Open Thread
Dec 24, 06:43 PM CST
I’ll keep this thread alive – Happy Holidays…
If you have something to say…
– by | Send this to a friend
Open ThreadDec 24, 06:43 PM CST I’ll keep this thread alive – Happy Holidays… If you have something to say… – by | Send this to a friend |
 
By Month
Day Five: Crickets from Heineman
Meet the candidates in Crete.
Tell the Truth, Terry
Day Four: Silence from Heineman
Day Three: No Word from Heineman
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From The Washington Post:
Kate Martin, director of the Center for National Security Studies at George Washington University, said the secret order may amount to the president authorizing criminal activity.
The law governing clandestine surveillance in the United States, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, prohibits conducting electronic surveillance not authorized by statute. A government agent can try to avoid prosecution if he can show he was “engaged in the course of his official duties and the electronic surveillance was authorized by and conducted pursuant to a search warrant or court order of a court of competent jurisdiction,” according to the law.
“This is as shocking a revelation as we have ever seen from the Bush administration,” said Martin, who has been sharply critical of the administration’s surveillance and detention policies. “It is, I believe, the first time a president has authorized government agencies to violate a specific criminal prohibition and eavesdrop on Americans.”
— Cowpunk Dec 16, 11:43 PM CST #
Nelson was one of only two Democratic Senators who voted in line with President Bush in his support for extending the Patriot Act. To make the vote even more interesting, Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, voted against the extension.
To be accurate, this was only a vote to bring the extension of the Patriot Act to a final vote in the Senate, but realistically, this was a vote saying whether you supported the Patriot Act or not.
Nelson is up for re-election in 2006. While some say the Republicans are targeting his seat, I really dont know why. He’s a reliable vote for the Republicans. So reliable that he has voted “more Republican” than nine Republican Senators. In fact, our “Democratic” Senator voted with the Christian Coalition 84% of the time over the past two years – 84%! To put that in perspective, Nelson voted “more Republican” than 9 of the 55 Republican Senators. Among his 44 Democratic Senate colleagues, Nelson was “more Republican” than any Senate Democrat by more than 50%! The next closest Democrat voted with the Christian coalition only 33% of the time.
What does this mean to me? Or you? Well, I really dont know, other than to say that while I want the “D” next to his name to take back the Senate in 2006, I dont see too many differences between himself and his Republican challengers. So, if my phone rings, and the Nelson campaign wants my help, it would pretty much feel as if I was helping a Republican. So, if his campaign calls, Im pretty sure my schedule is full.
He may represent my Party, but he doesn’t represent me.
— Jeff Leanna Dec 16, 11:51 PM CST #
— Jason Stodolka Dec 17, 03:27 PM CST #
Paul Hackett, a candidate for U.S. Senate from Ohio (and National Rifle Association member) quoted in the Boston Globe stated that pro-gun rights individuals ‘’are depicted by some in our party as a bunch of yahoos, and we’re not.” Hackett, a former Marine who is the proud owner of 20 firearms pointed that as a party “our lack of understanding of gun sports is harming us.” Hackett is not the only prominent Democrat taking a pro-Second Amendment stance. Democratic governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana who describes his stance on gun regulation as “you control your gun, and I’ll control mine.” Governor Schweitzer has compiled a solidly pro-gun record in office and is rated “A” by the NRA.
There are also indications that the NRA is responding favorably to the increasingly pro-gun stance of some Democrats. The Globe article quotes NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam who acknowledged that while his organization primarily endorses Republican candidates, “we’ve seen in the last few years an increasing number of Democrats actively seeking the NRA endorsement and actually winning it.” Democratic politicians are recognizing that gun owners make up a powerful voting block and it is better to have these folks on their side than working against them. And furthermore defending the Second Amendment is the right thing to do. Let’s hope that the Democratic Party continues to move in a pro-gun rights direction.
Link to Boston Globe article http://tinyurl.com/aw5sz
— Right Democrat Dec 17, 03:33 PM CST #
I find your comments about Senator Nelson not only personally insulting, but also destructive for our party and movement. Any Nebraska Democrat understands that it is hard enough winning elections in this Great State due to the fact that we sit in the shadow of an overwhelming majority of Republican voters. We do not need to start fighting against our own Democratic elected officials, particularly the highest ranking Democrat in the state, in a time where he in particular is needed by not only our state party, but our national party as well. I’ll make it plain and simple for you, Jeff. Without Senator Ben Nelson, Democrats don’t win back the Senate.
Senator Nelson is a Nebraska Democrat. We tend to be free-minded individuals who prefer not to blindly follow a party line. Furthermore, Senator Nelson was elected by ALL Nebraskans to represent them in one of our Nation’s greatest institutions. He tries his hardest to represent everyone’s veiws, but at some point has to pick a side. Yes, Senator Nelson voted to renew the Patriot Act. The final vote was 52-47 and it needed a 3/5 majority to pass. Another issue close to the hearts of many Democrats in this state as well as others around the nation is the drilling in ANWR. Senator Nelson voted against a bill that would begin drilling in the Wildlife Refuge. This was a hot topic isse and many people thought that Senator Nelson’s vote would swing the outcome. The final vote (I believe) was 49-51. Had Senator Nelson voted the other way, there would have been a tie and the Vice President would have voted for it.
We can sit and dissect each and every one of Senator Nelson’s votes. However, there is only one Big Vote that is most important. And that is the vote for Senator Harry Reid. Once Democrats regain control of the Senate, we will have control over committees, subcommittees, hearings, and so on. Senator Nelson is a Nebraska Democrat, but beyond that, he is a Democrat. I am proud to say that he brings an open mind to the table, and votes his conscience. I am proud to say that Senator Ben Nelson represents me, and I sincerely hope that he will continue to serve in that capacity for the next 7 years.
— Uncle Sam Dec 18, 04:19 PM CST #
It will be interesting to see how would-be Congresswoman Maul and would-be Governor David Hahn stand on immigration and the flood of illegals entering our country and jumping line in front of those who seek to come to the USA legally. Illegal immigrants are being made to work in horrible conditions at Nebraska’s packing plants and subsidize cheap meat and factory farms.
It will also be interesting to see if Nebraska Democrats can finally capitalize on the fact that Nebraska stands 49th, next to DEAD LAST, in economic growth. We can do better, much better.
Nebraska’s directors of economic development and agriculture should be fired just because we are 49th in economic development in this ag state. They are followers, not leaders.
Finally, Merry Christmas to all Nebraskans!
