OMG! WES CLARK calling out BUSH'S handling of KATRINA!

[FrenchieCat]

and asking for our participation in order to cause a "wave" at TMP!

Since the derelic Corporate Media is gonna try and gloss over this one, until the WH Public Relations has a chance to "twist" things and come up with the "party" line......We need overwhelming participation on this, in order to get it all over the blog world, and eventually to the Dodging "Human Interest story" saturated Corporate owned media....where most get their news!

Notable Excerpt!
More on General Clark's post....

Then just this morning, the President claimed that no one could have anticipated the levee breaches we've seen in New Orleans after Katrina hit. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4204754.stm

That's not leadership, that's an excuse.

In fact, people have predicted this kind of disaster for many years, including President Bush's own FEMA in 2001, when they ranked hurricane flood damage to New Orleans among the three likeliest, most catastrophic disasters facing America. Instead, funding was significantly cut back, leaving key engineering projects on hold. Instead,

this Administration focused on the war in Iraq, tax cuts, and private sector economic growth without asking the American people to make needed sacrifices for the good of the country. Again I ask you, where is the leadership?

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907

there was at least 36 hours notice that a major hurricane was going to hit the Gulf Coast, including likely a devastating blow to New Orleans, which certainly came to pass.

The President continued with his regular schedule on Monday and Tuesday in California, Arizona, and Texas to hold some staged Medicare events and enjoy more vacation time, while finally returning to the White House yesterday.

The joint task force including National Guard set up by the Pentagon failed to be on the scene in New Orleans in a timely manner to stop the looting and assist in the evacuation.

Where is the leadership?

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907

[Brundle_Fly]

1. AL GORE

PLEASE RUN IN 2008, PICK WES AS YOUR VEEP.

SAVE US!

[Uncle Joe]

5. We need to draft Al Gore. n/t

[Clark2008]

38. Uh... no.

Why do you say that?

And I'm a Tennessean who loves Al - it's just that now is Wes's time.

[Uncle Joe]

87. Because the major reason that Al Gore

was trashed and slandered by the corpwhorate MSM (the same prostitutes that enabled the corrupt/incompetent ones to power to this day) in their War against Gore was precisely because he had helped us and I will not abandon him.
It is nice to meet you, I am from Tennessee also. The lesson of what happened to Al Gore has repeated it self throughout history and myth. A hero or leader comes to the aid of the people and the ones in power trash him for it. You are from Tennessee, so surely you know of the Titans, Remember The Titans! Bill Moyers had an excellent interview with the late Joseph Campbell regarding his book "The Power Of Myth". In it Joseph speaks of the commonality of all the world's religions and mythologies, even when they are separated by time and distance.He goes on to state that there are many lessons and much wisdom to be learned from myth. Here in Nashville aka (The Athens of the South), the home of the only full size replica of The Parthenon, mythology is never too far away. What does this have to do with Al Gore? When I think of Al Gore, I think of Prometheus. Prometheus, the son of the Titan Iapetus who took pity on the misery of mankind, huddling in the cold and dark, so Prometheus stole fire from heaven for their benefit. Zeus (Jupiter), enraged at this loss of power caused Prometheus to be chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus, where a vulture each day devoured his liver, which was made whole again each night, this was supposed to go on for all eternity. Al Gore, the son of Tennessee Titan Al Gore Sr. took pity on the American People as they were fed scraps of information on the vital issues of the day, so Al decided while he was in congress that the people should have equal access to the same information as the rich and the powerful. Al Gore recognized ahead of the curve (as he usually does) that for democracy to flourish, the people should have control over the flow of information that will ultimately control their lives. Information is power, so Al decides to become the primary champion of the relatively new technology (now known as the internet) controlled by the defense dept. and some universities and to open it up for everyone. CNN recently held a poll as to the most revolutionary creation of the 20th century and the internet won hands down. So one might expect praise from such vision, service and dedication to the people, however that would be forgetting the lessons of Prometheus. The corpwhorate owned MSM were enraged at this loss of power, how dare he! They wanted to remain the sole gatekeepers to the truth so that they could regale us with great stories of runaway brides, missing pretty white women, and various other lurid tales, etc. they could continue do this for all perpetuity. Why would "American Journalism" want to do this to their own people? Because if you are ignorant, you are more easily controlled, and this is all about power. So Al had to be punished, as the MSM has no taste for liver, they decided to slander, trash and demean him in every way possible. The trashing of Al began in earnest in 1998, although I believe that the witch hunt against Clinton was in truth a back door way for them to hurt Al's chances of coming to power. The War Against Gore starting in 1998 began with an interview with Wolf Blitzer, in it Blitzer asks Al what separates him from Bill Bradley? Blitzer asking Al of course, and Al is talking about his record in congress. As in any job interview, Al speaks of his achievements, primarily in helping to bring about the creation of the internet as we know it today, which in fact is the truth, nothing is said by Blitzer at the time because he knows this is the truth. One or two days later Dick Armey begins spouting his Republican Talking Points slamming Al for such hubris, and then the corpwhorate MSM begin goose stepping in unison and take up where Dick left off. "Al Gore claims to have invented the internet" which of course is a lie, and it does not end there. "Al Gore claims to have discovered Love Canal" another lie, although he held hearings on toxic waste in Tennessee which expanded to include Love Canal. Al Gore has led a remarkable life and sometimes it reads like fiction such as being an inspiration for the book "Love Story" but it is the truth. The corpwhorate owned MSM even did a 180 after the 2000 debates overruling their own focus groups and changing their reporting as to who won those debates overnight, someone had apparently heard him sigh (I did not). The only time terrorism was ever brought up during those debates was when Al mentioned it. With the corpwhorate MSM, the vital issue of the day (and keep in mind this was after Osama had declared war against us) was who would you rather have in your home for a beer? The result of all this slander, demeaning and trashing of our best and brightest is the Pottersville that we are currently living in today. But think how much more difficult it would have been for us to get the truth out regarding the Iraq War, the Downing Street Memos, supporting Cindy Sheehan, Bush's corruption and incompetence etc. without the internet. It is for these reasons and many more that I will never abandon Al Gore for President, not to take anything away from Wes Clark, I think he will in time make a great President and be a good Vice President for Al Gore.

