John Conyers says...

[MelissaB]

http://www.johnconyers.com/vertical/Sites/{EF00C507-612C-4BA3-84C0-446C97F7E413}/uploads/{783D5269-5DF5-4A99-B14D-401ED14EF0A3}_WEB.jpg

Alito Cloture Vote; SOTU Blogging

Well, at least we stood and were counted. I had hoped for a stronger vote, but was nonetheless amazed at the netroots activism on this. We obviously can't win every issue, especially in the minority. But we are setting up the infrastructure that will help us make a difference in the future, that is whats important. Rome was not built in a day and all of that. And if nothing else, we got Chafee on record on the wrong side of this issue. Thanks to all of those on Team Conyers who helped out on this effort.

Tomorrow comes the Bush spin State of the Union, where he tells us how great things are in Iraq, how great the Medicare bill is, how he is protecting us against terrorists, how fantastic the ecnomy is, etc ad nauseum. At 3 pm et tomorrow, I am planning a press conference with Cindy Sheehan in anticipation of the SOTU, and later that night, I am planning to do some post SOTU blogging c/o of the DCCC.

So let me know your thoughts and ideas -- both now before the SOTU and after as well. Thanks.

http://www.conyersblog.us/archives/00000368.htm

bolding mine

[mmonk]

1. Wish he was in the Senate

[spuddonna]

2. God yes... can we clone him? :) n/t

[usregimechange]

3. Didn't Chafee vote with us? Don't understand....

[tritsofme]

4. He will vote against confirmation.

But voted to invoke cloture today.

[MH1]

12. Chafee voted for cloture (against filibuster). n/t

[Justitia]

15. I was just VICIOUSLY ATTACKED on another thread for making this

same honest mistake. I have never met such a bastard on DU in all my life. Just wanted to give you a heads up before you got the same treatment from a "fellow democrat".

:shrug:

[IndyOp]

5. This man is a marvel ->

His wisdom is much appreciated. I think that with his understanding of elections that have been stolen and how the thefts have been used to beat the Democratic Party into submission - he is one of very, very few people in DC who really understands what is happening.

Tonight on Majority Report - a guest explained that Daschle had decided that preventing the Rethugs from stacking the courts was THE most important job the Dems had this generation and that Daschle was very, very, very effective in blocking the extremists Bush wanted on the circuit courts. When Daschle "lost" in 2004 the Rethugs used his story to scare the Dems into submission -> the people don't like it when you obstruct the President's appointments, you'll lose your next election. This explains *exactly* why Reid did not *force* the Dems to vote against cloture; this explains why so many who will vote against Alito tomorrow could not find the courage to vote against cloture.

Here is the kicker: Daschle didn't lose his election, his Senate seat was stolen by the GOP (and their election-machine company thugs).

DO YOU GET IT? They steal an election and then use the theft to scare the Dems into submission. Steal another election and scare Dems further into submission.

I am listening to Malloy right now and getting angry - we do *not* have to wait 20 years to rebuild this 'stinking' party from the precinct level up - ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS TO GET PAPER BALLOTS, HAND COUNTED across this entire nation.

Do that and the DEMS WILL TAKE THE COUNTRY BACK IN ONE ELECTION CYCLE.

I swear this is true.

[omega minimo]

9. Right, but how ya gonna get those paper ballots and heave BBV NOW?!

"I am listening to Malloy right now and getting angry - we do *not* have to wait 20 years to rebuild this 'stinking' party from the precinct level up - ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS TO GET PAPER BALLOTS, HAND COUNTED across this entire nation. Do that and the DEMS WILL TAKE THE COUNTRY BACK IN ONE ELECTION CYCLE."

Seems Malloy is pointing out the Reality of things now. Who is making the paper ballot voting happen NOW? And if that doesn't happen, back to local level may be it.

[kster]

14. You are correct

I'm with you 110%. :thumbsup:

[omega minimo]

17. Where is paper balloting anything but wishful thinking? and after today..

...........................................

[zann725]

36. How does he find the 'strength' to be so strong in such an overwhelming

time of loss?

Amazing man. God bless him.

[BigYawn]

54. IMHO the problem is not BBV or paper ballots

To carry out a conspiracy to steal votes in a presidential
election would require people in charge of counting votes
FROM EVERY COUNTY to cooperate in perfect unision and silence.

First of almost half counties are run by democrats, and I am
having trouble believing such a perfect conspiracy can be
orchestrated from the White House without a single person
spilling the beans, writing a book, going to MSM or whatever.

The longer we delude ourselves into thinking that, the longer
we will suffer losses.

IMO what is needed is a ONE PAGE document list TEN ITEMS
which democrats will deliver if elected. Something like Newties
Contract with America. It was so concise and simple and short,
every doofus voter took the time to read and comprehend it.

Once this type of document is ready, spend all our campaign
money on commercials with a attractive person reading our
promises to voters.

