Please Help a Congressman Under Fire!

[calimary]

He's Democratic Congressman Maurice Hinchey of New York. He's getting hate-mail/hate-calls galore. HE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!

2/20/2005: Congressman Says Rove Planted CBS Memos
Yesterday Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) hosted a community forum in Ithaca, New York, on The Future Of Social Security.
An LGF reader was present in the audience and happened to be recording as Rep. Hinchey launched into a barking moonbat conspiracy rant worthy of Democratic Underground, telling the audience he believed the fake CBS memos were planted by Karl Rove to discredit Dan Rather, and divert attention from President Bush’s “draft dodging.”
When our reader asked Hinchey if he had evidence for these charges, he first said, “Yes, I do,” but when asked a second time he admitted he did not.
Our reader pressed the issue, “Don’t you think it’s irresponsible to make charges like that?” Hinchey replied, “No, I don’t, I think it’s very important to make charges like that ... I think it’s very important to combat this kind of activity in every way that you can, and I’m willing, as most people are not, to step forward in situations like this and take risks.”
And the crowd burst into applause and cheering.

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?%20entry=14781_Congressman_Says_Rove_Planted_CBS_Memos&only=yes

Here's another thread on it in LBN:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1256504

Okay - here's the appeal:

I called his office. I said it was important enough for me to call all the way from California. The staffer on the other end said mine was the ONLY call they've received that was supportive, and it was MUCH appreciated. Apparently, there's been a storm of protest calls slamming him by hoards of flying monkeys from the Dark Side.

GUYS: IF YOU CAN...

PLEASE call his office. Or contact him in some other way.


CONTACTS For Congressman. Hinchey

Via http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/?id=431&lvl=C&c...

Web Site: www.house.gov/hinchey
E-mail: Contact Via 'Write Your Rep.'

Washington Office:
2431 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3222
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Main District Office:
291 Wall St.
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]


Washington Office:
Office of Rep. Hinchey
2431 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Middletown Office:
Office of Rep. Hinchey
City Hall, Third Floor
16 James St.
Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: [phone]

Binghamton Office:
Office of Rep. Hinchey
100A Federal Building
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: [phone]

Kingston Office:
Office of Rep. Hinchey
291 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: [phone]

Ithaca Office:
Office of Rep Hinchey
123 S. Cayuga St. #201
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: [phone]

Monticello Office:
Office of Rep. Hinchey
18 Anawana Lake Road
Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: [phone]

If you can do this, then, also, PLEASE call your own congressperson and urge him/her to support this guy. He's under fire. If it's a Dem, it should be easy enough. If it's a republi-CON, DO IT ANYWAY. Because they NEED to hear from the opposition. They NEED VERY SERIOUSLY to hear from people who are NOT in mindless lockstep with this White House. They NEED to hear that WE, TOO, are out there, and must be considered. Remember, THEY work for US. It's NOT the other way around. And THEY need us at voting time. And even if they're not on our side, they need to be reminded that OUR VOTES could make the difference when they want to be reelected, and they ignore us AT THEIR PERIL.

You can get your own representative's contact info via www.congress.org - some VERY comprehensive directories there for Washington office contact info AND regional/local office contact info.

Just do it. This guy needs our support.

Thanks so much in advance!

[NVMojo]

1. will do this ...

...as I felt this was a typical "bait and switch" Rove move when they went after Rather for the documents and typewriter fonts ...the real story in that piece Rather did was coming out of the mouth of former Lt. Governor Ben Barnes:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1616105


This is so KKKarl Rove ...

[calimary]

3. Thanks!

The staffer I spoke with sounded a little startled, and pleasantly surprised by the nature of my call. It was as though he was expecting yet another complaint.

They can use some CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT over there - for their spines. And buttressing from their colleagues.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[calimary]

6. Well, okay. But sometimes, when he does something good, that needs

to be reinforced. That way, you can start helping to guide and modify the behavior. Remember: dog treats for obedience. Worked for Pavlov.