P.S. Have a good night, I will be back tomorrow morning.

[loudsue]

93. For God's Sake, Uncle Joe!! Learn how to make PARAGRAPHS!!

All you have to do is to hit the RETURN or ENTER key every now and then, when there is a slightly new direction!

Especially on the internet, it is EXTREMELY difficult to follow HUGE long paragraphs!!!

Break 'em up a little, like I'm doing here! It makes it so much easier to read.

The information you provided in your post was really important, and true...very pertinent to what is going on, and what HAS BEEN going on. You make some points eloquently.

However, it's too hard to read that run-together paragraph!!

Have mercy on your audience, sir!

:hug: Thanks for your input!

:kick::kick::kick:

[Uncle Joe]

128. You are correct, please accept my apologies

for running on with out breaking it up in to paragraphs.

[SammyWinstonJack]

102. Paragraphs! Please! This is too hard to read.

[Uncle Joe]

129. Please accept my apologies for running on,

without breaking my post in to paragraphs.

[FrenchieCat]

8. Clark goes on....

I hope you had a chance to read today's editorial in the New York Times, called "Waiting for a Leader." If you haven't read it yet, please take a few minutes to do it. The Times is asking an important question.

It's one I've been asking for a long time as well: Where is the leadership in America today?

With respect to Iraq,

"stay the course" is only a slogan, not a strategy. What is our strategy for success in Iraq? Where is the leadership?

The president's own

Republican party just passed an energy bill which has absolutely no effect on gas prices for now or the forseeable future, and moves us no further along the path to energy independence. Where is the leadership?

Every day American technology and manufacturing skills are sent abroad, along with American jobs.

Where is the leadership?

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907

[1gobluedem]

9. Second! n/t

[halobeam]

12. THAT'S the ticket!!!!

[AntiCoup2K4]

17. That ticket's got my vote.

Gore/Clark 2008!

Chimpeachment 2006!!

[Totally Committed]

23. Clark/Gore, and maybe we'll talk... n/t

TC

[AJH032]

58. I'm sure Gore will not play second fiddle to another man at this point

other than WJC.

[Totally Committed]

90. That was actually a joke.

I agree with you, and he shouldn't have to. I just don't think he'll run.

I actually like Al Gore a lot.

TC

[One_of_8]

69. Agreed!

I would vote for a Clark/Gore ticket; although I also think there are other even more appealing contenders for VP (Boxer, Conyers, to name just two). Nothing personal against Gore, but when he didn't fight for the presidency in 2000, he lost my vote in the future.

[FrenchieCat]

22. Did Gore say something about Bush today too?

Please give me a link. Thanks!

[mzmolly]

30. I'm on board!

We need a President.

[Kahuna]

100. I'd be pleased as punch with either Gore or Clark...

love, trust and have confidence in them both. A Gore/Clark presidency would be absolute perfection.

[Totally Committed]

101. After this Presidency,

a Cheech/Chong presidency would seem like absolute perfection... :sarcasm:

TC

[mithnanthy]

120. Al Gore in 2008

and Wes Clark as VP is a dream ticket for me. I trust and respect them both to make the right decisions for our country.

[democrank]

2. I respect this man.

Every single time he opens his mouth, something sensible comes out. The best part is that he`s never afraid to speak the truth.

[Imagevision]

19. Bush must be held accountable for his handling Katrina

Bush: it's the looters fault!!

[faithfulcitizen]

25. We should let this asshole hear about it [e-mail]

[e-mail] "Mr. President, you are a piece of shit!"

[calimary]

62. Here's what I sent to CNN's Jack Cafferty - [e-mail] -

This TV blowhard finally started catching on, today, and in fact cited other emails that warned him he was risking years of IRS persecution for some of the things he'd said on camera today. ABOUT FUCKING TIME!!!!

Mr. Cafferty -

Surprising that I actually agree with you for once.

I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR - from George Bush or ANYONE else at the federal level - how "no one could have anticipated the levees breaching..."

There were REPEATED PLEAS for help and for funding to projects involving the Army Corps of Engineers to shore up the levees against a then-possible Category Five hurricane, AND BUSH - repeat - BUSH IGNORED THEM ALL, BLEW THEM OFF, AND CUT THE FUNDING FOR THEM - by EIGHTY PERCENT. Maybe because he cares so little about scienfic findings, and that it wasn't in the Bible?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, SOMEONE (would that be you, maybe?), FINALLY, HOLD HIM ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!!!

Instead of squandering our money in a dead-end war (of lies) in Iraq, and doling out tax cuts to people who needed them the least, why didn't he pay attention to the scientific research and the local funding requests? I defy ANYONE in New Orleans or anywhere else in Hurricane Country to say they feel "safer" now!

BTW - don't worry if the IRS goes after you for saying this stuff on the air. It'll have to go after a LOT of the rest of us, too, because more and more of us are pointing this out EVERY DAY.

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY. AND DON'T BELIEVE THE MEALY-MOUTHED EXCUSES!!!

[Sparkly]

66. Superb response, Calimary.

:hug:

[FrenchieCat]

74. Woah......that's tellin' them!

I can barely watch TV, cause it seems to affect my health. It makes me sick! :puke:

Thanks for what you do! :patriot:

[Adelante]

122. Go, Calimary!!

woOT!!

