Now That I'm at Liberty, Here's More of the Halliburton Story

[CorpGovActivist]

Some background: http://journals.democraticunderground.com/CorpGovActivist/4

Today's news, regarding the Inspector General's report about Halliburton/KBR overbillings, including commentary by the current Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, Byron Dorgan: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061027/ap_on_go_ot/iraq_contracts_3

It is no accident that SIGIR's website is linked to from the placeholder page currently up on my website: http://www.sigir.mil/ AND http://www.halwhistleblowers.org/

As early as late March and early April of this year, I was spending much of my time up on Capitol Hill, sharing information with lawmakers and their staffs about my time at Halliburton. At some point, I will be at liberty to share the e-mails and other communications we exchanged.

For now, I am proud to say that the DPC offices still have the portrait of my favorite past DPC Chairman hanging right inside the door: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_Democratic_Policy_Committee_Chairman

He served from 1977 to 1989.

I expect to see major news stories break about these investigations next week. The work began months and years ago; some lawmakers on Capitol Hill created a safe haven for whistleblowers to come forward. Their stories will be heard - and Cathy Mann, Halliburton's spin doctor, should just resign now.

- David A. Smith, Editor of HALwhistleblowers.org (and Robert C. Byrd Scholar)
(not to be confused, ever again, with David R. Smith, the as-yet-unindicted VP of Tax at Halliburton)

[Last Stand]

1. Stay safe, and keep the faith.

:yourock: :

[CorpGovActivist]

2. Will Do, and the DPC Staff Members...

... rock.

- Dave

[Disturbed]

6. Thank you for your service to America.

Please keep us apprised on this important event.

[CorpGovActivist]

8. Will Do...

... please keep my family in your prayers. They've been put through the wringer over this.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

3. Thank you!

Appreciate all you have done

K&R!

[CorpGovActivist]

7. Lots More Whistleblowers...

... and we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the fine folks at HalliburtonWatch.org.

- Dave

[Tuesday_Morning]

67. Thank you all!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061027/ap_on_go_ot/iraq_contracts_3

"I'm convinced that this is the biggest waste, fraud and abuse in the history of this country," Dorgan said.

[CorpGovActivist]

80. And He Should Know...

... after all, the DPC was one of the safe haven offices that have seen the whistelblowers' evidence.

- Dave

[angstlessk]

4. Will this investigation require a Democratic House/Senate or has this

reached the point if no return, regardless of who is in charge?

[CorpGovActivist]

9. Point of No Return...

... there are still true patriots in the DOJ.

- Dave

[blm]

20. Good question - - and I like the answer, too.

.

[CorpGovActivist]

21. There Really and Truly Are Still...

... (wo)men like Eliot Ness around: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliot_Ness

They work for much less pay than they could make in the private sector, they get reviled as "bureaucrats," and they often toil in obscurity, doing the public good.

- Dave

[druidity33]

44. yup, Bunnatine comes to mind... n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

46. Fitzgerald...

... several more whose names are about to become household names, methinks.

- Dave

[williesgirl]

5. Thanks for your courage and for caring about our country - recommended

[CorpGovActivist]

10. Thanks...

... spread the word.

- Dave

P.S. There are some GOP lawmakers caught up in this, too. Hint: Check Halliburton's bundled campaign contributions, on the FEC website.

[CorpGovActivist]

11. Knowing What to Look for...

... is half the battle, often-times. The Feds have been greatly aided by the *many* whistleblowers who came forward, and explained the racket known as Halliburton/KBR.

- Dave

[tblue37]

34. I hope desperately that the big Dick will get all caught up in this, too.

We know he is the Great OZ behind the curtain pulling all the levers.

[CorpGovActivist]

39. Dick Cheney Is at the Epicenter...

... and Lynne should be more worried about the information that is going to come to light about Dick's tenure at Halliburton, than in promoting her latest "literary" feat.

- Dave

[tblue37]

42. Thank you for that!It is what I have been wishing for

since the war profiteering began.

[CorpGovActivist]

45. Be Sure to Thank Congressman Waxman...

... and his extremely dogged, determined, and courageous staff, too:

http://www.democrats.reform.house.gov/

- Dave

[JudyM]

48. Waxman has been my hero for years. Went to law school to be a

legislative aide for him, but all the positions were taken when I got out. On my first trip to DC in '83, I made only one stop in congress: waited outside his door for half an hour just to shake his hand for championing health care and the environment. He is a true patriot.

:patriot: :applause:

[CorpGovActivist]

51. He Hires...

... sharp, "with it" staffers, I'll say that!

- Dave

[bonito]

12. Kick n/t

[MelissaB]

13. It sounds like I'll have to watch the corporate media next week.

Thank you again.

:kick:

[CorpGovActivist]

14. Sure, and I'll Do My Best...

... to tell you where/when I expect things to break.

- Dave

[annabanana]

15. Hot Stuff, Dave!

I think we're going to enjoy this around here!

[CorpGovActivist]

16. You Never Know...

... who those folks are you pass in the corridors of the House and Senate office buildings.

Sometimes, they're Americans with important information to share with Hill staffers.

- Dave

P.S. Next time you're on Capitol Hill, here's a nice hidden feature most people miss: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=olmsted+%22summer+house%22+capitol+hill&spell=1

It's a great place for a cool, refreshing drink - and an easy place to do a document exchange with Hill staffers.

; )

[Mnemosyne]

17. This needs a

:kick:

You, your family and all of those other brave patriots will be in my thoughts often. Please be careful.

Thank you David. I will spread the news.

[CorpGovActivist]

18. Thanks for ...

... the vibes, chants, prayers.

Every time my mom expresses concern, I remind her that it's her fault!

: )

- Dave

[Mnemosyne]

62. Those awful parents that raise their kids to be

honest with common sense and a conscience! They are patriots too. Tell your mom I said so please.

Although I've decided that sense doesn't seem to be so common anymore, thank goodness for those that do possess it.

Stay safe!

[CorpGovActivist]

76. Apparently It's Been Stockpiled in Appalachia...

... and maybe it's time to start sharing.

: )

- Dave

[Mnemosyne]

114. I'm in the foothills of the Allegheny Mts., we had

some of those here too!

I wonder if a conscience can be acquired later in life? As to sense, ya' either have it or not.

Keep us posted so we know you are safe, we need all the good people we can get! There's butt to kick. :evilgrin:

[CorpGovActivist]

115. Redemption...

"I wonder if a conscience can be acquired later in life? As to sense, ya' either have it or not."

I think so. I think redemption is a very real thing.

"Keep us posted so we know you are safe, we need all the good people we can get! There's butt to kick."

Will do. There's also mercy to mete out.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

19. One of the (Redacted) E-Mail Exchanges...

From : XXX (DPC) <[email protected]>
Sent : Thursday, April 6, 2006 X:30 XM
To : (Private e-mail account of David A. Smith)
Subject : XXX

Could you send them all as attachments to one msg?

Thanks.
************************************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: David Smith <redacted private e-mail address>
To: XXX (DPC) <[email protected]>
Sent: Thu Apr 06 XX:28:58 2006
Subject: XXX

XXX -

To ensure that you have equal info as Messrs. XXX and XXX, I will
forward the chain I forwarded them earlier this week.

I have made incredible progress on The Hill this week. I have been invited
to (Senator XXX's) offices to sign the official authorization form they have to
authorize him to look into things. I plan to be on The Hill later this
afternoon. Meanwhile, please review the e-mails I am about to send you.

Warmest regards,

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

22. If you've never met a real-life INTJ ...

... you have now: David A. Smith.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=intj

I laugh every time I read the descriptions.