[fooj]

4. I just tried to e-mail him and I was rejected because

he's not my Congressman! Maybe that is why he isn't getting any support! I'll give him a call, however, because I agree that it was a Rove plant! At least he had the guts to say it! Bravo!

[calimary]

5. Thanks - I know they'll appreciate this. He's not my Congressman

either. I called mine (Henry Waxman) and asked him to support this guy, because I, too, agree about the Rove business. Consider the track record, after all.

[rodeodance]

7. Brave yup

[rodeodance]

11. use this website to contact representatives other than your own

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

[calimary]

21. Excellent point. This guy needs his colleagues to stand with him.

Thanks for posting this!

[calimary]

17. Brave indeed. Needs to be acknowledged for it.

Especially if we want people like this to continue to speak truth to power.

BELIEVE ME: the stories about Barbara Boxer getting all those roses - THOUSANDS of them - from grateful constituents - AND non-constituents all over the country - did NOT go unnoticed. Maybe the enemy tried to ignore it, but I guarantee you they noticed it, reluctantly and unhappily. And so did some other waverers on the Hill, who may have been wondering if there'd be anybody supporting them if THEY spoke out. It just occurred to me - what if THIS guy is one of THOSE? What if HE saw or heard about Barbara Boxer's avalanche of roses and suddenly it hit him that there were lots of people who are YEARNING for their reps to start speaking up and showing spine? What if that's what finally motivated THIS guy to do the same?

Remember this, too: in the case of Boxer's roses, and also in the case of anybody who writes/calls/emails/faxes - each one of those messages is considered to REPRESENT many more who didn't communicate similar feelings. The reasoning is: while YOU may have cared enough to send something in or phone it in, somebody else who shares your view probably was too busy, or driving, or diapering the baby, or fearful that it wouldn't do any good so why bother, or intended to but just forgot, or didn't have pen and paper handy or wasn't near the phone. Sometimes, depending on market size (I get this from being in radio for a lot of years) ONE input from a viewer/listener/reader can reflect the views of ten, or 100, or 1,000, or thousands. I also heard writer Robert Scheer speak about a year ago - his wife is on the editorial board of one of the big San Francisco papers. Somebody asked him if letters to the editor were seen or read, or taken seriously. He said they were, they're all read and a group of editorial people considers them all for publication. And he said they pick the best letters reflecting how many people have written in with the same point of view. They try to show balance. But the reason you might see (as I've seen in the L.A. Times) five letters bashing bush on his SOTU address and one supporting it, that's because they had roughly five times as many bash-bush letters as they did supportive ones.

For further motivation, please check this one, humbly submitted:

And again, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

from thread: "Guys - are you not sure writing/calling/faxing/emailing does any good?"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1587721

[Helga Scow Stern]

8. Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention.

I read about it last night and it was so heartening. I am sorry so many soulless wraiths are after him today. I will get busy communicating.

[calimary]

9. Hugs! And, it just occurred to me that you can send this guy hugs,

so to speak, by sending him your support. It sounded as though he coulda used it when I called his office. At least, from talking to his staffer. The staffer, too, sounded like HE could have used a hug or two at the moment.

[murielm99]

10. I just called. The staffer was indeed startled.

She said they were not getting many friendly calls today.

Call, everyone!

[NVMojo]

13. I called and the staffer said the calls are much appreciated by Henchy

right now!

[calimary]

23. Excellent! I know it means TONS to these people.

This is just the tonic they need. Might just keep them fired up and resolute, and ready to do a leeeeetle bit more.

[gottaB]

36. The person who answered my call said the same

Very friendly.

[calimary]

37. GREAT that you called, too.

They need EVERY "Good Job!" they can get.

[gottaB]

39. Yeah, that was about the substance of my call.

Said I agreed with everything Hinchey had said, and "Right On!"

lol, I couldn't think of anything else to say. But the staffer was very receptive, and glad for the support.

[calimary]

40. I think you came up with PLENTY of good things to say.

Good for Hinchey! And good for YOU, too, gottaB!