[FrenchieCat]

39. Here's the data that says this was the fault of

a certain Tight Wad tax cutting warmongering fool who sits in our White House.

Or are they just focusing on reporting the horror human interest stories that could have been avoided if our President would have done his job?

I don't watch TV these days, that's why I am asking.

If they are not talking about the cuts made in the budget for events such as natural disasters, why not? Maybe we should send them this information.
-----------
Last year, FEMA spent $250,000 to conduct an eight-day hurricane drill for a mock killer storm hitting New Orleans. Some 250 emergency officials attended. Many of the scenarios now playing out, including a helicopter evacuation of the Superdome, were discussed in that drill for a fictional storm named Pam.

This year, the group was to design a plan to fix such unresolved problems as evacuating sick and injured people from the Superdome and housing tens of thousands of stranded citizens.

Funding for that planning was cut, said Tolbert, the former FEMA disaster response director.
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/12528233.htm
--------

From reports (notably Editor & Publisher)
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_di...

Instead of following the plan, Bush gutted the budget over the last few years that was supposed to be going to strengthen the levees. In 2003 and 2004, New Orleans did not get the funding that it was supposed to get.

"Local officials are now saying, the article reported, that had Washington heeded their warnings about the dire need for hurricane protection, including building up levees and repairing barrier islands, "the damage might not have been nearly as bad as it turned out to be."
-----------
Bush took New Orleans disaster funds and used them for the Iraq war and for his tax cuts
by John in DC - 8/30/2005 09:57:00 PM

An amazing late-breaking article from Editor & Publisher
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_di...

Bottom line: Experts knew this was coming, and all the preparations ground to a halt because Bush stole New Orleans' disaster preparation money so he could use it for his Iraq debacle:

New Orleans had long known it was highly vulnerable to flooding and a direct hit from a hurricane. In fact, the federal government has been working with state and local officials in the region since the late 1960s on major hurricane and flood relief efforts. When flooding from a massive rainstorm in May 1995 killed six people, Congress authorized the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project, or SELA.

...after 2003, the flow of federal dollars toward SELA dropped to a trickle. The Corps never tried to hide the fact that the spending pressures of the war in Iraq, as well as homeland security -- coming at the same time as federal tax cuts -- was the reason for the strain.

At least nine articles in the Times-Picayune from 2004 and 2005 specifically cite the cost of Iraq as a reason for the lack of hurricane- and flood-control dollars.
http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/08/bush-took-new-o...

-----------

"It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can't be finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this is a security issue for us."-- Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish,
Louisiana; New Orleans Times-Picayune, June 8, 2004.
http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/attytood/archives/00233...

also check out this thread....
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

-------------------

http://www.ieminc.com/Whats_New/Press_Releases/pressrel...
Bush has slashed Clinton's Disaster Mitigation Program.
"...Among emergency specialists, 'mitigation' -- the measures taken inadvance to minimize the damage caused by natural disasters -- is a crucial part of the strategy to save lives and cut recovery costs. But since 2001, key federal disaster mitigation programs, developed over many years, have been slashed and tossed aside. FEMA's Project Impact, a model mitigation program created by the Clinton administration, has been canceled outright. Federal funding of post-disaster mitigation efforts designed to protect people and property from the next disaster has been cut in half. Communities across the country must now compete for pre-disaster mitigation dollars.

As a result, some state and local emergency managers say, it's become more difficult to get the equipment and funds they need to most effectively deal with disasters. In Louisiana, requests for flood mitigation funds were rejected by FEMA this summer.(See sidebar.) In North Carolina, a state also regularly threatened by hurricanes and floods, FEMA recently refused the state's request to buy backup generators for emergency support facilities. And the budget cuts have halved the funding for a mitigation program that
saved an estimated $8.8 million in recovery costs in three eastern North Carolina communities alone after 1999's Hurricane Floyd.

Consequently, the residents of these and other disaster-prone states will find the government less able to help them when help is needed most, and both states and the federal government will be forced to shoulder more recovery costs after disasters strike.

Disaster in the Making
As FEMA Weathers a Storm of Bush Administration Policy and Budget Changes, Protection From Natural Hazards May be Trumped by "Homeland Security"
http://www.citypaper.com/news/story.asp?id=9166
------------
New Orleans district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cut by Bush
In fiscal year 2006, the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is bracing for a record $71.2 million reduction in federal funding.

It would be the largest single-year funding loss ever for the New Orleans district, Corps officials said.

I've been here over 30 years and I've never seen this level of reduction, said Al Naomi, project manager for the New Orleans district. I think part of the problem is it's not so much the reduction, it's the drastic reduction in one fiscal year. It's the immediacy of the reduction that I think is the hardest thing to adapt to.

There is an economic ripple effect, too. The cuts mean major hurricane and flood protection projects will not be awarded to local engineering firms. Also, a study to determine ways to protect the region from a Category 5 hurricane has been shelved for now.

New Orleans CityBusiness, Jun 6, 2005, by Deon Roberts
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4200/is_200...
-------------

2004 levee projects Underfunded in hardest hit areas of NO...

"The water's rising pretty fast," eastern New Orleans resident Chris
Robinson told The Associated Press in a cell phone interview at the height of the storm. "I got a hammer and an ax and a crowbar, but I'm holding off on breaking through the roof until the last minute. Tell someone to come get me, please. I want to live."

I can only imagine the horror this must be like and when I read it could have been avoided but wasn't because of a "funding" issue when we are spending billions on a bullshit war, it sort of makes me angry. Here's the snippets...

