Conyers Hearing on DSM moved back to Capitol Hill

[formercia]

HEARINGS ON DOWNING STREET MINUTES MOVED TO U.S. CAPITOL

AND MOVED TO 2:30



Important Speakers Added to Line-Up at Rally



Citizens urged to lobby Congress Members and Senators, and to meet at DNC, which is serving as overflow room.



On Thursday June 16, 2005, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room HC-9 of the U.S. Capitol, Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and other Congress Members will hold a hearing on the Downing Street Minutes and related evidence of efforts to cook the books on pre-war intelligence.
The hearings had been planned for the Democratic National Committee offices because the Republicans controlling the House Judiciary Committee had refused to permit the ranking Democratic Member to use a large room on the Hill. http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/UndertheDome/index.html



However, the Democrats did have access to a small room in the Capitol, and Congressman Conyers has decided to move the hearings there. This does not indicate any change in position from the Republicans.

[efhmc]

1. Keep pushing. Maybe Americans do want to hear the truth.

[pissed_American]

2. I hope there won`t be any "power failures", or ...

"terror alerts", or "bullshit obstructions."


Keep your eye on the ball and swing away !

[rocktivity]

27. I'm thinking Conyers should bring his own

generator
floodlights
flashlights
gavel
PA system
bullhorn
camera people (they shouldn't be totally dependent on C-SPAN)

Assuming that they're going to do some kind of video link to the DNC, maybe they can arrange for a webcast, too. Those Justice Sunday people managed it.

:headbang:
rocknation

[David Zephyr]

35. While it sounds funny, what you say is probably not a bad idea.

The Republicans have called the D.C. police on House Democrats, have shut off the microphones in the House when Dems were speaking, the House Majority Whip had the Homeland Defense Department chase Texas Democrats.

What makes anyone think that the very Republican Party that illegally broke into and bugged the Democratic National Committee in 1972, that even recently was found guilty of jamming a Democrats campaign telephones, that committed felonies in Florida in 2000, will just let Conyers have a normal meeting?

[AuntiBush]

46. Don't forget Anthrax which seemed to head for Democrats like Dashle

What ever happened to that guy whom was thought to have mfg. this, right here in America? Funny you never hear anything more about that.

[Frederik]

68. The FBI

never found the guy who did it... Mr. Hatfield, who was named as a suspect in the media, was never arrested if I remember correctly. And according to the report by the Federation of American Scientists, the Anthrax letters were prepared before 9/11. The anthrax probably came from Fort Detrick.

[CAcyclist]

77. Mr. Hatfield Was Scapegoated

I just wonder what he has on the government that made them want to take him out this way, because the evidence clearly did not support Mr. Hatfield as a suspect. The justification for suspecting him was really weak - I'll dig up the facts if challenged but don't have hose articles at my fingertips.

[Frederik]

83. Yeah, it's incredible

The story just suddenly died when it became apparent that the anthrax was home-made and that the usual "lone nut" may not have been the culprit. I think the anthrax letters is the most smoking of all 9/11 smoking guns. It was so evidently used to scare senators (Leahy and Daschle) into suporting the patriot act and the media (Rather and Brokaw) into not asking uncomfortable questions. Wasn't Daschle told by Cheney or Bush not to look to closely into what happened on 9/11?

[central scrutinizer]

3. Great, now it will all be part of the official record

we can all get transcripts from thomas.loc.gov

[Ishoutandscream2]

4. Hey, the DSM made today's front page of the Dallas Morn. News

I'm shocked, I tell ya'. Couldn't believe it when I opened up the paper this morning.

I've been telling friends down here, both liberal (a handful) and conservative (a buttload) to keep their eyes and ears open about the Downing Street Minutes. The conservatives have been laughing at me, and the liberals have been asking, "why haven't I heard of this." Well, the proverbial shit is about to hit the fan.

[wryter2000]

67. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[lies and propaganda]

76. Welcome to DU!

Hopefully you have came right at the perfect time where we have some massive celebrating to do.

