We the undersigned support Pete Stark

[EFerrari]

and condemn the Democratic leadership for not supporting him.

Pete Stark speaks for us and allowing a censure vote was wrongheaded, self-destructive and anti-pathetical to the wishes of the majority of Americans.

(to be posted at San Francisco Impeach Now!)

[tblue]

1. Amen. Count me in!

[varkam]

2. K&R

:thumbsup:

[krispos42]

3. Krispos42

Damn, missed being first!

[Nimrod2005]

4. Present

[Didereaux]

5. yeah, I can support that n/t

[incapsulated]

6. He doesn't support himself!

Jesus, how much does he have to cry and beg for forgiveness before people realize they were wrong?

His wife and kids aren't being held hostage, either, I don't want to hear it.

If the entire congress came down on me over something like this bullshit I would quit before I begged and cried.

It's called a spine.

[EFerrari]

9. Thanks for your input. n/t

[incapsulated]

11. You're welcome. n/t

[Cha]

28. I see your point..

I don't what's goin' on but I support what Pete said before he gave his a-pol-o-gy.

It's really bizarre that someone who stated in Congress what Pete Stark said would turn around and do a 180 on us.

[EFerrari]

29. To take that kind of position, you need back up, imho.

We've seen how much he had. :grr:

[incapsulated]

32. This is the thing, though

If NO democrat is willing to stand firm against the party when they try to make them back down and act weak, when is ANYTHING going to change?

You keep making excuses for them backing down, someone made them, they couldn't help it, on and on, and expect anything to change?

You think Conyers would get up there and beg to be considered "insignificant"?

No, he wouldn't and he would tell Pelosi and the rest of them to go piss up a tree.

Reward courage, real courage that doesn't back down when faced with opposition.

[bobbolink]

274. Sadly, it looks to me like Conyers *has* weakened.

:(

[EFerrari]

444. I think if you take a poll at DU on whether I'm an apologist

for the Democrats, most people would say "no".

[Cha]

37. YOu're right..I just read another thread

that sheds some light on it for me..
"Now he's being chastised for it and the party abandoned him in the process. In his statement, he says that he should "become as insignificant as I should be" after his apology. Those are some very, very strong words for not only those of us on the left, but for our system as a whole. It clearly means that telling the truth, even if it hurts, is wrong - that these sentiments are insignificant in the political machine that is assembled today on both sides of the aisle."

me..http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2116760

Thanks! Sign me up..sf.

[creeksneakers2]

181. The Democratic Party didn't abandon Stark

They voted down the GOP censure resolution.

Stark was asked to apologize but he should have done that without being asked. Bush is an evil guy but I don't believe he's amused by troops getting their heads blown off. Most Americans would find a statement such as Stark made hateful and offensive.

[PADemD]

372. Who were the 10 Democrats who voted for it?

[FREEWILL56]

392. I don't see 10 but here's the link.

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll986.xml
You'll notice that the names do not list if dem or rep so somebody may have to go through it. PRES means present and NV means no vote. I'm not sure if it's the one we seek or not either, but the previous page is:
http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.html
You'll see that it's what was on the floor agenda before Stark spoke at 11:02am.

[PADemD]

482. Thanks

[Elidor]

116. It's very, very difficult for one man to stand against the GOP smear machine

Especially when the members of his own party are strong-arming him to submit. It's not easy to imagine the pressure that was brought to bear. It does not reflect badly on him that he chose to end the carnival. I wonder how long you or I would hold up under that kind of treatment.

He spoke truth to power. We all know he was right, and it needed saying. I admire him for speaking out. And I'm ashamed of the ones who REALLY lack spine here: Pelosi and that rat Steny Hoyer.

[FREEWILL56]

379. Maybe it's because of the sheer shock, scope, and hopelessness

of everything that it would even get that far that he's being made a martyr of this administration with even some dems condemming him. Maybe he feels he's the last one with balls and brokedown at the notion of the thought of him being ALONE in his voice. Fear not as you spoke for many of us though it's scary standing up there alone facing the new world nazis called neocons. I trust your lapse is a temporary one or you'll have to fear our reprisals.

[1monster]

407. And you know that for sure? That his wife and kids are not being held hostage...

Or that he is not being coerced in some other way, like another's family is being held hostage?

The Dems have folded too many times when they were in positions of strength for us not to at least hypothetically examine this possibility.

[LSK]

7. add me to the list

[calimary]

355. And me, too.

calimary says Pete Stark speaks for ME!!! He should NEVER have apologized!!!

If you look back to how he mocked Karla Faye Tucker, branded potential frat brothers with a red-hot coat hanger, blew up frogs with fire crackers, and MORE, you will know why Pete Stark was correct THE FIRST TIME.

[catmandu57]

8. Everything Pete said

I agree 101% with and given the opportunity I'd say a hell of a lot more.

[MadinMo]

10. Add me to the list too. eom.

[DinahMoeHum]

12. Here.

n/t

[racaulk]

13. I'll gladly add myself to this list.

K&R

:kick:

[mod mom]

14. Count me in, although disappointed that he apologized. My guess is pressure from Dem Leadership

(you wouln't want to hurt a war criminal's feeling now would you?

[EFerrari]

17. This post doesn't judge what he felt he had to do.

It's simply a show of support for him and a reality check for the leadership.

Reality checks come in handy. :hi:

[lpbk2713]

15. I do.

And I repudiate the jellyfish DINOs who turned their backs on Stark.

[ThomCat]

16. I absolutely agree.

Pelosi is a huge disappointment and does not speak for me in allowing this farce.

[Baby Snooks]

30. Disappointment?

She is a total disgrace.

[burythehatchet]

18. co-signed

[AndyA]

19. Add me to the list.

I'm disgusted with the Democratic "leadership" in Congress.

They are willing to turn their backs on the deeds of Bush and Cheney, and the almost 4,000 dead soldiers killed in a war based on lies and bad intelligence. But when it comes to someone or something speaking the truth about this atrocity of a war and administration, they can find the time and votes to censure it.

What's really important in America today, anyway? :shrug:

[creeksneakers2]

183. The GOP brought the motion to censure

All but eight votes for it were GOP. Democrats voted against the censure motion.

[mmonk]

246. But only if he apologized.

[Enrique]

362. you are perpetuating a falsehood in the OP

whether you are doing it deliberately, or whether you got fooled, I don't know.

But either way, you are furthering the falsehood in the OP that the democrats allowed the censure vote to take place. In fact they blocked it.

[laylah]

20. Me! nt

[monktonman]

21. Count me in!!!

Oh and one more thing...
FUCK YOU NANCY!

[Ezlivin]

22. Signed, K&R

I'd like Pete Stark to speak again, at length.

[Forkboy]

23. I'm with you.

[merh]

24. Freedom of speech means he has the right to criticize Bush

in any manner he deems fit.

Congress is wrong and is not representing the people. If they were representing us, impeachment proceedings would have preempted Starks comments.

How dare they chastise a member for exercising his protected right?

[TahitiNut]

25. Absolutely. Positively. Ubetcha. We need MORE Pete Starks.

:patriot:

Truth to Power!!

[progpen]

Count me in. Rep. Stark, you are a hero.

[Bluerthanblue]

26. Please add me to the list!!!- and

thank you for giving my outrage something to do-

He shouldn't have apologized, but I don't blame him personally- I stayed in my marriage for 15yrs-
It took several failed attempts before understanding I didn't belong to anyone~
Except myself, if I believed enough.



Peace~

[pacalo]

27. I support Pete Stark wholeheartedly.

If the people who are "represented" by all members of Congress were running the show, Pete Stark would never have reached the point of frustration to say those words. The war would not have begun & this administration would be yesterday's news.

[John Q. Citizen]

31. At least they didn't allow impeachment to get in the way of holding a censure vote...

[EFerrari]

34. Backpedaling will not restore power to this party.

And, it likely will give away whatever power it manages to capture.

