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DODD's Statement: "You cannot protect America if you fail to protect our Constitution."

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kpete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 11:52 AM
Original message
DODD's Statement: "You cannot protect America if you fail to protect our Constitution."
Edited on Fri Oct-26-07 11:54 AM by kpete
Sen. Chris Dodd gave a great statement on the floor of the Senate this morning. You can watch video here on his Senate website. I asked for a written copy of the remarks, because there wasn’t a transcript available, and am reprinting them here with permission because I’ve had several e-mails asking for this. Here you go:

Mr. President, for six years, this President has demonstrated time and time again that he doesn’t respect the role of Congress nor does he respect the rule of law.

Every six years as United States Senators we take the oath office to uphold the Constitution. Our colleagues on the House side take that oath every two years. That is important.

For six years this President has used scare tactics to prevent the Congress from reining in his abuse of authority. A case and point is the current direction this body appears to be headed as we prepare to reform and extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Many of the unprecedented rollbacks to the rule of law by this Administration have been made in the name of national security.

The Bush Administration has relentlessly focused our nation’s resources and manpower on a war of choice in Iraq. That ill conceived war has broken our military, squandered resources and emboldened our enemies.

The President’s wholesale disregard of the rule of law has compounded the damage done in Iraq and has made our nation less secure and as a direct consequence of these acts, we are less secure, more vulnerable and more isolated in the world.

Consider the scandal at Abu Ghraib – where Iraqi prisoners were subjected to inhumane and humiliating acts by U.S. personnel charged with guarding them.

Consider Guantanamo Bay. Rather than helping to protect the nation, the prisons at Guantanamo Bay have instead become the very symbol for our weakened moral standing in the world.

Consider the secret prisons run by the CIA and the practice of extraordinary rendition that allows them to evade U.S. law regarding torture.

Consider the shameful actions of our outgoing Attorney General who politicized prosecutions – who was more committed to serving the President who appointed him than the laws he had sworn to uphold.

And consider, of course, the Military Commissions Act – a law that allows evidence obtained through torture to be admitted into evidence.

It denies individuals the right to counsel.

It denies them the right to invoke the Geneva Conventions.

And it denies them the single most important and effective safeguard of liberty man has known – the right of habeas corpus, permitting prisoners to be brought before a court to determine whether their detainment is lawful.

Warrantless wiretapping, torture – the list goes on.

Each of these policies share two things in common.

First, they have weakened our ability to prosecute the global war on terrorism – if for no other reason than they have made it harder, if not impossible, to build the international support and cooperation we need to fight it.

And second, each has only been possible because Congress has not been able to stop this President’s unprecedented expansion of executive power, although some in this body have tried.

Whether or not these policies were explicitly authorized is beside the point. In every instance, Congress has been unable to hold this Administration to account for violating the rule of law and our Constitution. In each instance, Republicans in the Congress have prevented this body from telling this Administration that “a state of war is not a blank check.”

And those aren’t my words, Mr. President – those are the words of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who was nominated by Ronald Reagan.

And today, it appears that we are prepared to consider the proposed renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act – a law that in whatever form it eventually takes will almost certainly permit the Bush Administration to broadly eavesdrop on American citizens.

Legislation, as currently drafted, that would grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that helped this Administration violate the civil liberties of Americans and the law of this country.

Mr. President while it may be true that the proposed legislation is an improvement on existing law, it remains fundamentally flawed because it fails to protect the privacy rights of Americans or hold the Executive or the private sector accountable if they choose to ignore the law.

That is why I will not stand on the floor of the United States Senate and be silent about the direction we are headed.

It is time to say “no more.”

No more trampling our Constitution.

No more excusing those who violate the rule of law.

These are our principles.

They have been around at least since the Magna Carta.

They are enduring.

What they are not is temporary. And what we do not do in a time where our country is at risk is abandon them.

My father was Executive Trial Counsel at the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals during 1945 and 1946.

What America accomplished at those historic trials wasn’t a foregone conclusion. It took courage – when Stalin and even a leader as great and noble as Winston Churchill wanted to simply execute the Nazi leaders, we didn’t back down from our belief that these men—as terrible as they were—ought to have a trial.

