Censure now, Impeach next

I’ve been pushing for Impeachment but Censure is good enough for now.

Censure is defined as Less severe than expulsion, a censure (sometimes referred to as condemnation or denouncement) does not remove a senator from office. It is a formal statement of disapproval, however, that can have a powerful psychological effect on a member and his/her relationships in the Senate. In 1834, the Senate censured President Andrew Jackson – the first and only time the Senate censured a president. Since 1789 the Senate has censured nine of its members.

Remarks of Senator Russ Feingold Introducing a Resolution to Censure President George W. Bush

March 13, 2006

“Mr. President, when the President of the United States breaks the law, he must be held accountable. That is why today I am introducing a resolution to censure President George W. Bush.

The President authorized an illegal program to spy on American citizens on American soil, and then misled Congress and the public about the existence and legality of that program. It is up to this body to reaffirm the rule of law by condemning the President’s actions.

All of us in this body took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and bear true allegiance to the same. Fulfilling that oath requires us to speak clearly and forcefully when the President violates the law. This resolution allows us to send a clear message that the President’s conduct was wrong.

And we must do that. The President’s actions demand a formal judgment from Congress.

At moments in our history like this, we are reminded why the founders balanced the powers of the different branches of government so carefully in the Constitution. At the very heart of our system of government lies the recognition that some leaders will do wrong, and that others in the government will then bear the responsibility to do right.

This President has done wrong. This body can do right by condemning his conduct and showing the people of this nation that his actions will not be allowed to stand unchallenged.

