Cloture succeeds: Where do we go from here?
posted at 2:05 pm on June 26, 2007 by Bryan
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The “comprehensive immigration” shamnesty is closer to passing through the Senate thanks to 16 Republicans who switched their votes from nay to yea since the last cloture vote. That doesn’t mean it’s the law of the land, or even that it’s out of the Senate yet, but it’s a good indicator that the Senate is listening not to the 75% of Americans who oppose the bill, but to the 25% who support it. And it’s a good indicator that those 16 senators who switched sides got some promise or incentive to do so. Why else would they vote to move forward on a bill that 3 in 4 Americans oppose? Why else would they vote to move forward on a bill that, thus far, the House seems likely to kill? What is going on behind the scenes to move so many democratically elected officials to vote against the express wishes of the voters who put them in office?
The Senate has a couple more votes on the bill set for later in the week; some of the senators who voted for cloture today will try the trick of voting against the bill itself in a couple of days, knowing that they’re pulling a John Kerry “I voted for it before voting against it” move. Some of them even know that some of us are on to the trick, but they don’t care: We’re a tiny slice of the electorate, and by the time they’re up for re-election there will be other issues at play that they believe will insulate them from our wrath. And they may be right about that. Whatever the ultimate fate of the bill turns out to be, by playing this bill in the way that they have, Republicans and Democrats, from Sen. Sam Brownback who wants to be president to Sen. Jim Webb who ran on an anti-illegal immigration platform only to vote in favor of cloture today, have severely undermined basic faith in democracy. We no longer have any reason to believe that a majority of our senators are acting in basic good faith. They’re voting against the will of the public, and they’re smearing the public that opposes their vote. The public has no reason to trust them anymore; they won’t enforce the laws on the books, they’re voting against the majority, and they’re supporting lawbreakers against the law-abiding. And for what? If life weren’t so good and comfortable in the US today, we might be at a genuine revolutionary moment.
But it’s not over. The House, all of which is up for re-election next year, will have to be more sensitive to the public will on this. That’s our chance, maybe our last chance, to kill this bill for good. What the Senate and president support, the House may kill out of its own political self-interest. If they hear from us.
Looking forward, President Bush would be wise to switch parties now. I’m serious. It may be the only way he can salvage anything of Iraq. He has spent enough political capital for three terms. He has isolated himself from the very base that has supported him through thick and thin for years. Not only has he isolated himself from us, he went out of his way to denigrate and smear us over a terrible bill that won’t do what he says it will do and will do what he says it won’t. Like the Senate Republicans, we have no reason to trust him anymore. Thus isolated, he can’t count on any vocal support come September, when the war is up for a vote again. The majority of the country is against him; his own base now has reason to mistrust and even hate him. Sen. Richard Lugar is signalling a Republican revolt on the war, and yet another move by Senate Republicans away from the party’s base that still supports the war even if it’s angry with the administration. The president’s actions since his re-election in 2004 have given the country a Democrat majority in Congress, so he might as well make it official and give the Democrats the White House too, by switching now. That surely wouldn’t solve his problems with the likes of Dennis Kucinich and Nancy Pelosi, but it might confuse everyone long enough for him to keep the war going long enough to at least see the surge through.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m loath to make predictions but it’s hard to see how the party gets fired up for anything. We put senators and presidents in office who despise us and vote against us. They fight us harder than they fight Democrats and even harder than they fight the country’s real enemies. Why get fired up to put them back in office? Why get fired up to put a senator or governor at the head of a doomed presidential ticket? The party needs a man on a white horse, an American Camillus who’ll make things right. But we’re unlikely to get that, even in Fred. It’s possible, but unlikely. Heroes are in short supply these days. We send them to Afghanistan and Iraq and promptly forget them.
