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kpete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 06:50 PM
Original message
Sibel Edmonds Calls for NSA Officials to Step Forward as Whistleblowers
Sibel Edmonds Calls for National Security Officials to Step Forward as Whistleblowers
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2005-12-29 19:35. Media
In her first BRAD BLOG Guest Blog, the 'Gag Ordered' FBI Translator Cites 'Patriotic Duty' of America's Intelligence Officials to Make Themselves Available for Congressional Testimony, Oversight
Asks them to contact newly formed 'National Security Whistleblowers Coalition'

FBI whistleblower, Sibel Edmonds' story has been told over the last several years in several different media outlets, including a lead story on CBS' 60 Minutes and more recently, a detailed feature in Vanity Fair. While she has been limited in the information she's allowed to reveal about her experiences at the FBI due to an arcane "State Secrets Privilege" which has "gag ordered" her, she is now calling on other National Security officials to join her efforts in petitioning Congress to hold hearings on the very important matters which she, and other whistleblowers in her recently formed "National Security Whistleblowers Coalition," believe need to be heard by both Congress and the American people.

In her first BRAD BLOG Guest Blogger Editorial, Edmonds and co-writer William Weaver make their appeal for accountability and the "patriot duty" of fellow whistleblowers to step forward...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/6136
http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00002211.htm
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Auntie Bush Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 06:56 PM
Response to Original message
1. Wow! Let's hope some of them are feeling patriotic!
Americans need to know what our government is really doing. They need to be exposed as the liars they are...not buried in some file marked secret!
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Flabbergasted Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 06:59 PM
Response to Reply #1
3. Awesome
What Bush really has to worry about is a list of the people the NSA is spying on coming out......It makes me shiver....
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rzemanfl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 06:59 PM
Response to Reply #1
4. I think they are afraid of being buried in some unmarked secret
grave.
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Poppyseedman Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 06:58 PM
Response to Original message
2. I'm a bit confused. Why would Whistle blowers need to step forward
since the story already is out and there will be congressional investigations with the power to subpoena NSA personnel to testify?

What I am missing here? I realize the meeting may be behind closed doors.
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stepnw1f Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:01 PM
Response to Reply #2
5. So Repukes Don't Whitewash
along with the help of the media. This way the truth gets out to the public, whether it be through CSPAN, radio, internets, or maybe even mainstream propaganda... I mean media.

So yes, you are missing something.
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librechik Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:04 PM
Response to Reply #2
7. Bush will try to use secrecy and Natl Security to keep them from talking
so subpoenas are on the table as "blocked"

Unless a hero steps out of his employment yoke and comes forth to be a patriot.
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0007 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:32 PM
Response to Reply #7
24. Right on! And plus the fact that junior & cheney will run to
very military installation in the world to make a national speech on the security of this country.

Sibel would do well to do what Richard Clarke did by writing a book and labeling it as fiction. As he did with his new book, "The Scorpion's Gate"

Sometimes you can tell more truth through fiction.
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cascadiance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:11 PM
Response to Reply #2
20. As I noted in another thread I think she's switching to shotgun approach..
The rifle approach with her trying to be able to testify in court was squashed with all of this states secret act, Judge Walton assignments, etc.

Mike German and Russ Tice have both recently come out with newer allegations themselves in the last weeks, and they both have been speaking/working with her. I think the theory is that if the Bush administration tries to use something like states secret privilege on ALL of them, then it will gather more notice as being used in a suspicious way instead of a legitimate way. Same with other methods they've been using to try and squash things. The more it's done, the more it looks "wrong". And eventually one of these whistleblowers will be able to testify in court and unload on these bums! Once they get one of them on the stand, perhaps they can ask probing questions that can get one of the others to be solicited for testimony, or have the legitimacy of their gag orders questioned, etc.

