(Senator) Salazar: Bush 'acts like a king'

[sabra]

http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=SALAZAR-09-30-05&cat=WW

Salazar: Bush 'acts like a king'

WASHINGTON - Saying President Bush sometimes acts "like a king," Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., warned Friday that he would vehemently oppose Bush's next Supreme Court pick if it turns out to be one of two controversial U.S. Circuit Court judges or someone else he considers an unqualified ideologue.

During a conference call with reporters, Salazar said he would oppose Janice Rogers Brown or Priscilla Owen, two circuit court judges the Senate recently installed on the bench following a blistering confirmation process.

By singling out Brown and Owen, Salazar made his most specific warning to the White House yet, calling for more advance consultation before the president makes a nomination to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

"This president, frankly, sometimes acts like a king," Salazar said. "He's imperious. He believes he controls Washington and controls our country, and does so sometimes in a way that, it's his way or the highway, and doesn't take into account what other people are thinking...when they have a different point of view or are (from) a different party."

[Sandpiper]

1. Good thing you're not a rubber stamp for him Ken

Oh wait...

That's exactly what you are!

[0007]

6. I don't think so!

[Tempest]

11. Salazar voted to confirm Roberts

He's all talk, no action.

[lakercub]

25. There's a lot of talk about the supreme court

But my bigger objections to Salazar's votes are Alberto Gonzalez and the bankruptcy bill. The bankruptcy bill is one of the worst bills ever. Not just this administration or the last 25 years...ever. Salazar is my senator and I let him know I was disgusted by his vote.

To be fair, however, he did call Focus on the Family the anti-christ. I'm cool with that.

[Peace Patriot]

64. Yeah, the Gonzales vote got me. The torture memo writer for chief

law enforcement officer of the U.S.! Ye gods!

The bankruptcy bill? Nothing new about Democrats shafting the poor. (Horrible bill, though, it's true. So much for the party of FDR!)

Endorsing torture was truly shocking to me, though. I just...it left me speechless.

--------

And look for this, I'm afraid: Salazar will push for Gonzales on the Supreme Court (if Gonzales doesn't get indicted in Treasongate).

The torture memo writer and Bush Cartel toady--executioner of many--on the bench of our highest court for the rest of his life! It's mind-boggling.

[lakercub]

65. Wasn't that awful?

And Salazar went on and on about how the AG and he were good friends. Sadly, I agree with you that Salazar will be able to help get Gonzales on the Court. Ugh.

[xxqqqzme]

2. well, duh!

Welcome to the real world KaKaKaKaKen. There was a reason Howard Dean did not support salazar.

[paulk]

34. except that Dean did support him

"• One of the two new Democratic United States senators was a "Dean Dozen" candidate--Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Obama and the other new Democratic senator, Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), received contributions from DFA. "

-from the DFA site....

[AspenRose]

3. No More King!

It would have been nice for him to point out that sometimes those who "have a different point of view" are often IN HIS (Bush's) OWN PARTY. They're just silenced....

[Seansky]

4. he is my senator and I have heard several of his speeches.

He keeps finding himself in tough dilemas and being so new at this, I keep hoping he'll survive. CO managed to be the one that got Dems in the leaderships position in 04, which surprised me.

[Norwood]

5. Yes Ken he does, and you're one of his enablers

I'm ashamed to have you as my senator and your brother as my congressman

[IndianaGreen]

23. The sob voted for Judge Roberts

He might as well go the route of Ben Nighthorse-Campbell and stop pretending he is a Democrat.

I despise conservatives of any stripe!

[anitar1]

28. So did Rotten Wyden. Sold us out again. n/t

[femrap]

33. I called your senator today and pretended to be a resident of

Colorado so he would take my call seriously....told the staff member that he might as well be a republican. Then I mentioned the nationwide movement to get rid of these 'dino' folks by running REAL Dems against them in the primary....which is a number of years away for him. But I am just sick of it....22 dems voted FOR the King's nominee....what is wrong w/ them?

And Salazar had been complaining about NOT getting the info on Roberts....but he still drops to his knees and licks W's appendage. GRRRR.