So where do we go from here, over the next few days? We have to fight our own party leadership and kill the amnesty bill. This time we have to make sure it’s dead. We have to fight our own president. We’ll have to field candidates to challenge senators like Lindsey Graham from the right, if for no other reason than to remind them that we still have a vote for them to ignore. And we have to do it before the Democrats solidify their hold on Congress next year, and probably take the White House, and move to re-instate the Fairness Doctrine to squelch debate and criticism of them. That’s the coming battle after the 2008 elections: Whether the free speech environment we’ve enjoyed for the past 20 years will remain free or not.
We have some serious times ahead. We’re at real war with a real enemy around the world and we have to fight some heavy rearguard action here at home in the political arena. Now is not the time to rest; it’s the time to count our losses, choose the ground to make our stand, and fight.
Update: There’s a second cloture vote on Thursday.
The second, and final, cloture vote is coming Thursday (that will be to end debate and proceed to a final vote on the bill itself), and only five votes need to shift from Yes to No to stop it. That seems like a good bet, with good candidates for switching including Brownback, Bond, Ben Nelson, Ensign, Burr, and Gregg. If they thought they’d gotten a lot of calls and faxes before,…
Calls and faxes are fine but they don’t seem to be doing any good. We need to get the senators’ attention a little more sharply this time. We’re cooking up an ad to that effect.
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slogan on my favorite t-shirt :
“When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.” Perhaps the time is ripe for a new revolution.
On the bright side, for me, my personal Sen. Jim Jordan (Oh)has promised to vote NO on anything other than enforcement first.
palefaced on June 26, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Michelle has mentioned in media appearances lateley that a lot of Republicans have not only stopped giving, but want their money back. She just didn’t say how or that it was possible under the law.
Valiant on June 26, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Term Limits.
Minimal perks to senators.
This is so disgusting. Big Business and the lobbies are buying the representation.
stenwin77 on June 26, 2007 at 2:57 PM
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The more people forget history the more they will repeat it.
unseen on June 26, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Slublog, I just emailed Neil Boortz with your great idea about the tea bags (and let him know it was your idea). Hopefully, he’ll say something about it on air.
Keep fingers crossed!
moonsbreath on June 26, 2007 at 2:58 PM
It’s possible under RNC rules. They will give you back your money.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 2:58 PM
The nuts were for Jericho that CBS cancelled and then picked up after the nut(s) delivery. It did get attention and gave results.
We should probably check which tea company to use prior to sending however. Don’t want Irony bitting us.
sunny on June 26, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Excellent point.
The reasons why illegal aliens are considered by Business to be “cheap labor” are because:
***the far majority of illegals do not pay taxes, most work for payments in cash
***Businesses do not pay Social Security taxes to the IRS for illegals
***Businesses do not pay healthcare costs, because they send their illegal alien workers to the local Emergency Room for all of their healthcare needs, including outpatient healthcare, etc.
***In many “Blue States”, free health care is provided to illegal aliens.
That is why the Emergency Rooms are packed full with illegals.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 3:00 PM
Maybe one of you guys could send the tea idea to that dunce Hannity. He’s got a lot of listeners. He’s starting now IIRC.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 3:00 PM
I am almost glad that our Senators so blatantly ignored the wishes of the American people. It will open up more eyes and stimulate anger and action. It’s time more people realize that NOTHING IS THE SAME ANYMORE and everyone must fight for the survival of our way of life.
We can’t continue to blithely ignore what our the government is up to while we go about our day focused on getting ahead and making our lives more enjoyable. The cruise ship is sinking while the passengers are stuffing their faces at the buffet. All systems have been breaking down for years, but not many have paid any attention beyond a shake of the head and a frown, “Someone has to do something about that.”
Although I’ve always voted, I was as guilty as the rest until Clinton’s reign of infamy began and the rule of law became the rule of whatever-you-can-get-away-with. Now I have educated myself through the internet. (TV news and newspapers are a complete waste of time, even FOX News is a joke – they give minute to minute coverage of car chases, courtroom antics, missing women, and the love lives of British princes but not of something that affects the whole nation like this vote). I sign petitions, write to elected officials, inform friends and family. And now, after the primaries (to support Fred Thompson), I will remove my name from Republican Party affiliation and become an Independent.
