way things are going, I may ned to add a couple of chapters............never in my worst nightmares has any of this shot been predictable...

----------

You may want to rush a little..., otherwise you might need to add some more chapters or even to rename the book to..."The Revival of America 2007-2008"..., lol.

oops:

..."The Beginning of America's Revival 2007-2008"..., lol.

answer to a question from the previous thread

72.
Linda*in*SFNM

My point is we need these Veteran’s Mental Health bills that are cited below to pass. They will help our troops now. The ad's was ill-timed and it's message missed the real target. At some point in time activists need to allow our electeds to do their jobs. They just returned to session. Hopefully they heard from their constituents when they were home. If a bill was hastily prepared it is because the staffers we're trying to mend a partisan wound that had been created by the ad.
---

Veteran’s Mental Health Outreach and Access Act (S. 38)

Requires the Veterans Administration (VA) to establish a program to provide readjustment counseling and mental health services to, and would eliminate critical barriers that now put many returning veterans at risk of having their readjustment or mental health problems worsen and become chronic. Specifically, the bill would -- (1) combat the stigma that deters help-seeking by making peer-outreach services a core VA responsibility in helping veterans of service in Iraq and Afghanistan readjust and recover; (2) require VA to establish a national program for training returning veterans for employment as peer specialists; (3) provide VA a mechanism through which veterans living remote from VA health facilities could get peer-supported readjustment counseling and mental health care in much greater proximity to their homes; (4) enable immediate family members to receive mental health and other services to assist in the veteran’s readjustment or recovery; and (5) extend from two to five years the special health-care eligibility period for veterans who served in a combat theater. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?...:s.00038:
---
Deployments strain troops' mental health
Pentagon panel warns overburdened system could fail to meet needs

WASHINGTON - The military is putting already-strained troops at greater risk of mental health problems because of repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, a Pentagon panel said Thursday in warning of an overburdened health system.

Issuing an urgent warning, the Defense Department’s Task Force on Mental Health chaired by Navy Surgeon General Donald Arthur said more than one-third of troops and veterans currently suffer from problems such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder... full story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18488585/
-----
We're Killing Our Troops
Huffington Post, NY - Sep 20, 2007
... the wounds of our service members and has produced extraordinarily high rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health problems. ... full article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bobby-mull...
-----
A Band on a Mission: This Is For the Soldiers…Drowning Pool Steps It Up for the Soldiers

Continued Partnership with Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Generates Support on Capitol Hill for Better Mental Health Care for U.S. Troops

Veterans Group and Rock Band Present Congress with Letter of Support Containing 25,000 Signatures for Lane Evans Bill

Drowning Pool Challenges Fellow Recording Artists to Show Support for Troops

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Platinum rock band Drowning Pool is a band on a mission. Immediately following the successful launch of their “This Is For the Soldiers Tour”, the Texas rockers have stepped it up with Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), actively campaigning for better mental health care for U.S. Troops on Capitol Hill. Drowning Pool and IAVA presented Representative Patrick Murphy with a petition containing 25,000 signatures in support of the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007. Murphy, who is the first Iraq veteran to serve in Congress, is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which requires mandatory mental health care screening for returning troops. He served in Baghdad in 2003-2004 as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Drowning Pool and IAVA first joined forces to launch the “This Is For The Soldiers” campaign and accompanying website www.thisisforthesoldiers.org, which continues to ask supporters to sign an online petition urging Congress to pass the Lane Evans bill. The group has been instrumental in involving their young fans in the political process and they challenge their fellow recording artists to show their support for our troops. ...

...The Lane Evans Bill would help troops and veterans get mental health care in the following ways:

-Require in-person mental health screening for returning combat veterans

-Extend the window for Veterans Affairs mental health treatment

-Establish a registry to track Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to monitor their health and benefit use

-Improve the transferability of military records from Department of Defense to Veterans Affairs

IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is the nation's first and largest organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing more than 60,000 members and civilian supporters in all 50 states...
full article: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site...
---
Vets Say Gloves Are Off for Omvig Suicide Bill, Two Others

VMFP Calls on Washington to Resolve Differences for Veterans

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Iowans Ellen and Randy
Omvig channel their grief to serve other military families. Their son, Joshua, 22, took his own life following a second tour in Iraq, days before Christmas 2005. Since Joshua's death, they work to inform others about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the illness that, as much as the handgun, took Joshua's life. Their ultimate goal is to see the Joshua Omvig Veteran Suicide Prevention Act signed into law this year.