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

23. Great...

"I laugh every time I read the descriptions."

Which would make you a ???

http://www.typelogic.com/

I so have a guess. :sarcasm:

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

25. Um, I broke...

... the test.

BWA HA HA!!!

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

27. Oh, brother!

Call a doctor. My eyes just rolled so far back in my head, they're stuck!

LOL.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

32. I'll Bet All Drinks on Election Night...

http://typelogic.com/entp.html

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=entp+famous+bugs+bunny

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

35. Only my...

... hairdresser knows for sure!



http://www.bcdb.com/bcdb/detailed.cgi?film=91

"I'll Bet All Drinks on Election Night..."

Horses**t. You'll be blitzed by the time the polls close, if we have anything to do with it.

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

40. Nice Dodge...

... but I was right, wasn't I?

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

49. I do a mean...

... bob and weave, too.

Or, just check your inbox.

Ides

[IdesOfOctober]

101. I really do laugh...

... when I read those INTJ descriptions. Suits David to a T.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=intj

Plus, I happen to know that at least two of those famous INTJs are personal heroes of David's: one from history, one from fiction.

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

104. So Glad...

... that I can manage to amuse you.

: p

"To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people..."

... whereas ...

"In terms of their relationships with others, ENTPs are capable of bonding very closely and, initially, suddenly, with their loved ones. Some appear to be deceptively offhand with their nearest and dearest; others are so demonstrative that they succeed in shocking co-workers who've only seen their professional side. ENTPs are also good at acquiring friends who are as clever and entertaining as they are. Aside from those two areas, ENTPs tend to be oblivious of the rest of humanity, except as an audience -- good, bad, or potential."

I see Bugs Bunny on your list. Napoleon seems to be missing!

; )

- Dave

[stepnw1f]

24. Thank You for Being You (nt)

[CorpGovActivist]

26. Thanks! Where ...

... from?

- Dave

[stepnw1f]

29. Boston, MA

[CorpGovActivist]

30. Lived in Beantown for 8 Winters...

... and was up for my court date and the Head of the Charles just last week:

My arrest record, for daring to ask questions of Andy Card's chum, the current CEO of State Street: http://www.shareholdersonline.org/pdf/HaveYouSeenThisMan.pdf

http://www.hocr.org/home/default.asp

It's a lovely place to visit, as long as you're walking above ground (from late April through mid-November).

; )

- Dave

[stepnw1f]

89. Sorry I Didn't Reply Sooner...

Just wow....

[CorpGovActivist]

92. No Worries...

... and Andy Card and his high school chum, the CEO of State Street, are gonna have some 'splainin' to do during the next Congress, methinks.

- Dave

[fooj]

28. Wow. Thanks for all the info...

I wish you and your family PEACE. I'm sure that you could use a little right about now.:smoke:

[CorpGovActivist]

31. Sure, Thanks, and ...

... we're holding up.

I'll just be thankful when it's finally out there, once and for all.

- Dave

[tblue37]

33. You make me swoon! (eom)

[IdesOfOctober]

38. He even has...

... a sense of humor, believe it or not: http://www.shareholdersonline.org/proponentbios.htm

(Those who know David best will laugh at the photo. Leave it to David to "pick" up on that.)

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

47. Sorry About That...

... I'll try not to be so boring.

; )

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

36. When do we get to see...

... the fruits of the FBI raid that took place on Friday, July 23, 2004, at Halliburton's offices in Houston, Texas, and Arlington, Virginia?

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

41. Would You Like the Name, Phone #, and E-Mail...

... of the Deputy Chief of the DOJ Section who is in the best position to answer that?

(I ask rhetorically.)

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

50. Will that be a name...

... we'll all become familiar with soon enough?

Ides

[Laurab]

63. Nice to see you back, too

oh giggling Robin!

[IdesOfOctober]

112. I told you...

... I guffaw, yawp, and - at worst - chortle.

*titter*

Ides

[Laurab]

130. Oh my

tell me you don't "titter"! Actually, first tell me what "titter" actually means...wait, no, don't, I just know I'll get a LINK.

the pregnancy is going well, btw!

[CorpGovActivist]

133. Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to...

... be near Ides!

LOL.

Seriously, congrats! First?

- Dave

[Laurab]

136. LOL - no no

I'm talking about my DOG!!!!!

Well, I suppose congrats would be in order - it was planned!

[CorpGovActivist]

142. Oh!

LOL. Don't let Ides near your puppies, either, then.

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

161. Planned puppyhood...

... still throws me for a loop.

Ides

[Laurab]

174. And I have a feeling it's not easy

to throw you for a loop, thus I'm kinda....well, proud!

[IdesOfOctober]

184. I thought of you this morning when I saw this...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061028/ap_on_fe_st/black_cat_adoptions

Pet people are strange.

Ides

[Laurab]

191. Now, that is just silly

pet people are the nicest people, really - at least the ones who like people, too! And since you have to go through pages of paperwork and sometimes even home inspections in order to adopt a pet through shelters (not to mention pay quite a bit), I would hope they could weed out those satanic people. Don't tell me you don't like animals....that, and "tittering", too???

[CorpGovActivist]

194. He Can't Even Keep a Houseplant Alive!

Are you kidding me?!? Don't get me wrong. He's good to other people's pets.

But he does well enough to dress himself.

LOL.

- Dave

[Laurab]

193. Oh, and

"that's what "good breeding" is all about - something he wouldn't know ANYTHING about!"

Thanks to Dave - I WISH I'd thought of it myself!

[Laurab]

61. So nice to see you back!

And it looks like you done good, too!

Stay safe!

[CorpGovActivist]

75. LauraB!!!

Where've *you* been?

: )

Have you been muttering into W's earpiece?

- Dave

[Laurab]

109. No, I think that was Ides

he's the one who uses those big words that king george tries to pronounce!

I've been around, and I've missed two of my favorite posters, but I thought they were off trying to save the world...what happened in court?

[CorpGovActivist]

110. Court Update

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/CorpGovActivist/5

: )

Ides as the explanation for the tongue-twisted President! You're a conspiracy nut!

[IdesOfOctober]

111. A GWB nursery rhyme...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2504306&mesg_id=2504306

[Laurab]

129. Oh, I read that, sorry

it was a week ago - and I'm old!

I am indeed a conspiracy nut, especially if it makes perfect sense, like Ides being the wordsmith for that poor excuse for a president. It's not my fault the guy can't pronounce the words!

[CorpGovActivist]

132. He'd Tongue Twist Him on Purpose

"I am indeed a conspiracy nut, especially if it makes perfect sense, like Ides being the wordsmith for that poor excuse for a president. It's not my fault the guy can't pronounce the words!"

I would pay good money to see that ventriloquist act.

Ides would have W admitting to it all.

LOL.

- Dave

[Laurab]

140. A lot of people on here have a lot of good ideas

for what they'd have him say, most of which I'd pay a LOT of money to hear!

I can just imagine what Ides would have him saying - and the struggling with the big words. It'd be almost like torture for W...

[CorpGovActivist]

146. I'm Laughing...

... just thinking of the possibilities.

(Ides whispers) "I'm a little teapot."

(Bush earnestly mouths into the mike to the press corps, hands "confidently" emphasizing) "I'm a little teapot."

LOL.

- Dave

[Laurab]

158. I'm laughing too

because I can almost see him actually doing that. It's funny, and sad at the same time...king george would think it was something profound - lol, now I have the picture in my mind!

Did you see the thread thanking you guys?

[CorpGovActivist]

163. Stone Cold Sober...

... Ides is like that.

Can you even imagine what he's like with a buzz?

"Did you see the thread thanking you guys?"

Nope. That's very kind.