[passy]

55. Just one word for you, central tabulators.

Find out what they do and you will soon realize that you don't need an army to steal an election. As far as people spilling the beans, some have, look up Clint Curtis.
I think you fail to realize how much of a dirty game elections really are.
It might be too late now to have any kind of fair election, remember that * is able to spy on anyone at anytime, when he says he only targets terrorists do you really believe him?
It's quite likely that he spied on the Kerry campaign, and he will continue to do so for the next candidate.
He probably spies on journalists especially the ones that don't do what they are told.
Now that he controls all branches of government he might even go on to allow himself a third mandate, or become Emperor *.
So please wake up and start by reading up on the last election and all that went wrong, you might find out that stealing an election is a lot easier than you think.

[BigYawn]

65. Ok, how many central tabulators are there? Are they all run by repugs?

[IndyOp]

58. You are very, very seriously underinformed when it comes to election fraud

Start by visiting the Election Reform forum here at DU often.

Order Mark Crispin Miller's book "Fooled Again" ASAP - it is available on Amazon.com and in your local bookstore. Learn about the dozens of election fraud tactics used by the GOP in 2000, 2002, and 2004.

The electronic theft can be managed by a few teams spread across the county that have access to central tabulators in various states. If the NSA can read millions of emails and listen in on millions of phone calls to 'detect' key words that indicate that you should be monitored - you think that they/we don't have the technology to hack into 50 computers and alter election results?

[FogerRox]

62. wrong -- a team of nomore than 10 to 15 people could hack

the 2004 election

[Independent_Liberal]

6. I'm with you all the way Mr. Congressman!

This isn't over by a long shot!

:)

[goclark]

7. Now he is a real politican and a patriot!

He educates us about the merits of various positions.

I feel better already knowing that he has a broader vision.

[Hissyspit]

8. True patriot. Gives the word politician a good name. n/t

[toddaa]

10. A Democrat I'd vote for

The list is getting shorter and shorter, but he's one it.

[tuvor]

11. Is hanging around with Cindy Sheehan a good idea right now?

I don't know, I'm just asking. A few people might be a bit sore about her hanging around with Hugo Chavez a couple of days ago.

[immoderate]

18. Cindy and Hugo were at the same conference.

I don't underatand all the fuss.

--IMM

[tuvor]

22. Pretend you're a bush supporter and read this.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/01/29/chavez.sheehan.ap/

[katinmn]

27. no, but you go ahead

:eyes:

[tuvor]

34. You don't think that the story might influence fence-sitters?

I can't imagine why not. Looks to me like a republican talking-point just itching to spring to life.

[immoderate]

38. Cindy Sheehan goes to an anti war conference?

Is that what sways fence sitters? They sit on the fence, and sit on the fence, and then Cindy talks to Chavez, and they say, "That does it! Cindy talked to Chavez, so now I'm getting off the fence, and throwing my considerable influence behind George W. Bush!"

I don't think so.

--IMM

[tuvor]

41. Not just any antiwar conference, but one inside Chavez's own country.

That's precisely why I'm asking if it's such a good idea for Conyers to be with her only two days after it finished.

I guess I can hope rush and o'lielly et al were distracted by loofahs and too much oxycontin this past weekend.

[katinmn]

45. You are out of touch. There are plenty of Americans who would move to

Venezuela if it turns out his democracy experiment and redistribution of wealth is successful.

We are NEVER going to agree so stop trying to start fights with anti-war people.

[tuvor]

49. Oh, ferfuxakes. Go question someone else's motives.

If you can't, without a damn good reason, accept a question at face value without suspecting some ulterior motive, and can't try to put forth a thoughtful answer, please don't waste your time and my time by answering at all.

[katinmn]

50. you don't sound like any Canadians I know.

:rofl:

And it blows that you are hijacking a thread about our top guy, John Conyers, with your ankle-biter attacks on Cindy Sheehan. Give it a rest. Your trunk is showing.

[tuvor]

52. And you don't sound like the vast majority of Americans I've met on DU.

It's extremely rare that someone on DU has taken offense to a question I've asked. It's even rarer that anyone on DU has assumed that I have some sort hidden agenda in asking.

I don't really care what bug is up your butt today, but you can knock it off right now. Unless you have proof, you can kindly take back the "Cindy Sheehan attacker" label you've so firmly placed on me.

Aw, don't bother. Those who know me better know me better. I'm putting you on ignore, anyway.

I'm glad the likes of attitudes like yours are so few and far between on DU.

[immoderate]

35. "Pretend you're a Bush supporter..."

A little too grotesque. Do Bush supporters accept your ideas?

--IMM

[tuvor]

37. You have to think like your enemy, don't you?

Read the whole story. How do you think they're going to look on a fresh story like that?

Is "Cindy Sheehan = commie sympathizer" likely far off the mark?

[immoderate]

40. Yeah but...

They have already called her all those things. Remember?

--IMM

[tuvor]

42. I guess I just see it as more potential fuel for the fire. n/t

[katinmn]

51. that would make you a Canuck Redneck

if there is such a thing:eyes:

[rucky]

61. Chavez' "ties to Saddam" are bullshit

he visited in 2000 on a tour of OPEC nations. Rumsfeld has swapped more skin with Saddam than Hugo.