[Cassandra]

5. After fracas, Conyers heads back to Capitol with Downing Street

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/After_fracas_Conyers_heads_back_to_Capitol_with_Downing_S_0615.html

"Rep John Conyers (D-MI, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee who was told by House Republicans that he would be refused rooms for Democratic hearings, has found a space in the Capitol for his fourm Thursday on the Downing Street documents, RAW STORY has learned."

YAY!!

[sabra]

6. Sweet! Go Conyers!

[Nothing Without Hope]

20. YES!! And also go RAW STORY!!! They sure do publish more truth and on

more important issues than the corporate media. I'm betting their readership is rising. It should.

It would have been nice to see hearings held on the front steps of the Capitol Building, but as long as it is in a nonpartisan space and the word of their being forbidden from the appropriate rooms by the GOP thugs gets out, it's all to the good.

And from downthread, CSPAN will be covering. Hope recordings become available quickly.

[goclark]

7. How did the magic happen?

It's hard to believe that they would let him when they are so mean.

[Cassandra]

8. Don't know yet.

Maybe simple embarrassment?

[goclark]

13. Keep us posted kick nt

[i miss america]

15. It will also be aired on CSPAN

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=155

:bounce:

[fooj]

19. CSPAN3!! Who in the hell gets CSPAN3?

There are going to be millions of people who would like access to the hearings that are not going to be able to watch it!

peace.

[Nothing Without Hope]

21. Oooh, that's BAD. I get them only on computer, so I didn't think of that.

Will have to push loudly for rebroadcast on CSPAN 1 or 2.

[0007]

28. Can't you stream it on your computer?

I agree it should be on all the major networks.

[Tommymac]

30. Contact them.

http://www.c-span.org/about/contact.asp?code=About
C-SPAN TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Main Number: [phone]
Viewer Services: [phone] (for programming questions)

C-SPAN PROGRAMMING: SEND COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

PROGRAMMING QUESTIONS & SUGGESTIONS
Viewer Services: Questions about our schedule, how to buy videotapes, and for any other general comments about C-SPAN - [e-mail]

Suggest Events: Submit a public event that you think C-SPAN should cover - [e-mail]

I sent them this email:

I am a regular viewer of your programming. Thank you for covering this event, you all do a wonderful job and are the only true unbiased media outlet we have.

However, we, as a lot of other TV markets, do not get C-span3 in our cable package...if possible could you move this important forum to C-span 2 (or 1); or at the very least do a re-broadcast on C-span1 or C-span2 during the evening hours so the majority of Americans will have the choice to see it?

Also, will you cover the Rally about the DSM issue later that day too?

Thank you again for your coverage of our governent in action...you are doing a wonderful job.

[nickdw]

37. I contacted Martha @ CSPAN -- DSM may be shown on CSPAN/2 after hours!

I just spoke with Martha at C-SPAN. She says even though it's too early to set the schedule they will likely show the DSM hearing after hours on CSPAN2 or CSPAN. They can't simulcast because the Senate is in session at ~2:30 ET.

[wryter2000]

66. Welcome to DU

:hi:

And a big smooch to Martha at CSPAN.

[radfringe]

59. we don't get c-span 3 either

and for me at least - forget watching it on the computer - we only have "dial-up" on our little road... not enough houses for cable or other type of connections to make it worth while for phone/cable companies to upgrade

[AuntiBush]

47. But on C-SPAN 3!?! My big city does not get this, nor Satellite!

Who get's C-SPAN 3? Is it on cable? Certainly not on DirecTV. I sent C-SPAN a thank email, but... I dunno. Millions will miss this. I don't like it.

[nickdw]

48. A verbatim message from info@c-span about DSM

Thanks for your inquiry about C-SPAN's coverage of Thursday's meeting with
John Conyers regarding the Downing Street Memo. We recognize that there is
a great deal of interest in the meeting, which is why we are carrying it
live on as many C-SPAN platforms as we can: C-SPAN3, C-SPAN.org, and C-SPAN
radio, which you can hear on XM and Sirius satellite Radio. This program is
scheduled to re-air on Friday, June 17th at 8pm ET on C-SPAN2. Please check
our TV Schedules at c-span.org for programming information (please remember
the schedule is subject to change).



