Daily Kos

Tell George Bush to nominate a new UN Ambassador!

Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:34:08 PM PDT

As you know, on Tuesday the Senate Foreign Relations Committee met once more to consider the nomination of John Bolton as UN Ambassador. In the light of many serious allegations against Bolton that have emerged over the past few weeks, I along with the other committee Democrats urged Chairman Lugar to hold off on a final vote until these allegations could be fully explored.

Most observers expected our efforts to fail, figuring that committee Republicans would steamroll Democrats on a party line vote and ram Bolton's nomination through, sending it to the Senate floor for a final vote. But that didn't happen.

Thanks in large part to the efforts of the online community, including more than 37,000 emails you sent to your senators through my PAC website alone, Bolton's nomination was stopped in its tracks. Republican Senator George Voinovich of Ohio joined committee Democrats in urging more careful consideration of John Bolton's nomination, delaying a final vote for three weeks -- and I am so grateful for his support on this critical issue.

Now, it's time for us to do more.

Clearly, John Bolton is not qualified to be UN Ambassador -- and it's time to tell President Bush to nominate someone else.

John Bolton's nomination is dividing the country. This is a man who has shown nothing but contempt for the United Nations throughout his career. This is a man who has bullied intelligence analysts to try to get them to say what he wants, even when it's not true. This is a man who doesn't get along well with others and, if confirmed, would be entrusted with representing our nation in sensitive diplomatic negotiations at the United Nations.

Surely we can do better. Surely we can find a nominee for UN Ambassador that America can support and get behind -- not someone who divides our country and alienates our allies.

Tell President Bush to send the Senate a new UN nominee -- please sign my petition to the White House now:

http://ga4.org/campaign/new_nominee

Every President has the right to choose senior members of his Administration. But every President also has an obligation to the American people that those nominees are well qualified for the positions they seek.

Clearly, with the nomination of John Bolton, George Bush has failed us. America deserves so much better from our United Nations Ambassador.

If you agree, please join me and tell President Bush to send us a new nominee today!

http://ga4.org/campaign/new_nominee

Thanks so much to all of you in the Daily Kos community for your continued support -- and all of your hard work. I can't do it without you.

In Friendship,

Barbara

Tags: Barbara Boxer (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

Permalink | 231 comments

  •  Senator... (4.00 / 32)

    you and Senators Kerry, Dodd, Biden and Sarbanes made me so proud yesterday!

    Thanks for all that you do.

    "They blamed it on the Islamic fanatics, at the time. [...] That was when they suspended the Constitution. They said it would be temporary."-Handmaid's Tale

    by JLFinch on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:27:01 PM PDT

    •  I'll say (none / 1)

      I had such a good time watching. Felt good!
    •  I also (4.00 / 8)

      liked what Obama had to say.  It seemed to convince Voinovich too.
    •  I really enjoyed it too.. (none / 1)

      I really loved watching that hearing... It was the best TV I've seen in months!

      Personally, I believe that our U.N. representative should be an elected, rather than appointed position, as it would give that person (and the U.N. and the International Laws hammered out there) a bit more credibility in the minds of Americans. But, until then, I am glad to see that at least SOME Senators take their advise and consent role seriously.

      •  Electing (none / 0)

        our UN rep might also have a demonstration effect on other countries, showing them what democracy is all about.

        But you'll never get it past the Republicans. It would smack too much of the "United World Federalists" for their tastes.

      •  I would tend to agree with you (none / 1)

        that such a representative should be elected, but judging by how things have been going for the past 5 or so years, I'm not so sure even that would be any guarantee of credibility, legitimacy and support among Americans (and the world).

        I mean, look what kind of president the U.S. citizens voted in for themselves -- and twice, at that! Incompetence, ignorance, and boorishness seem to be winning traits lately.

        "Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain

        by Donna in Rome on Thu Apr 21, 2005 at 02:31:47 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  Super Super Super impressed (4.00 / 3)

      Senator Boxer, you ROCK.  I am so proud to be from California and able to vote for you, and support you without fear of being an "outside influence!"

      I also love the letter you sent to Condi Rice.  I hope you made sure a copy was sent straight to Vilnius so she doesn't miss it under all the PDBs she needs to explain to W.

    •  Count me as proud too... (3.66 / 3)

      Senator Sarbanes is my senator, and so I will write him separately to thank him as well.  But I had to post here to say that I may never have been so proud of a group of Democratic senators.  I owe you all a debt of gratitude for your principled fight on behalf of all Americans.  I will not forget.  For the first time in my life I am inspired to donate funds not only to a national party, or Democrats within my  state, but to principled senators such as you and your colleagues on this committee.  Sending flowers on Valentine's Day felt good, but this will feel even better!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

      (Sadly, in Kathmandu no longer.)

      by American in Kathmandu on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 10:49:05 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Strategy (4.00 / 3)

      Please write and/or call Senators Hagel, Chafee and Voinovich and ask them to vote their conscience on the Bolton nomination - please also thank Voinovich and Hagel for doing the right thing by asking to hear the facts.

      This is important, because if independent minded Republicans can stand up against the White House on principal with no backlash they will be encouraged to do it again.

      This all started with the Rice nomination when Senator Boxer took the lead and confronted the establishment almost by herself then after there was no serious backlash other Democrats followed her lead.

      This stand on principle continued with the Gonzalez nomination when the Democratic caucus stood almost completely united and many principled Republicans came very close to breaking ranks on Gonzalez.