To date, members of Congress have responded in very different ways to the President’s conduct. Some are responding by defending his conduct, ceding him the power he claims, and even seeking to grant him expanded statutory authorization powers to make his conduct legal. While we know he is breaking the law, we do not know the details of what the President has authorized or whether there is any need to change the law to allow it, yet some want to give him carte blanche to continue his illegal conduct. To approve the President’s actions now, without demanding a full inquiry into this program, a detailed explanation for why the President authorized it, and accountability for his illegal actions, would be irresponsible. It would be to abandon the duty of the legislative branch under our constitutional system of separation of powers while the President recklessly grabs for power and ignores the rule of law.
Others in Congress have taken important steps to check the President. Senator Specter has held hearings on the wiretapping program in the Judiciary Committee. He has even suggested that Congress may need to use the power of the purse in order to get some answers out of the Administration. And Senator Byrd has proposed that Congress establish an independent commission to investigate this program.
As we move forward, Congress will need to consider a range of possible actions, including investigations, independent commissions, legislation, or even impeachment. But, at a minimum, Congress should censure a president who has so plainly broken the law.
Our founders anticipated that these kinds of abuses would occur. Federalist Number 51 speaks of the Constitution’s system of checks and balances:
“It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”
Mr. President, we are faced with an executive branch that places itself above the law. The founders understood that the branches must check each other to control abuses of government power. The president’s actions are such an abuse, Mr. President. His actions must be checked, and he should be censured.
This President exploited the climate of anxiety after September 11, 2001, both to push for overly intrusive powers in the Patriot Act, and to take us into a war in Iraq that has been a tragic diversion from the critical fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. In both of those instances, however, Congress gave its approval to the President’s actions, however mistaken that approval may have been.
That was not the case with the illegal domestic wiretapping program authorized by the President shortly after September 11th. The President violated the law, ignored the Constitution and the other two branches of government, and disregarded the rights and freedoms upon which our country was founded. No one questions whether the government should wiretap suspected terrorists. Of course we should, and we can under current law. If there were a demonstrated need to change that law, Congress could consider that step. But instead the President is refusing to follow that law while offering the flimsiest of arguments to justify his misconduct. He must be held accountable for his actions.
The facts are straightforward: Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, known as “FISA”, nearly 30 years ago to ensure that as we wiretap suspected terrorists and spies, we also protect innocent Americans from unjustified government intrusion. FISA makes it a crime to wiretap Americans on U.S. soil without the requisite warrants, and the President has ordered warrantless wiretaps of Americans on U.S. soil. The President has broken that law, and that alone is unacceptable. But the President did much more than that.
Not only did the President break the law, he also actively misled Congress and the American people about his actions, and then, when the program was made public, about the legality of the NSA program.
He has fundamentally violated the trust of the American people.
The President’s own words show just how seriously he has violated that trust.
We now know that the NSA wiretapping program began not long after September 11th. Before the existence of this program was revealed, the President went out of his way in several speeches to assure the public that the government was getting court orders to wiretap Americans in the United States – something that he now admits was not the case.
On April 20, 2004, for example, the President told an audience in Buffalo that: “Any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires – a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way.”
In fact, a lot had changed, but the President wasn’t being upfront with the American people.
Just months later, on July 14, 2004, in my own state of Wisconsin, the President said that: “Any action that takes place by law enforcement requires a court order. In other words, the government can't move on wiretaps or roving wiretaps without getting a court order.”
Last summer, on June 9, 2005, the President spoke in Columbus, Ohio, and again insisted that his administration was abiding by the laws governing wiretaps. “Law enforcement officers need a federal judge's permission to wiretap a foreign terrorist's phone, a federal judge's permission to track his calls, or a federal judge's permission to search his property. Officers must meet strict standards to use any of these tools. And these standards are fully consistent with the Constitution of the U.S.”
In all of these cases, the President knew he wasn’t telling the complete story. But engaged in tough political battle during the presidential campaign, and later over Patriot Act reauthorization, he wanted to convince the public that a systems of checks and balances was in place to protect innocent people from government snooping. He knew when he gave those reassurances that he had authorized the NSA to bypass the very system of checks and balances that he was using as a shield against criticisms of the Patriot Act and his Administration’s performance.
This conduct is unacceptable. The President had a duty to play it straight with the American people. But for political purposes, he ignored that duty.
After a New York Times story exposed the NSA program in December of last year, the White House launched an intensive effort to mislead the American people yet again. No one would come to testify before Congress until February, but the President’s surrogates held press conferences and made speeches to try to convince the public that he had acted lawfully.
Most troubling of all, the President himself participated in this disinformation campaign. In the State of the Union address, he implied that the program was necessary because otherwise the government would be unable to wiretap terrorists at all. That is simply untrue. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. You don’t need a warrant to wiretap terrorists overseas – period. You do need a warrant to wiretap Americans on American soil and Congress passed FISA specifically to lay out the rules for these types of domestic wiretaps.
FISA created a secret court, made up of judges who develop national security expertise, to issue warrants for surveillance of suspected terrorists and spies. These are the judges from whom the Bush Administration has obtained thousands of warrants since 9/11. They are the judges who review applications for business records orders and wiretapping authority under the Patriot Act. The Administration has almost never had a warrant request rejected by those judges. It has used the FISA Court thousands of times, but at the same time it asserts that FISA is an “old law” or “out of date” in this age of terrorism and can’t be complied with. Clearly, the Administration can and does comply with it – except when it doesn’t. Then it just arbitrarily decides to go around these judges, and around the law.
The Administration has said that it ignored FISA because it takes too long to get a warrant under that law. But we know that in an emergency, where the Attorney General believes that surveillance must begin before a court order can be obtained, FISA permits the wiretap to be executed immediately as long as the government goes to the court within 72 hours. The Attorney General has complained that the emergency provision does not give him enough flexibility, he has complained that getting a FISA application together or getting the necessary approvals takes too long. But the problems he has cited are bureaucratic barriers that the executive branch put in place, and could remove if it wanted.
FISA also permits the Attorney General to authorize unlimited warrantless electronic surveillance in the United States during the 15 days following a declaration of war, to allow time to consider any amendments to FISA required by a wartime emergency. That is the time period that Congress specified. Yet the President thinks that he can do this indefinitely.
The President has argued that Congress gave him authority to wiretap Americans on U.S. soil without a warrant when it passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force after September 11, 2001. Mr. President, that is ridiculous. Members of Congress did not pass this resolution to give the President blanket authority to order warrantless wiretaps. We all know that. Anyone in this body who would tell you otherwise either wasn’t here at the time or isn’t telling the truth. We authorized the President to use military force in Afghanistan, a necessary and justified response to September 11. We did not authorize him to wiretap American citizens on American soil without going through the process that was set up nearly three decades ago precisely to facilitate the domestic surveillance of terrorists – with the approval of a judge. That is why both Republicans and Democrats have questioned this theory.
This particular claim is further undermined by congressional approval of the Patriot Act just a few weeks after we passed the Authorization for the Use of Military Force. The Patriot Act made it easier for law enforcement to conduct surveillance on suspected terrorists and spies, while maintaining FISA’s baseline requirement of judicial approval for wiretaps of Americans in the U.S. It is ridiculous to think that Congress would have negotiated and enacted all the changes to FISA in the Patriot Act if it thought it had just authorized the President to ignore FISA in the AUMF.
In addition, in the intelligence authorization bill passed in December 2001, we extended the emergency authority in FISA, at the Administration’s request, from 24 to 72 hours. Why do that if the President has the power to ignore FISA? That makes no sense at all.
The President has also said that his inherent executive power gives him the power to approve this program. But here the President is acting in direct violation of a criminal statute. That means his power is, as Justice Jackson said in the steel seizure cases half a century ago, “at its lowest ebb.” A letter from a group of law professors and former executive branch officials points out that “every time the Supreme Court has confronted a statute limiting the Commander-in-Chief’s authority, it has upheld the statute.” The Senate reports issued when FISA was enacted confirm the understanding that FISA overrode any pre-existing inherent authority of the President. As the 1978 Senate Judiciary Committee report stated, FISA “recognizes no inherent power of the president in this area.” And “Congress has declared that this statute, not any claimed presidential power, controls.” Contrary to what the President told the country in the State of the Union, no court has ever approved warrantless surveillance in violation of FISA.
The President’s claims of inherent executive authority, and his assertions that the courts have approved this type of activity, are baseless.
But it is one thing to make a legal argument that has no real support in the law. It is much worse to do what the President has done, which is to make misleading statements about what prior Presidents have done and what courts have approved, to try to make the public believe his legal arguments are much stronger than they are.
For example, in the State of the Union, the President argued that federal courts have approved the use of presidential authority that he was invoking. I asked the Attorney General about this when he came before the Judiciary Committee, and he could point me to no court – not the Supreme Court or any other court – that has considered whether, after FISA was enacted, the President nonetheless had the authority to bypass it and authorize warrantless wiretaps. Not one court. The Administration’s effort to find support for what it has done in snippets of other court decisions would be laughable if this issue were not so serious.
In the same speech, the President referred to other Presidents in American history who cited executive authority to order warrantless surveillance. But of course, those past presidents – like Wilson and Roosevelt – were acting before the Supreme Court decided in 1967 that our communications are protected by the Fourth Amendment, and before Congress decided in 1978 that the executive branch could no longer unilaterally decide which Americans to wiretap. I asked the Attorney General about this issue when he testified before the Judiciary Committee. And neither he nor anyone in the Administration has been able to come up with a single prior example of wiretapping inside the United States since 1978 that was conducted outside FISA’s authorization.
So the President’s arguments in the State of the Union were baseless, and it is unacceptable that the President of the United States would so obviously mislead the Congress and American public.
The President also has argued that periodic internal executive branch review provides an adequate check on the program. He has even characterized this periodic review as a safeguard for civil liberties. But we don’t know what this check involves. And we do know that Congress explicitly rejected this idea of unilateral executive decision-making in this area when it passed FISA.
Finally, the President has tried to claim that informing a handful of congressional leaders, the so-called Gang of Eight, somehow excuses breaking the law. Of course, several of these members said they weren’t given the full story. And all of them were prohibited from discussing what they were told. So the fact that they were informed under these extraordinary circumstances does not constitute congressional oversight, and it most certainly does not constitute congressional approval of the program.
Indeed, it doesn’t even comply with the National Security Act, which requires the entire memberships of the House and Senate Intelligence Committee to be “fully and currently informed of the intelligence activities of the United States.” Nor does the latest agreement to allow a seven-member subcommittee to review the program comply with the law. Granting a minority of the committee access to information is inadequate and still does not comply with the law requiring that the full committee be kept fully informed.
In addition, we now know that some of the Gang of Eight expressed concern about the program. The Administration ignored their protests. One of the eight members of Congress who has been briefed about the program, Congresswoman Jane Harman, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, has said she sees no reason why the Administration cannot accomplish its goals within the law as currently written.
None of the President’s arguments explains or excuses his conduct, or the NSA’s domestic spying program. Not one. It is hard to believe that the President has the audacity to claim that they do.
And perhaps that is what is most troubling here, Mr. President. Even more troubling than the arguments the President has made is what he relies on to make them convincing – the credibility of the office of the President itself. He essentially argues that the American people should trust him simply because of the office he holds.
But Presidents don’t serve our country by just asking for trust, they must earn that trust, and they must tell the truth.
This President hides behind flawed legal arguments, and even behind the office he holds, but he cannot hide from what he has created: nothing short of a constitutional crisis. The President has violated the law, and Congress must respond. Congress must investigate and demand answers. Congress should also determine whether current law is inadequate and address that deficiency if it is demonstrated. But before doing so, Congress should ensure that there is accountability for authorizing illegal conduct.
A formal censure by Congress is an appropriate and responsible first step to assure the public that when the President thinks he can violate the law without consequences, Congress has the will to hold him accountable. If Congress does not reaffirm the rule of law, we will create another failure of leadership, and deal another blow to the public’s trust.
The President’s wrongdoing demands a response. And not just a response that prevents wrongdoing in the future, but a response that passes judgment on what has happened. We in the Congress bear the responsibility to check a President who has violated the law, who continues to violate the law, and who has not been held accountable for his actions.
Passing a resolution to censure the President is a way to hold this President accountable. A resolution of censure is a time-honored means for the Congress to express the most serious disapproval possible, short of impeachment, of the Executive’s conduct. It is different than passing a law to make clear that certain conduct is impermissible or to cut off funding for certain activities. Both of those alternatives are ways for Congress to affect future action. But when the President acts illegally, he should be formally rebuked. He should be censured.
The founders anticipated abuses of executive power by creating a balance of powers in the Constitution. Supporting and defending the Constitution, as we have taken an oath to do, require us to preserve that balance, and to have the will to act. We must meet a serious transgression by the President with a serious response. We must work, as the founders urged us in Federalist Number 51, to control the abuses of government.
The Constitution looks to the Congress to right the balance of power. The American people look to us to take action, to speak out, with one clear voice, against wrongdoing by the President of the United States. In our system of government, no one, not even the President, is above the law.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the resolution be printed in the Record following my remarks. I yield the floor. “
# # #

Senator Finegold:
http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/06/03/2006313.html

Daily Kos Reports:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/13/92636/8829?bcsi_scan_F2E1FCD5D87E8CA5=4A2AkvM+u0RpxFb/qLQ67wIAAADu/wEB

The White House is Crying Wolf

I believe the White House is releasing hyped-up information to the media and to the public in regards to Mad Cow Disease and Bird Flu for the purpose of fear and distracting attention from its political problems.

From observation I also believe President G.W. Bush is using the Department of Health & Human Services & NASA as a sounding board to mislead the public.

I know I cannot be alone in my observation that when things are looking bad for the President that either DHHS or NSA comes out with a series of far fetched announcements.

Trips to the Moon & Mars, Bird Flu, Mad Cow. Hell I know I’m not the only one noticing these patterns. Comedians have made countless jokes about such information coming from the government during times of waning public support.

