Conyers: GOP machine collapsing of its own weight?

paineinthearse

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Tue Sep-27-05 11:18 PM
Original message

Conyers: GOP machine collapsing of its own weight?

Edited on Tue Sep-27-05 11:24 PM by paineinthearse

http://www.conyersblog.us/archives/00000257.htm

Blogged by JC on 09.27.05 @ 09:35 PM ET

Is it just me, or does the entire GOP machine seem to be collapsing of its own weight?

Where to begin? First the AP is reporting that indictments are being readied against DeLay. And the Washington Post found that some "associates" of DeLay's friend Jack Abramahoff may be involved in murder. The New York Times confirms that both the DOJ Inspector General and the FBI are looking into the DOJ's demotion of a prosecutor going after the Abramahoff connection in Guam. Though they left this out of the article, the IG investigation is in response to my letter of Aug. 23.

On the Katrina front, we had the embarassing show of "Brownie" at today's sham hearing in the House. These guys create their own phony investigation, and can't even get that right. :rofl:

Meanwhile Kudos to the New York Times for their excellent and timely piece on the real life hardship the new special interest bankruptcy bill is causing -- I was the first one out of the box with legislation to deal with that, but so far, the GOP is placing the interests of credit card companies ahead of hurricane victims.

Finally as noted below, Rawstory also has my letter to the Park Service (below) today asking for answers regarding their outrageous treatment of Cindy Sheehan and her fellow protestors.

It is starting to feel like 1994, only this time the GOP will be facing the ire of the voters in the midterms.

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Democrat_accuses_Washington_police_chief_of_mistreating_peace_pr_0927.html
Democrat accuses Park police chief of mistreating peace protesters
RAW STORY

Ranking House Judiciary Democrat Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) alleged Tuesday evening that protesters who were arrested outside the White House Monday were held in handcuffs for as long as twelve hours in cramped buses before they were released, RAW STORY has learned.

In a missive to United States Park Police Dwight Pettiford Tuesday evening, Conyers raised concern that protesters were mistreated by police.

"Some of those were released at 4:30 in the morning after being arrested at 4:00 the previous afternoon," he wrote. "Those released after midnight were unfamiliar with Washington, D.C., and had no means to travel back to their hotels once the metro had closed. Anacostia is not frequented by taxicabs after midnight."

"Many of those held captive the longest were grandmothers and senior citizens," he added.

RAW STORY was unable to reach any of those arrested for immediate comment Tuesday. Those with additional information are encouraged to email us at tips@rawstory.com.

The congressman's letter follows.

#
Office of the Chief
United States Park Police
Dwight E. Pettiford
1100 Ohio Drive S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20242

Dear Chief of Police:

I am writing to request information regarding the treatment of individuals arrested on September 26, 2005, in front of the White House and processed at the United States Park Police Anacostia Station.

Yesterday 384 protestors, including peace activist Cindy Sheehan, were arrested outside the White House and were brought to the United States Park Police Anacostia Station. I was very surprised to learn that many of those arrested were kept handcuffed in vans and buses for up to 12 hours before they were charged and released. Some of those were released at 4:30 in the morning after being arrested at 4:00 the previous afternoon. Many of those held captive the longest were grandmothers and senior citizens. Those released after midnight were unfamiliar with Washington, D.C., and had no means to travel back to their hotels once the metro had closed. Anacostia is not frequented by taxicabs after midnight.

I have the following questions regarding the treatment of those arrested yesterday:

Why was the Anacostia Station chosen as the sole location to process all 384 arrestees when there were several other Park Police stations in the greater Washington, D.C. area?

In what other circumstances have arrestees been detained by U.S. Park Police for periods exceeding twelve hours before being charged with a crime?

In what other circumstances have arrestees been detained by U.S. Park Police, and kept handcuffed on buses for periods exceeding ten hours?

What is the established U.S. Park Police procedure for processing large numbers of arrestees in the Washington, D.C., area?

Please respond to the Judiciary Committee Minority Office at 2142 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20515.

Sincerely,

John Conyers, Jr.
Ranking Minority Member

See predecessor post at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4895370