Voinovich MOVED TO TEARS

[Coexist]

TURN IT ON!!!!!!!!!!!

[seemslikeadream]

1. Amazing!

[katmondoo]

4. I was listening and he sounded like he was in tears when

I looked he was gone. Thanks for sharing

[Coexist]

2. Dzika - can you get the video

this was amazing.
He worried about this country, and his children and grandchildren.
I still have chills.

[Radio_Lady]

58. Any link to a video? I missed this today! Thanks...

[FreedomAngel82]

72. Aw, I hope there's a video too

Poor guy. He's in this battle alone it looks like. Well not really because he has us! I sent him a nice Email of support and let him know he has supporters out there too. Very sweet. Whatever happened to the other Teddy Roosevelt republicans? I still love a good teddy bear every now and then.

[siliconefreak]

3. Wow!

I couldn't believe it! I had to run to the TV to make sure I wasn't imagining it!

[Coexist]

7. ... and here comes Coleman to lick Bush's boots

and trash the UN - way to bring it back down in the mud.

[proud patriot]

8. Coleman's a dick

:puke:

[siliconefreak]

9. ewww...

Coleman (and his fake hair) have got to go.

[Egnever]

5. WoW saw it amazing!

There are decent pubs out there.

I have never seen someone bring such emotion to the floor. This man laid his heart on the table and I have nothing but respect for him today.

[gumby]

6. Any more details,

please?

[bloom]

13. he spent quite awhile

summing up the problems of Bolton and at the end he got quite chocked up when asking for Senators to vote against Bolton.

One thing is - couldn't he have voted against him in committee - and didn't?

[Coexist]

17. you could tell he wanted to vote no by his tone at the vote

the pressure was probably pretty sizeable.

The news that night said that he had received phone calls from both Bush and Rove the night before the vote.

[Coexist]

15. after a great speech about Bolton's poor judgment

and horrid temper, and how we need friends in the world to shoulder to burden of the middle east, North Korea, etc. he was closing, and his voice broke, so I turned up the television..

to paraphrase -sorry it's not very accurate

I ran for the Senate again because I was worried about the direction this country was taking. I worry about how our country is viewed by the rest of the world, I worry about how we're leaving this country for my children and grandchildren (or something thereof - help someone).

But he was choked up and so emotional. It was beautiful. I have chills again typing this and it's not even what he really said.

[gumby]

22. Thanks all

It must be pretty intense in the Senate these days.

It's awful for this country. Really sad.

[buff2]

59. But he still supports his prezidunce

Republicans always have a double standard.

[kaygore]

10. It must be hell to have a soul and be a Republican senator these days

[tabasco]

78. He doesn't have a soul.

He only has memories of when he had a soul.

If he had a soul, Bolton would not leave the committee.

[kaygore]

80. "Memories"--I like it; I understand it! Good reasoning!!!

[sabra]

11. That was moving...

He is really concerned about the direction we are going. He is concerned for his children and grandchildren... This Bolton thing is tearing him up!

[siliconefreak]

12. His tears...

...are symbolic for the crumbling facade of righteousness from the Repug Party.

[maddezmom]

14. My goodness...I was shocked

Bolton is evil and Voinvich knows it.

[LightningFlash]

16. Norm Coleman totally ruined the moment...

Boy oh boy was Galloway right about this man. Coleman is one of the most rubber-stamp neocons I've ever seen, he is just blatantly as guilty as all of them.
:wow:

[Dudley_DUright]

40. He certainly did

But before he did, Chris Dodd, got up and thanked Voinovich for putting his conscience and country above party. You got to wonder why Voinovich did not vote Bolton down in committee if he felt this strongly about it. OK, never mind, I know he was getting offers he could not refuse from Rove and the gang (and I do mean gang) in the whitehouse.

[emcguffie]

62. he couldn't

If I remember correctly, had he voted against Bolton, it would have been a tie, and the nomination would have gone to the floor without a recommendation, which is exactly what happened.

[Dudley_DUright]

64. No, a tie on any vote leaves it in committee

Voinovich voted for the motion to move Bolton to the floor without recommendation. If he would have voted against this motion, the nomination would have been killed at the committee level.