These abuses of power in the dissemination of exaggerated and manipulated information is just one of another exhibits adding to the case for the absolute removal of this corrupt administration.

Yahoo Reports:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060313/ts_nm/madcow_usa_dc

NPR Reports:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4949542&sourceCode=gaw

The Race to unseat Katherine Harris

Its apparent the current political climate is a great benefit to Democrats. Corruption is rampant within the Republican Party. Many forget that these patterns of corruption coupled with bending the rules for ones political advantage began with Ms. Katherine Harris, then Republican Secretary of State whom awarded Florida’s electoral votes to G.W. Bush under the governorship of his brother, Jeb Bush.

Politics is a sport about people & winning. The Republicans have relentlessly held onto to this principle in jeopardy of the integrity of their party.

Rep. Katharine Harris, the GOP poster child of corruption is challenging Democratic Senator Bill Nelson. She is currently no competition to this veteran senator. Harris’s decisions as Sectary of State have always cast a shadow on her tenure and now evidence is coming to light linking her to Jack Abramoff.

Surely the Democratic Party can win this 13th Congressional seat?

The Democratic Party moves at the speed of a turtle. Politics as usual will not win Democrats this seat in Sarasota County where the number of registered Republicans is double that of Democrats.

People say its all about money and fundraising. I disagree. The GOP has and will always out fundraise the Democrats. So why haven’t they always been in power? Because fundraising can be trumped by organization.

I differ with the folk who claim to be political experts and whom are in the leadership of the DEMS. Why do I? These are the same folk that were in charge of the Party in 2000 and 2004.

The Democratic Party has lost ground to the Republicans not on a monetary level but on an organizational level. The GOP has found a nitch with churches. The DEMS must work harder to build its organization and prove to churches they’re interest is best vested in the Democratic Party. Many liberals right off people of faith for reasons I don‘t understand. Such a perception of these voting Americans will once again cost liberal candidates votes.

When it comes to politics in Florida where there’s a church on every corner you can’t win without paying your dues to the Churches. The GOP paid its dues with their Faith Based Initiatives while in addition too winning favor in the African American community. The DEMS must too pull and/or propose such powerful political maneuvers to win.

The Democratic Party from the local to national levels has 2 major problems that needs to be solved before Summer 2006: appealing to people of faith and Organizational cohesiveness.

From observation one can see as depicted in the recent break of a private firm from the DNC to build a voter data base that turning the Democratic Party into an organization that works more like a political machine is required.

The War in Iraq, Jobs, Healthcare, the Economy, Education. These are all Democratic values where we can gain ground. I hope the top contenders for the 13th Congressional District will take a lead an not continue campaigning as usual. I hope they will not mimic the likes of John Kerry, speaking empty substance less rhetoric which would result in not a win, but just another lost opportunity.

Oprah Helps Katrina Victims

The Republican's government has failed the South after Hurricane Katrina. This Republican dominated government has failed to secure our Homeland therefore it is apparent that affluent blacks must work to fill this void of leadership & lack of compassion.

It is disheartening to see blacks of influence like Condi Rice and Colin Powell not demand swift efficient action in response to Katrina. Both persons I once had respect for. But now it is sparklingly clear they both might as well be Uncle Toms. Condi if nominated for President deserves not one black vote because of her silence on this matter.

There are however blacks that are rich & powerful but still remain in touch with their heritage and people. Like Oprah Winfrey, a Great American.

"Back in September, Oprah promised families displaced by Hurricane Katrina new homes and a new community."

Oprah is keeping her word through the Angel Network.

http://www.oprah.com/uyl/katrina/uyl_katrina_help.jhtml

NSA Domestic Surveillance Program

I quote the White House:

"I think that where these Democrats who are calling for this ought to spend their time is on what was the source of the unauthorized disclosure of this vital, incredible program in the war on terrorism," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. "I really don't think there is any basis for a special counsel. ... But the fact that this information was disclosed about the existence of this program has given the enemy some of our playbook."

This matter must be discussed in context of the public having knowledge of what the government is doing and in matters where secrecy is needed via the Congress. These elected representatives of the people should be as privileged to such information as White House, intelligence or military officials.

Whistle blower laws also shield and encourage government employees to reveal such information.

No act within the U.S. Government should be done in the dark without at the least oversight of Congress. The only involvement of Congress is this specific program were vague reports to a few in leadership. It is absurd to hold the position that the White House can authorize such a program side sipping the Courts, the stated rule of law, and circumventing Congress.

Not only is such an authorization absurd, but it is illegal, unethical, criminal and un American.

Report:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/27/eavesdropping.ap/index.html

Defund the Iraq War

I’ve listened to Conservative leaders for some time like Scott McClellan, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, and Sean Hannity to seek some reason, but no more! I have come to the conclusion they are all PIGS.

Here’s what I say:

Congress must bring an End to the War in Iraq by defunding it, cutting its budget to allow for approximately 20,00 troops to remain in order to execute specific projects. The U.S. would continue to provide economic support for Iraq reconstruction. Do this by April 1, 2006.

Cut the entire Dept. of Homeland Security then place these saved funds into education, economic incentives to alternative & renewable energy industries and for rebuilding New Orleans. Cut all incentives to Oil Companies give these saved funds to companies that work in alternative energy sources.

Fire Mike Chertoff, Fire Donald Rumfesld and replace him with Colin Powell. Dick Cheney must step down. G.W. Bush must be investigated. Fire the Heads of the CIA, NSA, FBI, Homeland Security, and National Intelligence.

Burn the entire Patriot Acts

End the NSA Domestic Surveillance Program and put everyone who approved it in jail.

Charge all foreign detainees then give them a fair trial or return them to their country of origin, and end all practices of torture.

An Administration of Corruption, Incompetents, Indifference, and Arrogance.

(The below link has potential offensive language)

http://filmstripinternational.com./

Grassroots Impeachment Movement Continues to Grow

27 Members of the House Now Support Impeachment Inquiry

There are now 27 members of the House of Representatives, including John Conyers, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee who are supporting a bill, H. Res 635, calling for "a select committee to investigate the Administration's intent to go to war before Congressional authorization, manipulation of pre-war intelligence, encouraging and countenancing torture, retaliating against critics, and to make recommendations regarding grounds for possible impeachment."

"Our principles are enshrined in our Constitution and a system of duly enacted laws, and in a government where all are accountable and no one is above the law," stated Rep. Barbara Lee of California, one of the co-sponsors of the impeachment inquiry. "Our Constitution gives us a system of checks and balances and divided power because our founders were bitterly familiar with dealing with an unaccountable executive and were determined that our nation should not have a king," said Congresswoman Lee.

Tampa Bay Politics. Idiotic Liberals

I must firmly come out against my fellow progressives whom are opposing Hilary Clinton so soon in being the next President of the United States, and her visit to Tampa to this week.

I use to share the same views as some of these far leftist. That the principle of supporting a good person like Ralph Nader was honorable. That I would not sacrifice my beliefs in order to support a lesser of to evils in the Democratic candidate. I know have come to the reality that this is simply a dream in American politics. At least until we have a good man or woman in the White House to steer our nation towards positive uncorrupt reforms.

There are many things I like about the Honorable Ms. Hilary Clinton. She is a fighter and we know what she will do if elected. DO NOT confuse her as a flip flopper, and I say this specifically in regards to a radio statement that Clinton changes her positions. This is false, Clinton’s positions are consistent. Do not confuse her with the likes of John Kerry. She has a record and has taking tangible initiative on issues such as Health Care and children’s issues.

I would be more than happy to align myself with Greens and left progressive but the fact is you have no unity, you do not work together, and you have no viable leaders. It all practicality, support Ms. Clinton or get your act together and win elections.