— KPW Dec 18, 06:25 PM CST #
I first must say that I do not put much stock in the opinions of those who must hide behind a screenname.
That being said, I will not dissect each of Senator Nelsons votes. Im sure that those who read this blog know where Nelson stands on issues considered important to Democrats.
I will respond to your post. First, you state that you are personally insulted by my comments and that they were “destructive for our party and movement.” Your comment seems to convey that you dont feel that I am intitled to share my opinion on an elected official in a public forum. Sounds a bit undemocratic to me, but lets move on.
What is destructive about Nelson, is that the position he takes on issues has a dramatic effect on local candidates running for office. As you pointed out, Nelson is the senior Democrat in our state. While he does need to represent all Nebraskans, he must also represent our Party. His right-of-center stance an many critical issues leaves many of our local Democratic candidates, in Democrat-leaning districts, without any coat-tails to help them through a primary, partciularly in non-partisan races. In these areas, Democrats dont have a reason to go to the polls in the Primary, particularly since none of our high-profile candidates have Primary challengers, unlike their Republican counterparts who bring out the Republican vote in the Primary. This leaves our Democratic candidates running in non-partisan races in murky waters.
While I suppport every candidate registered as a Democrat, I have a right to weight the amount of time and resources I will commit to individual candidates. Your post seems to insinuate that I dont support or vote for Democrats. That is far from the case. I too find that having a “D” behind Nelson’s name is very important.
The question I pose to everyone reading this blog is how far to the right-of-center does a candidate get to move before it is too far in compromising your or my values about our Party? I dont have an answer, but it is a question that we must address at some point.
Perhaps, unlike yourself, I do not follow my Party or its leaders blindly. I think for myself and I see it as a right and a responsibility to question and challenge what our party stands for.
I am proud of my service to the Democratic Party and I am proud to say I am a Democrat.
– Jeff
— Jeff Leanna Dec 18, 07:13 PM CST #
I do not know how the numbers look, but I wonder how much of the “middle” will vote Nelson, put Nelson signs in their yards, walk parades with him or say good things regarding his votes in conversations with others. Will that middle offset the Democrats who simply leave their ballot for Senator blank?
I will not drink the kool-aid either, be it cherry red, berry blue, grape purple or lime green. I do not want a Senator who does so either, but your question is correct. I E-mailed the Senator regarding his votes and received no answer. Silence is golden?
— jimdake Dec 18, 09:54 PM CST #
I just got this email from Sojourners and waisted no yime calling Sen Nelson’s Office to express my concerns on This Farce of A Budget and the Patriot Act. Read what Sojourners sent to me below.
Call Senator Nelson right now at 1-800-426-8073! Reject these cuts!
At 5:45 a.m. this morning, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a 774-page budget bill that was likely unread by any of the representatives, as they had received the bill only hours earlier. By a margin of 212-206, a budget was passed that cuts $40 billion to programs such as Medicaid, student loans, foster care, and other programs that empower low-income people to get out of poverty. Funding for food stamps remains intact because of your hard work. This vote came after House leaders gave their members clear instructions: Don’t read it. Don’t ask questions. Just do what we say.
The Senate will have its say on this bill for final passage as early as this afternoon, and we have been told that Senator Nelson could turn the tide in this debate.
Call Senator Nelson right now at 1-800-426-8073! Once you reach the senator’s office, tell him or her:
As a person of faith from Nebraska, I ask you to please vote “no” on the budget reconciliation conference report (S. 1932) . It’s the week before Christmas, and passage of this bill would hurt low-income children, families, the elderly, and the disabled. Do not allow these one-sided sacrifices to be inflicted on low-income Americans while Congress is preparing to give still more tax breaks to the rich.
Background
While many hoped the conference agreement on the budget would not contain the most harmful cuts, included in the bill are cuts to Medicaid, foster care, supplemental income for people with disabilities, student loans, and child support enforcement, according to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report.
The results of those cuts will be more hardship for working people. People on Medicaid will have to pay more for their health care. People with disabilities will wait longer to receive supplemental security income. Children and their single parents will lose child support because its collection is not enforced. Grandparents and other relatives will have less money to provide for their foster children. Low-income families will find it more difficult to get child care. Students will receive smaller loans to pursue higher education.
Call Senator Nelson right now at 1-800-426-8073!
Thank you for all your hard work in this campaign to protect America’s families.
Peace,
The political and organizing staff at Sojourners and Call to Renewal
— Robin Dec 19, 12:44 PM CST #
If Nebraska Democrats spoke the truth about the issues and had a message on those issue and it was a joint message we would win. We all hear others talking in resturants, coffee shops and where ever else we hang out. At least I do ever weekday as I do my newsletter. People are talking and they do not like what is going on in Washington or in this State.
The are not happy with the leadership, especially in Washington. Especially, now that we have a self elected King who has given the order to spy on us without using the courts, there are questions needing be answered. And lets get something straight about the PATRIOT ACT the vote was to end the debate not a vote on the bill. The debate still continues and it will continue. Those who do recieve my newsletter have today recieved the copy of the Conference Report and a Summary of what the debate is about.
Also, we need to worry about this Defense Bill the House passed as well, and them sneaking in an amendment after everyone signed off on the Conference Report. The Republicans in the House are trying to pull fast ones and the Senate are stopping them head on. And the Senate leadership is trying to make them move forward all to get home for Christmas break.
What is important here is that most of them in the House are up for re-election, and some in the Senate as well. This is there testing ground. And what is happening in Washington is beginning to show some of their true colors including our own Representation.
I commend Hagel for standing on the side of voting to continue debate on the PATRIOT ACT. I don’t understand why Nelson couldn’t stand with him. I guess he is bucking for votes, or he condones the actions of our President and his administration going far beyond the law in spying on Americans, torturing detainees, “sneak and peeks” and what ever else our government has been doing. There is no oversight and it is because majority of the American people have been in a sleep for far too long, let’s say since 9/11/01, that allowed all this to happen.
There was very few of us who started this battle long after 9/11 when the PATRIOT ACT was passed in the wee hours of the night without any debate, without the knowlege of the American people, and that is how a great deal of things have been done by this administration. I am tired of living in a secret society, I am tired of the wee hour votes, I am tired of things being sneaked into bills at the last minute to get it past or sneaked into bills that have nothing to do with the bill to get it into law, for example the REAL ID Act, which will cost the states a great deal of money.
I know this is one patriot that has had enough and is not going to stop speaking out until something is done or changed in Washington.