"Especially hard hit was the Lower Ninth Ward, a poor neighborhood squeezed between a marsh on the north, the river on the south and a shipping canal on the west. In adjoining St. Bernard Parish, local officials estimated that 40,000 homes had flooded. In Jefferson Parish, another county contiguous to New Orleans, authorities had received calls from residents stranded on roofs. Blanco said her office had reports of 20 building collapses in New Orleans.
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/nation/ny-usno...
--------

Bush budget not expected to diminish New Orleans district's $65M
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4200/is_200... New Orleans CityBusiness, Feb 7, 2005 by Deon Roberts
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified millions of dollars in flood and hurricane protection projects in the New Orleans district. Chances are, though, most projects will not be funded in the president's 2006 fiscal year budget to be released today.

In general, funding for construction has been on a downward trend for the past several years, said Marcia Demma, chief of the New Orleans Corps' programs management branch.

In 2001, the New Orleans district spent $147 million on construction
projects. When fiscal year 2005 wraps up Sept. 30, the Corps expects to have spent $82 million, a 44.2 percent reduction from 2001 expenditures.

Demma said NOC expects its construction budget to be slashed again this year, which means local construction companies won't receive work from the Corps and residents won't see any new hurricane protection projects.
http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/8/30/225058/062

It appears that the money has been moved in the president's budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can't be finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this is a security issue for us.
-- Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish,
Louisiana; New Orleans Times-Picayune, June 8, 2004.

http://www.unknowncountry.com/journal /
The Lesson of the Storms
Tuesday August 30th, 2005

[Totally Committed]

46. I HATE TO SAY THIS, BUT...

BILL CLINTON IS STICKING UP FOR JUNIOR BIGTIME, SAYING THERE WAS NO WAY HE COULD HAVE KNOWN THOSE LEVEES WOUL DBREAK. HE'S TRYING TO PULL BUSH'S BACON OUT OF THE FIRE FOR HIM.

WHY IS THE MOST VISIBLE DEMOCRAT OUT THERE MAKING EXCUSES AND JOINING FORCES WITH THE REPUBLICANS?????????????????????? -- AND, ALL THE OTHER DEMOCRATS ARE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. (WES AND DEAN ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO HAVE MADE STATEMENTS)

WTF IS UP WITH THIS DIPSHIT PARTY?

TC

[Adelante]

47. What was Dean's statment, TC? I missed it.

Also, I haven't seen if they're airlifting food and water and I'm wondering about that.

[Totally Committed]

68. He said it was time for Bush to "step up to the plate", and

do something about the gas prices and NO.

I don't have time right now to Google it up, but I think it was over at Yahoo News that I saw it. It could even be on the front page of BuzzFlash atthis point.

I'll try and find it for you later.

It was not in-your-face and confrontational like Wes's, but it was a statement.

TC

[Totally Committed]

71. Frenchie, here is Dean's statement:

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement reminding President Bush that in case he hadn't noticed, ordinary Americans have been doing their part. They have been making sacrifices, they have been suffering. Meanwhile President Bush has failed to rein in skyrocketing gas prices. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, as Americans pull together to do their part, and gas prices again explode, Chairman Dean suggested that perhaps it's time for President Bush to finally use whatever influence he may have to call on his friends and campaign
contributors in the oil and gas industry to bear their fair share of the burden:

"Under the Bush Presidency over the past five years we've seen skyrocketing gas prices and oil companies reaping record profits, while ordinary Americans struggle to pay their bills -- yet the President has seemingly looked the other way. Americans are always willing to shoulder their fair share of the burden, and they have been. Now it's time for the President to step up and put the needs of the American people ahead of profits for his pals in Big Oil. So while he's asking ordinary Americans to do more, he ought to show some real leadership, and call on his friends in Big Oil to join in the sacrifice and stop gouging American families at the gas pump."

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52439

As you can see, it was about the oil prices mostly, and did not have the "teeth" that Wes's comments did, by a longshot. And, it was a statement issued by and paid for by the DNC. If he were speaking for himself it proabably would have been stronger. Maybe it just seems weaker now because Wes's was so strong, and more directly about Katrina? I dunno.

I gotta say one more time: Bill Clinton's sticking up for Shrubber just broke my heart. If he manages to get the media to stop talking about Shrubber's lack of leadership, or makes the electorate more comfortable with him again, by virtue of that support, I will never forgive him. "There's no way President Bush could have known those levees would break."... I about fell off my chair. Anyone here think his words of support for W will get the media to back off?

TC

[abburdlen]

97. In Bill Clinton's defense,

"There's no way President Bush could have known those levees would break." is likely true, Bush likely doesn't understand what a levee is, how could have known they could break?

[Sparkly]

64. What the.....???

Now I'm really wondering. Sounds like buttering up the "center" for Hillary. I always liked the Clintons, but this is getting to be more than even I can stand.

[loudsue]

94. IT'S CALLED THE DLC!!! That is Clinton's baby...republicans in the

Democratic party.

THAT'S what's up with this dipshit party, and I'm frikkin' tired of it!!

:kick::kick::kick:

[Gloria]

3. YUP, I posted a comment about this in another thread....

I guess I'll have to call back Reid's office. I told they guy there that Clark was the only one on the mark with regard to Iraq and that Clark was the only one with guts. Same with LA.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. This is getting close ..... we still need more from the Democrats

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2050018

Clark's words are good ones. Pointed and stern. Kudos to the General.

Now what about the rest of the Dems? You know ... the ones who officially represent us by virtue of holding an office granted by our votes?

[loudsue]

95. Because NONE of them have obtained office granted by "our votes".....

The votes have been co-opted by the ones who program the vote counting computers! OF COURSE they're going to let some Dems get in office..... the republican vote machine operators KNOW that the right needs someone to hate.

But if you think for one minute that the slugs in the Dem party that are supposed to represent us will lift a finger to help WE, THE PEOPLE, you're wrong.

VERY VERY VERY VERY few Dems are there who will speak for the PEOPLE. And their house/senate seats are being targeted, more and more, each election cycle.