- Dave

[Laurab]

175. Deserved, too

I'm glad you two decided to pop onto this board, and share your story with us. Besides, you both crack me up.

Ides is nuts, but for some reason, he just doesn't understand puppies!

[CorpGovActivist]

176. Just Tell Him...

... that's what "good breeding" is all about - something he wouldn't know ANYTHING about!

ROFL.

"I'm glad you two decided to pop onto this board, and share your story with us. Besides, you both crack me up."

That's a story unto itself.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

177. How did u decide to come to DU?

Isn't this a great place! There are many other forums, what led you to post here?

[CorpGovActivist]

178. A Very Progressive Blogger/Journalist ...

... interviewed my partner (Patrick) and me, up on Capitol Hill, about a month ago.

She put the bug in my ear, so to speak.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

179. Awesome!

Thanks to both you and Ides for all of this information!

Looking forward to the fireworks this week!

[CorpGovActivist]

180. I Dragged Ides Along...

... truth be told.

The interviews, on background, were taking place weeks and months ago, BTW.

The first salvo of MSM coverage happened when I filed my first SEC filings: http://www.google.com/search?as_q=halliburton+nigeria+david+a+smith&num=10&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=bribe+bribery&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

181. I remember the MSNBC link

9/22/06 Former Halliburton worker calls for probe
Man says he got e-mails intended for company VP with similar name

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14959097/

At the time, did not understand background story. It is making sense now, little bits and pieces falling into place. :)

Do you sense that people in this administration will try to coverup the unfolding story before the elections next week?

[CorpGovActivist]

182. They Will Be Too Busy...

... dodging "dropping shoes," to get their bearings, is my guess.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

185. size 86!

Big shoes!

[IdesOfOctober]

186. NO! The Monty Python Stomping Foot of God!

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=monty+python+foot

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

187. You Are So Doing...

... the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch bit right now, aren't you?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=holy+hand+grenade+of+antioch+blow+thine+enemies+to+tiny+bits

It's Pavlovian, huh?

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

189. OMG...the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch!!!

It's the perfect metaphor for the DNC trying to decide when to "pull the pin" on the October Surprise!!!

I think I just wet myself a little.

Ides

***************************************************
http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/grail-21.htm
***************************************************

ARTHUR:
Consult the Book of Armaments!

BROTHER MAYNARD:
Armaments, chapter two, verses nine to twenty-one.

SECOND BROTHER:
And Saint Attila raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, 'O Lord, bless this Thy hand grenade that, with it, Thou mayest blow Thine enemies to tiny bits in Thy mercy.'

And the Lord did grin, and the people did feast upon the lambs and sloths and carp and anchovies and orangutans and breakfast cereals and fruit bats and large chu--

MAYNARD:
Skip a bit, Brother.

SECOND BROTHER:
And the Lord spake, saying, 'First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then, shalt thou count to three. No more. No less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it.'

MAYNARD:
Amen.

KNIGHTS:
Amen.

ARTHUR:
Right!

One!... Two!... Five!

GALAHAD:
Three, sir!

ARTHUR:
Three!

[CorpGovActivist]

190. Pelosi, Waxman, Conyers Burst into Rove's Offices and Exclaim, "Nobody Expects...

... the Spanish Inquisition!"

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=monty%20python%20spanish%20inquisition&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

You're not going to out-Python me. Give it up!

: )

- Dave

[Peace Patriot]

200. Oh, yeah? How about Dick and his Dead Parrot?

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[DemReadingDU]

188. Too funny!

:rofl:

:rofl:

[IdesOfOctober]

183. Finally, the truth comes out!

See, Laura? SEE?!?

*I'm* not the troublemaker. Admit it. You misjudged me.

Ides

[Laurab]

192. Hey, I like that! The good breeding thing

I believe I will tell him that.

And, as far as the story unto itself...I'm all ears...or, eyes I guess.

[CorpGovActivist]

135. Hey, Doesn't Ides Owe You...

... a picture?

; )

- Dave

[Laurab]

139. Actually, I think you owe me one

of Ides...aka Robin, in his tights. I would never expect to get it from Mr. Mysterious himself, but you, I have faith in.

I mean, he did say he'd give me one, but ever since I closed a message with a ps about my dog being pregnant, he hasn't been the same.....

[CorpGovActivist]

144. He's a Character...

... all right.

I figure sometime between now and November 7th, I'll have the opportunity to snap that photo for you.

; )

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

162. The rain in Spain...

The bribes inside
Shown snidely
By the Ides!

BWA HA HA HA HA!

In Houston, Halliburton, and Hackdom
Indictments hardly ever happen

BWA HA HA HA HA!

How kind of you to let me watch! (the perp walk)

Show tunes to indict by!

Ides

[KoKo]

37. What do you feel about Senator Byrd...after all this time?

Please PM me here on DU if you don't want to say anything on this thread.

Sorry for being disruptive...but just want to know. Thanks..

[CorpGovActivist]

43. That Is a Tough One...

... but a principled answer requires honesty, and a balanced approach.

1. I make no excuses, nor will I serve as an apologist, for his gaffes or historical affiliations.

2. He has spent a (humanly flawed) lifetime, devoting himself to his (humanly flawed) vision of how to protect the Republic, and of how to serve his constituents. Many throughout Appalachia have benefited from his tireless efforts.

I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's eloquent Second Inaugural, which included these wise words (note the asterisks for emphasis):

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right ***as God gives us to see the right,*** let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

As for Jay Rockefeller: how ironic that the protege of Nelson Rockefeller came to West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer, fell in love with the state, and devoted his own lifetime of public service:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Rockefeller

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Rockefeller

I still have the letters I received back from Governor Rockefeller and Senator Byrd, responding to my very first letters to public officials when I was a tyke.

- Dave

P.S. My grandfather was a vendor to Senator Byrd, back when he was a butcher: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Byrd#Early_life_and_political_career.

P.P.S. The story of how Byrd struck a deal with LBJ to get his seat on the Appropriations Committee is one that more Democrats should know.

[KoKo]

54. Byrd was a hero to so many here....and then some feel he failed us

and left us in the dust after his amazing speeches to try to stop the Iraq Invasion.

Jay Rockefeller was touted when he ran in WVA as a RADICAL BREAK from his family dynasty. He was touted as almost a Kennedy in the views he supposedly espoused in his break from his family Repug tradition. But, at that time the "Rockefeller Children" were becoming late 60's and early 70's Hippies trying to give away or disavow their vast inheritances and so Jay being the most "conservative radical" did at least go into politics.

Jay let us down big time with not releasing Part II of "Senate Intelligence Report." He had to stuff his dissention in a private safe rather than go agains Roberts. He did give a Press Conference saying that the "Minority Report" differed with the Majority and he hoped (with almost tears in his eyes and great frustration registered on his face) that the Minority would be able to get that report out soon. THAT WAS BEFORE ELECTION '04. We are now at MidTerms '06 and aside from Rockefeller's "sealed letter in his vault" which was released ...we still don't have PART TWO of that REPORT.

Jay...long ago succumbed to the "Family" it would seem. Byrd comes from another era...I think he has worked hard to overcome what was the "custom" of what he grew up with in the South. But...he's kind of dumped us Lefties who hung on every word of his MAGNIFICENT SPEECHES during Iraq Invasion Debates on the Senate Floor where he stood with Ted Kennedy to save our Constitution. He invoked the best speeches of the Roman Orators for days on end as he tried to stop the Invasion.

"Senate might as well hang a sign out! "Gone Fishing"...Byrd said about the decision to Invade Iraq. He was correct. The Senate did hang that sign out...they have given up all moral and ethical principles along with our Constitution...once we Invaded. Byrd will always be the one who got that correct when he said that would be the result of them not following the Constituion.