Clinton is someone that can whip the ass of the GOP

St. Pete for Peace is protesting Ms. Clintons visit to Tampa. Even though your group is not putting forth any viable alternative candidates and your group is not putting forth any issue campaigns that can be supported by the public. This is where your energies should be directed, not towards defeating someone that could be your ally. Don’t be idiotic, your pride and principle is worthless if another corrupt Republican is elected.

I simply ask you to not add to corrupt conservatives opposing Clinton, killing your very cause.

Sarasota: Constitutional Vigil

Katherine Harris' Office
1991 Main Street, Suite 181
Sarasota, FL
22 Feb 06:30 PM

Restore the Rule of Law: President Bush admitted to personally authorizing thousands of allegedly illegal wiretaps, and he doesn't plan to stop. In response to this historic abuse of power, which threatens the very core of our Constitution, we've mounted a campaign to "Restore the Rule of Law." This Constitutional Vigil will take place outside Katherine Harris’ office (1991 Main Street, Suite 181).

I have decided to Host this event along with Moveon.Org in order to inform District 13 Rep. Katherine Harris of local opposition to the NSA Domestic Surveillance Program. You make ask why not simply meet with Ms. Harris. I have written this office in the past and have received automated responses.

Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM), who chairs the subcommittee that oversees the National Security Agency was joined by at least six other republicans in questioning the president’s illegal authority to use wiretaps. Wilson has called for a full scale investigations.

I also hope for a full independent investigation, in addition to the White House releasing all information in regards to the name of American citizens whom have been under investigation via this illegal program. I call for the Federal government to follow the rule of law as it clearly establishes the FISA Court as the sole means of issuing wiretaps upon U.S. citizens.

All are welcome. The event will last approximately 30 minutes. See you there!

-Anthony Brooks

Beautiful Florida

Warm Mineral Spring in North Port, FL

Nice place, good Russian food. The water was actually cold when I visited and I didn't see spring bubbles coming up like you do at other Florida springs like Lithia Springs. The water had a salty taste so I guess minerals were popping up from somewhere.

Cool little place to take your family. Also good exercise for the old folk too(just kidding).

As you many know, there are ‘factions’ that want to drill for Oil off the cost of Florida. I do not support and will never support such drilling. Florida’s industry is tourism founded on our beauty and its environment. This why Floridian love our state. 10 minute drive to a beautiful beach, last thing I want to see is an oil rig.

The energy solutions for our state does not lie in Oil but in alternative energies and fuels. Furthermore Florida residents would not benefit financial from such drilling. The benefit I’m speaking of are jobs. There is a better way. Jeb Bush , GOP FL State legislature, and County Governments have the power to offer financial incentives to producers of alternative energies. An old saying but state & local governments need to “think outside the box”.

One prime endeavor could be tax breaks to companies whom work in Solar power. Remember Walt Disney World has become a power house in Florida because of initial tax breaks giving by the State of Florida and Orange County.

Aren’t known as the sunshine state? Why not attempt to explore the Solar industry? It seems to worth the risk and investment. Texas who already has a national monopoly over Oil is exploring wind power. Lets step ahead of other states, preserve our environment while creating jobs through new industries.

Here in Florida we are prone to hurricanes. During the last two storms, Jeb asked Texas for Oil. As one of the most populous and largest by size states in the union its time we kicked our addiction to Texas Oil.

Freedom Movement, Re-thought.

There is a large number of Americans that want to see G.W. Bush and Dick Cheney resign or be impeached. In light of the current political climate I believe this goal is more of a reality.

After this, excuse my French, Bull Shit with wiretapping upon American citizens without going through the FISA Court I see this now longer as a movement for Impeachment but a movement for Freedom. While Freedom is on the march in Iraq and Afghanistan it is being constricted in America. As I think on this matter I must also say that I am fully conscious of the additional constriction of economic freedoms that motivate the pursuit of the American dream.

As shown in the picture above from September 2005, 100,000 plus + American citizens protested right outside of the White House in opposition to this Administration.

It upsets me greatly that our government and certain 'Media outlets' continue to ignore the vast numbers that oppose the current agenda.

They say liberals, independents, greens have no 'legitimate' ideas. Legitimate according to whom: The GOP? I beg to differ: not just on this blog but countless Democratic politicians have been attempting to present bills & ideas that have been rejected by the GOP.

Specifically: the War in Iraq, Corruption, Domestic policy and advancing regular citizens.

This event in September should have sent a wake up call to the President and to Conservatives in charge that they need to at the least listen to those in opposition.

Rep. John Lewis (D) [whom walked along Martin Luther King Jr.] said and I paraphrase, ‘as a boy he lived on a farm where he raised chickens. He aspired to be a minister and practiced his sermons on these chickens. Mr. Lewis said those chickens use to node their heads like they understood what he was saying. Mr. Lewis in a recent speech said those chickens listened to him more than the Republicans in charge of the government. ‘

I believe that us concerned citizens, after our democratic opinions being ignored for years should cease in following simple acts of civil protest & assembling, and engage in actions of civil disobedience to the very boundary of the law.

Dick Cheney should step down.

30 years of service in question.

From the first day the Bush Administration was sworn in, Dick Cheney has been the target of allegations of corruption and conspiracy theories. It is ironic that this Vice Presdent known as the “military industrial complex” has had a terrible accident with a fire arm.

Any American with common sense can not deny that at least as it relates to Vice-President Dick Cheney after failing to notify the public of this accident for 20 hours and just today he decides to speak on this matter personally (that). This coupled with the fact that Cheney’s Fmr. Chief of Staff L. Libby recently stating he released National Intelligence information on approval form his superiors. Libby had only 4 superiors: Dick Cheney, Andy Card, Karl Rove, and President Bush. Identifying Cheney as the central figure in the Culture (s) of corruption, deception, misinformation, manipulation, and malfeasance do have merit.

I write with respect for Cheney’s 30 years of service as Chief of Staff for President Ford, Secretary of Defense, CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President for G.W. Bush. But honestly, Cheney is a problem. This man that has been a powerful political force behind the curtain, unfortunately I believe his time has come to resign from government.

There is simply no defense for this possible act of malfeasance, in addition too but not enough reason to fire a public official this act of selfish arrogance.. The Vice President of United States is not a private citizen. Everyone knows that once someone chooses to seek elected office their affairs are no longer private. Furthermore, the Executive Office of the President is served by the Press Secretary who reports when the presidential dog is sick nether the less if the Vice President accidentally shoots someone.

Once a man like Dick Cheney, a public servant, believes the interest of his person is above the duties of his office, he is no longer fit to serve the People.

FL Politics: Rod Smith for Governor gains Momentum

For the last year Congressman Jim Davis has been the front runner in the race to be the next governor of the great state of Florida. He has been presented as the heir apparent to follow in the legacy of democratic governors like Bob Graham and “Walking” Lawton Chiles.

However in light of the current political climate in Washington and the popularity of the republican contenders, FL State Democrats must put forth a fighter, and someone that has a proven record of service. That is why I believe that Rod Smith should be the Democratic nominate and the next Governor of Florida. I have shaken hands both with Davis and Smith and looked them both square in the eye. I have also heard both men speak live on several occasions. I’ll some it up for you: both men are text book politicians.

Davis will tell you hat he thinks you want to hear and at least from his speeches he has a lack of substance. Davis is a U.S. Congressman. I personally am very concerned with the happenings in Washington D.C. Davis's lack of leadership in such matters as Hurricane Katrina, Iraq, and corruption is what has changed my support for his candidacy. Davis, a current member of Congress failed to even mentioned any of these items.

Smith in my opinion was the underdog but now after speaking a strong Democratic line and frankly remembering shaking my hand he has my vote and my support. We need a strong Democrat that will challenge the GOP.

Davis is running a Kerry-like campaign. A weak substance less campaign. I look at the Republican challengers: Charlie Crist and Tom Gallagher. Crist is extremely popular, therefore it will take a campaign fighter like Rod Smith to beat him.

