I am glad that Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Al Gore finally sounds off on his support for Marriage Equality - that's awesome! Now I am just waiting from the rest of the Democratic Presidential Candidate supposed front runner to support this.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Impeachment resolution a matter of accountability
It's about time for congress to seriously consider impeachment of the Vice President.... go to http://www.wexlerwantshearings.com/ to sign on in support of the Impeachment of the Vice President!
from http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=708866
Impeachment resolution a matter of accountability
By TAMMY BALDWIN
Posted: Jan. 19, 2008
On Dec. 14, I joined with my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee, Reps. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), in urging Chairman Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) to conduct hearings on a resolution of impeachment now pending consideration in that committee.
Among my constituents, there are those who say I have gone too far in calling for Congress to examine possible impeachable offenses by the Bush administration. There are also those who argue I have not gone far enough. In letters, emails, phone calls, personal conversations and listening sessions, I have heard passionate arguments from those who think we are losing our democracy and that I should do more to hold the Bush administration accountable for its actions.
The call to impeach is one I did not take lightly. But as we said in our letter to Chairman Conyers, the issues are too serious to ignore. We simply cannot discount or overlook numerous, credible allegations of abuse of power by the Bush administration that, if proven, may well constitute high crimes and misdemeanors under our Constitution. To prove this, we must follow the form of the signers of our own Declaration of Independence who wrote, "let Facts be submitted to a candid world."
Impeachment hearings in the House Judiciary Committee will establish the facts and prove whether or not this administration did the following:
• Spied on Americans without a court order in violation of the Fourth Amendment;
• Directed senior members of the administration to ignore subpoenas in contempt of Congress;
• Outed Valerie Plame Wilson as a covert agent of the CIA and then intentionally obstructed justice by disseminating false information through the White House press office;
• Ordered U.S. attorneys to pursue politically-motivated prosecutions in violation of the law;
• Fired eight U.S. attorneys and allowed others to retain their jobs because of partisan political considerations;
• Refused to provide subpoenaed emails and other documentation;
• Purposefully manipulated intelligence to deceive American citizens and the Congress;
• Fabricated a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the war in Iraq - a war that has taken the lives of nearly 4,000 U.S. troops, injured 60,000 more, and that will cost more than a trillion dollars by many accounts;
• Alleged, despite all evidence to the contrary, a relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida, to justify the war in Iraq;
• Manipulated and exaggerated evidence of Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities;
• Undermined national security by openly threatening aggression against Iran, despite no evidence that Iran has the intention or capability of attacking the U.S.;
• Suspended habeas corpus by claiming the power to declare any person an "enemy combatant" - ignoring the Geneva Convention protections that the U.S. helped create;
• Endorsed torture and rendition of prisoners in violation of international law and stated American policy and values, and destroyed videotaped evidence of such torture;
• Awarded unlawful no-bid contracts to political friends at home and abroad; and
• Skirted legal consequences by employing paid mercenaries to act as bodyguards for American diplomats in Iraq.
The abuses of this administration demand a formal response. Congressional oversight is a fundamental part of our constitutionally-proscribed system of checks and balances.
I had hoped that Congress could begin to repair the damage that has been done to our democracy, our Constitution and our standing in the world, so that censure or impeachment could be averted. Unfortunately, this administration not only fails to accept responsibility for its misdeeds, but it also blocks attempts to right the wrongs and address the tragic consequences of those misdeeds. We have seen the American people's will thwarted by the exercise of veto power. We have seen subpoenas ignored. We have seen signing statements used to circumvent the law of the land.
If we fail to take action to either impeach or repair the damage, then the next president will "inherit" unchecked powers. Unchecked powers are unacceptable no matter who is president.
It is unlikely that impeachment will move forward this session. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed her view that impeachment should be "taken off the table," and that is her prerogative. I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution. That sacred pledge gives me no choice but to call for executive branch accountability in any and all forms possible.
Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, represents Wisconsin's second congressional district.
from http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=708866
Impeachment resolution a matter of accountability
By TAMMY BALDWIN
Posted: Jan. 19, 2008
On Dec. 14, I joined with my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee, Reps. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), in urging Chairman Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) to conduct hearings on a resolution of impeachment now pending consideration in that committee.
Among my constituents, there are those who say I have gone too far in calling for Congress to examine possible impeachable offenses by the Bush administration. There are also those who argue I have not gone far enough. In letters, emails, phone calls, personal conversations and listening sessions, I have heard passionate arguments from those who think we are losing our democracy and that I should do more to hold the Bush administration accountable for its actions.
The call to impeach is one I did not take lightly. But as we said in our letter to Chairman Conyers, the issues are too serious to ignore. We simply cannot discount or overlook numerous, credible allegations of abuse of power by the Bush administration that, if proven, may well constitute high crimes and misdemeanors under our Constitution. To prove this, we must follow the form of the signers of our own Declaration of Independence who wrote, "let Facts be submitted to a candid world."
Impeachment hearings in the House Judiciary Committee will establish the facts and prove whether or not this administration did the following:
• Spied on Americans without a court order in violation of the Fourth Amendment;
• Directed senior members of the administration to ignore subpoenas in contempt of Congress;
• Outed Valerie Plame Wilson as a covert agent of the CIA and then intentionally obstructed justice by disseminating false information through the White House press office;
• Ordered U.S. attorneys to pursue politically-motivated prosecutions in violation of the law;
• Fired eight U.S. attorneys and allowed others to retain their jobs because of partisan political considerations;
• Refused to provide subpoenaed emails and other documentation;
• Purposefully manipulated intelligence to deceive American citizens and the Congress;
• Fabricated a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the war in Iraq - a war that has taken the lives of nearly 4,000 U.S. troops, injured 60,000 more, and that will cost more than a trillion dollars by many accounts;
• Alleged, despite all evidence to the contrary, a relationship between Iraq and al-Qaida, to justify the war in Iraq;
• Manipulated and exaggerated evidence of Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities;
• Undermined national security by openly threatening aggression against Iran, despite no evidence that Iran has the intention or capability of attacking the U.S.;
• Suspended habeas corpus by claiming the power to declare any person an "enemy combatant" - ignoring the Geneva Convention protections that the U.S. helped create;
• Endorsed torture and rendition of prisoners in violation of international law and stated American policy and values, and destroyed videotaped evidence of such torture;
• Awarded unlawful no-bid contracts to political friends at home and abroad; and
• Skirted legal consequences by employing paid mercenaries to act as bodyguards for American diplomats in Iraq.
The abuses of this administration demand a formal response. Congressional oversight is a fundamental part of our constitutionally-proscribed system of checks and balances.
I had hoped that Congress could begin to repair the damage that has been done to our democracy, our Constitution and our standing in the world, so that censure or impeachment could be averted. Unfortunately, this administration not only fails to accept responsibility for its misdeeds, but it also blocks attempts to right the wrongs and address the tragic consequences of those misdeeds. We have seen the American people's will thwarted by the exercise of veto power. We have seen subpoenas ignored. We have seen signing statements used to circumvent the law of the land.
If we fail to take action to either impeach or repair the damage, then the next president will "inherit" unchecked powers. Unchecked powers are unacceptable no matter who is president.
It is unlikely that impeachment will move forward this session. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressed her view that impeachment should be "taken off the table," and that is her prerogative. I took an oath of office to uphold the Constitution. That sacred pledge gives me no choice but to call for executive branch accountability in any and all forms possible.
Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, represents Wisconsin's second congressional district.
Gone too soon....
"Gone Too Soon"
Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
---------
Just heard yesterday that Heath Ledger passed away in his sleep yesterday in NY.... I was shocked! I have to say that i felt initially that he was a flash in the pan (in the music world, they call them one hit wonder...) when I saw him in A Knight's Tale.. but he seemed to have proven himself and found his groove in the few movies he made after that. I have enjoyed him in Monster's Ball, Candy and of course, as the troubled Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. I was looking forward to watching him on The Dark Knights - the sequel to Batman Returns.... the photo image that came from the set just looks awesome and could be a career defining moment for him again as the Joker. I will still watch the movie but it is kinda sad and eerie now, isn't it?