C-SPAN and C-SPAN2 remain committed to live coverage of the U.S. House and
Senate on a week when the Congress is dealing with several major pieces of
legislation. But this is exactly the reason why C-SPAN3 was created. So,
if you have an opportunity, please tell your satellite or cable provider
that you want C-SPAN3.



Thank you for your interest in the C-SPAN Networks.

[Griffy]

16. PRESSURE... and fear that we would move the hearing to the Capitol steps!

The last thing they want is us to get MORE media.. and blocking dems from goverment facilities ADDS to the story! Keep up the pressure on the media.. call, write do whatever you can to get the news to the people!

BE the MEDIA!

[Nothing Without Hope]

23. yes, they wanted the hearing meekly moved to DNC space, where it could

be dismissed as a partisan attack and not part of a government process at all.

Oh, it would have been lovely to see Conyers facing down the thugs on the Capitol Steps, but it's really good that they got space where they can hold a useful hearing.

May whatever powers there are, including law enforcement officers, keep Rep. Conyers safe. He is courageous on so many levels.

[AFSCME girl]

9. Rock on!

Go John Go!!

AFSCME girl :bounce:

[gordianot]

10. Fracas, wonder what was said? n/t

[pissed_American]

11. "told by House Republicans that he would be refused rooms for Democratic

hearings"

NOW whose the obstructionists ?

[ailsagirl]

54. At first I was furious about it-- but then I realized it's really a

good thing because it shows the rest of the country what unfair bastards the repugs are. It makes THEM look incredibly spiteful, sophomoric, and downright rotten.

Apparently they're not as cunning as they led us to believe!!

:patriot:

[TexasLawyer]

14. The RNC is running scared.

Look at the witness list for the Conyers hearing. Joe Wilson especially-- he has already provided substantial corroborating information regarding the case for war being "thin" and the facts being "fixed" to support military action.


WHAT: Democratic hearing on Downing Street Minutes and Pre-war intelligence

WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 2005, 2:30pm

WHERE: HC-9 The Capitol

(Overflow Room - 430 S. Capitol Street, The Wasserman Room)

WITNESSES: Joe Wilson, Former Ambassador and WMD Expert, Ray McGovern, 27-year CIA analyst who prepared regular Presidential briefings during the Reagan administration, Cindy Sheehan, mother of fallen American soldier, John Bonifaz, constitutional lawyer.

[rodeodance]

22. lets hope they run out of breath very very soon.

[Hissyspit]

12. Two votes now; someone else nominate this to the Greatest Page

[0007]

29. Yeah, let's get it up and all the attention it deserves.

[Barkley]

17. People should camp out in front of the Capitol tonight.

If its legally possible.

[cthrumatrix]

34. that would be awesome.... protest for truth in our media

[gordianot]

18. Conyers deserves a monument someday in D.C..

Hope they take good pictures that will serve as the model.

[Nothing Without Hope]

24. Conyers IS a monument - he towers over the thugs and toadies.

I wonder sometimes if he ever sleeps. After full days, he often posts late at night - 11 PM is late for an elderly man who works as hard and long a day as he does - on his blog, going to the people.

We need a hero so badly, and how fortunate we are that he is there. I told him about this once (along with 3 or 4 other people) when his blog had just been started and he was responding to many of the posts himself. Here is what I wrote and his reply:

Rep. Conyers, I know that your primary duty is to represent your own constituency in Michigan, but I want to tell you how inspiring and heartening it has been to have you and your colleagues stand for ALL of us, all across the country. (I am in Massachusetts.) You stand for hope and the restoration of law and democracy to this country.

