Impeach Bush (Conyers still on the case)

[ProSense]

Friday, January 13th, 2006

Whats the Difference Between a Moderate Republican and a Republican?

Two disturbing, but not unexpected items in the New York Times today.

First, on the front page, above the fold, in their analsyis section, Adam Litak notes "Alito May be in the Mold of Scalia and Thomas." After reviewing the hearings, my reaction is, of course he is. That is why Bush picked him. He has been catering to the far right since he took office. Is there any doubt that a president who would lie about war and spy on U.S. citizens without warrants, would do everything within his ability to enhance his own power and limit the rights of ordinary Americans?

Second, an editiorial entitled "Pro-Choice Senators and Judge Alito" that observes the hypocrisy of these supposedly pro-choice Republicans who seem not to be doing anything to block the nomination of the most serious threat to Roe v. Wade since Robert Bork. Its fine to say your pro choice and defend a woman's riight to choose, but now that the moment of truth has come, these "pro-choice Republicans" -- in the Senate and House -- appear to be AWOL.

So, what is the difference between a moderate Republican and a Republican? Nothing, and America will be paying the price for it.


Blogged by JC on 01.13.06 @ 10:57 AM ET <18 Comments>

Thursday, January 12th, 2006

Work Continues on NSA Wiretap Hearing

Alito Day III
Impeachment Buzz Grows

I am continuing to prepare for hearings next Friday at 11 AM ET in the House on the NSA wiretap scandal. Today, I wrote a letter to Attorney General Gonzales and former DOJ offiicial Professor John Yoo asking them to testify at the hearings. Bradblog has the story. If the Bush Administration believes their legal justifications are so strong, they ought to permit these individuals to testify. For that matter, they ought to be encouraging their partners in the GOP controlled House to schedule hearings. Don't hold your breath.

Everyone seemed exhausted by the third day of Alito hearings. I know the Republicans and most the media are spinning this as a done deal. I don't buy it yet. I plan to do everything in my power to encourage a fillibuster. I note that Senator Edwards' One America Web Site includes an on-line petition to the Senate Dems asking for just that. I encourage everyone to sign here.

I also note that the Impeachment buzz continues to grow. In addiition to Liz Holtzman's excellent piece in the Nation today, there is a fine piece in The Progressive.


Blogged by JC on 01.12.06 @ 08:40 PM ET <26 Comments>

Wednesday, January 11th, 2006

Alito Day II

Bush sermonizing on the War
Holtzman on impeachment

I caught a little of the Alito Hearings today. I was glad to see that the Democrats were beginning to take the gloves off and ask the hard questions that needed to be asked for the swing vote on the Court. But I was most struck by the extent that the Republicans have totally abandoned their advise and consent role and turned into nothing less than full-fledged lobbyists for the Administration. They used their time to do little other than resuscitate Alito's testimony when he stumbled. There is no doubt in my mind that until we get meaningful answers on Alito's past record and can be sure that he won't help turn our democracy into a monarchy, the Democrats should filibuster his nomination. The stakes for our nation are simply too high to give this one a pass, no matter what the "gang of 14" says.

I also read about Bush's speech before the VFW where he had the temerity to question the tone of the debate on Iraq. After he misled us into war, he simply has no standing to determine what type of dissent "brings credit to our democracy." Come to think of it, after Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004, he shouldn't be sermonizing about democracy at all.

Finally, kudos to my friend Liz Holtzman for joining the impeachment debate. If you want to join us directly, please sign our petition, now over 35,000 strong.


Blogged by JC on 01.11.06 @ 09:03 PM ET <61 Comments>

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