I went to the John Conyers Town Hall Meeting in Michigan today.

[IdaBriggs]

The speakers were amazing. Lila Lipscomb was there, as well as the CIA gentleman who testified at the Congressional hearing on Friday. Someone from a well respected radio program whose name I didn't catch spoke, too, as well as the editor of the "Michigan Citizen" (I think). Oh, and a respected peace activist from the Detroit area gave a very sensible talk, also.

To be honest, there was a bit of a "pep rally" feel to the whole thing, and it wasn't until the last speaker -- a constitutional scholar from Wayne State University -- that I really felt like I was learning anything new: specifically, the historical definition of "high crimes" for impeachment in the constitution meant "abuse of power" for the 18th century framers. This was "changed" by the folks in power during the Clinton impeachment so they could "get him" and scholars are expecting HIS impeachment to be revoked as soon as the Democrats get back in charge and are able to restore the "traditional" interpretation again. According to this scholar, Nixon was charged with two things: protecting the folks who did the Watergate break-in, AND abusing his authority by using the power of the Presidency to get confidential tax records of private citizens. (I did not know the second part!)

Based on what all of the speakers said, it is obvious that Junior has committed "high crimes" -- abused the power of the Presidency -- and he needs to be impeached.

I spoke with Lila Lipscomb (mother from Fahrenheit 911), and expressed my gratitude for her work in standing up for all of the folks in the military. She is an amazing human being.

I also spoke with the CIA gentleman, who pretty much blew me away with his brilliance. I bluntly asked him if the DU rumor was true -- is there a war going on between the Administration and the CIA, with the CIA "leaking" stuff to discredit the Bush folks as the Bush folks try to "pin the blame" on them for everything "bad" that has happened in our foreign policy? He emphatically declared this a "NO!" with two examples: 1) CIA folks undergo routine lie detector tests where they are asked if they leak, meaning that to do so would end a career; and 2) they accept and are proud of their roles in protecting our country -- they understand their most brilliant accomplishments will never be acknowledged, while their failures will be public fodder. (To be fair, there wasn't any other answer he could have given to a stranger, but I believe he was sincere.) He also said Valerie Plame is not allowed to discuss what has happened in public, so her co-workers are stepping up.

Finally, Mike from www.takebackthemedia.org was there, and he interviewed me on the stuff that happened in New Hampshire with the recount last November/December. I hope I did a good job explaining, but at first I was extremely nervous; later, I think I was doing better, but Mike was so exhausted, HE STARTED FALLING ASLEEP! LOL! Its official -- I can be boring!!! (He apologized profusely -- he was on no sleep from a long day / night of travel, followed by a long day of "saving democracy" so he definitely had reason!) Still, I was honored to participate, and hope I was able to provide some insights into what happened last year.

I should add that it was "standing room only" in the 300 seat auditorium; this is a topic that obviously is of interest to a wide range of people. Other Representatives were holding similar "Town Halls" today all over the country, while "parties" were thrown with a conference call happening, too. (I don't know anything about them, so, someone else needs to fill in the blanks there, please.)

Thank you again, Representative Conyers. You are a true hero to us all!

[noamnety]

1. I'm sorry I didn't see you

We had an entire row of DU people there.

[IdaBriggs]

ARGH! Where were you?

My husband, niece and I were in the balcony (left side) third row. As the place started emptying I very loudly asked if there were any DU'ers present, with a whole bunch of "blank stares" as a result.

I'm so sorry to have missed you folks!!! Any chance you can add to my report, or has it already been posted elsewhere? :)

[noamnety]

6. We were in the front right

Fujiyama, Passing Fair, Livvy, SharonRB, Mich Otter, Mrs. Grumpy, and I think a few others. Symbolman was in the back filming. I was in a black Veterans for Peace teeshirt - maybe you saw me afterward.