[FreedomAngel82]

73. Probably knowing how they work

Maybe he wanted to bring it here to help show other people or something. I'm really clueless myself. Hopefully this time he votes no. *prays*

[musette_sf]

50. Coleman has to prove every day

that his seating was worth the murder of the Wellstone family.

[jensmygov]

68. Normie!!!

Minnesota should be ashamed!!! Going from Wellstone to this dick is ridiculous.Shame on you Gophers.

[FredStembottom]

93. Coleman a trial run?

Before condemning us here in Minnesota, keep in mind that the election of Coleman was an eerie preview of 2004. A massive outpouring of grief and record voter turnout that had every indication of benefitting Walter Mondale any way you looked at it just sorta "flipped" to a Coleman win in the wee hours. I refused to watch any and all election returns in 2004 because of my fear of another 2:00 AM "flip" experience. :(

Also bear in mind that we just turned 13 statehouse seats from Republican to Democratic last November!

[AlCzervik]

18. I saw it and i was shocked, he's really afraid his koolaid sipping

money whoring gop senators will vote aye. I think thoses were real honest to goodness tears. Norm Coleman is a complete and utter douchebag, just thought i'd throw that in.

[europegirl4jfk]

19. As a Republican he has any reason to cry.

More even than the Democrats. Bush-Co totally destroyed the Republican party.

[countryjake]

20. Hell, I was crying with him!

Now's the time to write to this poor guy, who's been attacked by his own colleagues and constituents for his views on Bolton and what he might be capable of at the UN. If we want to catch those teardrops and defeat this nomination, we should express our appreciation for Voinovich's efforts!

[Coexist]

23. here it is - I was too moved NOT to write him

http://voinovich.senate.gov/

[Coexist]

21. Coleman sucks.

Can I just say that.
I'm glad Galloway kicked his ass.

[Postman]

24. Fuck Norm Coleman

n/t

[Zorra]

36. He's really icky and gives me the creeps, even worse than Bu*h.

I really, really hope he gets knocked out of the Senate next election.

[Neecy]

25. it was amazing.....

Today was the first time in years I've had even a shred of respect for a Republican member of the Senate. This guy has no doubt resisted a tremendous amount of pressure from his leadership and president to speak his conscience on this nomination because Bolton is so wrong, so dangerous that he had no choice.

I hope he brought some votes over, although courage seems to be in short order with the GOP.

[Panda1]

74. It was touching.

But he should have voted to keep it off the Senate floor. He knew the odds. To cry now shows he has a heart and I applaud that but I'm still very disappointed. All the mail we sent; to Voinovich, Chafee and Hagel in particular and still Bolton might get a shot at destroying the UN for his good buddy Cheney. Sad. Sad. Sad.
I'd cry too. :(

[gumby]

26. Coleman is a blight on the Senate

and demeans our country.

[LightningFlash]

61. Why don't the dems stand up to him?

Coleman is involved in that awful Oil for Food scam and the first time I even hear about how far-reaching it goes is when Galloway arrives in the U.S.A from Britain.

That's how defunct and immoral our 10 year old media has become.

[AlCzervik]

27. If this doesn't make it on the big nightly newscast i'll eat a

Moonie times!

[BurtWorm]

28. Uh-oh...

Are they going to try to make a Muskie out of him?

[AlCzervik]

29. Yes and i hadn't even thought of that until you said it-damn you Burt!

damn you for thinking 3 steps ahead of us.

[Coexist]

33. I hope not

I am still stunned. I wish I had a TiVo.

[Helga Scow Stern]

30. His friends say, "Just let it go George. It'll all be alright."

But he said he can't take that chance. There is too much at stake. We need the world's support now more than ever.

[Coexist]

31. Coleman just dissed Air America - gee...

[AlCzervik]

32. i'm surprised he didn't just go directly after Franken

[Coexist]

35. I know - this jerk with an Long Island-type accent

representing Minnesota. Where is he from?

[Zorra]

39. Sounds like Brooklyn to me. n/t

[AlCzervik]

42. yup, it's Brooklyn.