      Now we are at the Bolton hearings and initially two Republicans (Hagel and Chafee) threatened to break ranks, but presumably were threatened, however Voinovich stuck his neck out and did the right thing.

      It is important to know that the dam has a crack and the Republicans will try to fix the crack by attacking Voinovich to show other Republicans that there is a price to pay for breaking ranks. However, if there is no price to pay the dam will break and other principled Republicans will start to stand up for their principles.

      Therefore, we all must support Voinovich and express our support for his independent minded position on this issue. We must support other independent minded Republicans as well.

      If you are from Ohio or have ANY connection to Ohio, please tell Senator Voinovich how you feel. In addition, please tell Senators Hagel and Chafee how you feel. I would also suggest contacting Senator Sanunu as well - I think he can be turned around also.

      This battle is a prelude to the "nuclear war" that will take place in the near future. The same Republican Senators that would vote against Bolton are the same Senators that would vote to uphold tradition and the filibuster.

      You are in the eye of the storm, however if you continue to fight and weather this storm there is a rainbow and a pot of gold waiting for you on the other side of the mountain. If you lead and participate in this fight the reward will be all the sweeter.

      http://www.senate.gov/~foreign/about.html

      Voinovich (202) 224-3353
      Hagel (202) 224-4224
      Chafee (202) 224-2921
      Sununu (202) 224-2841

      Honor bound to defend freedom. Freedom is long-standing army regulations.

      by RichardG on Thu Apr 21, 2005 at 07:15:59 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  I also write (none / 0)

      to thank you Senator Boxer for all that you do on behalf of the American people, the Constitution, liberty.

      (voting!)

      Pain is a part of life. Misery is a choice.

      by smartcookienyc on Thu Apr 21, 2005 at 08:38:59 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank You! (4.00 / 6)

    Thanks for your service.
  •  We are on it, Senator (3.88 / 9)

    Congratulations and thank you for the fabulous showing that you and Biden and the Democrats gave us yesterday!  We love you guys.

    Already signed your petition.

    You give us great hope for a future that will not dismantle and destroy our constitution and our nation.

    Shirl

  •  Thanks, Senator! (4.00 / 7)

    You're truly amazing! Those freepers are so frightened by your courage and conviction.
  •  Proud (4.00 / 9)

    Watching the video of the hearing yesterday made me proud to be Democrat.  Thank you Senator Boxer and the rest of the committee Democrats for fighting to preserve the integrity of our government.

    Latino Político | "We are condemned to kill time, thus we die bit by bit." - Octavio Paz

    by Man Eegee on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:29:06 PM PDT

  •  He has failed us (3.75 / 4)

    "Clearly, with the nomination of John Bolton, George Bush has failed us. America deserves so much better from our United Nations Ambassador"

    Alot more than just this lunatic nomination.

  •  Watching you and your colleauges yesterday was... (4.00 / 6)

    ...exhilarating! Thank you, thank you for your tenacity. Heard you on Ed Shultz today also, don't stop!
  •  Senator Boxer - thank you for standing up (3.83 / 6)

    to these bullies.  I was furious when Lugar kept trying to shut down debate because "it was done 18 years ago."  You did an excellent job standing up for the right thing.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    My new bumper sticker: Cheney-Satan '08

    by adigal on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:31:09 PM PDT

  •  I sent this suggested message (3.80 / 5)

    to the President.  I think that YOU are the true diplomat when you say about Bolton:  "This is a man who doesn't get along well with others." Or as they put it on preschool report cards:  "does not play well with others." I really appreciate all that you are doing on this issue and on other issues in front of the Senate

    "Reality has a well-known liberal bias." Stephen Colbert

    by Time Waits for no Woman on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:31:14 PM PDT

  •  You are a true patriot (3.87 / 8)

    I'm so relieved to have someone in the Senate whom I genuinely feel has the best interests of this country at heart.

    It's icing on the cake that you're MY Senator.

    •  So proud that you're my senator! (none / 0)

      I'd like to add my support as another proud
      Californian (zip: 95442) ... how proud I am to have you and Rep. Woolsey standing up for what is right!

      You're supported by more people than you know at my school (Boalt), please keep up the GREAT work!

  •  Another proud Californian (3.85 / 7)

    You've stuck yourself squarely in the focus of the VRWC.  No doubt the heat is getting directed at you pretty fiercely these days.  Know that we are VERY proud of you, and that you have our support and admiration.  Thank you, Senator.

    If conservatives had had their way we'd still be an English colony.

    by baba durag on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:33:08 PM PDT

  •  Thank you (3.85 / 7)

    The passion showed yesterday by you and your fellow senators was moving and inspiring. It has given me a renewed faith in the political process.  Truly awe-inspiring.  
  •  So proud to be from NorCal! (3.83 / 6)

    Thank you Barbara... Contra Costa loves you.

    Your thoughtful, couragous actions to protect our great country from itself are and forever will be appreciated... and well remembered.

    My candle burns at both ends It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - It gives a lovely light! - Edna St. Vincent Millay

    by SteveK on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:33:46 PM PDT

  •  In all honesty Senator Boxer (3.91 / 12)

    I don't think the President listens to anyone except those he has handpicked to be in his presence.

    I'll send the email, but I doubt it will have any effect.

    However, let me just say that you and your colleagues on the Committee yesterday made me proud of our country -- proud that we still had someone who believe our democracy is worth fighting for against these fascist assaults from the Right.  You have my support for that alone.