I was really most interested in Jim Marcinkowsi's talk (CIA) because of my background, and the sense of betrayal I've had from this administration. Afterward he made a comment about how what we consider "state secrets" at our level is considered "press releases" at the top levels. And yes, that's exactly how I feel. I am wondering why I spent 15 years of my life doing intelligence and counterintelligence work, when it turns out:

a) they don't care about intelligence at all, they just make up or forge whatever they want to tell the public, and

b) they don't care about counterintelligence or security at all.

Fortunately, I'm not in that position anymore. So for me, the fact that I now feel completely disillusioned is a moot point; it doesn't affect my work. I was always stateside, and I wasn't covert, but even so, if I were on the job still, I would be standing there with my jaw hanging open, not understanding why I'm going in to work at all, for a government that has no appreciation whatsoever for either my safety or for the work I do.

I'm glad they at least paid me well, because right now my savings is the only thing I have from that part of my life that feels like it has any value.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. When it becomes apparent that the ones who are to protect your

status, really won't if it behooves them...it's a sickening thing. I was extremely grateful to this speaker for showing up.


**Besides the fact...if I wasn't married..wink, wink, :hi:

It was great to meet you. Wish we could have all talked more.

[faithnotgreed]

12. thank you for all your service

and im glad for you that you are no longer in that line of work

[noamnety]

16. No thanks needed

It was my own choice to do it, and for a long while I really loved the job. I worked as a defense contractor for a while after the intel stuff, and then severed my ties completely in the summer after 9/11 because the atmosphere felt wrong. I was still working in a government facility, and little things started happening like people would post idiotic cartoons stereotyping Arabs in the common areas - even though we had a great middle eastern guy who was one of our best engineers working there. He was always bringing me pitas fresh from the bakery because I helped proofread his English in his technical papers. I had some great conversations with him. :) It's the sort of thing that just tears you up after a while, watching people be so offensive and callous (and oblivious) to the people they've worked side by side with for years.

Now that I think about it, maybe I should have stayed, because I don't know who took down those cartoons once I wasn't there to do it.

[faithnotgreed]

18. friend i have to say this (and hope its ok)

you are far too sweet and beautiful to work for the government~

i just cannot fathom the hate
and you clearly picked up on some of what was going on around you since you left post 9/11

i think that working for this government - and what they have trickled down and what they have demanded of those who will follow - would be such an ongoing struggle that its likely far better that youre not there
its not my place of course to suggest what you should do in your life

i do hope you are happy(er) now in what you are doing. and certainly your care and compassion can go a long way in this world and i thank you for that too

[noamnety]

29. Heh

I don't think the people that know me think of me as "sweet and beautiful" - that's kind of funny.

Anyhow, it's a dilemma that we haven't dealt with very well, as a whole. The best intelligence analysts (in my opinion) are the ones who can put themselves in someone else's shoes. If you can't "think like the enemy" you're in no position to predict what they are going to do. Of course, if you CAN "think like the enemy" it implies an ability to have empathy for the position they are in. The problem here is that the enemy hasn't been defined. One minute a person is an innocent civilian, the next, they are a would-be insurgent, terrorist, call it what you will.

There is a tipping point in there, and if you start out with that "your either with us or against us" mentality, you'll never be able to grasp where the tipping point is or why it exists.

So the people with empathy don't want to work for this sort of administration, because our bosses actively don't want to hear what makes the other side tick. It contradicts their world view. To say out loud that there is something making the other side tick automatically gets you labeled unpatriotic. And the people without empathy aren't competent to do the job. That doesn't leave a lot of people.

[faithnotgreed]

32. thats an important distinction isnt it

as we know if you arent with us youre against us and that slogan is not limited to those they would label terrorists - it is applied to us as citizens

well i do hope that you are able to put your talents to work that makes you feel positive in what youre doing
you clearly would have a lot to offer

and i do think that anyone who has the empathy that you describe - though certainly in many areas of lifes work that can get tricky - and has the will to reach out and see someones humanity is sweet and beautiful

peace

[IdaBriggs]

4. And just found the link!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4177046

Now I'm doubly sad I didn't see you folks! :(

[bleever]

2. Thanks for your account, Ida! Rec'd for all to share.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Thanks for this report. :^)

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. I also was there and thought the CIA agent, I believe his name

was Mark to be interesting but also a bit uncomfortable. I asked him if they were done figuring the numbers of who else would have had their cover compromised, and he assured me (?) that it was taken care of, while also emphasizing the point that, from a national security standpoint, we are in deeper trouble because this administration refuses to deal with the leak; thus putting operatives out in the field on edge. In other words, they're not real keen on serving the gov't anymore.

