Key Dem Senator Likely To Vote Against Top Obama Legal Nominee
Uh oh. This could signal real trouble for a key Obama nominee under assault by the right: Office of Legal Counsel chief Dawn Johnsen, a fierce Bush critic who would be at the center of the war over whether Obama will meaningfully reverse a host of Bush-era legal policies.
Conservative Democratic Senator Ben Nelson is all but certain to vote against Johnsen, Nelson spokesperson Clay Westrope tells me. Westrope confirms that while Nelson will take into account any further information that emerges, the Senator cannot now envision a scenario under which he’d support her — potentially making it an uphill climb to get her confirmed.
Johnsen is an important nomination: The OLC is the office where the torture memos were produced, and Obama’s pick of Johnsen cheered many liberals because it signaled a desire for his lawyers to aggressively articulate what the law allows. Johnsen has written that OLC lawyers should be “prepared to resign” if the White House ignores their opinions.
Johnsen has been under relentless attack by Republicans who claim her harsh legal criticism of Bush’s war on terror proves she’s weak on national security and cite her previous pro-choice statements as proof she’s an ideological hard-liner. But now a Democrat is echoing the latter criticism. Westrope emails:
“Senator Nelson is very concerned about the nomination of Dawn Johnson, based on her previous position as Counsel for NARAL. He believes that the Office of Legal Counsel is a position in which personal views can have an impact and is concerned about her outspoken pro-choice views on abortion.”
GOP Senators may filibuster the Johnsen nomination, meaning it will require 60 Senate votes to get through. So the loss of a Dem like Nelson could be a big deal.
*****************************
Update: Nelson still may vote Yes on cloture, his spokesperson tells me. One key question is which way Nelson will vote on the initial cloture vote to bring the nomination to the floor. This requires 60 supporters, which makes it the real hurdle, while the final vote is a simple majority one. Senators will sometimes vote Yes on the first, harder vote and then vote No later, to be on record as a No.
So I asked Nelson’s spokesperson whether this also meant he was leaning towards a No vote on cloture. His response: “He hasn’t decided yet, but he usually votes for cloture, as he is against obstruction and believes it is important for each issue to get an up or down vote.”
So this isn’t quite as bad for Johnsen, but Nelson is still validating the criticisms, and could vote No on cloture, too.
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I’m getting angry.
Again, what is Ben Nelson good for? At what point do we start cutting some of these people loose? What does it even mean to be a Democrat these days?
This is when you need a majority leader who is willing to bust Nelson’s balls until he gets off his high horse. Harry Reid has to frikkin go.
Simply as a consequence of the Senate count, Nelson has become pivotal. I’m not nearly familiar enough with the ins and outs of the present Senate Majority Leader’s efficacy (his grandfatherly demeanor was probably helpful earlier) to know if your suggestion is the right one, sg, but I can’t rule it out.
From Greenwald today…
“People like John McCain argue that only “banana republics” prosecute former political leaders, but the reality is exactly the opposite.”
Indeed. And in concurrence with John Cole, we don’t care if those who are found complicit in the events that led to torture as an implemented policy might be Democrats or Republicans. Such a criterion IS politicization of justice functions.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/
So Nelson is “concerned about her outspoken pro-choice views on abortion.” But in what way? Is he saying it would it be better if she were secretly pro-choice? Or is Obama required, in Nelson’s eyes, to nominate only pro-life legal counsel?
And given that OLC is required in particular to “deal with legal issues of particular complexity and importance or about which two or more agencies are in disagreement,” what about Johnson’s abortion views supposedly disqualifies her from rendering sound legal advice?
Nelson really needs to clarify his objections.
Rahm should send him a present
OLC has virtually nothing to do with abortion policy. Under Nelson’s standard, no one can serve in government unless they are anti-choice.
Wow. Maybe she should go blow up some abortion clinics really quick to gain some more votes for cloture.
Sen. Nelson should be reminded that “pro-choice” is currently the law of the land, despite 8 years of a strongly anti-choice administration. How can endorsement of current law and Supreme Court decisions be unacceptably “ideological”?
It’s amazing now that someone who is in favor of the law of the land (abortion IS legal) is disqualified from being in the OLC. The right still sets the standards in far too many areas of our day to day existence. Even out of official power. Even when the law goes directly against them. They seem to be able to set the standards and frame the conversation.
America has a long way to go before it can rid itself of the plague of right wing government.
This is disgusting. I have called Senator Nelson’s office in the past though I do not live in his state. When talking to his staff, they also sounded like Republicans. I know he represents Nebraska but coming out against a legal nominee is just crazy. Will he vote against Obama’s Supreme Court nominees? Nelson needs to feel a world of hurt from the DNC, DSCC, and Harry Reid.
He won’t clarify his “objections” over Johnsen’s abortion views because he doesn’t have any. Consider this – Sam Brownback, one of the most vociferously anti-abortion senators, has indicated that he will support Sebelius for HHS despite her pro-abortion views. Are we seriously supposed to think that Nelson is more “concerned” about the abortion stance of the OLC nominee than Sam Brownback is about the HHS nominee?
Of course not – Nelson’s concern is the same concern he has shown time and time again – a “concern” to out-Republican the Republicans because of the conservative nature of his state. He is a weak, shallow, vascillating and spinless jellyfish who blows wherever the wind does and serves absolutely no purpose to anyone or anything. This yellow-dog Democrat, if I lived in Nebraska, would vote for any Republican opponent of Nelson rather than cast a ballot for that unprincipled jackass.
And now, back to my daydream, in which the Dems sweep the Senate races next year and Nelson and Lieberman are asked to share office space in a broom closet.
The explanation is bs.
