Dianne Feinstein: Criticism From Left On Health Care “Doesn’t Move Me One Whit”

[mod mom]

Dianne Feinstein: Criticism From Left On Health Care “Doesn’t Move Me One Whit”

Senator Dianne Feinstein has already taken a hammering from Dems and health care reform advocates for casting doubts on the prospects of President Obama’s health care reform efforts. MoveOn, for instance, aired an ad against her in California, demanding she show some leadership and fight harder to get the president’s reform plan passed.

Now Feinstein has hit back at the criticism from the left in an article about lefty groups targeting Dems for waffling on key components of health care reform:

“I do not think this is helpful. It doesn’t move me one whit,” she said. “They are spending a lot of money on something that is not productive.”

That sharply dismissive tone won’t exactly smooth over tensions.

Feinstein’s claim that criticism from the left is “not productive” also raises an important question: What does the White House think of the lefty criticism? Do White House advisers agree with Feinstein, and want the liberal groups to muzzle themselves, or are they tacitly happy about it?

-snip

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/president-obama/dianne-feinstein-criticism-from-left-on-health-care-doesnt-move-me-one-whit/

OF COURSE SHE'S NOT LOOKING OUT FOR WHAT'S BEST FOR THE PEOPLE-THERE'S TOO MUCH MONEY TO BE MADE:


CREW URGES INVESTIGATION INTO FDIC CONTRACT AWARDED TO CB RICHARD ELLIS
Contact:
Naomi Seligman // 202.408.5565


27 Apr 2009 // Washington, D.C. – Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) urged the Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today to investigate a suspect contract the agency awarded to a company run by the husband of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
The CB Richard Ellis Group (CBRE), chaired by Sen. Feinstein’s husband Richard Blum, won the contract with the FDIC last November to sell foreclosed properties inherited from failed banks. The company won the contract in an allegedly competitive bidding process although CBRE is a commercial real estate firm with relatively little experience selling foreclosed properties.

One month earlier, Sen. Feinstein had written a letter in support of the FDIC’s desire to expand its loan modification program. After the contract was awarded, she introduced legislation that would use $25 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program funds to bankroll the FDIC’s plan.

The contract with CBRE reportedly contains highly favorable terms including set-up, administrative management and commission fees not typically awarded in comparable contracts. According to the Washington Times, many of the fees either exceed industry norms or would not usually be paid before a sale has gone through.

-snip
http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/39091

AND THIS:


California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) chairs the Senate Rules Committee, but she’s also a Cardinal. She is currently chairwoman of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies subcommittee, but until last year was for six years the top Democrat on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (or “Milcon”) sub-committee, where she may have directed more than $1 billion to companies controlled by her husband.

-snip

In other words, it appears Sen. Feinstein was up to her ears in the same sort of shenanigans that landed California Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R) in the slammer. Indeed, it may be that the primary difference between the two is basically that Cunningham was a minor leaguer and a lot dumber than his state’s senior senator.

Melanie Sloan, the executive director of Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington, or CREW, usually focuses on the ethical lapses of Republicans and conservatives, but even she is appalled at the way Sen. Feinstein has abused her position. Sloan told a California reporter earlier this month that while”there are a number of members of Congress with conflicts of interest … because of the amount of money involved, Feinstein’s conflict of interest is an order of magnitude greater than those conflicts.”

-snip

During this period the two companies, URS of San Francisco and the Perini Corporation of Framingham, Mass., were controlled by Feinstein’s husband, Richard C. Blum, and were awarded a combined total of over $1.5 billion in government business thanks in large measure to her subcommittee. That’s a lot of money even here in Washington.
Interestingly, she left the subcommittee in late 2005 at about the same time her husband sold his stake in both companies. Their combined net worth increased that year with the sale of the two companies by some 25 percent, to more than $40 million.

-snip

http://thehill.com/david-keene/feinsteins-cardinal-shenanigans-2007-04-30.html


AND THIS:

Army contract for Feinstein's husband
Blum is a director of firm that will get up to $600 million
David R. Baker, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 22, 2003

URS Corp., a San Francisco planning and engineering firm partially owned by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein's husband, landed an Army contract Monday worth up to $600 million.

The award to help with troop mobilization, weapons systems training and anti-terrorism efforts is the latest in a string of plum defense jobs snared by URS. In February, the firm won an army engineering and logistics contract that could bring in $3.1 billion during the next eight years.

Government contracting has come under increasing scrutiny by Congress and citizen groups, with critics decrying the political connections of firms winning lucrative jobs. Richard Blum, Feinstein's husband, serves on the company's board of directors and controls about 24 percent of the firm's stock,

according to Hoover's Inc. research firm.

A Feinstein spokesman Monday declined to comment on the contract.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/04/22/MN310531.DTL

IT'S PAST TIME TO BRING AN ETHICS INVESTIGATION INTO HER PRACTICES & PROFITEERING!

[kpominville]

1. Time to remind Feinstein who elected her

And show her how easy it is to vote her out.

[Democracyinkind]

2. Let's just stick with the second part. I for one had enough of her.

[SteveM]

108. Her 2 biggest weaknesses: she's anti marijuana, she's anti-gun...

...even though she once acquired a hard-to-get (for the time) concealed/carry permit and stashed a handgun in her purse. Seems her "health" is more important to her than yours.

Lord knows what her back-door morality is regarding pot.

