The Hollywood Liberal

As you probably know, last week Attorney General Alberto “Torture Boy” Gonzalez got up before the Senate Judiciary committee led by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, and Republican Senator Arlen “Single Bullet theory” Specter, and gave the most hideously dishonest, lie packed testimony ever uttered under oath in a public setting. The whole sorry scene was chronicled in our July 25th, comic called Torture Boy Takes The Stand.
Leahy sent the list of questions in advance basically telling Gonzalez that ‘We know you lied about forgetting so much last time you were here that this time you have the questions in advance so you can’t say you don’t recall.’

Of course Gonzalez did just that again, and again, and again, when he wasn’t lying outright rather then just “forgetting”

Leahy ranted at Gonzalez that “He had lost the faith of Congress, and the American people” and that he “didn’t trust him.”

Specter has a history of appearing to be against Bush, or one of his policies, only to at the last moment suggest some kind of compromise that ends up giving the administration everything it wants. (with Leahy and the democrats going right along with it, then patting themselves on the back for being such statesmen.)
Old Arlen was up to his usual tricks at the hearing telling Gonzalez he did not believe him regarding the Attorney General’s testimony. We knew however that Specter was playing his usual game and pretending to be against Gonzalez while secretly working behind the scenes to cover up and obstruct on behalf of Bush.

Now, Leahy and Specter, after appearing together on “Face The Nation” Want to give Gonzalez a chance to “clarify his statements.” Basically what they are now saying to Gonzalez is: “We know you committed perjury, and you know you committed perjury, so if you just come out now and say that you were, you know, mistaken in your statements and admit that you ‘unintentionally misled’ us, all will be forgiven and we can go about our business of doing nothing as usual.”

Leahy last week sent Gonzalez a letter offering to give him a week to “resolve any inconsistencies” in his testimony. Leahy does not currently support charging Gonzalez with Perjury. Yes you read correctly, The head of the Senate Judiciary Committee sat there while the Attorney General insulted his, and our intelligence over and over, and pretty much said to him ‘Yeah I’m lying, do something about it,’ does not support charging this weasel with Perjury. But, Leahy said, “that could change,” Yeah right.

Specter now claims that since he had no inside knowledge of Bush’s spy program he has no way of knowing whether Gonzalez was telling the truth or not, and he wants to “Give him a chance.”

None of this really matters anyway because no way is Gonzalez going to change one word of his testimony, to do so would implicate Bush and the administration and that’s the only reason Gonzo still has a job, to keep the heat off Bush. So once Torture Boy does not comply with these new requests will Leahy and Specter change their minds and charge AG with Perjury? I’m willing to bet not. The whole thing is one big Dog and Pony show designed to make it look like they are doing something (Democrats and Republicans) to keep the voting public happy, when really all they are doing is lining their own pockets. HL’s Comics will keep abreast of the latest detail of this story and let you know what is really going on.

Get The Story Before It Happens, Read HLs Comics

News Items: Cheney’s heart device is updated

See The Full Comic Strip Here

AP: New details on Tillman’s death

Excerpt:
SAN FRANCISCO - Army medical examiners were suspicious about the close proximity of the three bullet holes in Pat Tillman’s forehead and tried without success to get authorities to investigate whether the former NFL player’s death amounted to a crime, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

“The medical evidence did not match up with the, with the scenario as described,” a doctor who examined Tillman’s body after he was killed on the battlefield in Afghanistan in 2004 told investigators.

The doctors — whose names were blacked out — said that the bullet holes were so close together that it appeared the Army Ranger was cut down by an M-16 fired from a mere 10 yards or so away.

Bush Administration Subpoenas Michael Moore

Think Progress
Excerpt:
For the filming of his documentary SiCKO, Michael Moore took sick 9/11 workers to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to help them obtain free medical care. “The (rescue workers) just want medical attention!” Moore shouts into a loudspeaker in the movie, in a futile attempt to win over the security guards. “The same kind Al Qaeda is getting!” In May, Moore announced that the Treasury Department launched an investigation into his trip, examining “whether he had violated restrictions on travel to Cuba.”