I hope this shakes up a lot of people so that, together, we can take back our country from the ruling elite. No taxation without representation. No standing on the sidelines while somebody else takes care of things. We cannot ignore our right and obligation to get involved, let our voice be heard, inform and activate other people, and vote!
blue sky on June 26, 2007 at 3:00 PM
Right. Gotcha beat.
Mel the Mushroom Martinez and Bill Nelson.
Our only hope is our redneck Riviera congressman, Jeff Miller. So far, I think we can count on him.
tree hugging sister on June 26, 2007 at 3:00 PM
(I just posted the following in the previous thread without realizing there was a new one.)
The American people have become so apathetic about our federal government over the years, (and our mainstream media has been complicit or even responsible for that apathy), that the necessary discussion about how we lost our government will probably never get started among the people.
We can discuss it in the blogosphere and talk-radio, but the more ardent our voices become, the more we will be painted as an extremist fringe element. Most Americans don’t understand, (I don’t think), that the discussion here is what “responsible citizens” have always partaken of and is an essential part of a functioning democracy. If we were normal people we would all be discussing Paris Hilton and the last episode of the Sopranos right about now. Certainly we wouldn’t be discussing national sovereignty and the rule of law. On another topic, we wouldn’t be discussing Islam and terrorism either, because that would mean the terrorists won; no, we would go shopping to prove that we still have the American spirit.
I think the Senate, in spite of the fact that nearly everyone is apposed to this bill, feels they can get away with this because most people will fall back to their default apathetic position and continue about their daily lives. They may be right.
I only hope that the Senators are wrong and that the American people band together to renew our broken democracy. Obviously, the Senate has not earned a right to be a part of that process. The problem is that, unless the Senate screwed up, (from their perspective), and the degree of change in this country accelerates to a point where enough American’s take notice, people are likely to gradually adjust to the change and continue to feel that there is little they can do to affect change.
We may be nearing a time when patriots should consider dusting off their Indian costumes and dumping the tea into the harbor, metaphorically speaking.
FloatingRock on June 26, 2007 at 3:01 PM
You know… the one Newt led. Contract with America? Tom Foley, the Dem Speaker of the House voted out… the first time since 1860. Were you in elementary school when that went down?
This whole immigration slop will be the new powder keg.
HaroldFine on June 26, 2007 at 3:01 PM
Slublog: I actually changed parties back when Bush stirred this pot after his re-election.
(I haven’t figured out how to quote…sorry. I keep asking for a Tut101)
I have my teabag ready to go. Mint.
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:01 PM
By the by, did any of you get an RNC survey?
I did and took a pic of how I answered the questions.
tree hugging sister on June 26, 2007 at 3:02 PM
Tru2, just push the quote button to start a quote, put in what you want to quote, then push the quote button again to clos the tag.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 3:04 PM
worth a repeat:
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
unseen on June 26, 2007 at 3:04 PM
tree hugging sister
That is so funny about your survey, I do that too! I do mine in red marker.
moonsbreath on June 26, 2007 at 3:05 PM
“The battle, Sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable; and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!” — Patrick Henry
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:06 PM
I’d just like to point out that it’s not “my” idea, although I’m inclined to like the idea about now. I’m sick of all this wimpy fax sending and phone dialing. It’s a waste of time by itself, as they are clearly ignoring us.
I’m not advocating hanging, although it’s looking as though that’s the only action liable to get their attention. I’ve been on here for months begging people to simply participate in public protests and all I get is a lot of whining about working three jobs or from those who say they aren’t willing to give up their “family time.”
Give me a break! This is what you get. Now we have suggestions of “tea bags?”
Gag. Yeah. That will send them running!
Where are the real Americans?
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 3:07 PM
*here goes*
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Another helpful dichotomy:
those who believe in the rule of law vs. those who believe in mob-ocracy,
or
those who believe in the Constitution vs. those who do not.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Cool! Thanks BC
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Ok, so these guys in congress don’t mind people breaking immigration law?