We did not give in to vengeance.

As then, the issue before us today is the same.

Does America stand for all that is still right with our world? Or do we retreat in fear?

Do we stand for justice that secures America? Or do we act out of vengeance that weakens us?

Mr. President, I am well aware that this issue is seen as political. I believe that Democrats were elected to strengthen the nation – elected to restore our standing in the world.

I believe we were elected to ensure that this nation adheres to the rule of law and to stop this Administration’s assault on the Constitution.

But the rule of law is not the provenance of any one political party – but of every American who has been safer because of it.

Mr. President, I know this bill hasn’t even been reported out of the Judiciary Committee yet.

But I am here today because if I have learned anything in my 26 years in this body—particularly during the last 7 years—it is that if you wait until the end to voice your concerns, you will have waited too long. That is why I have written to the Majority Leader informing him that I will object to any effort to bring this legislation to the Senate floor for consideration.

I hope that Senator Leahy is able to remove this language – he is a dear friend and I know his respect for the rule of law runs deep.

But if he cannot, I am prepared to filibuster this bill.

President Bush is right about one thing: this debate is about security. But not in the way he imagines.

He believes we have to give up certain rights to be safe.

I believe the choice between moral authority and security is a false choice.

I believe it is precisely when you stand up and protect your rights that you become stronger, not weaker.

The damage that was done to our country on 9/11 was stunning. It changed the world forever.

But when you start diminishing our rights as a people, you compound that tragedy. You cannot protect America in the long run if you fail to protect our Constitution. It is that simple.

Mr. President, history will likely judge this President harshly for his war of choice and for fighting it with a disregard for our most cherished principles.

But history is about tomorrow. We must act today to stand up for the Constitution and the rule of law.

Mr. President, this is the moment. At long last, let us rise to it.
http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/10/26/patriots-stand-up/#more-12504


VIDEO AT:
http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/4106
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ClassWarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 11:56 AM
Response to Original message
1. Enthusiastic K&R...
Sen. Dodd is rising in my estimation.

NGU.


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bleever Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:04 PM
Response to Reply #1
9. My sentiments exactly.
K&R.

NGU.



:hi:
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ClassWarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:22 PM
Response to Reply #9
19. What about your sediments?
:rofl:

Just kidding... Don't tase me bro!!...

NGU.


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Supersedeas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 03:14 PM
Response to Reply #1
28. i'll second that!!
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barbtries Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 10:43 AM
Response to Reply #1
62. what is ngu? thanks
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ClassWarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 12:03 PM
Response to Reply #62
67. My motto, beginning circa 11/03/04...
Never Give Up.

Thanks for asking. :hi:

NGU.


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barbtries Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 05:12 PM
Response to Reply #67
71. all right! thank you
maybe there's a way to get it entered into the acronym dictionaries
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babylonsister Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 11:57 AM
Response to Original message
2. BRAVO, Senator Dodd! K&R!!! nt
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Zodiak Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 11:58 AM
Response to Original message
3. Dodd speaks for me on this one
The Constitution IS America. If we trash the Constitution, we lose America...period.
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bdamomma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:21 PM
Response to Reply #3
18. the Constitution is like our birth certificate we if loose it we are
illegitimate.
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Cha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:44 PM
Response to Reply #18
36. We can't get a
passport! B-)
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ihelpu2see Donating Member (935 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 11:59 AM
Response to Original message
4. K & R Dodd, the only real senator from CT!!
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MiniMe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:00 PM
Response to Original message
5. I heard him this morning, he was great
k&r
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riona Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 04:18 PM
Response to Reply #5
30. Wonderful speech and so true
Were there many Senators in attendance? If so, I hope they feel tremendous guilt for allowing our Constitution to be ignored time and time again.
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Richardo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:02 PM
Response to Original message
6. !!
:applause:
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robinlynne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:02 PM
Response to Original message
7. kpete, you'r blogging! Are you back at your home?
Excuse the personal question, just was wondering about how you are doing.
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kpete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:09 PM
Response to Reply #7
11. robinlynne
Edited on Fri Oct-26-07 12:10 PM by kpete
we are home - except for the cat who is spending one extra day with my daughter. We have no phone, electricity but we have hot water and the gas stove works. Lots to clean up, ash everywhere. The fire came VERY close. Amazing how the firefighters stopped what must have been quite the firestorm through our back yard. I feel sorry for the animals, deer, rabbits, birds, bob cats, coyotes, etc. who lived there. But, we are fine and so very happy to have each other. I have my laptop, a portable tv and they are actually delivering the paper.