Strong support of abortion rights is a fundamental of many Democrats and Obama too. It has little or nothing to do with the OLC. In fact, as noted, pro-life senators might support someone for HHS, where abortion policy actually as a semblance of relevance.
A line really needs to be drawn somewhere with these Benedict Arnolds. Unsurprisingly, this moron also compared Rachel Maddow to Rush Limbaugh.
Ben … go F yourself. You have had a completely useless and unremarkable career as a political hack.
The issue isn’t whether he will vote for her on the nomination vote, it is whether he will vote for cloture. A filibuster of a presidential nominee should be opposed on the grounds that a president is entitled to have the people of his or her choice help run his administration.
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Democratic liberals started posing the idea of doing away with filibusters through the so-called “constitutional” option. That might get the attention of conservatives. What you do is advance the argument that filibustering a presidential appointment for a cabinet or a sub-cabinte position is unconstitutional.
There’s a Democratic Party in Nebraska?
This is the same Senator Nelson who voted “Yea” to confirm the supremely competent and uncorruptible Alberto R. Gonzales to be Attorney General of the United States.
Time for some Senate leadership with balls; not castrati like Reid and Durbin who get all high pitched when challenged by right wing, torture enabling, undemocratic, sinning thugs. Hey cherubs – Jesse Helms is dead – you are dealing with second stringers who are melting as their ridiculous opinions on torture and the like are seeing the light of day.
Too bad Senator Franken won’t be there to vote on this one.
-j
Who cares about her views on abortion? And, big whoop if she was a harsh critic of Bush’s war. In my opinion it makes her smart, not soft on terrorism. Ben Nelson is a tool.
TPM says Nelson might vote for cloture
.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/sen-nelson-concerned-about-johnsen-usually-opposes-obstruction.php
.
What a tool.
Time to consider a recess appointment, and then appoint her permanently after the 2010 election, when worthless moron Ben “legend in his own mind” Nelson becomes as irrelevant as the rest of the members of his real party of choice – the Republicans. Come January 2011, we can throw him out.
this is all about torture; abortion is a fig leaf for nelson. screw him. throw him overboard, whatever it takes.
He’s a Democrat from Nebraska. Nebraska, people.
They practically invented the term DINO for this guy.
If this is what “bipartisanship” looks like, color me forever a PARTISAN. I hope Ben Nelson ends up with a profoundly painful *** full of splinters from so cowardly riding that political fence.
I am somewhat confused about super majorities: Did Mr. Westrope indicate that Mr. Nelson would go so far as to vote against cloture on the Johnsen nomination? In the old days, there used to be the possibility of a senator voting his “conscience” on the issue itself while allowing cloture on the discussion with the end result that after cloture a simple majority for the nominee would suffice. That is how LBJ got a lot of things done, including the civil rights laws in 1957, a tiny step at the time but a clever opener that subsequently allowed the 1964/1965 laws.
being a democrat right now means you have become a bottom dwellar that want the United States to lower itself to ried-scummer-peloski-obama standards. The people of this Great Nation want to keep it a great generous nation, not a nation of thieves, liars and criminals.
my own ******’ party is really beginnin’ to piss me off. it’s like…who us??? in charge??? repugs can give ZERO votes on everything and yet we can’t get enough balls to fill out the damn cabinet??!! WTF. personally, i’ve had enough of ‘nice and polite and bi-partisan’. get it done damn it!!!
Jake~
I know it’s been hard on you since the Democratic landslide victory in November and I am so sorry for your feelings of contempt that this Great Nation is moving “center-left” as opposed “center-right”…it’s going to be a long eight years for you my friend, we will be thinking of you. And just remember John Stewart’s embracing words of comfort – “Republicans-you lost,it’s suppose to taste like a s**t taco to you”….
Two words: recess appointment
Why is Nelson in the Dem party? He’s more Republican than most Republicans!
If you look up “pure politician” in the dictionary, you’ll see Nelson’s picture along with his mantra: “Principles? We don’t need no stinking principles.”
Ben Nelson must be compromised. Kind of like Jane Harman?
**** Ben Nelson. If necessary, wait until Al Franken is seated and then confirm her. Or, just do a recess appointment. Though I can’t imagine we couldn’t find three Republicans willing to vote yes on her nomination. She really isn’t that controversial. What, she believes in the rule of law too much? Give me a break.
Here is what Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has to say to republicans who are in opposition to Dawn Johnsen.
This impassioned video should be a must see for every member of congress and indeed the whole American electorate.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/mageduley/2009/04/where-where-you-sheldons-lamen.php
This is beyond unbelievable. This is the kind of B.S. that keeps us from actually progressing as a nation. Another Dem disappoints. WTF?
A few of you border on madness! Is this a watering hole for Jacobins or what?