:kick::kick::kick:

[Raiden]

6. Wes in 2008!

We need real leadership

[Totally Committed]

7. Well,

ALL RIGHT!

It's about time someone called out that creepoid, and said what was what. Wesley Clark, unafraid to speak truth to power when America and Americans are at risk!

WTG, Wes!

TC

[FrenchieCat]

10. Y'all need to go post over there.....

Ask him some questions!

Let's get this on the front pages...


Let FOX ask the General about these statements! I would love to see that.

Will be eggs on the face of those assholes after Wes Clark got finished telling the American public what really happened that caused this disaster to be a worse disaster than was ever necessary!

[windbreeze]

28. Here's my question

WHY is their STATE controlled National Guard in Iraq?..and WHY is Northcom sending in the 1st army under Fed/Pentagon control into this area?? Martial Law??? Something's amiss people...really amiss...we need to wake up and see what's happening here...
windbreeze

[FrenchieCat]

67. Good question!

:hi:

[iconoclastic cat]

11. Will Wes perhaps pull a Jane Byrne?

Wiki'd:

Jane Byrne first entered politics to help John F. Kennedy get elected U.S. President. It was at that time that she first met Mayor Richard J. Daley, who, in 1968, appointed her head of consumer affairs in Chicago, a post she would hold until fired by Michael Bilandic in 1977. Byrne used her firing to launch an attack on Bilandic in the 1979 mayoral primary. Although most people believed she had little chance of winning, a series of freak snowstorms in January which paralyzed the city caused Bilandic to be seen as not being able to keep the city working and gave her the edge she needed to win. As mayor, Jane Byrne briefly moved her residence, amidst much publicity, to live in the Cabrini-Green Housing Projects as part of a plan to eradicate crime in the area. She also hired her husband, a former reporter, as a consultant, for a token $1 a year.

[Arkana]

13. Clark in 2008--I have said it several times to my parents, but neither

of them like him for some unknown reason.

[Clark2008]

41. They probably don't know enough about him.

Take them some info.

Make them listen to his speeches.

To know Wes is to love him.

[FrenchieCat]

65. Maybe you need some "material of truth" for them.....

to debunk of all of the lies.

Just PM me, and I will provide.

PS. Just discovered some great Op-ed written by Wes on 9/14/01 about 9/11 and how we should proceed. If he would have been President, he would not have started a War even in Afghnistan! The Op-Ed is fascinating in that respect. He called for a whole different approach which would have been so much better.

Again, PM me if you want any info on any specific issue.

[Eloriel]

14. Great, but I don't want to just rag on Bush, I want HELP for NO NOW

Let's get our priorities straight, shall we?

[RandomUser]

20. Call your Senators/Representatives about water

We need to keep on the pressure on. See here. We need to get them to do the airlifts for drinkable water -- that's the main concern right now. People will start dying after 3 days w/o water.

[FrenchieCat]

24. Well Yeah, Eloriel......let's do that

Let's hold those accountable WHILE also doing what we can for those who need our help.

Don't know about you, but this is the WesPAC letter I received from Wes Today....(maybe you should sign up, so you can see the whole picture :shrug:)

Dear XXXXX

Like you, I have been moved by the images coming out of the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This terrible disaster affects all of us as Americans, no matter where we live, regardless of whether or not we actually know someone who suffered directly. I've seen it everywhere Ive been this week in Washington, DC, in New York, in Arkansas, in Wisconsin, and in Iowa. People everywhere are talking about it, worrying about it, and wondering how best they can help.

It's times like these when our true spirit as Americans is most apparent. The first response that we all have is "How can I help?". And that reaction is just one of the things that makes our country so special. Despite our many political, personal, and religious differences, were all united as Americans, looking out for our fellow citizens in their time of greatest need.

Our friends and neighbors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and throughout the South are in our thoughts and prayers. I urge you to help in whatever way you can, by contributing to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and many other worthy charitable organizations who are on the frontlines of this disaster, bringing needed relief and supplies to this devastated area. And if you can help more locally, through your church or other organizations, now is the time to do it.

Let us all do whatever we can to help our neighbors across the Gulf Coast during this devastating time.


Sincerely,


Wes Clark

Visit SecuringAmerica.com

[dogman]

60. And give Bush another free pass?

Just like Iraq, wake up when it's too late? Let him run down there and pat a rescue worker on the back while shouting insincere slogans through a bullhorn? Unite behind the non-leader? My priority is removing Bushco so avoidable disasters are prevented.

[CarolNYC]

119. Exactly....

They were talking about this on Air America this morning....We have to hold Bush' feet to the fire on this now, while people can see the devastation he's causing right in front of them...Wait until things settle down and he gets away with it again.

Can't criticize Bush for 9/11 because we all have to pull together against the terrorists, can't speak out during the runup to Iraq War because that would be unpatriotic, can't hold Bush accountable for this mess because that would be too political and people are suffering. ARGHH!!!

How many passes are we going to give this guy? How many lives will we let be lost before someone holds this lunatic accountable when it matters?

Yes, donate where and what you can. Gen Clark has asked us to do that...but someone's got to hold Bush' feet to the fire...and someone has to do it now. Clark's taken the lead. Hopefully, others will follow.

[Sparkly]

61. I'm seeing a lot of this sentiment.

I don't get it. Why can't we criticize the Preznit AND open our checkbooks? Why can't Clark post a scathing column AND send his emails urging help? Does being nicer to Chimp make him more effective, or does criticism make him slack off even more? If anything, seems to me public pressure -- potential political loss -- is the ONLY thing that fires up the GOP.

[Imagevision]

15. Exactly!! where is the leadership?!!

http://downingstreetmemo.com/

[Tesla]

16. Go Wes!!!!

Young man!!