Last night on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Moore announced that “the Bush administration has now issued a subpoena for me, going after me for helping these 9/11 rescue workers.” Moore said that the subpoena was unwarranted, since journalists are allowed to travel to Cuba, and “this was a work of journalism.” “I was there to help them and now I’m going to face this further harrassment from the Bush people,” said Moore. “Aren’t they busy with something else?” Watch it:

Nonny Mouse Goes Down Under

Crooks & Liars
Excerpt:
At least there was a chance for a small break once we’d landed in Los Angeles to change flight crews, restock the food galleys and drinks trolleys and refuel the plane, a chance to stretch our legs in the transit lounge and take a breath of fresh air. So you would think…

And you would be so wrong..

Bear in mind here… we were all ‘non-stop’ transit passengers, due to get straight back on the same plane we’d just gotten off and fly on to Auckland, never setting foot outside the airport and onto American soil.

Judy, in her strong Kiwi accent, demanded from one of the officials standing guard around us why they needed to take our fingerprints or our photographs. ‘It’s the law,’ he mumbled, a bit shamefaced, and spouted a few disconnected bits of pre-memorized clichés about terrorism and security before stuttering to a halt and looking away. Not even the officials at the airport understood why.

Murtha says Rumsfeld appointees frustrate oversight, cuts Pentagon agency budget

Raw Story
Excerpt:
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) halved the budget of a Pentagon liaison office to the Congress in retaliation for what he sees as Defense Department foot-dragging on Congressional oversight. The Congressman’s staff suggested leftovers from the tenure of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld were at fault for the lapses in cooperation with Congress.

The Office of Legislative Affairs, which serves as a go-between for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Capitol Hill, is slated to lose $1.9 million.

“Mr. Murtha said that they have failed to answer Congressional questions in a timely matter,” Matthew Mazonkey, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Democrat, said. The congressman chairs the powerful Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

HLs Take
This is the way it should be done. Murtha is pissed off at the Pentagon for dragging it’s feet and not doing what they are supposed to be doing, so he hits them where it hurts, in the wallet.
Now Congress should take a lesson and do the same thing to Bush. Cut Iraq War funding.

Flag-defiling charge ends in fight, arrests

Asheville Citizen Times
Excerpt:
Asheville – A couple who said they were protesting the state of the country by flying the U.S. flag upside down with signs pinned to it found themselves in jail following a scuffle with a deputy Wednesday morning.

Mark and Deborah Kuhn were arrested on two counts of assault on a government employee, resisting arrest and a rarely used charge, desecrating an American flag, all misdemeanors. The Kuhns were released from custody Wednesday afternoon

News Items:Documents contradict Gonzales’ testimony

At the suggestion of a reader I did the comic differently this time. A full strip instead of a bunch of pictures.

See The Rest of The Comic Strip Here

Excerpt
Gonzalez: I clarified my statement two days later to the reporter
Schumer: What did you tell the reporter?
Gonzalez: I did not speak directly to the reporter.
Schumer: Oh, wait a second you did not (groans from the gallery) OK, what did your spokesperson say to the reporter?
Gonzalez: I don’t know…..
Schumer: Sir, how can you say you should stay on as Attorney General?….

Republican “moral victory” over the mentally retarded and disabled in Texas…

At Largely.com
Excerpt:
Remember that little Texas scandal involving massive rape of children by the officers of the Texas Youth Commission? No? Oh, sorry, was Lindsay Lohan arrested again? Well then, some background:

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, both already under siege for other matters, are now being accused of failing to prosecute officers of the Texas Youth Commission after a Texas Ranger investigation documented that guards and administrators were sexually abusing the institution teenage boy inmates.

