Senator Kerry's office responds to Downing Street Minutes inquiry.

[understandinglife]

THE SMOKING GUN?
Kerry, Bush, and the Downing Street memo
BY DAN KENNEDY

<snip>

In a statement e-mailed to the Phoenix on Tuesday, Kerry spokesman Setti Warren said, "Senator Kerry believes every American deserves a thorough explanation of the Downing Street memo. The Administration and the Washington Republicans who control Congress insult Americans by refusing to answer even the most basic questions raised in this memo about pre-war intelligence and planning for the aftermath of war. That’s unacceptable, especially with the lives of America’s sons and daughters on the line. John Kerry will demand answers in the Senate. Stay tuned."

Kerry is right to demand answers. And though the Downing Street memo tells us little we didn’t already know, maybe it will prove to be the catalyst to finally holding the Bush administration to account. On Tuesday, both Bush and Blair attempted to play down its importance during a joint news conference, a sign that the issue may finally be gaining traction. Kerry — like a majority of senators — made a mistake when he voted to give Bush the authority he needed to go to war. But it was Bush who failed to follow through on the diplomatic front by building a genuine international coalition around the issues of Iraq’s alleged weapons capabilities and terrorist ties, as he had promised to do. The memo is further evidence, if any were needed, that Bush never even intended to try.

http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/this_just_in/documents/04747410.asp

Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us - We support Apian's goal of 10,000,000 signatures on Congressman Conyers letter by June 21, 2005; make it happen! http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/6/6/214643/6438

[fooj]

1. kick

:kick:

[autorank]

2. And so it begins...you go JFK!!! We're with you.

and while you're at it, let's make sure we win the election next time we WIN the election...

NEW LEADERS FOR A NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY!

Contact the DNC and Give 'em Hell About NOT Acting on Election Fraud

[savannahana]

3. thanks for posting this, UL!

:thumbsup:

:kick:

[knowbody0]

4. thanks for posting this

[Henny Penny]

5. Perhaps they are holding off on this...

until after the Jackson verdict as it would surely get swamped.

[dalloway]

23. I was thinking exactly the same thing!

I got Kerry's email today about the Kid's First ad. I shot back, "What happened to you much anticipated comments about the DSM?"

Please keep word going on what we might expect when. I want to keep believing....

[blm]

6. Gee...why would most of the press keep JKs statement out of their reports?

To keep the left internet forums fighting over whether or not Dean speaks for them?

The spinners sure know how to sow discord with the Democrats. They've been doing it for decades, and the internet makes it easier.

Now stick to the DSM folks.

[cestpaspossible]

7. I think Kerry is trying to time it so he will have the nation's attention.

Since he made his comment last week, we've seen a bunch more mentions in the press, Bush was even forced to address it in his news conference with Blair. By now, a lot of Americans are at least aware that there is a controversy, many of them have heard it first in the context of 'the press has been strangely silent about this explosive memo'. Monday, when the blogosphere was breathless with anticipation of Senator K from Mass speaking out on DSM, Ted Kennedy released a statement on it. (Kerry and Kennedy coordinating? Ted is up for reelection in 06, remember, and although we can all just assume that he will sail to reelection, he doesn't have that luxury.)

Kerry knows from bitter experience that it doesn't matter what he says if it doesn't get heard. He knows that if people don't hear him in his own voice, if all they hear are paraphrases, they simply won't hear him. So just as critical as what he says, is what kind of coverage it gets. It would be a disaster, for example, if he were to speak to the issue and later in the day the MJ verdict were announced. Political timing is not easy and for my part I'm just wishing him the best.

[FogerRox]

8. LAte night CBS news from NYC had a ok piece on the Blair Bush meeting

NOw I want more

[LittleClarkie]

9. What is the Boston Phoenix as opposed to the Globe or the Herald

is it a small third newspaper? Is it progressive? Thanks for any info.

[understandinglife]

11. "About the Boston Phoenix"

http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/about_phoenix/index.asp

Hope that is helpful.