Well how’s about tax law? If they have no desire to round up 12 million illegal aliens, how hard do you think they’ll work to round up the 100 million+ who’ll stop paying taxes if this goes through.
Tax revolt! Tax revolt! No border security= No Taxes!
Iblis on June 26, 2007 at 3:09 PM
Due to post-anthrax mail screening at federal offices, it is doubtful these clowns will ever see a single teabag. At least they will hear about it.
Valiant on June 26, 2007 at 3:09 PM
I’ve voted Republican for the last 28 years but no more. I’m done with the whole lot. Betrayed by my president, betrayed by my senators and who knows what will happen with my congressional rep? Some will say, “if you don’t vote then the Democrats will win.” Well hell, at least I’ll know what I’m gettin>
sdd on June 26, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Right here, Gregor.
Not advocating murder.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:12 PM
If you have donated to the RNC in the last 12 months, you can request your money back:
Ph #: 202-863-8560 for RNC Administration
**Tell them you’ve donated in the past and want your money back. They’ll transfer you to the appropriate person!**
Sultry Beauty on June 26, 2007 at 3:12 PM
Well, at least we won a small victory today.
Vaporman87 on June 26, 2007 at 3:12 PM
Errr … that wasn’t a revolution and if you’re looking at the actions of the current GOP … there aren’t enough true conservatives currently in office to even come close.
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 3:13 PM
Many of you here are under the illusion that there are only 12-20 million illegals in the U.S. That’s what the government has told us. We’ve got almost that number in California alone. We’re probably much closer to 40 million.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:13 PM
Read the Capitol Hill Staffers website with its oozing contempt for the ignorant masses. They’ll be laughing like the hyenas they are as the janitorial engineer wheels away large containers of tea bags.
http://www.thecapitolist.com/
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 3:13 PM
Excellent Bryan…
We need a video titled “Bye Bye Burr”.
Mott on June 26, 2007 at 3:14 PM
Attempted to call Sen Voinovichs’ office.
Got some one in the Cleveland office who hung up on me TWICE! Told me that there were already people calling to express my opinion.
Wonder why he didn’t listen then.
Called his Nelsonville office and asked if he would be relasing a list of what he got in return for selling out the American people. The nice young lady on the phone let me know that that wasn’t very likely.
At least she was honest.
Jarhead on June 26, 2007 at 3:17 PM
There is only one way they are going to hear our voice. Here is the plan:
1: Change your voter registration to “decline to state” and do it at the republican website.
2: Get a W4 form at your employer and claim 10 exemptions for federal income tax (this is the max you can claim without proof of need).
3: Put the extra money you’ll get in your paycheck into a savings account.
4: Watch the government come to a screeching halt.
5: Pay the extra money back before the end of the year to avoid any penalties.
You can do it!!! I did. We need to spread this around and get as many working people to join us as possible. It needs a lot of people to do it before July the 4th.
DieselDude
DieselDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:17 PM
Okay, I’ve written up some thoughts: The Tea Bag Revolution.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:20 PM
A very good question, Bryan, and we may never know the answer.
Contrary to some, I don’t see Bush as stupid. I see him as a shrewd, and somewhat ruthless politician who can play both ends against the middle. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s convinced most of the jelly-spined senators that the 2006 election was proof that the “right” is unhinged, vindictive and ignorant and that the Amurican people are looking to them, the heroes of the future, to lead them (kicking and screaming) into a bright new future of fluid borders, replaceable populations and unlimited corporate greed.
Much like his Euro pal Merkel is maneuvering to sneak the EU constitution through without a plebescite by those pesky and ignorant voters on the other side of the pond.
Nichevo on June 26, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Can any of the CA people help me with a voter question (checked the Sec of State site and couldn’t find the answer)?
If I change my party affiliate from Republican to Independent/Decline to State, will I still be able to vote in primary elections?
Thanks for any info.
JadeNYU on June 26, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Gregor, no more talk of hangings. Consider yourself warned.