[Winterblues]

37. If only it were that easy. You do know what the percentage of incumbents getting re-elected is don't

It would take a substantial effort on the grass roots but IMO worth it completely, just to make her spend some money to wake her the heck up..

[dotymed]

164. WE MUST ORGANIZE

For PUBLICLY FINANCED ELECTIONS or we'll never get rid of these wealthy (at our expense) crooks

[DaLittle Kitty]

167. A Crook Is A Crook Is A Crook No Matter The Colour Of Their Spots

Investigate her criminally and Challenge her politically.

[Kalyke]

49. I hope you Californias can move her.

Move her on out of that job.

[Moondog]

132. + 1.

[liberation]

53. She knows who voted for her and how hard it is going to be to vote her out...

... that is why she can pull the sh*t she does with almost complete lack of consequences for her.

With Dems like this a$$hole, who needs the GOP?

[Taverner]

67. Someone needs to dig out one of the MANY MANY scandals about her

Trust me - there are many.

Ask how she had her SF home paid for, for starters.

[madmax]

100. Well, damn

If you know come sit by me and whisper it in my ear. I'd love to hear this!! :evilgrin:

[KakistocracyHater]

131. & why is it that we are not coordinated enough to oust & indict her

if she's as guilty as Duke? Don't we care?

[pattmarty]

168. Hey, at least Calif has Boxer as the second Senator. I live in.............

............Arkansas and my two "Democratic" Senators are Lincoln & Pryor. If they were on Fox "news" with a picture of them with "R's" behind their names, it wouldn't be that big of an error.

[tavalon]

86. First we need to figure out who elected her

Was it Merck, or Smithkline or Blue Cross?

[PSzymeczek]

112. Kaiser Permanente? n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

179. Kaiser Permanente, the root of all this for profit health care evil.

[Lasher]

154. She gets money from law firms and real estate

Scoop from Open Secrets: http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?type=C&cid=N00007364&newMem=N&cycle=2010

[aggiesal]

111. OK, so how about if we spend our money to RECALL DiFi.

Would that be more constructive?

[Joe Bacon]

148. You cannot recall a U S Senator

Waste of time. We need to get a real Democrat to challenge her. I didn't vote for her in the 2006 Democratic primary and I voted for Colleen Fernald. No regrets.

[aggiesal]

150. I did not vote for DiFi in the primaries. I voted for her challenger, ...

which may have been Colleen Fernald. During the general election,
I didn't cast t vote for senator. My only way to protest her voting record.

Why can't you recall a Senator? All elections are based on State rules.
If we can recall a governor, we call surely recall a Senator.

If there ever was a Senator that needs to be recalled it's DiFi.

[xxqqqzme]

155. I refused to vote for her in the general as well.

Rumors are that she wants to run for governor next year. We are stuck w/ her until 2012.

[davidwparker]

122. She will not get voted out because you will show up to vote for her. Just

look at Pelosi's return to office.

Watch that gutless wonder Reid get back in as well.

They know it.

[snake in the grass]

135. I really think it's beyond that.

She is apparently beyond reach and simply needs to be put out to pasture. Time to make room for a progressive candidate and I will support that person if it comes to that. We need to get rid of these blood suckers.

[notesdev]

140. who elected her? The banks? defense industry?

I give up, give me a hint here.

[Junkdrawer]

3. Wonder what her DU name is...

:P

[mod mom]

6. not catching your drift

:blush: DiFi?

[Junkdrawer]

14. DiFi's attitude seems well represented on DU.. n/t

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. Sounds like a challenge...

[earthboundmisfit]

5. She might as well be honest, resign her seat

and openly go to work for those she considers her REAL bosses (which sure as hell ain't her constituents)... I'm sure there's a juicy lobbyist position awaiting her

[MicaelS]

7. Time for California Progressives to find a replacement

Is there another woman who could defeat her? I don't know I'm asking.

[WeDidIt]

9. You've got about three years

She isn't uyp for re-election until 2012.

[MicaelS]

16. Well not me, because I live in Texas,

But I wish Californians luck, because it's time for Feinstein to go.

[Joanne98]

8. How long must we suffer her!

[WeDidIt]

10. She stands for re-election in 2012 n/t

[Kermitt Gribble]

11. Time to go DiFi.

Would be nice if this could snowball to get all the corruption out of Washington - Dem and Repub.

[madaboutharry]

12. Too bad Harvey Milk isn't around to

remind her where she came from.

[xchrom]

13. recommend -- difi needs to go. nt

[NV Whino]

15. That's our DiFi

[heppcatt]

17. They know whats best for you

Really? Why are you trying to get your representative to represent the majority opinion.
They know what the little people really need.

[bridgit]

18. You'd get her attention if you were an investment banker

[mod mom]

21. W a seat on Appropriations, she doesn't need bankers-they need her

and just in case folks start questioning her ethics, she's got that covered to:

Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
http://rules.senate.gov/

The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration is responsible for issues that include election, campaign finance and ethics reform. It also oversees the standing rules of the Senate and administers the Congressional Office Buildings.



http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutDianne.CommitteeAssignments

[bridgit]

32. Senator Feinstein's Iraq Conflict - As a member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommi

Sen. Feinstein voted for appropriations worth billions to her husband's firms http://www.metroactive.com/feinstein

[truedelphi]

78. I'd forgotten about that. Thanks for the

Reminder.