Thanks for asking, kp
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robinlynne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:18 PM
Response to Reply #11
16. Do you have any news about the wild animal park? I know they evacuated the
endangered species, but the others stayed there, and I can't find any news. So glad you have your home back. I'm also worried about all the animals in the forest. I'm afraid for them. Afraid to even know. I hope to goodness that they had the right instincts and were able to get to safety. I think it will be a long time until we know.
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bdamomma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:23 PM
Response to Reply #11
20. oh kpete, I am so glad you are ok.
:hug:
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bbgrunt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:02 PM
Response to Original message
8. it's time for Dodd to break out of the bottom of the heap--
and if he is really willing to back up his words, he has my support despite his past votes for the patriot act and the IWR among others. If he is a true patriot and leader, he should take over leadership of the senate--now.
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Cha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:48 PM
Response to Reply #8
37. "Break out of the
bottom of the heap", eh?..sounds good to me with words of wisdom like.."You cannot protect America if you fail to protect our Constitution."!
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diane in sf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 09:23 PM
Response to Reply #37
45. Sounds like Dodd's learned to do the 30 sec soundbite really well.
Very good for the simple to understand his message.
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Kaleko Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 02:36 AM
Response to Reply #45
53. Yeah. The "no more" bit was suggested by some netroots guy who said "no mas!"
should be the rallying cry. And it does have a ring to it: No more! No mas! Nix mehr!

Add your own in every language in world, cuz I guarantee you, someone is thinking it somewhere, right now: No more Bushit!
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bagrman Donating Member (889 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:07 PM
Response to Original message
10. Wow I'm sending him more $$ we need him at the top of the heap..
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quiet.american Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
12. Oh, a ray of sunlight! Thank you, Sen. Dodd! n/t
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DemoTex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:12 PM
Response to Original message
13. “Stop throwing the Constitution in my face! It’s just a goddamned piece of paper!”
George W. Bu$h, November 2005
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bagrman Donating Member (889 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:17 PM
Response to Reply #13
15. That comment should have gotten him thrown out on his arse.
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Amonester Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 11:11 AM
Response to Reply #15
65. Yep. Just try to imagine if President Bill Clinton ever said this...
just once in the nineties...

The M$M tuned teevees would have just exploded in all living rooms across the board...

But because it was king-george-pissypants-the-war-criminal who said it, we still hear crickets to this day.

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bdamomma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:25 PM
Response to Reply #13
21. or even the comment about the FISA bill
he said something like this "but this was in 1974 and it's 2007", you fucking idiot, the FISA bill is there for a reason you stupid man!!!
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yoyossarian Donating Member (821 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:15 PM
Response to Original message
14. Bravo!
Eloquent as hell... he's a good man...



http://steponnopets.com/peo">President Evil Online has risen from the grave!
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bdamomma Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:20 PM
Response to Original message
17. Right on Senator Dodd, stop taking this madman's shit!!!
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Somawas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:28 PM
Response to Original message
22. Good for Senator Dodd.
At last someone is willing to act like an opposition party.
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Martin Eden Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:40 PM
Response to Original message
23. Yes, BRAVO!!!
We need at least 66 more Senators to stand up for the Constitution.

99 more would be better.
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solara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:47 PM
Response to Original message
24. Thank you kpete
You are one of the many reasons I am still here at DU..

and Hurrah! for Senator Dodd!

