Impeach Cheney: Activity #2 & 3

[H2O Man]

Today I would like to start by sharing a story with you that sums up a lot of both the good and bad in politics today. One of my cousins told me about this yesterday.

On Tuesday, my elderly aunt volunteered to work the polls in a city in Pennsylvania. There were two contests in particular that my aunt was focused on, in which democrats were looking to unseat corrupt republican county commissioners. She worked from 7 am to 7 pm, in the cold, rainy weather.

Other people worked for shorter periods, including a young aide for one of the republicans. Towards the end of the evening, he approached my cousin, unaware that she was the daughter of the elderly woman he pointed to. "Look at her," he said. "I don’t get it. She’s been here all day. It’s not like she’s going to get a job out of this. Not at her age."

Too many people are focused on "politics" for personal gain, a job, money, or power. They are as confused as this young man was when someone invests in doing something simply because of their beliefs. My aunt is the type of person who not only acts upon her beliefs, but who would not ask anyone to do something she was unwilling to do herself.

My grandfather came to this country from Ireland in the late 1800s. Other family members were already here. Some of his sisters worked in and around New York City, and they used to put together their nickels and dimes in savings. And with these savings, they were able to pay for my aunt to attend Syracuse University.

Among other jobs, my aunt ran a large human service agency, and taught at two universities. Her late husband was a nationally known professor. They were friends with a former governor, and my cousins are all friends with a neighbor who now sits in the US Senate. My aunt wasn’t standing in the rain on Tuesday because she was looking for a job; she was there because she believes strongly in the traditional democratic values that allowed the daughter of immigrants to live the life she has, and to open the door for other young men and women to have those same opportunities. But the republican aide only saw an old woman, standing in the rain for hours.

I think that some in Washington view the people on this forum with the same eyes that the young republican aide viewed my aunt. They view our dedication to a cause, without any thought of personal gain, as a foreign concept.

But there are others who understand. Today, I am hoping that we can take a few minutes to contact two of them, Congresswomen Lynn Woolsey and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. I think we should thank them for their work, and encourage them to do everything they can to push for the impeachment of VP Dick Cheney.

I also want to encourage people to put their nickels and dimes together when these two are running for re-election. Even if we are not from their district, they represent us: Rep. Woolsey is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Rep. Wasserman Schultz is on the Judiciary Committee.

To contact Rep. Woolsey, call 202-225-5161; fax [phone]; or, if you are outside her district, use the following e-mail, Att: Rep. Woolsey:

http://cpc.lee.house.gov/index.cfm?SectionID=15&ParentID=0&SectionTypeID=5&SectionTree=15

For Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz: phone [phone]; fax [phone]; and to e-mail from out of her district, do so c/o:

http://judiciary.house.gov/contact.aspx

Thank you for your help with this.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Me.]

2. As Soon As The Clock Strikes 9

I will be on this. Yes, I'm afraid the 'whataya/it gonna do for me' viewpoint is all too prevalent, just ask Duke Cunningham and all those facing corruption scandals. It's the Ted Stevens' branch of the republicon party. Though not limited solely to that group. To my mind the DLC is our representative of 'hands out' dems. Btw, those 2 races your lovely Aunt was interested in, how did they turn out?

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks!

There are times that it seems clear that there are people who speak very different languages when it comes to politics. That is evident in some of the discussions on DU.

My cousin had e-mailed me in the early morning hours, and didn't mention the outcome of the elections. I'll ask.

[H2O Man]

20. The answer:

My cousin just said their candidates won by landslides. My aunt and cousins helped to replace a total of six republicans with six democrats.

[Me.]

35. Wohoo

:thumbsup: :applause: :patriot: :rofl: :party: :evilgrin:

[w8liftinglady]

3. I got an error message with the first email-

but I went ahead and emailed pelosi,hoyer,wasserman-schultz,the judiciary committee,and(ahem)Joe Barton.