Bryan on June 26, 2007 at 3:24 PM
I think we have open primaries.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:26 PM
Bryan,
Can we see some donor lists to these various Senators? The motivation has to be agribusiness, the hotels and restaurants, and the construction industry. Bush recently spoke to the association of construction contractors about amnesty.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:27 PM
“Decline to State” voters can vote in CA’s primaries.
I think.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Excellent commentary and thinking, Bryan. Quote of the day (the whole thing).
Halley on June 26, 2007 at 3:28 PM
PRCal – Open Secrets has good information about who gives and who gets.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:28 PM
I will never vote for a globalist again. Is Fred one? I know Mccain is, and Mitt is and Rudy seems like one. Hillary is one that’s for sure.
If I didn’t know better, I would think Bush is trying to get Clinton elected to continue the 20 years of Bush/Clinton legacy. When did we start having Kings and Queens again? I thought we dealt with that problem a long time ago.
unseen on June 26, 2007 at 3:28 PM
I found something that said we have open primaries, but, the Republican and Democrat parties protested so there is a loophole in the open primary bill that requires a double counting of votes. The first is ONLY registered party members and the second is all voters (regardless of party). Apparently, the Reps and Dems will only use the first ‘party member only’ vote when assigning delegates to the party conventions…..
Haven’t found anything to verify that though.
JadeNYU on June 26, 2007 at 3:28 PM
Courage, Enrique. The system has been gamed; our politics is a fucking joke; and your cynicism is righteous. juanito has said it, and said it well:
Cry Havoc! and let loose the dogs of war, that this foul deed shall smell above the earth with carrion men, groaning for burial.
This thing is not over…
Jaibones on June 26, 2007 at 3:29 PM
This may help:
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_decline.htm
(I don’t know how to make a link either…oh Candy man!)
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:29 PM
PRCal, try Open Secrets. Dig deep. Post anything interesting you find in this thread so everyone will have it.
Bryan on June 26, 2007 at 3:29 PM
I saw your post earlier. It needs more publicity, because that’s obviously behind the agenda.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:29 PM
I’ll consider myself tasked then.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:30 PM
Political Money Line is another good site.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:30 PM
Here is the info you requested:
DieselDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:32 PM
Thank you! And thanks to everyone else that helped with information.
I’m off to change my party affiliation (been registered Republican since I could vote – though that’s only been 8 years – but I’m “Decline to State” as of today).
JadeNYU on June 26, 2007 at 3:32 PM
Kyl’s 2006 run.
Agribusiness was key.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:33 PM
]
From Yahoo…
Wow… small… political factions… like the American Voter????
Romeo13 on June 26, 2007 at 3:33 PM
Here are some contributers to Kyl.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:33 PM
Interestingly, real estate was huge. Maybe because they’re well aware that uncontrolled immigration skyrockets housing prices.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:34 PM
Thanks Bryan for reminding us why we continue to lose in every battle we face. OMG! He hinted at something offensive! GET RID OF HIM!
First off, I did not speak of “that offensive word.” I linked to an article for which someone else did, which is something you and Allah have done repeatedly throughout HotAir’s history. I might remind you of the radio DJ who has called for various acts of violence, which has been linked to repeatedly here by HotAir staff.
Secondly, I also followed it up with the statement that I DID NOT advocate that action, but that it looked to be the only thing that would grab their attention. Is that a false statement?
Never mind. I’m wasting my time. Keep making phone calls. Keep switching parties. An to the previous person who asked about the primaries … the answer is no. All of you who have switched your party affiliation have eliminated your ability to dictated who wins the nomination. Be sure to feel proud when Giuliani is in office.
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 3:35 PM
sorry, the link disappeared in my post above. I had the same one as Tru2my2 though.
DieselDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:35 PM
My whole family has always supported Judd Gregg, we liked his fiscal conservatism. No more—I do not know his reasons for supporting this Bill. At the very least he owes the voters of NH some kind of HONEST explanation. A reason would be nice whether or not I agree with it. Also, the NH media seems almost to have avoided the whole issue–going on in some depth about the war and Moore’s silly movie being in Manchester and everything EXCEPT the immigration bill. Purposeful? I don’t know. The Senate is proving dishonest, manipulative and arrogant beyond understanding and acceptance.Oh….interesting aside….Ron Paul has come out in support of the tax evaders(the Browns)who are holed up in their home here in NH protesting paying their back taxes.(sorry for the abrupt change of subject)
jeanie on June 26, 2007 at 3:37 PM
I’d like to try the public hanging suggestion.
