C-Span 2 Patriot Act & Civil Liberties meeting heating up.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

There is a real pissing contest this morning on C-Span 2 between the House Rep Chairman and the Dems. Chairman Sensenbenner has got his panties in a wad - keeps saying that they are out of order.

Today they have Amnesty International, Arab American Institute, etc. testifying and the rethugs are really heating up.

Anyone watching? I can't follow why Sensenbenner keeps talking over the Dems and declaring a point of order. Then a Dem takes to task one of the Rethugs for impugning the character of one of the people testifying. It is not all lovey dovey and the Rules of Order seem to be barely holding each side back.

What's going on here? Rethugs on the defense and the Dems are pressing the offensive despite being told they don't have permission to speak by the Chairman. This is good TV! Rep. Jackson-Lee and Rep Conyers are raising hell. Sensenbenner is declaring that stuff that the witnesses are saying is not "relevant" to this hearing. Trying to get any discussion about prisoner abuse, Gitmo, et al should not be discuss in this committee hearing. Just the Patriotic Act - man he is really in a snit.

*Also, this morning, in this meeting, on one of the news channels and on C-Span 1 mention has been made of the "terrible" new pictures of Abu Grahib (sp?) will be released the end of this month and they want everyone to remember that they aren't as bad as they look. The dude on C-Span even went so far as say it was a "staged" photo and that the wires attached to the guy genital were not hooked up so no one could get hurt. Like that makes it OK. Did the guy with the wires hanging from his balls know that? Any way, the repugs are really doing some damage control on the photos that have been order by the court to be release. That rug is getting pretty lumpy from all the things they keep trying to sweep under there.

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. Sensenbrenner calling people 'irresponsible'

Shutting down debate, taking objections.

It's getting HOT HOT HOT!!!

[cyberpj]

4. saw that - i'm with you for a while (getting ready for work) Good stuff!

[Gold Metal Flake]

34. Send info to Olberman!

Jon is off tonight, so Olberman is the go-to guy for same-day exposure.

[Pirate Smile]

43. We need to send it to everybody - Olberman is the best choice but

lets send it everywhere. The more coverage the better.

We need to pound the themes - Abuse of Power; power hungry republicans; no dissent allowed; governmental secrecy; etc.

This is serious stuff and it is taking over (has taken over) all branches of the Government - firing whistle blowers and not letting them speak, punishing the judiciary (Terri Schiavo), attempting to crush any dissent in Congress. It all goes together. We need some kick ass commercials to tie it all together to make 2006 a referendum on the out of control Republicans.

[chomskysright]

52. my letter to Sensenbrenner on this matter: (& Saxby Chambliss)

Dear Representative Sensenbrenner:

The citizens need a clear discussion of the FACTS, not a diatribe re: the renewal (we hope not) of certain elements of the Patriot Act.
Filibustering is not permitted within committees, I believe. You HALTED the discussion ,sir, when Mr. Zogby and others were asking very pointed questions.

We watch C-Span. In reference to this matter also, http://judiciary.house.gov/

MANY elements of the Patriot Act are a violation of our rights.

Sincerely,

cc: Saxby Chambliss

[pbartch]

62. This is my letter to Jabba the HutSensenbrenner

You should be removed from office for the un-professional, horrible way you conducted the meeting today.

I am appauled at your nasty attitude and dictatorial display. This is not Russia during the Stalin years.

This is the United States of America. You should move to Canada.....you do NOT belong in the Congress of the United States.

XXXX XXXXXXXXX
Oregon

[pbartch]

63. I don't think the Canadians would want him there either

Send him and the rest of the Re-pukes to Mars!

[Norquist Nemesis]

2. WOW! Sensenbrenner just walked out!!!

What a show of disrespect!!!

[Norquist Nemesis]

3. Now they're trying to cut the mike!!! n/t

[Sydnie]

5. He ignored the point of order and shut down Nadler's mic!

Fascism is here people. We just saw it on live TV! Nadler will not be stopped though.