[HughBeaumont]

19. Feinswine - with "Democrats" like this, who needs fascists?

Lack of Single Payer in this country IS the problem, dicktit.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

20. And don't forget Project Censored report on her conflicts of interest and war profiteering.

Just Google Project censored and Feinstein and it comes up easily. I've posted it here numerous times.

[mod mom]

23. "the ninth wealthiest member of congress—has been beset by monumental ethical conflicts of interest"

Title: “Senator Feinstein’s Iraq Conflict”
Author: Peter Byrne
http://www.bohemian.com/metro/01.24.07/dianne-feinstein-0704.html

Student Researcher: David Abbott, Amanda Spigut, and Ann Marie O’Toole
Faculty Evaluator: David McCuan, Ph.D.

Dianne Feinstein—the ninth wealthiest member of congress—has been beset by monumental ethical conflicts of interest. As a member of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 to the end of 2005, Senator Feinstein voted for appropriations worth billions of dollars to her husband’s firms.

From 1997 through the end of 2005, Feinstein’s husband Richard C. Blum was a majority shareholder in both URS Corp. and Perini Corp. She lobbied Pentagon officials in public hearings to support defense projects that she favored, some of which already were, or subsequently became, URS or Perini contracts. From 2001 to 2005, URS earned $792 million from military construction and environmental cleanup projects approved by MILCON; Perini earned $759 million from such projects.

In 2000, Perini earned a mere $7 million from federal contracts. After 9/11, Perini was transformed into a major defense contractor. In 2004, the company earned $444 million for military construction work in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as for improving airfields for the US Air Force in Europe and building base infrastructures for the US Navy around the globe. In a remarkable financial recovery, Perini shot from near penury in 1997 to logging gross revenues of $1.7 billion in 2005.

It is estimated that Perini now holds at least $2.5 billion worth of contracts tied to the worldwide expansion of the US military. Its largest Department of Defense contracts are “indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity” or “bundled” contracts carrying guaranteed profit margins. As of May 2006, Perini held a series of bundled contracts awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers for work in the Middle East worth $1.725 billion. Perini has also been awarded an open-ended contract by the US Air Force for military construction and cleaning the environment at closed military bases.

-snip
http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/23-feinsteins-conflict-of-interest-in-iraq/

IF WE HAD A PARTY THAT CARED ABOUT ETHICS THEY WOULD RUN HER OUT OF TOWN! :mad:

Thanks Phoebe! :hi:

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

126. Thanks for posting it to this already great thread.

I'm pretty indefatigable when it comes to Feinstein's shortcomings - she absolutely horrifies me and I am ashamed to have her as a member of my party, I really am.

She should be run out of town, and thank you for agreeing! :toast:

I would happily donate to any real progressive/Democrat who will take her on!

[SoCalDem]

22. Too bad we could not rescind HER healthcare

but she's got enough money to self-insure anyway..

I'd love it if there was an alternate universe , where elected officials had to live..for maybe 6 months

That universe would mean:

living in a 2 BR apartment, on the 3rd floor..
driving a 15 yr old car with bad brakes & a broken A/C..

never having a bank balance higher than $1500.00

and having to pay rent, utilities, health care expenses, food, gas, insurance etc.

and having a job at walmart ..let's say a 5 day work week/ 4 hrs a day..and 3 of them 5PM to 9 PM/ 2 of them 9AM to 1PM

and while we're at it, let's give them a kindergartner and a baby.

6 months of that would certainly open the "empathy vein"

[glitch]

26. She wouldn't care one whit. We'd have to seize her war profiteering assets before she'd even begin

to notice.

[tabbycat31]

174. there's a lot more than elected officials I'd wish that life upon

to start, everyone on CNBC

[Laelth]

24. Grrr. She needs a populist enema. She needs to be more "moved." n/t

:mad:

:dem:

-Laelth

[GreenArrow]

25. It's way past time

to put that cow out to pasture. She represents the absolute worst in American politics.

[Triana]

27. I see. Another Marie Antionette eh? She and Pelosi must get on well.

I say find an opponent for her and put her out of office.

[bertman]

39. Cindy Sheehan was her last opponent. She was trounced.

Personally, I'd recommend the Duke Cunningham method of removal.

[lunatica]

138. I thought Sheehan ran against Pelosi n/t

[fascisthunter]

28. upper crust big hair wearing money groveling loser

...what's that DiFi??? Your husband benefits from what???? We know where you stand in relation to us tax payers and the wealthy class.

[spanone]

29. i'll bet she shows just a little concern for voters when election time comes.

p.s. fuck you dianne

[ellie]

30. And yet she keeps getting elected

Go figure.

[JDPriestly]

76. No Democrats who are serious dare run against her.

At election time, the Republicans nominate some extreme right-winger, and everyone is forced to vote for her. She can count on the votes of moderate Republicans and right-wing Democrats. That is her constituency.

[WestSeattle2]

130. You nailed it. The religous whack jobs control the California

r's, so there ya go. Normal people of both parties are forced to vote for Feinstein or simply not vote. If the r's ran someone normal, then Feinstein would definitely "give a whit", because that would directly threaten her real income, which isn't her senatorial salary.

[Canuckistanian]

31. I find it astounding that she keeps getting elected

She's obviously as crooked as as any politician caught in the Abramoff scandal, yet she seems to be under no scrutiny herself.

How does this happen?

[BlooInBloo]

33. From the sate the re-elects the terminator? Makes perfect sense to me.

[redqueen]

52. !