— Victoria Dec 19, 04:20 PM CST #
The Conference Committee whose very purpose is to hammer out the differences in Senate and House bills presented the Senate this morning with a report that pulled drilling at ANWAR out of thin air and attached it to the Defense Appropriations Bill. For those who think that Democrats are obstructionists (didn’t I hear the President say that this morning?) the only thing that is allowing our 200+ year old government from being overtaken by a one-party rule (which is more similar to Soviet Communism than anything I have ever seen) are Democrats like Minority Leader, Harry Reid. The following is the speech he gave this morning before moving for a quorum call which brought the matter to a halt. Hats off to Harry Reid. The follwing is from the Senate’s web site at http://www.senate.gov. I include it here because the speech shows the dangers a one party system can create.
****
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have said on previous occasions how much I care about this institution, but I have trouble expressing how disappointed I am as to what is going on. The arrogance of power of the Republicans in the House and the Senate is beyond my ability to comprehend. The Republican leadership now is attempting to impose the most cynical and I believe abusive practice in this pending conference report that, if successful, has the potential of changing the way this body operates forever. We will become another House of Representatives.
Any conference report can set the tone of debate, the hours of debate, the parameters of debate. If the Senate does that, it will no longer be the Senate that was led by some of the greats such as Mansfield and Dirksen. I say this respectfully. I do not know how anyone would allow this to happen, those who have the ability to do it. There have been issues I felt strongly about, but I always played within the rules. That is not what is happening here. The game is being changed, the rules of the game are being changed in the middle of the game.
In the Senate and the House, the rules are that the conferees are not allowed to include in the conference report any matter that was not submitted to the conference by either House. This avoids the possibility of conferees including legislation that would not pass either one House or the other on its own and forces the Congress to reach a consensus on controversial legislation. This process has served the Senate well for more than 200 years.
But the Republicans in Congress and the White House simply do not care about rules and they break them when it suits their interests. This conference report violates Senate rules on scope and is a cynical attempt to leverage support for funding our troops at war in order to include numerous extraneous items for special interests that could not pass the Senate on their own.
They have included – and we all know what this is about – the authority for oil companies to drill in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge, I say to the American people, that this year are making $100 billion. But that is not enough. This abuse of power will have long-term ramifications in this body and is as bad or worse than anything ever attempted before, including the nuclear option. But in the future, if this goes forward, any matter, including nominations of a Secretary of State – you could limit debate for our giving consent on a Secretary of State to 20 minutes equally divided. All you have to do is stick it in a conference report.
There has never been an attempt in the Senate like this to similarly abuse our practices. When they have occurred, they have been ruled out of order or the leaders of the respective parties in this body have said you are going too far. The Senate has a series of precedents prohibiting bootstrapping a procedural fix in the same bill that violated the particular rule. Those precedents should be applied here to prevent this abuse of practice. If this practice is allowed to stand, then the Republican majority, or any majority, can change the rules in the Senate procedure prospectively in a conference committee without any say by the minority party by a simple majority vote on an unrelated conference report.
To show the cynicism of this whole charade, in the same conference report they reverse the rule. Now, try that one on. These rules mean nothing. It is like a game of Monopoly with grade school kids. But this is the Senate. It is not a Monopoly game.
This next few days is going to take longer than a Monopoly game, and some of those take a long time. If the rules are going to be played with – and they are being played with – then they are going to have to follow every rule. If you want a vote on a nomination, then invoke cloture on it.
This is a dark day in the history of the American constitutional form of government.
We become the House of Representatives. The Founding Fathers didn’t want two House of Representatives. They wanted a bicameral legislature. But we become the House of Representatives, and the possibilities are endless in an institution that exists to forge a consensus and not act on the whims of whichever majority party is in control at the time. We become similar to the House of Commons. Whoever has the most votes wins. We haven’t worked that way for 216 years.
This abusive practice will allow any majority to alter any rule at any time for the consideration of any measure to advance its short-term political interests and will change the very nature of the Senate.
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
****
The roll was called and there was the absence of a quorum. Senator Reid is a true statesman and a Democrat! We all need to follow his example.
Suppose the Democratic U.S. Senators are going to hide out at a Denny’s restaurant in Oklahoma?
— jimdake Dec 19, 09:14 PM CST #
— Michelle Dec 20, 10:40 AM CST #
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he is changing his vote and will not vote for the deficit-reduction bill. Nelson, considered a swing vote on the contentious bill that would cut some federal benefits and trim budget deficits by $40 billion, said today that the legislation doesn’t cut spending. Rather, he said, it unfairly shifts the burden of paying for federally mandated programs to the states.
— al Dec 20, 11:34 AM CST #
** I, for one, am sick and tired of the way that unpopular legislation is snuck into bills via amendments so that they will ensure passage. I realize this is a long standing way of doing business in Washington but the latest that the House has passed with their budget cutting bill is just plain wrong.
I oppose funding the rich with tax cuts and punishing the poor and middle class by knee-capping them in the programs that allow them to keep their heads above water. And let’s not even go into the Anwar drilling issue. That one is just a gift to the greedy!!
Please send that legislation back to the House with a note that says, “Do it right this time!” **
It is time for all Democrats to remember what it is that we stand for. And, by the way, I agree with Jeff Leanna about questioning how we are being represented by our representatives. It is our right and our duty to do so.
I also share Jeff’s disdain for those who won’t use their real names when posting their opinions. I feel your opinions are only as good as your name. If you don’t have a real name . . . you don’t have a real opinion.
Brian T. Osborn – a Proud Nebraska Liberal
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 20, 12:42 PM CST #
“Secondly, there are such things as roving wiretaps. Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires—a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we’re talking about chasing down terrorists, we’re talking about getting a court order before we do so. It’s important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution.”
The above quote is lifted from Eschaton, one of the most popular liberal weblogs.
A couple weeks ago I posted a link to an article by Avedon Carol (click on my name to see it) that questioned why Democratic leaders refuse to take advantage of the many FREE resources available to them in the liberal blogosphere. Would anyone like to bet that not one Democrat politician mentions this quote on TV in the coming debate over Bush’s illegal spy operations?
With regards to the comments about Ben Nelson, LORD DON’T GET ME STARTED.(too late)
A few quick notes:
1. Nelson is NOT a moderate. He is pretty liberal on a few issues. On several key issues, he is a hard-core right winger. That’s not moderation, it’s schizophrenia. As Jeff Leanna pointed out, he barely deserves the centrist moniker.