Among the charges in the Texas Ranger report were that administrators would rouse boys from their sleep for the purpose of conducting all-night sex parties.

HLs Take
What is it the Republicans find so hot about young boys asses? They are just obsessed with them. I guess members of the Texas youth commission must be “good friends” with Texans Gonzalez and Bush. They must all get together for big “parties.” Do they invite young boys to those as well?

The show “Washington Journal” on C-Span, is a call in show where a host takes questions on air.
There are two separate phone lines, one for Democrats, one for Republicans. In this video clip the host takes a couple of questions, then at the end someone calls in about Bush’s executive order banning war protest. The host abruptly cuts him off without explanation. I guess C-Span is no better then CNN, or Fox News, take a look.

Ohio and Florida, are not the only states Republicans tried to steal in 2004. Here is a story about what they did in Wisconsin, which they lost anyway. Where will they try to strike next time?

Milwaukee Election Records Indicate Apparent Forgery, Ballot Box Stuffing in 2004 Presidential Election

Bradblog
Excerpt:
After being hidden from the public for more than two years, records reveal apparent forgeries in the first city ward examined
How is it US Attorney Steven Biskupic missed this? Could he have been looking for voter fraud instead of election fraud?

Two years ago these records were voluntarily transferred by the City Election Commission to the joint task force headed up by the “loyal Bushie” US Attorney, Steven M. Biskupic, and the Milwaukee County District Attorney, E. Michael McCann. Then that voluntary transfer was cited as the reason the election records were unavailable for inspection or copying when requested under Wisconsin’s open records law. It offended then and continues to offend me now that the most rudimentary oversight of election administration was denied to me and others.

First, the signatures on the cover pages of the inspectors’ reports look to me to be obvious forgeries. Both the names are bogus (e.g. Joe Doe, Jane Smith) and, in my opinion, are clearly written in the same hand. The hand which “signed” the inspectors’ reports does not match any of the signatures I redacted from the poll book list. Creating false canvass reports is a felony under WI Stats 12.13(2)(b)4.

HLs Take
Kerry won in Milwaukee, and carried Wisconsin barely. He apparently should have won by a lot more. This just goes to show that Republicans were trying to steal the vote in more places then just Ohio. They will be trying even harder in 2008 to steal votes from all over. This is why we have to stay on top of these stories to prevent it from happening 3 times in a row. (4 if you count the 2002 midterms. Republicans will be so desperate for votes they will resort to anything next time. We have to stop them or else.

From LMZ 90028

HL,
I read your story from this morning“Time For Us to All Take Action” and emailed Dianne Feinstein, here is her response.

Dear [LMZ]
Thank you for your letter concerning impeachment proceedings against Vice President Richard Cheney. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

In our most recent elections, the American people expressed clear disapproval with the path this country was on. They are tired of partisan politics and of an Administration that pays little heed to the wishes of the American people. They want-and deserve-a Congress that holds the Administration accountable and fulfills its Constitutional responsibility to check and balance the Executive branch. I share this sentiment and am determined to work hard and across party lines in the United States Senate to promote issues that are of real concern to most Americans, including the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, homeland security, global warming, and lobbying and election reform.

At this time, however, I believe that impeachment proceedings against President Bush or Vice President Cheney will only divide the country even further, frustrating our hopes for a meaningful change in direction, while having little chance of success.

I have been deeply disappointed by many of this Administration’s actions and have been outspoken in those instances. Nevertheless, given the challenges our country faces I believe that we need to focus on constructive and cooperative steps that would lead us in the right direction.

Again, thank you for your letter. If you have any further questions or comments, please contact my office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

HL Responds
LMZ, thanks for the email, thats about what I expected from Feinstein. Here is my response to her.