:shrug:

[John Q. Citizen]

68. I'm just about done. Montana is an open primary state. I can vote for

Kucinich as an independent in the primary, and not have that cowardly (D) attached to my good name.

i've been searching for any good reason to remain in a party that acts as a punching bag for the Repos. I live 20 miles one way from where the County Steering Committee holds it's meetings. As a single dad of fairly young kids, I can't go into town on a school night to attend meetings. So that's not a reason to keep my (D) of cowardice.

i can however, find good reason to switch my registration to independent.

If I change my registration I can still work on issues without the taint of partisan politics being used as a reason that I support an issue. It makes the issue the issue instead of my party affiliation the issue.

I can still support Dems I agree with, without supporting Dems I don't agree with by my party affiliation.

I won't keep getting a bunch of environmentally destructive fake surveys asking me what my "most important" issues are, you know the ones that never mention single payer health insurance, impeachment, begin to pull out ALL the troops now, or repealing the Patriot Act, etc.

Since the Dems take my vote for granted as a (D), perhaps as an independent they will actually court my vote.

And I believe it would set a good example. By leaving the party, It will demonstrate that there is a price to pay for our leaders constantly sabotaging the progressives in their own party.

So yeah, I'm just about done with the Dems.

[FREEWILL56]

384. As bad as things are getting know this to be true,

there's no place to run. If you must change parties then so be it, but it changes nothing bad that has happened and can make things worse. If all true dems do what you are doing we will windup with a 2 party system of republicons and that's what they want to happen. It is obvious that they have gotten to many of our democratic leaders one way or another and the ones that do still stand by and for us the people we must not abandon, but reinforce. You, by running, are abandonning those that hold democratic values like me and running to a 3rd party that is powerless. Heck if you must do it then go to the repuke party and infiltrate and disrupt their party like they do ours. The alternative to this take over of our government is obvious.

[John Q. Citizen]

484. I'm not considering a 3rd party. I mean a small (i) independant ie independant from

all parties.

Under the current rules enforced by both the Dems and the Repos in almost all states, 3rd parties are irrelevant and consigned to the roll of spoilers.

In truth, small i independants (including decline to state) have been the fastest growing group of voters in the country, and in many places are the largest block of voters.

I just can see the advantage to being a registered Democrat to being an independant. I'll still be able to vote in the primary, I'll still be able to work for Dem candidates I like.

[druidity33]

387. i feel

exactly the same way.

My Senators are some of the best of the bunch too! (Kerry and Kennedy)

If we had publicly financed elections and "fair and balanced" media, this country could change course in 1 election cycle... as it stands, there is A LOT of work to be done. It's not ALWAYS Democrats who are best suited to the job, but it sure as heck USUALLY is!

ugh, i'm starting to ramble, sorry...

[antigop]

33. I wholeheartedly support Pete Stark. We need more like him. n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

35. I'm in.

[lonestarnot]

36. I sure as hell do!

[TheDoorbellRang]

38. Add my support

Interesting no one has said how he was forced to apologize. My theory: no campaign funds for bad boys who don't toe the line. This is such BS. They don't even see how they've crippled themselves by muzzling fellow Dems with Draconian measures.

[creeksneakers2]

186. I don't know how Stark was forced either

Lots of folks here on DU just think up the worst conspiratorial thing the Democratic leadership could have done and accept that as fact without any further examination whatsoever.

Pelosi condemned Stark but had no choice.

[PurgedVoter]

39. Add my voice to that! NT

[nadinbrzezinski]

40. Yo

[The Count]

41. The Count wants to be counted!

[RestoreGore]

42. Thanks for speaking truth, Rep Stark

At least there's one. This "Goddamn war" is one big amusement to those waging it for their own checkbooks at the expense of our children. And yet he is the one who gets censured. Politics sucks.

[Blue_In_AK]

43. I support him, too.

I suppose an argument could be made that he could have chosen less inflammatory words -- particularly the "for his amusement" part -- but I can't disagree with his sentiments in the least.

[xultar]

44. I support you Bruva.. though the comments were inappropriate they were correct.

[baldguy]

45. Yes!

[n2doc]

46. Hell yes! n/t

[flashl]

47. Present. n /t

[EFerrari]

48. Rate the thread up or it will get lost.

Thanks, DU! :loveya:

[Ghost in the Machine]

49. Pete Stark for Speaker of the House!! Give him Nancy's job!

I support Pete Stark's comments 100% and wish he'd say it over and over and over again!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

50. Count me in.

Pete Stark deserved better for speaking the ugly truth.

[Booster]

51. Add me to the list. I'm pissed.

[SeattleGirl]

52. I'm in !

It was refreshing to hear someone speak the truth.

[EFerrari]

53. And now we find out he was strong armed. What a surprise.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2117186

I support you, Pete. You were right and no amount of strong arming changes that.

[spanone]

54. yep

[tnlefty]

55. Count me in!

Thanks for speaking up Rep. Stark. :patriot:

[shireen]

56. I proudly support Rep. Stark. He spoke the truth.

Republicans need to stop living in denial and face the truth: your president is a war criminal!

[Tyler Durden]

87. PETE STARK FOR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.

[OzarkDem]

233. Sounds good to me

I'll sign that petition, too.

[TornadoTN]

57. I'm proud to sign

I'm with Pete Starks original comments 100%.

[Richard Steele]

58. Richard Steele. nm

[diane in sf]

59. Add me to the list

[Enrique]

60. they didn't allow the censure vote

they blocked it.

[EFerrari]

66. That's technically true. But they allowed the situation

to get to the point where a censure vote had to be blocked.

And he was threatened with such a vote if he didn't apologize.

That's disgusting.

[Enrique]

83. you said they allowed the censure vote

they didn't

[creeksneakers2]

191. Something the Democrat bashers don't understand

The United States Congress is not a parliament in a totalitarian nation. The minority has rights. Nancy Pelosi can't just write a script and order everybody else to follow it.

Democrats ran on a promise that they'd keep minority rights. That's because Democrat is taken from the word "democracy."

[EFerrari]

288. Thank you for the non sequitur.

I need at least one every day to stay sharp.

[Lochloosa]

75. You might want to read this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2117123

[Enrique]

82. I read it

it doesn't address the fact that the democrats did not allow the censure vote, contrary to the OP's claim that they did.

[EFerrari]

91. I have no stake in misrepresenting anything

and it's too late to refine the statement in the OP.

But clearly, the threat of censure forced Stark to apologize.

[Enrique]

96. you can apologize

be like Pete. :-)

[EFerrari]

99. Clarified -- #92

:)

[Enrique]

106. see, apologizing is hard

Stark was able to do it, you can't.

[EFerrari]

110. LOL! That's right.

:)

[EFerrari]

61. Hafta go out before this puppy eats my desk.

Help with kicking is much appreciated.

[suffragette]

62. Absolutely

I'm tired of seeing people who stand up being shoved back down and that's exactly what happened to Stark.

[kickysnana]

63. Amen n/t

[Me.]

64. Not That 'They' Care

But I'm here.

[kimpossible]

65. He represents my righteous outrage

We need more reps to speak up like that!

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

67. Wish He Didn't Apologize

Leaders are in short supply these days, and for several days, he was a leader.

[Enrique]

70. he's more of a leader now, imo

it took courage for him to apologize.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

72. LOL

Love your avatar.

:sarcasm:

Courage to apologize? That's rich!

[Enrique]

78. it's true

I know from personal experience, it's hard to do sometimes.

[RiverStone]

101. No, it was foolish

And his follow-up words stating "insignificance" was even dumber.

I wonder if he was being threatened or something?

Makes no sense.

And BTW, I started a Stark appreciation thread last week!

I strongly support his original statement; I strongly disagree with his wimpy apology!

There have been way too many folks already apologizing for Shrub's damn war.

[mdmc]

458. I cant wait for HRC to do it

I is patient

[Pastiche423]

69. I support Pete Stark!

[hootinholler]

71. I'm in with a rec too!

Hey Pelosi! Why wasn't it you who pissed off the republics?

Do your job!

-Hoot

[bdamomma]

73. Add me too, I like being a pain in the ass to Nancy!!

[Elspeth]

74. Me too

Censured for speaking the truth

[cascadiance]

76. I'm PROUDLY and FIRMLY in!

[Enrique]

77. I support him and the democratic leadership

as they close this issue and focus on their important work.