2. It saddens me to no end that no one will mount a progressive challenge to Nelson. For many years the right wing has encouraged wingnuts to run for office at all levels of government. Fueled by contributions from right wing foundations and bolstered by the “new media”, these people have changed the political landscape. The Democratic Party has done just the opposite. Based on the success of Bill Clinton, the DLC’s golden boy, they have strived to appeal to the center, a center that no longer exists as we knew it. Sure, they lost their “base”, but those corporate contributions more than made up the difference, right? As a result, millions of people now think that “the center” lies somewhere between traditional conservatism and theocratic fascism, and right wingers now control all branches of the federal government. The “conventionalism wisdom”(i.e. pathetic defeatism) which says that it’s pointless for true progressives to run in states like ours must be forgotten, or America will only continue its slide toward totalitarianism.
3. The main problem I have with Ben Nelson is not his right-leaning politics, but his total capitulation toward the Bush Administration’s obscene power-grabs.
— Cowpunk Dec 20, 12:50 PM CST #
MSNBC just brought it up. Don’t know if anyone on the hill has yet.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 20, 01:16 PM CST #
Nelson on deficit-reduction bill: unfairly shifts the burden of paying for federally mandated programs to the states
Excellent point, Mr. Nelson.
Another point I would like people to consider, is the concept that tax-cutters should get the blame for any suffering resulting from a budget cut. The national debt is scary as heck, it’s only responsible to try to reduce it. I wouldn’t have blamed Nelson if he had supported this bill. I would have blamed those who subscribe to the ridiculous theory that lower taxes are always better – whether that includes Nelson, I honestly don’t know.
Topic two: Leadership
Does the will of the people guide the actions of leaders, or are people led to where the leaders take them? In a democracy, both these things have to happen.
It seems to me that in recent years, leaders have been trying too hard to be followers, to the detriment of the public. Too many overlook how whim, fashion, and fear drive public opinion. It’s not enough to set a good example and timidly defend your actions, you have to address the problem directly, and give straight talk about the problem in order to change minds. Otherwise, Hannity can tell people what to think forever.
So Nelson supports the “Patriot” Act. This is somewhat troubling to me. The reason Bush has lost support is that his message is lost on most of the public. Whether that is the fault of the public, or of Bush’s lack of logic, if Nelson does not make his positions clearer to his constituents, and maybe change some minds, he is in trouble. He needs to make Democrats care enough to show up to vote. ANWR ain’t gonna cut it.
And why would Republicans vote against a Republican and for a Democrat who acts like a Republican? It isn’t going to happen in Fox News-braska, not without some good, quality leadership.
— Tony Maloley Jr Dec 20, 02:26 PM CST #
Who’d have thought, reality TV via CSPAN, “Survival, The U.S. Senate” or “Fear Factor, listening to Alaska’s Ted Stevens while eating supper.”
— jimdake Dec 20, 06:17 PM CST #
***
Every day I hear more news which indicates to me that President Bush has violated not only the trust of the American people but has violated the laws of our nation in numerous ways. Once again I ask you, how can the House of Representatives not bring articles of impeachment against him?
President Clinton was impeached for far less damaging criminal activity than what our current president has committed. What am I to assume, that his criminal acts are protected from prosecution by his party? Is there no one in Washington that can force him to abide by the checks and balances that our Constitution establishes?
Now is the time to be a courageous patriot Tom. Don’t just bobble-head your way through the dictates of your party’s leadership. Take the initiative to speak out about these crimes that are besmirching the presidency and our nation.
Don’t let Bush hide behind this trumped up threat of terrorists behind every corner. He didn’t complete the mission of going after the guy that really attacked us on 9-11, but chose to divert our military might to go after an enemy of his invention. Now he is treating the American public as his enemy.
Open your eyes . . . wide. See what is really happening and do something about it before it is too late.
***
I suppose I’ll get a rubber-stamped reply thanking me for my comments and affirming his pleasure that I took the time to contact him.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 20, 06:27 PM CST #
“Bush Then-
Bush: Wiretaps “Require a Court Order.” “Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires—a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we’re talking about chasing down terrorists, we’re talking about getting a court order before we do so. It’s important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution.” [President Bush, 4/20/04, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/04/20040420-2.html#]
Bush Yesterday
Bush: I Authorized Secret Wiretap Program Without Going Through the Courts. “To save American lives, we must be able to act fast and to detect these conversations so we can prevent new attacks. So, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, I authorized the interception of international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations. … This program has targeted those with known links to al Qaeda. I’ve reauthorized this program more than 30 times since the September the 11th attacks, and I intend to do so for so long as our nation is—for so long as the nation faces the continuing threat of an enemy that wants to kill American citizens.” [President Bush, 12/19/05, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/12/20051219-2.html]”
— vince powers Dec 20, 06:29 PM CST #
Give his office a call!
— jimdake Dec 20, 07:14 PM CST #
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 20, 09:08 PM CST #
“David Hahn. He would have kicked the extra point and won the National Championship.”
how about,
“David Hahn. He never lost to Oklahoma.”
or
“David Hahn. He never lost to Colorado.”
or
“David Hahn. He knew Ahman Green was a great I-back, and would have sent Phillips packing.”
This could be fun.
— jimdake Dec 20, 10:01 PM CST #
MSNBC just brought it up. Don’t know if anyone on the hill has yet.
— Brian T. Osborn
Well that’s good news. Olbermann, no doubt. I’d imagine The Daily Show might pick it up, too. That’s probably as far as it will get, but there’s always hope.
Crooks & Liars has the video.
!!!Lawrence Phillips=Willie Horton!!!
...just kidding.
— Cowpunk Dec 20, 10:18 PM CST #
C & L has the AUDIO.
— Cowpunk Dec 20, 10:32 PM CST #
Who cares if most of Nebraska is republican,you need to stand up for what’s right irregardless.
Democrats are doing this quite well.
Those petitions that you may hear about being circulated and sent to congress,to stop republicans are in part sent by a democratic organization called “moveon.org”
I have signed up to be a member and all are invited.
They are very active and making a difference.I recommend it to all.
www.moveon.org
Thank-you,
Pamela
— Pamela Huff Dec 21, 11:42 AM CST #
— Roger Dec 21, 11:47 AM CST #
Here is what the Washington Post had to say about the budget bill Senator hagel supported and Senator Nelson opposed:
“The legislation would allow states to impose new fees on Medicaid recipients, cut federal child support enforcement funds, impose new work requirements on state welfare programs and squeeze student lenders.