Read until the end: GOP=Godd-mn old poopers! Let me tell you, this country overwhelming voted for Obama to do something and reverse the “idiot’s” (Bush’s) beliefs and thoughts and policies. He and all the other Republicans ruined America -over 8 years; they are hypocrites (i.e. Schiavo, “oh government should stay out of our lives”, but they did just the opposite, just to name many mistakes and misdeeds by the Republicans; read Rules and Laws of Republican party, which is now a JOKE! and lie! I have many stories of how the GOP and politicians screwed me, my parents and lied). This shows the GOP is prejudiced against blacks (Steele is only there for being a token one, after Obama elected, which I LOVE OBAMA!, at least he is trying to do something and handle everything at one time. Steele should stick to his beliefs, and not cater to idiots like other Republicans’ beliefs; GOP needs change! i like Steele as long as he doesnt listen to aholes like Rush Limp-p-nis as I call him! God Bless Obama. Even my Republican law firm lied to me, and screwed me, and went along with the other side, my ex -the abusive lying filipina. I wrote to Republicans and Democrats regarding a woman who came here illegally, lied under oath (perjury in court, more than 2 court cases, including gov’t INS case), abused her 4 children by 3 different fathers, allowed the stepfather to abuse them severely, had arrest warrant from Immigration, yet is here in the USA now, flying around the world, with U.S. passport, married to this rich abusive man, has 6 cars -2 are jaqs, and 2 houses, yet I cannot get a passport and my money is being taken from me, even my disability money. I wrote to both parties, one all write back and said they’d help, while the other political party did not even write back. Guess? ALL Democrats volunteered to help me, and ALL the Republicans did not bother, did not write abck to me, even after sending pics of abuse! (*except only one Republican did write and told me to contact THE DEMOCRAT in my district, yet, his district started few streets over, and a Republiccan was in my district!) AND my father was almost killed in an ambulance accident, while working for the county/Police Department, which he was driving, by a drunk woman, who received only a cut and a bruise, but my father knocked out the drivers window with his head, had 300 stitches in the head -in and out, 2 parts broken in his left arm, and blood pressure 60 over nothing -no reading, almost dead. She got 5000 dollars from the county and got off due to her boyfriend was a cop, and my father only received 5000 dollars too! Know why? Know what? All this under Republican administrations! Now, here is the kicker: we are all REPUBLICANS!, for half of a century. All our lives…. UNTIL last year, when my parents changed their party affiliation, and I am still registered as a Republican after 31 years, BUT DO NOT VOTE REPUBLICAN ANYMORE since early 1990’s, especially since 2004, now vote and help the Democrats! Helped them all these years and get fked. NOW YOU KNOW WHAT PARTY IS YOUR FRIEND AND WANTS TO HELP!? DEMS! Smarten up c-ntservative religious Republicans (or should be RIPubliKKKans) aholes. (Dont forget you aholes: separation of church and state, and, Catholic church: priests raped little boys AND embezzlement). After helping Republicans, with money and volunteering for ALL these years since I could vote, and when I asked for one favor, Republicans would not help, especially regarding child abuse/neglect, adult abuse, perjury, illegal immigration, arrest warrant! This b-tch was rewarded by Republicans! In downtown court, where Dems and liberals are, I was winning (and she filed there!), but when I moved it to suburbs, she won, due to lawyer was a judge pro tem (knew judges), and boyfriend, now husband, had business in the same town; even cops would not allow me to file a 7th police report on her! For every 20 bad illegal things Republicans do, only ONE bad thing by Democrats! Wake up America! VOTE DEMOCRAT! Thank you! Sincerely, PAUL, actor of Spanish TV and *** IN THE CITY, lover of senior citizens, blacks, latinos, womens’ rights and choice, and a 31 year Republican, now a Republican hater and lover of Democrats and Obama! God Bless America as long as Democrats are in office!
Correction, a majority of you border on madness! You turn on your own party members like a pack of rabid animals. Goodness, stop arguing from your emotions, and embrace logic. You know very well that “blue-dog” democrats exist, you’ve historically depended on them. Don’t get so frantic the moment someone disagrees with you. Remember, “progressive” is a relative term, it can mean just about anything.
This clown is an RIAA lawyer, if that’s not a conflict of interest to holding any public office position, nothing is.
P.S. Paul, I just read your post and if you can’t get a passport, you must be a convicted felon and can’t vote either. What business do you have commenting on politics?
My my my, liberal’s sure do get in all a tither if some one deviates from the standard party line. This knee-jerk, reactionary and ultra-zealot attitude does not serve the democratic party well. It makes you like many ultra-right wing scmucks, caraictures in being. Stop whining that he needs the hammer brought down “to keep him in line.” What Gestopo tactics will you want to use next? How about, stop looking at this as a win/lose scenario and celebrate that there are different opinions. The folks being represented by the gentleman in NE may feel the same as he does, which, ironically, is what he is elected to do, represent their interests, not just to play puppet on every issue. The more you dupes drift to the left from the center, the more you are like the dupes to the right. Your whining is, while typical, is disppointing. So much for the bridge building and fence mending OB campaigned on eh?
Don’t cut Ben any slack, folks. It’s not about Nebraska: his predecessor, Bob Kerrey, got away with being relatively liberal, so the only reason Nelson is the way he is is that that’s the way he is.
Wow!!! I thought I had read hard-line, hate the opponents, rhetoric before, but this stream of blog comments really shows the polarization that has come under this president. I guess this is a clear illustration of the “bi-partisanship” promised to be brought into the new administration.
Finally….a politician who thinks for himself instead of walking blindly…maybe he even reads what he signs…..instead of some of you attacking his manhood, you should be greatful that he considers his decisions and doesn’t just rubberstamp them “BO”…. And for those of you needing a basic reading comprehension course….the trouble with the woman isn’t that she is pro-choice (I’m pro-choice…I choose to call it murder) it’s that he’s concerned she’s so focused on one goal she loses focus or concentration on others. Radicals aren’t a blessing…they might stir things up, but they cause more damage in the long run. She isn’t the best choice, because she can’t see beyond the next pro-life rally or abortion vote.
Bush insisted on “up or down” vote on all his nominations. Republicans & their supporters did not have a problem then. What goes around comes around. Got what u asked for.
Wow…I just read (or tried to read) Paul’s post. Very sad indeed. I could list transgressions against my family and others committed by both parties….evil doesn’t vote Republican or Democrat…it simply exists.
Until the powers-that-be stop living in the past there can be no future free of it…..kind of like a dog returning to its vomit. Sharma, your comments are better suited for a preschool playground than a political debate….then again….perhaps they fit in with the current administration’s level of immaturity.
They best they can do is Dawn Johnsen?
She is a liberal failure and far too slanted to be effective.
finally some common sense returning in face of the radical loonie toons that have hijacked this nation.