    "I just had the basic view of the American public -- it can't be that bad out there." Marine Travis Williams after 11 members of his squad were killed.

    by Steven D on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:34:45 PM PDT

  •  Great job yesterday. (4.00 / 15)

    I was intrigued by the difference in styles between you and your male colleagues. Softer, certainly -- but not timid or girly. The whole "more flies with honey" thing in action. Sen. Kerry was also similarly set apart by his calm assertions.

    Fascinating and passionate hearing; thank you and the other Democrats AND Sen. Voinovich for biting into the attempted railroading and not letting go until you won.

  •  thank you thank you thank you!!! (4.00 / 3)

    Keep up the good work, and good luck, too. You guys will probably need it. Who  knows who they'll nominate next? Attila the Hun?!
  •  Thank you, Senator! (4.00 / 3)

    I've been able to vote for you in all your Senate races, and I've never cast a vote I've been happier with. Keep up the good work!
  •  We're Proud of You Ms. Boxer (4.00 / 6)

    I'm not going anywhere. I'm standing up, which is how one speaks in opposition in a civilized world. - Ainsley Hayes

    by jillian on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:38:54 PM PDT

  •  Thanks Senator Boxer (4.00 / 2)

    This NorCal voter appreciates what you and the other Dem Committee members did. I watched with fascination as the group of you switched off the attack lead with one another during the meeting. Important work.
  •  I heart Barbara Boxer... (4.00 / 3)

    Too bad she's a happily married woman.

    What's that? You say my fiance is standing behind me, watching me type? I'll see you guys later... Much later.

  •  thanks from SoCal (none / 1)

    I was glued to cspan yesterday- all of you were amazing. I'm so proud of my Boxer votes- I want a tshirt that says "she's my senator!"
  •  Thank You Senator Boxer (4.00 / 4)

    I am so glad you are my senator.  Not only do you represent my values, you are responsive and communicative about what is going on.  For the first time, I feel that I actually am being represented in my government.  I signed the petition and sent a letter.

    It was facinating to watch the meeting on Tuesday and follow along with the comments here.  

    Does anyone know what the little note passed to Senator Lugar said to which he responded something like " there appears to be a lot of people watching this" ?

    •  Like? (none / 0)

      Like Lugar's people he's suppose to be representing back in Indiana?  I called his office and complained about his behavior.  I used the word "ashamed" a few times.  Nunn-Lugar seems like his only good deed and now Bush isn't even funding it so it can work.

      DITCH MITCH-Republican "Bush Buddy" Governor of Indiana

      by libnewsie on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:46:29 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  in dailykosworld (3.97 / 38)

    Barbara Boxer is everyone's senator.

    Rome wasn't burnt in a day.

    by Miss Devore on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:40:34 PM PDT

  •  strength (3.90 / 10)

    Dear Senator Boxer,

    The fortitude you've displayed, from the Electoral College challenge right up through the Bolton hearings, has been a wonder to observe.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

    You (and we) must maintain the pressure on the Bush malAdministration, must continue to stand up for real American values.  If we're to believe polls and (some) pundits, your actions and efforts are beginning to pay off.  Soon, I hope, the squeeze on Tom DeLay will bring him down; soon, I hope, Bill Frist will either withdraw or lose his attack on the Senate rules.  And the worm will, I hope, continue to turn as our fellow citizens finally come to see the real goals of Bush and his cronies.

    One more thing -- as we head into the holiday season of redemption through fortitude and sacrifice,

                                 Happy Pesach

    to you and your family.

    The way to win is not to move to the right wing; the way to win is to move to the right policy. -- Nameless Soldier

    by N in Seattle on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:41:18 PM PDT

  •  Thank you! (4.00 / 7)

    Thank you, Senator Boxer, for being a rare, clear and courageous progressive voice in the Senate - for everything from your eloquent opposition to John Bolton to your recent success in getting the Senate to overturn the Global Gag Rule. I signed your petition, and will continue to support you in this fight to stop Bolton, and to bring real progressive values back into our government.

    Thank you!

    Show Bush and Congress that you stand with Cindy: www.standwithcindy.com

    by peacecats on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:41:21 PM PDT

  •  THANK YOU SENATOR BOXER!!! (4.00 / 3)

    You continue to be an inspiration to us all!  And it was great hearing you on Randi Rhodes today!

    Isn't a centrist just someone who doesn't have the balls to be a fanatic? -- Stephen Colbert

    by Muboshgu on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:46:55 PM PDT

  •  Cool (none / 0)

    And thank you, but please, if you're going to post on DKos, don't just cut and paste mass-action email alerts -- we're in Real Time here, and we tend to be a little more tuned in than just the average guy on the DNC's email list.

    If th' meek ever do inherit th' earth some one'll git it away from 'em before they have it an hour

    by NorthStarDemocrat on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:47:57 PM PDT

  •  Thanks again, Senator Boxer (none / 1)

    You do us proud!

    Well-behaved women seldom make history - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

    jc's designs

    by jaysea on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:48:12 PM PDT

  •  Bravo for Boxer! (none / 1)

    And thanks!

    Kelly McCullough - WebMage, Cybermancy, and CodeSpell available from ACE books (Penguin)

    by KMc on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:49:38 PM PDT

  •  Dear Senator Boxer, (4.00 / 5)

    Do you find Bush's choices to be intentionally divisive, or just ideologically right-wing?  I'm finding them to be both, really. It's almost as if he wants to tear the country down and make war.  