As a member of the Democratic Party, I personally hope that our party will not waist any opportunity to take back the State of Florida.

That is why Floridians must put forth a strong Democrat in Rod Smith for Governor of the great State of Florida. This is not an endorsement but a statement that Smith is looking to be a more viable candidate.

Rod Smith for Governor:
http://www.rodsmith2006.com/index.jsp

Jim Davis for Governor:
http://www.jimdavis2006.com/main.cfm

Stewards of the Earth: Christian Environmentalism

Some Christian groups answer the call of God and take up the cause of environmentalism.

Despite what religious leaders like Pat Robertson would seek to mislead you into believing, this movement is not aimed at harming industry but it prays to sincerely become stewards of Gods great creation, our planet Earth.

Reports:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1491-2005Feb5.html

http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2004/10/27/scherer-christian/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4642241.stm

The Bush Budget 2007: Part I

It does not matter if you are a Democrat, Republican, Green, Independent or Libertarian. When it comes to Power within the United States of America, its about dollars.

Dollars, a language we all can speak. After hearing Joshua Bolten, White House Budget Director present the President’s 2007 Budget I must respective fully say that the U.S. is fucked. No, this is not something I wish and I fret to speak so negatively about my nation.

Let me first say that I do understand the basics of economics and monetary policy and its relation to public policy.

Since 1994 after Republicans gained control of Congress the nation’s coffers have been managed irresponsibly and in direct contrast to traditional conservative values exposing fiscal responsibility.

Joshua Bolten, as an employee of President G.W. Bush would have you believe that WE must cut or as he stated “control the rate of growth for entitlement programs’. This Administration believes we must cut services like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

In regards to these two health programs. These are the only national health programs we have in America, they even are not accessible for all citizens, only a miniscule number of qualified elderly and disabled Americans can benefit. So I ask you, with all logic and compassion how can an already limited program even be considered to be ‘controlled’?

Now, on to Social Security. Like stated earlier this all about dollars. My friend every working tax paying American pays into Social Security. The Government has no right to do anything with your money than what this program was intended for. What is wrong with the brains of politicians whom proclaim that Social Security is a financial burden when this program at least in my view if managed correctly should pay for itself. If this is not the case then countless public officials need to be fired. I have worked and paid Social Security Taxes since I was 16 years old, investing about 10 years into Social Security. I will have more than a cow if I do not receive back at the least what I put into this program. These rich elites, whom do not benefit from Social Security fail to see its importance to working people. If they attempt to, what I see, as stealing this hard earned retirement money from working class people the result will be old people with their walkers marching down Pennsylvania Ave. These bureaucrats have a duty to effectively manage our Social Security Trust and to look to solve the monetary blunders they have created elsewhere.

Bolten blamed sky rocketing deficits on Hurricane Katrina and higher energy cost. This is a falsification. The deficits were skyrocketing long before August 2005. What happened to natural disaster planning and the responsibilities of insurance companies ? The price of gas had doubled long before Katrina. This storm was an excuse not a cause. And yes, lets talk about energy cost: under the G.W. Bush energy cost have sky rocketed but what has this Administration done solve these problems. I’ll tell you what. Nothing but measures that worsened these situations.

The truth is Supplemental Appropriations for Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, Tax Cuts, and corporate oil company incentives has increase the national deficit. Bolten failed to even mentioned the impact of these $80 Billion A Year expenditures above the already enormous Defense Dept Budget until questioned by a reporter. And my friend the Dept of Homeland Security which is an entirely new department was created during the G.W. Bush Administration. Washington to Clinton protected our nation fine without this wasteful department. Yes, like I said its all about dollars.

This current government, not that of Jimmy Carter, not that of Ronald Regan, not that of George Bush Sr., not that of Bill Clinton but only this GOP Administration have so irresponsibly mismanaged our dollars. I heard someone say that under G.W. Bush the national debt has increased at a greater rate then all other presidents combined. And those who say G.W. Bush has not control over the U.S. economy, you were misinformed. It is the President who proposes the government’s budget.

But don’t take my word for it. I will provide resources for you look at the budget yourself below. I strongly believe this 2007 Budget is the most import since Vietnam. I know this because it is in the aftermath of 9/11and the nation is emerging from a haze of terror & fear and engaging in dialogue on this War on Terror. I know this because this Budget is occurring fiscally immediately after Hurricane Katrina. I know this because just a year after re-election now know competency level of G.W. Bush. And I know this because we have the opportunity in this Budget to end the War in Iraq.

I would even ask you to entertain this ‘radical’ idea: the people of the State of California recalled their Democratic Governor Grey Davis and replaced him with Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. The polls show that a significant majority of Americans believe the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, especially financially. So, could we also agree to remove the leaders that brought us to this situation? And not give Congressmen 11 more months, and the President 3 more years to slowly dismantle the economic strength of America but to remove them from office this month, February 2006. This is the great democracy of the world, we the people must have some legal or democratic means to hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions.

This 2007 Budget is as important as balancing your personnel check book.

Summary of the Proposed U.S. Budget 2007:

• Dept. of Defense = $440 Billion
  
• Dept. of Homeland Security = $33 Billion
  
• All Other Departments = $398 Billion
  
• War in Iraq, Afghanistan & Terror = $120 Billion (per year)
  
• Hurricane Response = $4.6 Billion
  

Please consider doing the following:
1) Ask your Representative and Senator to not make a fast vote on this Budget.
2) Check out the Budget for yourself.
3) Contact your Rep., your Senator and the President and tell them how you would like to se your tax dollars spent.


U.S. Budget 2007 Research:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2007/

http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/3267/1/90?TopicID=1

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/expectmore/


-Anthony Brooks
Checks & Balances Blog

In Honor of: Corretta Scott King

In Honor of

Corretta Scott King

1927-2006

They say behind every great man, there is a great woman. That is precisely how to describe the late wife of the great American the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Corretta Scott King.


Ms. King “embodied her husbands legacy”. She continued this fight for civil rights and what she called three crimes of humanity: war, poverty, and racism.

NPR covers her “homecoming” well. You can hear the speeches of 4 U.S. Presidents. Carter, Bush Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr. An amazing event in honor of two great Black Americans.

The King Center:
http://www.thekingcenter.org/csk/index.html

NPR Reports:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5180053

NY Times Reports:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/31/national/31cnd-coretta.html?ex=1154322000&en=6e20c6e5a347f741&ei=5087&excamp=GGGNcorettascottking
Video Speech of Martin Luther in Relation to the Iraq War:
http://www.bushflash.com/mlk.html

State of Delusion

State of Delusion
Friday, February 03 2006 @ 10:08 AM PST
By PAUL KRUGMANNY Times Op-Ed 2/3/06

"So President Bush's plan to reduce imports of Middle East oil turns out to be no more substantial than his plan — floated two years ago, then flushed down the memory hole — to send humans to Mars.

But what did you expect? After five years in power, the Bush administration is still — perhaps more than ever — run by Mayberry Machiavellis, who don't take the business of governing seriously.

Here's the story on oil: In the State of the Union address, Mr. Bush suggested that "cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol" and other technologies would allow us "to replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East."But the next day, officials explained that he didn't really mean what he said. "This was purely an example," said Samuel Bodman, the energy secretary. And the administration has actually been scaling back the very research that Mr. Bush hyped on Tuesday night: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is about to lay off staff because of cuts to its budget.

"A veteran researcher," reports The New York Times, "said the staff had been told that the cuts would be concentrated among researchers in wind and biomass, which includes ethanol.

"Why announce impressive sounding goals when you have no plan to achieve them? The best guess is that the energy "plan" was hastily thrown together to give Mr. Bush something positive to say.

For weeks administration sources told reporters that the State of the Union address would focus on health care. But at the last minute the White House might have realized that its health care proposals, based on the idea that Americans have too much insurance, would suffer the same political fate as its attempt to privatize Social Security. ("Congress," Mr. Bush said, "did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security." Democrats responded with a standing ovation.)