We have a usurper in OBAMA – Saoteo, who is a fraud and phoney in the white house. All his policies are one big lie and failure after failure:
- transparency? Where’s your birth certificate you illegal alien!
- somali pirates? Delayed and dealyed and delayed, navy real hero
- insults our allies in brittain and france
- bows down to arab king
- cuts memo loose putting Americans at further danger, and put our troops at danger
- steals money from our coffers to tune of $789 billion
- running up a massive gov.
- cutting CIA , FBI, and military
- friendly with CASTRO, IRAN, and CHAVEZ
- janet from another planet napilteano is sued for calling
our veterans terrorist scum!?
This anti American, marxist, neo Socialist scum **** bag need to be flushed, maybe one of these lawsuits will finally see the light of day and this illegit, illegal piece of pond scum will go back to the rock he crawled out from and our nation will have lower taxes, less radicals, and free market economy without government over burdened nonsence (i.e. global warming BS) as a crutch holding us down. You can keep your change, I will take my freedom any day over this BS change.
Obama blows….
Ben Nelson is an embarrassment to Nebraska and I am fed up with his claims of being a Democrat – what BS!
I’m a child of the 60’s. Although I consider myself an independent, I tend to vote more and more for the Republican party. When I was growing up, liberal meant, open minded and tolerant. I don’t know if I was just naive or things have changes drastically, but the liberal/democrat party has become a facist machine, and quite frankly, they frighten me. Here in the LA area, you’re not allowed to have an opinion outside of the liberal agenda. If so, you’ll find yourself ostracized and openly hated. What happened here? People, open your minds!!! Extremes can be very dangerous and if you’re not careful, you may get what you want. A Stalinist State, where every thought is controlled by the government and a select group of people. Don’t just get your “news” from Chris Mathews or the NY Times!!!
I’m getting REALLY tired of the confirmations being tied up by members of Congress who are not angels themselves. We need people to run this country and that includes presidential nominations. I’ve watched some of these on C-span and I swear, some of the questions and manner of speaking are ridiculous. Some of Congress think they’re God or something.
Well, Roger, I’m a child of the 50s and 60s, Independent and I will NEVER EVER vote for a whining Republican again! Obstructionists and greedy.
You Dems are pathetic
3700 Abortions a day and you people want to hug a tree and love the animals. It is a shame that you do not love the babies as much as animals. You hate human life unless it is your own, you are so mixed up that you can not see the truth. You march and pontificate so that you can kill babies with pleasure…you are sick !
PAUL GringoLatino …
I wonder if your wife thinks you are what you think you are ? You blame her…she is most likely a great lady and you are the arse hole !
What goes around – etc. The new rule should be called the Biden rule, from when he babbled on and on with regards to Bolton’s nomination to the UN. He wouldn’t have nominated Bolton, so he voted to fillabuster him. Thus, any Senator should be free to do the same, for any reason, to any nomaniee.
One Doctor’s Wisdom…….
A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:
“Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I’m pregnant again. I don’t want two kids so close together.”
So the doctor said: “Ok, and what do you want me to do?”
She said: “I want you to end my pregnancy, and I’m counting on your help with this.”
The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady:
“I think I have a better solution for your problem. It’s less dangerous for you, too.”
She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to agree with her request.
Then he continued: “You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let’s kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we’re going to kill one of them, it doesn’t matter which one it is. This way there would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.”
The lady was horrified and said: “No, doctor! How terrible! It’s a crime to
kill a child !”
“I agree,” the doctor replied. “But you seemed to be ok with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.”
The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point.
He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that’s
already been born and one that’s still in the womb. The crime is the same!
If you agree, please pass this on. Together we can help save precious lives!
Please support those who cannot speak for themselves! Thank You.
This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper .
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on “How Would You Fix the Economy?”
I think this guy nailed it!
Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America’s economy.
Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.
Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:
1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered-
Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage – Housing Crisis fixed.
It can’t get any easier than that!
If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes…
If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.
” I KNOW IT WOULD”
Sounds 100% of what OBAMA & HIS THUGS ARE DOING TO THIS COUNTRY NOW !!!!
Bill Cosby has a great way of distilling things. Looks like he’s done it again!
I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.
HERE IS MY PLATFORM:
(1) ‘Press 1 for English’ is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait at the border until you can.
(2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country’s attitude. NO imports, no exports. We will use the ‘Wal-Mart ’s policy, ‘If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it.’
(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.
(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.
(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn’t put nuttin in, you ain’t gettin nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will be able to touch it.
(6) Welfare – Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.
(7) Professional Athletes–Steroids. The FIRST time you check positive you’re banned for life.
(8) Crime – We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.
(9) One export will be allowed, Wheat. The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.
(10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we’ll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it’s a worthy cause.
(11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.
(12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.
Sorry if I stepped on anyone’s toes
GOD BLESS AMERICA .
Bill Cosby
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,516886,00.html
I Am an Extremist By Col. Oliver North – Washington, D.C. —
According to the U.S. government, I am an extremist.
I am a Christian and meet regularly with other Christians to study God’s word.
My faith convinces me the prophesies in the Holy Bible are true.
I believe in the sanctity of human life, oppose abortion and want to preserve marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
I am a veteran with skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat.
I own several firearms, frequently shoot them, buy ammunition and consider efforts to infringe on my Second Amendment rights to be wrong and unconstitutional.
I fervently support the sovereignty of the United States, am deeply concerned about our economy, increasingly higher taxes, illegal immigration, soaring unemployment and actions by our government that will bury my children beneath a mountain of debt.
Apparently, all this makes me a “right-wing extremist.”