[jkshaw]

79. It's not anti-pathetical,

It's antithetical.
The censure vote was directly opposite, the antithesis, of the wishes of the majority of Americans.

[EFerrari]

94. Both.

:)

[juno jones]

80. Here and reccomend

As someone whose family is from Peoria and was born there, a note to you all, we like plain speech in Peoria. There hasn't been enough of it from the dems lateley. Stark was a breath of fresh air and all of you who worried about how the 'base' will respond to such 'rudeness'...stop using 'Peoria' to prop up your triangulation scemes. Admit it's not 'Peoria' but 'corporo-theocrats and their believers' you're scared of. Peoria once was an affluent union town, I love my yellow dog relatives.

[Hun Joro]

81. I'll sign that.

[BelgianMadCow]

84. I support candid free speech

especially by dissenting patriots.

[BelgianMadCow]

479. not too late, methinks

:kick:

[VP505]

85. I absolutely

100% support Rep Stark and would encourage him to keep up the good work!

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

86. Me too.

I was desperately hoping Pete Stark would not apologize for speaking the truth. How stupid and pride-less are the elected dems?

[Raksha]

88. Count me in! n/t

[Nightjock]

89. Rec #41

I support him completely.

[Malikshah]

90. Present.

Pelosi's a tool.

[EFerrari]

92. Enrique pointed out to me that the censure did not go forward,

for the sake of accuracy.

[porphyrian]

93. I do (whether he likes it or not). - n/t

[berni_mccoy]

95. Add me to the list.

[stirlingsliver]

97. Count Me In!

COUNT ME IN!

(I intentionally capitalized all those letters, because I want all the Democratic Leaders to see)

[bbgrunt]

98. I condemn the condemners.

[JNelson6563]

100. I'm in.

Considering the shit that reich-wingers have spewed, including Cheney telling Leahy (was it Leahy? no matter, it was someone who disagreed with him) "go fuck yourself" on the floor of the Senate chamber.

Yes Congressman Stark, you give 'em all the hell they want. They deserve whatever you can dish out and more.

Julie :patriot:

[Blue_Tires]

102. add another to the list

[RiverStone]

103. I strongly support his original statement, BUT

NOT his apology!

Can he take that back too? :shrug:

[shadowknows69]

104. Pete Stark speaks for me

it is long past time we stop tiptoing around this national tragedy.

[malaise]

105. Present n/t

[Reterr]

107. Count me in.eom

[Hydra]

108. I support Pete Stark and speaking Truth to Power

And I condemn all actions that facilitate Bush and all of his cronies, and anything that helps fascism and tyranny!

[Va Lefty]

109. Damn straight!!

[southpaw]

111. Signed!

[bridgit]

112. this household does...

:patriot:

[roguevalley]

113. Three people in Alaska SUPPORT PETE STARK!

[BuyingThyme]

114. I'm in.

[robinlynne]

115. where do we sign?

[Kurovski]

117. Present.

[Maraya1969]

118. Add me in. One man takes a stand and the Democrats think they are going to die.

They are making me ill.

[Liberal In Texas]

119. I'm in.

What part of "Truth to power" does the DLC not understand?

[Vadem]

120. Yes!!! K&R!.... n/t

[EFerrari]

121. Kick

[Borchkins]

123. Pete Stark speaks for me.

No apology, not now, not ever.

[libnnc]

122. Right here. Front and center. Sans apology, by damned.

:patriot:

[laruemtt]

124. Add me to the list. n/t

[MelissaB]

125. Count me in!

:kick:

[tsuki]

126. Pete Stark speaks for me. n/t

[CrispyQ]

127. I support Pete Stark. --nt

[bullwinkle428]

128. I'll proudly sign on,

even if it puts me on Nancy's Enemies List!!

[Time for change]

129. I support him

I think he should have chosen his words more carefully, but what he said beats the hell out of remaining quiet about the war.

[rockybelt]

130. Supporting Pete Stark

I support him whole-heartedly!!!!
Somebody (I wonder who) must have threatened him or his family for him to apologize. What a shame!!

PETE STARK FOR PRESIDENT!!!!:applause:

[Disturbed]

132. His apology was straght forward. Time to move forward.

I support Pete Stark 100%.

[progressoid]

131. Yer damned skippy we support him.

[MadHound]

133. Count me in, n/t

[Dr.Phool]

134. Dr. Phool sez I support Pete Stark!

[annabanana]

135. Oh yes.. . . . . . eom

[Buns_of_Fire]

136. You betcha.

I, too, am sorry that president gets his jollies from having our children's heads blown off.

[roxnev]

137. Add my name

[civildisoBDence]

138. You've all lost your reason and decency

Stark admitted he was wrong. You can be as stubborn as mules if you want to, but no one in their right mind believes Bush is amused by the deaths of American soldiers.

Geez, how blinded by partisanship can you be?

Newsprism

[Arugula Latte]

141. I don't think he's necessarily amused, but

I do think he doesn't give a shit. At all.

He's a mass murderer of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, as well, including babies, toddlers, and children. I'll bet he's lost not one wink of sleep over their slaughter.

[DearAbby]

143. Bush isnt amused...he is indifferent

they dont matter, it is a means to an end. We the People dont matter, it is reflected by the polls, and each time this administration and this congress continues to defy the will of the people.

Now they seem bent on attacking people's right of free speech, first with Moveon.org, Rush Limbaugh, and Pete Stark. Is this what their job is now, policing people's speech and thoughts? They will continue to do so, until everyone conforms to one thought?

I am deeply troubled by this. I don't have to agree with what Stark said, but I defend his right to say it.

[EFerrari]

155. Thanks for the animal comparison.

I will give your response the weight it deserves.

[creeksneakers2]

198. That's how the rest of America would see a comment like

that.

I remember listening to the right wing go after Bill Clinton and asking, "How can somebody be hateful enough to believe Bill Clinton could do something like that?" "How can they possibly believe these terrible things about people on the left?" I was (and still am) very frightened of the right wingnuts. Seeing how hateful they were, I thought the worst would happen if they took over. I was right.

As long as the statement is about a Republican, 98% of Americans would recognize a statement that George Bush is amused by troops getting their heads blown off as an expression of a burning irrational hatred. They'll want nothing to do with supporters of a statement like that. 70% would be outraged by a statement like that about a Democrat. Wingnuts would love a statement like that about a Democrat.

Mainstream elected Democrats realize this. I don't blame them for refusing to defend Stark if Stark wouldn't even apologize for such outrageous remarks.

I fear those who don't realize how hateful and inappropriate Stark's statement are gaining power.

[EFerrari]

209. Apparently, there are only 4 mainstream Democrats in your world.

I hope you enjoy them.

[creeksneakers2]

240. Be sure to celebrate

when the Democratic leadership gets your petition, discovers great truth in it, and joins you in declaring that Bush is amused by US troops getting their heads blown off.

Won't the four people who disagree with you be surprised when that happens?

[EFerrari]

242. As far as I'm concerned, WE are the Democratic leadership.

WE are the people who do the work, who open our wallets and man the phones.

I frankly couldn't care less if anyone else has an epiphany. My feet are on the ground.

[creeksneakers2]

316. How can you be Democratic leadership

when you spend so much time turning people against Democrats? Work, open wallets and man phones for whom? Cindy Sheehan? That's not Democratic and it sure isn't leadership. More of a vandalism thing.

[EFerrari]

323. I'll just let that sit there.

[grahamhgreen]

424. He joked about it at the Radio and Television Correspondent's Dinner watch it here -

He DOES find it amusing, as do the people attending the dinner -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l5bSxpCKEI

[EFerrari]

432. Thanks for the link, grahamhgreen.

:)

[DearAbby]

139. Count me in

I am so GD angry right now.

[2rth2pwr]

140. So he is a hero and we should support him for apologizing?

Is he speaking for you when he was crying for forgiveness?

[Lugnut]

142. I'm in. n/t

[Suziq]

144. Count Me In!

I am sick and tired of Dems having to apologize for speaking the truth.