:applause:

[Canuckistanian]

83. That's true

Why CA is is considered a "liberal state" is a mystery to me.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

58. In her earlier days

I think she was more reasonable in her stands. But just before the Iraq war, she morphed into a smug, self-satisfied, entrenched Republican. Her choice of words is so insulting and wrong-headed. I wouldn't necessarily insist on another woman replacing her - just someone who would listen to constituents, fight for just causes like Barbara Boxer, and vote correctly.

[Marr]

34. Too many of these people think they're "leaders", not represtantives.

[mulsh]

35. correspondce from the right address accomplanied by large

amounts of money is pretty much all that will sway DiFi. She was a crappy supervisor, a dismal mayor and has been a mediocre senator.

Early in her career she constantly showed how shallow and heartless she is. Age has not improved her.

[harun]

36. DiFi meet DoOr.

[GreenPartyVoter]

117. oh SNAP!

[Arkana]

38. I think that the White House would never say anything,

but I'd be surprised if they weren't a little grateful that DiFi's getting her ass nailed to the wall over this.

[felinetta]

Commercial you can participate in against Feinstein et al

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5649/t/4612/content.jsp?content_KEY=2621

[bobbolink]

103. may be a start...unfortunately, that's only for "public option", set up for failure.

There needs to be stronger sanctions against her.

[graywarrior]

40. This woman is nothing but a troublesome dino.

So full of her own power and self righteous opinion that she knows what's best.

[tom_paine]

41. No shit. Like most of the rest of our Rulers, she is moved only by MONEY!

Money brings in the votes.

Technology and wealth concentration now has the "cart leading the horse", at least as it is supposed to move in Free Nations, of which America is only marginally one, if at all.

[RandomThoughts]

42. She got 87% of primary vote in 2006

she won by 25% in the General, 55% to about 30%

She will have to be (metaphorically)burnt to the ground to be beat in a primary.

Although California economic troubles would be an important element to it.

And it will be a Presidential voting year also.

[mtnester]

43. That quote is a match then

because any good strategist would use it to burn her to the ground in a primary.

[mod mom]

44. The left may not have the $ that special interest does but we do have the power to expose

what she is doing.

It's time for progressives to run candidates who expose this profiteering at the expense of taxpayers.

[bvar22]

45. The Left DOES have the power to....

...make her Primary race a National Issue.
The Left is "connected".
If we organize nationally and focus our efforts, we CAN give her a very bad time.

DiFi is not up for re-election until 2012.

However, Evan Bayh (leader of the Senate Blue Dogs)is up in 2010.

[RandomThoughts]

47. I got a couple guesses on it.

Either they are ideologically in a group that wants to control through corp rule, and really believe that ideology.

Or they are dirty and they know their handlers can burn them down also, so they might as well go against the people, thinking it is a better chance.

[ProudDad]

66. I'd say both (n/t)

[mod mom]

85. Evan Bayh is definitely another one who needs to go!

We need to keep the pressure on all these sell outs and not relent until they are gone.

Of course DiFi doesn't worry about healthcare when she's helped funnels millions, perhaps billions her husband's way, but for the rest of us...we're just one illness away from financial ruin. Believe me I know, my husband has a spinal cord injury. We haven't gotten bills yet, but ER, Neurosurgery, 2 weeks in ICU, transfer to a spinal rehab center and still we're weeks away from even thinking about going home to an outpatient status-it's going to be one heck of a bill. We have insurance, but some folks in worse conditions than him there do not. It's easy to understand how health related costs are # 1 reason for bankruptsy.

[bobbolink]

105. Sorry to hear about mod mom's husband.... how are you holding up?

That sounds grim!

[mod mom]

128. He's making good progress.

and we are very lucky-he is in the 33% of spinal cord injuries that will walk again. He has to relearn to walk from scratch. Right now he has no concept where his feet are in space, but he is in good hands at one of the top spinal cord rehab facilities in the country. He is also getting neural regeneration of his arms/hands. We are reminded how lucky we are by seeing those around him. It breaks your heart.

We are also very fortunate to have good insurance. Ist hospital (prior to the rehab hospital) bill came today-an 11 day stay was over $106,000! He'll be at the rehab hospital for 1 1/2 to 2 months before he is released as an outpatient. How can anyone afford this? It's no wonder so many must file for bankruptcy. With all the stress of illness, financial woes would be unbearable. I really feel for those who must face it. Obviously Sen Feinstein figures her bases are covered for those close to her so the hell w everyone else. It's disgusting! Shame on her.

[bobbolink]

104. Exposure, yes, exactly! Billboards! Full- or half-page ads!

She's left her flank exposed....

.......expose the rest!

[ProudDad]

65. Health Care just might be the match that can do it! (n/t)

[wroberts189]

46. In other words "WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK?"

If its from the people who elected her its considered criticism ..if its from the health industry its valued advice.

DINO

[BolivarianHero]

48. Of course not...

The only difference between Feinstein (D-Israel) and Lieberman (I-Israel) is their choice of Presidential candidate in 2004 and 2008.

[Raineyb]

50. Of course criticism doesn't move her one whit. She'd have to give a goddamn about

the electorate. That she doesn't is painfully obvious.

[redqueen]

51. Do California Dems really like her?

What a slap in the face... she better hope they do.

[Cleita]

56. No, I for one have had to hold my nose every time I vote for her because

there is no other choice. I wish some one who can win challenges her in the primaries next time. How about Jerry Brown? He is a savvy politician, who still has some principles and high visibility to get elected.