Dear Ms. Feinstein,
I am afraid I am going to have to seriously disagree with you on your assessment of the Cheney Impeachment situation. You state that impeachment proceeding would only divide the country even further. I don’t think so, over 70% of the American people favor The US leaving Iraq, yet Bush refuses to do so. You have the people behind you. Let’s not forget that this war was based on lies that members of Congress fell for when the blogoshere knew quite well about the lies well in advance, as did the 6 Million people worldwide who marched against the war on February 15, 2003. If you read my article from today then you now know what is currently going on. Impeachment may be your only chance, and our only chance.

You also said “I have been deeply disappointed by many of this Administration’s actions and have been outspoken in those instances.”

Then DO SOMETHING about it. That is your job. You have the power, use it. The American People demand nothing less.

Respectfully Yours
HL
United States Blogger

It was three years ago today that The H.L. started. It’s been a long tough ride under Bush, but he has given us plenty of material. Click here to see what the site looked like back at the beginning (I archived a whole weeks worth of posts back then) Thanks for hanging with us. We will continue to fight Bush, The Republicans, and The War. Stay tuned.

The time has come for each and every one of us to take action and stand up to Bush, Cheney, and their administration. I have just been on the phone with the offices of John Conyers, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Henry Waxman, who is my house representative, and both California Senators Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. Several alarming stories have come out in the past couple of days which if you are a reader of The H.L., or any other progressive blog, you already know about. You can scan down the page for more information on the articles that I am about to pass on. Each and every one of us needs to get on the phone and call Conyers office, and your House representative and both Senators from your state and start making some noise about what Bush is apparently trying to do, which it appears to be declaring Martial Law at his own personal discretion. Here is the action we need to take.

1. John Conyers has said that if he gets 3 more members of congress to back him, he will begin Impeachment proceedings against Dick Cheney with or without Speaker of The House Nancy Pelosi. Call Congressman Conyers at (202) 225-5126 and demand that he begin impeachment proceeding immediately. Call your own Congressional representative. You can dial the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 (You can also reach your Senators at this same number.) ask for the office of your congressman, tell them that you want them to sign on with Conyers to back impeachment.

2. Last Week Bush came out with an Executive Order to ban all Iraq War Protests. According to this order he can have your assets and property seized for protesting the Iraq War. This is outrageous. An executive order only becomes law if Congress doesn’t overturn it within thirty days after it is published in the Federal Register. Tell your congress person that you want them to step up and put a stop to this. As above you can reach your representative at 202-224-3121. After you get off the phone call both of your Senators. In California you can reach Senator Dianne Feinstein at 202-224-3841. You can reach Senator Barbara Boxer at 202-224-3553. Outside of California call The U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senators office.

3. Last week Congressman Peter Defazio of Oregon, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, based on complaints by his constituency asked to see the documents on how Bush will conduct the Government after a significant “Terrorist” attack, and was denied. Call your Representative and Senators at the numbers listed above and demand that Congress take action against Bush for refusing to allow members of Congress and The Homeland Security Committee to see his post terrorist attack plans.

4. Section 1076 of H.R. 5122 The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for 2007, which was passed with the approval of Democrats like Senators Carl Levin, and Ted Kennedy, says that Bush has sole discretion to impose martial law, in the event of a Terrorist attack or any national emergency, like a hurricane. Call your representatives and Senators at the numbers listed above and demand that they overturn this policy.

Can you imagine Congress giving Bush that kind of authority with his track record? You’d almost think the Congress; including Democrats are all in on this together against the American people. It’s time for us to put a stop to it. Get on the phone right now and start demanding that Congress do its job. It may be the only chance we have to stop Bush from appointing himself permanent King of America. Get going.

Thank You
H.L.
The Hollywood Liberal.com

Update:

Dianne Feinstein responds to HL readers email: Here is an excerpt.

At this time, however, I believe that impeachment proceedings against President Bush or Vice President Cheney will only divide the country even further, frustrating our hopes for a meaningful change in direction, while having little chance of success.