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 2:30 PM
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:37 PM
Yes – notice the ‘leak’ timing of the compromise btw. the W.H. and Congress, ahead of Sept.
Voting against the 3/4 of the constituents is not even the most aggregious of items – on the WoT I’d love it if the ‘leaders’ would show spine and vote the right way to see it through, regardless of the appetite of the latte-sipping-all-of-us.
Most offensive on this shamnesty bill is the way it was cooked and is being consumed in the shadows of the Wash. DC hallways, nooks and cranies. That. Is. Ugly. And. Consequential. It’s like in Caracas and not like in the capital of the only, of yet, existing constitutional republic.
Entelechy on June 26, 2007 at 3:38 PM
Oh good lord Tru2, OK. Here’s how to link.
Write whatever you’re writing, then highlight the word you want to be the link, then click the link button, a box will come up to ask for the URL, put your link in. Here’s a link to my crapblog as an example.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 3:38 PM
If you need some help raising funds for custom data or anything, maybe set up a PayPal account and post it here.
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 3:38 PM
Congrats to the two demos from Montana for being right.
taterblade on June 26, 2007 at 3:40 PM
O RLY?
FAIL
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 3:40 PM
On the BRIBO-Meter this stinks. May I suggest looking at the pork/legislative directives/bribes that suddenly appear for the states of these 16 traitors. 10 million here, 20 million there for a bridge or statue or a sidewalk! What a bunch of ****** crooks!
msplitt on June 26, 2007 at 3:40 PM
Real estate key for Cardin also.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:41 PM
Oh Geez! Forgot about that one. Ooops. Okay, I’m guilty of wanting to see the penalty for treason enforced. I stand corrected.
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 3:41 PM
I hate globalists so much right now. I hate the people in the coastal cities, the liberals in places like Austin and New Mexico, the dhimmis in Chicago, every street protesting liberal everywhere, all the Euros and Euro-philes who live here and benefit from the spoils of the market, and all the idiots on Capitol Hill. These people are simply enemies of a UNITED AMERICA.
cardindex7 on June 26, 2007 at 3:41 PM
Duncan Hunter on WRKO Boston right now with Howie Carr
DH: This is a dark day for the Nation. We have surrendered our borders. I urge people to start calling Reps in the House and still call the Senate.
DH: This is a construct built in DC for a beltway constituency. Outside the beltway, there is no constituency.
DH: They built 7 miles in 7 months of my fence bill!
Howie: Tanc said he has some Trojan Horse bill ready to go in House….
DH: We still need enough members in the House to vote against this. We need to keep fighting.
DH: Everybody is counting the calls. We still have a war to fight. Keep calling. Call the Reps…. Just keep calling. Calling proves the depth of this issue. Like the Panama Canal vote, people need to prove they will not forget this.
TheBigOldDog on June 26, 2007 at 3:41 PM
Miserably
Gregor on June 26, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Assuming a worse case scenario, that this bill passes both houses of Congress and is signed by el Presidente, consider this unlikely possibility of good news: Once all of the illegals are signed up for temporary Z-Visas, it will be a lot easier for us to locate them and their employers in the event that we have a new government and can overturn this law.
Of course, the IRS already knows who most of the employers are, but still….
FloatingRock on June 26, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Americastan starts right here.
cardindex7 on June 26, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Realtors and lawyers donated heavily to Cardin
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:42 PM
There’s already another thread!!!!!
Sen. Reid may push the bill through today
RushBaby on June 26, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Hening, you are absolutely correct here.
Isn’t this the real issue?
The rule of law. Following the Constitution rather than following the trail of money.
I appreciated your key insight above.