[catrose]

145. Pete Stark speaks for me when he's not apologizing.

I hope someday someone will explain why Democrats must apologize for everything and Republicans for nothing.

I look forward to voting for someone instead of against others. In this lifetime, please.

[Felinity]

146. Count me in

Hypocritical Rethug Bastards!

[ceile]

147. Count me in! n/t

[Mira]

148. Hear and here - I'm in - K&R N/T

[Deep13]

149. How can a member of Congress be censured just for talking?

What bunch of clowns.

[jodini]

150. I do! n/m

[anitar1]

151. i support Pete Stark 100%.. Nancy Pelosi does not speak

for me.Nor do the Republicans.

[JDPriestly]

152. I support Pete Stark.

[endarkenment]

153. Complict in war crimes.

I am a Disloyal Democrat.

[Irishonly]

154. I Support Representative Stark

Right after I read about the vote on censure, I wrote to my representative asking her to do what she could to stop it. By the time I sent the email he had apologized.

[stimbox]

156. Count me in.

I whole heartedly support Rep. Pete Stark. His comments were spot on.
I condemn the Democratic "Leadership" (HA! leadership my ass)for forcing him to apologize.
No vote for you in the upcoming election you coward Nancy Pelosi.

[ChickMagic]

157. Yo!

And I called his office to say so.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

158. Agreed.

[Hepburn]

159. Pete Stark....

...you are great! :applause:

[Usrename]

160. Stark is a damn hero.

:patriot:

[dmr]

161. Strongly support Rep. Stark

In another thread I said this:

Along with the MoveOn.org slap down in Congress, they are effectively suppressing any and all dissent from their status quo. They refuse to give an inch to progress/grassroots, for fear of our strength and significance will gain a mile.

It saddened me earlier today when I heard him speak. Last week, his words spoke for me. Finally, someone had the courage to officially say what they mean and mean what they say. No fancy words or cutsy facial expressions; just frank words for a horrific era this administration and Congress has gotten us into.

Our country is not free. When one person, an important person, an elected official, cannot vocalize the cries of his constituents, let alone millions of other Americans in this nation on the Congressional floor, our voice is truly not represented. It is time to scare the hell out of them and run other Democrats in the primaries to replace them.

Two things bother me. The first is the campaign war-chests the politicians find more important to build instead of advocating for the American people. Worrying about making the next election while Rome burns. The second concern: what does the admin and GOP, taking full illegal advantage of NSA eavesdropping have against the Dems, other Republicans, some in the media, and other high-profiled people?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2116760&mesg_id=2117852

I've never been one to publicly speak against my party because I would never want my words to be used against them by the volatile Republicans, but I take issue with Democrats who feel entitled and are enriched (personally and/or their campaign warchests) by lobbyists and corporations. I don't have a lobbyist to fend for my best interests in Washington. As a matter of fact, these elected officials are suppose to be my lobbyist. My advocate. Yet time and again, they betray my trust.

And, just so they know, in case they or an aide reads this - I am not what you call 'the fringe'. I am just an ordinary, everyday citizen who is now paying close attention to what you say, what you do, what money you take, and how you vote - and I'm not alone.

[crickets]

238. Well said!

Our country is not free. When one person, an important person, an elected official, cannot vocalize the cries of his constituents, let alone millions of other Americans in this nation on the Congressional floor, our voice is truly not represented.

Exactly.

And, just so they know, in case they or an aide reads this - I am not what you call 'the fringe'. I am just an ordinary, everyday citizen who is now paying close attention to what you say, what you do, what money you take, and how you vote - and I'm not alone.

No, you're not alone. Not at all.

[Stevepol]

162. I'm on board! Where do I sign?

[chloesmom]

163. K&R

[Joanne98]

164. Count me in!!!!

[RoccoR5955]

165. Count me in

I even went as far as to e-mail him, and give him kudos for speaking truth to power.

Maybe they threatened him with anthrax.

[WildEyedLiberal]

166. K&R

Feeling pretty jaded right now...

[MissDeeds]

167. Oh, I am SO in on this! n/t

The truth is in short supply in DC. 'Bout time!

[wildbilln864]

168. I 'm in! n/t

[Maat]

169. Checking in!

Pete Stark speaks the truth - to power.

[MikeE]

170. I'm with you

Pete seems to be the only one brave enough to speak the truth!

[me b zola]

171. I agree

And I called both Congressman Stark and Speaker Pelosi and said the same...along with other similar sentiments.

[Glorfindel]

172. Absolutely, whole-heartedly

There should be ONE candle, somewhere, shining in the darkness.

[proud2BlibKansan]

173. Count me in!!

[SalmonChantedEvening]

174. Proud to add my name. n/t

[sce56]

175. Where do I put my John Hancock? Funny my son is doing a book report on him!

We need a lot more Pete Stark's

[Kermitt Gribble]

176. Sign me up too!!!!

We're with you Pete!!!!!

[pattmarty]

177. I'm in.

[Gold Metal Flake]

178. I will sign on.

I do wish he had said "pleasure", not "amusement".

[zeemike]

179. I'm in with that. n/t

[rabies1]

180. He's wonderful for speaking the truth.

[immoderate]

182. ALL THE WAY!!

Go Pete!

--IMM

[OnyxCollie]

184. I support Rep. Stark. nt

[Emillereid]

185. Sign me on!

[MzNov]

187. Add my signature

X

[rAVES]

188. Bunch of spineless shills.

[emmadoggy]

189. Signing my name here.

[angstlessk]

190. okay, okay, okay, why I wait till it takes 3 minutes to load to support

the GREAT Pete Stark is beyond me! but I do...

Add me to the list!

[AntiFascist]

192. K&R !

[redacted]

193. Absolutely agree. WHAT did they threaten him with?

Guys like Stark don't tear up without good reason.

[D23MIURG23]

194. !!!

[katandmoon]

195. Please count me in!!!

This is my first post on DU. I've also called and emailed Pete Stark's office, and have emailed Pelosi twice now. I wish there were something more I could do.

[acmavm]

196. I support what he originally said. I deplore the fact that he backed down

under pressure from a bunch of cowards and liars and traitors.

[martymar64]

197. I support Pete Stark

It needed to be said.

[Greylyn58]

199. Amen!!

[Loki]

200. Never apologize for the truth.

A very simple premise the Democratic Party needs to adopt and never deviate from. Pete Stark spoke for me and spoke the truth and if the truth hurts, tough shit.

[tbyg52]

201. You bet your booties I support his original comment.

I am screaming, sobbing furious with the so-called "leadership."

[2008]

202. add me (nt)

[livvy]

203. With all my heart....full support here. n/t

[Zhade]

204. Here.

NT!

[A wise Man]

205. ATTENTION, ATTENTION

7:30 PETE STARK HAS APOLOGIZE FOR HIS COMMENTS

[Senator]

206. Stark Reality -- Capitulosi Can't Handle The Truth

The notion that she's anything more than the regime's firewall remains "off the table."

==

[karlrschneider]

207. Am I supposed to keep supporting him since he caved in this afternoon?

:eyes:

[EFerrari]

212. Yes, you are.

:)

[karlrschneider]

215. Well, okay...grumble, grumble

:P

[EFerrari]

217. That's the GD spirit.

:hug:

lol

[Kaleko]

208. I proudly support Pete Stark and anyone else telling the inconvenient truth!

Hey, sfexpat, I'm sure you meant to write <i>antithetical</i> instead of "anti-pathetical" in your OP.

Could be a Freudian slip since we ARE against pathetic weasels in Congress, that much is clear

[Vincardog]

210. Screw the apologists I stand with Stark.

[percussivemadness]

211. amen to that

peace

[dickbearton]

213. K&R.

[WillyT]

214. Full Support Here Too !!!

:patriot::kick::patriot:

[catzies]

216. Signed, Catherine Smith resident of CD-23 (So. Calif.)

My Congressman doesn't represent me and I stand by and with Pete Stark. :patriot:

Proud to be the 100th rec.

[I Have A Dream]

218. Count me in. n/t

[tavalon]

219. Of course

I'm furious and frightened.

