Frist threatens Reid: No intelligence oversight of Bush or else.

[swag]

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_firedoglake_archive.html#114148305714944460

Since its creation in 1976, the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has purposely been a bi-partisan, non-political committee. It was specifically designed to have equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, to function as a check on the executive branch's substantial powers of surveillance and intelligence gathering, and to ensure that consideration of the national security of this nation was not done in a politicized atmosphere -- but, rather, with only the best interests of the entire nation in mind.

The balance of the Committee is essential to maintaining this apolitical oversight.

But President Bush doesn't want the Senate to do its job and provide oversight of his illegal use of the NSA for domestic spying without a warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Despite applying substantial behind-the-scenes pressure, there are Republicans on the Intel Committee who put the nation's interest ahead of Karl Rove's dictates, and it looks as though the vote scheduled for March 7 will lead to oversight hearings of this illegal NSA mess. (An enormous thank you to everyone who has participated in our Roots project -- you have made such a HUGE difference.)

Except for one thing: Bill Frist has decided if they can't win on the merits, then he'll cheat. Frist threatened Harry Reid, in a letter delivered late on Friday, that he would change the composition of the Intel Committee unless they rubber stamped the Bush Administration's repeated illegal activity.

Guess Frist was hoping reporters would miss his smarmy threat of cheating if he dumped it in the late Friday news cycle...too bad for him, Glenn Greenwald caught it.

. . . more

[rodeodance]

1. So, Harry--what you gonna do?

[acmejack]

7. Same thing he did on the Patriot Act!

Give em some more hell Harry

[rodeodance]

17. yes, he threatened to change the rules on the Fillibuster--get rid ot it.

[Greyhound]

46. This is the real question isn't it? Frist being an ass is not unexpected

or new. Harry and the Democratic reaction to him is what matters.
We'll see...

[napi21]

2. So what can we do to stop Frist from being Pissypants II?

Can the Senate majority Leader do that all on his own, or does he need a Senate vote?

[pat_k]

42. Make 'em do it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=573281&mesg_id=574362

[pat_k]

45. What do they care?

On filibuster, they plan to arbitrarily and unilaterally change the rules required to change the rules, so they can change the rules.

Screw threats! I say, make 'em do it now and Get Ready...To...RUMMM-BULLL!

Urgent message to Sen. Harry Reid:

Tell Frist that Democratic members of the Senate will not betray their oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Tell Frist that if he is determined to render them powerless to carry out that oath, why wait? Do it now. Show the voters what Republicans think of the Constitition that the people of the United States established for their government.

[bridgit]

3. Frist is another one, it's time to start pushing back and i am telling...

everyone = you will need to have a-retort-in-hand cause, these guys are pissy, it is not their second nature but their 1st, and they enjoy it; so be ready AND prepared cause this next elect cycle, and the 08 to follow, is to be likely the shittiest many will have ever seen. be ready & don't be surprised cause it's coming

:patriot:

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. What's worse? Being angry or mean?

I'll take an angry politician over a mean one, any day.

[bridgit]

21. success favors the prepared is my sense, these guys can be beat...

with humor :rofl: and i'm serious, see the look on my face x( that and a little applied reason & statistics and these schmucks will fold while looking certifiable in the process. for all the talk of bush looking like he'd been caught in the headlights it was gore, and then kerry that seemed to get caught same-wise. THAT'S TWO IN A ROW!!

only the playboy son of a millionaire oligarchic could be so lucky the 1st time out. and i don't care if bush isn't running for re-election; whomever is to follow cannot be allowed to stump with impugnity for merely having supported "the playboy son of a millionaire oligarchic". that...dog...will...not...hunt imo.

[gilpo]

4. Why do the rethug senators keep letting shrub get away with this?

Even if you look at this from a purely rational or pragmatic perspective, the Dem's are going to have another President in the future, do they want the Senate to be completely stripped of power? I am trying to come up with a rationale for this that rises above abject stupidity or blind obedience to the KKKarl Rove directives.

[truth2power]

14. "Dems are going to have another President in the future.."

Not necessarily. That's the fly in the ointment, so to speak.

Without paper ballots, they'll be able to cheat from now on. It frustrates me when people think we're gonna be able to VOTE them out.

[gilpo]

18. True, however there are still exit polls ....

and paper ballots are still used in a majority of states. I think that we need to start making a huge stink about exit polls. People need to understand that it it one of the primary ways that the validity and authenticity of election results are measured around the world (except in the US, of course). Any thoughts on how we can accomplish that?

[nadinbrzezinski]

31. Hope is the last thing to die

exit polls, my aass, untless Americans are willing to get off the couch, it don't matter

Last time I checked Americans are NOT willing to get off the couch.