At least that’s what it says in the April 7, 2009 “assessment” issued by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The nine-page report, titled, “Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment,” is full of warnings about American citizens who share any of my background or subscribe to the beliefs above.
It is one of the most alarming documents produced by our government that I have ever read.
Evidently neither you nor I were ever supposed to read this “assessment.”
At the bottom of the cover page is a warning that it is “not to be released to the public, the media or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know.”
We’re Americans.
We have a need to know what’s going on in our government — especially in an administration that promised to be “transparent.”
The “assessment” purports to alert law enforcement officials that “right-wing extremists” — the term is used more than 35 times — are intent on exploiting Americans who have strongly held beliefs on everything from Christian faith to rising unemployment, U.S. sovereignty and the Second Amendment.
It vilifies those of us in these categories by references to neo-Nazis, racists, militias, white-supremacists and other “hate groups.”
Notably, the report includes a warning that right-wing extremism “may
include groups or individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.”
Though the report proffers a passing reference to the First Amendment, it is replete with bias against conservative thought, writing and communications.
On page 3, law enforcement authorities are warned, “right-wing extremist chatter on the Internet continues to focus on the economy, the perceived (emphasis added) loss of U.S. jobs in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and home foreclosures.”
This is a frightening acknowledgement that political speech is being monitored in America.
It is also wrong.
It’s not “perception.”
It is fact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the manufacturing and construction sectors have lost 161,000 jobs and 126,000 jobs, respectively, in the last month alone.
In its “Key Findings” the DHS manuscript boldly charges “right-wing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues” and warns that “the possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.”
Under the heading “Disgruntled Military Veterans” the report alleges, “right-wing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat.
These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the capabilities of extremists — including lone wolves or small terrorist cells — to carry out violence.”
These unsubstantiated claims are followed by reminders that Timothy McVeigh — the 1995 Oklahoma City bomber — was a military veteran.
Omitted is any reference to the fact that McVeigh was simply one of more than 40 million law abiding veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Thirteen lines after this egregious, unconscionable slander against those of us who are military combat veterans, DHS makes the stunning charge that, “lone wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent right-wing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States.”
According to this DHS “assessment,” the most dangerous threat we face here at home isn’t from radical imams preaching violence in U.S. mosques and madrassas, Islamists recruiting in our prisons, Somali terrorists enticing young immigrants to become suicide bombers or Hamas, Hezbollah or Al Qaeda operatives plotting mass murder.
No, according to DHS, the real threat comes from what our government labels “right-wing extremist ideology.”
President Obama should publicly disavow this report and fire the officials responsible for issuing it.
Those who prepare his remarks for the occasion should insert in the teleprompter, Senator Barry Goldwater’s words on the subject:
“Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.”
— Oliver North hosts War Stories on FOX News Channel and is the author of the new best-seller, “American Heroes: In The War Against Radical Islam.” He has just returned from assignment in Afghanistan.
PRESIDENT OBAMA WON. THEY DO NOT LIKE IT. THEY WILL NEVER LIKE IT. SO, THEY WILL LASH OUT UNTIL THEY GAIN CONTROL AGAIN. (GOD FORBID. THUS, IGNORE THE IGNORAMUSES AND LET’S CLEAN UP THE MESSES THEY LEFT BEHIND.
CNN 2min video should be mandatory viewing for every US citizen
ftc-video-CNN-AmnestyBillsWorst_.wmv (4084KB)
I am Catholic and a strong supporter of Right to Life. Those of you who are “progressives” always confuse me. You worry yourself sick about “saving the planet”, hugging trees and saving animals. But you are all for and support the MURDER of innocent babies. You claim to believe in the civil rights of all persons, but would allow our enemies to kill thousands of helpless citizens if getting information to stop it would be found by water boarding. It is confusing. The only answer I can find for your behavior is you people want a society that does not believe in God and is socialist or communist in nature. You truly are misguided IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Very Alarming Video………
Everyone should have a chance to view it and come to their own conclusion. …. it will probably be taken down shortly.
http://www.tangle. com/view_ video.php? viewkey=0861ff3e abea1ceb73e4
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA………..
Dear President Obama, You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don’t understand it at its core.
You scare me because you lack humility and ‘class’, always blaming others.
You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the ‘blame America’ crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
You scare me because you prefer ‘wind mills’ to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because you have begun to use ‘extortion’ tactics against certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O’Reillys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
Amen, brother, Amen!
PRESIDENT OBAMA WON. THEY DO NOT LIKE IT. THEY WILL NEVER LIKE IT.
“Your Darn Right We won’t” He WON’T Get in again! MARK MY WORDS
Him & HIS THUGS Has got to go – their make the USA into another
“HITLER PARTY” when they get done. “WE THE PEOPLE” Are not gonna take it! WE are fight back anyway (BY LAW) we can!!!!
I can’t stop laughing at your stupidity, American Democrats. you are soo pathetic. You want big government to take care of you, and Universal social healthcare, and you’ve been hailing your presidente who stroke dictators’ ego like chavez and ortega, while we in the third world countries want to flee to the land of freedom, USA. Why dn’t we trade countries, eh ? Some people are just , simply , dumb!
I want the Dems to show some backbone and punish this ****. He should share offices with Lieberman. Time to be very aggressive and remember 51 votes can be enough on almost anything if you use the rules right.
Sarah,
Get a life. Your side lost because your ideas have been discredited. Better for you to be quiet now instead of braodcasting your ignorance and paranoia. And as for abortions, if you don’t believe in them don’t have one, but keep your nose out of other people’s lives.
Wow !! I was lured to this website by the headline– an honest democrat legislator. The comments however seem to show that the haters on the left have nothing better to do than spew their hate on everything. Their lack of Faith in God leaves them without humor, decency or integrity. Get a life (and a job)!!!!!!!!!! Maybe it will teach you to be better people,capable of honest dialogue.