[FreedomAngel82]

76. Oh good grief

What does Air America have to do with this? What a jackass. Finally we all have a place to go and he has to be a jackass. The truth hurts doesn't it?

[gumby]

34. Coleman is attacking a private citizen (woman)

who said bad things about Bolton on the "liberal" Air America.

[Javaman]

37. Sounds like it's time for him to switch parties.

[Coexist]

38. "John Bolton wants to serve this country" - Coleman

Really - well pass that man some boots! I hear Iraq is beautiful this time of year.

[triguy46]

43. Hell he's been on the government tit for so long

you can't wean him.

[bunny planet]

41. Seriously Senator Voinovich, follow Jim Jeffords example, either switch

parties or become an independent. You will have the respect of Dems and real Republicans (endangered species that they are) everywhere.

[understandinglife]

44. He has seen the dictatorship and it is ours; plain and simple.

Peace.


Mr Lucas, it HAS happened


missionnotaccomplished.us

[Cha]

45. I can relate..I do

the same thing when talking about what's going on in my Country..

A-freakin'mazing that this is coming from a pub.

coleman is a little fucktoid that needs to go down in infamy for what he is doing in the name of a Senator from the Great State of Minnesota.

[Coexist]

46. Did anyone else who was moved email Voinovich?

Just curious. The mom in me wants him to have lots of positive words to counter all the evil ones he will be sure to get.

[Helga Scow Stern]

47. I faxed all his offices.

You never know when a spark of conscience may ignite a wildfire:


May 25, 2005

Dear Senator Voinovich,

I just saw your speech regarding the Bolton nomination on C-Span. I can’t tell you how moved I am by your courage and integrity in standing up for what you believe, in the face of what must be tremendous opposition.

My heart goes out to you. Thank you so much for restoring my confidence in the human race, for one more day.

These days what shines even brighter and is as rare as the finest gold is this kind of speaking the truth. Please keep it up in all areas of your work.

Respectfully,
xxxxxxx

[Coexist]

48. Beautiful letter

Mine went through his website, so I have no record of it. But yours is much better - thanks for sharing

[Helga Scow Stern]

49. Thank you for posting. I was so amazed to see it as it happened.

[halobeam]

51. do you know when this repeats tonite?

After endless dark hours of hopeless, I blink, and the star twinkled.

[Coexist]

55. sorry - no

beautiful quote though

[Tux]

89. I emailed him

And let him know that he can register here to get ideas to fight these fools.

[LightningFlash]

60. I mailed him a very powerful letter as well.

Part of it has been edited for key points.

"Dear Senator Voinovich,

Mr. Voinovich, I have never spoken out before about the serious issue affecting our country and government.

I have been afraid to do that, thinking our leaders do not hear us and that our pleas fall on deaf ears.

In my experience, there has been much corruption in our politics and our great democracy has fallen into dark times from what it once was.

I believe in the hope of a better future and I sincerely hope you do too, and are waking up to the many things it has cost us.

But when I saw you speak up about John Bolton, and refuse to reccomend him to be Ambassador of the United Nations my eyes and ears swelled up with hope.

I was inspired by your speech and believed in that moment, that there may be some hope for true reform in this country. I do not want that belief to be swept aside and destroyed.

The republic party is not what it once was. It has been splintered and destroyed internally by greed and religion, I have seen it die from the inside out.

I am sure you are aware of the influence from an unseen conservative machivellian group, who you have also been involved with.
http://www.buildingequality.us/ifas/cnp/text.html

The members of this secretive cult who conduct the National Prayer Breakfast, have tainted and gradually diseased the message of the republic national party. I do not believe that republicans were ever the party of secretive religious cults and trade groups, nor of greed and power.

I truly believe that my father, who is a fellow republican, knew that the party was good and well intentioned. Since that time, far-right extreme members have taken over and hijacked the party including Tom DeLay and I have felt helpless with the result.

The pandering to secretive religious groups is what made me start to lose all possible faith I had in the process, and I know you understand the ramifications of John Bolton going to the United Nations and taking over as Ambassador.