    I think we're in some trouble here.  I've never been so appalled at my own government before, and I do remember Watergate very well. This is just insane.

    Thanks for your good, good work.  I really appreciate you.  Frankly, at this point, I appreciate any grown-up at the table.

    Margot (Ohio resident)

    War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus. - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

    by Margot on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:49:50 PM PDT

    •  I have this nagging feeling (3.80 / 5)

      that Bush's rotten apple choices for important positions are to keep us in battle mode and influence unfairly public opinion to sway his choices for judicial appointments.

      I sleep ever so slightly easier knowing our top-notch Senator Barbara Boxer is on the job.

      Bravissima!

      A society of sheep must beget in time a government of wolves. Bertrand de Jouvenel

      by Little Red Hen on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:50:06 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Until you said that (none / 1)

        About keeping us in battle mode...I hadn't really considered it, not as a part of his domestic policy, anyway.  But then, of course I had, because that's how I figured he got elected. Polls went up after 9/11.  He got voted for this time because people wanted "security" and he's the blankey.  

        But to hear it so baldly stated just threw me.

        War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus. - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

        by Margot on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 09:04:50 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you, Senator Boxer! (none / 1)

    I sleep a little easier knowing that you, and a very few of your colleagues, are fighting the good fight to save our country.

    and... a zissen Pesach!

    The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

    by sidnora on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:52:10 PM PDT

  •  Thank you so much... (3.75 / 4)

    That meeting was a sight to see...a job well done by all involved.  Please convey my appreciation to your colleagues.

    I'm thrilled that you came by.  I heard you today on two radio programs, and here you are reaching out to us.  This is exactly what we need...you're getting your (our) message out, and that's a crucial piece that's been missing for us, with, of course, a few very notable exceptions.  I hope to see you on the Sunday shows this week.

    Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

  •  Thank you (4.00 / 4)

    I signed your original petition and just signed your new one.

    As an ex-Republican, let me tell you I am so proud of what you are accomplishing.

    The Republicans have a fundamental problem with telling the truth - Howard Dean.

    by NYC Sophia on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:56:05 PM PDT

  •  I'm proud you're my Senator! (none / 1)

    You're my hero as well!

    America will never again be the land of the free... Until she again becomes the home of the brave.

    by Ducktape on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:57:00 PM PDT

  •  Done. (4.00 / 4)

    You guys kicked butt yesterday, it should have been on Pay-Per-View.
    •  Pay-per-view (4.00 / 3)

      Glad there wasn't a charge - I watched it three different times! Sen. Boxer, there's almost nothing I wouldn't sign at your behest. You make me proud to be a Democrat and a woman. Keep up the great work.

      When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. -Benjamin Franklin

      by MissAnneThrope on Thu Apr 21, 2005 at 03:57:07 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Great job on the committee (4.00 / 4)

    After the election comes the committee work. Isn't that the truth? And you make us all proud...especially we Californians.

    I've signed the petition and I know with just a little more proof...you and your minority members and a few majority members will kill this nomination.

    I can't remember when I've seen a committee full of Fighting Mad Democrats! It was a sight to see. And we wait for the next round.

    I thought there was going to be a physical committee revolt by the Democrats on the motion to close the meeting. What an amazing display of arrogance by the Chair! I can't imagine what kind of ungodly pressure he must have been under to take that action.

    My special congratulations to Senator Biden for leading the charge into fire and whose impassioned delivery was magnificent as was yours and the others.

    It was one helluva meeting, Senator.

    Just a red meat eating Democratic dawg...frontpaging at The Democratic Daily

    by BigDog04 on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:57:24 PM PDT

  •  Love you Barbara! (4.00 / 3)

    You did a great job yesterday and it was such a huge relief to see the Democrats win on something as important as this issue.

    I can't sign the petition because I'm Canadian, but I wanted you to know that your reach goes far beyond your country's borders. Once again, you displayed the courage and conviction to act in the face of a very powerful administration and you succeeded. You exemplify what the Democrats need to be - a strong voice of reason. I applaud you and your colleagues on the committee for a job very well done.

    "I have lived with several Zen masters -- all of them cats." - Eckhart Tolle

    by catnip on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 05:58:47 PM PDT

  •  damn right! (4.00 / 2)

    With a better moustache this time!
  •  Kudos (none / 1)

    It's really kind of special that we (the ordinary people) have this level of interaction with our senators, particularly the ones whom we're relying on to be our voice.  It actually makes me feel good about politicians for a change.  Thank you for that.

    Welcome to Bizarro World.

    by starkness on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:02:02 PM PDT

  •  Senator Boxer, (4.00 / 3)

    You (my current Senator), along with Sen. Sarbanes (my previous Senator), Sen Biden , Sen Dodd, Kerry and Sen Obama behaved with all the integrity, sense of justice and principle worthy of the US Senate. You showed yourselves to be strong, vigilant, honest and sympathetic leaders. You all made me proud to be a Democrat. Everyone was articulate and passionate and reasonable. Stay the course.

    The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad; For the multitude of thy iniquity, and the great hatred...

    by Tirge Caps on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:03:58 PM PDT

    •  Senator Kerry (4.00 / 2)

      I didn't mean to leave out his title. Yes, Sen Kerry was terrific, and Biden, my goodness, what treat to see passion for principles and knowledge of procedure. Unlike a certain senator from Virginia.