So Mr. Bush's speechwriters were told to replace the health care proposals with fine words about energy independence, words not backed by any actual policy.

What about the rest of the speech? The State of the Union is normally an occasion for boasting about an administration's achievements. But what's a speechwriter to do when there are no achievements?

One answer is to pretend that the bad stuff never happened. The Medicare drug benefit is Mr. Bush's largest domestic initiative to date. It is also a disaster: at enormous cost, the administration has managed to make millions of elderly Americans worse off. So drugs went unmentioned in the State of the Union.

Another answer is to rely on evasive language. In Iraq, Mr. Bush said, we have "changed our approach to reconstruction."

In fact, reconstruction has failed. Almost three years after the war began, oil production is well below prewar levels, Baghdad is getting only an average of 3.2 hours of electricity a day, and more than 60 percent of water and sanitation projects have been canceled.

So now, having squandered billions in Iraqi oil revenue as well as American taxpayer dollars, we have told the Iraqis that from here on in it is their problem. America's would-be Marshall Plan in Iraq, reports The Los Angeles Times, "is drawing to a close this year with much of its promise unmet and no plans to extend its funding." I guess you can call that a change in approach.There is a common theme underlying the botched reconstruction of Iraq, the botched response to Katrina (which Mr. Bush never mentioned), the botched drug program and the nonexistent energy program.

John DiIulio, the former White House head of faith-based policy, explained it more than three years ago. He told the reporter Ron Suskind how this administration operates:

"There is no precedent in any modern White House for what is going on in this one: a complete lack of a policy apparatus. ... I heard many, many staff discussions but not three meaningful, substantive policy discussions.

There were no actual policy white papers on domestic issues."In other words, this administration is all politics and no policy. It knows how to attain power, but has no idea how to govern. That is why the administration was caught unaware when Katrina hit, and why it was totally unprepared for the predictable problems with its drug plan. It is why Mr. Bush announced an energy plan with no substance behind it. And it is why the state of the union — the thing itself and not the speech — is so grim. "

Peninsula Peace and Justice Center · 457 Kingsley Ave · Palo Alto, CA

Perception or Truth?

President G.W. Bush has recently said that pictures coming out of Iraq and New Orleans are the cause of the decline in support for his agenda

If this is his sincere perception then we have a problem here in America.

The founders of our nation established the freedom of press and therefore information.

Unedited pictures informing the American public on happenings throughout the world is unquestionably responsible. The President’s insinuation that if in his powers he would suppress such information is against the very principles our nation was founded upon. The Freedom of Press and the Power of Oversight by Congress based on unadulterated information.

Last Chance to Save America: Stop Alito!!!

Friends, the vote on the Filibuster and final Alito vote are taking place today and tomorrow.

Please contact your senator and voice your opinion.

There are many grass roots organizations in addition to prominent leaders like John Kerry whom believe we have a chance to prevent Alito from being seated on the U.S. Supreme Court.

It only takes a minute to send an e-mail or call your senators office.

Thanks,

Find your Senator:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

People for the American Way
http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/

Culture of Corruption

Since the Republicans took control of the White House and Congress there has been a dramatic decrease in the integrity of our government creating a culture of corruption never seen before.

The United States of America is a nation founded upon slavery and extortion of the Indians all through deceptive agreements, frankly by certain elements within our society.

Do you believe that these elements of people have shed the wealth of their lineage and that the character of those in charge of the Grand Old Republican Party is any better?

It is not, they are now simply executing a 21 Century form of extortion. A corrupt War on the middle class, working class, and the poor. For now in in 2006 the color of power is not black and white, but it is green. The GOP subvertly represents the worst of American greed, arrogance, and ambition. President G.W. Bush the leader of this new neo con so called conservative agenda is nothing more than the Deceiver-in- Chief.

These elements of people have deceived the American people, whom by large have no knowledge of the truth. Knowledge that can be easily found by taking 5 minutes to read a paper or by reading actual bills.

Laws such as the Patriot Act, Clean Skies, Bankruptcy reforms, proposed Reforms to Social Security, Medicare Reforms, Prescription drug benefits, changes in the Tax Code all have fooled too many Americans that put their trust in their government.

My fellow young people, college students, and professionals, please don’t believe these laws don’t effect you. We are the ones working our butts off making the rich richer. We are the ones fighting wars, potentially becoming crippled and dying in Iraq. For a war about oil and money not about democracy nor WMD’s.

Politicians dirtier than mud like Tom Delay, Karl Rove, and Jack Abramoff lead the GOP.

And with all do respect to a man I believe to be a Christian unfortunately being advised by evil influences, President G.W. Bush. He and his ‘ adviser’ Dick Cheney have interest in big business. Under their watch the price of gas has nearly increased 200%. This is not capitalism. It is corruption, they not the economic markets have cause the rise in gas prices for the purpose of giving your money to their friends. Just like Bush attempted to appoint his friend and personal secretary Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. These people have no integrity nor do they seek to benefit anyone outside of their element.

Don’t dare tell me this is simply capitalism, when under the leadership of President Bill Clinton the price of gas was stable.

We must also not ignore the facts in regards to the War in Iraq. We the American people are being told different justifications for this War everyday by the GOP! Lairs and deceivers.

It is time for action by the American people.

Is corruption enough reason to Impeach President G.W. Bush and overturn the Congress. I think so.

Comments welcome.

Would you still vote for G.W. Bush?

Knowing what you know now, would you still vote for G.W. Bush?

Midterm elections are months away, but it's starting to feel like an election year already. President Bush's 2004 rival John Kerry has jumped in, calling the administration "incompetent." Meanwhile, Bush is waging a campaign of his own, defending domestic spying in the week leading up to his State of the Union address. And scandalous Bush adviser Karl Rove is back in the game, too, making it clear national security will play a key role in this year's elections.

Your comments are welcome.

Alito: Its not over, till its over.

Let me first say that Alito has not been confirm to the Supreme Court, he is still only a nominee.

This week during the questioning of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito I heard U.S. Senators say things that there were saying the complete opposite a year ago.

Senator Lindsay Graham, one of the strongest proponents for measures strengthening protecting national security while putting concerns of rights of privacy and civil liberties aside. Sen. Graham said Alito should not be guilty by association, specifically the association of being a member of a highly questionable racist & sexist group called CAP. This is contrary to previous comments by Graham, in addition to being contrary to the Bush Administration’s stance and the position of the U.S. Justice Department on the matter of united states citizens and their alleged links to terrorist. I know first hand, that us citizen have and are being deemed guilty by association. As a Former Student Leader at the University of South FL I know of Professor Sami Al-arain, a u.s. citizen who was arrested, lost his job, and was jailed for years before he was acquitted of all charges of links to terrorism. I know this case specifically because Al-Airna is now a former professor of the University I attend and the City of Tampa which I reside. Comments by Bush Administration officials and supporters that these things do not happen to U.S. citizens is simply false. Just recently Jose Pedlli, a U.S. citizen accused of being linked to terrorist has been moved from military to civilian custody in Miami, FL.

The NSA is investigating U.S. citizens who receive communications from foreigners supposedly with links to terrorist. Consequently the Bush Administration is being sued by ACLU and other groups.Through thier acions the Bush Administration is acting without oversight of the courts or Congress. The White House has also have failed to present a clear & legal definition of “links to terrorism”.

I strongly disagree with graham and these practices. It is vividly clear that Samuel Alito is guilty by his political associations rendering him unfit to serve as a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the case of Rep. Tom Delay, the initial judge assigned to his case was dismissed for his political affiliations.Is there a separate standard of ethics for Republicans? Is there a separate litmus test for Republicans?

Is this corrupt hypocrisy within a Justice Department under the watch of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez?