K&R



IMPEACH INVESTIGATE INDICT IMPRECATE INCARCERATE :banghead:


:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:
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Klukie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:52 PM
Response to Original message
25. A great big K&R
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Mme. Defarge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 12:52 PM
Response to Original message
26. If Senator Dodd
promises to fight for his win in the event he should be the Democratic candidate in the general election and get the most electoral votes, I will re-register as a Democrat and work on his campaign.

God bless Senator Dodd, and God bless YOU Kpete! I'm so glad to know that you are going to be ok.
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derby378 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 02:54 PM
Response to Original message
27. Huzzah! Now just drop all support for a ban on semi-autos, and you are the MAN
:woohoo:
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Sam Ervin jret Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 04:07 PM
Response to Original message
29. When was the last time anyone won a WAR ON AN IMPROPER NOUN? Drugs? Poverty?Terror?
You cannot win a war on an improper noun. No name, no real identity and therefore no way to know how to fight it, when or even if the fight is being won or lost. This is just another example of how language is being used by administrations, especially this one, to control the dialog, the debate. Who does not want terror to end? But to declare WAR on terror? But to be against a WAR on terror would be political suicide. One would never be allowed the three minutes it would take to explain that it is the concept of declaring and using the metaphor of WAR one was against, not the struggle against terror. If the answer does not fit on a bumper sticker and cannot be explained in monosyllables it's beyond this administration's comprehension, or at least beyond the respect it gives the American people's ability to comprehend.

Now they use double speak to try to redefine torture. Well, they declared War. On Terror. Does our War with Iraq outlaw or out weigh the "multi national" war on terror? Perhaps, France is just hunting down "terrorist" it found "at work" during the time period we were at War with Iraq? Who are we to stand in the way of the "war on terror?"

We wouldn't want to be called UNPATRIOTIC!!! WOULD WE?
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barbtries Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 10:48 AM
Response to Reply #29
63. good points
well put.

war on an improper noun...it really points out the obvious. rhetoric should not be taking the day
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Mme. Defarge Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:18 PM
Response to Original message
31. Kick!
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Sparkly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:20 PM
Response to Original message
32. Hear, hear!!
:applause:
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BelgianMadCow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:32 PM
Response to Original message
33. It is time to say “no more.”
and he did so convincingly!
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RainDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:39 PM
Response to Original message
34. just look at what a candidate can do...
...if he or she values things that many liberals do. (and libertarians in the case of decriminalization of mj) -- he could pull votes from the republicans on this issue alone, considering how many libertarians hate GWB.

I just took this test that I saw at Digby's Hullabaloo-

Find Your Candidate

Funny, Dodd was listed as my candidate. And the questions don't even include decriminalization, or whether or not a candidate has spoken out about abuse of the Constitution. So, if Gore isn't in the race...

Dodd on the Daily Show -- ignore the annoying commercial. it only lasts a few seconds.
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diane in sf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 09:26 PM
Response to Reply #34
46. Dennis was my number one followed by Chris Dodd
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Cha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 06:42 PM
Response to Original message
35. Brilliant, Senator Dodd..
that resonates with me and I imagine a lot of others, too!! What a supreme, succinct, superior soundbite!
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debbierlus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 07:08 PM
Response to Original message
38. THANK YOU SEN DODD - ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!
I am going to save this one. INCREDIBLE!

Bravo!
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Kurovski Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 07:16 PM
Response to Original message
39. K&R & bookmarked.
I hope his colleagues will be inspired to speak up as well.
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porphyrian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 07:19 PM
Response to Original message
40. He must be running for President or something. -n/t
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Senator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 07:47 PM
Response to Original message
41. Dodd's Drivel Is Impotent Without Impeachment
I wish it were otherwise too. But that's where we are.

This is just beltway bloviation.