[Orion The Hunter]

18. Amen General Clark! - eom

[Coexist]

21. Please don't ever stop calling this idiot's bluff

I love the General.

[Dr Fate]

26. Is Clark the only freaking ADULT the Democrats have???

???

[FrenchieCat]

32. Well, the rest are on vacation.....

Wes is on his way to Italy as we speak....guess he must have his laptop with him!

Laptops are good....maybe all politicians should have one, when on vacation!

[Adelante]

42. Not on vacation in Italy

At work in Italy. Just clarifying. :)

[Up2Late]

27. I want a bumper sticker that says, Don't Blame me, I Voted for Clark '04

In the primary, that is.

[Clark2008]

44. I have one of those on the back of my car.

:hi:

[Texas_Kat]

45. I'm not taking mine off till I can replace it with "Clark08"

[phillysuse]

96. Clark bumper stickers

I have my General Wesley Clark 2008
right next to my Clark 04.

You can get them at cafepress.

[Texas_Kat]

98. Thanks philly

But I'm waiting till after 06 to get the 08 ones......

WKC asked us to concentrate on winning back the House and Senate and supporting other 06 candidates.

My compromise with what he asked (and what I want) is to keep the "Draft Clark" and "Clark04" stickers bright and shiny.

[AX10]

49. I want one too!

[politicasista]

29. Kick!

Thanks General:kick:

[Adelante]

31. Some days I'm just so fucking glad

I'm a Clarkie. Fuck this government to hell.

[JaneGat]

34. Well put.

AMEN, and thank you, Gen. Clark.

[faithnotgreed]

33. thank you general clark - WE NEED ACTION but his efforts are important

did wes really say "the corporate media"

of course what we really need is action (im sure wes is doing what he can given his position and im so grateful to see someone trying to speak out in real and tough terms)

at least someone is.... he is a good man and i so wish he was in charge right now

[Totally Committed]

35. Why is Wes th eONLY DEMOCRAT speaking to this?

He's not even an elected (yet!), and he's out there speaking truth to power. Too bad he's in Italy at that Economic conference... I bet he'd be all over TV and radio calling Bush out like this!

But, where are our effing electeds????? Why are we being asked to call the White House when we call their offices? What the F is going on?

I am so distraught over this, I can barely express myself. I never thought I'd live to see the day when this would happen in America. I only pray I live long enough to see this evil undone. Some way. Somehow. By Somebody.

TC

[Texas_Kat]

36. Well TC

Just the fact that you had to ask that question should say volumes....

You're getting "call the WH?" Maybe it's because the people who voted for the budget didn't stand up and speak out against cutting the funds?

Ya' think?

[Totally Committed]

40. See... I'm not the only one!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2050929&mesg_id=2050929

Why are we doing THEIR dirty work? Calling the WH is going to get us nowhere! If they cared about the citizens of the US, this would already be going a lot differently, doncha think? Do you think Bush will be given even ONE of our messages? What they are probably doing right now, is COUNTING the calls, and putting them in columns of pro and con. Period.

Aaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

TC

[Texas_Kat]

43. One of Clark's earliest campaign 04 issues

he called for a national VOLUNTEER service corps.

A system that could be launched to become active in cases JUST LIKE THIS. The concept was treated as unimportant and was frankly laughed at by many 'pros' (even Democrats, if you want to know the truth) because it wasn't about the presidential horserace.

It makes me want to weep....

[FrenchieCat]

37. So shortly after Wes Clark's post.....

Bush holds another news conference, and blustered more than I have ever seen him bluster (caught this by accident, as I was walking passed a room with a television on....cause I don't watch the TV.....as it makes me sick!)

[AX10]

48. Clark/Dean 2008'!

Who's with me!

No to Hillary :puke:, No to Biden :puke:, and no to Bayh :puke:!

Clark/Dean 2008! :dem:

[JaneGat]

50. Dream ticket. Yes!

:toast:

[hippiechick]

81. I would work for that ticket - in either order !!

:kick:

[FrenchieCat]

51. Please, please, please

Show Wes Clark YOUR starch and go to TMP and show him your support or ask him a question.

Those who complaint that our leaders don't talk straight and don't challenge Bush enough, go and do this.

We don't want the media attempting to make this a US Tragedy/Bush Good fortune.

edited to add link for your convenience:
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907

If not us, then who?

:patriot:

Show Clark some love and contribute to WesPAC at his website.
http://www.securingamerica.com/

[Adelante]

52. Handy link

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907


I love you, Frenchie :loveya:

[FrenchieCat]

56. Awwwww......

Lookit...

Wes is talking! http://www.dunckleystreet.com/clark/shitout.mp3
(just click and hit the small play button on the upper left!)


It's Wes telling Bush what to do!

[Cha]

53. These Words of Wes Clark's

are Just What We Need, RIGHT NOW! This is Excellent!

"WHERE IS THE LEADERSHIP?" ..Wes Clark

[Clark2008]

70. Wes is MY leader!!!!

:bounce:

[Clarkie1]

82. His campaign theme in 04 was "A higher standard of leadership."

Will be even more appropriate in 08'.

[HootieMcBoob]

54. Kick for Wes

:kick:

[tsuki]

55. Hoorah!! A Democrat speaks!!

[phylla]

57. CLARK/anybody else is a winner. Wes Clark is my hero!

Clark/Warner is my personal dream ticket. But I wouldn't question his choice for one minute.

[Sparkly]

59. That is an awesome statement he made.

Absolutely right ON. :patriot:

I wish it could be published far and wide, and be widely read.

[donkeyotay]

63. Where is the accountability?

This administration has gotten a free pass. Bitter tears, but I pray to god that they will not get a free pass on this.

I am beyond angry. Thanks to Wes Clark for pointing out that whining about "who could have imagined THIS would happen" (just like 9/11 and the quagmire in Iraq) IS NOT LEADERSHIP!