[paulk]

35. your ashamed, huh???

would you be even more ashamed if Colorado had elected Republicans instead??????????????????????????

[Norwood]

44. Yes I am ashamed

Thus far things would not be much different if Coors made it in. He is just another faux democrat who will get on his knees and lick this administration's boots whenever challenged.

I have called his office and sent several letters trying to understand what this man is doing. I never get anything more than the same bullshit letter thanking me for my concerns.

[paulk]

47. utter bullshit

it's this kind of thinking that has allowed the right wing fundies like Dobson to gain so much influence in Colorado.

and that is the difference, btw

Coors licks the boot of men like Dobson
to say that there's is no difference between Coors and Salazar

is utter bullshit

[Norwood]

58. Yes there are differences

Salazar is a spineless democrat and Pete Coors is a shit eating republican whore. I suppose a better comparison would be to Joe Lieberman, whom I also can't stand. Regardless, the way Salazar has voted is very troubling.

Salazar lost my confidence when he went along with that disgusting bankruptcy bill,it was like a knife in the back to many of his constituents. Since then he has done little to change my opinion.

I'm just so tired of watching my party roll over and die, I'm sick of it.

[IndianaGreen]

45. But Salazar is a Republican!

He may have the letter "D" after his name, but if he supports Bush he is a Republican and therefore he is our enemy.

Conservatives of all stripes are our enemies, no exceptions!

[Demonaut]

7. Yup Ken, now roll over so bush can scratch your stomach

He's turning into an embarrassment for CO

[Sequoia]

8. As before, so is now:

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with (some) parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas .....

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.


Sound familar? Should be, it's none other than (drum roll please) The Declaration of Independence!

[Kolesar]

9. Why all the bitching about Salazar?

[Sandpiper]

17. Check his voting record

And you'll see that his complaints about Bush are a lot of hot air.

[Kolesar]

19. too much work...eom

[CrazyForKucinich]

21. I saw him about a week ago talking

And the guy couldn't form a coherent thought until he began to start reading off of his paper.

[Massachusetts]

10. "This president, frankly, sometimes acts like a king,"

BUT.....



In the next round of elections, Remember those treasonous Democrats who have remained complicit with bu$hco.

[cassiepriam]

12. He acts like one because he is.

Inherited position, no one voted him in,
he makes all the rules and does what he pleases.
Kills who he wants, takes the money he wants.
Sounds like a king to me.

[cassiepriam]

13. He acts like one because he is.

Inherited position, no one voted him in,
he makes all the rules and does what he pleases.
Kills who he wants, takes the money he wants.
Sounds like a king to me.

[saskatoon]

30. acts li8ke one

"If it acts like a duck, quacks like a duck,.....

[nashville_brook]

14. time to get up stand up...

ya'll know the rest.

enough talk. i want action.

[MoJoWorkin]

15. Kenny Boy, you are doin' a heck of a job as an enabler for the king

[Kolesar]

16. more!

[yorkiemommie1]

18. quote:

"You don't get everything you want. A dictatorship would be a lot easier."
George Bush Describing what it's like to be governor of Texas.

(Governing Magazine 7/98)

[fooj]

20. Wow. Be still my heart!

Salazar's jumping ship, eh? BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! He won't be the only one...

Peace.

[AX10]

22. Not a king, a "Furher".

[Enraged_Ape]

24. Last time I checked, the President worked FOR US!!!!

Isn't that what the whole idea of government "of the people, BY the people, and FOR the people" is all about?

And didn't this nation start out in REVOLT AGAINST A KING? Isn't that why a bunch of guys who are a lot smarter than most of us created a Constitution with checks and balances built in? To keep any branch from having too much power?

To he11 with the Monkey King. He's supposed to be the head of the Executive branch of the United States Government, and therefore he is vulnerable to whatever desire we have to hire or fire his sorry, brain-damaged a$$ as we please. And this idiot's employment needs to be TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.

[Upfront]

26. Duh

No shit. No wonder we lose.

