I'm calling these AWOL Dems

[Sugarcoated]

And keep bursting into tears right on the phone. I feel like I'm talking to robots. Will this really make a difference??? I feel like leaving this party except for the few Dems who are trying to do their job and represent us and stand up for the constitution.

[Imalittleteapot]

1. Things could be worse.

You could be calling worthless Republicans.

[wisteria]

2. Please stop getting yourself so upset.

This is a committee hearing, it is not at all unusual for many senators not to attend. If it were to go to the floor for a vote, then it would be much more likely to have more senators present. Those that aren't there can be briefed on the testimony later.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

4. No. I'm upset

This isn't just another committee hearing. This hearing had profound political overtones. And now Karl Rove gets to have his lap-dummy say "See, Feingold's own party didn't show up. That means spying on America is legal."

The Repigs play chess. We play checkers.

[JohnyCanuck]

7. Not checkers, Os & Xs - tic tac toe n/t

[wisteria]

15. he can't say this because the party hasn't voted on anything.

How many republicans were there besides those on the committee? I bet not many- if any at all. This is normal for what ever is being discussed in committee. I won't argue that the other Democrats on the Committee could have made an appearance, but then again that isn't unusually either.

[pacalo]

6. If ever there was a time to be present to discuss the wiretapping,

it's now, today, when a constitutional lawyer is present & when a former counsel with firsthand knowledge about the Nixon administration, which mirrors this one, is present.

There are many empty chairs today for a reason: They were told, for one reason or another, not to be there, because less questions to John Dean gives him less time to speak his opinion.

There's reason to be upset.

[flpoljunkie]

10. Sen. Cornyn made point Feingold has only two co-sponsors and rest of Dems

have "run for cover." Shame on the cowardly Dems!

[speedoo]

12. I could not disagree more.

This hearing was far too important to bypass. They will all regret their absence.

[SeattleRob]

14. Yeah...

The Republicans are getting rid of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution - Why change their schedule for that?

[pacalo]

3. Sadly, it reminds me of "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington"...

except in the movie, Sen. Paine was more the exception than the rule. These days, senators like Feingold are the exception.

I've been leery of Schumer for awhile now (I used to adore him), but the fact that Kennedy has snubbed this hearing makes me wonder about the tactics going on behind the scenes, particularly because there are so many absent. Prissy Pants Graham only stepped in to grill Dean about Watergate (Cheney, Rumsfeld are Nixon alumni) -- that alone makes me suspicious of how strongly threatened the WH is at Dean's presence as a witness.

[Jack Rabbit]

5. Unfortunately, this seems to be the face of Democratic Party leaders . . .

The Bush junta has been eroding American demoractic institutions for too long. Censuring him for warrantless wiretapping is hardly an extreme measure. Indeed, it is mild almost to the point of wimpiness.

Bush and his lieutenants willfully lied to garner public and congressional support for an unnecessary colonial war against Iraq. That isn't just an impeachable offense, it is a war crime for which he and others should be tried, convicted and punished. He approved torture or humiliating treatment of combat detainees. That isn't just an impeachable office, that is a crime against humanity for which he and others should be tried, convicted and punished.

And these people don't have the stomach to censure this tyrant and criminal?

Any congressman, Democrat or Republican, not seeking the removal of this regime -- not merely the impeachment of Bush, but removal from power of this regime of tyrants and criminals -- is a collaborationist and deserves electoral defeat.

Portrait of Marshall Petain from the Churchill Society.

[Jersey Devil]

8. There is also a debate going on on immigration on the Senate floor

The Senate is in session so any senator who wants to participate in that debate on immigration couldn't very well be in 2 places at the same time, could they?

[flpoljunkie]

13. That sounds like an excuse to me, and a poor one at that.

[Jersey Devil]

17. Sorry you feel that way but it may be a good reason

For instance, Kennedy is on the judiciary committee and I assume was not present for the censure hearing. However, he also is a sponsor of a senate bill on immigration with McCain and others. Is he supposed to choose Feingold's motion over his bill on immigration?

[Sugarcoated]

16. Oh, bullshit

[Reader Rabbit]

9. Come join my therapy thread!

Write out your feelings. It really helps!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x805101

[Norquist Nemesis]

11. Don't forget Reid's office: 202-224-3542 n/t