Heath - rest in peace.
Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon
Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon
Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon
Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon
Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon
Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night
Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon
Gone Too Soon
---------
Just heard yesterday that Heath Ledger passed away in his sleep yesterday in NY.... I was shocked! I have to say that i felt initially that he was a flash in the pan (in the music world, they call them one hit wonder...) when I saw him in A Knight's Tale.. but he seemed to have proven himself and found his groove in the few movies he made after that. I have enjoyed him in Monster's Ball, Candy and of course, as the troubled Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. I was looking forward to watching him on The Dark Knights - the sequel to Batman Returns.... the photo image that came from the set just looks awesome and could be a career defining moment for him again as the Joker. I will still watch the movie but it is kinda sad and eerie now, isn't it?
Heath - rest in peace.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Open letter to Senator Leahy concerning the Uniting American Families Act
Dear Senator Patrick Leahy,
I am writing to you today concerning S. 1328 the Uniting American Families Act, which you introduced in May of last year. I would like to thank you for sponsoring this legislation for the past 3 sessions of Congress.
Upon introduction, the bill was sent to the Judiciary Committee to which you are the Chair. This is the part that confuses me. I understand that it was difficult when the Republicans were in charge to get a hearing, but you're in charge now. Not just the Democrats, but YOU are in control of the committee that is in control of this bill.
When will you be scheduling hearings. When will testimony be put into the record? I personally know dozens, if not into the hundreds of couples that have suffered forced separation from their families. The stories are so heartbreaking. I can only imagine that it was these stories that motivated you to introduce this legislation 3 times.
My own Senator Feinstein, refuses to hear the cries. She replies to the thousands of letters with form letters. Upon notice, we could have your committee rooms flooded with loving caring families - parents, children, partners all. We are generally not rich people. We are generally just average working people - working hard, and trying to find a happy life together with our families. With incredible hardship, and at extra ordinary expense, some couples are able to stay together, here or in exile. All families ultimately suffer profound suffering.
The choices and hardship incurred by these couples and their families serve no national interest, and the obstructions they face, are simply cruel. When will you allow our stories to be heard.
Sir, I am a veteran, and a patriot. One of our most coveted documents - statement of principals: The Declaration of Independence is not just words to me. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not be moved. I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not recognize that we are being denied that unalienable Right which was clearly articulated as inalienable by the founding fathers. Let the chorus of our voices be heard
I look forward to hearing from you concerning the scheduling of hearings on S. 1328.
Warmest Regards,
Mickey Lim
I am writing to you today concerning S. 1328 the Uniting American Families Act, which you introduced in May of last year. I would like to thank you for sponsoring this legislation for the past 3 sessions of Congress.
Upon introduction, the bill was sent to the Judiciary Committee to which you are the Chair. This is the part that confuses me. I understand that it was difficult when the Republicans were in charge to get a hearing, but you're in charge now. Not just the Democrats, but YOU are in control of the committee that is in control of this bill.
When will you be scheduling hearings. When will testimony be put into the record? I personally know dozens, if not into the hundreds of couples that have suffered forced separation from their families. The stories are so heartbreaking. I can only imagine that it was these stories that motivated you to introduce this legislation 3 times.
My own Senator Feinstein, refuses to hear the cries. She replies to the thousands of letters with form letters. Upon notice, we could have your committee rooms flooded with loving caring families - parents, children, partners all. We are generally not rich people. We are generally just average working people - working hard, and trying to find a happy life together with our families. With incredible hardship, and at extra ordinary expense, some couples are able to stay together, here or in exile. All families ultimately suffer profound suffering.
The choices and hardship incurred by these couples and their families serve no national interest, and the obstructions they face, are simply cruel. When will you allow our stories to be heard.