[GardeningGal]

27. For all those bitching about Salazar

remember who was the alternative. You'd prefer Peter Coors?

[lakercub]

29. Absolutely not

But it's a silly argument. We voted for something we aren't getting. The Salazar-Coors election is over...Salazar won. Now he has to prove he deserves to be our senator, regardless of who he beat. The results thus far are not overly favorable.

The Bankruptcy Bill was an absolute betrayal of everything democratic. If he is going to vote for crap like that, why did we bother helping him win in the first place. That vote was reprehensible and the differences between Salazar and Coors are starting to look a little too minor. I didn't vote for republican-lite. I wanted some backbone...he better start showing it. If he doesn't the republicans will carry his seat in six years because the dems will abandon him.

That is thoroughly unfortunate when you consider Colorado. There was a real left-turn in this state during the last election. I'd like to see that continue. But votes like this will derail it in a hurry.

Yes, he beat Coors. Yes, I was happy about that. But that doesn't mean he gets to rest on his laurels? He has to be a dem champion, not a Bush water-carrier. It may sound like "What have you done for me lately," but in politics...that's exactly what it is. Occasional disagreements on votes are one thing, but there is a disturbing pattern here and we should be aware of it, no matter who he beat in 04.

[Talismom]

32. Another one who voted for both Roberts and the bankruptcy bill and is

also running for reelection is Robt. Byrd. I'm amazed that his campaign advertizes for contributions on progressive sites after such votes! Yeah, I contribute--when pigs fly!

[paulk]

36. Bankruptcy bill, Roberts, Gonzalez - all would have passed no matter

how Salazar voted.


Bush won this state last November. If you want Salazar to move to the left then we need to prove Democratic politicians can take stands - ultimately meaningless stands - and get elected here.

[lakercub]

48. Just because something bad is going to pass anyway

doesn't mean you should vote for it. What kind of ridiculous logic is that? Using your thinking, democrats should all just vote republican since republicans have all the majorities and are going to win anyway.

Whether you like it or not, betraying priciples is bad. Always.

Even if a stand is meaningless, it will still be better than selling out...every time.

[paulk]

52. Bush won this state in 2004

that's the logic, and it's not ridiculous.

The majority of voters in Colorado voted for George Bush in 2004.

There are more registered Republicans in Colorado than Democrats.

That's why Salazar, who needs moderates/conservatives to get elected in a statewide race, takes moderate/conservative positions on votes where it's not going to make a difference.


Is this starting to make sense?

[lakercub]

63. Sure it makes sense

but its also complete crap.

1. Salazar's base is what is most important. He MUST solidify it. That's us. Without slam-dunk dem support...he's dead.

2. Taking centrist positions for ONLY political reasons is GOING to fail. I can't believe you haven't recognized this by now. Have you been watching the last few years? The democrats have been a damn rubber-stamp for Bush and it has gotten them nowhere. They have gone out of their way to give this administration votes, and, on the rare times they do fight, they are still called obstructionists and labeled that way in the press. It doesn't matter how centrist they appear to be...the minute they disagree with Bush they are going to be labeled obstructionist. In Colorado its even worse. Colorado Springs' newspaper (the Gazette) hates dems...they even get mad at Bush because he isn't far enough to the right. They will go after Salazar every chance they get, no matter how many times he tries to build bridges, and the voters of Colorado will, in too many cases, buy it.
For the last 5 years we have been mad at the dems in congress, Kerry, Edwards, and anyone else who didn't stand up and fight...and now you want occasional capitulation because it will "look better." Bull. Pay attention. That route has already failed and failed badly. You might have noticed that the Republicans came to power when they stopped capitulating. When they went hard right with no apologies, no negotiation, and no discussion Gingrich, Delay, Bush, et al., started winning. The American voter is generally pretty stupid, and they don't see moves to the center as cooperative, they see it as wishy-washy and weak. In Colorado, doubly so. Judging by your posts, however, it seems you have failed to notice this.
The thing the dems need to do is reclaim the message. The last few years have been awful when it comes to putting out a position the population can understand. The dems continually poke at the republicans with very few saying what they would do differently. It's infuriating. The dem message is a good one, but they appear afraid to say it, and that has to stop. If we aren't going to stand for anything, then we will never be able to capitalize on all the republican weaknesses. An example. Delay should be a slam-dunk easy take-down for his incredibly awful, and illegal, ethical performance, but the dems have been so pitiful at articulating what's wrong with Delay, and why, that too many will deem Delay's indictment as politics. Colorado voters looooove tough talk (except Boulder) and they love the appearance of principles (none actually required), but when all we do is bend over back wards we can't make an impression on these voters because all they see is weakness. Salazar made real inroads out here in 04 because he and his brother, and Udall and Degette and a host of state reps started to take verbal principled stands. The ground reclaimed by that momentum needs to be capitalized upon...not ceded back. Just because Colorado has more R's than D's registered doesn't mean Colorado won't vote D...it has in the past and will as long as the dems stand for something and can articulate it. That is the ONLY path to victory in this state.