The first speaker was local syndicated broadcaster and author, Tony Trupiano. I believe his speech was stirring and and excellent way to begin the discussion.

Lila Lipscomb had me in tears. After the meeting I was delighted to be able to thank her and tell her it was because of her that I wake up everymorning, turn on my computer and gaze upon the faces of those who have fallen for a lie...how heartbreaking it is, yet how necessary it is.

Al Fishman, Detroit Area Peace and Justice Network, is an inspiration. He's been doing this for years and I believe many of us learned a lot from his speech and his willingness to remain committed. I am one step closer to joining the contingent on Sept. 24 in D.C. The Peace and Justice network is a contingent of local and national peace organizations working together to put the protest on.

I was amazed by the intelligence of Bankole Thompson, city editor for "The Michigan Citizen" and we (PassingFair and I) begged him to run. I also came away wishing he were the one in Wolf's seat on CNN. Here is a man who has the courage to say it is "not enough" for the media now to question Scotty...they should have been doing it all along. I hope we hear more from him.

Professor Bob Sedler is a professor of law at Wayne State and is widely recognized for his work not just in Constitutional Law but in Civil Rights and Free Speech in particular. He is an advisor for the ACLU and it appear a good friend and advisor to Rep. Conyers.

Most of ALL, I met some wonderful everyday people from DU and outside of DU, and it really invigorated me. As Tony Trupiano said today, let this be the day the things begin to change.

It was a wonderful day to be a Democrat!

[G_j]

8. thank you

I really enjoyed hearing about this. :toast:

[Griffy]

9. I was at a house party in VA .. informed ppl!

like 12 ppl were at this couples house, we all know the seriousness of whats happening .. some only recently, some had been listening to pacifica and knew for years. Others were astonished and I went into the history of the fairness doctrine and the media issue... I told them we cant treat politics as a taboo subject! That we need to talk to friends and family and everyone we can about the media posio0ning of our nation, and then tell them were to go (DU, AAR, democracy radio...) I think this is growing!

BE the MEDIA!!

spread the word!

[ClayZ]

10. Bravo and Thank You!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[faithnotgreed]

11. right on~ to that clayz

[SeattleGirl]

13. Thanks for the post Ida

There was a town meeting here in Seattle today, led by my Rep, Jim McDermott, but unfortunately I was unable to go, so I've been reading all the posts I can find about the various meetings and house parties held today. Thanks for sharing yours.

P.S. I'm so glad I was able to meet you at Andy's memorial service. I so appreciated what you had to say about him, and again, am glad I was able to meet you. :hi:

[IdaBriggs]

25. Back at you, SeattleGirl!

I haven't written a post about that day yet; I'm still trying to process the entire experience, but the best part of that sad day was definitely getting to meet good people! :)

[Bozita]

14. Mike from TBTM is Symbolman

Flashmedia genius!

[oasis]

15. Thanks for a great report.

[FreedomAngel82]

17. Sounds amazing!

I'm so glad that people are coming out in huge numbers. Seems like people are ready for the democratic party to take over. Too bad there wasn't a video of this. Thanks for your documentation of the event though! Conyers kicks ass!

[IdaBriggs]

26. Actually, Mike (Symbolman) was taping it.

I believe it is going to be up on their website when he gets back (or used in a movie -- I wasn't clear on that!). :)

[nofurylike]

19. thank you all for showing up, and for sharing it with us! eom

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. thans and the radio host was tony trupiano

No i was not there but haerd reports, unfortunately I could not go to any of these events

[sunnystarr]

21. Was C-Span there by any chance? I would love to be able

to see and hear all those who participated.