Dems . . . welcome to governing. The only way that you gain a majority in this country is by having a large portion of your caucus that is far closer to the center than the majority of your base. Nelson is an example. You (Dems) can purge your ranks of apostates, but the result, if the opposition plays things shrewdly, will be a rump minority. The problem with our country over the last 8 years, which is continuing at warp speed under this president is that both parties have believed that controlling congress and the presidency is a license to push a radical, polarizing agenda. It isn’t. Successful presidents govern from the middle. Repubs just learned this the hard way. Clinton learned in time to salvage his presidency. Obama needs to learn the same lesson, and hopefully sooner rather than later. One presidential election does not a revolution make.
I’m an indie, but if this is what it means to be a Dem count me out. I was under the mistaken impression that the Democratic Party takes the big tent approach. There is a fundamental difference between an urban Democrat and a rural one, and there wouldn’t be a large majority without Dems like Nelson (Tester, etc.). Get rid of him at your own risk.
Jake LHC wrote: “The people of this Great Nation want to keep it a great generous nation, not a nation of thieves, liars and criminals.”
If your read the newspapers it appears to me those are the people who had been running the company for at least the last 8 years. So I am confused by your inclusion of the phrase “keep it.” I think we would like to return it to and that I believe is what the last election was all about.
Wow, I read Paul’s post. He is so typical of not only Democrats but most people in this country today. All he says is “the government didnt’ do this for me, the government didn’t do that for me” You people want the government to do everything in your life and hand you money, and hand you food stamps, and hand you welfare. Get a life, that is not the governments job. Paul that is the problem with our country today,people like you vote for whoever is going to give them the most. You are voting yourselves the treasury, and when people can vote themselves the treasury, that is the beginning of the end for a nation. When people just vote for who gives them the most (which we all know is Democrats) than it is followed by higher and higher taxes, they have to tax everything, so they have the money to pay. And the thing about that cycle is tey will never have enough money because they know to stay electable they have to promise to dive out more and more. This country was not founded on what the government can do for me. It was founded by people who came from a place that the government was running their daily lives and their livelihoods were taken from them and given to the government, to such an extent that they started this country based on minimal government and personal responsibility. That is something everyone seems to have forgotten. You have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those are not guaranteed to you. Take responsibility for yourself and remember , the government is not the answer it is the problem.
Mike, you are so right. I remember John Kennedy saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” We are so far in the wrong direction, we may not recover. Unfortunately, we are too polarized by right wing zealots and left wing nutjobs on issues like abortion. Once people realize that the cost of a free ride is at first at someone else’s expense, then at their expense, it will be too late. Government will be so large, so corrupt, and the people intellectually, financially and physicall disarmed that this will not longer be the great country it used to be.
I don’t understand how people say that he shouldn’t vote what he believes in, and attack him for not having “principles.” He can do whatever he feels necessary and right- that’s why he was elected. All I hear is a bunch of extremely liberal democrats posting on how they’re pissed. Democrats have to understand that there are blue-dog democrats who have conservative streaks. Get used to it- it’s always been that way, and it probably always will. Don’t get all pissy when people vote the way they believe. You got a problem, you email them saying you disagree, or you vote them out. Bitching that Democrats shouldn’t think like that doesn’t help at all.
Sheesh! Thought I’d drop in to this little party for a bit, but seeing that the far right bumper sticker flamers have arrived in force, I think I’ll take my leave.
Just one quick expression of concern for poster Sarah: You really need to get back on your meds. You are truly embarrassing yourself.
Oh . . . quick thought on the initial topic of this thread: Nelson is the one to blame for keeping college student loan costs so high. He is actively blocking efforts to take the expensive private brokers out of the government student loan business. Why? Because the biggest private broker of all is based in Nebraska.
Nobody’s indispensable. It’s time now to get ready with a viable campaign against Nelson in the next primary. And do it noisily and visibly and in-your-face. If he doesn’t get the message then, it won’t hurt anybody’s feelings to see him go down. Ben Nelson? Who is Ben Nelson, anyway? I thought there was a senator from Florida named Nelson, no? Nebraska, you say? Where is Nebraska, any way?
Interesting, Liberals are liberal about everything but other people’s opinions.
Thank goodness there is at least one Dem in the Senate who has some brains and is reasonably patriotic, unlike “This war is lost” Dingy Harry Reid! And if that useless, stupid, ugly communist ***** Franken ever gets seated, well I guess we deserve it for being so stupid as to elect the likes of him, Pelosi, Reid, Schumer, Clinton, Feinstein, Boxer, Murtha, Patty Murray, Kerry, Barney ****** Frank, and all the other really power mad crooked Dems now in office! Wise up for christ sakes! This isnt supposed to be United States of Communism! F’ing Dems have just about destroyed this once great nation and we’re almost toast now. What do you liberal jerks think is going to pay for the massive debt Obama wants to saddle us ALL with? Trillions of dollars of debt we are laying off on our grandkids to pay, if they can, even at 50 percent income tax which is on the way under this hammerhead visionary you morons elected! The most unquailified man/child to ever be elected to high office and he will fortunately be a one termer, we can only hope! The democrap party is beyond pathetic, its unAmerican and dangerous and should be reigned in and Ben Nelson is one of maybe two dems who are worth a fat damn!!!!!!!!!!!
There was a Democratic Congress when this housing fiasco went on. There are videos of Bush and McCain telling Congress that these subprimes loans needed to be stopped. There are videos of Barney Frank saying Oh no there is nothing wrong with Freddie Mac and Frannie Mae. We all know the results of that. Why do some of you hide from that fact? The people from ACORN strongarmed bankers into making these loans. And the CEOS of ACORN made millions. One of them $6 million in one yr. And now they work for Obama. I don’t care if you are Reps or Dems. Listen to the truth. Stop hiding the truth from yourself and blaming the other party.
