We better be prepared to shower Specter with praise !

[Justice Is Comin]

What is it with all you people here who slam Specter ?

What part of this is not clear ?

Specter didn't have to hold hearings. He didn't have to do shit. He could have said the spying accusations do not warrant a judiciary hearing. That would have been the end of that!!

Not only has he scheduled the hearings, he has now said Gonzalez is not answering the questions, has said Bush flat violated the law , he has said subpoenas will be issued if the stalling continues, and most of all he has given the democrats like Kennedy, Feingold, Schumer the opportunity to cremate Gonzalez. An opportunity they would not have had if it wasn't for him.

He has further said they are looking to bring in Ashcroft and others to testify who were reluctant to approve the expanded powers. And he said he would not be "timid" about excercising his authority to demand answers.

What the hell do you want from this guy ? Encourage him for Christ sake !! And understand he may be the republican to start the demise of this MF.

If this hearing tomorrow is not a dog and pony show, which I absolutely do not expect it to be, and Specter shows that he is putting the constitution above pressure from his party, everyone on this forum better be sending emails and phone calls to his office thanking him for what he is doing. I can assure you, he will be getting plenty of them from the other side.

I stood by him long before today because I believe he is a different Senator than years prior. And I'm even more encouraged now. So blast away at me all you want.

[Mr_Spock]

1. Canning Bush would actually be good for the Republican party

In some way I hope he is badly crippled, but still in there making a jackass out of himself.


As much as I HATE to say that - he is a mass-murdering war-criminal after all.

[lwin]

9. I had to do a double take on your post

I thought it said "caning" at first, and I have to admit, the visual that popped into my head of him being whacked across the backside with a big bamboo stick...seemed very appropriate...:spank: :rofl:

[MercutioATC]

2. No flames from me.

Supporting the good decisions of ANY lawmaker is just the smart thing to do, IMO. It's not like we have to adopt the guy.

Positive reinforcement can't hurt.

[XOKCowboy]

3. So far so good....

He is doing what no other Republican is willing to do. He's also letting Dems have a voice in the hearings and that's rare in this Congress. Still... It's Arlen Specter. Gotta keep a sharp eye on him. He is what he is.

[renate]

4. yep, I admire him for this

I don't have any problem supporting somebody who stands by his convictions, whether or not I agree with him on most things.

It's the people who talk the talk but don't walk the walk that bug me.

[liveoaktx]

5. AUDIO of his MTP interview this morning

Entire thing

[jsamuel]

6. yes, we do because he will get hard from the RW

Lets wait a little and see. What he says doesn't matter nearly as much as what he DOES and VOTES FOR.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. I'm reserving judgement at this point...

My joy will know no bounds if I hear just one special little question...

"We have reports that the first executive order allowing spying on Americans was signed months before 9-11, shortly after B*sh entered office. Is this true? and if it is how do you get off lying to the American people about the reasons for spying on them?"

[Justice Is Comin]

10. I believe

that's only one going to be one thing you're going to have boundless joy about.

I think by the end, Gonzalez is going to be stumbling all over himself. And I'm almost certain he's going to be under oath.

[CoolOnion]

8. I always send a "thank you" for jobs well done

Whenever someone does the right thing, I send them a note of thanks regardless of political affiliation. These extremists aren't "real" Republicans, anyway. I can deal with the "real" ones, and it's high time Arlen Specter and the moderates took their party back. BushCo is not the Republican Party, and I hope to God Arlen Specter can bring them down.

[Kalisiin]

11. specter Is One Of My Senators...And The ONLY Republican I Ever Have Voted

for.

Specter earned my respect...and my vote, way back in 1997. He's no neo-con. He's mostly not really our friend...but on the issues that REALLY MATTER...I have found, with Specter, he will at least listen to you, and give your viewpoint consideration. This is more than most Repukes will do.

And this is from my personal experience meting with Specter, on three seperate occasions, in Washington DC, twice as a constituent, and once as a former constituent...and now, of course, I've moved back to PA, and so I am, once again, a constituent.

[chimpymustgo]

15. Guess you missed that dog and pony show: Clarence Thomas goes to SCOTUS.

Specter is full of sh*t. Talks just enough of a good game - then caves to the leadership of his party. Mr. Pro-Choice First Amendment voted for Alito.

Oh, I'd love to be wrong on this one. Just love it.

[jsamuel]

30. well, let's keep our eyes peeled on this one then

[Kalisiin]

39. Well, I Won't Forget 1997.

Maybe you only remember the bad things Republicans do. Mostly, I'm the same way. But, WHEN a Republican does something good (rare, I'll grant) I don't forget it.