Your welcome introduction of this blog is the subject of a new thread in the Democratic Underground political discussion forum here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1675727
In case you did not already realize it, the Democratic Underground Home Page and Greatest pages are perhaps the best places in the progressive internet to get the very latest news. The Democratic Underground site is also an excellent place to ask for help in digging for documentation of obscure but important facts.

I hope you're not too discomfitted at being seen as a hero by so many people, sir. I'm afraid you're just going to have to live with that.

"Thank you" doesn't begin to express the gratitude I feel for what you and your courageous colleagues have done and are continuing to do. You're not only a leader in the fight for justice, you are showing HOW to fight for justice and infusing hope that it is still possible to win.

And here is his reply:

I am truly gratified to receive all of your comments and reaction to my new interactive web site. As I am sure you realize, being being on the losing side of so many votes so often in Congress can be discouraging, but I gain much comfort from comments like these. It is the essence of democracy and pluralism to interact directly with you as this new and improved blog will allow me to do. Keep submitting comments and letting me know what you think. I welcome your ideas and thoughts.

[gordianot]

25. Awesome, beyond words

Middle aged white male in a Red State who has almost given up.

[Nothing Without Hope]

32. Don't give up. Cracks are showing in the stonewall and we ARE making

a difference. As for Rep. Conyers, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite quotes:

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. –Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, physician, and musician (1875-1965)

And the truth is starting to get out. I really do believe it. To cheer you, look at how Keith Olbermann crushed the GOP spin on a Kerry statement in prime time on MSNBC (opening post contains video clip links):
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1834390#

There are many other examples, and the DSM is just starting to break out of the suppression.

[Nothing Without Hope]

33. Oh, and by the way,

I'm middle-aged too. A LOT of us DUers are:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3368734

It's one of the magic properties of an internet community that age and race and gender really don't obstruct communication - those distractions in real life fall away when we are apeaking mind/heart about things we truly believe in like this lets us do.

[gordianot]

36. Agreed

By all of my demographics I should not hold the views I express. John Conyers represents what this country really is and should be about.

[Catrina]

26. Wow, he truly is a man fo the people!

What great comments from you, and such a humble, yet eloquent response for Rep. Conyers. You should treasure that. He will go down in history as one of the few patriots of this these times, imo! :patriot:

www.pinsforpatriots.com

I'll add one more recommendation!

[Nothing Without Hope]

31. I DO treasure it. He actually responded to two other of my comments

on his blog back then, but they were not so personal. (Nowadays, his blog has far more traffic and I'm amazed he even has time to keep it going - but he does.) I can tell you it was and is a THRILL to feel that sense of connection with the living man. I hope I can communicate a bit of that sense to you.

[ailsagirl]

56. Randi says he's not a politician-- he's a statesman!! n/t

[Twist_U_Up]

39. A Very Humble Hero

This man IS the definition of A TRUE AMERICAN

[corkhead]

38. look at what the freepers are saying...

John Conyers - Question
06/15/05 | vanity

Posted on 06/15/2005 9:21:20 AM PDT by genefromjersey
Doing a little research on John Conyers,the Democrat who chairs the House Judiciary Committee:
I looked Conyers up on the "Open Secrets" website, and was surprised to see he doesn't seem to own anything but a car, and about $30,000 in Congressional account.
No realty,no stocks,bonds, investments.

Is this guy THAT "pure"...or just clever ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Politics/Elections; US: Michigan; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: CONYERS; FEC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 posted on 06/15/2005 9:21:20 AM PDT by genefromjersey
< Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies >
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: genefromjersey
John Conyers has the benefit of 40 years in incumbency, being in the most democrat big city in the entire country(Detroit), and being active enough in the Detroit part of his district to not worry about a primary challenger.
Now I don't think he's squeaky clean, but I know he doesn't have to spend much money to win.

2 posted on 06/15/2005 9:26:47 AM PDT by Dan from Michigan (Defeat Stabenow in 06!!!!)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: genefromjersey
So... 35+ years of drawing a Government salary that is WELL above the national average and all he has to his name is 30 Grand...