Obama wants amnesty and open borders. The government it handing out work Visas while there are millions of Americans who have been laid off or fired. Right now Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard,Pfiser etc are laying off American workers and keeping and hiring their low paid workers from India,etc. And now the govenment wants to up the amount of work Visas they are still passing out.
Do you agree with this? If you don’t then let your government know about it. Do you agree that babies that live thru an abortion should be killed or left to die in a linen closet? If you doln’t then let your govenment know. Do you believe in the Constitution? Do you believe in not letting illegals take down the American flag and put up a Mexican one at their highschools that our taxes are paying for? Do you believe your taxes should go to health care for millions of illegals.
The power company in Atlanta Ga hires illegals. A few days ago one of the illegals using a fake SS # ran a bulldozer over an American and killed him. The sister of this man said that her brother had told her he was afraid someone was going to get hurt of killed because of the language barrier and lack of experience. There were 3 other illegaqls working there who had no ID. or drivers license. Look at the danger of these people, especially the danger of hiring a terrorist when no I D is required. This should have been a highly qualified and checked out job. Do you agree that what they are doing is okay. Forget about the danger. Do you think these illegals should have taken these jobs away from Americans. If you don’t think any of this is right then do something about it instead of making fun of tea parties where people are at least making an effort to save America. The tea parties are not Rep or Dem or black or white . They are all of us.
Virtually ever right-wing post is notable for their childish accusations of socialism and communism while understanding nothing about how various economic systems actually funtion. Their terrorof a fair and intelllgence President like Obama who seems to be willing to clean up the awful mess left by the Bush/Republicans is justified, becasue craven people as they prove themselves to be will fail and deserve to fail. Perhaps we can almost rid the country of Republican scum. ODUG
what change? same old stuff.
there is no change. what a joke! same old stuff,
Maybe it’s time for someone who really, REALLY cares about this country to speak up. Having served as an officer in the U. S. Army more than 30 years, and defended this country aginst foreign and domestic foes I believe I have the right to exercise my first ammendment rights (at least until Obama and fellow democrats take them away, as they surely intend to to.) What has happened to this country……..Have we actually gone stark raving Mad? Our precious freedome are bing taken away of a daily basis. It seems the pols only care how it plays in the press and “back home!” Where are the patriots. They use to be here to defend the constitution! Where did we go wrong? What has happened to us? We better wake up, put prayer back in school and find some people who Really care about this Country! It seems all a game…..I voted for it before I voted against it! Think people!
you have got to be kidding ,most of the votes came from the bottom feeders of this country,who dont pay taxes but sure do like the free checks every month,free medical,free housing which they promply destroy and then gripe and say they should get more,they sure wont work for it
The big empty suit only nominates someone who he knows will do what he wants, Notice though, his steam is running out. You can’t fool all of people all of the time. After his one term I’m sure the Gop controlled WH and senate will demand to see all of the hidden papers, the we can arrest him for fraud, and impersanating a President
I know, maybe you should torture Senator Nelson into voting for Ms. Johnsen. Then you will have come full circle!
sarah – my wife and I are two of those 40 million over 50 years old people who would love to take advantage of the $1 million severance – pay off my $140K mortgage and my son’s $100k college (with no assistance available because we fall into the “too rich” catagory at $100K income per year) and buy a couple new American cars . . . . however I’m afraid that amount of money will be taxed at 90% like the AIG bonuses and have less money than we started with . . . so we will pass on any such offer from this current government.
It seems that the liberals cannot stand it when someone disagrees with them. RE the president has a right to have his appointees approved. This is the same tactic the dems used on Bush. All you Bush bashers will have your day and it will not be fun. The socialist you now have in the white house will be running everything in this country if he has 8 years. This country was made great by people that worked for what they wanted and not by entitlements and earmarks.
I guess all of these hysterical morons want Nancy Pelosi’s Hyde also,after all she not only knew about the so called torture but she was all FOR it before she was AGAINST it.Hypocrite dems letting their BDS get the best of them again.
“Obama’s pick of Johnsen cheered many liberals” – I thought Russian Limburger was the only person in The US who still uses the “L” word. Or maybe I’m just getting old because I see myself as having conservative and liberal values.
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/04/24/video-frank-in-2005-bubble-what-bubble/comment-page-1/#comments
Need to see this about your leader
Wow I never knew there were so many conservatives “concerned” about the health and wealfare of the “Democrat” party. Gee, it gives me chills knowing that I have the “sincere” support of my fellow Americans. I am touched knowing that they want nothing more than for the “Democrat” party to succeed.
Wow, what do you say fellow Dems? Should we start taking their advice, even though by HUGE majorities rejected them in the last election? Even though everything they stand for has been discredited? Even though All the lies that are the foundation of their belief system have been exposed, should we start taking their advice now? Seriously, how stupid would a person have to be to listen to ANYTHING a conservative has to say?
Michael the Moderate: Can you answer my last question?
So Nelson is holding her views on abortion against her? Last time I looked, abortion became legal in this country in 1973, thirty five years ago. The US Supreme Court voted 7-2 against states forbidding abortion. Of two justices who voted against it, one had been appointed by a Republican president and the other a Democratic president. The kicker is this: The majority justices who voted against states forbidding abortion were appointed by Republican presidents. Hmm.
So in essence, Nelson, a Republican in Democrat clothing, holds a grudge against Johnsen for upholding a Republican majority USSC decision to allow abortion which has been legal in the US for 35 years? Yes, he is just another Republican obstructionist, better known as the party of NO.