We must also discuss established law. Opposition to Alito's nomination is rationally in context of the President appointing him, G.W. Bush. You see Bush has a clear stance that in light of 9/11 established laws like utilizing FISA Courts to obtain warrants to secretly investigate U.S. citizens does not have to be followed. Bush also believes that during War times the president has far reaching powers that do not need oversight by the courts or Congress giving the president authority to circumvent established laws. How is this arrangement even conceivable within the Unites States of America, a land of laws?

G.W. Bush is attempting to rebuild the nation of Iraq based upon law while simultaneously pissing on U.S. Constitution.

A Constitution that does not give the president the power to create law or policy that circumvent establish laws even during war times. We cannot tolerate a Supreme Court Justice that supports such unaccountible presidential powers. If Congress will not keep the President in check then this responsibility falls with the Supreme Court. The founders of our country created checks and balances within our government, a 3 branch system to prevent the rise of such a powerful president, to prevent a king. It would be in teh interest of the American people to honor this historic heritage and stop any such agenda.

Some have argued that Samuel Alito supports such views and possesses an ideology that aspires to create a ‘unilateral presidency’. He believes that law stems from the one man, thePresident and not the People. I have read the Constitution, it is clear the power to create law lies solely with the People via Congress. The President is to execute such laws, faithfully.

In light of this current culture of corruption within Washington D.C. what can we as American expect from our leaders? Unlike term limited Congressmen, Judges serve for life. This is why these nomination to the Supreme Court is so crucial. There is also the reality that other Justices may retire during G.W. Bush's term. Therefore this is a seat that should be forfeited so easily.

Alito by his affiliations is unfit to serve. Furthermore his inability to remember being a member of this racist/sexist organization (credentials he placed on an application to work within the United States government years ago) shows he simply does not possess the honesty nor integrity to be a judge on the U.S. Supreme Court.

We, as citizens of the United States of America cannot tolerate the pollution our highest court with Justices appointed by a corrupt President and Justices like Samuel Alito whom possessed poor judgment 20 years ago in joining CAP. An error in judgement which is indicative of poor judgments he will render for you, your, your job, your children, and our nation for decades to come.

I pray our Senators will brush aside their partisanship and outright reject Alito, and demand nomination of a Justice of temperance, moderation and integrity.

Opposition to Alito:
http://www.alitosamerica.org/
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5064320
http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2005/23387res20060109.html
http://www.now.org/press/11-05/11-14.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/01/AR2006010100788.html
http://www.forward.com/articles/7084
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/16/MNGDHG8VTK1.DTL
http://www.savethecourt.org/site/c.mwK0JbNTJrF/b.849267/k.CC39/Home.htm

Alito Pushes for Stronger Presidential Powers/Unitary President:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/01/AR2006010100788.html
http://csmonitor.com/2006/0109/p01s02-usju.html

Alito Opposes Right to Privacy & Affirmative Action:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usalit154513475nov15,0,6756107.story?coll=ny-nationalnews-headlines
http://judicialnetwork.com/cgi-data/press_releases/files/47.shtml

G.W. Bush & Cheney Seek to Expand Power through the Courts:
http://www.scotusblog.com/movabletype/archives/2006/01/two_inquiries_i.html

Alito and CAP:
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2005/11/22/opinion/13901.shtml?type=printable

My Opinion: Let me say I call them like I see them and I believe in intuition. From hearing the Alito hearings he place a lot of emphasis on cases where he sided with minorities (African Americans) in discrimination and employment cases. This immediately threw up red flags with me. If someone is innocent they don’t even contemplate saying things to cover their ass. Alito made numerous statements about such rulings. No wonder Civil Rights groups are opposing him so vehemently. If you’re black or Hispanic you better write your Congressman and oppose Alito today before they vote!. Don’t forget Katrina & New Orleans. If Alito was a biggot 20years ago, he still is. His wife ran out of the Senate chambers crying because her husbands true colors were shown. Opposed this man. All of these pundits on TV saying the confirmation is over are the same pundits that called elections wrong in 2000 & 2004, and messed up reporting about those dead miners in W. Virginia. They don’t know what the hell they’re talking about. The Alito confirmation is not over. This man cannot be allowed to serve on the Supreme Court.

Sarasota: Mike LaFevers Launches Website

SARASOTA, FL – Mike LaFevers, Democratic candidate for United States Congress in Florida’s 13th District, announced today that the Mike LaFevers for U.S. Congress campaign has launched its new website at www.MikeLaFevers.com

The new website includes a biography of Mike Mike LaFevers, a Statement of Why Mike LaFevers is running for Congress, where Mike LaFevers stands on the issues and information about Why Mike LaFevers Can Win. Individuals can also sign up for campaign updates, sign up to volunteer, sign up to endorse Mike LaFevers and supporters can contribute on-line.
Mike LaFevers welcomes individuals to visit his new website to learn about why he is running for Congress and where he stands on the issues.

###

www.MikeLaFevers.com

Great American: Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Man Who Would be President

I Have a Dream - Address at March on Washington
August 28, 1963. Washington, D.C.

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. [Applause]
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.
But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Celebrating King:
http://www.bushflash.com/mlk.html

Irresponsible Debate versus the 1st Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. “

President George W. Bush calls debate by free American citizens that oppose his agenda as irresponsible.

What would not be responsible is debate encouraging violence such as dragging G.W Bush down Pennsylvania Avenue by his boots straps. What is irresponsible is a President taking action contrary to the very principals he was elected to preserve. Principles he swore an oath to uphold. Freedom of speech, unadulterated.

Through his comments G.W. Bush is discouraging, and even more extreme, the White House seeks direct action against individuals such as Ambassador Joe Wilson whom disagree with his policy.

This is the United States of America, not Nazi Germany. It is regretful that our President has resorted to outright discouraging private citizens from disagreeing with his agenda by deeming them irresponsible and obstructionist. In America, citizens say whatever the hell they please. A politician not able to handle such criticism certainly is not fit to serve as President.

Reuters Reports:
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-01-10T203804Z_01_WRI057905_RTRUKOC_0_UK-IRAQ-BUSH.xml&archived=False

Political Screen Toys

http://www.screentoys.com/

Local/Tampa Bay: Coach Tony Dungy

James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead of an apparent suicide in his Tampa-area apartment early December 22.

Tony Dungy, the former Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a great American and devout Christian. Thoughts and prayers for his family in this time of lost. All hope that he will return to the game and bring home a Super Bowl win.

James Dungy, another fallen brother, may his soul be at peace.

Report:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2268593

Suicide Support:
http://www.befrienders.org/

Support Congressman Conyers, Jr.

Demand Censure for Bush-Cheney Misconduct & Investigate Impeachable Offenses

I am taking steps against the Bush Administration’s handling of the Iraq War and its collection of intelligence. I am going to need you to stand with me in fighting for accountability.

http://www.johnconyers.com/

Lame Duck President

G. W. Bush became a Lame Duck President approximately 140 Days after being elected to his second term. This is fastest dissention from power ever recorded in U.S. history.

The date was precisely May 1, 2005; the day the White House ended its campaign pushing for Social Security reforms. G.W. Bush proclaimed he had political capital to spend, which he wasted on these reforms. All other initiatives after this date were founded on failure. Wasted political capital and a dissention from power triggered because of a loss of faith in President George W. Bush and his Administrators because this attempt to dismantle Social Security which was void of public input and collaboration with Democratic leaders. The gamble of tampering with this 3rd rail of politics was miscalculated, resulting in a plan of failure depicting an utter lack of compassion for Americans whom depend on and worked hard for their Social Security retirement payments. A plan for reforms that showed absolute incompetents in fixing this entitlement program so that it could continue to work. Instead of attempting to fix Social Security, Bush presented ideas aimed at eliminating the program altogether sending millions of seniors (whom paid into this retirement safety net) and crippled in the streets. When it comes to a person’s money, Republican & Democrat doesn’t mean a damn thing. This is precisely why the public has lost faith in the president and his agenda. Let me be clear, there were several additional financial initiatives by this president that raised the eye brows and cause even those that voted for Bush to wonder a little bit. Social Security only proved that Bush’s intentions were truly to push reforms that benefited a very small elite class of Americans. This agenda however is not what Americans, the playing field can be level for all players.

