FYI~ The 34 Members of Congress and 5 Senators Confirmed Not attending Bibi's speach..UPDATE/54

[Cha]

Last edited Mon Mar 2, 2015, 08:48 PM - Edit history (2)

including Sens Whitehouse and Franklin ..and Warren!

Christopher Rowland @GlobeRowland
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Elizabeth Warren will skip Netanyahu speech.
2:26 PM - 2 Mar 2015 50 Retweets 32 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/02/chat-on-84/#comments

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech


ian bremmer ✔ @ianbremmer
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34 Members of Congress confirmed not attending Netanyahu speech
12:50 PM - 1 Mar 2015 155 Retweets 64 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/01/a-tweet-or-two-250/

One of my Senators, Brian Schatz is Not going.. and Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico is the 5th Senator Confirmed..

"WASHINGTON — Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., told the Journal this evening that he plans to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial speech to Congress on Tuesday.

About two dozen other Democrats have said they will not attend the speech. The rest of New Mexico’s delegation plans to attend, although other delegation Democrats expressed reservations about the speech.

“I am always happy to listen to what Prime Minister Netanyahu has to say,” Heinrich said in a statement. “I intend to watch his speech about Iran from my office, but I have strong objections to using the floor of the United State Congress as a stage for his election campaign–or anyone’s for that matter. The U.S.-Israeli alliance is too important to be politically exploited just days before Israeli voters go to the polls.”

http://www.abqjournal.com/547477/politics/heinrich-joins-boycott-of-netanyahu-speech.html

Israel Lobbies for More Missile Defense Funds Than Obama Sought

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-27/israel-lobbies-for-more-missile-defense-funds-than-obama-sought

"Congress" can't even fund our Homeland Security and they're going to give Netanyahu $300 Million More than President Obama asked for?!

[Thinkingabout]

1. I did not see Cruz, Cronyn or Culbertson on the list, dirty rotten dogs, they do not

Represent this Texan.

[Cha]

3. Of course not.. they all want to stick it to the President of the United States.

[Thinkingabout]

4. Just useless.

[Cha]

13. Less than Zero

[indivisibleman]

24. I know. It is disappointing to say the least. n/t

[handmade34]

2. I wrote to Peter Welch

addressing my concerns and this is his reply... I respect Rep. Welch and admire his work but this does disappoint me...


February 27, 2015

Dear XX. XXXXXXXX


Thank you for contacting me about Speaker Boehner's decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress on March 3. I appreciate your feedback on this issue.

I believe Speaker Boehner made a serious mistake in scheduling this speech because it will occur at a delicate moment in ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and because it will take place on the eve of Israel's general election. I have urged the Speaker to postpone the speech until after the March 17 election and after nuclear negotiations have concluded, as expected, on March 24. Should the speech go forward as planned on March 3, I will attend because I believe I have a responsibility, as Vermont's representative in the House, to show respect for visiting foreign leaders.


Please keep in touch. I look forward to seeing you in Vermont soon.

Sincerely,
PETER WELCH
Member of Congress

[Cha]

5. Thank you, handmade, for writing him and sharing his response.. I'm glad there are all these Dems

and one Indie who does not think Netanyahu needs respect shown to him when he and the teabaggers are dissing our President.

[sabrina 1]

66. That's too bad. I think by now it's clear that any foreign leader who plots to undermine a US

president's policies on matters t hat concern the National Security of this country, not only do not deserve respect, they should be forbidden access to any sensitive information regarding this country's National Security interests.

Until every Democrat stand up for THIS country rather than 'showing respect' to those who have insulted this country, bullies like Bibi will continue to influence OUR Foreign Policies along with his Neocon allies in this country.

[Kath1]

6. I applaud all who choose not to attend!

"...I have strong objections to using the floor of the United State Congress as a stage for his election campaign–or anyone’s for that matter." - Absolutely right!

[Cha]

7. I think so, too, Kath.. and I really appreciate my Senator Schatz and Sen Bernie Sanders for

not going!

And, Senator Martin Heinrich has it exactly right!

[Cha]

82. We now have Sens Warren, Whitehouse and Franklin in the Update, Kath!

Christopher Rowland @GlobeRowland
Follow
Elizabeth Warren will skip Netanyahu speech.
2:26 PM - 2 Mar 2015 50 Retweets 32 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/02/chat-on-84/#comments

[Cha]

8. Israel said to seek additional $300 million from US for missile defense than Obama asked for..

Officials reportedly turn to Congress to make request, bypassing White House amid spat over PM’s upcoming speech

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-seek-additional-300-million-for-missile-defense/

So it's all about the $$$$ and of course bibi's election chances..