"A single Senator holds it up," Tom Howe, mentor of the bill for Veterans and Military Families for Progress said, referring to Senator Tom Coburn (R- OK), about the bill sponsored by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, and= co-sponsored by 31 other Senators. The House passed its version in March 423-0, and although the measure has bi-partisan support, Coburn is holding it up.

More than 5,000 veterans die by suicide annually, the Department of Veteran Affairs reports, and an August 2007 Pentagon report indicates the nproblem is not limited to veterans since a record number of active duty service members committed suicide in 2006. With one senator standing between veterans and suicide prevention, VMFP demands leadership on this issue.

"Where is the Presidential leadership on this? The Congressional leadership on this? Who in Washington truly stands with veterans and military families concerning coming home from combat?" Howe, a Vietnam veteran asked. ... full release: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/storie...

you might need to add some more chapters or even to rename the book to..."The Revival of America 2007-2008"..., lol.

As yesterday's votes were merely the poster child for, The Democratic Party has yet to be revived, much less America.

Seig heil! (Maybe Craig was just doing an under the stall salute.)

That's supporting the troops.

Refusing to criticize a political general isn't. 

I'm glad I'm busy with harvest cause seeing those votes is giving me high blood pressure.

throw another log on that fire

bbl

81.

Sitka

A soldier is not a politician. The General is not a member of Bush's cabinet.

Regardless of how they feel about the MoveOn.org ad, the Democratic Senators have been put into a bind of identifying with the group or not identifying with it.

MoveOn.org is not part of the Democratic Party and does not speak for the party, yet they have been very helpful in helping with our causes and elections. So how do Senators show that the Democratic party is separate, and independent from MoveOn, but not connected, without offending the sensitivities of people who support both The Party and MoveOn?

This get complicated from that perspective.

63.

Fred

Our greenbacks are in big trouble. Much of the world will not be helping out this time except perhaps those nations that rely on us for their imports of wheat or other much-needed foodstuffs.

WUFT FM Friday Trivia Question: Name 2 pieces that use the typewriter as a percussion instrument.

82.

Phil Specht
Fri, 09/21/07
3:42 pm

I'm glad I'm busy with harvest cause seeing those votes is giving me high blood pressure.
----------

...lol, you lucky Phil..., as Pavlov taught us (not exact quote):

"Switching activity type (from, say, mental to physical) IS a RELAXATION".

Democratic Senators could have denounced Republicans for attacking free speech and the First Amendment, and then went on to list other parts of the Constitution under attack as well instead of caving to Republican talking points.

Hillary didn't back down. Score one for her.  

I was also totally shocked w/Leahy, Linda.

Not so much w/"Fighting Dems," Webb & Tester.

Never did like either one of 'em.

Shut off the ActBlue donations, votes, & freebie labor is what that amounts to.

It's waaaaaaaaaaaay past time for "tough love," folks.

Go, IndySteve. Run against the asshole again (this time, get a freakin' ActBlue account)! Tsk...tsk.

I'll set it up for 'ya, alright?

Here's mine for Tom Allen & Chellie (neither of whom are BlueDogs, BTW)!

http://www.actblue.com/page/mf

I wonder how many more Senators would have been in favor of the cloture vote on S.1257, the DC House Voting Rights Bill, if only that ad had not appeared in their morning paper.

Indy Steve/07   write in

<>A soldier is not a politician. The General is not a member of Bush's cabinet.

Betryus doesn't need to be a member of Bush's cabinet to allow himself to be  used as a political shill. His own commander in the theater, Admiral Fallon, called him an, "ass-kissing chickenshit," for allowing himself to used as Bush's political tool.

88.

Phil Specht
Fri, 09/21/07
3:55 pm


Hillary didn't back down. Score one for her.
-------


Of course, she did not...., AFTER voting regularly to continue FUNDING this war...., she is calculating...calculating..., what's gonna give her more votes.

It's called "politically balanced" desisions..., lol.

bbl.

Ned suports both Tom and Chellie, BTW.

Great taste, that guy.