According to budget experts, the bill would barely dent the federal deficit, cutting less than one-half of 1 percent from an estimated $14.3 trillion in federal spending over the next five years. Opponents said the poor would bear the brunt of the cuts—especially to Medicaid, child support enforcement and foster care—whereas original targets for belt-tightening, such as pharmaceutical companies and private insurers, largely escaped sanction.
— vince powers Dec 21, 12:57 PM CST #
— Right Democrat Dec 21, 03:28 PM CST #
Did you review Vince’s post just prior to yours citing the Washington Post “[T]he poor would bear the brunt of the cuts—especially to Medicaid, child support enforcement and foster care” That was not a budget for “working families.” As Vince’s post noted “—whereas original targets for belt-tightening, such as pharmaceutical companies and private insurers, largely escaped sanction.”
Do not accept the right’s definition of what being a progressive, liberal, democrat is and stands for. We already have a big tent that the “working families” are in. They sit beside the poor and the wealthy, the sick and the healthy. They sit alongside other families with a mom and a dad, a mom and a mom or a dad and a dad.
The working family can sit beside and learn from the original inhabitants of this land. They can sit beside and talk to the new comers to America-who like so many of our ancestor-came from afar because of the promise of America. They sit beside and beging to understand those whose ancestors did not come here by choice but were stolen away from their homeland. Yet their progeny strive to make America work for all.
In the Democratic party the working families sit amongst the veterans and the peace activists. They sit amongst the owners of small businesses, the employees, managers and owners of larger businesses. They share the same party affiliation as the owners of some of the wealthiest businesses in the world.
What our tent does not accept is hypocrisy. We believe that America is only as strong as the weakest amongst us. That the Constitution and the Bill of Rights define America. That government and church can and must coexist within their own spheres and their separation is what makes America strong. We know that “social darwinism” is not a scientific fact and that poverty is man-made and can be defeated. We do not believe that our planet exists only fro those living now to enjoy and will take steps to preserve it for our children. We are willing to pay our dues to belong to this society and as the past few years have demonstrated, that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Democrats have not left “working families,” the Republicans have, as your post demonstrates, successfully sold to them a bill of goods which they never intended to deliver. Our job as Democrats almost parallels that of missionaries. To “spread the word” and to demonstrate the hypocrisy and outright lies, today’s Neo-cons have brought to our government and bring America back to the citizens.
— jimdake Dec 21, 09:11 PM CST #
If the party just mimics the opposition then it has sold its soul to win no more than a popularity contest. The issues that face us today require a strong Democratic party that knows who it is and where it stands. It needs a solid foundation anchored in its traditions.
I agree that a few divisive social issues should not define the party. If, however, those issues are principles supported by the heart of what we are, then they must be fought for.
I believe that a Nebraska Democratic Party that is proud of its liberal traditions, and is vocal about them, can sway the voters to elect Democrats, even in Nebraska. We must appeal to that part of the Left Republicans that they know, in their hearts, is true, good and just. And that is what the Democratic Party should stand for.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 21, 09:16 PM CST #
every time a politicician wins by “moving to the center”, the “center” moves just a little bit more to the right. We may win battles using this strategy, but we are obviously losing the war. Why? To the talk radio loudmouths that have tremendous sway over rural voters, these pols are still liberals, no matter how hard they try to appease the right. Therefore, in the minds of red state voters, Joe Lieberman=liberal, Ben Nelson=liberal, Evan Bayh=liberal, Nancy Pelosi=left wing extremist, Howard Dean=totally batshit. Get the picture?
We have to reverse this trend, by supporting Democrats who stand up and fight for what they believe in, instead of sticking their fingers in the wind. And yes, it IS possible for progressive Democrats to win in the reddest of red states. Click on my name for an example.
— Cowpunk Dec 22, 02:35 PM CST #
it seems very odd to criticize moderate democrats by raving about a conservative democrat who got elected governor by running with a republican.
I am glad that Ben Nelson ran for governor with Maxine Moul in 1990 as Lt Governor and with Kim Robak in 1994, but I guess Cowpunk thinks Nelson should have allied himself with a moderate republican.
Cowpunk, you got some explaining to do.
— vince powers Dec 22, 08:34 PM CST #
“Bohlinger is a progressively-minded Republican, a rare breed in national politics. In his hometown of Billings, Bohlinger was well known for his truly compassionate conservatism—delivering passionate speeches against the death penalty, hate crimes and sex trafficking.”
Maybe he just likes the guy. And what exactly makes Schweitzer a “conservative Democrat”, the fact that he likes to shoot guns? Progressive activist David Sirota doesn’t think so. If you think my criticisms of centrist Dems are nasty, you should read Sirotablog sometime. David actually worked on the Schweitzer campaign, and has written an excellent article about the experience. To read it, just click on my name.
I also linked to the In These Times article because it’s full of good advice for our party. Montana Democrats were in the place we currently reside about 10 years ago. Their success is an example we can follow. I am pleased with what’s happening in Nebraska, but we have to shake off the towering defeatism I see all around and fight. We are a party with real moral values, values that people WILL respond to if we articulate them well.
— Cowpunk Dec 22, 11:40 PM CST #
I don’t know how many people I have been able to convince that there is at least a possibility that deep down they may have Democratic tendencies. The problem is that the radical right has been successful in mutating the word “liberal” into something that leaves a bad taste in their mouths. I explain to them what the real meaning of the word is, and it definitely is not that imparted by Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and others of their ilk.
I am damned proud to be a liberal Democrat. I chose that political path when I was around twelve years old after I questioned my social studies teacher about the differences between the parties. True, he may have been a bit biased, but what I observed on my own confirmed what he told me. Nothing I have seen since has been able to change my mind.
When you ask them what their core values are (and not just about issues like abortion and the death penalty) many tend to state things that are consistent with the ideals of the Democratic party. When you encounter one that is all about money and what their Republican cronies can do for them, leave them alone. They have already sold their souls to the dark side.
There is the chance that by articulating publicly what you know is right there may be negative consequences. But, if the fight is worth fighting, we must be willing to accept them. For example: if you fear your business will suffer because your political beliefs are known, then imagine the damage our nations future will suffer if we roll over and give free rein to the current administration. You might lose not only your business, but your rights, your liberty and your country.
