Wear gags to protest Repubs shutting mics off on the Dems at hearings!!

[scottxyz]

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/06/republicans-abruptly-shut-down-patriot.html

Republicans abruptly shut down Patriot Act hearing - amazing
by John in DC - 6/10/2005 09:04:00 PM

Absolutely astounding.

The House Republicans just shut down the Patriot Act hearings while the Democrats were still talking. It was absolutely amazing. Then they shut the mics off on the Dems. Even more amazing is that the House Republicans have the nerve to do this during a hearing on, what?, the Patriot Act! A hearing about our concerns about shutting down free speech and civil rights and the Constitution. So what do they do, they simply shut down open debate in the US Congress. Horrifying.

I've been so busy today I didn't have time to watch this video until now. Now I have. It's downright chilling. But also inspiring. The Democrats just kept going, the witnesses just kept going. It really was quite wonderful that even after the Republicans tried to literally shut down our democracy, the Democrats and the witnesses - in the best Grinch tradition - showed the Republicans that, Republicans present or not, microphone shut down or not, even House Judiciary Chairman "Tex" Sensenbrenner can't stop democracy from coming.

This story is 100 times as important as anything Howard Dean did or didn't say. We need to take what happened today and run with it. I can only imagine the protests - members of the House with gags on.

Imagine all the Dems walking around for one day next week with gags on, on the House floor, in hearings.

Come on guys, let's do it :-)

Make sure you watch both videos on this page.
http://www.dembloggers.com/story/2005/6/10/54149/5115

AP has picked up on the story now too.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=838557&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

[NYCGirl]

1. The only problem with that is the Republicans would LIKE IT! NT

[Democracy White]

4. With the kinky sex minds they have...

no doubt about it.

Dee

[NYCGirl]

8. No, not that. But they'd like us to shut up; why make it easier for them?

NT

[Tamyrlin79]

5. I don't know...

Think of the effectiveness of the LGBT "Day of Silence" protest where every year gay people wear black and tape over their mouths to protest the complete ignoring them, their concerns, and their community.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. That's what I was going to post.

The repukes would like nothing more than to see every Democrat on earth GAGGED!

[peekaloo]

2. I think they should bring bullhorns!

[B Calm]

6. Great Idea!

[Benhurst]

14. Great idea!

[democrat_patriot]

3. I thought most Dems wore gags already.

Since I only hear a few ever complain about anything.

[FightingIrish]

7. Is this the new nuclear option?

They just turn off the microphones and walk away. So much for compromise.

[asjr]

9. Wouldn't this escapade by the chairman be considered

a breech of the rules? I realize Republicans own us but this was so blatant how can this be allowed. I know at present the "Ethics" committee is at loggerheads because of Republicans.

[Tamyrlin79]

13. Yes, it is a breech of rules.

And when the law is on your side, use it. Hang them with it.

There are two ways to adjourn: Unanimous consent or a vote (majority). The chairman got neither.

[Don_1967]

11. COWARDS!!

They were told the truth & couldn't take it.
Like Harry Truman said I will give them the truth & they will think it is hell!!

[Tamyrlin79]

12. I do agree that this should not go unanswered.

But, we want to make it something the Republicans won't like...

How about the "gag" being an "American Flag" bandana? See the first three items here.Or a piece of fabric with an American flag printed on it? Very symbolic, that. Then, the next day, have them all wear it on their arms as an armband as a sign of solidarity in the face of the Republicans efforts to stifle them. A symbolic "seizing of the flag" if you will.

I'm sure the Republicans will chastise us for flad desecration or some bullshit, but consider that the controversy will get us LOTS of TV airtime to talk about the Republicans abuse of power and silencing of the minority.