:::wink:::

He has a place up here on North Haven (nice peeps)-very approachable.

Maura had indicated that Ned gives great hugs; so I tested her theorem. She's spot-on, per usual....

http://tinyurl.com/2k3nqk

Obama has now added a third staffer in our little county, so is putting all that money raised right to use, and wants to make sure Hillary comes in third here. Tough when all of the others are gaining as well.

I just keep thinking of all the (our) money Gore is saving.

Hillary didn't back down. Score one for her.

Hillary voted for the Boxer amendment, which was just as bad.

Boxer Amdt. No. 2947; To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.

I guess I'll have to keep posting until everyone gets it. 

 Not to be missed!

THE WAR

I just keep thinking of all the (our) money Gore is saving.

And all the bruising. 

Olbermann showed footage from Burns' new documentary and it was some pretty halting stuff.

True, Sitka.

Freakin' Bernie is a danged Socialist progressive...bless him.

http://sanders.senate.gov/news/

Sad day, indeedy. Wellstone must be shitting his down under britches right about now.

All I can say is go after 'em in the primaries, folks.

97. Gee Joan I'm glad I read your post -- I've been 'selling' this program to students for a couple of weeks and told them it was on 7 Sundays. lol.

Seashell -- we should just leave your slogan alone it was great to start with -- if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Everyone ALSO remember the Presidents series on CSPAN tonight -- 8 PM and tonight it's Truman. Last week I sat there riveted for the whole 2 hours, and just cried when they played the recording of Eleanor R giving a broadcast speech the night of Pearl Harbor (first in the Admin to speak!). "We are the free and unconquerable United State of America."

85. Joan* In*Florida

===================
Deregulation has turned into a proverbial free-for-all brawl instead of a football game with referees.

Bush needed to artificially stimulate the economy with interest cuts and dollar devaluation, now we are paying the piper. The interest rate cut was a knee-jerk move for the same kind of stimulant that got us into this mess in the first place.

Pretty soon we'll be competing with India for agricultural exports to Europe. We're in for a spiral.

I saw the footage, Sitka.

Boxer Amdt. No. 2947; To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.

8 PM Central?

95. Sitka

===========
I think the whole affair is frivolous political theatrics, any way you look at it, and I dare say anyone on this blog that takes it all that seriously is just as frivolous.

87.

Of course "The Typewriter Song" would have to be one of them. I think the other one may be part of a Christmas song, but not sure.

87.
They never told us!!!!!!

106. Sounds good to me Joan -- I just looked at Wiki and there are more than two -- but you got one more than me.

bbl

It's disappointing to me that some folks instead of choosing to use some common sense now and then so something can possibly get done, choose instead to revel in the blood sport.

If yesterday's vote was frivolous, why did Senate Democrats partake in the game by putting forward their own amendment to attack MoveOn and all those who agree with them? They could have just voted NAY on the GOP smear amendment and stuck with those who gave them millions of dollars and invaluable active help in the last election.

But Nooooooooooooo! They had to have their "Sister Soulja" moment and berate millions of their own supporters for exposing and discrediting Bush's lackey general.  Sheer political stupidity which also exposed how unworthy of support DCDems are.

It's disappointing to me.....

110. Sitka

If yesterday's vote was frivolous, why did Senate Democrats partake in the game by putting forward their own amendment to attack MoveOn and all those who agree with them?

==================
Both sides are playing a frivolous political game that they have to play. No one really cares about the principles of what MoveOn said or the content of the ad. The whole affair would not even exist were it not for the headline, which was tabloid style sensationalism.

MoveOn is probably gloating at all the attention, but unfortunately, the important stuff, the content and the arguments are not getting the discussion. Its all about the headline.

.........that there are some who accept repetative betrayal from DCDems.  But their number is decreasing as more and more see through the smoke and mirrors. When enough see the truth, then reform can begin in earnest.

I will be going to the filming of as one of many for "Swing Vote" with Kevin Costner, Kelsey Grammer and Dennis Hopper tonight, as a viewer for a concert. Let's see, especially considering the topic of the movie, expected to be released next year, if they will ban me and my t-shirt tonight. Considering we live in such a free country these days. (sic)

to tom hughes, thank you for all you've done for dfa.  godspeed in your next venture.  come visit from time to time.

to arshad, your energy is apparent.  i look forward to future campaigns.