[cyberpj]

6. Ms Jackson Lee and Conyers are doing a GREAT JOB! nt.

[cyberpj]

10. WOO-HOO! You GO girl!

People leaving all over yet others still talking.

[Coexist]

66. Randi said she might be punished for continuing the hearing??

did anyone catch that?

[flpoljunkie]

7. Sensenbrenner abruptly ended meeting. Mike going off and on now!

Nadler is trying to speak to tell those present that it is impossible to question the administration. Obviously so, when Sensenbrenner adjourned meeting.

James Zogby speaking now. I wonder who turned microphones back on. Good for them!

[Democrat 4 Ever]

8. Update - Conyers and Jackson-Lee were trying to speak

and Sensenbenner abruptly closed the hearing down. You could hear Conyers and Jackson-Lee yelling in the background to be allowed to speak and Sensenbenner just ignored them and walked out. Conyers is now still speaking to the witnesses and the cameras.

I've got to watch this entire thing when it comes up on C-Span. Jackson-Lee, Conyers, and other Dems are still carrying on even though it will not be on the record because the Reps tucked tail and left.

Sensenbenner ran - ran from the room with his tail between his legs.

Yahoo, Yippee!

[Norquist Nemesis]

9. I just hope someone's standing by the outlet

and protecting it so CSPAN can keep rolling.

[cyberpj]

12. Good thought. WE NEED TO REWARD the speakers with email.

[flpoljunkie]

11. This is extraordinary. The Democrats continuing the hearing and C-Span2

is covering it! It's over now, but good for the Democrats for not cowering when the Rethug Sensenbrenner shut down the hearing because he did not like what he was hearing.

[welshTerrier2]

13. Stunning !!! i hope they show this again !!!

the republican assholes shut down the meeting and walked out but Democrats and the witnesses including Zogby, a guy from Amnesty International and two others have taken over the meeting room and are continuing the hearing on their own ...

this is truly a rebellion ...

it is one of the most compelling things i've ever seen on TV ...

[Coexist]

14. this was awesome!

I wish I had known about this thread - I didn't see it so started another one.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1844448

here are some comments on it!

[Democrat 4 Ever]

17. I came in late to the hearing. Does anyone know what time it

started and how long was it scheduled to go? Did Sensenbenner close it down early - if so, how early.

Once this is up on C-Span I am going to email the link to every person I know. All Americans need to see fascism in action.

Oh, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy - it feels so good for the Dems to have a spine again!

[Coexist]

19. closed it at 10:20 over a point of order

literally took his toys (gavel) and walked out.

[Norquist Nemesis]

27. Originally slotted for 2 hours according to the schedule

with a note that it could be less or more. I can't wait till this gets full coverage all over the place! Fits right in with the recent thumbsup for expanding the PA's FBI search powers.

[Norquist Nemesis]

15. That was truly extraordinary!

I hope it makes the soundbytes for the news dumps!!

Wouldn't it be great to go into the weekend with film clips of this demonstration of the abuse of power?

[Coexist]

16. does anyone have the video???

[Democrat 4 Ever]

21. The meeting should be on the C-Span site but I'm not sure how

long it will take for them to get it up. Must see TV.

[cornermouse]

18. What's going on here?

Complete and total arrogance.

[Coexist]

22. you could easily sustitute "abuse" for "arrogance"

I hope Stewart shows this. Good for comedy.

[cornermouse]

24. Yep. That too.

[Norquist Nemesis]

23. Committee hearing on Patriot Act

Sensenbrenner shut down questions to witnesses by Dems; got hot under the collar, refused to yield to Conyers, finished his rant, gaveled and stormed out. Dems carried on without him. Witnesses expressed outrage at the treatment.

[librechik]

20. Fat fascist pig

you kinow who I'm talkin about. Some democracy we have, with no opposition allowed. Sensenbrenner might as well be Stalin.