You can read her entire response, as well as my response back to her Here

See a Giant List of Political Comics by H.L. Here

Chertoff Predicts Simultaneous LA/San Francisco Dirty Bombs

George Washington’s Blog
Excerpt
Someone I know attended a talk which Homeland Security Head Michael Chertoff gave today at the University of Southern California on port and supply-chain security and public infrastructure protection.

My contact reported to me today by email that Chertoff spoke about more “gut feelings” that he (Chertoff) has about a simultaneous Los Angeles / San Francisco dirty bomb attack that “our enemy is surely planning”.

I’ve had a hunch for a long time that the next false flag attack will be on the West Coast, so that it seems that the whole country is under attack, and not just the East Coast.

HL’s Take
How can he come up with a scenario that specific unless he is in the process of planning it. If that were to happen as he predicted, everyone would know it was them. (then again what do they care, it’s not like congress is going to do anything to stop them) I have a feeling something is coming up, I hope I’m wrong, but knowing these guys, something is going to happen somewhere.

House Approves Labor-HHS Spending Bill Without Veto-Proof Majority

Kaiser Health Report

The House on Thursday voted 276-140 to approve a fiscal year 2008 Labor-HHS-Education spending bill, the AP/Arizona Daily Star reports (AP/Arizona Daily Star, 7/20). The House Appropriations Committee on July 11 by voice vote approved the $607 billion bill, which includes $151.5 billion in discretionary funds, exceeding FY 2007 discretionary spending by $7 billion and topping President Bush’s FY 2008 spending request by $10.6 billion. The House bill would increase spending on health care for the uninsured by 9% above FY 2007 levels and Bush’s request for FY 2008.

Funding for the uninsured includes a 10% increase in spending for community health centers. The bill also includes $1.1 billion to prepare for a potential avian flu pandemic. Earmarks in the bill total $565 million — a 50% reduction from earmarked funds in the appropriations bill that was approved two years ago (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 7/19).

The bill did not receive the two-thirds majority of votes that would be necessary to override Bush’s expected veto. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) expressed confidence that the Republicans would be able to sustain a veto. “We have other members who, while they may have voted ‘yes’ here, will vote to sustain a veto,” Boehner said. House Appropriations Chair David Obey (D-Wis.) said, “It was a damn good vote. With all of the Sturm und Drang, they couldn’t find anything in the bill that they wanted to change (in the GOP motion to recommit). I think that demonstrates that they think it’s a pretty good doggone bill.” The Senate might not consider its version of the bill until October, CongressDaily reports (Cohn, CongressDaily, 7/20).

Video: Mercury is Good For You (Not)

Alan Colmes of Fox News is confronted by members of the 9/11 truth movement trying to ask some questions, Colmes little weasle that he is runs away. Check out the video

DeFazio asks, but he’s denied access

oregonlive.com
Excerpt
WASHINGTON — Oregonians called Peter DeFazio’s office, worried there was a conspiracy buried in the classified portion of a White House plan for operating the government after a terrorist attack.

As a member of the U.S. House on the Homeland Security Committee, DeFazio, D-Ore., is permitted to enter a secure “bubbleroom” in the Capitol and examine classified material. So he asked the White House to see the secret documents.

On Wednesday, DeFazio got his answer: DENIED.

“I just can’t believe they’re going to deny a member of Congress the right of reviewing how they plan to conduct the government of the United States after a significant terrorist attack,” DeFazio says.

Homeland Security Committee staffers told his office that the White House initially approved his request, but it was later quashed. DeFazio doesn’t know who did it or why.

“We’re talking about the continuity of the government of the United States of America,” DeFazio says. “I would think that would be relevant to any member of Congress, let alone a member of the Homeland Security Committee.”

Bush administration spokesman Trey Bohn declined to say why DeFazio was denied access: “We do not comment through the press on the process that this access entails. It is important to keep in mind that much of the information related to the continuity of government is highly sensitive.”