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

to IndySteve, total agreement.  we worked to put them there; we can work to take them out.

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

rooty-tooty rudy was pandering to the nra today, after taking shots at moveon earlier this week.  at his presentation, his wife......or was it his secretary of defense.......judith guiliani called.  remember, cabinet secretaries serve at the "pleasure of the president."

does youtube have clips of this gimmick from his past speeches?

1. Baucus (D-MT)
2. Bayh (D-IN)
   
3. Casey (D-PA)
4. Conrad (D-ND)
5. Dorgan (D-ND)
6. Johnson (D-SD) (welcome back, a-hole)
7. Landrieu (D-LA)
8. Levin (D-MI<>
9. Lincoln (D-AR)
10. McCaskill (D-MO)
11. Mikulski (D-MD)
12. Nelson (D-FL)
13. Nelson (D-NE)
    
14. Pryor (D-AR)
    
15. Reed (D-RI)
16. Salazar (D-CO)
17. Tester (D-MT)
18. Webb (D-VA)

Not voting:

1. Biden (D-DE
2. Cantwell (D-WA

OH, Maybe I can get hubby to wear a tshirt that says.

Government Betrayus
9-20-07

Or,

Our Senate Betrayus
and I
can't
Move On

oh yes, pinoscal, thank you for reminding me. I wasn't able to post yesterday.


Tom Hughes, thank you so much for all you have done for Democracy, Governor Dean and DFA. You will be greatly missed. But, I see Vermont still gets to keep you.

I still have a few of the old DFA (round) stickers left you gave me to pass out in Columbus with Governor Dean. The best to you and I wish you much success and happiness.

bbl

To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Does that include members of the US Armed Forves that pillage, rape, massacre families including women and children................bomb unsuspecting civilians and allies for that matter then turn around and Top Gun it back to base................

Our worship of the military is almost sickening at times.................

This just in an email from a friend in Argentina.

"Yes, I know what you mean...in fact lately a lot of americans are coming down to stay. I’m, really sorry Bush is kicking people out of such a beautifull country... "

I wrote and asked what beautiful country she's referring to.  Since bush is  not  kicking people out of Argentina or here, I assume she means Iraq. 

I'm a bit nervous about my upcoming trip since anti-American sentiment was starting there 6 months ago.

Please,  someone, impeach the bastards. 

Does that include members of the US Armed Forves.....

Apparently not his own commander, Admiral Fallon. 

I saw the rudi/wife clip.  It's a family values schtick and I doubt his wife was on the other end.

S/O is driving around with nooses hanging off the back of their truck.  CNN

What is to become of us?  It's dangerous to be Muslim, black, women, young, old, activist....

CNN showing clip of woman being tasered.  That's now the fascist weapon of choice.

I'm so discouraged...new country! 

Or...Al Gore 

Our worship of the military is almost sickening at times.................

Worst of all because it allows for shameless exploitation of them by political demagogues. 

Our worship of the military is almost sickening at times.................

No almost about it.  Men with guns don't belong on the planet.  Really pissed today.  And I'm generalizing.

115.

Linda*in*SFNM


Kelsey Grammer contributes to Republican candidates. That's because he is a Republican. I believe he supported Bush. Presently Mr. Grammer and his wife are supporting Mayor Giuliani's candidacy.


http://politics.nytimes.com/election-gui...

...The Republicans are not without support in the entertainment industry, but it is comparatively thin. Kelsey Grammer gave $4,600 to Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, for the primary and general election, while Adam Sandler gave him $2,100. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, received $500 from Pat Boone. Jerry Bruckheimer gave $2,300 to Senator John McCain....

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/politica...

They give too

Hollywood cash isn't just for Democrats. The Associated Press looked at the entertainment industry's donations to Republican presidential candidates, who are arriving in California this week for a debate at the Reagan Library. Rudy Giuliani has the highest-profile donors:

"Adam Sandler, who shares a love of the New York Yankees with Giuliani and tapped him for a cameo in his 2003 movie 'Anger Management,' contributed $2,100. 'Frasier' star Kelsey Grammer and his wife donated $6,900....

Lakoff talks about the Move On add and how Dems allowed themselves to be suckered.

http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/resear...