We must get out there and convince everyone we can in this state to, if not register as a Democrat, at least vote for one.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 23, 11:15 AM CST #
— Barb Rainey Dec 28, 12:12 PM CST #
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 28, 01:15 PM CST #
It is so easy to slip a little, self-destructive routine into the program that can skew the vote the way you want it to go then disappear forever. And, I can’t be convinced that Diebold hasn’t done just that.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 28, 01:23 PM CST #
How much time does the law allow for voting results to be tabulated and certified? It seems the rush to have the totals available within minutes benefits only the talking heads on network news programs.
I would feel much better if all ballots were on paper, marked with an X in the square that is unmistakably associated with the candidate’s name, counted by human beings of reasonable intelligence and honesty, and scrutinized by representatives from all parties involved.
Machines that leave no paper trail are just an electoral disaster waiting to happen, if that has not already occured. Those that have no readily verifiable, hand countable document are too easily manipulated.
If Nebraskans cared as much about their electoral process as they do their football I guarantee no computer would be doing the counting. Can you imagine if all you could see of a game was the final score – one that could be pulled from the referee’s hat? Who would stand for that?
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 28, 04:02 PM CST #
See, I do have a conservative streak.
— Steve Hollister Dec 28, 04:11 PM CST #
— Barb Rainey Dec 28, 04:44 PM CST #
— Scott Gregory Dec 29, 12:09 PM CST #
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 29, 04:50 PM CST #
This woman sounds like she has a diploma from the G.W. Bush School of Corrupt Government Employees.
Since when does any honest citizen think it is proper for a government employee to pocket the fees and taxes that we pay them for services rendered? Government for profit? Not in MY America!
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 29, 05:02 PM CST #
— Scott Gregory Dec 30, 12:13 PM CST #
“They want to hold Nelson responsible for not turning his back on the people of Boyd County? Then we should damn well hold them responsible for not having the political courage to do what had to be done to see Nebraska live up to its Republican-contracted water obligations.
”$145 million vs. $375 million. That’s $83 per person vs. $215 that every man, woman, and child in this state is going to be paying one way or another for the Republicans’ failure. The Republican River is carrying Nebraskans’ hard-earned dollars straight to Kansas because of the Republican Party’s incompetence.”
Kyle’s analysis and framing of Nebraska political issues is first rate. Stop by and show him some love; he gets lonely sometimes. You know what to do-just click on my name.
— Cowpunk Dec 30, 12:44 PM CST #
As Nebraska Democrats, we need to remember that all politics is local. We have a total mess on our hands with the GOP’s total failure to address this critical Nebraska issue.
— KPW Dec 30, 07:44 PM CST #
— vince powers Dec 30, 08:24 PM CST #
From Daniel Kurtzman,Your Guide to Political Humor.
The Dumbest Things President Bush Said in 2005
10) “It’s totally wiped out. ... It’s devastating, it’s got to be doubly
devastating on the ground.”—turning to his aides while surveying Hurricane
Katrina flood damage from Air Force One, Aug. 31, 2005
9) “I’m occasionally reading, I want you to know, in the second term.”—Washington, D.C., March 16, 2005
8) “This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply
ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table.”—Brussels,
Belgium, Feb. 22, 2005
7) “I’m going to spend a lot of time on Social Security. I enjoy it. I enjoy
taking on the issue. I guess, it’s the mother in me.”—Washington D.C., April
14, 2005
6) “Because the — all which is on the table begins to address the big cost
drivers. For example, how benefits are calculate, for example, is on the table;
whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price increases.
There’s a series of parts of the formula that are being considered. And when
you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those — changing those
with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to
be — or closer delivered to what has been promised. Does that make any sense to
you? It’s kind of muddled.”—explaining his plan to save Social Security,
Tampa, Fla., Feb. 4, 2005
5) “I think I may need a bathroom break. Is this possible?”—in a note to to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during a U.N. Security Council meeting,
September 14, 2005 (View photo)
4) “We’ve got a lot of rebuilding to do. First, we’re going to save lives and
stabilize the situation. And then we’re going to help these communities
rebuild. The good news is—and it’s hard for some to see it now—that out
of this chaos is going to come a fantastic Gulf Coast, like it was before. Out
of the rubbles of Trent Lott’s house—he’s lost his entire house—there’s
going to be a fantastic house. And I’m looking forward to sitting on the
porch.” (Laughter)—touring hurricane damage, Mobile, Ala., Sept. 2, 2005
3) “See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and
over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda.”—Greece, N.Y., May 24, 2005 (Listen to audio)
2) “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job.”—to FEMA director Michael Brown,
who resigned 10 days later amid criticism over his handling of the Hurricane
Katrina debacle, Mobile, Ala., Sept. 2, 2005 (Listen to audio)
1) “You work three jobs? … Uniquely American, isn’t it? I mean, that is
fantastic that you’re doing that.”—to a divorced mother of three, Omaha,
Nebraska, Feb. 4, 2005 (Listen to audio)
— vince powers Dec 30, 08:26 PM CST #
You forgot one of my favorites.
” Rarely is the questioned asked is our children learning.”
— Robin Dec 31, 12:00 AM CST #
— Scott Gregory Dec 31, 09:52 AM CST #
As for Bush’s reply to the Omaha woman . . . I think they’d rather see us as serfs than volunteers.
GW’s statement, and what Barbara said about the people devastated by Katrina being better off bunking in a Texas stadium, just goes to show how far removed from reality the leadership of this country has become.
— Brian T. Osborn Dec 31, 01:27 PM CST #
Dear [Your Rep’s Name]:
As your constituent and an American citizen, I am greatly concerned about U.S. manufacturing jobs being lost due to China’s unfair trade practices. Since 1994 the Chinese government has actively manipulated its currency, a practice deemed illegal under existing international trade law. This “currency manipulation” has helped raise the U.S. trade deficit with China from $30 billion in 1994 to $162 billion in 2004. In 2005 the deficit will exceed $200 billion.Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) have introduced S.295 a China Currency Bill that calls for a 180-day negotiation period between the U.S. and China, during which time China must fairly revalue its currency. If the negotiations are not successful, a temporary, across-the-board tariff of 27.5% will be applied to all Chinese products entering the United States. This import surcharge will counter China’s estimated, unfair currency advantage. (Economists estimate that China undervalues its currency between 15 – 40 percent, with 27.5% representing the midpoint range). If the President determines at the end of the negotiation period that China has developed and started actual implementation of a plan to revalue its currency, he may delay imposition of the tariff for another 12 months.I ask you to stand up and fight for American manufacturing and jobs. Please support this legislation and vote for its passage when it reaches the Senate floor. Thank you for your consideration of my views.