[slipslidingaway]

220. Count me in! n/t

[dflprincess]

221. Count me in! (eom)

[in_cog_ni_to]

222. What happened to Pete Stark? They CENSURED HIM????

WTF for?

[EFerrari]

224. My understanding is, he was threatened with censure

so he apologized.

I want to let him know, we're behind and beside him.

[in_cog_ni_to]

228. I cannot believe this! Add my name!

:grr:

[EFerrari]

229. Thank you, my friend.

:hi:

[robertpaulsen]

223. Add my name too!

:kick:

[NanceGreggs]

225. GREAT IDEA for a post, sfexpat2000!

Count me in.

Stark speaks for me!!!

[EFerrari]

236. I look terrible in tire tracks.

So hard to accessorize.

lol

[Bozita]

226. I'm in.

I'm more pissed at the Dems than the Republicons.

[Yael]

227. Count me in support as well

Pete, we are behind you. It needed to be said, and you stood up. Thank you.

[barbtries]

230. barbara bales

[FloridaJudy]

231. Count me in

Pete Stark spoke nothing but the truth. Why are Republicans free to slander Progressives, but when one of ours points out how hideously out of control this Regime is, he is slapped down?

[Triana]

232. Here Here.... (n/t)

[msedano]

234. "amusement" signing statement

stark needed a different metaphor there but otherwise, he shouldn'ta apologized

mvs

http://readraza.com
http://labloga.blogspot.com

[Nostradammit]

235. Ayup

What she said.

[peacekitten]

237. Support Pete Stark? Perhaps BEFORE he

apologized! Why did he give in? WTF is going on. He said he wouldn't apologize!!! Then he did!! Why are they doing this to us?? I don't think I can stand anymore of this, who is speaking for us? Why do they yield so much power, I feel so helpless.

[EFerrari]

241. You have a vote here. Do you support Stark or the pressure

that forced him to apologize or be censured?

This will be read by Pelosi's staff.

Where do you stand? :)

[peacekitten]

253. "You have a vote here. Do you support Stark or the pressure "

I support neither. I don't support anyone who apologize's for the truth OR anyone who makes a person bow to pressure to apologize. If we support people w/out a backbone, we will have no backbone. I will support anyone who stands for truth and doesn't apologize for it.

[EFerrari]

255. Fair enough. And welcome to DU, peacekitten.

:)

[alittlelark]

239. I FULLY support Stark,

and I have a stark view of Dem. leadership.x(

[Swamp Rat]

243. Amen!

I support Pete Stark. :patriot:

[1620rock]

247. Thank you Rep. Stark for speaking the truth.

[understandinglife]

244. #120 Recommend. And, yes I fully support Rep Stark.

[crickets]

245. Another Stark supporter here

I support his original comments, and I especially support his right to make them. I'm disappointed he got strongarmed into apologizing but I don't blame him for that. I blame those who pressured him into apologizing for speaking the truth, and in particular, I blame Dems who hopped on the bandwagon to criticize him. Shame on you, Nancy.

K&R :dem:

[mmonk]

248. Count me in.

Democracy is my thing as is the constitution we used to have.

[Duncan Grant]

249. C'mon Nancy, use your muscle on the bad guys not on your own team. (nt)

[Capn Sunshine]

250. Those heartless fuckers

Create a distraction so we don't think about the truth of the matter.

Sick poor children= traitorous scum , taking bullets from our troops.

Go Pete Stark

[EFerrari]

252. Thanks for checking in, Capn.

:patriot:

[lakeguy]

251. in. nt

[cboy4]

254. Absoutely. The strong-arm tactics by the leadership

is revolting.

:kick:

[rurallib]

256. I am in. Wish I could sign my name LARGE LIKE JOHN HANCOCK!

I figure Pelosi and Hoyer must've rode his ass til they broke him.
Thank you Pete for standing up. Too bad others in your party don't know what OPPOSITION PARTY means

[flyarm]

257. I support Pete Stark! !00% ..eom

[femrap]

258. Why don't Nancy and Harry

just become repugnants???

I am so sick of them. SICK AND TIRED AND DISGUSTED.

Stark is the only one with COURAGE!

[peacekitten]

261. If he truly did have courage

then why did he apologize, BETWEEN SOBS?? I am so embarrassed! He should have taken the stance and been censured! Someone needs to stand up for us and I thought he was the one, then he goes and bows to the pressure of the right wing, just like the rest of them. Who is our guardian for truth? If we keep supporting these spineless ones, WE LOSE!

[EFerrari]

265. I'm going to ask that this thread stay on totpic. n/t

[peacekitten]

271. "I'm going to ask that this thread stay on totpic. n/t"

Sorry, I can't seem to post directly to your comments. I am staying on topic. I cannot support a spineless wimp who cries and apologizes when the repugs say he should! If we support the spineless, then WE become spineless. Let me ask.... how's that ending the war going? Not so good, huh? That's because we keep defending the spineless!!! Look at what we did to Cindy, most of the posts here on DU are against her! They say she's crazy and not a "positive" role model. Bullshit!!! We condemn the strong ones who are willing to stand up to the scary right and we cower to the pussies on the left who apologize. Fuck that, I wont!

[EFerrari]

273. OKay. nt

[Malidictus Maximus]

336. Well Said!

[Individualist]

259. I emphatically support Stark.

DLC is FUBAR!!

[Fly by night]

260. Count me in. Give me some Dems with fire in their eyes, starting with Stark.

To hell with the Neville Chamberlain wing of the Democratic Party.

Give me some Geronimo and some Sergeant York.

Some Joan of Arc and some more Harry Truman wouldn't hurt either.

Fly by night (Bernie Ellis)
(Fighting electoral treason since 2004)

[Schema Thing]

262. Add me, please.

[rusty quoin]

263. Me too, BIG time!

[EFerrari]

264. I'll wait until the morning to post this to the site so everyone can weigh in.

But, I want to say, thanks.

It's easy to be mad or to criticize. It's harder to support someone who is doing right in the face of no support from his peers, doing right imperfectly, just trying to stand up for the right thing.

That's DU. :loveya:

[blueDachi]

266. Damn straight!

Pete Stark simply said what most of us already know.

[Luminous Animal]

267. Count me in. (n/t)

[NotGivingUp]

268. count me in! n/t

[Drum]

269. Drum's in...

:thumbsup:

[tyedyeto]

270. I support what Pete Stark said. n/t

[The Wizard]

272. With that political miscalculation

Pelosi handed The House, The Senate and The Presidency over to the Republicans in 08.
It's no wonder Al Gore won't enter the race.
Nancy Pelosi is a disgrace.

[EFerrari]

275. She doesn't have that much power. Keep the faith.

[f the letter]

276. Way to pander, democratic party.

Good Lord. Someone remind me why we're better options than republicans?

Well, no. i know why we're a better option. But i wish i could say we were a _good_ option, not just the not-quite-worst option.

[Cobalt Violet]

277. Yes.

:kick:

[PassingFair]

278. Of COURSE I stand with this bunch!

I support Pete Stark ALL THE WAY.

I am sorry he was made to apologize by the "brass".

Screw them.

[WyLoochka]

279. I support Stark

And condemn the Dem "leadership" for being utterly stupid wusses.

[file83]

280. I concur.

Now, what exactly am I agreeing with here? :hide:

[w8liftinglady]

281. I support Stark.I wish more Dems had his courage.

[bigbrother05]

282. count me in

[Viva_La_Revolution]

283. I support Pete Stark.

That's what I was looking for when I voted Dem. back in November.

[KoKo]

284. He spoke the TRUTH and like Move On and Dem Activists ...paid a price...

Of course I support him...

[vankuria]

285. Right on!!

[Turbineguy]

286. You don't need to add something witty

just rec' it!

On Edit: Error: You've already recommended that thread.

[populistdriven]

287. I support Pete Stark! 100%

Stark voted against the war - he is more consistent than 99% of congress.

Quote:
Stark was also one of the most vocal Congresspersons who spoke out against war with Iraq in the months leading up to the invasion. In fact, he supported a reinstatement of the draft, partly in protest against the call to war but also saying, "If we're going to have these escapades, we should not do it on the backs of poor people and minorities."<7> In October 2004, Stark was one of only two members of Congress to vote in favor of the Universal National Service Act of 2003 (HR 163), a bill proposing resumption of the military draft.