When any culture or society abandons the rule of law, anarchy and barbarianism follows.
ColtsFan on June 26, 2007 at 3:44 PM
Article V Convention anyone?
DrM2B on June 26, 2007 at 3:45 PM
Absolutely LOVE this idea! Beats getting arrested and reminds me of Murphy Brown’s response to VP Quayle miss-spelling Potato back in the day. ;)
Pilgrim on June 26, 2007 at 3:46 PM
It doesn’t say what lobbyists are contributing. That’s what we need, because it’s the biggest factor.
PRCalDude on June 26, 2007 at 3:48 PM
*big kiss*
Tru2my2 on June 26, 2007 at 3:49 PM
After the anthrax problem stuff like tebags in envelopes won’t be delivered.
TheBigOldDog on June 26, 2007 at 3:50 PM
We do have to face some unpleasant truths here.
First, our system is broken. The people who control our government no longer worry ABOUT THE VOTER. with 93% incumbency is it any wonder.
Second, the party system is failed. It encourages incumbency over ideas.
Third, the House, the people’s house, has not increased its number of representatives since 1904. Our population in 1904 was 100 million. It is now 300 million. This means that our vote is 2/3 less powerful today then it was in 1904. The people’s house is no longer the people’s house.
Fourth, 536 people controlling 2.9 TRILLION dollars is absurd. Power corrupts as we see with our own eyes.
So you take all of these together, incumbency, less power of the people, and corruption and we get a government that is borderline Empire.
The only way to solve this peacefully is to outlaw gerrymandering, increase the size of the house by at least a fact of 3, and limit the federal government’s power of the purse. the Fair tax might be the answer. So three bills and our government will once again become the government of the people by the people for the people
unseen on June 26, 2007 at 3:50 PM
Tru, I hope you’re a chick.
Bad Candy on June 26, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Alert: Ann Coulter on WRKO with Howie at the top of the hour (4 pm est). You can listen live at the WRKO website.
TheBigOldDog on June 26, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Or just copy whatever you wish to bring in, paste into the comments, highlight all of it, and click the quote button.
Entelechy on June 26, 2007 at 3:53 PM
I’m going to enclose mine in clear packing tape.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:53 PM
If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.-Samual Adams
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.-Samual Adams
sorry to keep using quotes that arent mine, but as a song writer I refer to them often in my music.
The tea-bag idea is actually a solid way to start “brush fires” imho. im on board.
palefaced on June 26, 2007 at 3:55 PM
lol only in America is revolution considered not only a Right, but a Duty. God I love this country. Hate our congress and ruling elites but love this country.
my tea-bag is ready as well
Keli on June 26, 2007 at 3:56 PM
What do we do from here?
1. Let the RNC know how you feel when they fund the reelection of Senators like Specter, Snowe, and Graham.
2. Let your Congressman know how you feel about what the Senate did today. They’ll ALL be up for reelection in 2008.
3. Stay informed. The battle isn’t over and the devil will be in the details. It is important to find out just what kind of treachery is behind high-minded euphamisms like “earned citizenship.”
4. Demand enforcement of the laws concerning illegal aliens that already on the books. This includes the penalties against hiring illegal labor. In a perfect world the CEO of Tyson Foods would be doing an ENRON-like perp walk in front of the cameras.
5. Don’t let anybody tell you that the issues of illegal aliens and border security are inseperable. Fix the border problem first- then we’ll talk about what to do with all the “leakers” that have illegally made it past our border.
6. Fight back when called a racist because you refuse the propoganda that all illegals are (all together now) “hard-working honest migrants doing jobs Americans refuse to do.” There are drug gangs, killers, and others who need to be deported. It isn’t racist to tell McCain or Kennedy that they are wrong to advocate legalizing the status of all illegals without the same background checks used for LEGAL aliens!
7. Keep your powder dry. This fight isn’t over yet and it is a fight worth fighting. I suspect this could be a pivotal momement in both the nation’s history and the demographics of the GOP/conservative movement. I want to be fighting the good fight until victory (or the very end).
highhopes on June 26, 2007 at 3:57 PM
Still won’t get through. They can’t tell it’s really tea.