The year was 1997. I went to Washington, DC with a lobbying group called GenderPAC. We were there to advocate for passage of a transgender-inclusive ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act.)

Specter treated my group with respect, he paid attention, and he agreed with what we were saying about the need for such legislation, and listened to our stories of how we had been discriminated against.

Our other Senator, Prick Santorectum, on the other hand...he threw us out of his office! Literally! We were there, as constituents, on a pre-arranged appointment, to discuss this pending legislation...and his office already knew exactly what we were coming to discuss - the appointment had not been made under any false pretenses.

Ol' Ricky got one look at us transgender folk, and retreated into his inner office, refused to come out, refused to meet with us, refused to allow any of his staff to speak to us, refused to accept any of our materials, and instructed his staff to tell us to leave...immediately. Furthermore, if we did not leave immediately, Capitol Security would be called to forcibly remove us from his office.

That was the difference, in 1997, between our two Republican Senators. And Specter earned my respect that day. He may not have agreed with our lifestyle, he might not have liked it, he might not have even voted our way in the end. But he LISTENED. He treated us with courtesy and respect. I haven't forgotten this.

It was my first experience lobbying our lawmakers in Washington, and I was understandably nervous. Yet, the difference between the way Specter treated us...and the way Santorectum treated us...was the difference between night and day. It made an impression on me that I never forgot. Specter, at least, treated us as HUMAN BEINGS...something much of society, even today, still fails to do.

When you are transgender...as I am...you do not ask people who treat you well what their party affiliation is. You do not ask people who treat you badly what THEIR party affiliation is. When most of the world treats you like human garbage...you come to appreciate those who treat you with dignity and respect. And you don't care what their political affiliation is when they do.

On that day, in October 1997, Senator Specter earned my respect, my trust, my gratitude, my admiration, and my vote. I haven't forgotten the way we were treated, and I won't. Specter showed himself to have some of the milk of human compassion that day. I have since visited his office on three other occasions. On each occasion, we have always been treated with dignity and respect. We have always been listened to. We have never been sent away unheard. Our materials have always been accepted. We have always had the impression that we were at least listened to seriously, and that he would at least consider our position. We, of course, never bothered trying Santorectum ever again.

I can tell you, as a Pennsylvanian, that when you have Specter and Santorectum as your two Senators...you can really see the difference between them. Both are Republican. Both are conservative. Both are not really likely to support many of the causes we believe in. One, however, is a decent human being. The other isn't. I'll let you figure out which one I think is the decent human being.

HINT: The decent human being has suffered from Hodgkin's Disease.

[clitzpah queen]

You can acknowledge his decent treatment of you and your group

without letting that cloud your vision in seeing clearly the Role Specter plays in providing "moderate" cover to Fascistic moves and policies of the Bush administration as they apply to ALL American citizens.

[Kalisiin]

45. And You Can

stop letting the fact that he is a Republican cloud your vision.

Don't you dare sit there and act all high and mighty, as if you are the only one with unclouded vision here.

You know where to find me when it is time for me to feed you crow, as you apologize humbly to me.

Bring Bush down? I doubt it. But it WILL expose a lot of shit that we haven't known about, and will give us that much more ammunition for impeachment, when and if we re-take congress later this year.

This hearing may well contribute to our ammunition if we play it right. Wait and see. But give the man a chance, and give him the benefit of the doubt.

[clitzpah queen]

52. Other than the respectful treatment you and your group received

when appearing before him, please cite ANY examples of Votes Specter has made in the last 5 years that go against anything the Bush administration is pushing and any Critical statements he's made re: Bush policies followed by ANY substantive action.
I am not blind to anything good Specter does BECAUSE he is a Republican -- I listen to what he says and watch what he does, how he votes, how he leads as chairman -- how he tried to Sweetly Bully Leahy into Going Along to Get Along with him (which thankfully Leahy outrightly resisted today)-- and I object to him -- Even MORE harshly than an Orrin Hatch (total Hatchet man for BushCo) and Sessions, BECAUSE he has that Moderate/Reasonable lable -- hence he ends up being a More Powerful Tool for BushCo to ramrod their agenda down the throats of the American people.

[Kalisiin]

54. You Are Making Outlandish Generalizations

I refuse to continue this discussion until YOU substantiate this statement....

hence he ends up being a More Powerful Tool for BushCo to ramrod their agenda down the throats of the American people.

HOW?!?!