3. We have some bad memories of one Ben "Nighthorse" Campbell. God forbid Salazar pull one of those on us. At this point I don't think he will, but the dems have to keep him honest...and they have to show him that the dem message can win this state.

Sorry, that went far longer than I intended.

[worldgonekrazy]

39. In defense of Salazar...

Yeah, he voted for Roberts. So did a majority of the Dems in the Senate. I don't like it either, but its called choosing your battles.

Roberts is Rehnquist's replacement. William Rehnquist was a pretty extreme right-winger, forming a team of lunacy with Thomas and Scalia on the court. Roberts may well do the same, but at least the balance of the court will remain relatively stable. Trading an extreme right-winger for another is basically a wash.

On the other hand, O'Connor was a moderate. So the Dems need to make sure she is not replaced by an extremist. That would upset the balance of the court, giving it four reliably extreme right-wingers and a couple of right-leaning swing voters.

So what Salazar and many of the other Democratic Senators decided to do was ultimately allow Roberts' confirmation so that the Bush Administration cannot easily label them as "obstructionist" when they block him from appointing an extreme right winger in place of O'Connor. I think its a pretty good strategy, and really, what more could you ask for? Bush is the one doing the appointing after all, so the best the Dems can hope to do in this case is hold the line.

Edited for grammar

[paulk]

40. stop making sense!

don't you know that DU exists so we can trash Democrats at every opportunity!

:sarcasm:

[BreweryYardRat]

54. Thank you!

Voice of reason!

[confludemocrat]

62. sounds like he doesn't want to fight too many battles because he

voted for Gonzalez, the bankruptcy bill, condi, and now roberts. How would voting against him be obstructionist? There is more than "making moves" here. This is not a chess game. Standing against someone who gives every sign past and present that he has a philosophy outside the mainstream would be an easy thing for someone with guts. The guy has insufficient guts or principles on which to stand if he opposed Roberts, or he was afraid for his reelection, or he agrees with Bush. What's his explanation?

[Guaranteed]

51. No, but we can do better. And that's for damned sure. nt

[MODemocrat]

31. Why wouldn't Bush act like a king

or rather a Dictator? After all it's people like Salazar who votes for everything the pipsqueek wants, and treats him like he really is some kind of royalty! The democrats are making me sick, and believe me, I'm a democrat from the word go, and have always been liberal. Why can't our party say NO to the spoiled little king just every once in a while? :crazy: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:

As bad as they are getting, it's not bad enough to make me vote for any right winger.

[Turn CO Blue]

37. Only decent thing he's said or done since winning, IIRC

I won't discount the beauty of this statement condemning Little Lord Smirkleroy, but Salazar is a DINO. I should mail him the DU comments about his record - might wake him up a little.

[KarenS]

38. Salazar,,,,,

ummmmmmm,,,,

I supported Mike Miles. AND I already know that Salazar was 'more electable' ~ I just wish he'd act more like a Democrat.

I will support whatever Democrat challenges him next election with both time and money.

[GetTheRightVote]

41. King Georgie is not doing so good of a job these days, hummm

What are they going to do now ???