[calimary]

18. What you said, murielm99!

I KNOW they're gonna appreciate it. And it might just give this guy encouragement to speak out AGAIN. And/or maybe to do a little MORE than simply speak out...

[Just Me]

12. Will do, right now!!!

Thanks!!!

[Just Me]

14. Done. The staffer was gracious!!! n/t

[calimary]

22. I'm sure it meant the world to him/her. Especially if the office is

getting battered with freeper-type complaints.

GREAT job! THANKS! I know it makes a difference!

[calimary]

25. Thanks, Just Me.

Every little bit helps!

[TexasLawyer]

15. Here's my e-mail

It just took about 3 minutes out of my day. Thanks for posting the contact information.

February 22, 2005




,

Many of us out in the red states (I am in Houston, Texas) are delighted that a congressman has spoken out about the forged Rathergate documents and their obvious use by right wing advocates to:

1.) deflect criticism of Bush's "war record;" and

2.)undermine the credibility of a news-station and a reporter who often did not toe the right wing line.

We admire your courage, and we hope that you'll continue to speak out on these outrageous abuses of governmental power.


Sincerely,

[calimary]

19. Bless. Your. Heart.

Thanks for this. It DOES only take a few moments. And just one little gesture could be the one that reaches the tipping-point...

[Al-CIAda]

16. Show support!!!

[calimary]

20. Amen.

Thanks everybody! Encourage! Hey - I just realized - guess what word is built into "encourage"? COURAGE! D'OH!

[Eloriel]

24. C'mon, peeps

this guy needs some support and so does his staff.

[calimary]

26. It really will boost their spirits. Because when he's under fire, they ALL

are - because they have to take the angry phone calls and read through the flame-mail.

This will be like antacids to an upset stomach. Hey look, DU, you're Pepto-Bismol! Or Tums! And BTW - Tums is full of calcium, too...

It'll help motivate them to stay strong.

[applegrove]

27. Very common that if you have a nefarious manipulator in your life

that it is hard to tell 'what reality is' or when the 'hand' of the manipulator is in play. So you have to just stick to the facts and not go on emotion: that is what the monster wants you to do ... get all upset and then break your own rules. Then they can discredit you.

Why we see the press & Dems all hunckered down and lying low. Sticking to what they know. It is very scary.

[calimary]

28. One of the guys who spoke up at the DNC "Listening Event" in downtown

L.A. last month said something similar.

This is the one wherein DNC members were taking public comment about what the direction of the party should be, and specifically who should be elected as the new chair. VAST majority in attendance pushed for Howard Dean.

Anyway, this one guy got up - he was one of probably two or three hundred people there, about half of whom actually did get their two minutes to speak - and said he was tired of seeing the Democratic Party behave as abused children or battered spouses. Such a roar of agreement and approval erupted at this, it just shook people. Plus, we were all waving our green (I agree) cards in a FRENZY at this.

Hunkered down and lying low, and embracing emotion: FEAR. Just like you said. Which is why, when some brave soul pokes his/her head up and calls "BULLSHIT" we need to stand up, too, and say "YES! BULLSHIT!"

Barbara Boxer finally did, and she wound up swamped with roses on Valentine's Day. People desperately want their Dems to show spine, and take a stand, and speak truth to power! I hope Hinchey knows it's noticed and DEEPLY appreciated.

[IntravenousDemilo]

29. Send him some hard evidence

I'm sure it's out there somewhere. If you can get your hands on it, he'll have it on hand when he repeats his allegation. That should shut up the naysayers.

[calimary]

30. Welcome to DU! And THANKS!

These guys need ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET. Because this guy WILL be under attack. He had the nerve to speak out and say the emperor has no clothes. And all the emperors horses and all the emperor's men just do NOT want to hear this.

GOOD FOR YOU for doing this! Welcome - we sure need you!

[Eloriel]

41. I don't know if this qualifies as evidence, but it's persuasive

Credible Evidence Emerges That Jeff Gannon Coordinated With the G.O.P. to
Bring Down Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) in 2004 Election
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1613226
Link: http://nashuaadvocate.blogspot.com/2005/02/credible-evidence-emerges-that-jeff.html

Someone ought to share it with his staff.