Maybe it was just "bluff and bravado" as Byrd fought for more "pork" for WVA. I feel he is more principled than that...but lately I have my doubts about all that "smoke and mirrors" they do to feed the Left of the Democrats. When in fact it amounts to nothing but smoke.

[CorpGovActivist]

56. Rain Check...

... Battlestar is about to come on; let me look at this again after, and I'll get back to you with some thoughts.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

70. I Still Admire Byrd...

... for reasons too many to even begin to list here. When he wrote back to my very first letter when I was in grade school, he sent along several books that I still keep handy today.

"Byrd was a hero to so many here....and left us in the dust after his amazing speeches to try to stop the Iraq Invasion."

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00237

Do the math. His speeches could only last so long. There were 77 votes authorizing the use of force.

Better still, do the math on the cloture motion, to cut off debate: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00230

Fully 95 Senators voted to end those speeches. Look at the Daschle Dems' "finest hour" - the Second Session of the 107th Congress: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_107_2.htm

Byrd can do many things with the Senate Rules. But when 95 Senators vote to end debate, the oratory falls silent.

Look carefully at the vote to authorize the use of force. Among the 23 NAYS - Jeffords, the patriotic American who put the Constitution and the Republic ahead of his party, and who handed the gavels back to the Daschle Dems.

"Jay Rockefeller was touted when he ran in WVA as a RADICAL BREAK from his family dynasty. He was touted as almost a Kennedy in the views he supposedly espoused in his break from his family Repug tradition. But, at that time the 'Rockefeller Children' were becoming late 60's and early 70's Hippies trying to give away or disavow their vast inheritances and so Jay being the most 'conservative radical' did at least go into politics."

I have to stick up for Jay and Sharon. Besides raising some incredibly bright kids (who quietly go about the family business of public service), the two of them have paid their dues - many, many times over - through genuine public service to Mountaineers and to all Americans.

Whatever influences caused Jay to have that conversion experience, one thing is certain in my mind: his heart and 100% of his energy is "in it," meaning, "in the good fight."

"Jay let us down big time with not releasing Part II of 'Senate Intelligence Report.' He had to stuff his dissention in a private safe rather than go agains Roberts. He did give a Press Conference saying that the 'Minority Report' differed with the Majority and he hoped (with almost tears in his eyes and great frustration registered on his face) that the Minority would be able to get that report out soon. THAT WAS BEFORE ELECTION '04. We are now at MidTerms '06 and aside from Rockefeller's "sealed letter in his vault" which was released ...we still don't have PART TWO of that REPORT."

Are you familiar with the statutory constraints under which Senator Rockefeller and all members of the Select Committee on Intelligence (regardless of party) operate?

http://intelligence.senate.gov/

When - yes WHEN - there is a Democratic occupant in the Oval Office, Rockefeller can seek the grant of authority to publish as much of that report as is necessary and prudent (e.g., omitting portions that would compromise sources and methods). As you noted, Jay seemed anguished - from that I would not infer that he's a sellout, but rather, that his legal and statutory obligations as a member of the Select Committee operated to hold his tongue.

"Jay...long ago succumbed to the 'Family' it would seem. Byrd comes from another era...I think he has worked hard to overcome what was the 'custom' of what he grew up with in the South. But...he's kind of dumped us Lefties who hung on every word of his MAGNIFICENT SPEECHES during Iraq Invasion Debates on the Senate Floor where he stood with Ted Kennedy to save our Constitution. He invoked the best speeches of the Roman Orators for days on end as he tried to stop the Invasion."

Again, I refer you to the votes. The Daschle Dems were in full retreat before the 02 midterms. ("Oh, no! KKKarl is going to portray us as soft on terror! Whatever shall we do? We know! We'll vote with KKKarl's KKKabal, and see if they treat us nicely in the elections!!!")

Did I call them "Daschle Dems"? I bet KKKarl calls them "Dumbass Daschle Dems."

"Senate might as well hang a sign out! 'Gone Fishing'...Byrd said about the decision to Invade Iraq. He was correct. The Senate did hang that sign out...they have given up all moral and ethical principles along with our Constitution...once we Invaded. Byrd will always be the one who got that correct when he said that would be the result of them not following the Constituion."

And yet, for all his oratory, for all the historical examples he cited, those Dumbass Daschle Dems didn't do their job - and left Byrd standing all alone on the cloture motion: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00230

95 votes in favor of ending those speeches.
1 vote against (Byrd's).
4 not voting.

"Maybe it was just 'bluff and bravado' as Byrd fought for more 'pork' for WVA. I feel he is more principled than that...but lately I have my doubts about all that 'smoke and mirrors' they do to feed the Left of the Democrats. When in fact it amounts to nothing but smoke."

I think the anger is appropriately laid at the milquetoast feet of Daschle, assuming you can find those feet - they have quite a head start from four years of tucking tail and running like hell.

- Dave

[KoKo]

122. Thanks for your detailed observations. They are heartening...

and I agree with you about that spinless, preening Daschle.

I'm not fond of Reid, who replaced him, either. Reading from notecards seems to be his speciality. But then it's impossible to know what he was faced with since we've just seen the Criminal tip of the iceberg with those folks.

[CorpGovActivist]

125. I Get Too Much of a Daschle Vibe...

... from Reid.

Not sure who I'd pick, but maybe he'll decide to step aside in January?

- Dave

[nam78_two]

52. K&R/nt

[Generic Other]

53. How's your mom holding up? Poor dear

What a story. I will be looking forward to further news.

[CorpGovActivist]

55. She's Made of Sturdy Stock...

... and I'm very proud of her.

She is the 16th of 16 kids. Her mom was wheelchair bound (from a series of strokes) when my mom turned 9. Her father died when my mom was 11.

Even with all she's been through, she's a radiant, compassionate, and enormously giving person.

I just tend not to tell her much about work anymore.

; )

- Dave

[Generic Other]

57. Seems like she was the real whistleblower!

She deserves a hug.

:grouphug:

[CorpGovActivist]

71. LOL...Yeah, I Never in a Million Years...

... imagined that she'd have - or take - the opportunity to repeat the story to the wife of the Democratic nominee.

She rocks, and she continues to teach by her example.

: )

- Dave

[DoYouEverWonder]

58. Hey, your story just hit LBN

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2583639

Way to go. Let the fun begin.

[CorpGovActivist]

72. It's Many Whistleblowers' Story...

... not just mine.

Also, history will record that many lawmakers on Capitol Hill created a safe haven for these whistleblowers to come forward, share their evidence, walk the lawyers and the investigators through the documents - and ultimately, help jail the scofflaws.

- Dave

[DoYouEverWonder]

121. Sounds like

there might be a tsunami coming soon?

[CorpGovActivist]

124. Have Surfboard, Will Travel!

; )

- Dave

[lovuian]

59. You guys Rock

Its about time...

[CorpGovActivist]

73. Thanks...But Please Help...

... spread the word.

Please don't just sit back and expect this to unfold like a movie. I've got some suggested ways you can help up on my site (which will be replacing the "virtual tarp" placeholder up now with a whole new look, very soon):

http://www.HALwhistleblowers.org

The fine, fine folks over at HalliburtonWatch.org have suggested ways you can help, too.

- Dave

[SaveOurDemocracy]

60. WTG!!

:yourock:

Thank you so much for your dedication to getting the truth out, and for all the time and effort you expended. :toast:



As for Senator Byrd ... he grew up in another time and place and has come a long way. Like the rest of us, he's imperfect ... but he certainly has had bright moments of courage, clarity and eloquence. He made a speech in the Senate on September 16, 2006 calling for Rumsfeld resignation ... but it went far beyond just that, as he exposed and condemned where this Administration has taken us. I'm very surprised this speech didn't get more attention ... I thought it was magnificent and sent it to everyone on my mailing list.