      The prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad; For the multitude of thy iniquity, and the great hatred...

      by Tirge Caps on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:16:16 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  You rocked me at the CA Democratic Convention (none / 1)

    I couldn't wait to get one of your T-Shirts.  I'm so happy you're my Senator.

    I signed the petition and sent it on its way.  Anything else you need from me, just ask.

  •  Dear Ms. Boxer (none / 1)

    I've scanned the comments below, watched C-Span and the CrossFire and certainly would call you a not-so-secret weapon for the Dems.  This is bigger than just the Dems vs. Repubs.  This is much bigger.  We need honesty, integrity and above all forthrightness.  No more game playing.

    Impossibility in the political world?  Maybe.  I hope not.  Opinions make the world go round, action based on truth makes it better.

    Thank you for your truths.  And next time you see Norm Coleman, please step on his foot.  Call it tough love.  He needs it.

  •  Lets stop Bolton from abusing anyone else (4.00 / 2)

    at the UN, or for that matter anywhere else in US government.

    If he wants to abuse people at one of those neocon think tanks, that would be poetic justice.

  •  Thanks Barbara Boxer (none / 1)

    for defying the very definition of Senator (Senator = do nothing, elite, remote, out of touch, feeding from the same trough as the bad guys lying bastards). You are actually doing the job!

    Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present, controls the past. George Orwell

    by moon in the house of moe on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:07:26 PM PDT

  •  Senator (none / 1)

     My husband and I want you to know how much we appreciate the hard work you have done on all of our behalfs. Thank you, again.

    There still are two Americas. I live in the other one. John McSame wants me to stay there.

    by high uintas on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:07:27 PM PDT

  •  When My Grandchild Asks Me (4.00 / 6)

    "What do real senators do?"

    I'll say with pride, "They do what America's Senator, Barbara Boxer, does."

    More than you know, for your ethics, courage, and steadfastness America thanks you.

    They burn our children in their wars and grow rich beyond the dreams of avarice.

    by Limelite on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:08:09 PM PDT

    •  wow that brought tears to my eyes (none / 0)

      How I wish I could point to my states senators, to the president, and proudly explain to my child what they do.

      Wouldnt it be great to live in a world where public service was the norm, and cynical greed was an abberation instead of the other way round.

      I can still hope.

  •  I know! I know! Bernard Kerik! No, wait ... (4.00 / 2)

    ... Donald Rumsfeld? Otto Reich? Doug Feith. Ollie North. Dennis Miller. Michael Savage. I dunno, so many flavors, it's hard to decide.

    Seriously, my impression on second and third viewing was of a team just finding its stride on the eve of the playoffs.

    The Great Obama might saw the lady in half, but he won't make the elephant disappear. The Confluence

    by RonK Seattle on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:08:28 PM PDT

  •  It's a rare day (4.00 / 3)

    when C-Span is as riveting as the final game of the World Series.

    Thanks to you for hanging in there on this one.

  •  Thank you........ (none / 1)

    Senator Boxer, you make C-Span so enjoyable to watch.
  •  The committee did great (none / 1)

    and thank Chafee, Hagel, and especially Voinivich for their willingness to delay the vote.

    I was watching it online, and some of Lugar's behavior, especially during the vote to close the session early on, reeked of heavyhandedness.  I think you yourself mentioned that it might be the committee rules.

    I'm proud of all the democrats on the committee for standing up for whats right.

  •  TY :X (none / 1)

    We are powerless to act in cases of oral-genital intimacy unless it obstructs interstate commerce. - J. Edgar Hoover

    by tiponeill on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:17:16 PM PDT

  •  Care to move to NC Sen. Boxer? (4.00 / 2)

    We could use a good Senator way over here :)  I've already offered to trade both of ours for one of you!

    Hey hey, ho ho, irresponsible corporatism and social intolerance have got to go! Hey hey, ho ho!

    by kfractal on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:18:35 PM PDT

  •  Here's a list of potential replacements (4.00 / 5)

    Ronald Reagan's Cabinet

            "By the end of his term, 138 Reagan administration officials had been convicted, had been indicted, or had been the subject of official investigations for official misconduct and/or criminal violations.  In terms of number of officials involved, the record of his administration was the worst ever."

    • Lyn Nofziger--Convicted on charges of illegal lobbying of White House in Wedtech scandal.

    • Michael Deaver received three years' probation and was fined one hundred thousand dollars after being convicted for lying to a congressional subcommittee and a federal grand jury about his lobbying activities after leaving the White House. . .

    • E. Bob Wallach, close friend and law classmate of Atty General Edwin Meese, was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $250,000 in connection with the Wedtech influence-peddling scandal.

            Then there was:.
    • James Watt, Reagan's Secretary of the Interior was indicted on 41 felony counts for using connections at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help his private clients seek federal funds for housing projects in Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Watt conceded that he had received $500,000 from clients who were granted very favorable housing contracts after he had intervened on their behalf.  In testifying before a House committee Watt said: "That's what they offered and it sounded like a lot of money to me, and we settled on it." Watt was eventually sentenced to five years in prison and 500 hours of community service.

    • The Iran-Contra scandal. In June, 1984, at a National Security Council meeting, CIA Director Casey urged President Reagan to seek third-party aid for the Nicaraguan contras.  Secretary of State Schultz warned that it would be an "impeachable offense" if the U.S. government acted as conduit for such secret funding.  But that didn't stop them.  That same day, Oliver North was seeking third-party aid for the contras.  But Reagan, the "teflon President" avoided serious charges or impeachment. . .