Sincerely,Your Name Here
For more information on the Council’s activities to protect American jobs go to: http://www.americaneconomicalert.org
— Right Democrat Jan 01, 10:59 PM CST #
This guy is an “activist judge” of the worst kind.
Has anyone seen some of his opinions? I was watching the news tonight and local reports seem to suggest that Sen Nelson may be leaning toward a yes vote on Alito.
I urge everyone to call Sen Nelson’s office Monday. Also call Sen Hagel ( even though Hagel has said that he will support Alito)
This is a fight that we can’t afford to lose.
— Robin Jan 08, 01:43 AM CST #
The people will get the court they deserve – that they have asked for – one way or another. Democrats going to extraordinary lengths to protect the people from the Republican Party’s agenda will only delay, if not nullify, the painful but necessary realization of our country’s regression into corporate and religious tyranny.
Democrats, including Sen. Nelson, should stand up against this agenda by voting AGAINST Alito’s confirmation. This is different, however, than engaging in judicial filibustering, which should not be entered into or even considered lightly.
The sad fact is that the Supreme Court is a political football and, right now, is in the hands of the Republican Party. We can use our timeouts and challenge the rulings on the field, but it’s not going to help in the long-run. It’s time to stop looking to the refs to save us and start playing a better game, meeting Republicans head-to-head and showing the American people how we’re different.
An overwhelming Democratic rejection of Alito and the backwards direction he will take the court says a lot about who we are in terms the American people can understand.
A filibuster, on the other hand, is perceived less as principle and more as procedural manipulation. When it is rooted in questions of competency, suggestions of corruption, or perhaps giving evasive and misleading testimony to Congress, such action may be justifiable if the transgression can be made obvious enough to voters. Political philosophy alone, however, isn’t going to suffice. Alito almost eerily represents the Bush Administration’s every priority. Whether we like it or not, that agenda has the electoral endorsement of the American people.
At the end of the day, in a democracy, we can’t protect the people from themselves. Some lessons simply must be learned the hard way. We must remain true to our principles and fight for them….but not all the way to the grave.
Leave it to the consciences and politcal fortunes of this nation’s so-called Republican moderates whether we take this backward step. Though dangerous and sure to have sad consequences, barring some turning of the tide against Alito in public opinion that might empower a filibuster, we have little choice but to give the Republican Party this rope with which to hang themselves. It is “the peoples’ noose,” and they have chosen whom they wish to wear it.
— Kyle Michaelis Jan 08, 07:02 PM CST #
Of all people I can’t believe that you are saying this. I’m sure you understand the implications of having Alito on scotus.
To just give up without a fight is irresponsible.
We do have a say in this and we should call Sen NElson’s office. Judging from the add that focus on the family took out in the World herald.
They seem to think that it isn’t going to be as easy to confirm as they thought.
It is time for Sen. Nelson to stand up and do the right thing. If the republicans think they have enough votes to get Alito Confirmed then bully for them but they don’t need Sen. Nelson to do it.
— Robin Jan 09, 07:47 PM CST #
I do understand what’s at stake, so I’m somewhat torn by my previous response (as noted at the New Nebraska Network).
If I trusted our leaders in the Senate ability to truly make the case to the American people that Alito is a danger to the freedoms we hold dear, I would unequivocally support stopping his nomination by any means necessary. If we can’t wake-up the American public, though, we run the real risk of actually further alienating the people we are trying to defend.
And making our case won’t be easy. Unless Alito’s nomination can somehow be tied to recent Republican corruption and scandals, there’s no easy way to convey the danger he represents. The argument against Alito is one of principles, not politics – that requires a level of debate that we’ve had little success of forcing against the Bush Administration’s 5 years of tightly-controlled talking points.
We’re going to need courage and luck on this one – neither of which Democrats have really been able to count on the last two decades. That – along with the excessively Alito-friendly comments Sen. Nelson has already made – leaves me skittish about this battle.
Of course, we have to fight, but there’s no one way of going about it. If ever there was a time to force the Republican “Nuclear Option”, this may be it, but our Senators must have the will to see it through. And we must recognize there’s no guarantee at all how such an unfortunate situation (implying a procedural shut-down and stand-off on the floor of the US Senate) would play with the American people.
May our caution be matched only by our conviction. Write letters. Make phone calls. Just be wary of thinking of this situation in terms of wins or losses. The only defeat and only victory here to be had rests with the American public and the safe-guarding or utter betrayal of their Constitution.
This can not be the Democratic Party’s fight. It is bigger than that. Or, it isn’t.
— Kyle Michaelis Jan 09, 11:34 PM CST #
Thank you for clearing that up for me. I knew that you and I were on the same page.
I agree we should push for a fillibuster and let the chips fall where they may.
I also agree that this can’t be just a dem fight but as a women and a person of color I do see the big picture.
— Robin Jan 10, 11:35 AM CST #
* A realistic foreign policy based on interests and prudence. With the Republicans adopting Wilsonianism and the war in Iraq not going too well, the Democrats have an opportunity to appeal to a majority of voters by opposing adventurism in foreign affairs.
* Military reform, which looks not just at how much we spend on defense but what the money actually buys and whether it is relevant to future wars.
* A policy of long-term financial soundness for the federal government. The programs Democrats favor, like Social Security and Medicare, depend on this. Republicans’ imprudence on government spending opens a door for the Democrats here.
* A pro-growth economic policy, but one that focuses on jobs rather than Wall Street’s profits. The quality of new jobs, which means whether they pay enough to raise a family on, needs to be central. That in turn means the Democratic Party should become the party that works to restore America’s industry and manufacturing. If that brings free trade into question, so be it; the Democrats can leave free trade to the Republicans. Most Americans would rather have fair trade than free trade.
* A pro-growth policy on population also, which means the Democratic Party would once again favor large families. On abortion, the Democrats would say abortion should be legal but rare and mean it. The best way to do that is adopt the “95/10 Plan” promoted by Democrats for Life, which says that within ten years we should provide alternatives to abortion in 95% of all cases.
*Restrictions on immigration and also on out-sourcing jobs overseas. Immigration and out-sourcing are the two biggest threats to jobs middle and lower-middle class Americans need.
* Instead of the “multi-culturalism” demanded by Political Correctness, the Democratic Party should once again become the party of racial integration, which means acculturating blacks and immigrants into standard middle-class American values. That is the only way blacks and immigrants can hope to become members of the middle class economically. Movements such as that to make English America’s official language should be welcomed and supported by the Democratic Party as ways to help its minority constituents.