Senator Byrd:

Mr. President.

September 11 has come and gone, and as we remember those lost on that fateful day, and contemplate events since the horrific attack, one truth stands out.

The war in Iraq has backfired, producing more recruits for terrorism, and deep divisions within our own country. It is a war we should never have begun. The detour from our attack on Bin Laden and his minions, hiding in the cracks and crevices of the rough terrain of Afghanistan, to the unwise and unprovoked attack on Iraq has been a disastrous one. Mr. Bush’s war has damaged the country because he drove our blessed land into an unnecessary conflict, utterly misreading the consequences, with the result now being a daily display of America’s vulnerabilities to those who wish us ill. The United States is a weaker power now, especially in the Middle East, but also in the court of world opinion. Where is the America of restraint, of peace and of inspiration to millions? Where is the America respected not only for her military might, but also for her powerful ideas and her reasonable diplomacy?

Our country may have deviated occasionally from its positive global image in the past, but Abu Ghraib, the body snatching for torture, euphemistically called rendition, Presidential directives which unilaterally alter conditions of the Geneva Convention -- these are not the stuff of mere slight deviations from the America of peacefulness, fairness, and goodwill. These are major policy and attitudinal changes of Tsunami-sized proportions. Our friends shake their heads in disbelief. Our enemies nod wisely and claim they knew all the while. I cannot remember a time in our history when our elected leaders have failed the people so completely, and yet, so far, are not held accountable for costly misjudgments and outright deceptions...

I strongly recommend reading the words he spoke in the Senate that day, and which are now a permanent part of the official record.

http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/3913886.html

[CorpGovActivist]

74. I Am Proud to Be a Robert C. Byrd Scholar ...

... and yes, he is imperfect, as we all are.

I was in his offices the first day after they re-opened, following the sad loss of his wife, Erma.

When my mom met him at the Raleigh County Airport a few weeks ago (while he was home campaigning), he asked her for a hug. He's had a very rough year.

I hope that other Byrd Scholars are as grateful for the assistance and example he has given us - the Scholarship helped make (tight) ends meet, and allowed the son and grandson of coal miners to go somewhere he'd only dreamed.

As I wrote to several Hill staffers this year, "I can think of no better way" to honor the memory of Senator Byrd's wife, than to help return the Senate to Democratic hands, so that these oversight activities can be conducted, and so that the Senate can redeem its shameful inactivity under Daschle's "leadership". If I were the head of the DNC, Daschle would be informed he is not welcome at future conventions, until he gives a public apology for how he restrained those gavels.

- Dave

[Lochloosa]

64. Kick for Dave

This looks good....

[CorpGovActivist]

77. Private Victories...

... precede public ones.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=seven+habits+%22private+victories+precede+public+victories%22

The private victories, in this case, are the quiet, secretive safe havens created on Capitol Hill, and the quiet, secretive trips that many Halliburton whistleblowers have made up to the Hill, to give their evidence and recorded testimony.

The public victories, in this case, will be legion, and will see Cheney leaving the White House in disgrace.

- Dave

[civildisoBDence]

65. So this is a different story than the Ides of October story that fizzled out

two weeks ago?

I'm skeptical, but hopeful.

Newsprism

[CorpGovActivist]

78. I Think You Should Be...

... much more hopeful, much less skeptical, and much more attuned to what Ides actually wrote.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

82. Need clarification please

There are 2 major scandals?

1. Halliburton

2. State Street, Enron, and pensions

or are both scandals connected?

Thanks!

[CorpGovActivist]

83. For Visual Learners...

; )

They overlap and intersect.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

84. I was expecting the centers

to be the same colors, same people, but this could certainly get interesting!

[CorpGovActivist]

85. The Center of Any One of Those ...

... could be labeled, "Executive Office of the President," if that helps orient you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_office_of_the_president

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

86. ah, got it!

Thanks!

[CorpGovActivist]

87. Andy Card's Resignation...

... will be the first of many, methinks.

Ditto for Scooter Libby's indictment.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

88. Please give us Heads-up when

we need to watch important news on TV or C-Span!

[CorpGovActivist]

91. You Bet...Plus a PodCast

I'll be sure to send up a flare.

I'll also have my own PodCast.

- Dave

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

138. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a hard time understanding what this saga

is all about.

[CorpGovActivist]

141. Seriously

Please feel free to ask questions about the parts you don't understand.

- Dave

[salin]

148. I have one

somewhere on the thread you refer to problems that will come out per Cheney when he was head of Haliburton. I have long wondered about something ... at the time of the Enron implosion, there was a PR video for Arthur Anderson that included a clip of Dick Cheney, as CEO of Halliburton stating that the most exciting thing he had done as CEO was the acquisition of Dresser Industries - and how AA had helped the company steer through all the challenges of the acquisition.

This started getting some airplay because the acquisition was by now being questioned... did Cheney do enough due dilligence per the potential asbestoes liability? Story came and went (and I think he was finally successful in getting a law through congress to limit asbestoes liability suits... and thus the liability costs to Halliburton).

The thing is... could it be that he knew about the liabilities but took a calculated risk?

See there was another short lived story around the 2000 election. There were these charges that Halliburton had done (big) business with Hussein, even though there was a US ban on US companies doing business in Iraq. Finally he was cornered and had to acknowledge it - but claims it was a subsidiary... and tries to claim that he 'had no knowledge...'

Funny thing is... the Haliburton subsidiary doing business in Iraq (huge business in Iraq)... a French division of... Dresser Industries.

Seems old Dick had his hand in tearing up the oil fields as Sec of Def, rebuilding the oil fields as CEO of Halliburton, and tearing and rebuilding as VP - and holder of a huge amount of shares of Halliburton.

Any of this potentially in play with regards to the bad stuff that might comeout about Cheney during his tenure at Halliburton?

[CorpGovActivist]

151. That is an EXCELLENT Set of Questions

"somewhere on the thread you refer to problems that will come out per Cheney when he was head of Haliburton."

These will range from Cheney's true motivations in acquiring Dresser, to his actions with respect to the Halliburton pension funds.

"I have long wondered about something ... at the time of the Enron implosion, there was a PR video for Arthur Anderson that included a clip of Dick Cheney, as CEO of Halliburton stating that the most exciting thing he had done as CEO was the acquisition of Dresser Industries - and how AA had helped the company steer through all the challenges of the acquisition. This started getting some airplay because the acquisition was by now being questioned... "

I was at Halliburton's KBR offices in Arlington, Virginia when that was getting lots of airplay. You'd be surprised how many "subversive types" there were (and still are) working inside Halliburton's offices. That video and other materials made the rounds.

; )

"did Cheney do enough due dilligence per the potential asbestoes liability?"

From a Halliburton shareholder's perspective? Absolutely not: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/45012/000126947606000005/kbrtexastwostep.htm

(See other filings I've made so far at: http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=smith+david+allen&CIK=&filenum=&State=&SIC=&owner=include&action=getcompany)

From the perspective of James Addison Baker, III and the GOP elders who planned to run W, and who viewed the emerging asbestos liability as a serious risk to that candidacy (given the Bush Family's knowledge of - and participation in - the asbestos liability cover-up), there was really "no due diligence necessary."

"Story came and went (and I think he was finally successful in getting a law through congress to limit asbestoes liability suits... and thus the liability costs to Halliburton)."