[ProudDad]

68. I like Debra Bowen..

"Bowen is known for her pioneering support toward using the Internet to open government to computer users worldwide. In 1993, her first year in elected office, she successfully helped to pass legislative bill AB 1624 <1>, a landmark legislation making all of California's bill information available on the Internet. In the years since, she has fostered privacy protection in the electronic age and has promoted stronger auditing demands upon electronic voting equipment to ensure the accuracy of the vote. Her emphasis on fair elections has made her popular with the progressive wing of the Democratic party."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debra_Bowen
http://www.debrabowen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27

[cascadiance]

70. I like Bowen too. Maybe George Clooney?

If he could be persuaded to leave acting (and I would regret that might happen), I think he'd be a much better actor turned politician than many of the others that have gotten elected in California.

[Cleita]

72. She would be good too. Could she beat Dianne in a primary though?

[redqueen]

92. That's the key question.

Apparently DiFi won the last primary with 87% of the vote. That's not the best sign.

[Cleita]

94. This is what makes me favor Jerry Brown. I think he could beat her.

Tom Hayden would be good too, but I don't know if he could beat her either.

[redqueen]

96. It'd be great if Jerry would run for it.

Wouldn't mind having him in the Senate at all. :)

[ProudDad]

120. Believe me

after living in Oaktown when he was mayor, Jerry's not that far left.

I prefer Debra...

[PSzymeczek]

113. I thought of Tom Hayden,

but I'm afraid he'd get Chicago '68 thrown at him. That didn't matter to his assembly district.

[Cleita]

134. He was my Congressman for years before he ran for the assembly and

it didn't matter in either place because he did a great job.

[ProudDad]

180. Hayden would be a great one...

One of the BEST of the best...

[noiretextatique]

88. no...she is not well-liked here

she's a total DINO. i voted against her and for the green candidate.

[elzenmahn]

127. She really can't say anything else publicly...

...which means that again, she's firmly in the pocket of her contributors and will listen to them before she listens to us.

I'm seriously considering supporting the Greens in future elections. The truth is, the left really has no formal representation in this country. Today's Democrats are centrists, and the DLC types (like DiFi) are actually to the right on economic matters. Bernie Sanders, Senator from Vermont, is what the Dems should be today, and what is he? An INDEPENDENT.

I might re-register as a Dem (I'm an Independent now) in order to vote for her primary challenger when she comes up for re-election. But other than that, I'm finished with the two-levered bulldozer that only goes in one general direction and can only turn extreme right, or somewhat right-of-center. A third lever that turns left would be good right about now.

[jeff47]

116. Nope. She's the only one that kept me from voting a straight D ticket

Back when I lived in CA, I voted for all the D's, except for DiFi. An R would be better for us than she is.

[Ganja Ninja]

54. And yet when you tell some around here that you will not vote for Democrats

next time around if a public option isn't offered, they act as if you're going to blow a good thing.

[Misskittycat]

55. Just emailed her; will be doing it every day.

[MisterP]

57. if your new house's basement were painted with the blood of a few dozen Iraqi children, you wouldn't

care either
the IWR is a pretty good gauge of character, despite the sheep party loyalists telling us in '02 that this was part of some "secret plan" to undermine * or something (GOD, that was long ago--and look, * left with 20% approval! the smart calm moderate chess players' plan worked! too bad the Cold-Warrior-relic DLC really, really likes war)

[Iwillnevergiveup]

59. Just tried calling the DC office

Lines are busy, busy....will try again.

[phone]

[Iwillnevergiveup]

69. Happy to see this thread still on the front page

Just tried calling again after half an hour or so - lines still busy. Gee, wonder who all is calling her?

[Iwillnevergiveup]

73. High noon in CA

Finally got through to staffer Zack - told him as a Californian who actually favors single-payer or at least a public optin, I deeply resented her comments and am moved not to vote for her. Also said she's waaaaaay behind the curve in terms of what Californians want and need.

Phone calls better than e-mails, but takes some perserverance (and a little free time at home or pilfered time from work.):evilgrin:

[santamargarita]

60. How about getting voted out of office, will that move you?

:argh:

[Neecy]

61. The only thing to get her out of office....

Is her age. One hopes that in 2012 she'll decide to retire to her swank Pacific Heights mansion and live high on her husband's blood money.

[depakid]

62. Translation of Feinstein's remarks:

The criticism and ads are getting to her- and affecting her internal polling numbers.

[ProudDad]

63. This woman has been a disgusting boil

on the body politic of California since her buddy Dan White shot the REAL Liberal Mayor of S.F. and Harvey Milk -- and installed her Lilly white ass as Mayor of S.F. DiFi, the downtown developer's mayor.

The only reason she has a (-D) after her name is that she couldn't get elected as an (-R) in the bay area nor could she get re-elected as an (-R) in California (she's allegedly pro-choice although I haven't seen much movement out of her on that front either).

I PRAY that a good, real left-wing Dem will KICK HER ASS next time she's up for re-election. She's USELESS...

You should be worried DiFi, you execrable POS. It's publicity like this that's gonna kick your ass out of office.

You're bucking probably 90%+ of California Dems by doing the dirty work for your friends in the insurance mafia and Big Pharma...by not supporting real Health Care Reform!