Link to Weyrich http://tinyurl.com/9bpy5
I disagree somewhat with Weyrich’s platform on the immigration issue. Democrats should be pro-immigration, but clearly anti-illegal immigration. Weyrich is probably right that support for banning abortion would not work well for Democrats, however, we need to support reasonable restrictions on abortion and provide incentives to choose life. We definitely need economic policies that are concerned with Main Street and not just Wall Street. Paul Weyrich has given Democrats some great ideas for appealing to mainstream America and working families. The question is anyone in our party listening ?
— Right Democrat Jan 12, 10:49 PM CST #
I am writing today to ask for the help of the DNC in the State of Nebraska. As you well know, Senator Ben Nelson is up for re-election this year and I would like to ask your help in trying to PREVENT this from happening. I know that right now you must be thinking that this is a joke or that I am actually a Republican. Neither of these can be farther from the truth. I am true-BLUE Democrat living in the “reddest of the red states” and I am continually embarrassed by the voting record of Sen. Nelson. What I am asking is that Howard Dean and the DNC let the Nebraska Democratic Party know in no uncertain terms, that they need to field and support a candidate other than Ben Nelson. One who actually will uphold Democratic ideals, and one who is not afraid to stand up to the corrupt administration that is currently running this country. The DNC should also threaten to withhold any and all funding of the NDP should they fail to comply. With the filing deadline less than eight weeks away, I hope that you can find it in your interest to expedite any action on this matter. The DNC cannot afford, nor should it entertain, a Senator such as Ben Nelson. Please help us here in the Heartland!
I have had it with the NDP continually supporting Senator Nelson. We need a TRUE Democrat in office. I will pledge my support both financially and my time to any Democrat willing to run against Ben(adict) Nelson. Until such time as the NDP calls Ben Nelson on the carpet for his transgressions, they will NEVER recieve a dime of my money or a minute of my time.
— Aerycks Jan 18, 03:06 PM CST #
— Kyle Michaelis Jan 19, 02:25 PM CST #
— Aerycks Jan 20, 09:23 AM CST #
— Kyle Michaelis Jan 22, 08:39 PM CST #
— Aerycks Jan 23, 08:03 AM CST #
— bruce adams Jan 28, 11:24 PM CST #
I was born in 1959 in Iran and lived in the USA from 1976 to 2003, and my wife was born in 1960 in the USA. We met while in high school in 1977 and got married in 1979 in Missouri when I was in college. We then moved to Wichita Kansas where I attended the Aviation Education Center and received an Avionics Certificate in May of 1980; and Wichita State University where I received an AA degree in Math and Science in May of 1982, BS degree in Electrical Engineering in May of 1986, and quit 12 credit short of a BS degree in Computer Science in December of 1986. I was self supported and worked few odd jobs and as an electronics technician; digital design engineering assistant and an automation engineer from 1977 to 1986. We moved to southern California in 1987 where I worked as an automation engineer, became a US citizen in 1990, and started and operated a successful Industrial Automation business from 1990 to 2002. I had excellent reputation as an engineer and a businessman and my firm “Precise Designs”, Authorized Honeywell Systems Integrator, provided Industrial Automation services to aerospace, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, refineries and other industries in California and Arizona. My wife continued with her education in California and graduated with multiple honors in 1991, and our four bright and beautiful children, ages 14, 13, 12, and 10 years old as of 2006, were born in California as well. My family and I were always proud, productive and law obeying citizens of USA, and USA was an excellent home till we became victims of the unthinkable dictatorship style spying and harassment activities in USA.
The most precious thing in USA was the personal freedoms and our stupid elected officials managed to destroy it. By now everyone knows of the illegal NSA spying activities and finally I can openly talk about what happened to my family and me in USA. It is also no secret that private security firms are making substantial corporate profits from subcontracting spying and other puzzling work from NSA. Most of their so called spies, agents and analysts are desperate lowlifes whom are not capable of doing anything other than creating chaos, typically prostitute like despicable criminal low ranking officials of the failed dictatorships and other illiterate refugees from around the world for translating the non English conversations, and paranoid rednecks and disturbed war freaks for harassing their victims. God knows how many corrupt business managers and criminal spies in parasite private security firms are keeping busy with justifying their corporate profits and personal paychecks by making something out of nothing, misrepresenting facts, and misleading the US government and public while playing with lives in secrecy.
NSA gang members kept busy with staging their most profitable around the clock surveillances and unbelievable propagandas, conspiracies and mind games against me for many years. In addition to logging overtime hours for orchestrating the many confusing and intimidating situations wherever I went, they also made lots of money from staging bogus business meetings, manipulating my clients, halting my business activities, vandalizing my home and office and cars, and intimidating and recruiting few of my close friends and utilizing them in playing with my credibility. When I managed to gather some hard evidence and sought legal help, they profited from manipulating my attorney, and eventually my attorney told me that it seemed like I was under some kind of an investigation and discouraged me from taking any legal action. In 2002, after being forced out of business and losing our home, I put our belongings in storage and took my family to Iran for a few months. It was my third visit to Iran since 1976 and the first for my wife and children. We returned to USA six months later and criminal NSA gangs members continued with profit takings from terrifying my family and me. We were pushed into isolation and near poverty, and had no idea what was going on or what could be the next planed disaster in our lives. I tried getting help from our family doctors in Arizona and California by requesting anxiety relief medicine and NSA gang managed to profit from manipulating my doctors into refusing to prescribe even a nicotine pill that they recommend to all cigarette smokers. Moving away from USA wasn’t much of an option, but it was in the best interest of my family and me. With nothing more than our dignity and integrity, few of our personal belongings and a few thousand dollars that we got from sale of our household items, we moved away from USA to Iran in September of 2003.
I am now The Chief Consultant of the National Iranian Oil Company and have build a successful industrial automation business in Iran, my wife teaches English to the staff at the Medical University and our children are catching up in their school work in private schools. I wonder how many millions of tax dollars were splurged for harassments of my family and me and who the beneficiaries were. Needless to say, we miss our friends and home and wish the best for all good Americans. As sponsor of the illegal spying activities, US government must openly investigate and punish their criminal parasite associates, and issue an official acknowledgment, explanation and apology to my wife, children and me for years of psychological torture and total destruction of our lives in USA.
— Tony Oct 05, 11:06 AM CST #