    • Oliver North--Convicted of falsifying and destroying documents, accepting an illegal gratuity, and aiding and abetting the obstruction of Congress.  Conviction overturned on appeal due to legal technicalities. . .

    • John Poindexter, Reagan's national security advisor, --guilty of five criminal counts involving conspiracy to mislead Congress, obstructing congressional inquiries, lying to lawmakers, used "high national security" to mask deceit and wrong-doing. . .

    • Richard Secord pleaded guilty to a felony charge of lying to Congress over Iran-Contra. . .

    • Casper Weinberger was Secretary of Defense during Iran-Contra.  In June 1992 he was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of concealing from congressional investigators and prosecutors thousands of pages of his handwritten notes.  The personal memoirs taken during high level meetings, detailed events in 1985 and 1986 involving the Iran-Contra affair.  Weinberger claimed he was being unfairly prosecuted because he would not provide information incriminating Ronald Reagan.  Weinberger was scheduled to go on trial January 5, 1993, where the contents of his notes would have come to light and may have implicated other, unindicted conspirators.  While Weinberger was never directly linked to the covert operations phase of the Iran-Contra affair, he is believed to have been involved in the cover-up of the ensuing scandal. According to Special Prosecutor Lawrence Walsh, Weinberger's notes contain evidence of a conspiracy among the highest ranking Reagan Administration officials to lie to congress and the American public.  Some of the notes are believed to have evidence against then Vice-President George Bush who pardoned Weinberger to keep him from going to trial. . .

    • Elliott Abrams was appointed by President Reagan in 1985 to head the State Department's Latin American Bureau.  He was closely linked with ex-White House aide Lt. Col. Oliver North's covert movement to aid the Contras.  Working for North, Abrams coordinated inter-agency support for the contras and helped solicit illegal funding from foreign powers as well as domestic contributors.  Abrams agreed to cooperate with Iran-Contra investigators and pled guilty to two charges reduced to misdemeanors.  He was sentenced in 1991 to two years probation and 100 hours of community service but was pardoned by President George Bush. . .

    • Robert C. McFarlane was appointed Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor in October 1983 and become well-known as a champion of the MX missile program in his role as White House liaison to congress.  In 1984, Mc Farlane initiated the review of U.S. policy towards Iran that led directly to the arms for hostages deal.  He also supervised early National Security Council efforts to support the Contras. Shortly after the Iran-Contra scandal was revealed in early 1987, McFarlane took an overdose of the tranquilizer Valium in an attempt to end his life.  In his own words: "What really drove me to despair was a sense of having failed the country." McFarlane pled guilty to four misdemeanors and was sentenced to two years probation and 200 hours of community service.  He was also fined $20,000.  He received a blanket pardon from President George Bush. . .

    • Alan D. Fiers was the Chief of the Central Intelligence Agency's Central American Task Force. Fiers pled guilty in 1991 to two counts of withholding information from congress about Oliver North's activities and the diversion of Iran arms sale money to aid the Contras.  He was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service.  Fiers agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for having his felonies reduced to misdemeanors and his testimony gave a boost to the long standing criminal investigation of Lawrence Walsh, Special Prosecutor.  Fiers testified that he and three CIA colleagues knew by mid-1986 that profits from the TOW and HAWK missile sales to Iran were being diverted to the Contras months before it became public knowledge.  Alan Fiers received a blanket pardon for his crimes from President Bush. . .

    • Clair George was Chief of the CIA's Division of Covert Operations under President Reagan.  In August 1992 a hung jury led U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth to declare a mistrial in the case of Clair George who was accused of concealing from Congress his knowledge of the Iran-Contra affair.  George had been named by Alan Fiers when Fiers turned state's evidence for Lawrence Walsh's investigation. In a second trial on charges of perjury, false statements and obstruction of justice, George was convicted of lying to two congressional committees in 1986.  George faced a maximum five year federal prison sentence and a $20,000 fine for each of the two convictions.  Jurors cleared George of five other charges including two counts of lying to a federal grand jury.  Those charges would have carried a mandatory 10 months in prison upon conviction.  Clair George received a blanket pardon for his crimes from President George Bush. . .

    • Duane R. (Dewey) Clarridge was head of the CIA's Western European Division under President Reagan.  He was indicted on November 29, 1991 for lying to congress and to the Tower Commission that investigated Iran- Contra.  Clarridge was charged with five counts of perjury and two counts of making false statements for covering up his knowledge of a November 25, 1985 shipment of HAWK missiles to Iran. Clarridge was also suspected of diverting to the Contras weapons that were originally intended for the Afghan mujahaddeen guerrillas.  Clarridge received a blanket pardon for his crimes on Christmas Eve 1992 from President George Bush. . .

    • Environmental Protection Agency's favoritism toward polluters.  Assistant administrator unduly influenced by chemical industry lobbyists.  Another administrator resigned after pressuring employees to tone down a critical report on a chemical company accused of illegal pollution in Michigan.  The deputy chief of federal activities was accused of compiling an interagency "hit" or "enemies" list, like those kept in the Nixon Watergate period, singling out career employees to be hired, fired or promoted according to political beliefs. . .

    • Anne Gorscuh Burford resigned amid accusations she politically manipulated the Superfund money. . .