[cascadiance]

64. Damn I'm glad she's no longer my senator...

Voted against her in the last two elections with the Green Party instead, and in the primaries against her then too in last election, but we need more focus on getting rid of her. Unfortunately, I can't help you any more now...

It's likely no coincidence that the Republicans don't run any serious opposition against the likes of her (or Lieberman before) when they know that she (or Lieberman) is the best the right is likely to get in left leaning states such as California to work their agenda.

If they challenged her, and were able to win, the next election would have a far more progressive Democrat to beat that Republican then. So they're best served by helping her get reelected too.

That is why getting rid of her in the primaries is SO damn important. I almost wish that we'd pushed her harder to run in the recall election. If she'd won, we'd have gotten rid of her out of the Senate (though who knows, she might have named Jane Harman to replace her in the Senate or some similar equally as bad individual then). She wouldn't have been much different than Arnold is, and that is likely why her campaign co-chair also was working on Arnold's campaign as well too.

[ProudDad]

71. Draft Debra Bowen...

"Bowen is known for her pioneering support toward using the Internet to open government to computer users worldwide. In 1993, her first year in elected office, she successfully helped to pass legislative bill AB 1624 <1>, a landmark legislation making all of California's bill information available on the Internet. In the years since, she has fostered privacy protection in the electronic age and has promoted stronger auditing demands upon electronic voting equipment to ensure the accuracy of the vote. Her emphasis on fair elections has made her popular with the progressive wing of the Democratic party."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debra_Bowen
http://www.debrabowen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=27

I really think that after DiFi's kicking 90%+ of Dems in the balls over health care she'll be very vulnerable (if not prone -- she's f*ckin' OLD!)...

[Iwillnevergiveup]

75. Now you're talking!

Immensely popular, super smart and an executive's executive.

[tomm2thumbs]

74. If prop 8 can pass, let's pass a California law saying lawmakers don't get health care until...

... until everyone in the state has health care.

I'd think that would pass - handily. Feinstein can fund her own care for awhile and find out what the rest of us already know.

[Ignis]

77. DINO on everything to do with money.

Of course she throws us a bone on some civil rights issues, but she'll vote with her corporate masters every time they ask.

It's past time for DiFi to go. :thumbsdown:

[alfredo]

79. A threatened insurance strike this fall when open season comes in might

do the trick.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

80. Fuck. You., DiFi.

Egads, I am so thankful I have only voted for that woman for Senate once in my life -- I picked other candidates in her other races.

We are in a terrible situation out here in CA when it comes to DiFi -- she is the pick of the powerful old Burton Machine -- and what they say goes here. :( Their candidate gets the $$$, their candidate gets the mailers and commercials, their candidate gets the "official Democratic Candidate" label. :mad:

Our State deserves MUCH better that DiFi. A pox on her and her profiteering hubby.

[ProudDad]

121. Way to tell it Hell!!!

:hi:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

170. Hey, PD!

:hi: Sometiems you just gotta tell it like it is! Hope all is well with you!

[ProudDad]

182. All is well with us...

Working on Single-Payer...

Playing some music...

Thawing out after 42 freezing years in the bay area... :) :hi:

[Maine-ah]

81. I just shot off a letter to her. Not that she gives a "whit" since I'm from Maine

my letter:

Dear Ms. Feinstein,

It's so warming to know that you do not give a "whit" about the current state of our health care in the United States. As you sit with FULL health care coverage paid for by U.S. citizens, many of us continued to be uninsured or under insured. We don't want "insurance", we're tired of the insurance companies dictating our health care. We want HEALTH CARE!

Hopefully the citizens of California will see the corruptness of your business dealings involving your husbands contracts, along with the fact that you just don't give a "whit" about what your constituents care about.

Sincerely,
Maine-ah
Member of the Maine Democratic Party.

[diane in sf]

82. I called her SF office and I'll call DC, I don't vote for her, she is a Repug on any fiscal issue

[Jefferson23]

84. Her record is pathetic.

[tavalon]

87. Let Them Eat Cake!

[sasquatch]

89. What a two faced evil bitch

Feed'er to the fucking wolves.

[EndElectoral]

90. 72% of the populace disagree with her. Dianne, it's not just the far left. Wake up!

[Joanne98]

91. She'd care if we threw her off the intelligence committee.

Just a thought.

[mod mom]

93. better yet...the Appropriations Committee-hurt her where it counts, funneling contracts

to her husband's firms!

[checks-n-balances]

95. And just what is her definition of "The left"? The majority of Americans?

To paraphrase someone on another discussion board today:
DiFi to anyone to "The Left" of her: Drop dead!

I knew she was completely bought & paid for, but didn't realize what a completely arrogant bitch she is.

[mod mom]

97. Petition w 56,000 constituents delivered today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=222&topic_id=63683&mesg_id=63683

[RufusTFirefly]

98. And don't forget this Golden Feinstein moment from 2005

"Chairman Lugar, Ranking Member Biden, and Members of the Committee, it gives me great pleasure to introduce a friend and fellow Californian, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, as the President’s nominee to be the next Secretary of State."
...

American foreign policy today is at a crossroads. In Iraq, across the Middle East, in North Korea, in our relations with China, and in so many other places, we face major challenges. I would submit that Dr. Rice has the skill, judgment, and poise to lead in these difficult times. If confirmed, she will have the deep, personal trust and confidence of the President. Dr. Rice has been by his side for every crucial national security decision in the last four years.

...