But I strongly believe that this country can be saved, I believe that these false wars which have killed thousands of our children, friends and family can be avoided. Call it a foolish hope or not, but I was brought to tears when I viewed for your full testimony.

The democratic party likewise has rolled over on its side and practically given up. Some days it seems like there is little hope, I see them almost simply fall by the wayside as the likes of James Dobson and their friends take over. But I do not believe that it has to be this way.

I forever remain a firm believer in Democracy, Senator. Please tell me Mr. Voinovich, what can we do to change this?

What is needed to bring election reform? What happened with Blackwell and his scheming during the 2004 elections?

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/11489971.htm
http://www.cronus.com/electionfraud/

Can Ohio be saved, can full transparent elections be brought back sir? The vote fraud which happened and cost so many thousands across the Nation their voice in 2004 was atrocious.

What is Thomas Noe's role in all of this?
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050519/NEWS24/50519005

But is there something that can be done, can we stop the same thing from repeating?

What is the truth behind John Bolton? How can they demand a man who stood up during the 2000 Florida recount obstructing our civil rights, and disallowing our very ability to vote and count our votes?

Whatever the outcome Mr. Voinovich, I fully understand and support the resolution to block Bolton from becoming U.N. Ambassador.

I just want the truth, and I want fair and open elections again. We the people, of the United States, whether Democrat or Republican we deserve the truth and that is what I firmly believe.

I believe our freedoms are precious, and we can no longer ignore the erosion of those freedoms.

Sincerely,
Patriotic Voter,
Roger"

[countryjake]

75. I first shocked family, by reporting what this questionable character did!

I've heard a ton of grousing about this guy over the years, so his stand today was all that more appreciated! He's been getting nasty threats from all around back there since his putting-off of the committee vote, and I figure the least we can do is thank him!


Dear Honorable Statesman Voinovich,

As a born & raised Buckeye, from a solid working-class Democratic family, I was struck by the eloquence of the valiant speech you made today on the floor of our Senate!

Having lived in Cleveland's West Side during the time that city went default, I am well aware what misery can befall us when people fail to pay attention.

I was also moved to tears today by your pleas for everyone to open their eyes & see the dangerous road our nation is barreling down.

Just needed to let you know that there is at least one fiesty little old Democrat, my 87 yr. old mother, living in your state, who agrees with & supports the stand you took for our country today against the appointment of a man such as Mr. Bolton.

And as a former Ohioan, I am proud to know there might still be some unbiased politicians from my state, willing to speak up to preserve the image & the integrity of our United States!

Thank you for your courage!
Peace, me

[FreedomAngel82]

77. I did!

I thanked him for standing up and let him know I was supporting him. Poor guy must be under a lot of pressure these days. Either do the right thing or get under attack by Rove.

[Coexist]

52. Dodd's up - will he shut down the vote?

[babsbunny]

53. What does it mean "shut down the vote"

I'm trying to learn.

[Coexist]

54. He said earlier today that he would not filibuster

but try to put off the final vote because the State Department refused to release information that was requested many, many times.

Dodd is losing his voice on this one!

He said he will invoke cloture, but doesn't want to - if they could only get the unredacted paperwork.

[AlCzervik]

57. i really wish Coleman would just STFU!!!!!!

i think i hold him in even more contempt than i do tom Delay.

[Blue_In_AK]

56. I didn't hear it

but I sent him a letter of support anyway.

[ohio_liberal]

63. Give him props for this if you have to

But Voinovich is still a wanker. Don't forget it.

[Coexist]

65. I know - but he really spoke from his heart

not from his party affiliation - and I really felt it.

He did good.

[deadparrot]

66. As bad as I want to feel for the guy,

and I honestly think he's a good guy at heart, I'm having a hard time feeling pity for him. He doubtless voted for **, and for those people I feel that they reap what they sow.

[ohio_liberal]

67. He'll rot in hell with the rest of them

It's us doing the reaping. He's not a good guy. No way. No how.

Reaping? :shrug:

Here's a quote for those feeling bad for him:

Sen. Voinovich: It is clear that those who persist in beating a dead horse are attempting to create uncertainty where none exists. That is why I am so disappointed that this body is squandering its time playing Monday morning quarterback when the result of Ohio's Presidential election is clear. President George W. Bush won my home State and its 20 electoral votes. Frankly, I am proud of how the election went in Ohio.