    • Rita Lavelle was fired after accusing a senior EPA official of "systematically alienating the business community." She was later indicted, tried and convicted of lying to Congress and served three months of a six-month prison sentence.  After an extensive investigation, in August 1984, a House of Representatives subcommittee concluded that top-level EPA appointees by Reagan for three years "violated their public trust by disregarding the public health and the environment, manipulating the Superfund program for political purposes, engaging in unethical conduct and participating in other abuses.".

    • Neglected nuclear safety. A critical situation involving nuclear safety had been allowed to develop during the Reagan era.  Immense sums, estimated at 200 billion or more, would be required in the 1990s to replace and make safe America's neglected, aging, deteriorating, and dangerous nuclear facilities. . .

    • Savings & Loan Bail-out. Hundreds of billions of dollars were needed to bail out savings and loan institutions that either had failed during the deregulation frenzy of the eighties or were in danger of bankruptcy. . .

    • Reckless airline deregulation. Deregulation of airline industry took too broad a sweep, endangering public safety.

            Additionally:
    • Richard Allen, National Security adviser resigned amid controversy over an honorarium he received for arranging an interview with Nancy Reagan. . .

    • Richard Beggs, chief administrator at NASA was indicted for defrauding the government while an executive at General Dynamics. . .

    • Guy Flake, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, resigned after allegations of a conflict of interest in contract negotiations. . .

    • Louis Glutfrida, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency resigned amid allegations of misuses of government property. . .

    • Edwin Gray, Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank was charged with illegally repaying himself and his wife $26,000 in travel costs. . .

    • Max Hugel, CIA chief of covert operations who resigned after allegations of fraudulent financial dealings. . .

    • Carlos Campbell, Assistant Secretary of Commerce resigned over charges of awarding federal grants to his personal friends' firms. . .

    • Raymond Donovan, Secretary of Labor indicted for defrauding the New York City Transit Authority of $7.4. million.
    { Republicans will point out that Donovan was acquitted.  And that really matters in Donovan's case, because he was a Republican.  But it didn't matter for Clinton or any of his cabinet, most all of whom were acquitted, because THEY were Democrats!} * John Fedders, chief of enforcement for the Securities and Exchange Commission resigned over charges of beating his wife. . .

    • Arthur Hayes, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration resigned over illegal travel reimbursements. . .

    • J. Lynn Helms, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration resigned over a grand jury investigation of illegal business activities. . .

    • Marjory Mecklenburg, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources resigned over irregularities on her travel vouchers. . .

    • Robert Nimmo, head of the Veterans Administration resigned when a report criticized him for improper use of government funds. . .

    • J. William Petro, U.S. Attorney fired and fined for tipping off an acquaintance about a forthcoming Grand Jury investigation. . .

    • Thomas C. Reed, White House counselor and National Security Council adviser resigned and paid a $427,000 fine for stock market insider trading. . .

    • Emanuel Savas, Assistant Secretary of HUD resigned over assigning staff members to work on government time on a book that guilty to expense account fraud and accepting kickbacks on government contracts. . .

    • Charles Wick, Director of the U.S. Information Agency investigated for taping conversations with public officials without their approval.
  •  good going (none / 1)

    i used to wish i lived in california for the weather...with you i have 2 reasons! well maybe i'm back to one...the weather in jersey has been nice the last few days.

    What's the difference between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War? George W. Bush had a plan to get out of the Vietnam War.

    by hazydan on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:28:28 PM PDT

  •  petition link (4.00 / 3)

    The petition link says "kos" in it.  Nothing wrong with it; just noticed.  So, they are tracking or counting how many signers they get from here.  Hope it's a lot.
    •  how many members of congress (4.00 / 2)

      now come on Kos and post?  I think it is great that Kos is the link between elected folk and the rest of us...without the functionaries always between.

      fact does not require fiction for balance

      by mollyd on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:40:23 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  THANK YOU (4.00 / 2)

    Hi Senator - Thanks for all that you do. You make us all very proud. We love you here in New York. You are our second favorite senator behind Hillary!

    We're all Hussein Now

    by HarlemUSA on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:33:46 PM PDT

  •  This is a man (none / 1)

    whose relationship to alcohol deserves serious consideration, given his alleged patterns of behavior.
    •  I'd like to know (none / 0)

      If he's being treated by a psychiatrist. And if not, WHY not.  Kidding...I don't want to know.  
      He sure is a candidate for treatment, in my opinion.

      War is not an adventure. It is a disease. It is like typhus. - Antoine De Saint-Exupery

      by Margot on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 09:23:48 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Frankly, I think we owe it to him. (none / 0)

        He has repeatedly been placed in a situation beyond his competence and intellectual ability to cope, misinstructed upon the dire necessity of success (those X psy experiments)and told that the means justify the ends. It has driven him insane.
      •  Thank you for stimulating a further idea (none / 0)

        for consideration: Now that he is out-out-out and has become Known for what he is, how do you think he will behave in the next few weeks? Dangerously? Maybe men in white coats ought to take an undisguised interest in how he manages to extricate himself from the hugely publicised defeat he has bought upon himself.

        Judgement? He could have refused the nomination.

  •  Thanks Senator (4.00 / 3)

    You are a source of strength for those of us who recognize how far this country has already gone down the wrong path.  PLEASE have a chat with your colleague Ken Salazar and share with him some of your insights.  We Coloradans need someone more like you representing our interests.  
  •  Keep up the good work... (4.00 / 3)

    I also want to send thanks to John Kerry for his brilliance during the hearing. Very impressive.
  •  yeah (4.00 / 2)

    everything thats been said times 1000 thank you b,b,
  •  Thank you, Senator & Staff (4.00 / 2)

    I've signed the petition.  

