RAWSTORY: Five Democratic senators sign letter to Bush calling for Gannon

[sabra]

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http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=128

Five Democratic senators sign letter to Bush calling for Gannon inquiry

By John Byrne | RAW STORY Editor

Democratic senators Durbin, Kennedy, Kerry, Lautenberg and Reid issued a letter Friday to President Bush calling for a full and transparent investigation into the discredited White House reporter writing under the pseudonym Jeff Gannon, RAW STORY can reveal.

The letter, which was dispatched to the president early this afternoon, cites possibly security breaches and questions whether Gannon was given special access in the context of three other columnists the Bush administration has been secretly paying.

Backed by Senators Reid, Durbin and Kerry, the letter carries the imprimatur of the Senate Democratic leadership. It does not, however, carry the full weight of the caucus.

Aides say Durbin’s effort to collect signatures was frustrated by the fact that most members have returned to their home states for the Congressional recess.


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[LiberalVoice]

1. yes!

Put more heat on the fuckaz!

[cyberpj]

38. Did you write that? Just curious.

Politics is but the common pulse-beat, of which revolution is the fever-spasm.

Enjoyed your response.

[LiberalVoice]

65. no i didn't

I forget where I pulled it off of but I liked it

[peacebird]

2. Excellent!

They are nailing it on the security breach angle! And they rub his nose in the propaganda bit as well - mentioning the three "Gannons" paid secretly to promote the neocon agenda!

bravo!

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cestpaspossible]

4. So is your pet monkey also 'top-only'?

lol

[Padraig18]

5. Wrong answer.

[K-W]

6. I believe you made the democrats' point for them.

It is a security issue that it was so easy for him to get that level of access.

And he didnt get day passes, he got day passes every day to give him the same access as those with real passes.

[FreedomAngel82]

31. I agree

I'm glad they're doing this and it is a security issue. Since BushCo have this whole 9/11 thing and they're doing hardly anything with security and this proves it. And isn't it McCllean's job to know who's all there and where they come from etc?

[CottonBear]

7. "Get over it" is the new Republican meme. eom

[drummer55]

8. could your pet monkey get a day pass every day for 2+ years? n/t

[CottonBear]

10. I wonder if the pet monkey is named Jeff Gannon? eom

[Modem Butterfly]

9. If a prostitute can get a day pass, what about a terrorist?

If the process is so lax that someone like Gannon can get a pass, what's to stop Al Qaeda from sneaking someone in?

[Maestro]

50. My thoughts exactly

Let's just say that a terrorist had known how lax security was for those willing to shill for the preznit. He or she could have strapped some explosives on his or herself and blown everybody up in the press room. It's disgusting. This Gannon story is so much more than the fact that he was a gay prostitute for Rove baby.

[tavalon]

72. Honestly, though, the security isn't lax

They made it lax for Jeffy. They are pretending they didn't have any idea who he was and they are lying. Let me repeat that, they are lying.

It isn't about the sex, it's about the lying.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

11. could you explain the difference in.....

getting a real pass vs. getting a day pass for over 2 years?

[Vinca]

12. Dubya should be looking in the press room for Osama then

if security is that bad.

[Bethany Rockafella]

13. a day pass for 2 straight years?

No, you get over that stupidity.

[Enraged_Ape]

15. Does your pet monkey turn tricks for Republican gents

for $200 an hour?

Now, THAT would be something.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[saracat]

18. Your Monkey shouldn't be able to get a day pass. That is the point!

OSBL could get a day pass then! He uses aliases also! Grow up!

[Bethany Rockafella]

22. Thank you!

If Osama had a day pass with the White House Press Corps, Bush would call on him for softball questions for 2 years straight. Where's Osama, Bush?

The above is to counter this idiotic freeper:

[sickinohio]

49. OK - I'm new at this - what is it that #3

said or did that got him/her deleted and how does everyone but me have the opportunity to read the post?????

[tavalon]

73. Sorry, you didn't get here quick enough

Sometimes you do and then you know what people are responding to, sometimes you don't and you just get to figure it out by the responses. Frankly none of us should respond to trolls but it's too tempting for some.

[sickinohio]

77. That's me - always a day late and a dollar short!!

[DearAbby]

20. To even see the President during the campaign... I would have had to sign

a loyalty oath... How did this yawhoo gain easy access to the President?

Why was this person allowed access to top secret documents, and how did he know hours before, the "shock and awe" attack on Iraq?

Yes there is surely questions about a security breech, that need to be answered. What is the big deal? Isnt National Security important, to warrent this investigation?

[Critical Thinker]

45. signing the "Loyalty Oath" is evidently the sole criteria

to see Bush in person. Your background and personal history don't matter one iota - just as long as you acknowlege fealty to the Bush regime, you're in like Flynn.

I wonder if Al Queda has figured that out yet...

[THUNDER HANDS]

14. just 5?

my pet monkey can get 5 senators to sign a letter.

[Me.]