[katinmn]

25. John and Cindy have been on the same team a while now.

They both rock!

[katinmn]

47. Works for me. Some people are motivated by higher principles

than how it might "play out" on MSNBC. Chavez is a much better man than our pretzeldent. Not sure why you have such a personal problem with it.

Besides, Bushbots aren't going to go against Bush no matter what. They've already dragged Cindy through the mud and back again. They can't hurt her anymore and they sure as hell can't stop her.

[ClayZ]

13. Thank you, John Conyers!

:patriot:

[yurbud]

16. is there any doubt Conyers is a better man than most Dem senators?

If the Democrats were really ONLY worried about winning elections, they would look at the kind of adoration and loyalty John Conyers inspires and try to reproduce it. Instead, they shit on their constituents then shake their money maker for the corporate boys.

[Proud2BaLiberalMom]

19. This man...

is one of the reasons I remain a Democrat!
Thank you, Congressman!!!;)

[Dagaz]

20. Cindy for Senate?

Is she ready to announce and will this be her launching issue?

[never_get_over_it]

24. No this can't be her launching issue unless she is on the other side

I'm pretty sure Feinstein voted no on cloture and will vote no on Alito tomorow.

[katinmn]

28. She said she will decide within 2 weeks,

.

[Hekate]

43. Cindy is from California -- she'd be up against Boxer/Feinstein

Frankly, I want to keep those two in Washington, especially Boxer. Cindy's better off targeting the House -- there are bound to be some shakey Republican seats this year.

Hekate

[understandinglife]

21. Congressman Conyers Should Be PRESIDENT.

Peace.

[faithnotgreed]

26. right ON

[upi402]

31. Yes!

Peace
and love

[Proud2BaLiberalMom]

32. Here, Here!

Let's show the gentleman to the oval office!
:headbang:

[Pastiche423]

44. What a wonderful and beautiful thought

President Conyers

[hootinholler]

56. Step one is to win the House and make him speaker.

Steps 2 and 3 follow logically.

-Hoot

[understandinglife]

59. Exactly! Let's make it happen!!!

Peace.

[Dunvegan]

23. I sure love me some Rep. John Conyers...

...proud this man represents my birth state.

Meanwhile, regarding Dashle...anthrax didn't destroy him...but non-paper ballots did? Amazing.

Viruses and stolen votes are written in code...Freedom, like the Constitution, is written on paper.

Paper ballots! At a minimum, paper receipts for every vote!

If I won't trust an ATM for $20 without a receipt....

[Armstead]

29. God I love that guy! Note that he says "We"

He's one of us. All those years in Washington, and he's still a man of the people for real.

[upi402]

30. I love Conyers.

What an eloquent gentleman.
I will email him that I am DONE WITH DINOwhores.
:hangover: :nopity:

[bliss_eternal]

33. This made me smile--

thanks for posting MelissaB! :hi: I appreciate seeing the words of a good man like this!

[LiberalAndProud]

39. This has been an astounding beginning.

"But we are setting up the infrastructure that will help us make a difference in the future."


(sig cuz there aren't any)
-- Bent but not broken.

[renate]

46. I love this man! I really really do.

Bless him for being positive and looking toward the future--that positive note is so needed right now.

I like what Vyan (comment #13) said on Conyers' blog (the bolding is mine):
Today we accomplished something incredible. The Netroots, a lose (sic) coalition including the Young Turks, Air America, Thom Hartmann, Ed Schultz, Raw Story, DKos, Democratic Underground, Huffpost and Firedoglake managed to swing 20 or so votes in the Senate from sitting on the sidelines to supporting a Filibuster of Judge Samuel Alito. We did it with blood, sweat, tears and passion. The worst thing we can do is let that passion go to waste in frustration and despair.

[politicasista]

48. He, Maxine, and a few others should be in the Senate n/t.

[Justice Is Comin]

53. He should be minority leader

Pelosi blows my mind with her ability to do ring around the rosie and take us farther to nowhere. The way she talks you'd think she was getting jolted with a cattle prod everytime she had to say anything the least bit caustic.

Great at saying absolutely nothing.

[Totally Committed]

57. This man is a genuine American Hero....

I admire and respect him greatly.

TC

[lebkuchen]

60. From a US military base in Europe...

I would like to know, with what army does Bush plan to invade Iran? Bush is planning to cut the Army Reserve since he can't make quota.

http://stripes.com/article.asp?article=34657§ion=104,

That means there will be more reliance on active duty forces to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan. Most divisions have alreay deployed 2 or 3 times. The units are tired. The US doesn't even have the Guard units it needs to protect the US in a natural disaster.

Bush is plundering our army, and reenlistments are dropping as a result.

[upi402]

63. plundered army, looted treasury, shredded constitution -another day

just another sip from the firehose of * insanity.

[PatrioticLeftie]

64. Who rules?

Conyers does.