Peace.


http://www.intelligencesquad.com/id118.html


www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[lonestarnot]

12. Good question.

[WilliamPitt]

17. Small, less progressive than it used to be

but still the big dog of alt-papers in Boston. Good stuff a lot of the time.

[LittleClarkie]

27. Thanks. Sounds like the Shepherd Express here in Milwaukee

Good stuff as well, though they farm out the big stories now.

[whometense]

48. What Will Pitt said.

Dan Kennedy is a reliable reporter. I read his Medialog every day.

[LittleClarkie]

51. I'm kind of digging that he bypassed the MSM and

went straight to a progressive newspaper. I find that intriguing. At least he knows who is most interested in the DSM.

[whometense]

58. I agree.

I was wondering whether he emailed the other papers as well and they ignored it - but they'd probably at the very least use it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot at him.

I have a lot of respect for Dan Kennedy. He's a straight shooter, very honest and tries hard to be fair. Maybe Kerry thinks the same about him.

[cestpaspossible]

60. Actually, I think it's probably just the only paper that bothered to ask

his office about it.

[blm]

79. They sent this statement to media but how many added it to their stories?

.

[alfredo]

10. A kick for Kerry

:kick:

[politicasista]

13. Kick!

:kick:

[bunny planet]

14. Go Johnny go, go, go!

So Preznit, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.

[AuntPatsy]

15. Better late than never, push this than election fraud, etc, and we

have a winner.

[seabeyond]

57. total confidence kerry doing it his way, and only his way

i support that, as i did him running his campaign. not to change for all the people pulling him in all direction insisting it done their way, and if not, just not good enough

i support dean doing it his way, not richardson, edwards, bidens way or anti dean folk, but his way, and only his way

[paineinthearse]

16. When are we going to hear this from the horse's mouth?

On a related thought, I've heard that phrasing before, where was it.....oh yeah..."every American deserves to have his or her vote counted". :sarcasm:

[me b zola]

18. Thanks for posting this

I told my hubbie this morning, I just got this feeling, you know, that this was going somewhere. I have faith that JK is getting his ducks in a row, and that he has every intention of not just mentioning the memo, but pushing for a full investigation.


We have truth on our side, never let up for a minute!!


:kick:

[FreedomAngel82]

47. And remember

Kerry knows how the media is I'm sure from his own experiences since campaigning and all that. And he's also a prosecutor so I'm sure he has all types of plans running through his head. I'm glad he and Kennedy are working together on this. :D Maybe they're playing tag team with this. When one of them is being slammed by the right on their statements the other can come out busting out of nowhere. I'm also glad he's still pushing his "Kids First" plan.

[me b zola]

65. I would so love to be a fly on the wall

I can't help but think that he is communicating with Rep.Conyers, because the formal inquiry would begin in the House.

As far as the Senate goes, Kennedy & Feinstein have both made public statements about the DSM, I can't help but wonder about how many others are on board. I have written to all of the Democratic Senators asking for a resonse, but so far all I have gotten is the computer generated responses thanking me for my thoughts :silly:

I have a feeling that JK is doing quite a bit of coordinating behind the scenes:)



:kick:

[LittleClarkie]

19. My next question: who is Setti Warren

I thought David Wade mostly made statements. Who's this guy?

[understandinglife]

25. Google:

"He is now looking at the future," said Setti Warren, Kerry's spokesman.
http://www.dailyfreepress.com/media/paper87/news/2004/12/10/News/Kerry.To.Visit.Middle.East-827583.shtml

He was Senator Kerry's 'trip adviser' during the campaign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22830-2004Oct10.html
http://times.discovery.com/convergence/campaignessentials/lineup/staffers/staffers.html


If I have time, tomorrow, I'll call and ask the Senator's office for further confirmation of who Setti Warren is.

Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[LittleClarkie]

28. Duh, I shoulda thought of that

Thanks.