[Coexist]

25. Anyone want to write a letter of support to those who spoke today?

http://www.jacksonlee.house.gov/

http://www.house.gov/conyers/

http://www.house.gov/nadler/

http://www.aaiusa.org/zogby/zogby_home.htm

http://www.amnestyusa.org/about/chippitts.html

[Skidmore]

26. And maybe some correspondingly condemning letters to

that dirtbag, Sensenbrenner?

[Coexist]

28. have at it!

http://www.house.gov/sensenbrenner/contact.htm

[Skidmore]

29. Wow, he has an 800 number.

Let's roll.

[Coexist]

30. the 800 number apparently doesn't work from outside his district

anyone here in his district?

I left a message with a chipper young lady in his D.C. office. Told her that his conduct at the hearing boredered on abusive and for him to close a hearing over a point of order and storm out was rude and childish. She promised to pass my comments on even though I wasn't from his district. Right.

[Democrat 4 Ever]

31. Thank you. Too early for popcorn and a slushy, maybe

a second cup of coffee and a danish - have got to watch the whole thing.

Sorry - just saw the link and thought it was the video on the hearing. That's what I get for being too anxious to watch the re-play. I will definitely give Sensenbenner a jingle. I just know he is dying to hear from the viewers.

[Coexist]

36. Coffe and danish it is

am jonesing for the video though, dying to see it again.

[Spectral]

40. Coffee?

:donut:

[Coexist]

41. why, thank you Spectral

how kind of you.

[jean]

60. He's got a broader responsibility as chairman than just to his constituent

base in Wisconsin. As chair of the Judiciary Committee doesn't Sensenbrenner oversee matters affecting ALL citizens/constituents of the country?

As a chairman, he should have a separate input opportunity for matters pertaining to the Judiciary Committee.

[chomskysright]

54. tel numbers for reps given diff contacting via e mail US House:

202) 225-3816: Jackson: TX
Conyers: MI: [phone]
Nadler: NY: 202-225-5635

[Coexist]

65. Zogby already answered my email

Do I need his permission to post it?
He also attached his testimony.

The testimony is an adobe acrobat file - how can I load it so y'all can read it?

[Spectral]

32. Sweet!

:donut:

[tex-wyo-dem]

33. Sensenbenner probably didn't want to hear...

how his beloved PA, which he is a co-author of, is a blatant tool for authoritarianism.

Yep, blatant abuse of power all over Washington these days.

[Spectral]

35. Recommended

:donut:

[Coexist]

37. Dembloggers to post video soon!

info from another thread

[Democrat 4 Ever]

38. In case it hasn't been said today - Thank God for Dembloggers!

Dembloggers are the bomb. Be sure and check their web site - they are heading to DC for some interviews - get all the info plus their entire list of videos. Many, I am sure, the repugs they wish they could burn.

[rodeodance]

39. I cross posted to the Wisconsin forum also.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=186&topic_id=8581#8588

[Coexist]

48. the video is up at dembloggers!

[chomskysright]

55. thanks: didn't know them: just posted details here at their site

[Amaryllis]

64. Link?

[Boxerfan]

42. That was a WTF? moment

Too early & no coffee (yet)...
Thanks for the review....NOW, was this within the "rules"?
The majority picking up the ball & stopping the game because they don't like the score is a tactic that would not withstand public review.
Now if the media will just report it. I say we "help" them eh??

[Norquist Nemesis]

44. Welcome, Boxerfan!!

:hi:

Glad to have you here! Breakfast is served. :donut:

[Pirate Smile]

45. Hmmmm. Your comment reminds me of someone.

"As a boy in Maine, he was the oldest of many cousins and would set the rules for summer games at the family compound. “If he was losing he’d change the rules — or take the ball and leave,” one cousin told me. "

Guess who? Georgie Boy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7017489/

[Coexist]

46. here is some info on Rules

http://www.house.gov/rules/RL30539.pdf
<snip>
"House rules give each committee member five
minutes to question each witness, but each committee determines the order in which its members will question witnesses and may allow extended questioning by committee members or staff."