Dems never take command of the argument. Bush is totally inept at anything remotely related to the subtleties of 4GW, but the administration is masterful at changing the frame to meet their needs. And Dems fall for it every time. Everyone on the planent knows Dems were respectful the Petraeus and the Bush treats the troops like used toilet paper. But when it comes to dialog and framing, they make it sound like Repubs are the only thing keeping the troops alive and Dems are the grim reaper.

My question is why did Reid allow this bill to get to the Senate floor? It was an obvious setup. Pelosi, for once, had enough sense to kill the House version of the bill.

bbl...the bile rises in my throat at this godawful congress and even worse  prez.

The repugs are sickening with their tiny teeny co**s doubling as bravado.

Vincent Fox, bush's *good friend" thinks he's a dolt.  

Laughing stock,world tragedy. 

Our dems are not politically savvy.  They need to read this blog.

Tom Engelhardt rules.

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174839/c...

This kind of parellels my last post. Here, Engelhardt discusses the Iraq War from the referance of a person watching a WWII war movie. A really fascinating (and long) piece.

121.

Michael Ellis


Please stop insulting Senator Boxer. By now you should know that was the intention of the bill.

20-Sep-2007 2 | US: 2 | UK: 0 | Other: 0

US NAME NOT RELEASED YET Kirkuk - At-Ta'mim Non-hostile
US NAME NOT RELEASED YET Diyala Province Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack
US NAME NOT RELEASED YET Al Anbar Province Non-hostile

19-Sep-2007 2 | US: 2 | UK: 0 | Other: 0

US Private 1st Class Christian M. Neff Baghdad (West of) Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack

18-Sep-2007 6 | US: 6 | UK: 0 | Other: 0

US Sergeant Edmund J. Jeffers Al Taqaddum - Anbar Non-hostile - accident
US Specialist Aaron J. Walker Baghdad (southern part) Hostile - hostile fire - small arms fire
US Specialist Matthew J. Emerson Ninawa Province Non-hostile - vehicle accident
US Specialist Joseph N. Landry III Muqdadiyah - Diyala Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack
US Specialist Nicholas P. Olson Muqdadiyah - Diyala Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack
US Specialist Donald E. Valentine III Muqdadiyah - Diyala Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack

-----

The bad news just keeps mounting as we continue to police a Civil War. Despite our best efforts in Iraq, the situation just keeps going sideways and fifteen month tours can only further deteriorate the effectiveness of the US Army.

found this on Democratic Underground.
It is short so the entire article is here.

Webb Amendment Failure:

Instead, the reason the Webb amendment failed even though it got 56 votes was that Senators agreed by unanimous consent that the amendment should have to get 60 votes to pass, even without a filibuster.

But why would anyone agree to allow Republicans, who are already on pace to shatter all previous filibuster records, to stop an amendment this important and this sensible without even lifting a finger? And the question here is not just why anyone would allow it, but why everyone did. A single Senator could have put a stop to this simply by saying, "I object" when the unanimous consent request was made. Just one Senator.

Yet none did.

Not Harry Reid. Not Russ Feingold. Not Bernie Sanders.

Nobody.

-snip-

And so the Webb amendment died quietly yesterday, allowing Republicans to enjoy all the obstructionist benefits of a filibuster, without having to stand up and tell Americans and their fighting men and women in the military exactly what they were doing. And not a moment was "wasted" on the "extended debate" that's supposed to make up a filibuster.

Everyone just politely agreed that 56-44 would be a losing vote for America's sons and daughters wearing the uniform in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they did it on national television. And America yawned, hit the snooze button, and slept in.

Tester (D-MT)
Webb (D-VA)

'06's "Fighting Dems" of the so-called netroots nation.

Shut 'em off, folks.

136. dog soldier

================
maybe the Democrats wanted something to blame on the Republicans for the election.

130.

dog soldier

It's the picture that was used in the ad. He is in uniform. A picture is worth a 1000 words.

http://pol.moveon.org/petraeus.html

131. seashell :-)

bbl...the bile rises in my throat at this godawful congress and even worse prez

===============
your gonna ruin your health worrying about this crap hole country... they'll still be here making a mess after you and I are dead and gone. Forgetaboutit and enjoy life a little - laugh it off.

There is a new thread.  Muchachas.