[pat_k]

52. We can stop election theives in their tracks RIGHT NOW.. . .

Stop Election Thieves RIGHT NOW
No Legislation Required (Really)

[Clark2008]

6. I apologize, as a Tennessean and for the 56,347th time,

that my state foisted this asshole on the rest of the country.

Please forgive me, but, in my defense as a Tennessean, I've never voted for the Cat Killer.

[swag]

33. Every state has its share of assholes.

Don't feel bad. As you say, you didn't vote for this mendacious, sleazy shithead.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

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

[bluerum]

13. when?

[Clark2008]

15. Want his REAL email addy?

[e-mail]

Have at him. :hi:

[Minnesota Libra]

36. THANKS, he will hear from me, at least........

.....he will know someone hates his ass.:toast:

[laylah]

37. My e-mail

Why do you hate America so much? Why do you hate our Constitution so much? Why do you go out of your way to betray WE, the People?

You, Sir, are a poor excuse for a human being. A liar, fraud, cheat, fake Christian, and traitor. The good news is, you WILL meet your Maker one day, at which time you WILL pay for all of the evil you have visited and/or supported upon the United States and the World. Shame on you!

XXXXX XXXXX

What an unpatriotic, traitorous POS :mad:

[Scout1071]

43. What's this one?

I'm impressed!

[laylah]

61. 'Morning Scout

"What's this one" what?

Clark2008 posted "Kitty Killer's" personal e-mail addy [e-mail] and I thought it would only be appropriate to send him a "howdy" :hi:

Thanks for the compliment.

Jenn

[pat_k]

44. Actually, I'd prefer we inundate Reid with. . .

Urgent message to Sen. Harry Reid:

Tell Frist that Democratic members of the Senate will not betray their oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Tell Frist that if he is determined to render them powerless to carry out that oath, why wait? Do it now. Show the voters what Republicans think of the Constitition that the people of the United States established for their government.

[liberalmike27]

9. Interesting

How Bush now seems to have the power to do what Nixon got in trouble for, with no worries. He can spy on anybody, even what he considers the enemy political camp, Democrats. How far down the slope we've slid.

[RedEarth]

10. ...

[rodeodance]

11. MEMBERSHIP but it is 8/7

http://intelligence.senate.gov/members.htm

MEMBERSHIP


REPUBLICANS

DEMOCRATS
Pat Roberts, Kansas
Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV
West Virginia, Vice Chairman
Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Carl Levin, Michigan
Mike Dewine, Ohio Dianne Feinstein, California
Christopher S. Bond, Missouri Ron Wyden, Oregon
Trent Lott, Mississippi Evan Bayh, Indiana
Olympia J. Snowe, Maine Barbara A. Mikulski, Maryland
Chuck Hagel, Nebraska Russell D. Feingold, Wisconsin
Saxby Chambliss, Georgia

[leftchick]

12. this is truly amazing....

from frist's letter

<snip>


I am increasingly concerned that the Senate Intelligence Committee is unable to its critically important oversight and threat assessment responsibilities due to stifling partisanship that is exhibited by repeated calls by Democrats on the Committee to conduct politically-motivated investigations. . . .

I would propose that we meet with Senators Roberts and Rockefeller as soon as possible. The Committee was established and structured to reflect the Senate’s desire for bipartisanship, and to the maximum extent possible, nonpartisan oversight of our nation’s intelligence activities. If attempts to use the committee’s charter for political purposes exist, we may have to simply acknowledge that nonpartisan oversight, while a worthy aspiration, is simply not possible. If we are unable to reach agreement, I believe we must consider other options to improve the Committee’s oversight capabilities, to include restructuring the Committee so that it is organized and operated like most Senate Committees.

our

[rodeodance]

16. more:

......Frist specifically threatened that if the Committee holds NSA hearings, he will fundamentally change the 30-year-old structure and operation of the Senate Intelligence Committee so as to make it like every other Committee, i.e., controlled and dominated by Republicans to advance and rubber-stamp the White House’s agenda rather than exercise meaningful and nonpartisan oversight.

Yet again, Republicans are threatening to radically change long-standing rules for how our government operates all because they cannot manipulate the result they want. From redistricting games to changing the filibuster rules, when Republicans are incapable (even with their majorities) of manipulating the political result they want, they use their majority status to change how our government works in order to ensure the desired political outcome.

While Frist’s threat here is, in one sense, of a piece with those tactics, it is actually quite extraordinary and motivated by a particularly corrupt objective. The whole purpose of the Senate Intelligence Committee – the only reason why it exists – is to exercise oversight over controversial intelligence activities. Whatever else one might want to say about the NSA warrantless eavesdropping program, it is controversial on every front. There is no conceivable rationale for the Intelligence Committee not to hold hearings.