The asbestos trust fund created in conjunction with this legislation is a farce, and just one reason that Cheney could spend the rest of his life on his knees, and not pray himself out of even one ring of Dante's Inferno, in my book. See the fight that the Dresser retirees have had to go through, because Halliburton reneged on Cheney's signed agreement: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/45012/000126947606000015/whereischriscox.htm

"The thing is... could it be that he knew about the liabilities but took a calculated risk?"

It's more insidious than that, I'm afraid. He most certainly DID know. He used Halliburton shareholders' money to acquire Dresser, to keep the asbestos story/Bush connection out of the news until after the 2000 elections.

"See there was another short lived story around the 2000 election. There were these charges that Halliburton had done (big) business with Hussein, even though there was a US ban on US companies doing business in Iraq. Finally he was cornered and had to acknowledge it - but claims it was a subsidiary... and tries to claim that he 'had no knowledge...'"

I cannot wait to hear how the Executive Office of the President tries to spin the mis-directed e-mails that were intended for David R. Smith. Are they really going to argue that Dick didn't know about those? Byrd will have Tony Snow for lunch.

"Funny thing is... the Haliburton subsidiary doing business in Iraq (huge business in Iraq)... a French division of... Dresser Industries."

They screwed themselves - "big time" - with the mis-directed e-mails. There is no plausible deniability for Dick on this one. Lynne and Dick should be hitting local stores for moving boxes.

"Seems old Dick had his hand in tearing up the oil fields as Sec of Def, rebuilding the oil fields as CEO of Halliburton, and tearing and rebuilding as VP - and holder of a huge amount of shares of Halliburton."

In every sense of the word, Dick Cheney is a fascist: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism.

"Any of this potentially in play with regards to the bad stuff that might comeout about Cheney during his tenure at Halliburton?"

I know it's a lot of reading, but if you read the SEC filings I've made so far, in order (bottom of the page up), you'll see these issues are front and center: http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=smith+david+allen&CIK=&filenum=&State=&SIC=&owner=include&action=getcompany

Excellent questions! Please feel free to ask any follow-ups. I sometimes forget that I've lived this, and that I need to do a better job of explaining the connections to those "just tuning in."

Thanks!

- Dave

[salin]

154. I generally can only read DU over the weekend

so I keep missing pieces that unfold during the week. Have to tell you, yours and Ides stories are hard to keep up with (and sort out) when one has such limited reading time. It would be absolutely phenomenal if these stories per Halliburton (and there are so many) which point to such malfeasance, fraud, abuse, were to get more than a short 'story cycle' in the media - just to then be ignored, allowing the corporation to continue to pillage.

Now for a basic question - what am I looking at/for when reading these filings? (I am completely unfamiliar with such documents.) Thanks, salin.

[CorpGovActivist]

156. The Websites...

... are being developed to provide a nice, central repository. I expect significant rollout of new features this week:

http://www.HALwhistleblowers.org

For now, I cannot recommend strongly enough that voters concerned with Halliburton's misdeeds (and Cheney's direct involvement therein) check out HalliburtonWatch.org.

"so I keep missing pieces that unfold during the week. Have to tell you, yours and Ides stories are hard to keep up with (and sort out) when one has such limited reading time. It would be absolutely phenomenal if these stories per Halliburton (and there are so many) which point to such malfeasance, fraud, abuse, were to get more than a short 'story cycle' in the media - just to then be ignored, allowing the corporation to continue to pillage."

That's a fair critique, and one that the new rollout should address. I hope you'll feel free to suggest devices that will help others in the same boat as you to get up to speed.

There is an interactive timeline feature that I think will really help.

"Now for a basic question - what am I looking at/for when reading these filings? (I am completely unfamiliar with such documents.) Thanks, salin."

Awesome, awesome question!

Starting with the Securities and Exchange Commission's homepage, you may find other features (besides the EDGAR database, explained below) to be of use (e.g., the general search feature): http://www.sec.gov/

This is a great resource whenever the MSM reports about "a filing made by (fill in the name with corporation)" - you can go see the actual "filing" they're talking about, by looking it up on the EDGAR database: http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm

If you select "Companies and Other Filers," you'll get this search feature: http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html

For instance, to pull up all Halliburton-related filings (whether made by Halliburton itself, or by third parties - such as me - about Halliburton), type in the stock ticker "HAL" in the second box, yielding: http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=&CIK=hal&filenum=&State=&SIC=&owner=include&action=getcompany

Now, all those Form types in the left-hand column may look like gibberish, but you'll soon be an "old hand" at deciphering them, especially if you keep this guide to the form types handy and bookmarked: http://www.sec.gov/info/edgar/forms/edgform.pdf

The filings I've made so far are all coded as "DFAN14A" - "Additional definitive proxy soliciting materials filed by non-management and Rule 14(a)(12) material" - and will culminate in my filing a "definitive" form of proxy, with checkboxes, for the 2007 annual meeting of Halliburton's stockholders to vote on matters to come before that meeting.

If you monitor Halliburton's filings (and KBR's*), you'll probably soon see a Form 8-K (a current report), regarding the Inspector General's report this past Friday, about the overbillings: http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20061027:MTFH55281_2006-10-27_18-58-58_N27357163&type=comktNews&rpc=44

* Please note that Halliburton is trying - and I'm opposing - a spinoff of KBR, which has filed filings recently, via ***BakerBotts***, separately from the parent's filings: http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=kbr&CIK=&filenum=&State=&SIC=&owner=include&action=getcompany

Like any database or resource, it seems like a lot at first. Please don't hesitate to ask follow-ups. It took me a good long while to figure this out myself.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

171. I Spent Most of Yesterday...

... working on the final beta versions of the sites. I'll be especially curious to see what you think, and genuinely welcome your feedback.

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

173. Tick tock tick tock, and the crickets...

... keep on chirping.

Maybe Mayberry is working on that list of questions?

Or maybe he ran out to grab the CliffsNotes.

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

149. Our Critics Are Our Friends -- Benjamin Franklin

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=benjamin+franklin+critic+friend

OK, Mayberry Machiavelli. You have my full and undivided attention. You've cast yourself in the role of my critic. I choose to view you as a friend.

Where have I failed you? If you treat this in good faith, and put together a list of questions, I'll do my damndest to answer them.

- Dave

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

152. I'm not going to pursue this with you, Dave. Since these lengthy threads

are often largely filled with your own and Ides' posts, including MULTIPLE posts responding to a single post, I was just commenting that at least SOMEBODY other than me finds the way you have presented this convoluted and difficult to follow.

Again my basic critiques are the following:

-Too much reliance on the thread reader having previous knowledge of the situation from other threads and websites. The presumption is that either the story is too difficult to encapsulate for the new reader on the current thread, or it's not worth the trouble to do so.

-(New Critique) Too much story buried as secret information, where supposedly "all will be revealed" at some unknown point in the future. I'm not saying it won't. But I'm ready to wait until such time as the information can be revealed rather than reading each and every one of these breathless threads. I just stuck my head in this one after not reading any for a while. I guess some people like good "dish" that represents some kind of advance scoop. If you've been reading the board in the months prior to when you started posting, you will see that there has been bitter experience here at DU with scoops known to the select few wherein cataclysmic events were secretly known that would bring down people within or close to the White House. If you cannot pardon my skepticism, I'm sorry.

I really don't have a question for you, I was just commenting on the other person's post. I only made this post because you "called me out" by posting twice in response to me. You may have the last thousand words.

[CorpGovActivist]

153. Just These Few

"You may have the last thousand words."

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=benjamin+franklin+forgotten+dead+and+rotten+if+you++would+not+be+forgotten+either+write+things+worth+reading+or+do

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

155. I wonder what he got in Expos?

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~expos/

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

157. Low Blow!

I accept Mayberry's critique, and welcome any questions he might have.