A staunch opponent of the Iraq War, Stark voted against authorizing the war and has opposed every funding bill for the war while the Republicans controlled Congress. However, he chose not to stand against the Democratic legislation to continue funding the war on March 23, 2007, despite other liberal Democrats voting against the bill. In a statement posted on his website he stated, "Despite my utmost respect for my colleagues who crafted this bill, I can't in good conscience vote to continue this war. Nor, however, can I vote 'No' and join those who think today's legislation goes too far toward withdrawal. That's why I'm making the difficult decision to vote 'present'."<8> Stark was the only member of Congress to take this position.

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

[Gregorian]

289. The truth isn't vulgar.

But apologizing for it IS.

I approve Stark's comments. I disapprove of his need to apologize.

[EFerrari]

293. The truth is often messy.

I'd rather have the messy truth than a polished falsehood.

And, I will not judge the pressure put on Stark to make him apologize. Just the fact of that pressure is enough for me to know we need to speak up.

[peacekitten]

300. Exactly!

I'm tired of apologizing for the truth, I won't do it anymore nor can I stand for anyone who apologizes for it.

[EFerrari]

302. No one on this thread has asked you to do that.

Do you feel compelled to apologize in public forums? Again, I'm asking you to please stay on topic or start your own thread.

[Froward69]

290. EYE!!!!!

count me Thrice. Stark=:patriot:

[NAO]

Pete Stark is not afraid to speak truth, even in he is alone

He is the first openly atheistic member of Congress. Every other member of Congress either believes or professed to believe in a "Supreme Being". Statistically, it would seem that some of them are just lying for fear of the political suicide involved in being an open atheist. Not Stark. He was honest, and stood alone and did not apologize.

Now, when every Dem, Rep, and Independent - even if they don't support the war - is cowering in deference to the Chimperor and the milquetoast consensus.

And there is Stark, the only person who will say OUT LOUD that the Chimperor Has No Clothes.

[raging moderate]

291. We the undersigned support Pete Stark

Count me in on this one.

[femmocrat]

292. Add my name!

And I disapprove of Pelosi's lack of support for him!

femmocrat (Anne)

[StClone]

294. Me!

It is sick enough that more men will always support the Conservatives. But a simpering wimpy retraction isn't going to attract those that think we are weak on much including our image.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

295. HELL YES YOU DESERVE SUPPORT!!!! TO HELL WITH THE RW!!! eom

[Synnical]

296. I love me some Pete Stark

[Stephanie]

297. I support Peter Stark.

~Stephanie

[scarletwoman]

298. Please add my name! (nt)

[iheartobama]

299. Pete Stark for President!

He's a visionary!

[TomClash]

301. NO DEMOCRAT SHOULD EVER BE FORCED TO APOLOGIZE FOR TELLING THE TRUTH nt

[EFerrari]

309. No, they shouldn't. What the hell is that?

Thanks, Tom.

[TomClash]

405. You're quite welcome and thanks for posting this!

I am very angry at Nancy Pelosi. And some fundraisers are getting angry with the do-nothing Congress too.

[NBachers]

303. Signing Up!

This here sher is turnin' into a gawdawful long list of replies!

[Imagevision]

304. When Iraq was experiencing "shock n awe" - Bush was pushing a clenched fist in the air everytime

a major explosion occurred, when the lady who begged Bush for clemency sparing her life when he was Texas Governor Bush mimicked this lady then ordered her to be executed, so I believe Pete Stark got it right but other Dem's failed to back him up. At least the repukes, wrong or right, always stick together, the Dem's will never learn to do this. Viva Pete Stark Viva!!!

[BlueGirlRedState]

305. Pete, you gave it your best shot

You have my thanks and my support.

[MrMickeysMom]

306. Here, here.. Where do I sign up?

Thanks for having this thread, BTW...

[nadine_mn]

307. here here eom

[dweller]

308. add me

:kick:

dp

[Danger Mouse]

310. damn straight!

way to go, dems! fold like a cheap suit again, why don't ya?

[losthills]

311. I support Pete Stark.

[Sedona]

312. Supporting Pete in Sedona, AZ

[gtar100]

313. I whole heartedly support Pete Stark's speaking out about *ush

The Democrats in office have made enemies of the ones who would otherwise support them. The actions of Pelosi and her fellow republican enablers will not be forgotten. They are no longer our leaders. They are followers of corrupt, stupid money that is destroying our nation and our world. They are the sick, sick humans.

[JanMichael]

314. Here here!

[Hissyspit]

315. Add me.

[Burried News]

317. Nancy doesn't speak for me.

[ClayZ]

318. Add me to this list!

K and R

[BlueJac]

319. Here!

[Raster]

320. Thank You Pete Stark!

Wake up America!:kick:

[Old and In the Way]

321. Thanks Pete!

I suspect we'll never really know what the threats were that made your apology forced...but we understand.

[EVDebs]

322. I'm aboard on this. nt

[FightingIrish]

324. He speaks for me

[Iwillnevergiveup]

325. Representative Stark

you spoke for me before your apology.

[Gonzo Gardener]

326. K&R

[Anywho6]

327. Count me in!!! n/t

[alteredstate]

328. My stepson has been in Baghdad for a year

I am eternally grateful to Pete Stark. He speaks for us and he's a true patriot.

[EFerrari]

341. Best wishes to you and yours.

:hug:

[alteredstate]

373. Thank you.

[Quantess]

329. Me, too!

However, I don't want to censure Nancy Pelosi too badly, only because she has not been acting like "herself", and there may be some stupid reason, such as blackmail, why she isn't doing the job we paid her to do.

[nankerphelge]

330. I agree

This "leadership" needs to abdicate and make way for some actual leaders.

[still_one]

331. I am in San Jose, Stark is in Fremont, you can definitely count me in /nt

[man4allcats]

332. Pete Stark spoke the truth.

Make Nancy Pelosi apologize to the nation for failure to lead a charge against Bush and the forces of fascism that are destroying this country!

[unkachuck]

333. Brother Pete....

....has my support!

[JI7]

334. kick

[havocmom]

335. Yep

[tomephil]

337. Me Too

Pete for Majority Leader

[rhett o rick]

338. Tried unsuccessfully to recommend this a second time. nm

[ZinZen]

339. I support Pete Stark

I no longer support Pelosi/Reid. Shame on them.

[Shipwack]

340. Hell yes!

nt

[Tumbulu]

342. please add my name

Thanks for doing this.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

343. Hear, hear.

I'm in.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

344. Count me in. n/t

[intheflow]

345. Watching that video on Olbermann broke my heart.

Hell, yes, I stand with Pete Stark! He represents what is good in America. Did they make Cheney apologize to Patrick Leahy? :grr:
Pelosi has gone completely over to the dark side. :scared:

Give us back our Constitution!! K&R

[Blue Belle]

346. Count me in.

I was sorry to hear they made him apologize.

[Naturyl]

347. I'm in 100%

Censure? They should have give Stark a medal. I was thrilled to hear his comments.

[CyberPieHole]

348. Count me in.

I stand with fellow Democrat Pete Stark (though he should not have apologized).

[judaspriestess]

349. I'm in Baby, I'm in

[Zookeeper]

350. Add me: I supported Pete Stark's original statement....

and I don't think he was that far off the mark for using the term "amusement," as it conjures the truth of Emperor George playing with people's lives like they are pawns in a chess game.

The Rethugs and their talking-head lackeys make nasty, outrageous statements on a daily basis without threat of censure. But, they pout and demand apologies if a Democrat dares to tell the truth. We shouldn't be caving in to bullies.

Harry and Nancy were wrong in not supporting Pete Stark.

[ConsAreLiars]

351. Let's see. Support Stark or Caligula? Seems like Pelosi et al chose Caligula, but

I support Stark.