    Keep fighting the good fight!  

    Small varmints, if you will.

    by 2lucky on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:43:35 PM PDT

  •  Senator Boxer, (4.00 / 2)

    It's been said a thousand times already, but you deserve every bit of it: THANK YOU.

    You and your Democratic colleagues absolutely kicked ass yesterday.  I have never in my life enjoyed watching C-Span2 as much as I did yesterday.  In fact, I watched the re-run of the hearing later on!  I must admit, I too thought that Lugar would steamroll over the Democrats, but you and your colleagues made such passionate and brilliant arguments that you managed to convince one of the Republicans to speak up (which prompted others to do so as well).

    I think it is safe to say that yesterday was the first real 'win' for the Democrats this year, and it is absolutely because of your (and the other Dems') amazing work.

    It really can't be said enough times.  Thank you, Senator!

  •  Dear Senator Boxer, (4.00 / 4)

    I just wrote a letter to you and all the other Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee thanking you all for insisting on carrying through the investigation on John Bolton properly. (I am going to write a letter to the Republican members in a few minutes.)

    Because each of you spoke passionately and authentically about your reservations toward John Bolton, a few people on the Republican side of the committee are having pangs of conscience.

    I first heard those dramatic and pivotal minutes in the hearing on Randi Rhodes' show while I was driving home yesterday. I then watched a repeat of the proceedings on CSPAN.

    I was teary-eyed listening to each of you speak so eloquently as you stood up to other side and you voiced what all of us are feeling so strongly.

    Please continue to stand up for the right principles. Please tell your colleagues how we feel and how strongly we feel it!

    Corporate Media: Republicans are their base.

    by lecsmith on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:48:03 PM PDT

  •  wow...a chance to say (4.00 / 2)

    thank you!  

    And not merely for the principle of the thing, which is huge...but for some pretty riveting C-SPAN. :)

    Amazing.

  •  With pleasure (4.00 / 5)

    Just sent the message.

    I added that

    "Almost 45 years ago Soviet Union became the laughing stock of the world when Khruschev banged his shoe on the table at the UN. Given your current nominee's temper, I ask you to please nominate someone else before America becomes the new laughing stock of the world due to John Bolton's conduct."

    Thank you, Senator, for being a huge part of a real opposition party.

    And it's nice to see something good come out of Ohio lately.
     

  •  We force them to disclose their own methods (4.00 / 3)

    From the only NRO article on "DeLayed" Bolton:
    The strategy adopted by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats is an obvious one: Obscure the true character of what is a rankly partisan attack on Mr. Bolton - one that is motivated by profound policy differences with this president over the nature of the U.N. today, its appropriate role in international affairs and, most especially, the degree to which the United States must defer to the anti-democratic "world body" in matters bearing on American security and other vital interests.
    The Democrats' campaign against Bolton compels one to ask: Are senators really prepared to make displays of anger from time to time, whether directed at subordinates or others, a disqualifier for high public office? After all, several of Bolton's most strident critics have notoriously ugly tempers. For example, John Kerry's quest for the presidency last Fall was marked by repeated allegations of his contemptuous, abusive, and high-handed treatment of campaign staff, Secret Service personnel, journalists and even ordinary citizens. Democratic members of the Foreign Relations Committee have been known to dress down staffers in open hearings for their perceived failings. And a hardy perennial of the Clinton White House years were tales of now-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's penchant for throwing lamps and the like in the Residence.

    It's so easy, isn't it? Obscure the right character of the opponent (Kerry, Gore, etc) by lunatic attacks, and obscure your own bad character by projecting it onto the opponent... Now they came up with "lamp throwing" or what... It's kind of good that they are forced to raise their lunacy level.
  •  Us Native Californians.... (4.00 / 2)

    ...are loving the job you are doing, Ms. Boxer!

    We are so proud of the job you did yesterday!!  I called both your office and Senator Biden's office to let you know that we are behind you 100%

    Keep up the good work - we are proud of our wonderful state and you are one of the reasons why!

    The 7 Commandments are abridged for the last time, simply reading, "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others."

    by califdweller on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 06:58:38 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, Senator (4.00 / 4)

    but no matter who gets the nomination, please, please, please, keep us out of Iran.
  •  my thanks as well (4.00 / 2)

    just a thought.

    before this diary becomes massively unwieldy with, i don't know, 500 people saying "thanks"

    i guess  sure senator boxer is aware of our thanks, can anyone think of a way to stop that, simply get everyone to recommend it and allow this diary to stay reasonably small and allow that many more people to access it and get to the petition, which after all, is the point.

    i lose count of the number of times i read about people having trouble accessing/reading huge diaries.

    it started happening yesterday with catnips first diary covering the hearings.

    anyone??

    Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. - Edmund Burke

    by ukrich on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 07:00:03 PM PDT

  •  BARBARA, YOU ROCK! (4.00 / 3)

    It's people like you who make me proud to be a Democrat!  Keep up the good work!

    Swing State Project: A sexy, sassy look at the 2008 elections. Get a four-digit UID while you still can!

    by HellofaSandwich on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 07:06:25 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, Senator Boxer. n/t (none / 0)