[leftynyc]

56. That's a bit misleading

All monies for foreign aid MUST come from Congress. The White House really has nothing to do with it. The White House could ask Congress to approve the money but it's Congress' call so they're not "bypassing" the White House here. I suspect this right wing rag is trying to sow discord.

[spanone]

9. k&r...

[Cha]

10. Nice Mahalo, spanone!

[whereisjustice]

11. It is time to end our dependence on Israel. eom

[Cha]

12. Kick

[sheshe2]

14. My Senators are not on that list, Cha.

So, are they boycotting or attending? I have not heard. I hope they boycott.

Very long day at work, 2 hour meeting, then our regular work hours. I'm tired and it is snowing again.

Tired. So tired.

[Cha]

15. But, Rep Kathleen Clark is, she! And, Rep Jim McGovern of Mass.. whom I don't know anything

about but I like his style on boycotting this speech from Netanyahu that is dissing our President.

Glad you have tomorrow, she!

[sheshe2]

18. What about Markey and Warren, Cha?

Sorry, to tired to look.

I know Clark and McGovern. Good peeps. this whole Netanyahu thing sticks.

[Cha]

21. Don't know their mindset, she.. but we won't have long to find out.. 2 more days. Good on Kathleen

Clark and Jim McGovern of Mass!

Some members of Congress may not like what Netanyahu and boner are doing but are still going to report on it in person.

[ND-Dem]

16. jim mcdermott isn't a senator. he's a representative. house.

[Cha]

17. Of course not.. and Rep McDermott is listed under the House Members.

[ND-Dem]

19. my error. i was reading it as columns, left to right.

instead of blocks, top to bottom.

[Cha]

22. No prob!

[Scootaloo]

20. I love voting for that guy n/t

[Cha]

23. Kick

[Iliyah]

25. K & R!

Come on California Senators!

Finally raining here in Los Angeles!

[Cha]

26. Mahalo Iliyah.. glad it's raining in L.A.!

[Cha]

27. KICK

[Turbineguy]

28. Chairs that repubs will fill with enthusiastic flunkies

who will clap and cheer for the benefit of television. Much better if they show up and listen in stony silence.

[Cha]

29. ..

[Renew Deal]

30. Schatz has a truancy problem.

Don't know what most of the rest are thinking.

[Cha]

31. What "truancy" problem? And, it says right in the OP what Senator Heinrich is "thinking" about not

attending Netanyahu's speech to congress.

[Renew Deal]

33. Here you go

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026243674

[Cha]

34. Mahalo.. Senator Schatz has been good about replying when I email him.. I'll ask him about this.

[Renew Deal]

84. Thanks

It disappointed me that a Democrat showed up on this list.

[Cha]

85. I know.. it's glaring.. not something he's wants to be remembered by.. I feel sure.

[Cha]

32. Kick for those who are boycotting Netanyahu's political ad on the Floor of our US Congress

[Iliyah]

35. Well Marco Rubio in the Senate has missed close to 100 votes

but his arse will probably be sitting up front at BiBi's
speech.

Turned to channel 9 to catch up on the weather news and unfortunately tuned into the last bullshit talk from Boner who said he's concerned about security for which country???

UGH

[Cha]

36. Exactly, Iliyah.. boner's not concerned for our country.

[Cha]

37. K

[Cha]

38. 1062 views so far.. somebodies want to take a peek.

[Cha]

39. Feinstein says it's "arrogant" for Netanyahu to say he "speaks for all Jews"

"When Netanyahu says he’s coming to speak, he says he speaks for all Jews. Does he speak for you?" Bash asked.

"No, he doesn’t speak for me on this," Feinstein responded.

Bash then asked Feinstein if the statement bothered her.

"I think it’s a rather arrogant statement. I think the Jewish community is like any other community. There are different points of view," Feinstein said. "I think the arrogance does not befit Israel."

The senator added that Netanyahu's speech was a "political move."

Video @ link..
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/feinstein-netanyahu-arrogant?utm_content=buffer1f6b4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[Cha]

40. Ben YIshai's open letter to Bibi: "Congressional speech perceived as declaration of war on the

sitting US president"

No one is listening

When you do give your speech, you will not have the full attention of American lawmakers, or that of the local media, or even the American public. The focus will be not on the substance of your words, but on the small details surrounding it.