The problems we face abroad are complex and sizable. If Dr. Rice’s past performance is any indication, though, we can rest easy. It is difficult to know ahead of time how anyone will perform as Secretary of State. Time and events test vision, facile thinking, and resolute problem solving. But this is a remarkable woman."




Thanks Dianne!

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

99. Feinstein is seriously bent - towards her corporate owners

I haven't liked alot of her work.

She wrote a voting bill that would definitely make our elections
a big mess and even more hackable.

She definitely has two sets of constituents - the voters
and the payers - I mean lobbyists and corp donors.

Why is she getting re-elected?

I suspect 2010 will see alot of change of the old guard.

[Jakes Progress]

101. So now it's "Democrats"

that refer to the left with a sneer.

That this idiot has remained in office as long as she has is proof of the problems that California has.

[WVRICK13]

102. Follow The Money

That is what controls our political leaders. Not a one of them care about platforms (unless they are oil platforms), nor do they care about what we voters think. They all tell us what they want to hear to get our votes then they act like we don't count. The most pathetic thing is the voters, we are all lambs voting for the best lies. Unfortunately, it is probably too late to really change anything. What we need is strong third, forth and even fifth political party with a vote percentage representation in Congress. Then we would see some real response and movement.

[The Wizard]

106. Dick Cheney must be her

political adviser.
Send her packing.

[radhika]

107. I relayed this to her office this AM

They were quiet and very respectful - I sensed they were getting a lot of calls.

[AllyCat]

109. The goal wasn't to change your mind DiFi. The goal was to educate

your constituents such that they boot your ass out of office, you twit.

[emsimon33]

110. Start a recall--she needs to be replaced anyway.

Davis had just been reelected when he was recalled; now it should be Diane's time for a recall!

[jeff47]

160. The folks in Federal office can't be recalled.

CA's constitution allows for a recall of elected officials in CA. Since the Federal constitution lacks a recall mechanism, DiFi can't be recalled.

[HarryTrumanDem]

114. Dame DINOstein

In other words, it appears Sen. Feinstein was up to her ears in the same sort of shenanigans that landed California Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R) in the slammer. Indeed, it may be that the primary difference between the two is basically that Cunningham was a minor leaguer and a lot dumber than his state’s senior senator.

DiFi's record--on the IWE, FISA, PatAct, econ.--tends to be at least as conservative and hawkish as that of most hick GOPers. She has for a few years engaged in the same sort of cronyism that the right-wing defense contractors such as Cunningham have engaged in. She has awarded numerous contracts to companies associated with her man Blum (UC Regent, and SF real estate baron, as well as war profiteer).

Let's not forget that immediately following 9-11-01, DiFi called for cyber-ID cards (made by her pal Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle), and checkpoints across the USA, and more or less the suspension of civil liberties. Feinstein also has supported closing down the Net, and other J-Edgarish (if not KGB) like policies.

Feinstein's a pedazo de mierda, but a few confused Dems persist in thinking she's a liberal or feminist of some sort.

[girl gone mad]

115. But doesn't she have a lovely home?

Paid for with a $16.5 Million chunk of the billions in Iraq War profits which she made sure her husband was privy to.

I hope the collapse of the real estate market hasn't wiped out any of her hard earned equity.

:sarcasm:

[mod mom]

142. Fear not...she appropriated $ to her husband's newest firm regarding foreclosures

unfortunately, I kid you not:

http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/39091

:mad:

[Hardrada]

149. I still think that place looks like some old junior high school building

in one of our smaller towns. One not used anymore.

[Hansel]

118. People on the left: The only Americans undeserving of representation. nt

[Wednesdays]

119. K&R

:kick:

[ClevelandSportsCurse]

123. Fuck you DiFi

The people, especially your constituents, want SINGLE PAYER!!! What is so hard about giving the people what they want?!?!

[Hotler]

124. They don't even hide their corruption any more. n/t

[rschop]

144. re: Why should they, they all think the American people are nothing but dirt bags.

Why should they, they all think the American people are nothing but dirt bags.

They take their orders from the people who give them money, lots of money!

[mod mom]

125. I wish DiFi's staff would read these comments!

[Cha]

129. With a fucked up attitude like that..it

would be really nice to see ol' feinstein begging for votes when her time comes.

[riderinthestorm]

133. Then there are those who believe Obama/Dems are "daring" us to "make" them reform healthcare

And that they are all REALLY, REALLY for it but they need "public pressure" to make them do it....

This is proof positive that's not the way they think. :grr:

[marmar]

136. She has held public office for far too long......

..... time to retire and build WMDs with her spouse.

[Name removed]

137. Deleted message

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

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

139. could a vigorous primary challenge MOVE her?

if so, where do we donate?

[Arugula Latte]

141. I grew up in the Bay Area and have been aware of DiFi since I was a child.

I remember watching her speak after Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk were shot (I was 12), and then she was S.F.'s mayor. I thought she was on our side.

Sadly, I have grown to absolutely despise her. I will donate to whoever opposes her in a primary.

[checks-n-balances]

152. Yes!! I remember that too, quite vividly, and felt the same

It makes me wonder now if she meant a single word she was saying. If she didn't, she's sociopathic. If she was sincere at one time, then this latter-day Marie Antoinette has LOST HER SOUL.

Yes, she's despicable and I wish I had the privilege of voting her out of office myself.