How does he end up being more powerful than a guy like, oh, say, Frist...who will go "yes, massa, yes, massa" at Bush's feet?

What is your major fucking beef with Specter, anyway? I think you are just plain blinded, paranoid, and you won't give him a chance just because he is a Republican.

While I have often disagreed with the voting of Specter, I respect him as a human being...he treated me with respect when most of the world was treating me like human garbage. I need no better reason than that.

YOU fucking try being treated the way my people get treated by most of society...even for a day....and then see how appreciative YOU are of someone who treats you with dignity and respect.

Don't contact me again until you have answered my question...and have walked a mile in MY fucking shoes, okay?

[cyclezealot]

12. Be cautious, yes; but

don't expect much. Did you know the majority party can cancel the witness' requested by the minority party. Hearing, smearings. Possibly they could be all sound and no light. Be ready to pounce on him if he faulters. After all, he knew better about Alito. He is pro choice, pro labor, so I am told. But, he would rather be Committee chair than right. He got his marching orders and he danced to the tune of Frist.

[kutblok]

13. he danced to the tune of Frist.

Trance.

[Justice Is Comin]

16. He may have voted for Alito

but he didn't do it without a lengthy justification of how he came to that conclusion. What sold him was the judges that testified on Alito's behalf which he knew from Pennsylvania for years.

What also impressed me was that he faced the avalanche of questions he got from the press right after the confirmation hearing concluded. Because he had announced he was going to vote in favor of Alito.

He didn't duck and run. He stood there and answered every question including those that made him look like he had flip flopped.

But what he's undertaking here, I think we can only imagine the daggers that are being thrown at him behind the scenes. It's like he doesn't care, he's going to do because it's the right thing to do.

[Chipper Chat]

20. Pick your "tune of Frist."

"What's new Pussycat" (run...run..run)
"kitten On the Keys" (keys to the butchering shop)
"That Cat Is High" (on fermaldehyde)
"All the Cats Join In" (to watch out for republicans carrying knives)
"Stay Cat Strut" (he's dead meat in Nashville)
"The Pussy Cat Song" (meow meow, come to Fristie)
"Black Cat Boogie" (you better run kitties - Dr. Frist gonna getcha)

[Old and In the Way]

14. We need moderate, sensible Republicans to stop the RW fascists

who seek to turn this country into a one-party state. I was pretty disappointed in his performance on Alioto...but I'll be happy if he exposes this administrations domestic spying.

[geomon666]

17. I'd like to shower him with something, but it ain't going to be praise.

A few good deeds here and there doesn't redeem this man. He is a pig. Less of a pig than his nazi cohorts but a damn pig none the less.

[clitzpah queen]

18. I'm kinda shocked no one has posted indicating that maybe the

whole Specter spector is a sham -- that he is going through the motions of being "tough on crime" (so to speak) but just setting up Bush's boys to show that what they did is really NOT breaking any laws. Why are so many folks here so willing to trust him and give him the benefit of the doubt? His last performance on the Alito hearings was only a small part of the complicit role he's played in the Bush regime. He has been part of their moderate cover (along with McCain). While I believe he is not a NeoCon -- he Enables NeoCons -- so...what's the dif? What's that Dante quote...something like-- There is a special rung in hell reserved for those whom in a time of great adversity maintain a position of neutrality. History should NOT be kind to him!

[geomon666]

19. The man is a whore for the gun industry.

He votes against any gun laws now matter how significant it is. He defends the death penalty and will say anything to "prove" that it works as a deterrent.

[Redstone]

21. No. I lived in Philadelphia when he was the DA. He's a good guy, and

not hardly one to be "cover" for anyone.

You're raving.

Redstone

[Kalisiin]

40. So I'm Not Alone - Good!

I'm not alone in my respect for Specter.

do I like his voting record? No. There's been many a time I disagreed with him. But he has never ducked and ran, he always stood and answered the tough questions. He always listened to opposing viewpoints. He always gave his reasons why he voted a particular way, on a given piece of legislation.

I respect him, and I give him the benefit of the doubt here. Even after the Alito thing, he stood and answered the questions. Even ones that made him look bad...he answered. I say we give him a chance. Don't tar -and-feather EVERY Republican. There ARE stilla couple of decent ones left out there. Not many, I'll grant, but there ARE a few. Specter's one of them.

[Justice Is Comin]

23. These are the kinds of comments I'm amazed at.

I repeat, he didn't have to hold the hearings that are going to allow the sharpshooters on our team the opportunity to fire BLISTERING questions to the witnesses...starting with Gonzalez.