Not one shred of evidence has been presented to show that Ohio's strictly bipartisan system of running elections was manipulated. There isn't any.

[deadparrot]

69. We're all reaping.

He's reaping what he sowed. We aren't, obviously.

Maybe he's an ass. I don't know the man or his views at all. He's not my senator. And, as your quote indicates, I'm sure he's a jackass Republican in more ways than one.

But if he's crying for his kids and grandkinds on the Senate floor, he is far from the worst.

[LightningFlash]

79. That's the quote that I remember....

But I feel it stronger than ever that Voinovich knew, and just wasn't allowed to tell of his conscience. Voinovich knew about the Ohio corruption and the false bi-partisanship but he, knowing where he stood, could not speak out.

I believe people can actually change and sometimes that even means the worst of them. Voinovich has shown he has something very rare, compassion and integrity, when it comes down to our future.

[Hatalles]

70. Video is coming soon.

www.dembloggers.com and www.crooksandliars.com are working on getting it up ASAP.

[Coexist]

81. awesome!

[Mass_Liberal]

82. the crooksandliars video

ain't workin... damn... I'm really sorry I missed this.

[Hatalles]

83. Try this link...

The URL is misspelled on the crooksandliars site. Here's a corrected link. Unfortunately, it's off Brit Hume's shitty show so it's only a short clip that's conviently rushed through.

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Special%20Report%20With%20Brit%20Hume-~3.wmv

[Mass_Liberal]

84. nope

still not working.

[Hatalles]

85. That's strange... (and an edit)

It's working fine for me... :shrug:

EDIT: Looks like it's gone now. I can't access it anymore.

[LibertyorDeath]

88. Object not found!

The requested URL was not found on this server. The link on the referring page seems to be wrong or outdated. Please inform the author of that page about the error.

If you think this is a server error, please contact the webmaster.
Error 404
movies.crooksandliars.com
Thu May 26 00:08:30 2005
Apache/2.0.54 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.0.54 OpenSSL/0.9.7d DAV/2 PHP/4.3.11

[Coexist]

90. it worked - I just wish it was longer

they only showed a very small part of what he said - but THANK YOU for getting that out!

[lala_rawraw]

71. I missed it...

Someone tape it?

[wildflower]

87. I'm looking at CSPAN2 schedule for tonight...is this the replay?

Schedule at: http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/schedule.csp

Under CSPAN 2 it says:

08:57 PM EDT
0:46 (est.)
Senate Proceeding
Senate Session
U.S. Senate

If you click on "Senate Session" it goes to http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/cspan.csp?command=dprogram&record=183726820 which says:

Senate Proceeding
Senate Session
U.S. Senate
Washington, District of Columbia (United States)
ID: 186908 - 05/25/2005 - 0:46 - $29.95

The Senate continued consideration of the nomination of Priscilla Owen as a judge for the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

A final confirmation vote passed 56 to 43.

The Senate then began consideration of the nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

I have trouble understanding some of this schedule. Will they play (starting at 8:57 PM) all of the Owen debate first, then the Bolton debate?

-wildflower

[im10ashus]

86. Where? Any links? n/t

[mtnester]

91. Don't. Get. Suckered....must. warn.everyone

As a lifetime Ohio native, please do not get suckered by this. He is setting himself up to be a good guy so he, or another (who he endorses) gets good PR out of it..."Oh looky, Voinovich that great guy who stood up for his kids and family, just endorsed Ken Blackwell for Governor...I think we ought to do what he says honey and vote for Mr.Blackwell"

Or whatever shenanigans he has planned for later. This is just one possible scenario.

Voinovich is as dirty as they come...here are some snippies for you:

After eight years, the Voinovich Administration had lost its way, covered in scandal. As the campaign began, the governor's powerful Chief of Staff, Paul Mifsud, was serving a jail term for concealing a kickback. In Cincinnati, a federal grand jury was investigating state government corruption involving the governor's brother Paul Voinovich, state prison contracts, and the notorious Waste Technologies Industries hazardous waste incinerator in East Liverpool.
http://www.ohiocitizen.org/moneypolitics/2004/paralysis.html

snip
COLUMBUS -- Governor Voinovich has formally denied approving a 1994 transaction that has landed him in legal trouble with the Ohio Elections Commission.