[librechik]

72. hey, a free people are free to loot! and then we shoot em!

they don't give a fuck. That's where the leadership is.

[VOX]

73. This Edwards booster loves Wes Clark!

If Clark is the Democratic candidate in 2008, I will support him all the way. I'll work for him, anything! :thumbsup:

[Totally Committed]

79. That is so damned nice of you to say! n/t

TC

[Donna Zen]

75. There are those who wonder why Clark has so much support:

Because he makes it so fucking easy.

[Adelante]

76. Ain't dat da Zomby Troof

:patriot:

[Kahuna]

99. Amen, Donna Zen!

Wes is a beautiful soul. Period.

[Totally Committed]

77. Statement from Patty Murray...

The usual yadda, yadda, yadda for her constituents:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4562329

Maybe Wes is the only one that's going to give this sort of statement?

I wouldn't be surprised.

TC

[Sparkly]

78. Here's a synopsis of the others...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4552774#4553173

His is the only strong call for responsibility from BushCo I've seen.

[Time for change]

125. We need someone who is not afraid to speak out against this Administration

People need to understand that this isn't just an "accident"

The main purpose of this administration is to make Bush's friends and associated wealthier than they already were. In the process, the infrastructure of this country goes to hell because we no longer have the funds to do the kinds of things that a nation that cares about its people should do.

People need to understand this, or else Jeb Bush will be President in 08. So I'm very appreciative to Clark for holding Bush accountable for his lack of leadership.

[Clarkie1]

80. This is the kind of leadership America needs and needs A.S.A.P.

No more politicians who put party before principle, the politicians have failed us.

We need leaders who speak truth to power, not politics as usual.

[cdp]

83. Does anyone have an email for Clark? I want to thank him.

[Texas_Kat]

89. [e-mail]

or better yet go to TPM Cafe and post him a note:

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/9/1/123536/7907

[cdp]

91. Thanks!

[Beelzebud]

84. FINALLY. A REAL LEADER.

WHERE IS THE REST OF THE ELECTED DEMOCRATS?

WHEN WILL THEY STOP KISSING BUSH'S ASS?

[Clarkie1]

92. "The rest of the elected Democrats"

Clark isn't an elected Democrat..yet.

But he's displaying a heck of a lot more leadership by not being afraid to speak truth to power.

[Skwmom]

85. Clark believes in holding "leaders" accountable.

What a "novel" thought.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

86. Clark is showing us where the leadership is in this party

If prominent Democrats like Clark fail to speak up, these incontrovertible FACTS will not come out. We certainly can't count on the Republican led Congress to investigate the tragedy in New Orleans and how it might have been lessened.

[cdp]

88. You can thank Clark at this link...

http://securingamerica.com/node/242#comment

[NCarolinawoman]

103. Blurb from Joshua Micah Marshall back in 2003:

"The Bush campaign cannot afford to have a credible Clark throwing fastballs at them for the next 15 months, whether he is the nominee, running mate or sitting on the sidelines." (Marshall was quoting from Cook's weekly newsletter).

I say, "THROW YOUR FASTBALLS, GENERAL!!!

[FrenchieCat]

116. Welcome!

Admirable first post, I'd say! :hi:

[Adelante]

121. Welcome to DU, NCarolinawoman!

:hi:

[Independent_Liberal]

104. Kick!

[gokar]

105. CLARK 2008!!!!!!! Where is Hillary on this?????

[Clarkie1]

107. Where are any of the other dems?

I'm sure there must be some out there besides Clark asking the tough questions...aren't there?

[Texas_Kat]

108. They are where most of them usually are

calulating their next political move.

Sorry to be cynical.... Dean DID cancel several fundraisers that were planned for next week.

The rest........ :shrug:

[FrenchieCat]

110. Waiting for the poll numbers to come out.....

that's where they are.

First poll shows 54% approval on how Bush is handling the Natural Disaster that he made worse than it needed to be.

Sooooo, I wouldn't hang out at the congressional halls and think that we will hear more than the regular suspect handfull of Dems have much to say except to sing Kumbaya.

Give it about another 3 or 4 days, when the coverage that is becoming critical starts to sink in. Then, we'll hear a few of them.

That's how it normally works, isn't it? :shrug:

[Texas_Kat]

115. yep, EOM

[Totally Committed]

124. If his "base" was seeing white people dying down there,

his numbers would be VERY VERY VERY different.

Make no mistake about it: The people who are being left to die, are dying because of their color. Even POOR whites would have been "rescued" by now.

TC

[Totally Committed]

123. Remember, you asked!....

"Where are the Democrats? The party's establishment, such as it is—Joe Biden and John Kerry, for example—are socked into the war. So, it appears, is Hillary Clinton. She acts like she's already the nominee, "bobbing and weaving" as one activist put it, and in typical Clinton style, acting as if the rules don't apply to her. Hillary is Hil-lary. She doesn't have to lead. Instead, the senator from New York plays with words on abortion and studiously ponders such subjects as how to get religion back into the mix without looking like an opportunistic nut..."

http://villagevoice.com/news/0535,mondo1,67308,6.html

This is an article about the Democrats' inability to deliver a KO Punch to the Bushies, even when they eff-up so badly that their poll numbers are in the toilet. Yes, It was written pre-Katrina, and is largely about the Democrats' response to the Bushies Iraq debacle, but, to my shock and horror, if you take out the references to Iraq and replace them with Katrina, the actors and the actions are eerily the same.

TC

[Gloria]

106. My post to the TPM blog re: Clark's comments.....

Re: It all comes back to leadership (5.00 / 2) (#94)
by Gloria on Sep 01, 2005 -- 06:48:39 PM EST

I am so enraged today after hearing from Bush officials that basically, it was the fault of those trapped in the city that they didn't "choose" to leave. The heart-rending video of the elderly, the infirm, babies and children belie this cruel "spin."