[calimary]

43. I saw that one, too. It's been said that "it's just a short putt to..."

This shows how they maneuver, and how the specifics Hinchey mentions are NOT beyond the realm of possibility. The smell isn't, either.

These people rewrote the book on dirty tricks. Good thing to bring up, Eloriel.

[annabanana]

31. I called...we're still in the minority though...

Poor guy needs support!

[calimary]

32. For the time being... but THANKS for calling and checking in here.

You are SO correct - the poor guy needs support!

I tell ya - it makes a difference. Imagine how you'd feel without DU and legions of others (HOW many members are there here, now?) who feel the same way you do and share your anger and outrage. I don't even want to think about it. One reason why I spend time here - it really helps lift me up. I, too, need the support. So imagine somebody as far up on the front lines as Hinchey is - and how crucial it is for him.

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[genius]

33. Hinchey has a good voting record. He voted with Stephanie on 1/6.

He also voted against the class action bill. He didn't make the vote on HR418. So far this year, he hasn't voted wrong on anything.
http://patrickhenrythinktank.org/house-scores.html

[calimary]

34. Thanks for this - all the more reason to stand WITH him.

He evidently acquitted himself well on "Inside Politics" on CNN just now.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1616408

[jen4clark]

35. Thank you for this!

I called and they were most appreciative! Also forwarded this info on to another place I post. When we can do good, we should!!

[calimary]

38. Welcome to DU! A FINE debut from you!

We need you, too! Excellent networking effort - THANKS!

[Vidar]

50. Welcome to DU. Thanks for your effort.

[loritooker]

42. Thanks. Done! nt

[calimary]

44. Thanks back atcha!

These folks need to know when they've done something positive, and needed, and courageous, and truthful. Positive reinforcement. It does wonders. If I'm feeling gratified by the response here, imagine how Hinchey and his staff must feel.

For one thing, they WON'T be feeling isolated and marginalized and completely idiotic. Not when there's validation and gratitude coming in response to what Hinchey's doing.

I said this earlier, but I can't help wondering, still: Maybe he's one of those on Capitol Hill who got wind of Barbara Boxer's roses, after she stood up the way she has. And wasn't he, as posted here earlier, one of those who supported Stephanie Tubbs-Jones? He may not have received many thank-you's for that, since he wasn't the highest-profile person involved. But he obviously saw the reaction when a few bold souls stood up. And then, to underscore that, the grassroots roared again, and Howard Dean was elected DNC chair. This was the voice of the people, not speaking but ROARING, and the powers that be could do nothing but bow to it. Maybe that, and Dean's track record since then, of boldly speaking out and not pulling his punches with these jackals anymore, maybe - just maybe, that's emboldened HIM.

These "backbone transplants" may be contagious. Here's hope more of our people come down with it!

But no way will it happen if WE THE PEOPLE stay silent. If we do, then they do, too. They're the new bone growth. We're the calcium supplement. Great work, guys! EVERY little bit helps.

Or look at it another way - how do you suppose this guy and his staffers would feel if they'd heard NOTHING from any of us on the Good-Guy side? Probably even more alone, isolated, marginalized and demonized than before. But now, those who would shout him down will have to accept that they don't have the monopoly on shout-downs anymore. If they try to growl and spit at him, there's a crowd of US at his side, ready to growl and spit back. And maybe not stop there.

The Sleeping Giant Has Awakened.

[H2O Man]

45. This is very important.

And I hope DUers make sure to contact Hinchey and urge him to call for a congressional investigation.

[calimary]

46. Well, I'll tell ya, H2O Man, they have risen to the occasion like CHAMPS!

It makes me proud. Thanks for picking up on this.

Because this guy DOES deserve our support. Tell your friends...

[H2O Man]

47. Yep !

I've spent a good bit of time on this today. There are a couple of threads on GD that are focused on this issue. I've been busy e-mailing associates and friends. (I hope you got the e-mail I sent you.)