The pundits will painstakingly tally up and report on how many members of the Senate and Congress actually showed up, on who was missing and why. They will count how many standing ovations you receive and even try to gauge the volume of the applause. Afterwards, these statistics will be analyzed and compared to previous speeches on the Hill – when you were still at the heart of bipartisan consensus.

Even if it is not your intention, the Congress speech, undertaken at the invitation of the Republican leader and him alone, is perceived in America and the world as the Israeli prime minister's official ascension to the Republican Party ranks, and a declaration of war on the sitting US president. This is both unwise and counterproductive in terms of Israel's most fundamental interests.

MOre..http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4632114,00.html

[Cha]

41. K

[Cha]

42. K

[Cha]

43. KICK for those Standing with President Obama on Negotiations with Iran

[progressoid]

44. Great. Hope more join.

[Cha]

45. Me too, progressoid.. because it means they're

standing with the President for Negotiations with Iran.. not more "sanctions" like bibi wants.

[Cha]

67. They have! Including Sens Whitehouse and Franklin!.. "53" now..

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[lovemydog]

46. I'm glad Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. has joined the boycott.

I support the President's ongoing negotiations with Iran. I think he is acting in our nation's best interest.

I feel Boehner's invitation and Netanyahu's acceptance go against our best interests in that region.

I hope even more Representatives and Senators refuse to attend.

[Cha]

47. Totally agree, lovemydog.. well said. I really appreciate those who are

making a statement by staying away from Netanyahu's speech. They are saying that this is unacceptable. End of story.

Mahalo, lmd

[lovemydog]

49. Mahalo to you as well Cha.

I'm glad these patriotic democrats are staying away from that speech. Including a couple great ones from Hawaii and New Mexico. Hope you enjoy a good week, Cha.

[Cha]

65. Good News, lovemydog.. there's an update.. 53 now.. including Sens Whitehouse and Franklin..

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[lovemydog]

86. That's a lot.

I bet there will be even more by tomorrow evening.

[Cha]

88. I think so, too! And, we have Senator Elizabeth Warren!

Christopher Rowland @GlobeRowland
Follow
Elizabeth Warren will skip Netanyahu speech.
2:26 PM - 2 Mar 2015 50 Retweets 32 favorites

[Cha]

48. Pants on Fire.. ByJosh Marshall

We're about to see a mountain of writing and hoopla this week about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to the United States and speech before Congress. A guy on twitter asked me if a comment I made was meant to be ironic. My thought was to tell him that irony simply doesn't have the muscle mass to handle what's coming down the pike this week. Only snark and absurdism can manage it. But with all this one of the most significant developments has gone all but unmentioned. We now have dramatic new evidence of Netanyahu's willingness to distort or simply falsify what his own intelligence agencies are telling him about the state of Iran's nuclear program when he speaks to the US and the world.


J.J. Goldberg goes into depth about it here in The Forward. But the gist is this: You probably remember that Netanyahu speech a couple years ago before the United Nations - the one where he used the bomb cartoon to illustrate his points about the Iranian nuclear program. In that speech Netanyahu made a series of specific claims about the status of the Iranian nuclear program. (Again, read J.J.'s piece for the details.) It turns out several of those claims were specifically contradicted by the current intelligence from the Mossad - Israel's foreign intelligence agency. We know this because of a major leak of hundreds of documents from South African intelligence. One of those is a report from the South Africans' Israeli counterparts - detailing their current evaluation of the status of the program. It's dated only a few weeks after Netanyahu's speech.

snip//
Unfortunately for Israel, unfortunately for America, unfortunately for everyone, Netanyahu can't be trusted - not his judgment or his honesty. And no amount of deterrence will stop the onslaught of weaponized grandiosity he plans to unleash on America this coming week.

MOre..
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/pants-on-fire

[Jefferson23]

74. +1/ n/t

[Cha]

78. Three Reasons To Boycott Netanyahu's Speech To Congress by Sally Kohn

Netanyahu is trying to scuttle promising negotiations with Iran.

Netanyahu is meddling in American politics.

Netanyahu does not speak for all Jews. Like he Lies about doing..