[Stinky The Clown]

20. This had BETTER be a strategic thing and not

shrinking testicles. If he's waiting for the 'news' to clear (Jacko trial, Aruba Blonde, etc.) then its a good thing. But there had better be something from Kerry. I'm having a damned hard time since his promise to go after vote fraud and then caving in 24 hours. I know ... lots of reasons ...... whatever. idiot son is prez ... 'nuff said.

[mctrotter5]

21. Please, please..John Kerry go after these crooks till the jail door

slams shut.

[Just Me]

22. Meanwhile, Bush & Blair made total FOOLS of themselves!!! *LOL*

:rofl: Blair "doh, that was BEFORE we went before the UN". Bush "doh, we only wage war as a last resort". :rofl:

[Upfront]

24. Hmmm

I thought he was going to bring this up on the Sen. floor 1st thing Monday morning. What happened?

[Dr Ron]

26. That's not what he said

He said he was going to bring this up upon returning to Washington. He never gave any specifics as to what he was planning. The rest was all media spin.

In the meantime the Republican Noise Machine got prepared for some sort of speech from Kerry that they were spinning as a call for impeachment, and they were getting prepared with old Kerry statements which they were planning to use to fabricate another flip flop charge. With all the hype, Kerry had to adjust plans.

[LittleClarkie]

32. Said he would address it when he got back to Washington

didn't say how.

His office said he'd be giving a Senate speech, didn't say when.

The rest was RW spin, up to and including impeachment talk.

[Just Me]

33. Seems to me Kerry is perfecting "planting",...

,...while polishing planning.

[LittleClarkie]

34. The mere suggestion sure jacked up DSM coverage

or so it seems. Is that what you mean?

[Just Me]

38. Like they were suddenly in a "walking on eggs" defensive mode!!

Oh, yeah. Most interesting was how the right-wing rags tried (AND FAILED) to anticipate/manipulate/control. They were quickly squashed, this time.

[blm]

37. seems to me the senate had judicial nomination debate scheduled....

let's see what happens now that story is moved on thanks to Kerry calling out the media last week for their silence.

[Just Me]

40. Boxer also got the minutes admitted to the record in another matter.

There's lots of stuff happening. LOTS of stuff going on.

[FreedomAngel82]

49. She did?

Oh good! So Boxer is on the team too? I wish Reid and the others would join.

[Just Me]

53. Yup.

*giggle*

[BigBearJohn]

29. Thanks for posting this. YOU ROCK!

[dogday]

30. Just Get On With It John! No offense but he needs to come on

out and speak up and stop stammering around with these press releases. Come on John Get On With It Please!

[Just Me]

36. Only patience loves suspense.

I thought the right-wing exaggeration was hilarious!!!! Not only did their manufacture of LIES get quickly pinned down, their attempt to manipulate F-A-I-L-E-D!!!
:rofl:

[Hardknock]

31. Go Kerry go!!!!!

:)

[Chicago1]

35. Go Senator Kerry Go!!!

He's wonderful and I can't wait until he's sworn in as President.

Waiting for the IMPEACHMENT WHILE THE SCANDALS KEEP UNFOLDING
America's Work Stories
http://usaworkstories.blogspot.com
[email protected]

[Dr Fate]

39. A "release" is a good start. I'm waiting to see DEMs in front of cameras.

Or at least some news paper interviews.

[Just Me]

41. Nope. They can't give away their power to the media.

Especially when the media isn't in their pockets. They have to proceed WITHOUT the media.

WE have to proceed without that media which can NOT take away our power.

[Dr Fate]

43. So how the hell will my Aunts & Uncles in Red States find out about it???

Keep in mind, they don't go to DU, Air America or even NPR-

They DO watch CNN and read the local news papers.