He's either the worst investor of all time, spends his paycheck like a drunken sailor, has put all his money in offshore accounts, or all of the above.

3 posted on 06/15/2005 9:29:05 AM PDT by So Cal Rocket (Proud Member: Internet Pajama Wearers for Truth)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: genefromjersey
Maybe he donates it all to Islamic "charities".

4 posted on 06/15/2005 9:29:26 AM PDT by Mr. Keys
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: So Cal Rocket
He is buddies with Hillary, maybe she can give him a few stock tips.

5 posted on 06/15/2005 9:41:05 AM PDT by fish hawk (I am only one, but I am not the only one.)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies >

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Dan from Michigan
$500,000+ last campaign.No unusually big donors-just the typical mix + various unions.

6 posted on 06/15/2005 9:46:29 AM PDT by genefromjersey (So much to flame;so little time !)
< Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies >

[Twist_U_Up]

40. He hides his cash under his pillow

John Conyers - Question
06/15/05 | vanity

"Posted on 06/15/2005 9:21:20 AM PDT by genefromjersey
Doing a little research on John Conyers,the Democrat who chairs the House Judiciary Committee:
I looked Conyers up on the "Open Secrets" website, and was surprised to see he doesn't seem to own anything but a car, and about $30,000 in Congressional account.
No realty,no stocks,bonds, investments.

Is this guy THAT "pure"...or just clever ?"


Do you think a savy person like Conyers would leave his cash somewhere this crime family will be able to get their scabby little fingers on ?

[DoYouEverWonder]

42. Did it ever dawn on them

that not everyone lives for money?

That some people take the idea of being a government servant seriously.

Long live John Conyers.

[Blue Belle]

69. "not everyone lives for money?"

No... that doesn't make any sense in their shallow world. :eyes:

[Nothing Without Hope]

41. They can't imagine him being successful without corruption and fat-cat

donors. They can't imagine him being motivated by anything but greed and lust for power.

That's because it's all that matters to THEM. They reveal more than they think in their comments.

[corkhead]

43. That is what I was thinking

it appears to be completely foreign to them that there could be altruism in mankind. I may be cynical, but it must be a pretty sad life if your mind can't even imagine that someone may just be motivated by feeling good about doing the right thing.

[Nothing Without Hope]

44. This has been true for a long time. Here's what Cicero wrote in old Rome:

It is as hard for the good to suspect evil, as it is for the bad to suspect good. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator, writer (106-43 BCE)

Just as the bad guys can't believe in good, it works the other way too as seen by Cicero. It's one of the reasons why it's been possible to hide from the US public the breathtaking scope and depth of the crimes and depravity of the Bush Adminstration. They're mostly good people and they can't comprehend it. Hiter was quite aware of this and took advantage of it:

In view of the primitive simplicity of their minds they more easily fall a victim to a big lie than to a little one, since they themselves lie in little things, but would be ashamed of lies that were too big.

Such a falsehood will never enter their heads and they will not be able to believe in the possibility of such monstrous effrontery and infamous misrepresentation in others; yes, even when enlightened on the subject, they will long doubt and waver, and continue to accept at least one of these causes as true.

Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, part I chapter X

[Dr Fate]

52. Conyers is PURE AS MILK and the Swiftboaters can't stand it.

I love this guy!!!

[progressoid]

57. Uh Oh. They have resorted to

Attack the messenger rather than the message. Doesn't look good for the bad guys!!

[OnionPatch]

45. Again...It's all about the money to them

Hilarious. If they thought about it real hard, they'd realize that if a politician wants to be in politics mainly for the money, they'd be a Republican for the big corporate donors.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

49. Did Kerry ever read the Minutes into the record as planned?

Last I heard, he suddenly went out of town on the day he'd said he was going to do it. Just curious to see if he ever followed through-- it would have been a great help.

[Dr Fate]

51. His staff says he is collecting Senate signatures.

Looks like Kerry IS on this. I hope so.

[AmBlue]

60. Don't be holding your breath...

for Kerry. If we all did that, we'd be dead long ago. I voted for the man, but still..........