If it was a sham, which I totally reject, the Democrats are going to be providing public evidence that is going to make it extremely difficult for Bushbots to defend. They have contradicted their own written statements, public statements and the head asshole himself said no spying was done without warrants.

Without this senator in the position he is, we would be talking about Democrat only tea parties in the basement on this huge coffin now being prepared for Bush thanks to him.

[clitzpah queen]

25. Have Dems been granted equal subpoena power? What do you

mean he doesn't HAVE TO call these hearings. SOMEONE had to call these hearings to try and contain this powder keg. What better Chair person than Specter -- with his Moderate/reasonable bonafides? Why when he was questioned this AM by Russert as to whether he would have Ashcroft and Comey for questioning he said he hadn't decided yet? How could they not be germaine to this investigation? Why are the Dems not having a press conference to INSIST that this be an independent bi-partisan investigation with equal subpoena powers, etc.? Lotsa leaway (sp?) here for Whitewash.

[Justice Is Comin]

27. Did the jerk in the House call for hearings?

No, because he is a Bush clone. If Specter said no hearings would be held, it would be game set and match for Bush. Why do you think the entire brigade has been everywhere they can find a camera to try and diffuse what's going to come out in this hearing?

They're pissing in their pants, that's why. What he said about Ashcroft was reasonable. Gonzalez is the one that is going to be put on record first. I have almost no doubt the groundwork will be layed for Ashcroft and Comey next. It will be rebuttal testimony after Gonzalez is locked in.

That's how any good prosecutor would do it. Subpoena requests of a minority party are always subject to the committee chairs approval. Don't be surprised if Specter himself wants to issue subpoenas. He's already said he wants to get FISA's opinion whether they violated the provisions of the court.

[clitzpah queen]

28. See, we're at an impasse here --- You believe Very Strongly that

Specter's motives are pure here (or in that ballpark) and I believe he is playing his role FOR the Bush Admin. HE didn't have to call the hearings -- but SOMEONE had to (too much outcry)and who better than Specter? But hey, lemme just say, if these hearings DO contribute to taking DOWN BushCo vs. softening the blow against them, I will be one of the first to apologize to you....and the reverse is true...I assume?

[Justice Is Comin]

31. If Columbus hadn't insisted the

world was not flat, and it was, he would have fell off the end of the ocean. Specter better not let me down. The progressive pattern I'm seeing in his demeanor shows me this will not be a white wash.

[Kalisiin]

41. Indeed

I will be ready to accept your apology as well.

Specter's a decent man. See my Posts, #39 and #40, above for why I believe this way of Specter.

He is my Senator, and I voted for him, and would gladly do so again. He is the ONLY...and I do mean ONLY Republican I have ever voted for!

Once, when I lived in Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison was up for re-election, and had no opponent. Nevertheless, she asked for everyone's vote of confidence. I, for one, refused to give it to her.

I left the entire space blank, rather than vote for the only candidate for the position...because she was a Republican...and she hadn't EARNED my vote.

I have consistently done this...all the way down to local offices. If there was no choice but a Republican, I didn't vote in that race. If there was a Republican and ANYONE ELSE in the race, even a Libertarian or Green...I voted against the Republican, every time. Even if I didn't know the candidates.

I hate Republicans like poison. But Specter's a decent man.

You know where to find me when it is time for you to deliver your apology.

[PhilipShore]

35. I agree

Interesting points -- I was under the impression -- from the media reports -- that it was a bi-partisan hearing, but in reality it is not, because they do not have equal powers to frame the issues that need to be debated.

[Vidar]

22. He's caused many problems, but he's right now & needs support.

DU's tendency to black-and-white thinking ignores "realpolitik" and the necessity of deal-making and compromise to get anything done. I'm guilty too: despite 2 local attempts, I couldn't be a politician to save me.

[abex]

24. he who controls the hearings controls the outcome

another stage-managed event isn't out of the rhelm of possibility

[swhisper1]

26. I will reserve my opinion until we see if he

follows through with damning Gonzales, and persuing impeachment of this criminal president and his mentally disturbed Gonzales

[rucky]

29. a Republican with ethical boundaries?

ok, I'll give him an "atta boy" FWIW.

[chimpymustgo]

32. I'll wait for results. And I won't hold my breath. BRING DOWN CHIMPY??

Not a chance, folks. This gang doesn't play - except with our heads.

[rucky]

49. I'd like to change my answer.

This whole hearing is a joke... and not even under oath.