You’re in Maine right? Collins people are blowing off callers with some real arrogance. People calling Howie POd about it.
TheBigOldDog on June 26, 2007 at 3:57 PM
Another truly great piece of work from Bryan. Maybe we should put him up for President next election. Or he could be V.P. to Fred to get some experience and then run for Pres. I already called Ensign, my jerk in the Senate, and told him he better hope he gets all his illegals registered, because ‘the legals sure ain’t votin for him’ next time. I was told the locals put Reid in for entertainment reasons, this being Vegas and all. They sure got their money’s worth. He could not be a worse majority leader, this guy is their lead democ-rat! How could we let this so-and-so do this to our wonderful country?
countywolf on June 26, 2007 at 3:58 PM
Don’t just fight. Fight like hell. Just sent this to Mr. Sununu of NH.
“Hello Mr. Sununu,
I have been writing and calling Senator Greggs office of late to voice my opposition to the cloture vote on the amnesty bill. I was told he hadn’t made a statement about his position, which led me to believe he would vote FOR clotue, which he has done.
Senator Gregg has failed me, my family, LEGAL immigrants (including my wife), my friends, my community and my country.
Senator Gregg has lost my vote and my donations. He has also earned my ire as I will work through my community and spheres of influence to make him a former senator.
Being an independent conservative who has voted for Senator Gregg and yourself numerous times, I am at a loss to explain how angry I am about the latest crookery in Washington.
I am hoping you will do everything in your power to reverse or stop the course that this travesty of an amnesty bill is on at the moment.
My vote, my money and my influence are on the line. Do the right thing.
Enforcement of laws, backlog clearing, and border security first. A bigger gate for LEGAL immigrants second. Amnesty never.
Do the right thing. I’d hate to have to campaign against you as well in your next election cycle.”
proudinfidel on June 26, 2007 at 3:58 PM
Gregor and I warned you about GWB. What you are witnessing is the wholesale sellout of America for the North American Union or SPP
S1639 has extensive new language added to the bill authorizing the SPP or North American Union.”‘It is the sense of Congress that the United States and Mexico should accelerate the implementation of the Partnership for Prosperity to help generate economic growth and improve the standard of living in Mexico, which will lead to reduced migration,’ the draft legislation states on page 211
Each Congressman and Senator recites the following oath:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Now you know what the solemn word and oath of the President and the Senators is worth! Note that there were loyalists to King George of England back when the first continental congress was formed, and we will see the same phenomenon in the current setting.
The rotten participants in Congress have violated their oaths of office and need to be criminally indicted.The Justice Department is working overtime to allow moronic US attorneys to harass and charge our border agents with “crimes” that are designed to fulfill the emasculation of ICE teams so that the North American Union will be the “final solution to the immigrant question.”
George W Bush’s clandestine drive to merge Mexico, America and Canada in a “Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America” – a North American Union modeled on the European Union – entails the loss of sovereignty and end of the republic as we know it.
As Mr. Jefferson noted, and our Declaration of Independence encouraged, we have the DUTY to throw off tyrannical governments and REPLACE them with “new guards.”
ScottyDog on June 26, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Would the tag from the teabags be enough of a message?
That wouldn’t get stopped by the post office and it’s obviously identifiable as a teabag tag…..
JadeNYU on June 26, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Yeah, I’m going to talk to some guys I know this weekend about the possibility of finding someone to run against Collins in the fall.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Good idea.
Slublog on June 26, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Why bother with borders at all anymore? And just give out citizenship free in boxes of cereal.
Frozen Tex on June 26, 2007 at 4:00 PM
I live in a state with two Democratic senators and in a district with a democratic representative, all of whom either voted yes today or will vote yes in the future.
I’ll be calling and e-mailing potential switchers from other states the next couple of days. I suggest anyone else in my position do the same. Don’t give this fight up yet.
BadgerHawk on June 26, 2007 at 4:02 PM
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