[MrSlayer]

143. She's only saying what most of them feel. We have no voice, our government is a sham.

Now watch them go ahead and tax our health benefits after mocking McCain for wanting to do the same. They'll never do the right thing. I hate these people.

[cagesoulman]

145. So her CONSTITUENTS and her BASE of liberal Dems don't matter?

Time to get a viable primary candidate.

[cognoscere]

146. "Doesn't move me one whit"? "...Spending a lot of money on something

that is not productive"? How about we spend quite a bit less to have someone beat the living crap out of you? Would that move you a whit? Would it finally make the light go on in that apparently empty head? What the hell is a whit anyway? (And for all you neo-fascist authorities who might construe this post as some kind of a threat, forget it. I'm just joking, you know, being an entertainer and all that. If you're going to consider it a crime, you might want to start with threats that are of a much larger magnitude - Limba, Hannity, Beck, O'Really - the ones who make much more dangerous threats to a larger audience every day.

[farmboxer]

147. She is royality. We are trash! She looks down her nose at us all!

I am so tired of criminals like she. She has Universal health care paid for by "We The People", but she believes that we are not worthy of having health care like she and her fellow criminals. She worships her masters the insurance and drug companies and will do anything they so want her to do. I am tired of this crap. We die in the streets while her friends are making money. When we are all dead, where will her friends (insurance, drug companies) get their money? Destroy the middleclass and the economy is gone. She is a legend in her own mind.

[lonestarnot]

151. And if she gets re-elected,

:puke:

[Iwillnevergiveup]

153. Well, I enjoyed talking to her staffer, Zack, today so much

believe I'll call again tomorrow.

She IS getting up in years, and I understand some people who are beginning the journey into dementia turn very snarky and mean. She's already in the largest group of people with a health care safety net - people over 65 on Medicare!

[Greyhound]

156. Oh please, born to privilege and elevated through bloodshed, she has

been spitting on her constituents for her whole career and they just keep sending her back time and again. She has used her position for her personal gain since at least 1988, she has sold her vote and kept her criminal husband out of jail forever, still they re-elect her. Why shouldn't she have contempt for them?

There's just something terribly wrong with the voters.

[XanaDUer]

157. Didn't she let out some imp. info re The Nightstalker, Rich. Ramirez,

that the cops were holding back? She gave a press conference and let out something about the type of shoes the NS was wearing, which made him change his shoes?

I remember seeing something where the cops were livid with this dipshit for doing that- L.A. was terrorized and the cops had nothing on the NS other than the type of sneaker or something he was wearing, and she let that out in a news conference.

What an idiot.

[NuttyFluffers]

158. i want her out. i don't care anymore about the "potential harm," just get her out.

sure there's a chance that it'll be 6 years of some other doofus. but that's better than the past decades with her in doing such harm. i think it'd be easier to get her out and kick the newcomer out in 6 years than bother trying to deal with such an entrenched incumbent.

i just cannot care anymore, i want her out. i have Boxer, i'm OK; just get DiFi out. i'd rather take the gamble with low odds than go for the guaranteed loss. and considering her record... she's a loss.

[Enthusiast]

159. Feinstein=GOP scum. nt

[RandomThoughts]

161. Her actions will define where she ends up.

People create their own futures based on their actions, and the type of world they want to be part of.

[Freddie Stubbs]

162. DUers are always complaining that Democratic Senators don't have spines. Seems like DiFi has one

[RandomThoughts]

166. GOP have always had spines also

I don't doubt Diane Feinstein looks at her poll numbers from last election, looks at her info from her sources, and just decides what she thinks is best for people.

I would be curious if she believes people should decide, or if she believes the people can not make the right decision, or possibly, she may not care about the people.

[Raineyb]

171. It doesn't take any spine to spit on your constituents

We want Democrats to use their (alleged) spines to work on the issues we want. How much courage does it take to sneer at the little people?

[NoodleyAppendage]

176. Too bad her spine is infected with corruption and DINO pus n/t

J

[saltpoint]

163. Reflexively disagree with DiFi on this and would remind her that the

fight is not over.

[Ecumenist]

165. F#ck her!! I've been trying to get rid of this hag for the better part o the

last 8 years. She's a pox on California and a nation as a whole. She gotten "happy" and has forgotten herself.

[kegler14]

169. She's out-corrupting corrupt Republicans. Appalling.

[MsLeopard]

172. Once again I get to voice my opinion

about DiFi - she makes me :puke: and it will be a happy day when she finally leaves the governmental stage and goes to her palacial mansion to live out the rest of her days in the sytle her and hubbie's looting of our national treasury allow. War profiteers to the bitter end!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

173. 10 a.m. in California

Putting in another call to Feinstein's office in DC after hearing Thom Hartmann mention she was getting lots of calls. I did get through the first time and said the Senator was letting her constituents down and that we would not support her for public office. Asked if many calls were coming in today and whether other folks agreed with me. She said, "Yes, we've gotten a number of calls and they are being registered." Good, I'm calling again tomorrow.

[phone]

[Cha]

175. And, California, is doing so

fucking well under that attitude, feinstein.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

177. This thread needs to stay kicked ALL WEEK

like the "Seat Al Franken" and "Keep Fighting, Don Siegelman" and "Free Troy Davis" threads.

:kick:

[mod mom]

181. or until she is removed from office on ethics charges

:mad:

[Dr Fate]

178. Translation: What moves me are those SWEET bribe checks from the Health-Profit industry. n/t

n/t