Chances are, his investment of time in asking the questions would help clarify muddled points.

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

159. Maybe so...

... but it was still funny.

"I accept Mayberry's critique, and welcome any questions he might have."

... it was still funny. Tell me you can't honestly imagine him back in the day, in section, saying:

"I'm sorry. I just don't get Emily Bronte. 'Wuthering Heights'? More like, 'whither the plot' if you ask me! I'm sure I'm not the only one here who just gave up, marched down to Christie's in Harvard Square, and bought the CliffsNotes. Look - look right here! - the CliffsNotes book has one page, that says, 'Drop the class if you're still in Add/Drop; otherwise, start dating an English concentrator until the final'. How am I - a science concentrator - supposed to work with that? Add/Drop is over, and I don't date."

"Chances are, his investment of time in asking the questions would help clarify muddled points."

Well, since at least 400 BC, there have been critics: "Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship." -- Zeuxis

If he's gonna take swipes, the least he can do is make it entertaining, like this:

"The Detroit String Quartet played Brahms last night. Brahms lost." -- Bennett Cerf

I don't have the patience for critics too lazy to lay out their case.

Ides

[IdesOfOctober]

160. P.S. Expos Grading Standards - Earning the A

http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~expos/project.cgi?section=training#standards

I'll bet hard liquor that Mayberry can't beat David's grade there.

Ides

[mmonk]

66. Thanks for the info.

You go Dave. Appreciate all you are doing and I wish the best for your family. I'll try and post another Robert Kennedy quote for you soon. Again, thanks for your efforts.

[CorpGovActivist]

79. Take Your Pick...

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=robert+kennedy+quotes

: )

Ever see the photos of Bobby Kennedy's last campaign swing through West Virginia? He didn't forget, he didn't break faith, and WV would have been a landslide for him:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Regional_Commission

My great-grandmother passed in 89, at 89. She had only two photos in her living room that weren't family - FDR and JFK. She called JFK and RFK, "those nice, young Kennedy boys."

: )

- Dave

[tblue]

68. Let us know how we can support you!

[CorpGovActivist]

81. Check the Website...

http://www.HALwhistleblowers.org

- Dave

[mod mom]

69. Thanks and bookmarked for later.

[midnight]

90. David A Smith here is a hug for you and your mom. We are so

lucky that you are as wise as you are brave. Thank you for trying to protect America.

[CorpGovActivist]

93. Appalachian Distrust...

... of orthodoxy and establishment runs deep, and comes honestly.

That region was settled by groups who had good reason to be wary.

My family was "over the mountains" in violation of the King's edict against settling west of the Alleghenies. Their attitude?

"Come serve us with the summonses, ya fops and dandies, if ye dare!"

Rumors that these settlers had defied the King was one of the principal reasons why the Royal Lieutenant Governor, Alexander Spotswood, led the "Golden Horseshoe Expedition" into these lands, to see if it was true: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_the_Golden_Horseshoe

They didn't come nearly far enough!

: )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch-irish

Many of those settlers (like my mom's family) intermarried with the native Cherokee. One of my mom's grandmothers was full-blooded Cherokee.

Between the Scotch, Irish, Welsh, and Cherokee, (not to mention all the unionization wars my family fought in), I've got enough oral history and tradition to know what to do when faced with fops and dandies who think they have a natural right to run things.

; )

- Dave

P.S. West Virginia celebrates the failed Golden Horseshoe Expedition in a very tongue-in-cheek way: http://www.wvculture.org/HISTORY/wvmemory/goldenhorseshoe.html

I'm a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe, and you'd be amazed what mighty doors swing open at the sight of that little pin: http://www.wvculture.org/HISTORY/wvmemory/ghdetail.aspx?Id=11198

P.P.S. My junior high is the successor to the one Byrd attended: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stotesbury,_West_Virginia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophia%2C_West_Virginia

[midnight]

131. I'm Irish, and French Canadian.

I can speak personally for myself about my own heritage keeping me strong and not allowing those, who feel entitled, to destroy those I care for an easy time of it. Thanks for the History about your family's roots. I really enjoyed reading about it. I just love that phrase " Come serve us with the summonses, ya fops and dandies if ye dare!"

[CorpGovActivist]

134. Canadian Scotch-Irish

Lots of Scotch-Irish up in Canada, too (with fantastic games, and great beer*): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch-irish#Scots-Irish_Canadians

This Quebec flag tells the early chapters of the Quebecois melting pot story, eh?



As a Revolutionary War nut, I've spent more evenings over a pint than I should have, arguing that the greatest failure of the Revolution was the failure to persuade our northern neighbors to join us. Nowadays, I'm glad they "kept their own counsel," and remained separate.

Still:

1. In 1775, with Boston blockaded and war afoot (but no Declaration of Independence yet), Benjamin Franklin explained why the rattlesnake design (don't tread on me) was the perfect emblem for the rebels. As part of his "anonymous" letter as "An American Guesser," he wrote: "She (the rattlesnake) never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... Perhaps it might be only fancy, but, I conceited the painter had shown a half formed additional rattle, which, I suppose, may have been intended to represent the province of Canada." The whole of his inspiring letter is worth a read:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=benjamin+franklin+american+guesser+rattlesnake+canada

2. At the conclusion of the American Revolution, the colonists first tried to run things under the Articles of Confederation. Article XI allowed Canada to enter into the new union, without requiring any approval by the other colonies: http://www.law.ou.edu/ushistory/artconf.shtml. If a similar "pre-approval" provision had been included in the U.S. Constitution that replaced the Articles, I bet we'd have British Columbia by now (contiguous territory to Alaska), and maybe a Maritime Province or two, and maybe even some of the Great Plains provinces! Instead, Article IV of the Constitution gave no special treatment to Canadian provinces: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_Four_of_the_United_States_Constitution#Clause_1:_New_states.

Pity. In a hot-headed moment, one or more provinces might have come over, if we'd "left the porch light on for them," so to speak.

3. In 1812, with Britain engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, the fledgling United States Government made a failed bid to "liberate" Britain's remaining North American dominions. The Britsh Royal Navy had certainly given cause: the practice of press-ganging Americans on the high seas gave ample reason to declare war, which the Congress did in the summer of 1812: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812. At that time, such luminaries as former President Thomas Jefferson - noting the influx of English-speaking Irish and Scots into Canada since the days of the American Revolution - argued that it would be a cakewalk: "... the acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Quebec, will be a mere matter of marching, and will give us the experience for the attack on Halifax ..."

This miscalculation led to the burning of Washington, DC in 1814 (though the British commander showed some restraint on that score). As it turned out, Napoleon made his fateful error, and marched into Russia, within days of the U.S. declaration of war on the British, our fateful error: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1812.

The British fought two wars on multiple fronts. They could have taught Rumsfeld a thing or two: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1814

The War of 1812 had a strange beginning and a strange ending - both caused by slow communications.**

British concessions to the American commercial concerns that sparked the war were on their way to DC when war broke out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orders_in_Council_%281807%29#Repeal_of_the_Orders_in_Council

Andrew Jackson won the famous Battle of New Orleans after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, but before it was ratified, and before news of its signing had spread: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Ghent

4. Arguments about borders, and flirtation with union, went in cycles throughout the 19th century: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webster-Ashburton_Treaty. The plaque commemorating this particular treaty is on one corner of the U.S. Treasury building (northeast corner).