[FreedomAngel82]

50. Have you told them??

Sorry to be blunt but you do have the internet and if they do you can Email them articles from other papers, such as the Washington Post or whatever, and show them yourself or print them out or something. It seems to me you like to find some way to bash Kerry. Nothing is ever good enough for you. You have to have patience and strategy or it will all blow up in your face. Duh. And by the way CNN has mentioned it. You can find the video at http://www.dembloggers.com

[Dr Fate]

52. I'm the "crazy conspiracy guy"- they wont believe unless its "on the TV"

And that goes for most Amercians as well. It needs to be "on the TV" or "in the papers."

This is not about me or bashing Kerry. How is suggesting that more people would know about this if he was on TV "bashing" him? It's not bashing- it's just a plain old fact.

I'm simply not the problem- but if it makes you feel better to make it about me, fine. I'm doing all I can to educate folks about this.

Patience & strategy? Yeah, I heard that a LOT in 2000, 2002 & 2004 too- Duh!!

CNN "mentioned" it? WOW! But how many times, compared to say, Deans comments?(Who BTW, has yet to comment on the memo as well.)

Thanks for the advice.

[Just Me]

54. If you're not the problem, why are you the "crazy conspiracy guy"?

:shrug:

I realize that my observation will prolly set you off BUT,...you are your name, "Dr FATE",...and nothing, NOTHING in your posts EVER offers any hope or possibility or solution or inspiration.

[Dr Fate]

75. Then you have not paid attention.

I've probably started at least 10 threads asking DUers to call top Democrats and demand that they go on TV and talk about the memo. THAT IS a solution to making folks aware of this issue.

You probably ignored all my daily activism posts during the election, where I encouraged DUers to post how much money they raised, how many folks they registered, etc, etc. Of course those threads all got about 5 responses, including my own "kicks."

You probably also ignored my threads showing how I PERSONALLY set up various DEM organizations in Georgia and encouraged others to do so. Again, those threads sunk like stones as well.

Again, this is not about me, it's about speaking up about this memo.

I'm the "crazy conspiracy guy" to some of my family members because they never see the things I bring up being talked about "on the TV"- by journalists OR Top Democrats.

Thanks for your observations about ME.

[FreedomAngel82]

68. So?

Show them the Washington Post, the CNN video. Do it yourself. Stop bitching about everybody else and do something on your own. If they don't believe you so what. Keep showing them stuff until they do if you're that concerned.

[Dr Fate]

76. I do. Now I want Kerry, Dean, Hillary, Reid, etc to BACK ME UP.

Thanks for the advice.

[YvonneCa]

56. I'm going to put a sign in my car window ....

...next to my John Kerry for President sticker, that says : READ the Downing Street Memo (Yes, I'll use memo instead of minutes). I drive 50 miles each way to work in a high traffic area here in California. It should get some visibility.:patriot:

[blm]

46. They have to attack the media FIRST the way Kerry did last week.

His blistering critique of the media's silence FORCED them to acknowledge the story.

Now let's see how he holds them down while he makes HIS point about the DSM. Attacking the media was a GREAT start in my view. Throws THEM off balance.

[bpilgrim]

42. "tells us little we didn’t already know" - M$MW Freudian slip?

the SMACK DOWN response should be: OFFICIAL STORY disagrees!

and we need and INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION to resolve it, IMMEDIATELY.


there are some things that even our respected media don't have jurisdiction over and some of'm, i hate to say it, just don't GET IT, unfortunately.

DSM-Bush-Blair.mp3
http://news.globalfreepress.com/mp3/DSM/DSM-Bush-Blair.mp3

psst... pass the word :bounce:


peace

[Dr Fate]

44. You will never here Bush say "Everyone already knows this stuff..."

That is what makes that excuse so lame.

[FreedomAngel82]

45. We certainly do deserve answers

Not all of America is stupid and blindly follows Bush over a cliff. I know I want answers and I want to see him and his whole gang publicly humiliated and sent off to the worst jail in the world for life for all the pain he's caused us from military families and friends to regular people who tried to educate others but in return lost people from their life. He's NEVER had to take responsibility before but he's not going to get away with this!

[YvonneCa]

55. FANTASTIC ! ! ! Thank you, Senator Kerry .

[tuvor]

59. I'll believe it when I see it.

Just being pragmatic.