In addition there were changes to the Tax Code, Tort Reforms, changes to bankruptcy policy, tax incentives to Oil Companies, and no-bid contracts to Halliburton Co. These over the top aggressive monetary initiatives had zero benefit to those earning less than $90,000 a year. In essence these monetary policies coupled with significant rising cost in housing, energy, and gas broke the camels back . The American people can only be stretched so far. And even today as I speak President Bush and his Administrators are doing nothing to assist American in these truly important livelihood and family matters but they daily they act to increase the wealth of already well off. I quote the movie Kingdom of Heaven, 2005 “What man is a man, if he does not make the world better”. G.W. Bush and Dick Cheney hold positions leading the entire United States of America but they will not leave it in a better state when they leave office. This facts are exactly why the American people have lost all faith in their President, G.W. Bush.

The text book definition of Lame Duck is “official in the final period of office, after the election of a successor (Oxford Dictionary1997)”. In addition Checks & Balances Blog also defines Lame Duck as a president whom is rendered incapable of governing the nation.

These definitions precisely describe the role G.W. Bush is playing now, today in American politics. The American people and even Congress are beginning to dream of what progress truly could made with a new president. It is unfortunate that G.W. Bush still has 3 years left on his term.

I pray our future leaders, children can understand those that do not support the President they know, G.W. Bush so I will offer a poem and a joke that I found on the internet that touch upon the subjects I address.

1) This brainless presidentHas led you down a shameful pathRead the figuresDo the mathNo WMD in IraqNo terror linksNo 9/11 helpThe whole thing stinksHe has created anarchy from a fearful dayHe has ineptly lostWhat was all to playJust HOW wrong can one man be?Enough to shame AmericaFor one lifetimeOr to eternity?Well, eternity is longBut his actions do ensureThe stigma of incompetenceWill outlive his tenureHe took a possible chanceStemming from a dreadful dayHe drove it into the dirtFuture generations now to payWhat a sickening lossHe has made of it allAnd at terrible costAmerica's rep to fallIt's overdue he was told To fold up his sorry tentThis sad joke, this foolThis lame duck president
-Steeleyes, cyberspace


2) Donald Rumsfeld is giving the president his weekly briefing on coalition forces fighting in Iraq. He concludes his statement by saying: "And yesterday, tragically, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed fighting the insurgency."

"OH DEAR GOD, NO!" George W. Bush exclaims. "That’s the most terrible thing I’ve ever heard."
His staff sits stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching as the president sits very still, head in hands, breathing heavily and sweating, but not saying a word.
Finally, the President of the United States, clearly devastated, looks up and asks Rumsfeld, "How many millions are in a Brazillion?"


There are 5 reasonable justifications of why a U.S. President should be or leading up to censorship, investigation, indictment, and impeachment. They are: High-Crimes and misdemeanors, incompetents, corruption, moral transgressions, and the inability to govern. Many of these are linked but can also stand alone.

No, the Constitution does not say we can remove a president for incompetents which is the focus of this paper. However, hear me if you will. The president & CEO’s of companies are removed for far lesser reasons and performance-related factors. Royal Ahold of Cees van der Hoevern, and Philip Condit of Boeing. Pressure from shareholders demanding results. As a tax paying American citizen we are all shareholders in America, demanding positive result form our President. G.W. Bush has failed. He has proven incompetent as the CEO of America.
Let me furthermore provide a specific example of G.W. Bush’s job performance as compared to other presidents.

Presidential Vetoes
Washington 1st–4th 2
Lincoln 37th–39th 7
Garfield 47th 0
Cleveland 49th–50th 414
T. Roosevelt 57th–60th 82
F. D. Roosevelt 73rd–79th 635
Kennedy 87th–88th 21
Carter 95th–96th 31
Reagan 97th–100th 78
G.H.W. Bush1 101st–102nd 44
Clinton 103rd–106th 37
G. W. Bush 107th–108th 0

Notice, the only other president with 0 vetoes was Garfield whom died in office. My analysis from this observation would be to determine G.W. Bush an “empty suit” void of intellect, compassion and inept to serve. This incompetents acknowledged now by the American people tells me that G.W. is incapable of governing the nation.

The manner in which our nation is being led today, is not how it always has been. A President has never served so poorly from Washington to Garfield to Clinton as G.W. Bush is today.

Justice: NSA Domestic Surveillance

This post will cover several items dealing with this situation.

First, Sean Hannity, his radio show and Fox News today out right lied about this matter involving President Bush authorizing domestic surveillance on U.S. citizens. Let me clear, there is a difference between wire taps on a U.S. citizen and a foreign terrorist. A terrorist is not allowed, and Democrats are not advocating they are allowed the same rights as a citizen of our nation. Mr. Hannity stated on his show that Democrats want for Security agencies to wait 72 hours before being permitted a warrant authorizing the to eyes dropping upon a U.S. citizen. This is a lie, current law states the exact opposite. Security Agencies can survey for 72 Hours before even applying for a warrant from the FISA Courts. This law is clear and Mr. Hannity who claims to be honest and a good American was & is fully aware of his misinformation on this important non-partisan issue. I hope he will correct his erroneous statements about this matter. I certainly will continue to post such misinformation on this web site.

Recent Reports show that the “NSA expanded spying before Bush’s ok”. Such letters clearly show there is something amuck within this program. A Special Independent Counsel must be convened to investigate the entirety and sovereignty of this matter. The Sarasota Tribune, a conservative newspaper reports (01/04/06) “The National Security Agency acted on its own authority, without a formal directive from President Bush, to expand its domestic surveillance operations in the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, according to declassified documents released Tuesday.” Answers must be given to the public. This statements conflicts to those of President G.W. Bush, who said “ he authorized wire taps on 40 some individuals linked to terrorists”.

In addition, there is grave concern about the scope this program; reports show that U.S. Data-mining and Telecommunications Co. were involved. If so this Program was far more extensive then is being revealed to the Public. Not a program involving only 40 individuals but possibly billions of pieces of information collected on U.S. citizens, overseen by whom? Managed by whom? Authorized by whom?

G.W. Bush and recent comments by Dick Cheney hold the position the White House can act without oversight of the Courts or Congress under the current Declaration of War on Terror. If this is so, the entire United States would currently be under a state of martial law under the sole control of the White House. Is this the Declaration of War this Congress voting on? The answer is no, the President and Vice President are utilizing the resources of the U.S. Government outside the authorities granted to them. In my opinion they should be arrested immediately by the FBI.

Who authorized surveillance on U.S. citizens without a warrant, and who will be put in prison for 5 years as mandated by law for such a violation of the U.S. Constitution?

Your comments are welcome.

White House Acts to Cover-up scandal:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DOMESTIC_SPYING_PROBE?SITE=IADES&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&SECTION=HOME

-Anthony Brooks, Checks & Balances Blog

Petition on Domestic Surveillance

Senator Barbara Boxer is organizing a petition to be delivered to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, urging him to hold hearings into G.W. Bush's alleged illegal insistence on conducting wiretaps without first going through the minimal procedures required to get warrants from the FISA court. Read all about it, and sign the petition, http://ga4.org/campaign/wiretaphearings

3 Wars in Five Years

The War in Iraq, The War in Afghanistan, The War on Terror

The United States of America is pursuing 3 simultaneous Wars. Some say the War in Afghanistan has been won. The War in Iraq & on Terror are to be determined.

After 5 years of Republican rule, will these Wars be the only legacy made?