:kick:

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

42. Kings are empowered for LIFE--does this give us a hint?

CHIMP IS NEVER LEAVING--THERE WILL BE NO MORE ELECTIONS-
--->count on a TERROR EVENT--->State of Emergency
--->new MAJOR WAR with a MAJOR WORLD POWER
---->postponed elections (indefinitely)
----->we get permanent CHIMP

we also get martial law (all voices of opposition are rounded up and silenced)

[BuelahWitch]

43. "Sometimes" acts like a king?

ALWAYS acts like a king!

[WhiteTara]

46. kick

:kick:

[mvd]

49. Well, that's true

And, I don't think Coors would either say that or be opposed to an Owen. There IS a difference. Still, I think Salazar and others would be in better shape if they differentiated from Bush more. We don't want red states to stay red.

[Guaranteed]

50. Ken must feel like a real rebel, now.

"Hee hee....hee hee...."

Really going out on a limb.

[Joebert]

53. Salazar is a piece of shit.

His voting record shows where he stands.

I wrote him about his vote on the bankruptcy bill. I got a response 45 days later. He said he believed that people should show responsibility.

Nice. Nothing about protecting the consumer, just save MBNA a few more dollars.

His votes suck. He isn't even pretending to be progressive.

[Art_from_Ark]

55. You're just finding this out now, Senator?

So does that mean that you're going to quit voting for his royal edicts?

[shadowknows69]

56. Isn't this where the SC should step in and say

that bush is clearly delusional and must have a psychiatric evaluation. Then be removed on medical reasons when it's proven that he's medically unfit.

[Orsino]

57. The only kingly things about * are his sense of entitlement...

...and utter irresponsibility for his actions.

He always acts this way--not "sometimes," Ken. If you're going to use the word "frankly," you shouldn't follow it with half-assed sentiments.

[Robb]

59. To those who don't see the difference between Salazar and Coors

...and advise checking Ken's voting record, well, I did, over the past year.

In March he voted in favor of a $100 million bill to increase funding and access to family planning facilities. Coors wouldn't have.

Then he voted in favor of a failed bill raising the minimum wage. And voted against drilling in ANWR. Coors wouldn't have.

In June he voted for an amendment to the Energy bill that placed minimum annual percentages on wind, solar, geothermal, and ocean energy, and natural gases. Doesn't sound like Coors either.

In September he voted to establish a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He voted against three Bush Circuit Court Judges - Thomas B. Griffith, Janice Rogers Brown, and Priscilla Richman Owen. He voted in favor of three - McKeague, Pryor, and Griffin.

And he voted in favor of failed amendment 1222 to HR 2360. Remember the context for this hot potato(e)? ....prohibits any employee of the Federal government from holding a security clearance for access to classified information if they disclose such information to unauthorized persons." :D

Do I agree with all his votes? Hell, no. Am I disappointed by a lot of them? Hell, yes. But remember he's a junior Senator, and he's fighting a lot of fights and even winning a few.

I was pissed as hell. But actually examining his record I'm feeling a lot better. :)

[paulk]

67. thanks for doing the research

Salazar says something positive and half the posts on this thread trash him. Only on DU...

[Robb]

68. Thanks for noticing

Of course, Ken hasn't single-handedly ended world hunger, so naturally we're pissed. ;)

[Geo55]

60. Nooo , Ken

That's "EMPEROR"......and my , my doesn't he have a FINE set of threads !.....right Kenny boy?

[confludemocrat]

61. If he's acting like a king, then you're being his knave, Ken, to complete

the metaphor.

[tom_paine]

66. Ever think he's not acting?

He and THE PARTY are as immune from the "votes" as Augustus Caesar.

If we cannot return our voting systems to trustworthiness and accountability, we have no hope to vote the Busheviks out.

Whoever the Imperial Family selects to placehold their throne will "win".

NOTE: I am NOT advocating giving up. I will be outthere, working and donating in 2006 and 2008. It is simply that I have no illusions where I live or that my vote for Emperor counts. But I will try anyway.