--
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RainDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 12:16 AM
Response to Reply #41
49. go watch this interview with Naomi Wolf
here (if you saw the one from c-span, you've heard a lot of it, but not all.

esp. at about 20:50 and 30:40

Wolf talks about Congress as a group in denial (if not complicit)... like others... saying, oh, he (Bush) ignores us and any laws we write and won't turn over documents or appear before us as a body... yet they still believe the rule of law matters to those who lied massively to invade another country, who are now calling to invade another country while still in the middle of a horror in Iraq, who torture and then claim they don't, who use signing statements to override Congressional power, who committed treason by outing a CIA agent and then not suffering any consequence, who have allowed massive changes, all through govt agencies, by the elevation of fundamentalists who oppose the goal of those agencies, who change what scientists say because the administration doesn't want to hear this or that particular truth, who most likely were complicit at some level, with the anthrax attacks on democrats in 2001... They still believe the Bush administration still believes in rule of law. Because to stop believing this requires a response as someone who took an oath to defend the constitution.

So I am THRILLED that Dodd has spoken out.

Rather than dismiss him, why not encourage him? thank him for representing your pov. As Wolf says, RIGHT NOW the PEOPLE of this country have to step up to demand accountability from Bush and Cheney... criminal charges and trials in order to overthrow this coup. If the Senate hears support for good actions, you might be surprised at what some will do. Not all. But those that do oppose this current tragedy need to be encouraged.

We, as citizens, are going to have to reach a critical mass to demand response and to resist the Bush administration.
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Senator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 09:13 AM
Response to Reply #49
60. I have watched. And said the same thing about Ms. Wolf...
...in response to her early interviews.

And duly noted her more recent awakening -- as she has started demanding impeachment.

But Dodd is NOT "representing {my} POV" or recommending "good actions." There is no substantive action at all connected to his whining. And we citizens have long since surpassed "critical mass." That's what the last election demonstrated and what the polls show.

There is no "accountability" without impeachment. And no "criminal charges and trials" are possible without it -- that comes after, if at all. And only if the objection/accusation is lodged now, through impeachment. Without it, Congress "approves" all of it -- the regime is exonerated.

Dodd is not a child who needs "encouragement." Every word he says and action he fails to take is "professionally" calculated. Whether he's actually awakening from a stupor or simply pandering to the netroots in a desperate effort get some campaign traction is virtually irrelevant.

He is not leading. He is not upholding his oath of office. He is not confronting torture, war crimes, and federally criminality from the WH in the manner demanded by the US Constitution and our national treaty obligations.

I will not pretend that such dismal failure is a good thing.

---
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RainDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 10:19 AM
Response to Reply #60
61. Encouragement is not childish
Courage is not childish, either. it is smart to encourage courage.

No one is asking you to "pretend" -- I am suggesting that your attitude, which I fully share so much of the time, is counterproductive. It is defeated already, and that offers nothing for you or anyone else except for defeat.

Frankly, it is childish to think a politician will not calculate the outcomes of his/her words and actions. Including the outcomes from those on the right who oppose the things that you want. So then you, as a saavy person who understands politicans are calculating reactions, provide him with postitive feedback to encourage further actions. You donate a little money with the acknowledgment that you will donate more if he continues to follow through on his initial words.

Wolf calls her book "a primer" and it is written in this way: A is for Apple, or 1. is for invoke and external and internal threat. She isn't trying to preach to the choir. (You and everyone on this site most likely know Eco's list of fascist traits, or Paxton's book on Fascism, or Chip Berlet's work) But others don't. Her book is in paperback, to make it affordable, and is not very long, to make it easily readable.

while you put her down for being part of "the establishment," she is going far beyond what you say about her (as others noted in reply to your remarks on the threads you listed above.)

She is encouraging mass civil disobedience with one day per month general strikes.. she advocates the tactics Ghandi or MLK used. She notes the likelihood of another cointelpro action, in which the oppressors pretend to be on the side of the demonstrators and try to create a violent incident to discredit the work of strikers. She is calling for impeachment and trials for members of this administration. How many mainstream media voices do you hear saying that? She is working with one of the MoveOn guys and a scientist to create a grassroots response. MoveOn has been very successful.. otherwise they wouldn't be targeted. They have the organizational means to create something.