so it is not unusual to ask for the extra four minutes - looking for Point of Order info

<snip>
Five-Minute Rule for Questioning Witnesses
The question and answer period which follows a witness’s opening statement presents an opportunity for a committee to build a public record and to obtain information to support future committee actions. Committee staff sometimes prepare questions or talking points for committee leaders and other members. In some cases,
the expected line of questioning is discussed in advance with witnesses. House rules generally accord committee members five minutes to question each witness until every member has had this opportunity (House Rule XI, clause 2(j)(2)).
In practice, many committees allow an extension of time by unanimous consent, and a few committees, such as Veterans’ Affairs, specify this in their rules. After the first round of questioning under the five-minute rule, committees can determine how to dispose of any additional time. Some committees’ rules specify a procedure for using
additional time. For example, the rules of the House Committee on the Budget provide for a second round of questioning under the five-minute rule, while rules of the Committee on Agriculture allow the chair to limit the time for further questioning.
CRS-22

[Coexist]

47. here is something on adjourning - from the House.gov site

http://www.house.gov/rules/class2_ho.htm

don't know how old this is or if it applies here - I'm not anything like an expert:
<snip>
"Hearing Adjournment (Clause 1(a)(1)(b) of Rule XI) - It is not within the power of the Chair to unilaterally recess or adjourn a committee hearing or meeting. If an objection is heard, a non-debatable motion to adjourn must be entertained and passed in order to do so."
<snip>
"The Price of A Mistake (Clause 2(g)(5)(B) of Rule XI) - If a point of order is made in a timely manner in a hearing and the Chair improperly overrules or fails to properly consider the point of order, any committee Member may make a point of order against the bill’s consideration when the measure reaches the floor. If the Chairman makes a mistake, the bill may be objected to on the floor and sent back to committee to correct the error. It is in a committee’s best interest to ensure that the committee properly follows its own rules and the rules of the House."

[Roland99]

49. That applause for Nadler and for Zogby was AWESOME!

[sellitman]

50. Effing activist judges let those pictures out!!!

:sarcasm:

[hecate77]

51. Sensenbrenner makes me ashamed to have been born in WI.

[Dudley_DUright]

59. Me too

[leftofthedial]

53. fascist repukes protecting their scanty facade of legitimacy

like a naked girl trying to hide all the goods behind a single fig leaf.

LOTS of bluster and hand waving.

[MoonRiver]

56. Please ALERT the minute you hear it will replay!

I always miss the really good ones! :argh:

[Coexist]

57. C-Span has the full video up - watch Pitts, Zogby, Conyers and Jackson Lee

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3828780&mesg_id=3828780

thanks to Pirate Smile
http://www.cspan.org/

[Rainscents]

58. WI, isn't this blue state?

If so, I hope they vote the baster out next year!

[Ms. Clio]

61. The C-Span dude is lying; the guy in that photo says the wires were live

And I think he's the one who would know.

[Douglas Carpenter]

67. Here is Sensenbrenner's Contact Info

:bounce:

Brookfield Office
To get help with problems with federal agencies, federal grants, or information on speaking engagements, contact:
120 Bishops Way, Room 154
Brookfield, WI 53005-6294
Telephone: [phone]

Outside the Milwaukee Metro calling area, call my toll-free HOTLINE number: 1-800-242-1119.

Washington, D.C. Office
To write about issues pending in Congress, internships, flags, or tours, contact:
2449 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-4905
Telephone: [phone]

My e-mail address is [e-mail].
If you contact me through e-mail, please include your postal mailing address and phone number.
:bounce:

[suegeo]

68. Heil Sensenbrenner!

Cue the Horst Wessel song!



Flag high, ranks closed,
The S.A. marches with silent solid steps.
Comrades shot by the red front and reaction
march in spirit with us in our ranks.

The street free for the brown battalions,
The street free for the Storm Troopers.

Heil Sensenbrenner! Sieg Heil!