16. Remember These Names

Clearly we can count on them. Nice to see Kerry among them.

edited for typo

[FreedomAngel82]

33. I'm happy too

So far I haven't been disappointed in him which is nice if he's going to run again in 2008. I'm glad to see he's still so active too in stuff.

[LiberalinNC]

19. Proud of the few who signed the letter,

yet I feel more senator's signatures should be on it. Putting aside all the Gannon porno sites, his past sexual history, etc., this is a security issue that should be dealt w/ immediately.

[rambler_american]

75. Not really a "security issue."

This has a great deal more to do with hypocrisy than security. There was clearly never any doubt about Gannon's identity.

We used to live in a Democracy. Now it's nothing more than a hypocrisy.

[Padraig18]

21. jumbalia has left the building

[digitalhippie]

23. Finally

Finally, maybe this will get some MSM attention. You would think that Bush and the rest of the reich will at least have to address the issue. How I long to hear shrubya utter the words " Of course we knew he was a male prostitute, were are conducting a war on terra here-we know everything about everybody". Kinda paints him into a corner-either they knew about it and went along and that will piss off the religious right and the freepers who want less govt in their lives, or they did not know and that will piss off those ribbon sporting repugs who think dumbya is making the world a safer place for their suburban yutes. I am happy happy happy today. I think Dr Gonzo may just be watching over us!!!!

[newyawker99]

47. Hi digitalhippie!!

Welcome to DU!!

[Me.]

25. And Not A Minute Too Soon! n/t

[11 Bravo]

35. Turn out the lights ... the party's over.

[fooj]

24. It's so nice to see the Democrats stand united with a strong message!

So much for unity and resolve. We certainly have made a statement...

[BOSSHOG]

26. Wouldn't it be so patriotic and bipartisan

if a Republican Senator stepped forward with a letter of his own? I don't know what is sadder - only five democrats or not one republican.

A Big Thank you to the five who signed.

[Beetwasher]

27. Why Is Rawstory The ONLY Outlet W/ This Info?

Or is it?

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Blue-Jay]

29. Well done senators!

I'm gonna send them each a note of support. (yes, they ALL listen to me)

[truebrit71]

30. I'm glad that at least ONE of the Senators from Illinois has balls..

Once again Senator Durbin shows Senator Obama to be something less than advertised.

Thanks to all of the Senators that signed on to this letter.

Let's see where it gets us.

[ginnyinWI]

66. being a woman,

I prefer to think of it as "having a backbone". We don't all have them or need them.

[blueheeler]

32. Excitement!!!!

But I know how things have gone from the excitement of the Ohio stories and look how that turned out. I hope this is the one.

[BigBearJohn]

34. I think this is significant

[pa28]

36. And still the media gives Bush a pass.

Aren't they the least bit interested in who ushered Gannon through the door or if he was being paid?

[Catchawave]

37. Day vs Hard Pass ?

I'm having trouble finding the differences in both on the 'net, which I thought would be pretty easy?

However, I did hear a "real" journalist mention that a Day Pass is issued for non-locals who are in town covering something specific and it's usually just for ONE day or the course of a specific event?

Beyond that, you require an FBI background check which indeed can take a long time.

We're talking two years worth of DAY passes here? Whoa.

I'd just feel better if I knew the WH Press Corps rulez

[grumpy old fart]

39. I'm glad they make the effort, but......

Unless there is an active, vigilant media keeping public pressure up, this means very little. Have you noticed where all the other urgent letters from Congress on various issues wound up? Yep, the ol' circular file known as the memory hole.....
Wanna make an impact, Congress? Start doing your job and cut off the $$$$$$$$ till something gets done....As long as you keep approving more funding for war, death, torture and corporatism, Chimp ain't gonna give a rat's ass what you "demand"....

[cyberpj]

40. Biden wants a justice department investigation, of Guckert Gannon

Thu Feb-24-05 03:09 PM by caligirl
Biden wants a justice department investigation, of Guckert Gannon

-or a congressional inquiry per his office staff at 11:45 am today. I called and this is what his staffer told me. and I quote" He just doesn't want the White House investigating itself.

So to restate, he wants a justice department investigation or a congressional inquiry/ hearings. His staffer made it clear to me that his not signing the letter did not mean he wasn't interested in getting real answers. He does not want this investigation in the hands of the White House itself.
=================================================
My first thought is -- Doesn't that put it in the hands of Gonzoles? Ummm...I'm not sure that makes me feel any better. But it sounds like a reasonable explanation for now.

Today, my second thought is -- so what harm does it do to sign everything asking for an inquiry? Is it one to a senator, or what?

PJ

[grumpy old fart]

41. Hey Biden, "old buddy", people in hell want ice water too......

See my earlier post. Sorry, just feelin' grumpy today....

[cyberpj]

43. Why, yes, you are...

No wonder you call you that.

So very much to grump about though...

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

44. Typical CYA BULLSHIT from slickster Biden...playing both sides of fence.

I'd like to have impeachment hearings over Shrub LYING about the reasons for the Iraqi Invasion/Crusade, but it isn't going to happen.