But the governor's campaign treasurer continues to say that the governor personally OK'd a money-laundering scheme to hide thousands of dollars that would end up in the hands of his brother, Paul Voinovich.

The men made their statements in affidavits filed yesterday with the election commission. Their accounts differ in large and small ways from the versions given to federal investigators earlier this year.

Five men have been accused of illegally diverting $60,000 from the governor's 1994 re-election campaign committee. The campaign's finance reports said the money was used for "voter program development" by a political consulting company, Mamais & Associates.

But documents obtained in a federal grand jury investigation this year show that the money ended up in the hands of Paul Voinovich and lobbyist Michael Fabiano, to pay them back for work done for the governor's campaign.
http://www.clipfile.org/clips/cat_blade_politics.php

snip

With help of Sturtz, Gilyard and like-minded government employees who didn't believe Columbus should be turned over to a bunch of Cleveland crooks, Fitrakis took my advice and soon was breaking story after story about the veniality of the Voinoviches. With the support and assistance of Columbus Alive publisher Sally Crane and editor Brian Lindamood, Fitrakis began by exposing the corruption of Paul Mifsud, who went from being Paul Voinovich's right-hand man at his supposed "prison construction" company, if that's what you call building jails that fall apart as fast you build them, to being the right-hand man of George Voinovich's "government destruction" operation, if that's what you call expanding government funding and directing it into the pockets of your cronies.

Mifsud apparently believed being a member of the Knights of Malta gave him prosecution-proof armor and the belief he could do no wrong. As Fitrakis, more than any other journalist, documented, Mifsud could actually do almost no right. It all caught up with the Mifsud when he struck a deal with T.G. Banks, who was to minority contracting what fellow Ohioan Don King was to boxing -- a flamboyant parasite -- for a low-cost home renovation job for Mifsud's future wife. Thanks greatly to the pressure Fitrakis kept on the scandal once it started unraveling, Mifsud and Banks went to jail. Voinovich, unfortunately, went to Washington, where he joined his former sycophant and lieutenant governor, Mike DeWine, in the Senate. DeWine earned his way into the world's most exclusive club for helping destroy Joe Gilyard, who had the audacity to complain about efforts to force him to steer jail-construction contracts to the Voinovich Companies owned by Pauly Voinovich.

With the help of Franklin County Sheriff Earl Smith and black apologist Cornell McCleary, the V Group, as the Voinovich firm was renamed, managed to shoot down Gilyard's rising political star with false criminal charges and trumped-up civil suits. Gilyard, the straightest-shooting, most perceptive politician I've met in Ohio, died of a massive heart attack at age 47 in 1998 just as he was ready to sue the Voinovich cabal for virtually hijacking state government for the benefit of those who jammed the most money in their coffers.
http://www.freepress.org/departments/display/17/2004/714

....is running for Senate against George Voinovich who has taken money from the National Rifle Association and in return added the tiny mourning dove to the hunted bird list and has authored legislation to attempt to remove migratory birds from protection.
He has taken money from corporate interests and in return has invited a factory farmer banned in Germany to Ohio, to fill our streams
with salmonella, ecoli.. (flies are nature's way to deal with the problem). 1/2 million birds kept 6 to 9 to a cage, featherless from disease, given Mad Chicken generating food which contains parts of mammal flesh, were bulldozed alive into graves after a tornado. Voinovich opposed the bombing of his fellow Serbians but supports the bombing of Iraqis. His family has profited from the 7 million Americans held in jail, invested in prison industry through his connections.
http://newswire.indymedia.org/en/newswire/2004/09/810549.shtml

And for another caveat of his....Clear Skies http://epw.senate.gov/hearing_statements.cfm?id=213210

[Coexist]

92. no one is calling him a hero - it was just a very real moment

when the stakes were high - and he let the world know it.