5. Canadians' unrest with their status kept the British Government on edge, to be sure. Their cyclic flirtation with independence, and/or with joining the U.S., caused Queen Victoria to agree with her ministers, and send her own daughter and son-in-law as her personal representatives in Canada (a slick PR move, but Princess Louise truly loved Canada, by all accounts): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Louise%2C_Duchess_of_Argyll#Canada. Indeed, from Victoria until Queen Elizabeth II's father, George VI, the tradition was for a "minor Royal" to serve in the role: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Governors_General_of_Canada#Governors_General_of_Canada_since_Confederation.

6. From the flight of the United Empire Loyalists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Empire_Loyalist) through today's lumber disputes, we've had a love-hate relationship with our northern neighbors, and the "family squabbles" among the Scotch-Irish who settled north of the border and south of it play a part in that!

* Now, about that beer. When I was in college, several of us would rent a rickety old blue station wagon, about one weekend a month, and drive up over the border to the duty free shop. Back then, the per-person limit was three cases of beer. We had this down to a science. The slimmest guys went, so we could cram as many cases as possible in for the return trip. It was a very profitable racket: sell two cases for a high mark-up, keep one for yourself. And the drives up were sheer entertainment, with all those funny guys one-upping one another, as the beautiful scenery rolled by. While up in Montreal last year, I remembered why the trips were well worth it!

** The War of 1812 almost backfired, and almost caused New England to either: (1) break away to form its own nation; or (2) rejoin the British dominions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartford_convention

- Dave

[RedEarth]

94. Very interesting....... thank you for your courage... stay safe!

[CorpGovActivist]

95. You Bet...Like Your Avatar...

... very smart fella, that General Clark.

: )

- Dave

[RedEarth]

96. He sure is....

Had the chance to see him speak several times in Oklahoma City...after that worked for his campaign during the primaries in 04.

[CorpGovActivist]

97. I Wish He Would...

... stand for Governor somewhere.

I admire his erudition, I admire his military service, but I think he would benefit from having a record of running a state government (avoid the Senate - too many "tough call" votes, which can be used against you later).

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

98. Good Afternoon All

Just got in...anything new goin` on?
Just askin`:)

[CorpGovActivist]

99. Hey, Mrs. McToots!

How are ye feelin'?

Nothing earth-shattering yet.

- Dave

[Buttercup McToots]

102. Good

I want to be at the party...:party:

Bush is on the telly in Indiana...
He is a bad bad man.

[CorpGovActivist]

103. Does He Still Play in Peoria?

I doubt it.

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

100. YAWN...

... just rolling out of bed, too?

Ides

[IdesOfOctober]

105. At liberty to take...

questions?

Ides

[DemReadingDU]

106. F.Y.I.

The Happy Ides of October thread was moved to the Lounge

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=5780219

[IdesOfOctober]

107. What the heck...

... does that mean?

Do I need to break out my lizardloungewear?

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

108. To a Much Greater Extent Than Before Yesterday's News...

... yes.

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

113. All righty, then...

(Ahem)

Are there still copies of the e-mails that were intended for "the other" David Smith?

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

116. Let Me Put It This Way...

... do you really think that Halliburton's spokesflak, Cathy Mann, wants to try to explain to Congress why those backup tapes are missing?

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=corporate+records+retention+federal+law

- Dave

[conscious evolution]

150. Back up tapes?

And I take it the originals are in good hands?

[IdesOfOctober]

117. Next question...

... can you name the Hill staffers/lawmakers/committees that gave Halliburton whistleblowers a place to go with their materials?

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

118. That Is a Decision...

... each will have to make for him/herself (though if I get the green light, I'll gladly give them credit for their hard work). Some may feel that being named would jeopardize their future efforts.

The same goes for other whistleblowers who wore a footpath to their doors.

- Dave

[Oilwellian]

119. This thread makes me feel....

all warm, fuzzy and tingly inside. Thank you so much to all who have helped expose these criminals running our govt. By the way David, in an earlier post, you referred to my favorite drink "scotch" (Mmmmm, Glenlivit on ice) and I think you meant scots. :D

[CorpGovActivist]

120. Both a Delicious Beverage...

... and a deliciously stubborn people: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch-irish

; )

- Dave

[hootinholler]

123. Of which I am one...

But prefer Maclallan to the Glen, although Bailey's is the staple. I can also attest to the blue collar morality preserved in appalachia being one of your northern neighbors from the Laurel Mountains in Pa which are replete with piles of 'red-dog', abandoned coke ovens and iron furnaces.

I'm glad to hear that Fitz may have a piece of this action as he's been disturbingly quiet these last few months. My sincere hope is that the bright light of justice will shine into all the corners.

-Hoot

[CorpGovActivist]

126. Red Dog...

... my grandfather used to say that we mine the coal, the good folks in PA turn it into steel, and the good folks in Detroit turn that into cars.

- Dave

[hootinholler]

127. Hmmm, do that mean I'm a

Red Dog Dem?

I say gumband, crick and occaisionally sit on the davenport.

-Hoot

[CorpGovActivist]

128. Good Question...

... though, in my grandfather's case, he used that saying to illustrate the inter-connectedness of the union brotherhood.

- Dave

P.S. I wrote my senior paper on how the national New Deal bonds got broken. Sad, really. Though there's a strain of it that has survived, in pockets like Appalachia.

[Oilwellian]

137. Well I'll be....

I was corrected when I referred to them as Scotch-Irish by my mother inlaw who was a war bride from Scotland. Thank you for letting me know it can go either way.

[CorpGovActivist]

143. Spring That on Her...

... after all, how often do you get to set your mother-in-law straight?

; )

- Dave

[Oilwellian]

145. Ohhh, I dearly wish I could

The "lil bugger" passed away several years ago. She was the dearest soul I've ever known.

[CorpGovActivist]

147. Bless Her...

... and I'm sure she's having a good laugh at you right now, looking down.

: )

- Dave

[spuddonna]

164. Holy cow!!

First of all, please stay safe! And second of all, WOW!

I can't wait to hear this hit the MSM! :) Thank you for your courage! And tell your mom that she's a heroine to me! :applause:

[CorpGovActivist]

165. My Mom...

... continues to teach by her example, every single day.

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

166. Your mom is a treasure!

[IdesOfOctober]

167. I'll vouch for that!

She's a right fiery one.

Ides

[CorpGovActivist]

168. Oh, She's Somethin' All Right...

LOL.

I have a good friend that says the story of the pot of chicken 'n dumplins is why he tells his mom that his work life is on a "need to know basis" only.

: )

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

169. lol, need to know

hm, needs to know often!

[CorpGovActivist]

170. We Tend to Talk...

... about just about "anything but that" nowadays.

; )

- Dave

[IdesOfOctober]

172. I can't imagine...

... why.

:sarcasm:

Ides

[Blackhatjack]

195. Suggestion: Start A Thread #2 w/Same Title ....

It will be easier to navigate. Contain a link back to original thread for those just catching on. It will make it possible for dialup users to participate without having to await massive loading of the previous thread.

Another possible suggestion: Post what 'you' deem to be the important questions we should look to be answered in the next few days. This will help people here get the 'gist' of what is going on. I think it is a valid criticism to point out many people working to elect Dems this week will not have time to fully inform themselves in this cycle. (Afterward, they will have plenty of time to catchup).

Trying to be helpful. Good luck!

[DemReadingDU]

196. 2nd thread up

please continue here...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2516441

[CorpGovActivist]

197. Plus, I Made Sure...

... to add it to my journal, in case anyone needs to backtrack.

- Dave

[banana republican]

198. I spent 20 years

at a fortune 500 defense contractor & reported to the controller. Ask me questions about the FAR that is waht I did. Negotiated Gov't audits. I will answer...

[Buttercup McToots]

199. Bump

up