General Clark, I was so angry that I called Sen. Harry Reid's office and expressed the outrage I also have toward the Democrats who choose to play footsie with this Administration, to this day. Please, take the gloves off, many, many people who are NOT DLC/Bush enablers are crying out for leadership to make this whole crew ACCOUNTABLE for their actions. I feel 5 years of rage has come to a head for me and many others...please, please lead the way and speak to the truth! This country is on the verge of destruction, we need to force Americans to wake up to what is going on--the LYING, corruption, and disrespect for the citizens of this country and the world.

Thank you for listening, General.

[Totally Committed]

118. Gloria...

Thank you for so many of your posts... I haven't told you this before, but... day in and day out your posts inspire me. You always write with such righteousness and such "authenticity". You are always, first and foremost, your genuine self. I appreciate that. There's something dependable about that. It's wonderful.

This morning, though, you outdid yourself. This small passage is exactly something I would have written to General Clark myself today, but you beat me to it!:

"Please, take the gloves off, many, many people who are NOT DLC/Bush enablers are crying out for leadership to make this whole crew ACCOUNTABLE for their actions. I feel 5 years of rage has come to a head for me and many others...please, please lead the way and speak to the truth! This country is on the verge of destruction, we need to force Americans to wake up to what is going on--the LYING, corruption, and disrespect for the citizens of this country and the world."

I, too, believe the time has come for the gloves to come off, and for a real leader to emerge, and wish I had written that passage myself! Rage, anger, disappointment, a deep sadness, and such a feeling of loss of hope -- all those feelings are gnawing at me as I watch what is going on in NO. I feel wounded. I can't get the visions of what I've seen out of my mind. Words of encouragement and strength are great. I applaud General Clark for his damnation of Bush's lack of leadership. But, I no need more, and I hope soon I'll see it from him. It is time for him to step forward and do the things our electeds -- even in our own Party -- seem unwilling or unable to do. The actions you ask him to take in that elegantly and passionately written passage are ones needed now. I hope he heeds those words, takes them to his compassioante heart, and acts as courageously as we have always known him to act. NOW.

Thanks again.

TC

[wiley]

109. Clark really should have been President in 2004

But we really need him now until he runs in 2008. What a straight talking guy.

Dissent is patriotic.

Criticism of our "leaders" is our duty.

:kick:

[HuskerDU]

111. 'We couldn't have anticipated... things we were told were

going to happen!'

Whatever the hell 'the buck' is, it doesn't even slow down near this guys desk.

[krkaufman]

112. Interestingly, I found Clark's urging me to read the various articles...

... a subtle demonstration of his words within the article, of a leader asking more of the people, pushing them to reach their potential. It shows me that he wasn't just echoing learnt phrases, he lives the concept.

[krkaufman]

113. Seeing these words... I'm thinking Clark/Obama in 2008!

This passage from Clark's TPMCafe entry from the 31st reminds me of Obama's keynote from the 2004 Dem Convention...

Many Iowans have been talking to me about red states and blue states, which is understandable since the mainstream media and political pundits have drilled these terms into our heads. To my mind, however, when I look out over this land and visit with people here, I cannot help but be reminded that we have much more in common with each other than we have differences.

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/8/31/122436/786

[TacticalPeek]

114. There is leadership.

And there is lack of leadership.

[mcscajun]

117. Wow, Wes! The man rocks. Simple as that.

Calling out Bush as making excuses? You Gotta Love It!

"Where is the leadership?" Wes knows leadership when he sees it. He knows it's totally absent here.

So do we.

[OneGrassRoot]

126. Military rebellion?

Do you think Clark could generate a rebellion within the military? Sounds like many of those within the military are disgusted as well. If Powell won't speak the truth, maybe Clark has enough connections to start voices of dissent to rise from within louder and louder?

[FrenchieCat]

130. Not in the sense that you might imply.....

Clark has been speaking out against Bush for a real long time now...but those in the military don't always hear these kind of things...our government makes sure of that.

[cranston36]

127. High Tone Bush

Hurricane Katrina ran through Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
It left tragedy and horror behind.
President Bush flew over the disaster area.
He flew in at a very high altitude.
He said, "It's totally wiped out. ... It's devastating, it's got to be doubly devastating on the ground."
His next action as Commander-in-Chief was to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" to discuss the tragedy and recovery efforts.
Not long ago he said, ‘I am optimistic that we can change the tone in Washington, D.C."
What tone was he talking about?
The other day George Will wrote in the Washington Post about the ‘shrill’ voice of the Democratic Party. It seems people like George Will, were under the impression that George Bush intended to lower the tone. George Will has offered little in the form of news for some time - he’s Rush Limbaugh with a typewriter.
Bush was born with a silver spoon in his mouth though. Americans didn’t notice this one came with a top hat and cane.
Bush is what is known as high toned. That is, for all of you high-brow conservatives, affectedly stylish or genteel.
For everybody else we get an idea of what high-toned is from Hank Williams (Sr). from his song ‘Mind Your Own Business’.
‘Mindin' other people's business seems to be high-toned, I got all that I can do just to mind my own. Why don't you mind your own business. If you mind your own business, you'll stay busy all the time.’

[Nothing Without Hope]

131. This is an important thread and more "public figure announcements"

and I hope evidence of where the accountability lies despite the spinning will be posted here. Good to have it together here.

I've bookmarked and will return periodically. Thanks for all the info, guys! :hi:

we need to watch our elected officials carefully to see how they respond. We'll remember, oh yes we will.

I'LL POST A GREAT EMAIL FROM REP. CONYERS TOMORROW IF THIS THREAD IS STILL ALIVE.