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/three-reasons-to-boycott-netanyahus-speech-to-congress

Mahalo Jefferson

[Jefferson23]

80. She is correct, and why not one Democrat should go. Chomsky who is by no means

a man who ever refrains from criticizing any US president has placed the problem where it belongs:

Noam Chomsky: Opposing Iran Nuclear Deal, Israel’s Goal Isn’t Survival — It’s Regional Dominance

snip* NOAM CHOMSKY: For both president—Prime Minister Netanyahu and the hawks in Congress, mostly Republican, the primary goal is to undermine any potential negotiation that might settle whatever issue there is with Iran. They have a common interest in ensuring that there is no regional force that can serve as any kind of deterrent to Israeli and U.S. violence, the major violence in the region. And it is—if we believe U.S. intelligence—don’t see any reason not to—their analysis is that if Iran is developing nuclear weapons, which they don’t know, it would be part of their deterrent strategy. Now, their general strategic posture is one of deterrence. They have low military expenditures. According to U.S. intelligence, their strategic doctrine is to try to prevent an attack, up to the point where diplomacy can set in. I don’t think anyone with a grey cell functioning thinks that they would ever conceivably use a nuclear weapon, or even try to. The country would be obliterated in 15 seconds. But they might provide a deterrent of sorts. And the U.S. and Israel certainly don’t want to tolerate that. They are the forces that carry out regular violence and aggression in the region and don’t want any impediment to that.

And for the Republicans in Congress, there’s another interest—namely, to undermine anything that Obama, you know, the entity Christ, might try to do. So that’s a separate issue there. The Republicans stopped being an ordinary parliamentary party some years ago. They were described, I think accurately, by Norman Ornstein, the very respected conservative political analyst, American Enterprise Institute; he said the party has become a radical insurgency which has abandoned any commitment to parliamentary democracy. And their goal for the last years has simply been to undermine anything that Obama might do, in an effort to regain power and serve their primary constituency, which is the very wealthy and the corporate sector. They try to conceal this with all sorts of other means. In doing so, they’ve had to—you can’t get votes that way, so they’ve had to mobilize sectors of the population which have always been there but were never mobilized into an organized political force: evangelical Christians, extreme nationalists, terrified people who have to carry guns into Starbucks because somebody might be after them, and so on and so forth. That’s a big force. And inspiring fear is not very difficult in the United States. It’s a long history, back to colonial times, of—as an extremely frightened society, which is an interesting story in itself. And mobilizing people in fear of them, whoever "them" happens to be, is an effective technique used over and over again. And right now, the Republicans have—their nonpolicy has succeeded in putting them back in a position of at least congressional power. So, the attack on—this is a personal attack on Obama, and intended that way, is simply part of that general effort. But there is a common strategic concern underlying it, I think, and that is pretty much what U.S. intelligence analyzes: preventing any deterrent in the region to U.S. and Israeli actions.

http://www.democracynow.org/2015/3/2/noam_chomsky_opposing_iran_nuclear_deal

[Cha]

81. Thank you for that, Jefferson.. will read it... Good on Chomsky!

[lovemydog]

87. Well-said Mr. Chomsky.

Thank you Jefferson23.

[Cha]

50. "House Speaker John Boehner’s annoyance with President Barack Obama is turning into a grudge match

against the Constitution."

snip//

His decision to invite a foreign head of government to address Congress without first consulting the sitting president has no precedent in American history. And for a simple reason. It’s unconstitutional.

Boehner (R-Ohio) fully admits that his failure to communicate with the White House was not an oversight. Like a schoolboy passing notes when the teacher turns to the blackboard, he sneaked behind Obama’s back to set the date for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech with his country’s ambassador to the United States. Boehner asked the foreign dignitary not to tell the U.S. president.

MOre..
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/03/01/netanyahu-invite-is-a-symptom-of-boehners-grudge-match-against-the-u-s-constitution/

[fredamae]

52. I stand With POTUS on this

and I'm Extremely Annoyed with Reps Bonimici, Schrader, Sens Merkley and Wyden for Refusing to tell their constituents, who they're there to Represent...what their intentions Are.

If they can't "see" what's wrong here? They need to go...there is a time that something So egregious is presented...that line crossed...and ERASES Every other "good" thing they've done...Imo-This matter is just such a line.

Tread Carefully OR Delegation....

[Cha]

57. I know what you mean, fredamae.. I have an update here from the Hill.. says "53 Dems to skip.."

I haven't even checked it yet to see who else is on there..

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[fredamae]

62. Thank you for the update....

We still have too many silent....

[Cha]

63. You're Welcome.. we have Sens Whitehouse and Franklin for sure.. Yay!

[marmar]

53. The House list looks very familiar. It's the usual list of reliable progressives.

Thank goodness for them.