Sir, I am a veteran, and a patriot. One of our most coveted documents - statement of principals: The Declaration of Independence is not just words to me. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not be moved. I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not recognize that we are being denied that unalienable Right which was clearly articulated as inalienable by the founding fathers. Let the chorus of our voices be heard
I look forward to hearing from you concerning the scheduling of hearings on S. 1328.
Warmest Regards,
Mickey Lim
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Forget Clinton and Obama
As progressives, we often wonder what's up with middle America consistently voting against their own self-interest. They keep voting for Republicans, like Bush, that pander to their emotions, then use their power for their own empowerment.
I cannot help but find similarities in the queer and progressive communities when I see the support that Clinton and Obama enjoy. In Tuesday night's NV debate, which excluded the only real progressive: Dennis Kucinich, mostly ignored the only progressive minded voice: John Edwards.
I will never understand the LGBT community's love affair with Clinton or the appeal of Obama. As Janet said: “what have you done for me lately” Consistently, the rhetoric of Kucinich and Edwards lead their feet into motion. In contrast, over the past eight years, Clinton introduced, sponsored or co-sponsored tons of bills. Research thomas.gov. NEVER a single bill to eliminate 'don't ask don't tell' Same is true of Obama's tenure. In order to receive a perfect HRC score, they both say that they support ending immigration inequality, but as members of Congress, they both have failed to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act. Unfortunately, HRC fails to point out this hypocrisy.
Over and over, Clinton and Obama tout, “when I'm president, I'll push (this or that) legislation thru Congress” Why should anyone believe that they'll be more effective pushing legislation thru congress as President than they were as a member of Congress itself? Why should anyone believe that they will be able to exercise control or power that as President they won't have, when they refuse to use that power they have as members of Congress? Want me to be a believer? Use the power that you have now! Introduce, support, advance, and advocate for progressive issues now. Why are our families being destroyed by discriminatory immigration laws? Why are our partners being deported? Why do Clinton and Obama continue to DO nothing about it.
The primary is where you should vote for who you want. The general election is where you have to vote for who's left. I will vote for the Democratic nominee in November because, as usual, the alternative is too frightening to consider. For the primary, I'll give Clinton and Obama the same cold shoulder they've given our exiled LGBT families.
Mickey
I cannot help but find similarities in the queer and progressive communities when I see the support that Clinton and Obama enjoy. In Tuesday night's NV debate, which excluded the only real progressive: Dennis Kucinich, mostly ignored the only progressive minded voice: John Edwards.
I will never understand the LGBT community's love affair with Clinton or the appeal of Obama. As Janet said: “what have you done for me lately” Consistently, the rhetoric of Kucinich and Edwards lead their feet into motion. In contrast, over the past eight years, Clinton introduced, sponsored or co-sponsored tons of bills. Research thomas.gov. NEVER a single bill to eliminate 'don't ask don't tell' Same is true of Obama's tenure. In order to receive a perfect HRC score, they both say that they support ending immigration inequality, but as members of Congress, they both have failed to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act. Unfortunately, HRC fails to point out this hypocrisy.
Over and over, Clinton and Obama tout, “when I'm president, I'll push (this or that) legislation thru Congress” Why should anyone believe that they'll be more effective pushing legislation thru congress as President than they were as a member of Congress itself? Why should anyone believe that they will be able to exercise control or power that as President they won't have, when they refuse to use that power they have as members of Congress? Want me to be a believer? Use the power that you have now! Introduce, support, advance, and advocate for progressive issues now. Why are our families being destroyed by discriminatory immigration laws? Why are our partners being deported? Why do Clinton and Obama continue to DO nothing about it.
The primary is where you should vote for who you want. The general election is where you have to vote for who's left. I will vote for the Democratic nominee in November because, as usual, the alternative is too frightening to consider. For the primary, I'll give Clinton and Obama the same cold shoulder they've given our exiled LGBT families.
Mickey
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