[H2O Man]

5. Thank you.

If anyone has an e-mail for her that works, it would be appreciated.

[w8liftinglady]

7. I'm hoping it's because her mailbox is FULL!

[Me.]

26. This Is The Form On Her Site

though it would be better to have a more direct route

http://woolsey.house.gov/contactemailform.asp

[H2O Man]

28. I think that

you have to be from her district to use that.

[MrMickeysMom]

4. You got my help right now... done....

Talked directly to Wasserman's staff, but left Woosley's staff a message.

BTW, that was a genuinely GOOD story. Thanks for sharing it here.

My family of Italian immigrants had, in their own way, a message of nourishing the notion to take your role as US citizen seriously. Southern Italians understand what it is to have one invading force after another with dictators and fascism.

I'm also recommending this... :kick:

[H2O Man]

9. Great!

Thank you very much. I appreciate your help on this.

Years ago, I wrote a book about the history of Irish immigrants who worked the railroads in the NYC-NJ area. I found that the Italian families had much the same experience. Both groups would serve as the foundation for the traditional democratic values that were such an important part of our nation's history. One of my favorite politicians was Governor Cuomo, who spoke openly about the values he had from his growing up in an extended family that was invested in the United States.

[MrMickeysMom]

34. I'm raising a glass (later this evening) to all you historians...

There seems to be a re-curring theme in all those stories. I think it must shape us. The books I've spent time with are "Unto the Sons" by Gay Talese, and "Peoples History of the United States" (still reading) by Howard Zinn.

What is the name of your book and is it still available?

[Me.]

8. Done

So nice to be able to call and say someone is doing a terrific job.

[berni_mccoy]

10. WTF? My original Thank You and K&R for this thread was deleted? I'll K&R again then.

:kick:

[H2O Man]

13. I wondered

about that, too. I was getting ready to thank you for your support, which I appreciate very much.

[texpatriot2004]

11. K & R nm

[antigop]

12. FYI: Woolsey is a co-sponsor of H.Res.333-- Wasserman Schultz is not

Current co-sponsors:

Rep Baldwin, Tammy - 8/1/2007
Rep Brady, Robert A. - 7/24/2007
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. - 6/6/2007
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy - 5/1/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve - 8/4/2007
Rep Davis, Danny K. - 11/5/2007
Rep Ellison, Keith - 6/28/2007
Rep Farr, Sam - 7/12/2007
Rep Filner, Bob - 7/12/2007
Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila - 8/4/2007
Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. - 6/28/2007
Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. - 9/7/2007
Rep Lee, Barbara - 6/7/2007
Rep McDermott, Jim - 7/10/2007
Rep Moran, James P. - 7/10/2007
Rep Payne, Donald M. - 8/1/2007
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. - 5/1/2007
Rep Towns, Edolphus - 9/27/2007
Rep Waters, Maxine - 6/12/2007
Rep Watson, Diane E. - 10/16/2007
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. - 6/7/2007
Rep Wynn, Albert Russell - 5/10/2007

[Me.]

14. You Beat Me To It

When I called her staffer asked if I knew and I thought it would be important info to pass on. Also:

John Conyers says he will hold hearings

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2234871

[antigop]

16. And didn't Rep. Wasserman Schultz vote to table the motion?

I think this is the roll call vote.

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1037.xml

[H2O Man]

19. Just as we

lobbied Rep Conyers yesterday, recognizing that he is generally progressive and asking him to help us on this issue, we should also lobby Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

[antigop]

22. Here is what her website says ...

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl20_schultz/HRes333statement

Statement from Rep. Wasserman Schultz regarding H.Res. 333


November 6, 2007

(Washington, DC) -- “Impeachment is the most severe action that the Congress can take against the Executive Branch and the consideration of articles of impeachment must not be taken lightly. The charges outlined in H.Res. 333 calling for the impeachment of Vice-President Cheney are serious and deserve more than an hour of debate without the ability to present evidence. As such, I have voted to refer this resolution to the House Judiciary Committee so that the charges outlined can be heard and debated.