They have Judge Walton (who's records have been redacted), already ruling on TWO of her cases as well as working on Scooter Libby's trial. Could he actually be used for ANOTHER case? Don't think so! The Bush admin would start running out of silver bullets!

Sooner or later the NSWBC and Sibel WILL win! I can just feel it!
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stepnw1f Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:02 PM
Response to Original message
6. Well They Took the Job to Protect America
I'd say this is the time to really step up! We the People will back ya up any way we can!!!
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kpete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:15 PM
Response to Original message
8. more: Coaxing Out Whistleblowers- a New Appeal
Edited on Thu Dec-29-05 07:16 PM by kpete
Thu Dec 29, 2005
Coaxing Out Whistleblowers- a New Appeal
I am reprinting verbatim the following Dec. 30 press release from the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition. In the wake of the recent uproar over NSA warrantless wiretaps, they are taking the opportunity to call for informed people to come forward and do their civic duty by speaking out about government abuses of power, crime and corruption, etc.

And I can take the opportunity to add that for those of you (or those you may know) with experience working in the Balkans (in international missions, in the military or related fields, or in any other informed capacity here), that we like hearing from new whistleblowers and sources, on or off the record. We've already lined some up juicy tidbits to come out in early 2006- a particularly crucial year for a lot of reasons in the Balkans.

So... now's the time, and here's the place.

Now, on to the press release:

December 30, 2005
NSWBC Call to Patriotic Duty
By Sibel Edmonds & William Weaver


Without whistleblowers the public would never know of the many abuses of constitutional rights by the government. Whistleblowers, Truth Tellers, are responsible for the disclosure that President George W. Bush ordered unconstitutional surveillance of American citizens. These constitutional lifeguards take their patriotic oaths to heart and soul: Rather than complying with classification and secrecy orders designed to protect officials engaging in criminal conduct, whistleblowers chose to risk their livelihoods and the wrath of their agencies to get the truth out. But will they be listened to by those who are charged with accountability?

read the entire press release at:

http://www.antiwar.com/blog/more.php?id=2590_0_1_0_M
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AnnieBW Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:45 PM
Response to Reply #8
16. Most NSAers Are Repugs
Unfortunately, most NSAers that would be in a position to know about such things are firmly Republican. Remember, it was a very small group of people that knew such a program existed. The rest of NSA kept thinking that they were doing Signals Intelligence against FOREIGN targets.
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druidity33 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:16 PM
Response to Reply #16
21. yes, but...
they had NSA agents spying on other NSA agents... and despite the party affiliation, don't you think some of these folks think that what's going on is altogether unconscionable?



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cyberpj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 02:10 PM
Response to Reply #8
40. by the way - I heard last night that the Enron turncoat is asking others
to tell whatever they know with him.

Yes, he's guilty, but he may be able to get more testimony out of others willing to turn on Kenny boy.

We need a real Truth-tellers crusade around here.


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Gregorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:18 PM
Response to Original message
9. I don't think this can be stopped.
And it doesn't matter that it happen during Bush's presidency. This is going to get out, and unlike the previous so-called investigations, this one will expose the truth. I just wish it would happen sooner rather than later. I feel like America is cracking in half.
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me b zola Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:43 PM
Response to Reply #9
15. I feel as though we are crumbling
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but I am so saddened & ashamed at what we have become. I mostly hide my pessimisom because it does nothing to help, but I am extremely concerned for our future, for the future of the world.

On a brighter note, this is why I check into DU almost everyday. I need to be inspired by wonderful people who are working to create change, to right the course of our wayward nation. Their inspiration helps me to contribute in whatever ways that I can.
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Gregorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 09:04 PM
Response to Reply #15
28. Sometimes being an optimist is not in our best interest.
Certainly not when we see the bus driver careening off the side of the road.

A lot of people are paying attention to the lies. A lot of people are still focused on their hatred for Clinton, although history will be the judge of that.

Right now we are in the dark, feeling our way around a maze. One built by republicans. We've been purposefully confused, in order to fulfill their agenda. I know a lot of people would disagree with that. But it's hard to be optimistic when it's dark, and we're lost. But the room is lighting up again.

I think in big terms. And most of my posts go unnoticed, or dismissed as shallow. I'm not full of facts. But time bears me out. I see the posts that get noticed. And some reflect ideas I had long ago. We ARE falling apart. But it's not politics that is going to be our undoing. Even when we get past Bush, there are things that eclipse his evil doings. Although what he has done could have been avoided. And the things that are to come, could be alleviated. But as we go forward, unbridled and ungoverned by common sense, we climb a higher mountain in which to fall from. The time for optimism is when no one is starving, and there are no wars.

Being a pessimist is healthy. Being an optimist is easy. But being real is what gets the job done.

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kpete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 10:57 PM
Response to Reply #28
30. very moving post
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me b zola Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 03:49 AM
Response to Reply #28
35. You are one of the many who inspire me
You should not be so sure that your post go unnoticed. I have come to be so humbled by so many on DU, and you are one of those who have influenced me. True, some are more prolific than others, but wise words are not dependent upon how often they are spoken.

Pessimism is healthy, as long as it is balance with action to change that which is disturbing. The danger comes when we feel as though nothing we do will alter the course of the death of our nation. So for me, I get up every day and do what I can, but I sometimes feel overwhelmed with the dark reality of what the cabal whom have taken the WH are doing in our name.

Sometimes I just have to weep.
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ClayZ Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 04:00 AM
Response to Reply #28
36. Thanks for this post, I relate!
Edited on Fri Dec-30-05 04:01 AM by ClayZ
Leonard Cohen:

Anthem

The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what
Has passed away
Or what is yet to be

The wars they will
Be fought again
The holy dove
Be caught again
Bought and sold
And bought again
The dove is never free

Chorus
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in

We asked for signs
The signs were sent
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
The widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see

Can’t run no more
With the lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they’ve summoned up
A thundercloud
And they’re going to hear from me

Chorus
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in


You can add up the parts
But you won’t have the sum
You can strike up the march
There is no drum
Every heart
To love will come
But like a refugee

Chorus
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in


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FreedomAngel82 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:19 PM
Response to Original message
10. Yes!
I hope some do. If a judge from the FISA courts steps down than hopefully someone from NSA does! Think of what they have. Go Sibel! Isn't the guy from the court who stepped down in protest also going to testify against Bush? I believe I remember hearing or reading about that but I can't remember from where.
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The Backlash Cometh Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:21 PM
Response to Original message
11. I wish Sibel Edmonds was the woman of the year.
Now THAT would bring attention to her cause.
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mom cat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:31 PM
Response to Reply #11
13. She is!
In my book anyway.
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FreedomAngel82 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:58 PM
Response to Reply #13
19. Yes
So many great Americans have come to our aide lately. Her, Cindy Sheehan, Richard Clarke, Scott Ritter, Seymore Hersh, Joseph and Valerie Wilson, John Dean and multiple people in the House and Senate. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.
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mom cat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 10:23 PM
Response to Reply #19
29. John Conyers! and many others.
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shance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 12:50 AM
Response to Reply #11
34. Sibell Edmonds, Cindy Sheehan and all the other women who are
speaking out against the corruption and endless dishonest acts being done by this Administration are definitely the Women of the year!!
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Al-CIAda Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:25 PM
Response to Original message
12. K&R'd
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ClintonTyree Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:41 PM
Response to Original message
14. Yeah, good luck with that.
If those people value their lives and the lives of their family and friends they'll remain silent. This is not the CIA, FBI or even the Secret Service we're talking about here, this is the NSA.
Well, maybe our government WOULD spy on us, but they'd NEVER whack us, right? :shrug: I'm sure people are lining up around the block to talk. :eyes:
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global1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:52 PM
Response to Reply #14
18. There's Power In Numbers - If All Came Out At The Same Time....
they wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

This goes for those in Congress that may be being blackmailed - as well as those in the MSM.