LIFE IS ETERNAL! ALWAYS WAS…..ALWAYS WILL BE!
A woman’s choice for that Life to develop in her body is an extremely difficult but personal decision. It should not be legislated by the government.
Ben Nelson..the human tick…why can’t he be voted out of office…? I remind you..he’s not the only one..how about Lieberman, etc…? Are the people who keep voting theses turds back into office really that stupid or politically niave…? Its not what they say or promise..its there low-down actions and (promises never intended to be fulfilled) after being sworn in, that count…
New flash – the country did not overwhelmingly vote for HUSSEIN – over 54 million voted AGAINST him. Yes, I can’t wait until the 2010 elections and all your dems are thrown out of office. “Senator” Franken? A bad joke that just gets worse….
Funny. When Tom DeLay pressured Republicans to toe the party line, liberal Democrats called him a “hatchet man” and a “dictator.”
Now, when a conservative Democrat disagrees with the President and his party on a nominee, those same liberal Democrats all start acting just like little Tom DeLays.
In the same manner, a GOP legislator who votes with the Democrats is hailed as a “moderate,” and a “conscientious individual.” But a Democrat who votes with the GOP is called a “turncoat” and a “Benedict Arnold.”
And all of this from the political party that celebrates “diversity,” civil rights, and the right to dissent, which it calls “the highest form of patriotism.”
Is Senator Nelson free to dissent, to debate and to disagree, or is he just a puppet of President Obama? Or do liberal Democrats just want a one party, stalinist, socialist state? The answers are: NO and YES, respectively.
Why are the democrats called liberal. They are the most one sided group of people. If they don’t agree with a persons policy he is worthlesss, bigoted or some sort of mental pygmy. There are two sides to every issue, try listening to both sides the form your opinions
My problem with this nominee is that she was a RIAA lawyer and the copyright laws are so messed up you need a team of lawyers to even hope to understand them. I will admit that the RIAA did use some of the best lawyers out there.
I hate both parties right now one tells you what to think and the other how you should think.
I like most of what Obama’s has done with foreign countries so far because I believe you need to keep fiends close and ememies closer, talking with them doesn’t make you weak just infomated. If you want to stop illegal aliens from coming here then you must stop them from working here. Make it illegal to hire them and have the IRS check their records for more than one person using a SSN or invalid SSN.
When companies make bad investments, they should pay a price not get bonus when the goverment helps them. If you want to fix this country start by sending all the lobbies to Cuba.
“It’s amazing now that someone who is in favor of the law of the land (abortion IS legal) is disqualified from being in the OLC.”
Okay. Going by that standard, however, if Obama names anyone to a court (including the US Supreme Court) who is in any way against the absolute right to own guns (which is the law of the land), or against the death penalty (which is, after all, the law of the land), that person should be voted down, right? As being “outside of the mainstream”?
Or do you only agree that pro-abortion is alright, but being for guns and the death penalty is not alright?
You have to recall that Nelson is from the bugeater state where his opponents were truly ghastly.Ben may be just a bit on the wiggy side, but any of the republicans he defeated would have been much worse.He holds his office on that basis alone and knows it. Plus in Nebraska if it doesn’t have the N for nowledge on it, it’s not proper.
I just love watching panty wearing democrats whine like a bunch of little kids. Great theatre!
As I go through and read most of these comments left by the Dems, it’s obvious that many are more like socialist libs posing as democrats. It is disheartening to see the behavior and absolute atrocities that our current dems are doing to our nation. If we keep going at the rate we are going now within 3 years we will no longer have a democracy in this nation, we will be a socialist republic.
If you ask me (which you have not, so far) all congressmen should be jailed for the wonderful job they are doing, and the sooner the better for the country.
The difference between Ford granting Nixon a Pardon is that Nixon did not break international law. Water boarding is clearly torture and torture is clearly against international law. Did the international community sit back and allow other War Criminals to go unprosecuted? The US would be a Hypocrite if he just ignored Bush’s clear war crimes. If we do not show the world that we can Police ourselves, then they will start to Police us themselves! We can not have that happen. For the sake of the US moving forward and for the World to move with us (not against us), then we need to at least investigate and prosecute if necessary.
p.s. Bill Nelson is a Coward!
You left-wing fruits are just like the right-wing fruits. You can’t see the forest for the trees. YOu people tend to get stuck on one thought process and do not take into consideration the overall policies for the USA. You have no right really to complain about the right because your ideologies are just as devasting for the overall health of the rest of the USA. Centrist citizens need to put ALL of you in your rightful place..and that is in the pond as the scum you seem to be. Geez people read some history and see if you can find out why our Constitution was put in place. It was to keep all you “wingers” from ruining this great nation!
Nelsons responsibility is to the state and people that elected him..not the dnc or Party interests. Not every dem is pro life…not every rep is anti abortion..this is not a one issue party.
Michael FLL is a moron. Probably another one of those that was cheering when the US gave Afghanistan back to its people and kicked the Taliban if the butt! Do you think al Qaeda plays fair? I would rather see people who are enemies of the US suffer discomfort that see another Twin Tower catastrophe! George had his problems but he kept your sorry butt alive – although for the life of me I don’t understand why!
michael and ruby – just say THANK YOU to Prez Bush and the military for keeping you alive and safe for 7 years
if and when hussein obama can do the same, as that is all I and most Real Americans want from him, I will tell him- Thank You.
you radicals need to take your hate and vitriol to cuba, chile or some other facist country to terrorize the citizens and leave the Real Americans alone to rebuild America after the 11/06 reign of terror and democrats.
War IS NOT pro-life. Of all of you who condemn abortion, how many foster children have you taken into your homes or even ADOPTED? Don’t be a hypocrite.
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
games
rrrrrrrrrrrrr