“Today, Congress also overrode the President’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act, which among other things authorizes $2 billion for Everglades restoration as well as hurricane recovery and beach erosion funds. We are currently fighting to pass –against the President’s objections and his veto, legislation that would provide health insurance for an additional 3.5 million American children, 230,000 more insured children in Florida alone. Working to end the War in Iraq, expanding SCHIP, passing the first increase in the minimum wage in 10 years, passing the largest veterans health care increase in the 77-year history of the VA, and passing a roughly $1 billion increase in Everglades funding, all of these are issues that Congress has been addressing since the Democratic-led 110th Congress began in January.”

“Impeachment is a lengthy process which would divide Congress and this nation even more deeply than we are divided right now. Referring this resolution to the House Judiciary Committee is the constitutionally appropriate process that should be pursued.”

[Me.]

25. Bruce Fein & John Nichols Define Impeachment

as a cure rather than a punishment

[H2O Man]

27. Right.

Some of our friends in Washington are seeing this in a way that I think we should try to understand, so that we can help them adjust their perception. I really like and respect Rep. Conyers and Wasserman Schultz, but they err on certain aspects of their view of impeachment. Of course it is not pleasant, and it can be expected to create some hostilities. But it is necessary. We cannot hope to heal as a society when we do not respect the rule of law. And we cannot ignore it when our friends -- even our good friends -- fail to uphold their oath of office.

[pacalo]

52. I just sent this

to: http://judiciary.house.gov/Contact.aspx

Re: Impeachment of Richard Cheney

I'm in support of impeachment for several reasons:

This administration has no respect for our Constitution nor the law in general; this feeling is shared by a majority in this country as well as those who live in other countries.

If our Congress allows this administration's dirty business to go unanswered, Congress is, in effect, laying out a large "welcome" mat for future abusive presidencies against the Constitution.

The Constitution requires that this administration's crimes be answerable. We, the people, seem to understand this more than those who are in Washington to represent us. The anguish that we have suffered through this administration will not heal until we are shown that those responsible are answerable to the law. The anguish will only deepen.

As Bruce Fein, a Republican, said, "Impeachment is not a punishment. It is a cure." No truer words were spoken for this nightmare we are in.

Thank you for your consideration.

[antigop]

23. OK, will do. n/t

[H2O Man]

15. Right.

Rep Woolsey also issued a great statement of support for the Resolution to Impeach Cheney yesterday. I'll try to find a link. I think it is:

http://woolsey.house.gov/latestnews.asp?ARTICLE5110=2152039

Rep. Wasserman Schultz is not a co-sponsor of the Resolution, but is in a position to assist us. All members of the Judiciary are worth contacting. She is generally a progressive democrat.

[antigop]

17. OK, I was just a little confused. Thanks for staying on top of this. n/t

[H2O Man]

18. I should have

made it clearer in the OP. Thank you for helping to make that clearer!

There are a growing number of democrats in congress who recognize the importance of impeaching VP Cheney. Some are freshmen, others have been there longer. When we "lobby" these individuals, their staffs take notice, and discuss it with friend who work for other representatives.

The coordinated grass roots efforts, which include our friends on DU, are getting plenty of attention. There will be people who are tasked with trying to discourage the grass roots activists, by trying to advocate the bump-on-a-log, we-can't-risk-losing approach. In fact, the more effective we are, the more sticks-in-the-muds we'll encounter. In response, we must increase our lobbying efforts -- hence my request that people contact Wasserman Schultz.

[wizstars]

50. Where is Barbara Jordan when we need her???

:shrug:

"My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution.

"If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder."

--Barbara Jordan, July 25, 1974, House Judiciary committee

[troubleinwinter]

21. Link to Impeach Cheney: Activity #1

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2227148&mesg_id=2227148

[annabanana]

24. I jsut sent some encouraging words to the email addys you supplied.

I hope you will help us flag their races when the time comes...

[EFerrari]

29. Here is an account of Wasserman Schultz's position

as stated in an interview this morning. Might give people a place to start with her:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2235562

[H2O Man]

31. Thank you.

She has some errors in perception regarding impeachment. It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty in seeing a picture objectively when they are standing inside the frame. That is why it is important for us to politely lobby her, and help her to reframe the issue of impeachment.

Some of our friends in Washington are being pressured to take the stance she is taking. We need to be consistent in our efforts, and help them to understand the many reasons why they need to impeach VP Cheney.

Some of our friends like to talk to us when re-election time comes around. We need to use this as a basic building block in our attempts to openly communicate to them that honoring their oath of office -- to protect the Constitution -- is an essential part of any discussion we can have in the future.

And it helps people who work in their offices to know that the same people who are contacting Rep. Wasserman Shultz are contacting Rep. Woolsey. Those aides communicate, too. Any politician who wants to be successful today needs to be able to access the support of people outside their district when campaign time comes up. We are sending a clear message.

[EFerrari]

33. The aides communicate, that's true. Also, letting them know

both are being contacted helps diffuse the feeling of being picked on.

[Gregorian]

37. Thanks. I was trying to find a way to compose my thoughts about her position.

I'm finding it hard to believe she isn't totally behind impeachment.

How nerve wracking. As if they even represent US. US, the Democrats.

[H2O Man]

43. There is a lot

going on behind the scenes right now. We need to be steady, polite, and firm in our coordinated effort. Even when an aide says that a representative isn't supporting us, we need to continue to make the calls and send the e-mails.

Two of the most important points, in my opinion, are to remind our friends who say that congress has to concentrate on ending the war in Iraq that: (a) congress has supported every administration to increase the investment of money and troops in Iraq, including since becoming the majority in both the House and Senate this year; and (b) that history shows President Nixon became willing to discuss ending the war in Vietnam when he recognized that impeachment was becoming likely -- and there is not a single bit of historical evidence to support the claim that impeachment would interfere with efforts to end the war.

[Gregorian]

45. Key points. Thanks.

We're in the middle. That's progress. Now the momentum needs to keep going. I don't know how much of what we hear is bluff. But there is little doubt in my mind that we're playing high stakes poker. Who knows what members really believe, in private.

[Me.]

30. Dennis Wants Emails Too

ttp://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2229057

[Me.]

32. Rep. Carol Shea Porter Is Calling For Gearings

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2236350


call and say thank you

[antigop]

36. Don't forget to thank the staff. You'd be surprised at the reaction sometimes! .n/t

[Me.]

39. You Are So Right

[Gregorian]

38. I just spoke with Rep. Wasserman's aide.

When I made my case for impeachment, the first aide transfered me to one of the other aides who had more experience. She stated the reasons for Rep. Wasserman's position on impeachment. That we only have 12 months. That we need to create a new health care system. That we don't want to divide the two parties on issues where we already get along.

I tried to mention that we had this same dividing in 1998. But she was adamant that this was the position they held.

I don't know what legislation will or will not be passed before the end of this term. I do know that impeachment doesn't end with this administration leaving office. We have time. The way I see it is, we just don't have the same sense of importance.

As if we're going to pass any meaningful legislation. I know that's sarcastic. But as if we are not partisan about anything. Again, sarcastic.

I think the harm done to America by not impeaching, far exceeds the time lost to legislation. Legislation that has so far not been inacted for many years now.

It's time to impeach. It's vital to impeach.

[H2O Man]

41. Thank you.

I think we can expect her office to keep saying this publicly.

[spanone]

40. done

r

[antigop]

42. Done. n/t

[Me.]

44. Evening Kick

Faxes and emails can still be sent

[mzmolly]

46. Kicking

and hoping we'll get to work in Impeaching Bush immediately after Cheney.

Thanks again H20Man.

:hi:

[H2O Man]

48. It's interesting .....

I've been in contact with someone I know who believes that Cheney has committed offenses that warrent impeachment, but who takes the official position that there isn't time, it's too divisive, and that we need to focus on '08. But that person is impressed with the recent surge in calls, e-mails, and fax to congress asking for impeachment. The progressive grass roots are being heard. And the attempt to identify the impeachment movement as "ultra left wing" is failing, because we are identifying with the Constitution.

[mzmolly]

51. I have felt that it would happen in time, and from the bottom up.

Perhaps this really is the beginning?

I am a person who is also concerned with 2008. I make no bones about that. I do not want to see Cheney removed and Guliani inserted in his place just in time to claim "experience" before the coming election. Cheney has a lower approval rating than dung, the right wing would like nothing more than to scrape him off of their collective shoes.

Regarding honoring the Constitution (which is our collective desire) I agree with Bruce Fein that Bush must also be impeached. GWB certainly was not a victim in the crimes of his administration. According to Paul O'Neil * had a desire to invade Iraq from the moment he stepped into office. The buck stops with him, as does my desire for justice.

I am a supporter of impeaching both criminals though I applaud your efforts (and the efforts of others) to begin with Cheney. And, I applaud your wonderful Aunt for her contributions as well.

From one Irish American to another,
Peace

[MasonJar]

47. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story about a true patriot,

who returns the favors she is so grateful to acknowledge. A rare and formidable trait. I hope the young PUG got taught a lesson by your cousin and your aunt. When I hear of young GOPers like this, I cannot forget the young monsters who went to Floida in 2000 to stop the legitimate recount of the presidential misconduct....may they burn in ________for the crime against humanity which they and the Bushes and the Felonious 5 imposed on the citizens of the world. My heart breaks for the loved ones of the Iraqis who have been killed for oil by the egregious and greedy neo-cons and for the poor soldiers who were swept into this debacle simply because they yearned for a chance for a better life.

[wizstars]

49. "Corrupt Republican" is a redundancy n/t

[EFerrari]

53. Kick

[lonestarnot]

54. I should have known you were a fight'n Irishman!

:toast: Please promise to give your Aunt a great big hug just from me! :hug:

[truedelphi]

55. lynn Woolsey is a wonderful person and a total servant to her constituents

She schedules meetings with individual constituents several times a year. You get fifteen to twenty minutes ALONE with her. Regardless of who you are.

Don't need to contribute to her campaign. Or represent a corporate interest.

She is very cunning and very aware. And when I think of the Mohawk nation, with its notion of "seven generations" and of choosing their leaders from the twelve best grandmothers, I think of Lynn.

I was very lucky to have her as my Representative till I moved from Marin, CA

[Hawkowl]

56. Wasserman-Schultz needs phone calls

I heard her interviewed on the Ed Schultz show yesterday, Nov. 8, and she was adamantly against impeaching Cheney. She spouted the party line about all the reasons it wasn't practical, not enough time, too distracting, yada, yada, yada.

HOWEVER, she kept coming back to the fact that in her district, there just wasn't ANY support for impeachment. This is where people can make a difference like no other time in their lives. CALL. WRITE A LETTER. Not an email. Get your friends, relatives, etc. If you live in her district, and you can put together a few hundred phone calls, you can not overestimate the effect you will have.

It was clear in the interview, that she has made a political calculation to stick with the so-called leadership, because she views the risk from a backlash of angry constituents as very low.

Change her mind! Don't be angry in the phone calls, but DO be passionate. If she gets enough calls, she will change her mind. (It is often easier to get thru to one of the local offices.)

Her phone number again: Washington: 202-225-7931; Aventura FL:305-936-5724;
Pembroke Pines FL: 954-437-3936.

Call NOW! YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY!

[lonestarnot]

57. kick