[catchnrelease]

352. I'm in too.

[ArbustoBuster]

353. I'm in.

His words were the truth, and no one should be forced to apologize for speaking the truth to the powerful.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

354. Thanks for giving us a voice - albeit short winded

[SleeplessinSoCal]

356. Maybe Stark should have identitied "amusement" as "sadistic pleasure"

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/10/23/145037/96

[donheld]

357. Without a doubt

Sorry I'm late

[FunMe]

358. I SUPPORT Rep Stark knowing he was forced to apologize

OK it's settled. I am not leaving the Democratic Party. I'm kicking out all those who are
Democrats who have infiltrated our party.

Whether they are DINOs, republicons who are using our party, or other fakes. It's time to OUTST them from our party.

It
IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!


IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!

IMPEACHING PELOSI!


Enough with these wimps. Time to take out the trash. REID is next.



Then we can focus on IMPEACHMENT of cheney and then bush.

[Cobalt-60]

359. I'm in

This cr*p is completly unbelieveable.
Bush is a liar, a traitor, and a war criminal.
He belongs on the end of a rope.

[robinlynne]

360. absolutely!

[Beerboy]

361. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

It's complete bullshit he apologized in any way, shape, or form. The Repigs aren't in a position to "censure" a member of the majority caucus. This shit is getting old, fast.

[Enrique]

363. a number of people have believed you about the censure vote

in fact the democrats blocked the censure vote, but thanks to your post, a number of people are under the impression that they allowed the vote.

mission accomplished! A democratic "good" has been crudely yet successfully spun as "bad."

[Diane R]

364. And the emporer is still wearing no clothes. I support Rep. Stark for telling the truth.

[133724]

365. i'm in.....

[banana republican]

366. NEVER APOLOGIZE TO A REPUBLICAN.....

[BigBearJohn]

367. Pete Stark spoke for me. I'm sorry he had to be ganged up on

by a bunch of weak-kneed, namby pamby, assholes.

[BigBearJohn]

368. I felt the earth shake when a member of Congress broke the CARDINAL rule of politics

AND ACTUALLY SPOKE THE TRUTH

oops!

(IMAGINE THAT!)

[DUlover2909]

369. I sign

He shouldn't have to apologize for anything he said.

[Jeanette in FL]

370. Count me in, Beth, please

I didn't know he was forced to apologize. I have been out of the political loop this week due to obligations and your post was the first that I saw that he was made to publicly apologize. I will have to go back and see what happened.

It is getting harder and harder to tell who the enemy actual is nowadays.

Please add my name. Thank you for this thread. Jeanette

[DeeDeeNY]

376. Read this and weep

especially the next to last paragraph

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2117123

[Blue Gardener]

371. I'm In!

I am completely disgusted by the actions of Ms. Pelosi.

[Ganja Ninja]

374. Never say you're sorry for telling the truth. n/t

[madrchsod]

375. just think of it-

someone dared say the emperor has no clothes. you keep living in your dream world nancy the rest of us -HAVE TO-live in reality

[Joe Bacon]

377. Pete Stark for Speaker!

Pelosi has sold us out time and time again. It's time to have a Speaker who WILL stand up to the illegally-installed Nazi dictator in the Oval Office.

[sandyj999]

378. Supported!!! n/t

[H2O Man]

380. H2O Man.

n/t

[PurpleChez]

381. Count me in!

I'm with Pete!

[Freedomofspeech]

382. Add me to the list.

[sazemisery]

383. Here! Here! k&r n/t

[Solly Mack]

385. Stark didn't say anything I don't already hear soldiers say

I live on an army post. I know what the soldiers are saying here. And YES, they DO use the word amusement from time to time to describe why the government is doing what the government is doing to them. (Iraq)

Get a clue, Congress - their anger is directed at ALL of you...not just Bush....but ALL of you in government.

America - where you can't say anything harsh about a war criminal President because it might be called rude or inappropriate.

Please don't say anything harsh - no matter how true - about a President that implements torture - it might offend him.

And America must never ever offend their war criminal executive.

How fucked up is that?

[LiberalEsto]

386. Bravo Pete! nt

[lazyriver]

388. We need more Pete Stark and less (much less)

Reid & Pelosi if we are to fix our broken government.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

389. I support Stark 100%

Shame on Nancy and others.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

390. Pete Stark knows what he's talking about! ...My family supports him!!

[dazzlerazzle]

391. supporting Pete Stark

Boehner got away with his saying that nearly 4000 lives lost in Iraq "was a small price to pay" No censure motion introduced against him.

[Hersheygirl]

393. I'm in

The truth needs to be told, no matter how it sounds.

[Benhurst]

394. ...

:kick:

[BridgeTheGap]

395. would gladly sign on

XXX)))000

[eridani]

396. I'm in

Where the FUCK was Congress in 1994 when Jesse Helms actually made a threat on President Clinton's life? When the FUCK are you going to start channelling Harry ("Never apologize") Truman?

[ananda]

397. That includes me!

Stark spoke the truth.

Truth is never wrong!

[amb123]

398. Pete Stark - Liberal Patriot

Impeach Pelosi and Reid!

[SIMPLYB1980]

399. I recomend this thread!

[IDemo]

400. More of our reps need to speak Starkly

[connecticut yankee]

401. Count me in, too

The Congressional Dems are a bunch of spineless wimps!

[NewJeffCT]

402. I support him - just tell me where to sign

thanks

[SarasotaDem]

403. I'm IN

Absolutely he speaks for me.

[a kennedy]

404. ditto to "I'm in"

[Cooley Hurd]

406. I support Pete Stark and condemn those who refused to stand behind him...

[democrank]

408. Sign me up.

Too bad we can`t ask Karla Faye Tucker if she agrees with Stark`s statement about Junior Bush`s "amusement" with death.

Bush is the "compassionate conservative" so upset with the thought of people in New Orleans drowning in their attics or traveling through knee-deep water in their wheelchairs that he:

A.) Flew off to eat birthday cake with John McCain

B.) Joked during some impromptu guitar lessons

C.) Showed up at a fundraiser

Let`s call a spade a spade.

[april]

409. count me in Where do I sign?

The truth hurts some!What he said was true . He at least has a back bone !!!!!

[1monster]

410. I support Stark's first statement, not his apology.

[Turk 182]

411. totally agree but

the word you want is "antithetical", meaning "against" ooops sory- I didn't realize you were immitating "The Shrub".:headbang:

[EFerrari]

430. That's a different one. I was thinking of antipathy. Both

work. :)

[TacticalPeek]

412. Bravo, Honorable Stark.

Wise up, Honorable Pelosi.

[Imagevision]

413. Pete Stark was 100% correct in Bush analysis, Bush doesn't care about the troops, he cares about

the control of the flow of oil and the $$$ in Iraq, this is an oil job that requires the US. military to pull off, plain and simple?

[emald]

414. godamned right, Stark spoke for me

and I'll add that this miss-administration is illegal, unlawful and full of shit besides. I have never been a Democrat, always registered independent. After watching this congress, supposedly doing the peoples business, I will never bother to join any party.
Wrong headed aint the half of it. Corruption runs amok.

[redqueen]

415. Agreed.

Glad this made the home page... I might have missed it.

[TechBear_Seattle]

416. Wow. Has any other post here gotten this kind of overwhelming support?

Candidates, take note: We are sick and tried of your complicity.

[mdelaguna2000]

417. Outrageous call for an apology!!!

Multiplicity of views is a right of a democracy. Down with suppression of opposing views!

[helderheid]

418. rec 213

[hwmnbn]

419. Add my name to the list....

Pete Stark must continue to call out this criminal administration.

[grahamhgreen]

420. He DOES find it amusing he joked about it at the correspondents dinner

GWB has derived amusement over the deaths of Americans and Iraqis alike.

He DOES find it amusing, as do the people attending the dinner -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l5bSxpCKEI

[pberq]

421. Support for Pete Stark!

[natrat]

422. that nasty old sellout rat pelosi should be embarrased to show her face in northern california

[mother earth]

423. We are all feeling what Stark put into words. No apologies.

Where's the Bush apology to the American people? While BushCo leads us into ruin, Stark is yet another little distraction along the way. Shame on anyone who plays this game.