This truly is an unprecedented move: the Senate Majority Leader is threatening to make the Intelligence Committee a political rubber stamp because the White House and the Republican leadership are so terrified that the President's actions won't withstand scrutiny and will be found illegal by the Committee.

[rodeodance]

19. anyone hear anything on the news about this?

[napi21]

23. No yet! I think some emails to Lou Dobbs, Jack Cafferty,

even the whacos that play both sides like Tweety, along with ones to Frist and every member of the Intel. Committee. Especially if any of them also represent YOUR State too.

I know Chambliss is on the Intel Comm. and since I live in Ga. I'm going to send him a scorcher!

[rodeodance]

48. nope, me either.

[Independent_Liberal]

20. Frist is a Nazi!

He's completely out of control! The wreckless abuse of power has to stop!

[rodeodance]

22. letter is at website:

http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/

[rodeodance]

24. yup--Frist did indeed threaten this!

In response, Sen. Frist yesterday wrote a truly amazing letter (.pdf) to Reid expressly threatening to radically re-structure the Senate Intelligence Committee if the Committee votes to hold NSA hearings:


I am increasingly concerned that the Senate Intelligence Committee is unable to its critically important oversight and threat assessment responsibilities due to stifling partisanship that is exhibited by repeated calls by Democrats on the Committee to conduct politically-motivated investigations. . . .

I would propose that we meet with Senators Roberts and Rockefeller as soon as possible. The Committee was established and structured to reflect the Senate’s desire for bipartisanship, and to the maximum extent possible, nonpartisan oversight of our nation’s intelligence activities. If attempts to use the committee’s charter for political purposes exist, we may have to simply acknowledge that nonpartisan oversight, while a worthy aspiration, is simply not possible. If we are unable to reach agreement, I believe we must consider other options to improve the Committee’s oversight capabilities, to include restructuring the Committee so that it is organized and operated like most Senate Committees.

......
These are truly desperate and extreme measures to block an investigation of the President’s conduct. Sen. First is literally threatening the Committee not to exercise oversight over the President’s warrantless eavesdropping on Americans.

[autorank]

25. Here's the solution...

:sarcasm:
Lets form a centrist group of Republicans and Democrats. Whenever the Republicans want to do something unconstitutional or outrageous, the wise center Senators could meet and decide if it was OK. That way, we'd never go to far in denying the full force of tyranny, which the American people neither chose nor want. It would keep balance.

Hey, this centrist group could also decide whether or not the Democrats could ever filibuster if a totally unacceptable nominee were offered (lets say they nominate someone like Alito). Keep the balance.

After all, Americans want a centrist government don't they? One that insists that there are two sides to every issue and that the resolution is a compromise that fuels the fire of de facto dictatorship.

[Independent_Liberal]

26. I want Robert Byrd to get on the floor of the Senate and pull out a

picture of a concentration camp and tell Frist, "You know what direction you have us heading? This is exactly the direction you have us heading." I seriously hope he does that and I hope Frist shits his diaper. :)

[FreedomAngel82]

51. But than he'll probably apologize

:eyes:

[Toots]

27. (An enormous thank you to everyone who has participated in our Roots proje

I am ashamed at being so ignorant but I know nothing about the "roots" project. I say a fellow on the Ellen Show yesterday, an Olympic gold medal winner, that had roots on his jacket. Is this the same thing and what exactly is it?

[swag]

28. Info on firedoglake's Roots project

http://firedoglake.blogspot.com/2006_02_26_firedoglake_archive.html#114132387673813263

[napi21]

29. Looks like they have an agreement. See this recent post.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2492466

[swag]

30. That's on an entirely different matter, but thanks.

[napi21]

35. So, can we enlist Lott's common sense help on this one?

I NEVER thought I'd be talking about
Trent Lott as being sensible, OR ever asking for his help, but he does seem to have some power and influence in the Senate that can smack Frist around a little.

[liveoaktx]

32. That's not the same issue- this is about Bush's Spy on Americans pgrm

[liveoaktx]

34. AUDIO-Posting the Spy Hearings from the other day again here

If you haven't heard what Republicans are planning, you need to LISTEN to this

Republicans (and some Democrats, like Jane Harman) want to bypass FISA, and allow the NSA surveillance program to continue. Add that article above to this, and it highlights the point that they don't even want what the NSA program DOES to come to light, so they would be okaying a secret deal that they don't understand.

The question to ask is: Do You Want the NSA to spy on you? Period. Because Republicans are pushing that as a de facto standard, with "reasonable suspicion as the standard instead of probable cause"

[bettyellen]

38. ....

[NVMojo]

39. What's Frist afraid of??? Hmmmmmm....

[bridgit]

40. prolly being found out, or called to answer a quesiton without dancing...

