Feinstein to Vote Against Gonzales Confirmation
I’ve had harsh words for the senior senator from California more than once in the past. But today is a day for acknowledging that Diane Feinstein apparently still has a conscience, and the will to use it. I just phoned her office, and spoke to a helpful staffer named Mike. And he told me that the vote had not yet taken place, that the Judiciary Committee was still debating the Gonzales confirmation, but that he understood that the senator had indicated she wouldn’t be voting for confirmation.
I had to double-check to make sure I’d heard correctly. “That she will not be voting for confirmation?”
“That’s correct. She will not be voting for confirmation.”
I told Mike that made me profoundly happy, and he said he’d pass my sentiments on to the senator. Though in thinking about it afterwards, I don’t think “profoundly happy” really expresses it properly. It’s not happiness to find myself in a United States that uses torture as an instrument of policy, or where the chief architect of the legal arguments justifying that torture can be nominated for Attorney General, and (in all likelihood) win confirmation. That’s just… horrifying.
But Senator Feinstein has chosen to take a stand against such horrors, and bully for her. Yeah, it’s mainly a symbolic victory in the midst of a larger defeat, but I’ll take it.
Your Bible verse for the day: Luke 15:4-6.
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
Diane Feinstein is the hundredth sheep. Rejoice with me.
January 26th, 2005 at 12:52 pm
I’ll give you a hearty, YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAA!!
I had written both Feinstein and Boxer asking them to oppose. I had given up on Feinstein though.
I am still going to boycott all Federal Judicial actions if Gonzales is nominated, ie. vote to acquit all defendants in Federal Court. If Gonzales is head of the Justice Department, that is prima facie evidence that the prosecution is lying.
Ray
January 26th, 2005 at 2:30 pm
About damned time. I am past appalled at the willingness of so many senators to confirm a man who attempted to justify torture.
January 27th, 2005 at 10:48 am
He attempts to justify torture and then stands up and says torture sickens him. He will fit right in with the rest of the regime
January 27th, 2005 at 3:46 pm
In a somewhat related matter, I’m extremely unpleased with Russ Feingold’s vote to confirm Condi Rice. I expect(ed) more from Russ.
January 27th, 2005 at 6:23 pm
yay, scripture mention!
January 27th, 2005 at 7:59 pm
You poor people. With each post I read, I grow more thankful that we did not put a spiteful party in the White House – and thank God the vindictive extremists are greatly outnumbered even within their own party.
January 27th, 2005 at 8:33 pm
Please forgive me for getting off the subject, but….
Earlier tonight I answered a phone call from someone named Janet Jones (with a heavy Asian-type accent), offering me a $5,000 grant through Government Grants Association, Inc., “because you have paid your taxes on time for the last 3 years, the government is giving you back part of your hard-earned tax money.”
She gave me my correct address, phone number (it is unlisted), and my bank’s routing number. She said I would receive the necessary forms in the mail within 10-15 days, and she only needed two things: 1)a $299 up-front fee, and 2)my account number. I refused, and she said the account number was necessary to confirm that “the right person was getting the money,” and also because the check would be deposited directly into my account.
By this time, I had Googled the company and verified that it was a scam.
I initiated a taping device on my phone, and kept her on the line by asking lots of questions (thinking that she would soon hang up on me). I asked why they couldn’t just take the up-front fee out of the money – “because we’re not allowed to touch your money.” She gave me two toll-free numbers (I called them on my cell phone while talking to her – both were out of service) that I could call to recover my up-front fee later, but insisted that I must provide my personal checking account number before she could proceed with “returning part of my hard-earned money.”
The pressure was put on for more than 20 minutes, with many reasons being given to trust the credibility of the company. I can understand why more than 500 people in Memphis, TN fell for the scam (numbers from the BBB). When I finally got rid of her, I immediately called federal authorities, and tomorrow morning I will press charges. I have the number on my Caller-ID, and a recording of most of the conversation.
The scam is nation-wide, and the money is helping to fund terrorists in the Middle East. It has been going on for about 2 months, and is growing. Anyone have a suggestion of how to get the following “Red Lights” to the masses?: 1)Up-front fees for a grant are illegal, 2)The government does not give grants over the phone, and 3)Grants are almost never given to individuals.
January 30th, 2005 at 12:20 pm
Well that is a start. I would not approve of torture of any sorts. How are they supposed to view USA with? Peace? Loving Country? All they will see us that we torture prisoners. I am surprised about the Scriputure mention, as most of Christians would not and never insert a quote. All they do is pray and hope things will be over. That’s it.
Since they are the Christians that moved the whole Election or whatever, there is something worth reading, the Revelations in the Scriptures that mentions of a downfall of the World Leaders, UN Leaders, and its biggest Leader of Control, which depicts of Bush. Oh yes, UN is crumbling down slowly already, well that is one down, 6 more to go. Can you name the 7 World Leaders? It mentions of 7 World Leaders in the Scriptures exactly to the point. It won’t name names. But it details in greater details about the use of Religions and the overthrown/downfall and the crush of the World Leaders all together. If Bush is truly a Christian, he should read this, and he should be SCARED.It is about time when some one put their foot in as to speak.
I would not care if the Christians don’t believe in this, but I have this:
I feel better and rest assured that some one out there that believes in this, rather than the mouths of a red Dragon.
February 1st, 2005 at 6:23 pm
“Vindictive extremist”?
Sorry pal, I’m good with my God. You better examine your soul. If you think Jesus loves the torturer then you’ve got another think coming. You may not believe it but I’m sorry for your soul and that of your President.
Repent now, you still have the chance.