[lunatica]

425. As a longtime luker

I'm proud to support Pete Stark and grateful to join DU in showing it.

:hi:

[rateyes]

428. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[jackster]

426. amen!

speaking truth to power......

[rateyes]

427. One more sig right here.

Get with it, Nancy.

[swilton]

429. I stand behind Stark - Can he still make it in the primaries?

[GrannyK]

431. Hope I'm not to late to SUPPORT STARK

"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it."
Freedom of Speech has taken some direct hits lately, directly from the so called 'party of the people.'

We can only guess what type of pressure he was under, but I do wonder about the 'insignificant' quote. Perhaps that was a subtle message to all Americans to be aware that we are ALL insignificant now, to the rogue rulers in the WH and their enablers on Capital Hill, and THAT is why he was crying. He was mourning the loss of his party, the Constitution and our Republic.

No matter - We must send the message that WE SUPPORT FREE SPEECH AND WON'T CAVE TO BULLIES.

I agree with the poster who said "General Strike"

[Vidar]

433. I definitely want in on this one, Pat.

[pennylane100]

434. I support Pete Stark,

he speaks for me and my frustration at our party's leadership (or lack of it).

[Krashkopf]

435. Agreed

I agree, completely. If our current Democratic Leadership in the House (Pelosi and Hoyer) and in the Senate (Harry Reid) don't have the courage to stand up and AGGRESSIVELY push back against the Bush administration, then they need to stand aside and let the AGGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVES - like David Obey, Russ Feingold and Chris Dodd - take over the reigns of power.

[cain_7777]

436. I voted for change

specifically, for an opposition to the Bush administration and all their policies. I wanted Dems to aggressively investigate and then start impeachment proceedings. Nothing has been done and in my eyes the dems are just as bad as the corrupt republicans, all enabling the worst regime and allowing them to dismantle America in every aspect possible; from the beacon of light we used to be to the soggy shreds of the constitution waiting to be flushed down the toilet.

Pete Stark does not speak for me because his words were not harsh enough; although he spoke the truth, with all the Bush administration has done to put this country in ruin Stark held back, but his words rang true throughout the Nation while yet again we witnessed Dems line up in cliched fashion, falling for the republicans talking points and proving again that Dems fall into their spineless stereotype. The Democratic leadership is failing and your censure vote is yet another embarrassment. Instead of letting the Republican MINORITY frame every debate why don't you take a stand together in denouncing this regime as Stark did, uphold the constitution because impeachment is not something we want but an obligation to the laws of this country.

[hisownpetard]

437. Can I cast 1/2 a vote, for his original statement, but withhold 1/2 for his retraction?

Something tells me, sfexpat, you're gonna say 'no.'
So, ok, count me in.
I still give him credit for having the guts to say what he did,
even though he negated that by caving in and apologizing -
which has totally demoralized me.
But I think he was completely blind-sided by the pressure he received.

So - ok, Pete, get back up on that pedestal.

[EFerrari]

443. I'm just kicking myself for not starting this thread BEFORE

the armtwisting started. :hi:

[hisownpetard]

446. Well, BEFORE it started, I was ready to hoist Pete Stark up on my arthritic shoulders

and parade him around the country as a savior.
After the apology? A pint of Rocky Road ice cream and I still haven't sprung back.


Edit:him

[valerief]

438. I support Rep. Stark's remark but not his apology. nt

[DJ MEW]

439. count me in

I have to admit that I did not know anything about this until just now, but I did a quick search to find out what happened and all I have to say is wow.

He actually said that he was insignificant, and got a hearty round of applause for it.

He might as well have said that the views of all anti-war americans is insignificant.

I can't believe that he was forced to apologize and that he said that.

[kwyjibo]

440. Me too.

[Jolly Sapper]

441. I too, support Stark.

[BulletproofLandshark]

442. Signed

I don't care if what he said violated some sense of decorum. Pete Stark wasn't wrong. And it would be great to see the Speaker go after the other side of the aisle with at least as much enthusiasm as she goes after her own.

[ThingsGottaChange]

445. Don't forget ThingsGottaChange! nt

[VenusRising]

447. I'm in!

:applause:

[garybeck]

448. Pete- you are right, they are wrong.

signed,
Gary Beckwith

[Girlieman]

449. The democrat leadership is shameful

just pathetic.

[loudsue]

450. Count me in, Beth! I've had it with the "leadership" in the Dem party.

Is there ANY way we can create a movement to question her leadership? She's a traitor to the party. And NO!! I WON'T apologize for saying that!!!

:kick:

[RubyDuby in GA]

451. I stand with Pete Stark, not the "leadership" who don't know what it means to actually lead.

[liberal N proud]

452. Add me to that list as well

Send a copy to Nancy while you are at it.

[formercia]

453. Damn Right.

Fuck those Quisling Democrats.

[AlecBGreen]

454. add me!

:hi:

[mdmc]

455. what is this all about?

:shrug:

[anachro1]

456. Add me to this list

It's a damn shame he was forced to apologize.

[toymachines]

457. he has my support

[Point_n_click]

459. I support Pete. n/t

[0007]

460. I support Pete Stark and I am mad as hell at Nancy 'Nasty' Pelosi

"Sometimes I feel like a motherless party less child a long way from home."

[navarth]

461. I wish they'd ask ME to apologize

so I could tell them to go FUCK themselves.

You shouldn't have aplologized, Pete. But you get my support for saying it in the first place.

Count me signed.

[EFerrari]

462. Welcome to DU, navarth.

:hi:

[EFerrari]

463. Thank you. I'm printing this out and mailing it to Pete Stark.

DU comes through again. :loveya:

[mitchtv]

464. WHY? he buckled like everyone else in his party

thanks for F'n nothing Pete. Nice beginning, lousy follow through.

[EFerrari]

465. Because supporting every bit of spine is important.

That's why.

[idgiehkt]

469. and because our party leaders need to know

how out of touch they are with how people feel about this war. They have a leg to stand on but they refuse to see it, it's really upsetting that they'd even ask him to apologize, if he even spoke for one person then it was justified.

[walldude]

466. I missed the whole incident while on tour.. However

whatever he did and what ever went down I'm sure I'd be on the same side as you kiddo so count me in.

[EFerrari]

467. Now see, you went and made me laugh.

:)

[walldude]

470. Mission Accomplished!

No really, after reading the post I went and googled the incident, just to make sure, and of course as usual you are right. I can't believe he apologized though. when are Dems going to grow up and stop apologizing for speaking the truth?

[idgiehkt]

468. I certainly do.

I remember him standing up to the repukes in congress a few years ago when they pulled their dirty tricks and him standing up to them when McInnis told him to shut up, the problem isn't him it's that we don't have more like him.

[Az]

471. Sign me up

Someone stands up and speaks on the issues I support then I better damn well get behind him and defend him when they come for him.

[tritsofme]

472. The Leadership did not allow a censure vote, they quashed it.

The majority tabled the motion, thus not allowing a vote on whether or not to censure Stark.

[EFerrari]

473. That's right. See #92. nt

[bonito]

474. K&R!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

475. Better late than never

:-)

[cornermouse]

476. Exactly.

And I vote EVERY election.

[bahrbearian]

477. Yo Yo

[Mags]

478. I am totally behind Pete Stark!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

480. Hear, hear!!!!! eom

[varelse]

481. /lurk mode = off

Long enough to sign this :)

While I'm "out"...

I wish to thank you for this thread

Thanks to DU for great news and discussions that I follow daily.

And I give thanks to Pete Stark for speaking the truth and not mincing words.

/lurk mode = on

Peace :)

[EFerrari]

483. Welcome to DU.

:hi:

[Rhiannon12866]

485. Rhiannon, here!!!

This man spoke for me and for most everyone I know. The fact that he was forced to apologize for telling the truth is a slap in the face to all of us and a reflection of how dismal things in this country have become...;(

[bobbolink]

486. Added to my call to his office, thanking him.

I happened to be watching the day he uttered the truth...I was surprised and pleased.

Now, saddened that he was Nancied. :(

[mvd]

487. Count me in

I support him 110%! He needs to know that many support him and don't feel his apology was necessary.