:wow:

[pat_k]

41. Screw threats! Do it. Now. ***** Get Ready...To...RUMMM-BULLL! *****

Urgent message to Sen. Harry Reid:

Tell Frist that Democratic members of the Senate will not betray their oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Tell Frist that if he is determined to render them powerless to carry out that oath, why wait? Do it now. Show the voters what Republicans think of the Constitition the people of the United States established for their government.

[Dr Ron]

47. Post at Democratic Daily

http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2131

Frist Threatens Restructure of Intelligence Committee To Block NSA Wiretap Hearings
Posted by Ron Chusid
March 4th, 2006 @ 11:28 am

Glenn Greenwald does some excellent reporting on Bill Frist’s attempts to prevent the Senate Intelligence Committee from investigating the NSA spying. Greenwald provides historical background in explaining that, “Due to the urgency of ensuring that our country has nonpartisan and non-politicized oversight over the Government’s intelligence activities, the Intelligence Committee is structured so that — unlike every other Senate Committee — the majority is unable to dominate the Committee’s operation and agenda, and the minority has much greater powers than it does on any other Senate Committee.”

On March 3 Harry Reid released letters regarding the obstruction from the Republicans in conducting this investigation. Bill Frist responded with threats to restructure the Intelligence Committee along partisan grounds, which would make it yet another committee to rubber stamp White House misconduct. “If we are unable to reach agreement” wrote Frist, “I believe we must consider other options to improve the Committee’s oversight capabilities, to include restructuring the Committee so that it is organized and operated like most Senate Committees.”

Democrats need to take control of Congress not necessarily over ideology, but simply to provide for the essential oversight of the Executive Branch which the Republicans have failed to provide and which the founding fathers wisely attempted to guarantee. This is a goal which true conservatives, as opposed to the Bush Worshippers, should understand. Conservatives, when out of power, often warned about the power of unchecked government. Now is a time for them to show whether they truly stand for principle or their own accumulation of power.

[rodeodance]

50. k and nominated.

[FreedomAngel82]

49. Damn Frist

I can't wait till the asshole is gone!

[file83]

53. Oh the IRONY = Congress needs a Warrant to investigate warrantless taps!!

[Hubert Flottz]

54. "Frist" and "No intelligence" just seem to belong in the same...

thought every time either one is expressed. Just like Bush and "No intelligence"...or GOP and "No intelligence" The party of "No intelligence" or "Faulty intelligence."

SLIM and NONE is the GOP's only two speeds in the intelligence department...

Stupid is, is stupid does!

For instance:

[Hubert Flottz]

55. And:

EDIT...Stuffed bodies...Empty heads! * I rest my case!

[Justice Is Comin]

56. Reid better be

planning the Rule 21 move right now or he's no more of a leader than Pelosi. This is the answer to that Tennessee tit mouse. If Reid does that, CNN and every network will break in and the whole nation will get the picture of what Frist is trying to do.

Nothing gets the attention better than a "breaking news" headline story. It's much better than just covering it as just another item in the news.

It is the one thing Frist goes ballistic over. And it will force Frist to back down like cockroaches running from Raid.

If Reid doesn't do that again he's as useless as Pelosi and Harmon. And they make me :puke:

[Octafish]

57. What are you afraid of, Frist?

The truth about Bushco?

Domestic spying. Drug dealing. WMD proliferation. Money laundering. War mongering.

For the Bush Crime Family, all that is business as usual.

[upi402]

58. they hate our freedom

:kick:
recommend

[Nothing Without Hope]

59. Another thread on this outrage additional links:

Apparently, Glen Greenwald caught this first. It was done late Fri, obviously in an attempt to keep it secret. This needs to be pushed and exposed. It's the nuclear option all over again as well as a blatant attempt to block oversight of a clearly illegal Bushie program.

The other thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x573297
thread title (3-4-06 GD): FRIST THREATENS REID In Friday Letter: If I Cant Win, I'll Cheat...
46 votes so far. Basically, it’s like the nuclear option in the committee in charge of the NSA heartings – Frist insists on a rubber stamp or else he’ll change the long-standing rules. Excerpt: “Frist specifically threatened that if the Committee holds NSA hearings, he will fundamentally change the 30-year-old structure and operation of the Senate Intelligence Committee so as to make it like every other Committee, i.e., controlled and dominated by Republicans to advance and rubber-stamp the White House’s agenda rather than exercise meaningful and nonpartisan oversight.” The opening post has links to reports by Glen Greenwald (who noticed this sneaky move and reported it) as well as firedoglake and a pdf of the Frist letter.

[K8-EEE]

60. swag! DARLING! I've been absolutely frantic....

Frist, what an asshole. Hoping to sneak in more cheating but swag has caught him yet again! Good work!