[calimary]

48. Excellent! Great networking efforts, too. It's ALL good. ALL good.

There were people here posting about his performance on Judy Woodruff's "Inside Politics." I didn't see it, but read the reviews - that he held up like an absolute World Heavyweight Champ. She evidently tried all her tricks and he didn't fall for one of them. We need more like him. And yes, got your email. Thanks!

[Al-CIAda]

49. kick

[quaoar]

51. Done

The staffer said they have been getting a lot of supportive calls now.

[Lone_Wolf]

52. Done and a Kick!

n/t

[AngryAmish]

53. I'm sure he has irrefutable proof

No congressperson would make this charge unless they could make it stick. this is going to get good.

[paineinthearse]

54. Isn't there a toll-free number for the Capitol switchboard?

:kick:

[lonestarnot]

55. Believe that is a thing of the past... your dime now. n/t

[ClassWarrior]

56. .

[Bostonian]

57. Please please please encourage the press to cover this story.

I would like all of the US to know Hinchey's theory.

[Pushed To The Left]

58. I like what I've read about him

He co-sponsored a progressive medical marijuana bill and voted against that horrid "Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act".

[Bostonian]

59. This whole thing has been thoroughly exposed here:

http://timblair.net/ee/index.php/weblog/roves_brilliant_plan/

[Name removed]

63. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[96 Tears]

60. Maybe I would....

....if he had any evidence other than his desire that it be true.

[ClassWarrior]

61. .

[paineinthearse]

64. Hinchey is a class act.

I'd like to see him on one of the Sunday morning news shows.

[ailsagirl]

65. I called his office today and told the woman who answered

how much I admired what Rep. Hinchey is doing. She was most appreciative.

I also emailed his office.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention!!!

[AuntiBush]

66. Congressman Maurice Hinchey's Has my FULL SUPPORT

I'll call his office Monday morning! THANK YOU Congressman Maurice Hinchey!

[Mountain_Biker]

67. Don't we deserve better?

Congressman Maurice Hinchey makes accusations about bush, when asked if he has evidence he answers yes, When pressed he admits he doesn't but insists it's important to make the charge. Ouch.

The reps aren't winning election after election because they're convincing the Michaels Moores of the country to vote rep, they are convincing the people in the middle that don't pledge their allegiance to any particular party. When we blindl;y throw our support to Hinchey we do nothing to advance the party except make ourselves feel better about hoping the things our leaders say are true. No doubt everyone remembers how funny and childish the reps looked years ago when they were whining about Clinton and his personal sex life. If Hinchey is unable to find a "blue dress" to prove his accusations, his words diminish the party.

We need to stop hating (at least publicly) the reps. Hate never wins and only turns off people. Imagine you're a business owner interviewing applicants for a job... applicant A comes in talking about what he can do to help your business. Applicant B walks in talking about how applicant A can't do the job right. Who would you hire, who did the country hire.

We need to be honest, the right wing fanatics take delight everytime one of use hyperbole to make our point. Is bush the worst president ever in my memory, yeah, but that doesn't make him Hitler. Is the MSM conservative, nope, if so, why is faux news having such a ratings bonanza. It's because they are the only conservative news.

We need to figure out why states that voted for Kerry and Gore voted down gay marriage. Why did people vote against their best economic interests. We have the right message, it's our messengers who have failed us. Instead of factless accusations (Hinchey) and name calling (nazis, etc.), we should admit the reps have a plan for the country, and then without anything negative we should explain why our plan is better. Like my mother used to tell me, if you can't say anything nice about someone don't say anything at all.

[Logansquare]

68. Is your mother Joe Lieberman?

because that strategy has worked *real* well :eyes:

[sojourner]

69. Thanks for keeping us up to date!

We absolutely MUST give those who grow a backbone the political cover they need to stand up for us, to speak for us.

A time such as this is NOT a time to be petty. We need representatives with courage. We need to reward every one of them who stands up to the Republican thugs, and help to support them against the attacks that will come in retribution.