[ray of light]

22. Are you interested in purchasing a tape?

There was a person who was probably going to sell them. There is a website who he was going to try to help get it set up with them, but I don't know if it's possible.

If you want to purchase a tape, then pm me and I'll give you his contact information.

[ray of light]

23. Check out the afterdowningstreet.org site for more comments

I don't beleive cspan was there though there was a film maker from Hawaii there.

The Detroit Free Press was there, though I don't know if they wrote about it.

[ray of light]

24. check out afterdowningstreet.org site under activism for more info

And the CIA's name was Jim Marcinkowski and he trained for 20 years with Valerie Plame. He was very, very credible. Please read the comments on the http://www.afterdowningstreet.org and look in activism.

I disagree with you about it being a pep rally. They showed the actions Bush took and they showed the consequences to the American people. They spoke of the National Security risk this president and the Republican Congress is burdening the American people with as each day continues.

And Then they tried to explain the definition of impeachment and asked us if President Bush and his administration has committed an impeachable crime. A resounding "yes" shook the room.

While I was there, I spoke to people who were former Republicans as well as "hard left" democrats. I spoke with people who were Independents. What we all had in common was that we all know about the DSM and Treason-gate and we all understood that this government has failed the American people.

I also spoke with people who drove up from Ohio and they lived in Columbus or Cinci and they still claim Ohio was rigged. They LIVE there and they believe that it wasn't as "red" as the rigged election said.

[IdaBriggs]

27. My husband and I were both thinking "pep rally" because for us --

there wasn't really anything new (except the definition of "high crimes" from the professor). We already knew everything that was said because of DU. It was nice to be part of that resounding "YES" but frankly, I'm not sure what was accomplished. (Please bear in mind that as an activist, I'm in the "get something accomplished" camp, and am not convinced walking around in protest circles really does much good.)

For me, there was a definite "preaching to the choir" feel to the event. My respect for each of the folks talking is immense, but honestly, at the end of the day, what was the point?

Or, was the point that a Respectable Congressman (Conyers) was taking these things seriously, and that over 300 people who ALSO took them seriously showed up "the real point?"

Educate me, please. I'm feeling powerless today! :)

Best, Ida

[ray of light]

28. I understand your view

And in a way you are right. It could be seen as a pep rally but think of it this way, the whole event and those around the country are happening to try to bring these news to the media and to make sure people don't just bury themselves with what they know.

And each time something like this happens, if we all invite a person who doesn't know the facts, then this snowballs. And if the media reports on it, then it snowballs.

But I agree with you on a different point as well. The information about impeachment especially related to the exact charges against Nixon was important too.

BUT I also took avid notes to spread. And when the former Republican from the CIA who also trained with Valerie Plame says, 'This president SHOULD have taken IMMEDIATE action against his administration as soon as this leak happened. HE could have and should have immediately suspended the security clearance of everyone in his office while an investigation ensued. He should have FIXED the problem and demanded accountability from his staff. Instead after 2 years of inaction, he has done nothing. And ignorance or partison bickering is destroying our National Security. Take this MESSAGE FORWARD! We are LESS secure each day because of the willingness of this President to put political gain above the Security of the CIA agents, their informants, and the American people. EACH day of inaction is Killing US. Take this message forward!"


This is BIG! And if we are the media and we activating others, then we have made that day a success. It's not so much that WE know, but it's what we do after the message was given.

[noamnety]

30. One of the things we talked about

(in our DU row) was that we should have all written to the Detroit News, the Free Press, etc. ahead of time to ask for coverage. It's something I know I don't do, and I should. We need to start demanding media coverage in advance of an event like this.

[Just Me]

31. (((HUG))))

:hug: Our participation in the process PROVES that the neoCONs are wrong: WE THE PEOPLE SHAPE HISTORY,...not those who seek to IMPOSE their will upon us.

:hug: