2 Days of Listening Leads to Observation

[Avalux]

I've been listening to the Senators speak for two solid days now. I've had it on nonstop at work - and you know what? Our Democratic Senators are so much more knowledgeable than the repug Senators. I already knew that, but it's nice to hear them unfiltered on CSPAN. I was really impressed by Kerry a little while ago and his ability to recall historical facts; his ability to explain the purpose of the Senate. Even Lautenberg (who isn't particularly eloquent) gave a great speech.

All we get from THEM is "up or down vote" "it isn't fair" "obstructionists" - BLAH BLAH BLAH. All they can do is rattle off soundbytes, and they really need to take a course in American History.

Oh - what we haven't heard from the Fristians - Brown had no opponent in her election, and Owen had a libertarian as an opponent. Those 'winning' percentages they keep stating mean nothing.

[tech3149]

1. Doesn't make for much of a debate does it?

Their only tactic is to mislead and obscure the truth.

[Warpy]

2. Have you noticed anything else about those repugs?

Like the fact that they're talking at top speed, interrupt themselves constatntly when they go off on tangents, and are nearly impossible to follow?

I noticed that on the audio/video of the full Galloway testimony yesterday, at http://hsgac.senate.gov/audio_video/051705video.ram

I'd stake my reputation as an ex 60s dope fiend that these guys are speeding their heads off. The contrast with the normal speech from the Dems and from some of the older GOP committee members is astonishing.

[knowbody0]

5. i have your reputation as well

remember "Maintaining"? we had far better Kool aid than what these morons are drinking. they all remind me of spun out preachers

[kaygore]

9. Maybe they are just embarrassed to be such liars

Maybe they regret the sale of their souls and feel that they have become Rove's whores for too little in return.

[knowbody0]

3. we need to spread the word

about CSPAN. i agree with you, the contrast is criminal

[napi21]

4. I'm not trying to put anyone down here, but...

your commendations need to go to the Senator's staff and speech writers. Some of the better ones make it look pretty good as far as their memory goes, but they all have speeches that they're reading, and someone else wrote them.

BTW, thanks for the info on the two judges elections campaigns. I've never heard that before! PLEASE send that info to the Dem Senators! They're still speaking and are at least supposed to be speaking until at least Tuesday. I'd LOVE to hear THAT ONE droped on the Senate floor!!!!! Better yet, send it to the DNC. Maybe Howard can insert it into his MTP interview on Sunday! (I don't know when they film the MTP shows though.)

[Avalux]

8. Check this out - from Austin American Statesman in 2000:

Owen WAS NOT endorsed by them:

Supreme Court Justice, Place 2: No Endorsement

The all-Republican Supreme Court, as Mark Currinden has reported in The Dallas Morning News, is one of the most aggressive, activist, anti-plaintiff courts in the nation. Even if the Democrats or Greens can't field candidates for the court, we can't in good conscience endorse a Republican. Incumbent Priscilla Owen will have to win without our endorsement. She is opposed by Libertarian Joe Alfred Izen Jr.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/election/endorsements.ht...

I wil send this out. :hi:

[CottonBear]

10. Stupid senators = stupid staff.

That's all I have to say.

[El Supremo]

6. And...

They do virtually nothing to dispute the Democrat's facts. The Democrats contradict their lies, but the Republicans don't even answer back.

[kaygore]

7. I agree but I bet the bases are in play to sway some senators!

While Senator Byrd was talking, I called his office and told them to give him a big hug when he got done. I told him he was America's senator. He was GREAT. I hope when I am that age, I'll be that smart, feisty, and healthy!

Age does have its benefits.

Meanwhile, earlier when Gordon Smith was lying (oops, I mean speaking), I called his office and told them as an Oregonian I was ashamed at Smith's lies. The guy who answered said that Smith wasn't lying. But in these Orwellian times, what is a lie? As Kerry said, say something enough any more and it becomes the truth. I can't wait to see Smith defeated here in Oregon. If he votes to end the filibuster he will be defeated. We could run a lizard and defeat him. Smith is at terrible risk because we ONLY vote with PAPER ballots! The Republicans can't rig the vote here!

One last thought, I feel sorry for the Republican senators who are still on the fence and who have seen tremendous proposed cuts in the military in their states. You know that Rove and Frist are holding this over their heads to try to get them to go to the dark side. Snowe and Collins of Maine are both women and both face huge military cuts. If the bases are dangled in front of them as enticement to vote to end the filibuster, I hope they will expose the bastards and vote to keep the filibuster. In this Senate, it seems to be the women and the old who have the most courage. I hope that Snowe and Collins have that backbone!

I am also praying that Senator Warner of Virginia does the right thing and stands on principle rather than drinking the Rove Kool Aid. In the past, Senator Warner has been a man of great principle. He is well respected in Virginia and has no need to worry about losing his seat even with Republican vote manipulation. I hope that he rises to the occasion and votes to keep the filibuster.