I don't know about you, but I really didn't like to march under the banner of ANSWER. Their message was too scatter-shot and they have a somewhat dubious public record on some issues that make them easy targets to discredit. Like it or not, you need "mainstream" people to reach other "mainstream" people.

how much has her book been covered on msm, I wonder... on the usual soft politics shows like Today. I don't watch them so I don't know. Wolf claims she is being ignored by the outlets that were all over themselves to cover her book about female image manipulation.

anyway, things generally happen incrementally, unless you are a totalitarian trying to overthrow existing structures. Most of us could have never believed we would have an administration like this one, and it's hard for most people to not want to remain in denial.

obviously you can believe whatever you want, but maybe you should also ask yourself "what is the value of your dismissive attitude?" Is it to protect yourself because of the disillusionment you feel because you, along with many others, have a certain idealism at the core of your thinking, and it is too hard to think of the real and possibly long and hard struggle to undo the damage the current administration has done?

I just want to encourage you to be willing to entertain the idea that a tipping point is here... not in the fall into fascism, but in the understanding of the people of this country. Yes, we voted to stop Bush policies. That was one step. We need millions to be willing to back up their votes with non-violent action to call for Congress to represent the will of the people, and to uphold the constitution.

what have you got to offer if not that?

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RainDog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 12:27 PM
Response to Reply #61
70. A way to go beyond partisanship
While this sort of thing generally elicits euwwwws from me - like pastel sweatsuits - Wolf has also made a list of suggestions for people to make a space available for people of all political persuasions who want to speak out by sitting down in their cities and towns.

patriotism is not waving a flag, but her point is that the republicans have hijacked patriotism and made their positions seem as though they are the very definition of the term.

we need "teach-ins" on the Constitution, on the Military Commissions Act, on Bush's Signing Statements, on Blackwater. On torture of innocents with NO access to due process. All of these issues relate directly to the constitution. There is no need for comparisons to historical moments of totalitarian rule. Our own constitution sets out what the violations are.

I have wished for more than a while that someone with a national presence would step up and lead a movement against the current regime. That's just part of the way people get information. MLK made himself a media figure. So did Ghandi.

sorry to go on about this on this thread, but I really think the two issues are intertwined. Our willingness to do something en masse is the only way we have a voice as big as that of corporate america.
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Senator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Oct-28-07 03:48 AM
Response to Reply #61
72. Well, there is some intertwining, yes
But it is more an intertwining of people. You seem in your response to conflate what I've said about Dodd with what I've said (very little) about Wolf.

Regarding Dodd, the calculating politician. I cannot encourage his actions unless and until he takes or recommends one of substance. Unlike Wolf, the duty of his office and his position as a Democratic Party leader require him to do more than "voice concerns" -- that's our job.

As for Wolf, the citizen activist, I had a similar objection to her effort until she changed her position. When she reversed herself on the need for impeachment, I applauded it. But now, in the latest offering at the Huffington Post, I see no mention of it.

She is free to do as she likes needs no encouragement from me. If I think what she's doing is damaging in some way -- as I did when she dismissed impeachment -- I will say so.

But as a general matter I will say that we already have millions calling for Congress to impeach. It has been ongoing for many months and I have been there for all the "increments" along the way. The DC/Euphemedia Analstocracy is well aware of what the public wants. The problem is not with the American People, they've done and are doing their part. Those in denial are in DC.

Breaking that spell is the only really productive political activity available to us.

There is no current need for a "long and hard struggle." Just simple application of the law, the US Constitution, and our obligations under international treaties. There is nothing to "investigate." The regime admits and "defends" their actions. All that is left is an up or down vote on torture and the rest. That's what impeachment would be. And without it, the neofasicst "Unitary" power grab will be "approved."

The bottom line is that we don't "need a movement." We just need to move.

---
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Inuca Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 08:21 AM
Response to Reply #41
57. You are wrong
I will not get into the impeachment argument, but calling Dodd's speech and his overall position on constitutional issues "drivel" is very inappropriate and highly unfair. He is not just talking, he is doing everything in his power to right some important wrongs.
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Senator Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 08:39 AM
Response to Reply #57
59. There is no "impeachment argument"
There are only those who know impeachment is necessary and those who refuse to "get into" that reality.