If everybody stood up to the BFEE - they wouldn't be impotent.
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cyberpj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:47 PM
Response to Reply #18
26. And it works both ways.
I'm SO WITH you on breaking everything at once to take down BFEE but the power in numbers thing works for them as well. It's not just a fascist, it's a fascist family tree here and it's got plenty of branches. The Supremes have already agreed to shut Sibel up once.

But you're still right. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country!

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Canuckistanian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 07:47 PM
Response to Original message
17. Thay'll have to be strong...
Whistleblowing is worse than the original crime to this crew. What's the first thing they screamed when this broke? Treason charges for whoever "leaked" this information.

Whoever breaks ranks and speaks out will be villified in the "librul media" and subjected to death threats, threats of prosecution and unofficial smearings.

That will take a constitution of steel and a strong commitment to telling the truth, consequences be damned.

And they can probably kiss their careers goodbye, at least during this administration.

That's a lot to ask.
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AndyTiedye Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:19 PM
Response to Original message
22. Blow Those Whistles!

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cascadiance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:52 PM
Response to Reply #22
27. I've been toying with an idea for the NSWBC...
Edited on Thu Dec-29-05 09:04 PM by calipendence
Perhaps they can promote themselves by selling custom monogrammed loud whistles that people can take with them to protest marches, etc. That way we can all be "whistleblowers!" Something like those from this site, which seem rather cheap. I might add it to my Cafepress.com site, but it wouldn't be as easy to manage that as other products they sell that don't take any time and effort... Perhaps someone else out there already has a site to sell these sort of things? I'd link to it from my cafepress page.

http://www.laserengravedkeychains.com/whistles.htm

Perhaps one of these bigger Carabiner whistles would attract attention!





My Cafepress.com site now...

http://www.cafepress.com/sibel

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ClayZ Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 04:41 AM
Response to Reply #22
38. Whistle Blowers Rise and Shine!
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cascadiance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:21 PM
Response to Original message
23. It might also be harder to use states secrets in criminal cases...
Which is why if there are any folks that have the goods on Scooter Libby, they should step forward now to try and testify to Patrick Fitzgerald. Ann Beeson, Sibel's ACLU lawyer, noted this in the Supreme Court Preview session on CSPAN back in September. There are other laws that cover criminal cases that are used to protect secret info, and they might be harder to use to dismiss an entire case instead of just the evidence itself. Perhaps even Fitzgerald can call Sibel herself with this technicality, since he's conducting a criminal investigation.
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cyberpj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Dec-29-05 08:40 PM
Response to Original message
25. Yeeee-HA Sibel! This woman never gives up. God bless her!




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cyberpj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 02:06 PM
Response to Reply #25
39. .
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Beam Me Up Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 12:09 AM
Response to Original message
31. .
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Independent_Liberal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 12:36 AM
Response to Original message
32. Kick!
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eve_was_framed Donating Member (288 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 12:39 AM
Response to Original message
33. please watch your back Sibel!
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ngGale Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 04:00 AM
Response to Original message
37. Sounds like a plan to me...
one that could work. There is safety in numbers...with all the leaks coming out about this administration, timing is everything. Drip, drip, drip, will eventually turn into a hose pipe. Hope I'm just not wishful thinking, Sibel has to win this fight for all of us.

Brave Sibel - :patriot:
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sweetm2475 Donating Member (523 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 02:52 PM
Response to Original message
41. you go girl!!!!
:applause: :yourock: :applause: :patriot:
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sweetm2475 Donating Member (523 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Dec-30-05 02:56 PM
Response to Original message
42. here's the link to her petition if you want to sign it........
Release of Classified DOJ-IG Report on FBI Cover-Up
http://www.petitiononline.com/deniz18/petition.html

:patriot:
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