Biden feigns concern about the Gannon issue, but simultaneously avoids sticking his neck out to support THE RULE OF LAW because he's eyeballing the 2008 race. Wouldn't want to piss off those conservatives, would we Biden?

JB

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

42. Five! 5! Only five! This is EXACTLY WHY DEMS LOSE CONSISTENTLY.

How the fuck are we going to beat the Repukes, when only 5 Dem Senators have the balls to stand for the RULE OF LAW?

BTW - Kerry's vote was probably not out of conviction...he's eyeing 2008 and doesn't want to get burned again with the TRUE liberals in the party (e.g., Iraq Invasion vote).

JB

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[retnavyliberal]

62. I was wondering how long it would take until someone caught that. N/T

[ginnyinWI]

68. one reason might be that many of them are at home this week,

in their home states for the recess.

[ginnyinWI]

67. pure speculation on your part, I'm afraid

If you would look at his lifetime record, maybe you'd have more faith in John Kerry's sincerity. It didn't start in 2002, it started in 1971. Unless you have studied it, please don't be divisive.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

71. Convictions, except for when he's trying to court the "middle"

I agree that Kerry has a good voting record, but he equally has a tendency to hedge his bets and vote to curry favor when it will help him politically. Most current politicians are this way...sadly.

JB

[deacon]

46. kick n/t

[against all enemies]

48. Republicans can kill this and every other investgation, until the press

starts to put heat on them. Don't hold your breath.

[ginnyinWI]

69. that is why we all need to "be the press"

1. talk to your friends and family about what is going on
2. talk to your coworkers--keep them informed
3. write letters to the editor
4. call up the talk shows--get the information out to the people
5. join public protests

When enough people know, it will start tipping our way. But enough people have got to know. If the press won't do it, we all have to. Any way that we can. Those of us who get information from the internet need to pass it on! Truth is the enemy of these guys. Expose them and they can't survive.

[deacon]

51. I really think kurtz is involved in this scandal in some way n/t

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LIBERALSANDIEGO]

55. I saw Gannon naked.

[theorist]

57. When? On your last vacation to DC?

Welcome to DU! (enjoy your visit)

[Sparkly]

58. Who hasn't? n/t

[Catherine Vincent]

61. So how was it? Did you enjoy it?

Talk to me.

[theorist]

56. Not just five!

It wasn't just 5 Senators, it was the Dem leadership in the Senate that signed this thing. You've got the senate minority leader, the minority whip, and the fucking Presidential Candidate.

Don't act like trolls. This is the party that half of the country voted for, and it's the party that is going to throw these unethical bastards out on their asses on 2006!

[ginnyinWI]

70. attaboy!

We've got to start thinking like winners, not whining losers! Regardless of the election, the majority of Americans hold Democratic Party values! It's about time we start acting like it.

You are so right, these are very important Dem senators.

[Chipper Chat]

59. 7 deleted posts! - wow - are they all freepers?

If so, what's the psychology here? Bored with their own sites, running scared of the Gannon-thing, or just naturally causing trouble ?
Wait a minute - or is it ignorance?

[Catherine Vincent]

60. This is good news.

Although it's a pity that only 5 senators signed the damn thing. It should be mixed with both Dems and Reps. And we all know Bush** probably won't read it and toss it in the trash.

[Im with Rosey]

63. * won't read it?

I didn't think * could read! I am happy that five signed, disappointed it wasn't more. Maybe they are with me, having a hard time keeping up with EVERYTHING! I wonder, my history isn't great, has there ever been a time that so many issues involving a president continue to pop up? Is anyone else becoming frustrated with just trying to sort through ALL the trash that the Rogues are involved in? I'm a reasonably intelligent person, but it seems as though every time I turn around there is something else to question and try to determine its level of importance and where it leads!

[lonestarnot]

64. Ever known a time such as these? Day passes to prison are harder to

get! It's early yet today, but I'm waiting to see whose monkey is going to be pvetted today.

[deacon]

74. A new rawstory article i just saw on latest news

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/index.php?p=130

[DemoTex]

76. From Maureen Dowd's "W.'s Stiletto Democracy" today on the letters:

The Bush administration wields maximum secrecy with minimal opposition. The White House press is timid. The poor, limp Democrats don't have enough power to convene Congressional hearings on any Republican outrages and are reduced to writing whining letters of protest that are tossed in the Oval Office trash. (My emphasis in bold.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/27/opinion/27dowd.html?h...

While I don't always agree with Ms. Dowd, I often do. Here she is right on mark. The pathetic impotency of Democrats' letters to this imperial White House give lie to Bu$h's boasts in Europe of a strong two party system in the USA. Grover Norquist and others are on the brink of achieving their stated goal: A one party system in the USA and an end to the "beast" (the federal government as we know it). That other columnists and pundits aren't hammering this ( a few allude to it), baffles me. Even a blind pig can find an acorn.