[Cha]

58. I have an update, marmar..

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[Stellar]

54. K...

I didn't see Dick Durban name or Bobby Rush's name. Bobby Rush looked so ill when I saw him on TV the night of the election between Rahm Emanuel and Chuy Garcia, he didn't clap or smile, he just looked like a bag of bones. I hope his cancer hasn't flared back up.

[Cha]

61. Mahalo Stellar.. I have an update today but Sen Durbin isn't on it.. don't know yet about Rep Rush..

and I hope he's okay.

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[Stellar]

89. Thanks Cha for sharing

A lot of interesting names on and offer the list..

[Cha]

90. Yes! and, now we Senator Warren and Joaquin Castro!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026303182

My pleasure!

[MineralMan]

55. I'm pleased to see my House member, Betty McCollum, on that list.

Most people have never heard of her, but she's a fine, progressive representative.

[Cha]

64. Good to know, MM.. I was very pleased to see my Sen Schatz on there and now we have an update

with Sens Franklin and Whitehouse!

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[kelliekat44]

59. That means an awful lot of Democrats will attend. nt

[Cha]

60. It does.. but, I have an update for today, kellie.. Sens Whitehouse and Franklin are now on the list

WHIP LIST: 53 Democrats to skip Netanyahu speech to Congress

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

[Cha]

68. Obama: Netanyahu speech is not 'permanently destructive' ".. it is a distraction from what.. "

President Obama said Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Tuesday, which will likely criticize the administration supported nuclear talks with Iran, would not be “permanently destructive” to U.S.-Israel ties.

“I don’t think it’s permanently destructive, I think that it is a distraction from what should be our focus,” Obama told Reuters. “And our focus should be: How do we stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon?”

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/234369-obama-bibi-speech-is-not-permanently-destructive

[Cha]

69. KICK

[Cha]

70. KICK

[Cha]

71. Tweet.. Elizabeth Warren will also Skip Netanyahu's speech.. :)

Christopher Rowland @GlobeRowland
Follow
Elizabeth Warren will skip Netanyahu speech.
2:26 PM - 2 Mar 2015 50 Retweets 32 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/02/chat-on-84/#comments

[Segami]

72. MORE....MORE...

..

[Cha]

73. Yep, we have Sen Warren now!

Christopher Rowland @GlobeRowland
Follow
Elizabeth Warren will skip Netanyahu speech.
2:26 PM - 2 Mar 2015 50 Retweets 32 favorites

http://theobamadiary.com/2015/03/02/chat-on-84/#comments

[MBS]

91. Excellent. n/t

[raven mad]

75. Naturally, you'll find no Alaskan reps or senators on this list.

But they're idiots elected by the oil machine, and don't count.

Thanks for the list. Am composing a thank you to be sent to everyone on it!

[Cha]

79. Wow, raven mad.. Mahalo! Great idea.. when the dust settles that would be an awesome DU project!

[ladjf]

76. Let us hope that even more Congress people will follow suit. nt

[Cha]

77. Yes! by tomorrow, ladjf..

[Cha]

83. Why Boehner’s invite to Netanyahu is unconstitutional

http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/03/01/netanyahu-invite-is-a-symptom-of-boehners-grudge-match-against-the-u-s-constitution/

[MBS]

92. These people deserve our thanks.

I'm especially pleased about Sen. Kaine. He's really been coming through lately-- he's consistently voted against Keystone pipeline, too.

[Cha]

93. I am all enthalled with Senator Kaine, too..MBS

"Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) — “This has unfortunately become a partisan spectacle, both because of the impending Israeli election and because it was done without consulting the Administration,” said Sen. Franken in a statement. “I’d be uncomfortable being part of an event that I don’t believe should be happening. I’m confident that, once this episode is over, we can reaffirm our strong tradition of bipartisan support for Israel.”

And, I'm very happy with Sen Tim Kaine, et cetera, too.. just to name a few..

Sen. Tim Kaine (Va.) — “There is no reason to schedule this speech before Israeli voters go to the polls on March 17 and choose their own leadership," Kaine said in a statement.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.) — Leahy called it a "tawdry and high-handed stunt," according to a Vermont newspaper.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) — Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, said it’s “wrong” that Obama wasn’t consulted about the speech.

MOre.. http://thehill.com/homenews/house/232160-whip-list-dems-skipping-netanyahu-speech

Sen Leahy doesn't mince words!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6303548