[wallwriter]

50. Heck, it might be better to move it OFF Capitol Hill.

What better way to say to the Repukes, "You can't handle the truth!!"

[Nothing Without Hope]

53. No, it has to be an official government meeting. Otherwise it will be

ignored and dismissed as "partisan politicking." That's what the Repubs are trying to do here. That's why, until the small room opened up, many of us were pushing for Rep. Conyers to hold the hearing on the steps of the Capitol.

WE WILL NOT BE IGNORED OR SUPPRESSED.

[brettdale]

55. Kick

Kick

[nicknameless]

58. Since when do the fucking repugs own the Capitol Building?

It belongs to the Nation and to the People -- not the fucking repuglican party.

They've denied Democratic members the right to meet, the right to be heard, the right to have their witnesses heard. These actions against Democratic members IMO amounts to denial of representation for the constituents of those members. What gives repugs the right to deny representation to half of the country's citizens?

[melissinha]

63. No kidding

They are the obstructionists here.

The comments of the repukes regarding our Conyers are so comforting honestly, they have NOTHING!!

Wonder if he gives $$ to charity. that would explain alot. I think that once he gets some real attention to the DSM thing, then he can have more national credibility to the Ohio Election Investigation.

[formercia]

61. C-Span will cover the DSM hearing LIVE

Just saw the banner on C-Span2

Live at 2:30

[Catchawave]

62. Thanks for the info! n/t

[Don_1967]

64. no c-span 3

I am afraid most people will be NOT be able to see this.Will watch the right wing news this evening only to have the story explained to them that it was nothing. END OF STORY This should be on all major networks & the news networks.

[BobbyinPortland]

65. Just sent this info to my local news stations

I've been sending it to them every chance I get and they NEVER report it. Of course I'm in the Bible belt, right along the zipper, and to report something anti-rethuglican is as bad a marrying a yankee! LOL

I love the south, I hate the south!

[cordelia106]

70. This IS hope I'm feeling....

Go,John,go,go,go......

[mnhtnbb]

71. C-SPAN 3

If you have a digital box to get HBO, Showtime, or additional channels, check your channels in the 100's. Time Warner Cable in Raleigh, NC carries C-SPAN 3 on channel 120. I just checked this a.m. and we get it!

[CAcyclist]

82. Welcome to DU, all you newbies!

Wow, never saw so many newbies on one thread!
:hi: :hi: :hi:

[Boomer]

72. Just made a $$ contribution...

...on Conyer's web site.

I've given up donating money to the DNC. Instead, I'm donating to individual Democrats that I think are making a difference on a national level.

And every time I get a fund-raising call from the DNC thanking me for past support and asking for another donation, I tell them they're not getting another red cent from me until they step up to the plate and match the performance of Conyers, Byrd and other Dems who are fighting this fascist regime.

So there.

[Cobalt Violet]

73. So what time will the Capitol need to be evacuated because of terra?

:sarcasm:

[The Witch]

74. If you can't make it to the rally:

I am going to make a small sign that says
"HERE IN SPIRIT:"
(your names)
"DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND"

Leave your name(s) here

[youngstownohio]

75. CSPAN3 is available

on a stream through the C-Span website in both Windows Media Player and Real Video formats. I'm watching a White House press briefing right now. DSM was brought up and shot down.

[AceAlmighty82]

78. It's not on CSpan

I don't watch a lot of CSpan but is there a third CSpan channel..one for the US House another for the US Senate and the last for the US Capitol..if not..then it isn't on..i live in Missouri and its 130pm..so its 230pm there..regardless I gotta go to work..so I'm gonna miss it entirely..if there is ever a link to stream it online..send it to me..i'd be grateful

[rox63]

79. Here's a link

http://www.cspan.org/watch/cspan3_wm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS3

[Barrett808]

80. Already heartbreaking

Bless you, Cindy.

[melissinha]

81. Watching NOW

wohoo!!!!

A little late... Cindy SHeehan is on now...