Dodd has "in his power" the ability to demand impeachment. He is not doing it.

Consequently, he is not really doing anything -- other than enabling the war criminals.

--
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nradisic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 08:25 PM
Response to Original message
42. I'm impressed....
maybe Dodd is a true statesman?
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ms liberty Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 08:32 PM
Response to Original message
43. A most excellent speech...
And reading it, I can hear his voice in it quite clearly. It's very well written. I like Sen. Dodd - I wish both he and Joe Biden were getting more attention in the presidential debates. They have valuable experience and interesting ideas, but have been ignored by a media who's distracted by, and distracting us with, shiny objects instead.

K&R
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diane in sf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 09:20 PM
Response to Original message
44. Dodd is just kicking ass lately--I'm going to send a bit of $!
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rockymountaindem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 09:30 PM
Response to Original message
47. I don't know why he's not getting more traction
Well, the obvious answer is because he's not a media darling, but Dodd ought to be doing at least as well as Richardson. It's a pity more people aren't getting to hear Dodd's platform, because it's the kind of thing we need to hear more about.
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Kaleko Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 02:22 AM
Response to Reply #47
52. Dodd has only recently emerged as a voice for truth and accountability
in government. If he keeps it up, he'll have the continued support of millions, and millions more...

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deacon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Oct-26-07 10:46 PM
Response to Original message
48. k + r
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2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 02:13 AM
Response to Original message
50. k&r (nt)
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bjobotts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 02:16 AM
Response to Original message
51. The "Cou" is still operating.Time now to stop them.Thanks Dodd.
It is a terror storm but it is domestic terror by our own leaders We dion't have to surrender our freedoms to be secure and safe.
I'm tired of living in fear of my president...of what he might do next.
Telecom amnesty is a travesty of the law. Bush WH bribed the telecoms with the promise of lucrative contracts to do whatever they wanted...Telecoms knew they were breaking the law and so did Bush...Now the telecoms are trying to bribe congress for amnesty to protect their willful lawbreaking. It has very little to do with terrorism and more to do with data mining and invasion of our basic freedoms to privacy. These people think they are above the law and it's time to make them accountable for breaking the laws and ignoring the constitution.
This is an illegal government that is perpetuating war with the help of a bought and sold press and the president has placed himself above the law with signing statements and an AG writing opinions to justify Bush's illegal activities. For years the American public has been living in denial and disbelief because they can't believe a president could be so deceptive, underhanded and corrupt. No one wants it to be this way, but enough is enough and Dodd is calling Bush's regime to account. All of congress should be doing the same. It's time to put an end to this cou...time to get some questions answered not ignored. It is now or never and the result will be a police state and war lasting decades.
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Oldenuff Donating Member (442 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 04:24 AM
Response to Original message
54. Finally......

Someone has the decency to state the obvious.
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tekisui Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 07:48 AM
Response to Original message
55. Break away Senator! He impresses me more each time he talks.
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DemReadingDU Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 08:08 AM
Response to Original message
56. That was great!
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ThomWV Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 08:21 AM
Response to Original message
58. What is Hillary's stance on the issue? Does she support the President?
This is the sort of thing you would expect to hear from a would-be candidate from either party; has Hillary said anything like it at a place and time where it was recorded for history, where it can not later be denied? Has Obama? Has Edwards?

No.
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Land Shark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 11:07 AM
Response to Original message
64. Because America is IDEAS Dodd's right "You cannot protect America if you fail to protect our Const."
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bluerum Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 11:55 AM
Response to Original message
66. Here here. Applause and kudos for articulating sanity.
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rabies1 Donating Member (434 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 12:11 PM
Response to Original message
68. You go Dodd!
K&R
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Pachamama Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Oct-27-07 12:13 PM
Response to Original message
69. Great speech....sadly though, will it fall on deaf ears? I fear so....
These days I don't hold out much hope that the other members of Congress are listening or taking their vows to uphold and protect the Constitution very seriously. Hell, some members seem to never have read it!

Sigh....I just don't know anymore what it will take to get Americans and our elected reps to wake up and take action....
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