[enough]

33. As a decades-long constituent of Specter, and a proud Specter-basher,

I intend to do what I always do. I will call his office with very sincere thanks and encouragement for whatever REAL actions he may take in the cause of protecting the Constitution.

However, I will not be lulled into thinking that Specter has the best interest of the nation at heart just because he talks a good game at the outset. His pattern is too familiar.

[Rageneau]

34. Specter is a shill. He has no intention of doing the right thing.

[clitzpah queen]

37. Hey, Justice is Comin, whad'ya think of this auspicious beginning?

Do NOT swear Gonzalez in. Bully his position on this despite TOTAL Dem objection to this decision. No partisanship here.
Do NOT discuss TODAY all the documentation that the White House refused to furbish the committee.
Do NOT allow any videotape of prior statements by President Bush and AG Gonzalez in the past because "This is NOT a Sunday Morning Talk Show". All this BEFORE one word of testimony!
Praise to Specter -- yes -- Showers of Praise, for showing his cards so early on. You must think we are ALL really dumb!

[Atman]

36. "What the hell do you want from this guy ?"

I want him to swear in the witness, as is required of every other American citizen in such a circumstance. I expect him to realize how important an issue this is to the American people, and therefore, any appearance of bias must be avoided at all costs, to assure the American people the hearings are honest.

He has failed to do that. The hearings are officially tainted. I don't care about a song and dance and giving dems the opportunity to skewer Torture Boy publicly...they can do that any day of the week. THIS IS A GODDAMN GOVERNMENT HEARING. And a total sham without swearing in the witness.

[radio4progressives]

38. you write this after he argues that the A.G. shouldn't be sworn in?

and made the case again and again?

The evidence showing that Specter is conducting a dog and pony charade couldn't be more glaring than in every single hearing from Roberts, to Alito to this joke.

wake up sheeple and smell the fascism!

[Marr]

42. This was posted late last night.

I saw it then and laughed.

[Kalisiin]

43. Specter Is No Fascist

As a Pennsylvanian I say this.

Santorectum, on the other hand...

[magellan]

46. It was written last night, long before the hearing began

I hope those who were gullible realize now that the Repukes can't EVER be trusted. NONE of them.

[kentuck]

44. Specter will defend the Constitution...

I truly believe.

[insane_cratic_gal]

47. Here's Specter's response to my email

I'm a pa resident and I emailed him months ago over the NSA. I wrote a long winded rant about demanding the President and his staff be held accountable for breaking the law and going around FISA.

It was disappointing to say the least. A form letter?

Dear Mrs. xxx : (leaving it out do to freepers)



Thank you for contacting my office regarding President Bush's secret domestic surveillance program. I appreciate your concern regarding this important matter.



Law enforcement officials must be provided with as much information and as many tools as possible to ensure the protection of our country, but those resources cannot come at the expense of citizens' civil liberties. I believe that it was wise for the President to be candid with the American people concerning his surveillance program. It is important at this point that the matter does not become politicized, because this is a time for analysis and oversight, not attacks.



The U.S. Constitution limits the President's ability to conduct surveillance or searches of United States persons while residing within the United States . In 1978, Congress enacted the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ("FISA") which permits federal agents to conduct electronic surveillance on United States persons in order to acquire foreign intelligence without obtaining a traditional Title III search warrant. FISA does, however, require a FISA court order approving the surveillance. In so doing, the Congress sought to strike a delicate balance between national security interests and personal privacy rights within the United States . I have scheduled Congressional oversight hearings in order to make sure that we are able to maintain this delicate balance.



Thank you again for taking the time to bring your views on this important matter to my attention. As your United States Senator, it is essential that I be kept fully informed on issues of concern to my constituents. Be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind on this issue and related issues in the 109 th Congress. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.





Sincerely,





Arlen Specter


He didn't sound too impartial to me, but apologetic that his party was going to continue to break the law in the "interest of the countries "safety"

[Rose Siding]

50. Ugh, he praises bush for being "candid" AFTER he was busted

[insane_cratic_gal]

51. tell me about it ... then he says

it shouldn't be politicized yet.... what is the RW talking point? Democrats are soft of national security. Ya but assholes are numerous and power grabbing in the name of fighting terrorist!!

Not politicizing it.. It was done under the nose of a Republican congress in the house of a republican shit head president! How do you not politicize that! He only doesn't want us to politicize it because it's his ILK in office!

[cyclezealot]

48. see today's thread about not requiring testimony be under oath

told you so.

[chimpymustgo]

53. hahahahaha hahahahahaha hahahahahaha hahahahahaha hahahahaha

Oh, ye of so much faith.