[Fluffdaddy]

61. I Agree. We need someone on our side to show some backbone

And publicly hold GW feet to the fire on this memo. I don't know if JK got the balls to do it.

[chomskysright]

62. MINUTES!! goddam it: MINUTES!!!...not memo

[Fluffdaddy]

64. Oh.....Ok, MINUTES...............Sorry

[wisteria]

63. Good! I'm happy to see he is handling his way.

Some people think he is suppose to behave the way they would like him to and if he doesn't then he is wrong. I glad Kerry is keeping his word to bring it up and he is handling it as only John Kerry would, in a careful measured fashion.

[LeahD]

66. I Want Some Drama....

I want an explosion. Go, Kerry, Go!

[understandinglife]

67. Brad Blog: Picture of 'Freeway Blogger nailing the DSM issue'

http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00001446.htm

Most excellent. Now, if we can just get him to use "Minutes" instead of "memo" ;)

Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[ngGale]

69. Kerry plays a good game as always...

Iran-Contra, BCCI - maybe that's why we had the discredit Kerry's grades yesterday. He has the Swift Boat guys on ice with the release of his papers, also Bush. Kerry would give the DSM credibility, is this why the down low from the media?

[NightOwwl]

70. If Kerry has something to say, then he should just say it.,

Quit trying to play coy with the "stay tuned" comment. Quit strategizing. Just get up in front of the American people and tell them what he has been saying behind the scenes. If, as Kerry's spokesman says, "Senator Kerry believes every American deserves a thorough explanation of the Downing Street memo", then what is he waiting for?

Kennedy has been outspoken, Conyers has been outspoken...all I can say is the longer Kerry keeps putting off whatever it is he (may be) planning, the less faith I have in his ability to be an effective spokesperson for this issue.

[Rainscents]

71. Remmenber... Kerry and Kennedy very close friend. I have feeling

Kerry and Kennedy is organizing this. I think Kennedy is taking a lead and Kerry is following as Kennedy's order. They both know what they're doing. We just have to be patient.

Thank you Senator Kerry and also, thank you Senator Kennedy for speaking up!!! America will be free someday soon!

BTW... I book marked this page!!!

[LittleClarkie]

72. Well, if he's going to do it on the Senate floor

it's kind of hard with the Brown debate and Pryor and such. Can you just barge in the middle of that? I dunno.

He's a careful bastard at any rate. I don't think he wants to fuck this up.

He'll do it when he gets good and ready, I reckon. I'd love to know what the Blair discussion this morning was like.

[blm]

81. I'd prefer he do it in a press conference

with a tape running. AND on the Senate floor.

[bleever]

73. Not only didn't * intend to TRY diplomacy, he systematically

subverted any possibility it might make his war unnecessary by:

--Suppressing all voices of dissent within this government, by promoting war supporters and marginalizing, firing, and intimidating anyone who believed that there was an option to war, or a question about WMDs;

--Spied on members of the UN Security Council who might have been putting together a diplomatic solution to the Iraq question that might have derailed his war;

--Actually commenced the war more than a year before it's "official" start by mounting constant large-scale air attacks against Iraq, as a defensive prelude to invasion and to provoke a response that might justify full-scale war.

Ladies and gentlemen, I refer you to CCB's 2002 statement: "Fuck Saddam -- we're taking him out."

Took out a lot of other people, too. Innocent people. Children. Fuck them, too, I guess.

[blm]

74. Worked to OBSTRUCT weapons inspectors with bogus info to impair their work

Intentional malice.

[bleever]

77. And illegally diverted Afghan war funds to Iraq war in 2002.

And tried to get rid of Hans Blix.

Tried to do the same to Mohammed El-Baradei.

And...

[GetTheRightVote]

78. I just love Sen Kerry, keep up the good work

:kick:

[Mnemosyne]

80. .

:kick:

[earth mom]

82. Kickin it for Kerry!

:kick: