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88 Representatives Want Answers on Leaked Memo

by Congressman John Conyers

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Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:39:47 AM PST

Several days ago, I wrote to tell you about a letter I was circulating to the President demanding answers about revelations contained in a leaked British government memo. DailyKos readers, along with the Progressive Democrats of America, placed hundreds of calls to House of Representatives offices asking Members of Congress to sign on to the letter. The results are remarkable (especially given the short turnaround on the letter): as first reported on the Stephanie Miller show, 88 Members have signed the letter.

There would have been many more had there been more time. Every single Member of Congress I personally asked to sign the letter, signed it. You can find the letter here and the press release about it here.

In the meantime, the mainstream media is slowly waking up about the leaked memo. Knight Ridder, which has led a stampede in the past on other Iraq stories, once again has a thorough story on it today. I am hopeful that a letter on this, signed by 88 Members of Congress will lead other outlets to cover this very important story.

This is simply not the usual day-to-day partisan back and forth. To me, this disclosure raises the most serious constitutional questions.

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Permalink | 247 comments

  •  Wow! Thank you for your (4.00 / 18)

    continued efforts to hold the Bush administration accountable for their actions preceeding the war.

    I am an atheist. Please don't hate me for my freedom.

    by kd texan on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:40:59 AM PST

    •  ditto! (4.00 / 3)

      thank you, Rep. Conyers, for holding them accountable, however a question:

      What's the realistic possibility that enough Republican Congressman will demand some accountability from George Bush?

      i ask this b/c i don't see Congress moving any other way.

      i do see the political advantage of keeping the pressure on him as well as the moral necessity of doing so.

      HOWEVER, the only way Dumbya answers is if enough in his party will make him do so.

      Texas Kaos Take Back Texas

      Bush, What Price Did You Pay?

      by krazypuppy on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:08:41 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  after the 2006 elections.... (4.00 / 4)

        will the buzzwords be war crimes or impeachment?

        They should have started a long time ago.  Who will be the last soldier to die for a lie?

        Republicans===the party of the 1% rich people in America. Or in other words..The Party of NO!

        by jalapeno on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:34:45 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

        •  excellent question (4.00 / 3)

          i think kerry didn't utilize that 70's era speech enough.  it was such a good one.

          it's such a sharp question.  completely personalizes it so that it's not some monolithic army but a human being.

          i think we need to keep asking that question over & over & over & over again & keep repeating it in the media so that it becomes part of the american psyche.

          Texas Kaos Take Back Texas

          Bush, What Price Did You Pay?

          by krazypuppy on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:38:22 AM PST

          [ Parent ]

          •  I'd add (4.00 / 4)

            Lies and Torture.

            I think that we had better tie the whole republican party to this.  Remember if they don't investigate then they are responsable for withholding the truth.

            The memo is British and it is legit, how did a foreign nation know 9 months before the American People that we were going to war.  How did we know we were going to way before The faulty intelligence was complete.

            Canadian amazed by and addicted to US politics.

            by Mikecan1978 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:42:42 AM PST

            [ Parent ]

        •  Impeachment is the only answer! (none / 0)

          When Bush and his cronies refused to sign onto anything which would allow a US soldier to be tried for war crimes, I knew it was going to be ugly.  Guys who think the Geneva Conventions are quaint and who resist any laws as fetters to their ambition have to be brought up short before the entire world burns.  

          Do we need an illegitimate warlord as President?  

          Where will his ambition end?  

          Will he decide to start another war and declare emergency powers in order to maintain his hold on the Oval Office and all those shiny buttons?

          The man who wanted to be dictator, now is.

          If lying about a blowjob or back-dated deeds and burglary are grounds for impeachment, surely lying this country into an unnecessary invasion and non-stop occupation needs to be addressed by Congress!  If Bush wanted to make Iraq our next colony, he could have been open about the need to do so.  Instead he dragged many good people down that dirty road of lies and deception and bribery and excuses.

          What will it take to impeach him?

          How much evidence is necessary?

          Carolly

          by hauksdottir on Fri May 13, 2005 at 01:05:56 AM PST

          [ Parent ]

  •  Rep. Conyers, you rock. (4.00 / 16)

    we might not get impeachment proceedings out of today's Congress, but we can start the ball rolling to take back Congress and apply some of the "personal responsibility" candidate George W. Bush claimed when he first ran for President...

    I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's. - Mark Twain

    by route66 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:44:47 AM PST

  •  thank you (4.00 / 7)

    congressman conyers. i applaud your efforts to demand answers about these troubling and vitally important revelations. 88 members signing the letter is great, but don't settle. at a minimum this letter should be signed by the entire democratic caucus.

    thanks again.

    "after the Rapture, we get all their shit"

    It's time: the albany project.

    by lipris on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:44:51 AM PST

  •  I'm glad to see (4.00 / 3)

    my rep Tammy Baldwin's name on there (not that I would have doubted she would sign such a thing if asked)!

    by Elizabeth D on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:48:26 AM PST

  •  Thank you, Rep. Conyers (4.00 / 6)

    and recommended.

    Do you have a typed list of those who have signed to date, so that we know which of our own members of Congress to call, asking them to sign as well?

    If your staff could put something like that together, it would be helpful, so that we could refer to signers and non-signers in writing letters to various editors.

    If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.--A Boston cabbie, to Gloria Steinem, in the 1970s

    by Mnemosyne on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:48:55 AM PST

    •  That Would Be Nice (none / 1)

      Is my Rep. David Price on the list?  If not I will ask him why not.

      - The Public Option is a slippery slope to Medicare for all.

      by NCJim on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:29:22 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  And since everybody you personally asked (4.00 / 2)

      to sign, signed, why not ask some more people??

      by renaissance grrrl on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:35:37 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  in this case, time is of the essence (4.00 / 16)

        On Thursday, the House went out of session and my colleagues went back to their districts.  Most are not scheduled to return until late Tuesday.  My assessment that we needed to send the letter to the President and to the media before too much time went by.

        by Congressman John Conyers on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:21:36 PM PST

        [ Parent ]

        •  Thank you AGAIN! (none / 1)

          and for the clarification regarding members that weren't available to sign in time. I agree that it's important to get this show on the road.

          ..Got to admit it's getting better...A little better all the time. ~ Beatles

          by Terre on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:47:16 PM PST

          [ Parent ]

        •  I can hardly wait (4.00 / 2)

          till John Conyers is confirmed as Chief Justice of  the SCOTUS.

          I'm importing this salute to you from yesterday's Cheer & Jeers!

          Cheers! To Congressman John Conyers, for being a bulldog with 3 bones & a shin!

          Don't let up, Congressman.  We're counting on you out here in the real world.

          The currents of the mind, in the shape of a heart... citisven

          by x on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:33:53 PM PST

          [ Parent ]

        •  Hi Congressman (none / 1)

          Ok, That makes sense, nevertheless, I faxed a 5 page letter to Congresswoman Pelosi, and asked her to sign it.

          So she may approach you.

          Thanks for the update!

          by Hummingbird on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:01:34 PM PST

          [ Parent ]

        •  Thanks! I wasn't really expecting (none / 1)

          a reply to that.  Was almost kidding.  But I'm glad to know that you think there might potentially be even more interest.  Can one get this letter out, then update it with more signatures later as that becomes possible?  What a wonderful gathering threat.

          by renaissance grrrl on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:19:46 PM PST

          [ Parent ]

        •  I'm proud of you... (none / 0)

          ... it's really great to live in a Congressional district where you know that your Congressman cares, is on the ball and isn't afraid to stand up to the powerful when it's warranted.

          I'm proud that you're my Congressman, Mr. Conyers.

          "Unseen, in the background, Fate was quietly slipping the lead into the boxing glove." P.G. Wodehouse

          by gsbadj on Sat May 07, 2005 at 01:59:29 AM PST

          [ Parent ]

  •  Fantastic News Representative Conyers (4.00 / 3)

    Thank you so much for your fight to ensure accountability for the Bush Administration.

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

    by NYC Sophia on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:48:57 AM PST

  •  Thank You Congressman Conyers (4.00 / 6)

    A significant number of Kossacks think that the Downing Street memo has strengthened considerably the grounds for the impeachment of George Bush.  

    Specifically:

    Defendant President George W. Bush does not intend to seek a Congressional declaration of war prior to launching a military invasion of Iraq.  Defendant Bush has made numerous public statements in recent weeks that, as President, he holds the power to decide whether or not this nation will wage war on Iraq.

    and:

    Bush denies he sought to go to war
    President disputes account of ex-Treasury chief on agenda for Iraq
    By RICHARD W. STEVENSON
    New York Times
    Posted: Jan. 13, 2004
    Washington - President Bush on Monday disputed a suggestion by former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill that the White House was looking for a reason to go to war with Iraq from the very beginning of his administration.
    Responding to an account provided by O'Neill in a book to be published today, "The Price of Loyalty," by Ron Suskind, Bush said he was working from his first days in office on how to implement an existing national policy of promoting a change of government in Iraq...."

    Are we spinning our wheels here, Congressman?

    See also:

    Impeachable Offences

    by Apian on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:49:18 AM PST

  •  Not quite the SCLM... (4.00 / 3)

    ...but Conason has a nice piece on this in Salon today.

    by westegg on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:49:42 AM PST

    •  yes it's good (none / 0)

      go read.

      The picture on Salon's front page of the soldier cradling a bleeding child (injured by a car bomb) is also very moving.

      by Elizabeth D on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:55:25 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  I brought the Secret Memo up on WNYC on 5/4 (none / 0)

      Followed up with this email, as it was not addressed as anything important in understanding what our government had done.  The day before I had sent in 2 emails detailing the memo, noting the NYTimes had mentioned it with no emphasis on import for the US, and begging for WNYC to break the news to their radio audience.

      The memo was mentioned on 5/3 during a discussion of the British elections, no indication anything therein was extremely pertinent to the US run-up to the invasion.

      To: BrianLehrerShow@wnyc.org
      5/4/05

      A caller brought up the British Secret Memo and your guests, IIRC, seemed to say that the comments in the memo were old news, everyone knew the plans for war had been laid with the PNAC (in the 90's), desired since the inauguration, planned for right after 9/11, and settled with Blair at the April or June '02 (?) trip to the Crawford ranch.

      Many of us opposed to the war felt the PNAC was the blueprint, that Rumsfeld had demanded Iraq invasion plans right after 9/11, etc., etc.  We felt our president was lying to us when he often said there were "no war plans on [his} desk."

      But all we had were dots to put together, some conjecture, hear-say, much second-hand information--nothing close to a smoking gun.

      The British memo seems to me to be a smoking gun--or at least an extremely hot memo.

      And it is basically ignored by the US media.

      Earlier, anti-war concerns, even concerns of people supporting invasion but wanting to do it better, were dismissed--no evidence, we were told, nothing solid enough.

      Now, the US media seem to be ignoring the memo's actual content as, what, so pre-war?  Fait accompli?  Or, as David Phillips on your show today seemed to say, everyone knew that, it's old hat.  Move along now, nothing to see here.  Move along.  Now.

      I may be overly sensitive to being lied to by my president and my government, being told I was silly to worry about a matter of blood and treasure, plus thousands of Iraqi lives.

      I believe this memo proves we were lied to by our president.

      I think it is extremely important.

      When will you cover it adequately?
      * * * * * *

      The Liberal's Lament:  Why is a lie, or actually a misleading statement, about a blue dress worthy of unending comment, analysis, even psycological conjecture--but a lie of massive implications for the country and the world easily dismissed?

      No, it's not OKIYAR

      by jawbone on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:18:30 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you.... (4.00 / 5)

    Congressman Conyers.  You are a true hero.

    That said, I cannot help but feel a bit sad that only 88 Dems signed on.  But, baby steps are better than no steps at all...

    Keep it up, we are with you.

    And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make. Lennon/McCartney

    by landrew on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:52:14 AM PST

    •  But every person he asked (4.00 / 2)

      signed. If he'd asked every one they might have all signed.

      by Elizabeth D on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:53:28 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  88 is quite good (3.75 / 4)

      Letters like this are typically circulated for weeks and do not get so many signatures.  

      This is an excellent start, believe me.

      by teddyk on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:54:51 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  Thank you, Congressman (none / 0)

      for this effort.

      I missed my own representative's signature (Obey), but feel certain that he would have signed if approached; his was the first voice raised to ask for Donald Rumsfeld's resignation last spring.

      Please keep up the drumbeat.  Call attention to the stench hanging around the Bush administration.  Make sure everyone has had a good snootful by the time the 2006 elections roll around.

      What a stench.  I smell a realignment.

      Unscrewing the inscrutable since 1965

      by rhubarb on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:25:18 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Mine, too (4.00 / 2)

        Didn't recognize Betty McCollum's name, but I did see Oberstar's.

        One pleasant surprise:  The large number of moderate/conservative Democrats that signed, like Ellen Tauscher.  I thought she was a lost cause!

        Thank you, Congressman Conyers!  (By the way:  Tell your fellow Democratic Caucus members to get off their butts and register at DailyKos!  For one thing, they'll save lots of money in stamps, because we bloggers won't have to write e-mails to them.)

        Visit http://theuptake.org/ for Minnesota news as it happens.

        by Phoenix Woman on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:07:14 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

  •  This news will help to sustain us (4.00 / 3)

    as we try to push this issue into the forefront of public debate.  We will continue to ask our representatives in DC to investigate these revelations, and soon we hope the American public will demand an investigation.  Great work Congressman!

    "Our programs are as lawful as they are valuable." -Michael Hayden

    by smintheus on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:52:19 AM PST

  •  Thanks so much (4.00 / 2)

    for being a leader in this. You're the best!

    by OyBurger on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:53:50 AM PST

  •  You'd think (4.00 / 7)

    that our MSM would have tied the leaked memo to Labour's slide in yesterday's UK election. They point to the Iraq war as the cause, but neglect to mention this bombshell, which fell days before the election.

    I guess there are still important loose ends to resolve with the runaway bride. There's only so much they can cover.

    by JoeWPgh on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:54:13 AM PST

    •  Wish the bride would run away for good... (none / 0)

      Yeah, I don't understand it.  Is the msm under the impression that we're tired of hearing about it?  I would think this is a bit more important than hearing about Jacko's latest court proceedings.  Or who Ben is dating next.  Bleah.

      "I believe in compulsory cannibalism. If people were forced to eat what they kill, there would be no more wars." - Abbie Hoffman

      by Jensequitur on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:19:40 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Corporate media (none / 0)

        loves stories like the runaway bride and jacko, because they require very little actual reporting.

        Every jackass outfit sends a few people out to stand around all day. At the end of the day, all that matters is the jackass concensus. In the meantime, they burn hours of programing, once the 'experts' are finished commentating on the reported conventional jackass wisdom.
        The MSM isn't so much liberal or conservative, as it is full of shit.

        by JoeWPgh on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:44:33 PM PST

        [ Parent ]

  •  Listening... (4.00 / 5)

    ...to Stephanie Miller it was my pleasure to hear the great Congressman call up. Now considered the Patron Saint of the Stephanie Miller Show, the Congressman detailed this letter, breaking a fine story. The question remains, will mainstream media listen?

    Thank you Congressman Conyers!

    by MichaelPH on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:55:11 AM PST

    •  another listener here (none / 1)

      Sir, I was thrilled to hear you on the radio this morning.  Thank you so much for all your hard work.  And special thanks for being so gracious about holding on during the newsbreak, in order to continue the discussion.

      by GardenGirl on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:59:37 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank you Rep. Conyers! (4.00 / 4)

    You are the hardest working man in democratic politics and we are so pleased to see your postings here on dkos. Keep up the good work, we're behind you all the way. The wheels may move slowly, but they move surely.

    People of every color, marching side to side, marching 'cross these fields where a million fascists dies - Woody Guthrie

    by JoMo DemKim on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:55:44 AM PST

  •  This is great news.... (none / 0)

    ...it gives hope to the possibility that there are at least some members of Congress with some integrity.

    If the administration does not provide sufficient answers to explain these revelations, do you plan to file articles of impeachment?

    by wdrath on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:58:03 AM PST

  •  Thank you so much (none / 1)

    ...for bringing this issue to light and for having the courage and conviction to lead the demand for answers.  I am so grateful for your service and leadership.

    Good to see my Congressman, Jim Moran, signed on.  

    Do you or PDA have a text list of those who signed somewhere?  I couldn't make out all of the signatures.

    by Maura in VA on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:00:44 AM PST

  •  This Seattle Times report is great news (4.00 / 2)

    at long last a major US newspaper is reporting on these revelations--though not nearly as thoroughly as any of us would like.  Also, very annoyingly, the article makes the same mistake that many posters on DKos have made, by calling the leaked document a 'memo'.  These are MINUTES, not a mere memo.  Please get the word out, it matters; minutes are an official record of what was said by the British officials about their discussions on the Iraqi war with Bush administration officials.

    "Our programs are as lawful as they are valuable." -Michael Hayden

    by smintheus on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:03:07 AM PST

  •  Thank You, Congressman Conyers (4.00 / 5)

    And this needs to be repeated.

    This is simply not the usual day-to-day partisan back and forth. To me, this disclosure raises the most serious constitutional questions.

    by pursewarden on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:03:21 AM PST

    •  You are my hero. (4.00 / 3)

      I sincerely thank you, Congressman Conyers. I am a National Guard Soldier serving in Iraq. I am concerned about the decisions being made by our nations' leaders and by their apparent motives. I thank you for holding these men accountable for their actions. We are depending on you.

      I hope that you are successful in defending the integrity of the US Constitution. Good luck to you Congressman, and watch your back. I'm pulling for you.

      "I am not a crook" - The Honorable Richard M. Nixon

      by tricky dick on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:40:28 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  To the Frustrated: (4.00 / 4)

    Those who think pushing this issue and mentioning impeachment is fruitless: remember that Conyers said politics is cyclical. Nixon was reelected by a huge margin in '72 and resigned a couple years later.

    Keep the faith.
    Keep a record of their misdeeds and be on the record opposing them.

    by MichaelPH on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:04:25 AM PST

    •  Conyers Was A Plaintiff In This Case (none / 1)

      Defendant President George W. Bush does not intend to seek a Congressional declaration of war prior to launching a military invasion of Iraq.  Defendant Bush has made numerous public statements in recent weeks that, as President, he holds the power to decide whether or not this nation will wage war on Iraq.

      The case is here:

      http://traprockpeace.org/ComplaintWar.doc

      by Apian on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:58:14 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  asdf (none / 0)

      the press was a lot more free back in the early '70s and they were out to get nixon. todays press is owned by the same people who pushed bush. no way bush gets impeached unless a LOT of progressive grassroots dems get elected in '06.

      Harry Mitchell is my new congressman, replacing JD Hayworth.

      by 2liberal on Sat May 07, 2005 at 09:51:47 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Let's get the ball rolling (4.00 / 3)

    Fantastic news, Rep. Conyers!

    Now, let's ask the rest of the Democrats AND Republicans in the House to sign on:

    CONTACT YOUR REP HERE

    by georgia10 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:05:45 AM PST

  •  OUTSTANDING!! (none / 0)

    I'm just so damn thrilled about this I can hardly contain myself.

    Bush must be taken to task.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, for adding this to your already full plate.

    You simply amaze me.

    ..Got to admit it's getting better...A little better all the time. ~ Beatles

    by Terre on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:06:56 AM PST

  •  Devils Advocate Post (none / 0)

    Big freaking deal.  The Bush Administration simply ignores these pleas until they blow over, and nobody is the wiser.  

    What is the President's requirement to respond to a letter signed by a group from the minority party of congress ?

    "The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind". William Blake

    by egarratt on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:08:29 AM PST

    •  Keep hammering them (none / 0)

      on each one of their indiscretions,lies and worse. Even if we are powerless to do anything now, sooner rather than later Great Leader's pedestal will come tumbling down. There is a reason his ratings have nose-dived. He is making mistakes and we are calling him on those mistakes in every available forum.

      by pursewarden on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:15:54 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Right! The more attention (none / 0)

        that is focused on the lies Shrub (and Blair) used to maneuver so many into supporting the invasion of Iraq, the more likely it will be that the American people, who are so in denial now, will start to pay attention. The consequences of this disasterous war are already starting to make a lot of people uneasy, so this is the time to inform them of just how devious Shrub was. Congressman Conyers, who got more than 80 signers in a very short period of time, is documenting and disseminating the facts and is holding Shrub accountable. Each of the signatories will contact his/her constituents and the media are being forced to start paying attention too. As Congressman Conyers observes:  

        This is simply not the usual day-to-day partisan back and forth. To me, this disclosure raises the most serious constitutional questions.

        In 2006, the Congress; in 2008, the White House; now, let's get to work, we have lots to do-and undo.

        by Nina on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:37:25 PM PST

        [ Parent ]

    •  nope (4.00 / 4)

      Not everyone who reads the newspapers even knows about the memo yet. The link in Conyers post is the first I've seen to a story that ties the memo directly to Bush rather than to Blair.  

      This is about making W. a lame duck as quickly as possible, and preventing the next Iraq war before it starts. Cynicism is not an option.  

      by markymarx on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:26:34 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  It's a black hole! (none / 0)

        I periodically go on the Democrats.org blog and even those guys are barely aware of this whole issue. And they don't seem too excited about it. I Don't Get It!!

        The Republican Party will never die until there is a new political home for racists.

        by kamarvt on Sat May 07, 2005 at 04:44:15 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

      •  Amen (none / 0)

        With 14 permanent military bases now in Iraq, and the neocons planning their next war in Iran or N. Korea, we better not let this important revelation get swept under the rug by the worthless media and the right wing hate machine.  Let's not forget the mission statement of the PNAC.  It is their mission to launch major offenses in the Middle East.  Got to control that oil!  The neocons' plans are falling into place while they destroy peace and freedom throughout the planet, including America.

        Irresponsible wealth leads to unaccountable power.

        by rlharry on Sat May 07, 2005 at 07:36:58 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

    •  with enough taps of the ballpeen (none / 0)

      one may hammer a statue out of sheet metal.

      With enough taps we can hammer out a devastating portrait of the consciousless monster strangling Washington.

      Unscrewing the inscrutable since 1965

      by rhubarb on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:32:20 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  My response to the Devil (4.00 / 4)

      Someday Bush wont be President, but the Presidential temptation to launch unnecessary wars for political reasons will be with us for as long as we can keep our republic. Bush will certainly "get away with it" (after all, he has the most corrupt House majority in recent history--if not in all history--on his side.) But what happens now--now that it is crystal clear to the whole world that Bush lied us into this war--is paramount.

      Congress behaved disgracefully by allowing Bush to attack Iraq. Look up the history of Public Law 107-243 for the sickening details, but it basically boils down to that old chestnut, "Everyone knew Saddam had WMD." With all due respect, if the word "everyone" makes sense in that sentence, then it surely makes sense in this one: "Everyone knew at the time that Bush was lying."

      At long last, it is time for Congress to show some spine. No effort must be spared in bringing the executive branch to task over this. No effort. Congress must erect a GIANT billboard that reads, "Memo to future presidents: If you wish to lie the nation into a war of aggression, you better damn well have the most corrupt Congress in history on your side, or there will be hell to pay."

      Yes. Bush will weather this letter, the Downing Street Minutes, ... all of it. But at this point, it's not about Bush. It's about Congress reasserting itself and saying, "Never again."

      Raging in enthusiastic support of the machine since January, 2008

      by abw on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:17:30 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  War crimes (none / 1)

      Someday the Bushco-Neocons will be be brought to justice to answer for their actions.  

      This letter, and importantly,  the confidential memo it pertains to, which was reported by no less an authority than  Sir Brian Dearlove, the Head of MI6 (equivalant to our  CIA director), serves as one more piece of solid evidence in the future trials against the George W. Bush regime.

      by shumard on Fri May 06, 2005 at 04:25:40 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Since the media won't cover the (none / 0)

    story like this.

    This is a good way to get the news out and be able to do something about it besides.

    Thanks

    I'm only half stupid

    by missliberties on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:09:11 AM PST

  •  Any Repubs? (none / 0)

    Thank you, Congressman Conyers, for your efforts.

    Did any Republicans sign this letter?

    "All progress depends on the unreasonable man." -- George Bernard Shaw

    by Bearpaw on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:10:13 AM PST

    •  88 Members of Congress (4.00 / 4)

      Members who have already signed letter:
      Neil Abercrombie
      Brian Baird
      Tammy Baldwin
      Xavier Becerra
      Shelley Berkley
      Eddie Bernice Johnson
      Sanford Bishop
      Earl Blumenauer
      Corrine Brown
      Sherrod Brown
      G.K. Butterfield
      Emanuel Cleaver
      James Clyburn
      John Conyers
      Jim Cooper
      Elijah Cummings
      Danny Davis
      Peter DeFazio
      Diana DeGette
      Bill Delahunt
      Rosa DeLauro
      Lloyd Doggett
      Sam Farr
      Bob Filner
      Harold Ford, Jr.
      Barney Frank
      Al Green
      Raul Grijalva
      Louis Gutierrez
      Alcee Hastings
      Maurice Hinchey
      Rush Holt
      Jay Inslee
      Sheila Jackson Lee
      Jessie Jackson Jr.
      Marcy Kaptur
      Patrick Kennedy
      Dale Kildee
      Carolyn Kilpatrick
      Dennis Kucinich
      William Lacy Clay
      Barbara Lee
      John Lewis
      Zoe Lofgren
      Donna M. Christensen
      Carolyn Maloney
      Ed Markey
      Carolyn McCarthy
      Jim McDermott
      James McGovern
      Cynthia McKinney
      Martin Meehan
      Kendrick Meek
      Gregory Meeks
      Michael Michaud
      George Miller
      Gwen S. Moore
      James Moran
      Jerrold Nadler
      Grace Napolitano
      James Oberstar
      John Olver
      Major Owens
      Frank Pallone
      Donald Payne
      Charles Rangel
      Bobby Rush
      Bernie Sanders
      Linda Sanchez
      Jan Schakowsky
      Jose Serrano
      Ike Skelton
      Louise Slaughter
      Hilda Solis
      Pete Stark
      Ellen Tauscher
      Bennie Thompson
      Edolphus Towns
      Stephanie Tubbs Jones
      Chris Van Hollen
      Nydia Velazquez
      Debbie Wasserman Schultz
      Maxine Waters
      Diane Watson
      Melvin Watt
      Robert Wexler
      Lynn Woolsey
      David Wu
      Albert R. Wynn

      by Apian on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:59:51 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank You from a Green! (none / 1)

    You're a stand-up guy, Congressman Conyers.  America needs more like you!

    Policies that were wrong under George W. Bush are no less wrong because Barack Obama is in the White House. - Bob Herbert

    by GreenSooner on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:10:30 AM PST

  •  Thank you... (none / 1)

    ...for your efforts, Rep.Conyers.  They will truly send a powerful messaage.

    Oh, there you are, Perry. -Phineas -SLB-

    by boran2 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:10:52 AM PST

  •  Thank you, Congressman! (none / 0)

    Anything you want us to do to help?

    60 for the Senate. Obama 08.

    by bornadem on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:13:36 AM PST

  •  Hammer this thing (none / 0)

    Please...hammer this thing until it's written in the skies over every red state.  

    We have to get America to realize that Iraq is based entirely on lies and garbage "intelligence" that would have been discarded by any other rational administration...or anybody not bent on abusing their power to this extent.  

    Thanks for all your efforts.

    Run your fork-ed tongue along my scar

    by figdish on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:13:51 AM PST

  •  List of the 88?? Need some help! (none / 0)

    Is there a list of the 88 reps who signed this letter?  I tried to see if my rep signed it (Marion Berry D-AR), but I am having a little trouble reading all of the signature-scribbles.  

    A printed list would be great.  

    THANKS!

    When do we take up arms?

    by Billy Shears on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:14:00 AM PST

    •  List of the 88 (none / 0)

      Rawstory has a list of the congresspeople who signed (at the end of the story).

      I can see BS from my house.

      by Mad Mom on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:42:27 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  List of the 88 (more detailed info) (4.00 / 4)

      From Rawstory:  here's the text of the letter, and the people who signed.

      May 5, 2005

      The Honorable George W. Bush President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500

      Dear Mr. President:

      We write because of troubling revelations in the Sunday London Times apparently confirming that the United States and Great Britain had secretly agreed to attack Iraq in the summer of 2002, well before the invasion and before you even sought Congressional authority to engage in military action. While various individuals have asserted this to be the case before, including Paul O'Neill, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, and Richard Clarke, a former National Security Council official, they have been previously dismissed by your Administration. However, when this story was divulged last weekend, Prime Minister Blair's representative claimed the document contained "nothing new." If the disclosure is accurate, it raises troubling new questions regarding the legal justifications for the war as well as the integrity of your own Administration.

      The Sunday Times obtained a leaked document with the minutes of a secret meeting from highly placed sources inside the British Government. Among other things, the document revealed:

      • Prime Minister Tony Blair chaired a July 2002 meeting, at which he discussed military options, having already committed himself to supporting President Bush's plans for invading Iraq.

      • British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw acknowledged that the case for war was "thin" as "Saddam was not threatening his neighbours and his WMD capability was less than that of Libya, North Korea, or Iran."

      • A separate secret briefing for the meeting said that Britain and America had to "create" conditions to justify a war.

      • A British official "reported on his recent talks in Washington. There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy."

      As a result of this recent disclosure, we would like to know the following:

      1. Do you or anyone in your Administration dispute the accuracy of the leaked document?

      2. Were arrangements being made, including the recruitment of allies, before you sought Congressional authorization go to war? Did you or anyone in your Administration obtain Britain's commitment to invade prior to this time?

      3. Was there an effort to create an ultimatum about weapons inspectors in order to help with the justification for the war as the minutes indicate?

      4. At what point in time did you and Prime Minister Blair first agree it was necessary to invade Iraq?

      5. Was there a coordinated effort with the U.S. intelligence community and/or British officials to "fix" the intelligence and facts around the policy as the leaked document states?

      We have of course known for some time that subsequent to the invasion there have been a variety of varying reasons proffered to justify the invasion, particularly since the time it became evident that weapons of mass destruction would not be found. This leaked document - essentially acknowledged by the Blair government - is the first confirmation that the rationales were shifting well before the invasion as well.

      Given the importance of this matter, we would ask that you respond to this inquiry as promptly as possible. Thank you.

      Sincerely,

      Members who have already signed letter:
      Neil Abercrombie
      Brian Baird
      Tammy Baldwin
      Xavier Becerra
      Shelley Berkley
      Eddie Bernice Johnson
      Sanford Bishop
      Earl Blumenauer
      Corrine Brown
      Sherrod Brown
      G.K. Butterfield
      Emanuel Cleaver
      James Clyburn
      John Conyers
      Jim Cooper
      Elijah Cummings
      Danny Davis
      Peter DeFazio
      Diana DeGette
      Bill Delahunt
      Rosa DeLauro
      Lloyd Doggett
      Sam Farr
      Bob Filner
      Harold Ford, Jr.
      Barney Frank
      Al Green
      Raul Grijalva
      Louis Gutierrez
      Alcee Hastings
      Maurice Hinchey
      Rush Holt
      Jay Inslee
      Sheila Jackson Lee
      Jessie Jackson Jr.
      Marcy Kaptur
      Patrick Kennedy
      Dale Kildee
      Carolyn Kilpatrick
      Dennis Kucinich
      William Lacy Clay
      Barbara Lee
      John Lewis
      Zoe Lofgren
      Donna M. Christensen
      Carolyn Maloney
      Ed Markey
      Carolyn McCarthy
      Jim McDermott
      James McGovern
      Cynthia McKinney
      Martin Meehan
      Kendrick Meek
      Gregory Meeks
      Michael Michaud
      George Miller
      Gwen S. Moore
      James Moran
      Jerrold Nadler
      Grace Napolitano
      James Oberstar
      John Olver
      Major Owens
      Frank Pallone
      Donald Payne
      Charles Rangel
      Bobby Rush
      Bernie Sanders
      Linda Sanchez
      Jan Schakowsky
      Jose Serrano
      Ike Skelton
      Louise Slaughter
      Hilda Solis
      Pete Stark
      Ellen Tauscher
      Bennie Thompson
      Edolphus Towns
      Stephanie Tubbs Jones
      Chris Van Hollen
      Nydia Velazquez
      Debbie Wasserman Schultz
      Maxine Waters
      Diane Watson
      Melvin Watt
      Robert Wexler
      Lynn Woolsey
      David Wu
      Albert R. Wynn

      I can see BS from my house.

      by Mad Mom on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:45:20 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Thank you Jerrold Nadler as well! (none / 0)

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

        by NYC Sophia on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:51:55 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

      •  Interesting to see the number of Blue Dogs (4.00 / 4)

        who signed this:

        Sandy Bishop, Jim Cooper, Harold Ford, Mike Michaud, Ike Skelton, Ellen Tauscher

        Two of them come from districts  Shrub won in 2004 (Bishop and Skelton), another from a district he almost won (Michaud) and another's running for Senate in a red state (Ford).

        The Democrats have officially learned to kick again.

        GOP=Grand Obstructionist Party

        by Christian Dem in NC on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:56:29 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

        •  Gotta like Ike (none / 0)

          Ike Skelton is ranking Democrat on the Armed Services committee and not somebody you'd call a dove. But he was vocally opposed to rushing into war with Iraq, got letters published in the KC Star and the Times to that effect, so it's no secret to his constituents (who probably voted Shrub on that all-important gay marriage issue anyway).

          by QueenMizz on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:27:47 AM PST

          [ Parent ]

        •  And where's Matheson? (none / 0)

          I don't see him. Time to email him. He hasn't heard from me in at least a week.

          utahgirl

          Ohhhh my heck!

          by nio on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:32:46 AM PST

          [ Parent ]

          •  Where's Berman? (none / 0)

            It looks like my Congresscritter, Howard Berman (D-RIAA/MPAA) doesn't have the cojones yet to sign onto this. He needs to grow a spine and sign.

            Arnold and Dubya star in "Twins II"
            http://msgeek703.googlepages.com/thearnoldanddubyashow
            Remember Katrina: throw the bastards out!

            by MamasGun on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:50:04 PM PST

            [ Parent ]

      •  Thanks. (none / 0)

        Hmmm... I notice my Rep. is absent from this list... he's going to be hearing from me...

        When do we take up arms?

        by Billy Shears on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:23:27 PM PST

        [ Parent ]

  •  Reps that signed. (none / 0)

    Can we have an updated list of who has signed?

    I want to know before I pester my Rep.

    Thanks

    Democrats have constituents, Republicans have clients.

    by whitsmail on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:16:44 AM PST

  •  Thanks Congressman (none / 0)

    for trying to hold them accountable for this illegal war.

    Our current healthcare system is simple. Don't get sick.

    by tiggers thotful spot on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:22:44 AM PST

  •  Action action action (4.00 / 3)

    is the only thing that pays off.  I applaud Rep. Conyers, the Reps. that signed, everyone who placed a call to help it happen, and of course, DailyKos and PDA for providing the forum to advance the matter.

    Now, time to launch it all into the MSM.

    "There's been a little complication with my complication"

    by dash888 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:22:54 AM PST

  •  Knight-Ridder and Warren Strobel again (4.00 / 6)

    ahead of the pack. Here's the headline for those who don't click:

    "British memo indicates Bush made intelligence fit Iraq policy"

    not "intellience was made to fit" but "BUSH MADE" it fit. (and that's the original hed, not just Yahoo's wording.)

    I third/fourth a request for a list of signers, and bless you all Conyers and staff.

    by jennifer poole on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:23:58 AM PST

    •  Looking for interview with Condi (none / 1)

      I believe it was with Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation. She was asked again about her statements that the "aluminum tubes" could only have been used for nuclear weapons. When asked whether or not, given the revelation that she knew of many statements to the contrary, the statement was true. She said something to the effect that they were formulating policy and that the statement she gave was "policy," and when formulating policy they used the intelligence they want to use.

      I wondered then, and still do, why she wasn't then asked whether calling a lie "policy" made it true, or whether it was BushCo policy to lie to the American people.

      I've tried finding the interview but have been unable to find it archived.

      iuris praecepta sunt haec: honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere. - ulpian, digestae 1, 3

      by fritzrth on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:11:08 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Keep the pressure on, Mr. Conyers! (none / 0)

    In these dark days, I enjoy knowing that there are Congressmen such as yourself who are unafraid of standing up to George Bush and his henchmen.

    Kudos also to Congressman F. Pete Stark for signing Mr. Conyers' letter.

    -AG

    Barack Obama does not fart cinnamon-scented rainbows.
    He is not trailed by angels and unicorns.
    --John Scalzi

    by AlphaGeek on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:24:21 AM PST

  •  Sorry to rain on the parade (none / 1)

    With due respect to the congressman and his efforts...

    Pretty much everyone knows this already.  The republicans dont care and the democrats don't have the votes to bust him.  We need to find some new thing to go after them about that people will understand.  Like profiteering.  Or a prostitute reporter running amok in the white house.  Good Luck.

    -5.50, -5.69   I Stink therefore I am

    by Stink Tank on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:24:36 AM PST

    •  that's crap, and if you lived in small-town (4.00 / 2)

      America like I do, where the only news many people know is the TV and what's was on the front page of the third-rate daily this week, you'd know that.

      Bush's plummeting poll numbers prove that some percentage of those who voted for him didn't know him -- the only question now is what percentage.

      by jennifer poole on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:31:48 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  "everyone knows" (none / 1)

      Everyone knows that Demoncrats have accused Bush of cooking the intelligence, but many don't believe the accusations. So far Bush has been able to sucessfully blame the CIA and others for intelligence failures. Quite a few people still believe WMD's were found in Iraq.

      Everyone knew of the sexual alligations against Bill before he was elected. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. How many people would have believed Monica if the blue dress never turned up?

      What it comes down to is a preponderance of evidence. The amount of evidence and credibility of the claims is what matters. Keep digging until we hit paydirt.

      by white blitz on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:41:19 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Current Fox News Online Headlines: (4.00 / 14)

    "Runaway Bride Had Issues."
    "Operation Salami Drop."
    "Finger Finder Keeping It."

    So you see, it's not that the MSM is supressing the story.  It's just that this has been a very busy news week and it's hard to fit in a tidbit about the president lying his way into a war.

    "Everyone is stupid but me" must be quite a burden to bear.

    by cardinal on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:25:14 AM PST

  •  Thank you, Rep. Conyers (none / 0)

    You've been my hero ever since F 9/11, for your honesty and forthrightedness (something so hard to come by these days.)  Now, you have propelled yourself to Super-hero in my eyes.  Thanks so much for your hard work, and for having the courage to stand up and fight.

    This may seem off the subject, but have you talked to Bill Maher?  You would be a great guest, and I would love to see Bill's reaction to this revelation, since he seems so pro-Iraq these days (he believes that Bush did this for democracy's sake - ha!)

    I would love to see you as a guest on his show, and any other MSM "news" show that would have you.  Can we write to the MSM and tell them to have you on?  Would you attend?

    You rock!

    Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.... Tao de Ching

    by MyName on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:28:55 AM PST

  •  Recommended, and gonna email it everywhere (4.00 / 3)

    Was wondering what you would consider a satisfactory response from this president.  He'd better have a good one--in my opinion, conspiring with a foreign government to mislead both governments' people and legislatures is an impeachable offense.

    GOP=Grand Obstructionist Party

    by Christian Dem in NC on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:31:55 AM PST

  •  It might seem impossible but.......... (none / 0)

    it is imperative we work our tails off to take back Congress in 2006. Only when the Democrats are in control of the Congress can we begin to hold Bush & Co. responsible for all their crimes. Dems have to stop being the spineless crew, who care only for how they look in the polls and the media. They have to grow some balls, all of them. They have to prove by words and actions they are the party of middle class America.
    A good place to start would be to get out in front of the illegal immigration issue. Polls show 89% of Democrats and 95% of Republicans are at least somewhat concerned about this issue. It is and should be our issue, not only in fighting terrorism, but also for stopping big business from exploiting poor people. These people are exploited by American companies, as well as by their own government. The coyotes who take them across the boarders are forced to give a kick back to the Mexican Government. If the flow of undocumented workers is cut off, business would not close down, they would be forced to hire, either out of work Americans or legal new immigrants and forced to pay higher wages.They could no longer get away with what they get away with through imitimadation of these refugees who once they cross our boarders are in violation of American law, and therefore easily intimiatded to "take it or leave it" and work for slave wages under terrible conditions, and shut up because if they step out of line they will be turned in to the authorities. Contrary to what those huge industries, who profit greatly from undocumented workers say , our economy will not collapse. It might be cheaper to hire someone who is here illegaly to cut your grass, or watch your kids but by doing so, you are guilty of using slave labor. This is not simply a conservative issue, liberals who care about the way all people are being treated should be concerend as well. Protecting our boarders and requiring documentation for immigrants who want to live in America is an issue we should all be concerned about. We are a country of immigrants, but most of them obeyed American laws and came here legally.
    I heard Joe Trippi say, the reason Blair did so badly in yesterday's election was not the Iraq war issue, because his opposition was in favor of the war too, but the immigration issue. The people of Britian and most of Europe as well as the majority of Americans feel what is good for the global economy and multinational corporations is not always so good for their middle class. It is time for National Democrats to stop acting like the Democratic party of Californa, and act in our national interest rather than for their own personal gain. It is time for our elected officials to stand up for the citizens who elected them and not the special interests who finance their campaigns. If they don't I am afraid we will be doomed to Republican control and a theocratic government forever.

    by Vera Lofaro on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:33:12 AM PST

  •  Come on John! (none / 0)

    Good job!  Thank you for holding somebody accountable for those who have sacrficed their lives in Iraq!  Keep it up!

    by jwz203 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:35:35 AM PST

  •  More thanks to you. (none / 0)

    Also, on a side note, I've read stories suggesting that the Congressional Black Caucus is not the cohesive unit that it once was (with mention of the recent bankruptcy and estate tax vote).  This may or may not be true but I want to commend you for staying true to democratic principles and ideals and above all, remaining true to your constituents.

    by Court Smith on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:36:38 AM PST

  •  Knight Ridder Rules n/t (none / 1)

    fouls, excesses and immoderate behavior are scored ZERO at Over the Line, Smokey!

    by seesdifferent on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:37:40 AM PST

  •  Thank you, Rep. Conyers, (none / 0)

    for taking the initiative to ask the tough questions.  Let's get to the bottom of this.  It's time.

    Listen all of y'all it's a Sabotage! - Beastie Boys

    by See you out there on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:40:50 AM PST

  •  Thank you, Mr. Conyers! (none / 0)

    You're doing a terrific job representing not only the people of your state, but the rest of us, too.

    I will work my ass off to defeat Charles Grassley.

    by lilnubber on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:44:35 AM PST

  •  How can the media continue (none / 0)

    to focus on the Labor party's devastating rebuke by voters, despite Blair's re-election, and ignore this memo?

    Thanks to you and other democratically-minded elected officials, perhaps people will begin to demand accountability.

    Otherwise, we have a nation, a press, an electorate, and a Congress that tacitly endorses an unqualified failure and a liar as President.

    Any chance this will gain traction by the time Bolton comes up for a vote?

    Dem in NC

    Visit: PoliticalStrategy

    Political Cortex

    by btyarbro on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:46:11 AM PST

  •  Updated List of Representatives (none / 0)

    Hi,

    I have the updated list in pdf format of the letter and the Representatives who've signed on.  If yours isn't there call them today and demand they sign on!

    Thank you Representative Conyers for your continued  efforts to hold this administration accountable!

    You honor our country and I'm proud of you! :)

    Joy Williams

    by Hummingbird on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:52:01 AM PST

  •  Headline, May 2009 (3.72 / 11)

    Today President Kerry signed an executive order allowing the extradition to the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague of former President Bush, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, for prosecution for their war of aggression under false pretenses against Iraq in 2003. In addition, former Vice-President Dick Cheney, currently serving a 6-year federal prison term for his role in the Halliburton bid-rigging scandal may also face extradition pending the outcome of his appeal in federal court next month.

    The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

    by easong on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:54:58 AM PST

    •  If only... (none / 0)

      Wow, imagine... If that happens, we can all take a break, because it will be boring to talk about how great everything is since we're no longer fighting fascism, and we can just go about our daily lives.

      You only mentioned the president's morning schedule, and you forgot to mention vice-president Clark, who returned from a global diplomatic mission just in time to join President Kerry that afternoon in welcoming Nobel Peace Prize winner Bono to the White House.

      (I would pay to hear conversations among Bush, Cheney and cellmate Milosevic.)

      by DrReason on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:15:06 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Mmmmm... don't bother me- (none / 0)

        I want to fix that thought in my memory forever...

        "It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -Albus Dumbledore ~~~~~~~~~ http://slugcrossings.blogspot.com/

        by Lainie on Fri May 06, 2005 at 06:54:11 PM PST

        [ Parent ]

    •  All the fantasies... (none / 1)

      ...about international trial of US figures show a shocking, to me, failure of imagination.

      Wouldn't it be far better for the US to fulfill its obligation and enforce its own war crimes laws, even when it is US officials that are the guilty parties?

      by cdicely on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:38:27 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Am I nuts? (none / 0)

    I find the lack of recommends and comments to this thread bizarre. Rep. Conyers has been working very hard to nail this SOB since the election and so many are ignoring the diary completely or commenting that his efforts are hopeless. I for one deeply admire what Rep. Conyers continues to do and would do just about anything to back him and support those that have signed up to do what they took an oath to do and that is to protect the Constitution and protect our children from this liar and criminal. June is next month folks. Iran is next folks. If you have draft age children I would start packing cause the draft is next. Are you prepared for that inevitability?

    Frodo failed....Bush has got the ring!

    by Alohaleezy on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:57:10 AM PST

    •  There are a lot of recommends (none / 0)

      It's at the top of the Recommended List with a whole bunch of people recommending it (sorry, I didn't bother to count how many).

      I admire Rep. Conyers too, but many people have already expressed sentiments that mirrored mine and I don't want to jump on the bandwagon.

      I guess I'm not sure what you are expecting of us.

      Check out & buy my work at Meredith Klinger Photography

      by mlk on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:06:43 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Honestly? (none / 0)

        I looked at the rec list and I found absent most of the "big names" here. That's all. Alot of the names missing have pissed, moaned and whined since the election and we have these patriot trying to do what is right for the future of our country and they, imho are absent. So many of us, including me wants someone else to take action and when they do there is an awful lot of so whats and big deals spewed here. There alot of atta boys too and I am not in any way dismissing those folks. Just calling out the absentees. I for one when having a political conversation with someone that is pissing about Bush ask first and foremost if they voted. You would be surprised how many say no. I'm tired of all the hot air and no action.

        Frodo failed....Bush has got the ring!

        by Alohaleezy on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:17:16 AM PST

        [ Parent ]

    •  I wrote my Representative, (none / 0)

      and sent notes to my Senators, and I've passed on the links to this memo to about everyone I know. Isn't that more important than a "Me Too!" and a recommend?

      "It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -Albus Dumbledore ~~~~~~~~~ http://slugcrossings.blogspot.com/

      by Lainie on Fri May 06, 2005 at 06:56:53 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  here's Dear Leader's reaction to the letter... (4.00 / 2)

    http://dearleadersdailythought.blogspot.com/2005/05/i-will-invade-whatever-country-is.html

    --- Read Dear Leader's Daily Thought

    by grytpype on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:03:16 AM PST

  •  Congessional 12th Dist - San Fran. San Mateo (none / 0)

    If you live inteh 12th Congressional District - San Francisco and San Mateo Counties - call Rep. Tom Lantos and ask him why he has not signed on to the list!!!!

    Hit his phone lines!

    Democrats have constituents, Republicans have clients.

    by whitsmail on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:07:01 AM PST

  •  Thank you (none / 0)

    I add my gratitude to the outpouring already here.  You have taken an important step towards restoring integrity and accountability to our government.

    by saodl on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:09:18 AM PST

  •  rep.conyers you are our main inside man. (none / 0)

    you have our total support on everything.thank you .you are a true hero.take care

    American Fascism 101 A Must Read

    by cognitive dissonance on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:10:58 AM PST

  •  hope you don't mind me saying... (none / 0)

    I love you.

    by ssteuer on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:16:01 AM PST

  •  Man. (none / 0)

    I can't wait to get John Conyers in a position of actual actionable power in the White House. These thugs and frauds and war criminals and profiteers may be living high on the hog now, but when the pendulum swings, there's going to be a judicial reckoning.

    Bush on trial... wouldn't that be the sweetest thing?

    Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, I'm a Freeper.

    by HollywoodOz on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:16:58 AM PST

  •  Hold their feet to the fire (none / 1)

    Last night on the Daily Show, Jon Stewart contrasted clips of Tony Blair being questioned by voters at campaign stops with clips of Bush in similar situations.  

    Mr. Blair heard himself called a liar, and had to respond to voters who demanded to know why he'd misled them about Iraq.  MBush, surrounded by carefully-screened crowds of adorers responded to softballs along the lines of, "Mr. President, how is it that you are so wonderful?"  

    If the voters are prevented by Mr. Bush's PR machine from asking tough questions, and the press is too chicken-shit, thank God someone is leading the charge to preserve our democracy by speaking truth to power.  

    Thanks, Rep. Conyers.  

    by true blue on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:18:17 AM PST

    •  I would love to put Bush (none / 0)

      up to the PM's 'Question Time'. He'd wilt like a lily on a Texas day in July.

      "It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -Albus Dumbledore ~~~~~~~~~ http://slugcrossings.blogspot.com/

      by Lainie on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:00:16 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  More from Rep. Conyers against Bush fascism (none / 1)

    See this article in the Boston Phoenix. Once again, it's Representative John Conyers leading the charge to fight nepotism, corruption and incompetence from the Bush admin.

    by DrReason on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:18:34 AM PST

  •  What about the Senate? (none / 1)

    Thanks Congressman!

    You are a true patriot.

    But what about the senate?

    Where are Kerry and Clinton and Biden and all of the other Democrats who voted to authorize this pre-emptive nightmare?

    sincerely,

    rok for dean

    by rok for dean on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:18:55 AM PST

  •  I wrote... (none / 0)

    ...Congresswoman Lois Capps, whom I was shocked not to see on this list. Knowing her, I'm sure she'll rectify this shortly.

    by MichaelPH on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:24:17 AM PST

  •  Whoa! (none / 0)

    Are you frriggin' kidding.  WOW!  Thank you, thank you, thank you Congressman.  YOU are a true Patriot.  And Kossacks, I believe you all should get a pat on the back too, for all your efforts to contact your congresscritters.  This may not have been so successful without your determined pressure!

    "Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people." - Heinrich Heine, Almansor, 1821

    by Jeffersonian Democrat on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:26:57 AM PST

  •  Thanks (none / 0)

    I just wish others in congress had your !!!

    Thanks!

    "Kudos to those willing to stick their necks out over the block, before the rest of us are willing to admit we are reading the diary!"

    by midwestmom on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:29:52 AM PST

  •  *shudder* (none / 0)

    Am I the only one filled with a sense of impending doom to hear a Congressperson refer to the ineffectiveness of the "mainstream media"?

    Welcome to Bizarro World.

    by starkness on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:43:03 AM PST

  •  The freepers are spreading rumors (none / 0)

    That the memo is a fake.

    I think Rove's strategy re: the TANG memo is becoming clear - he needed one well-publicized memorandum that is damaging to Bush to be shown as fake to provide teflon against any other damaging memo that may emerge into the light of day.  The automatic assumption will be that the new memo, too, is fake.

    At least among the kool-aid drinkers...

    by Ernest T Bass on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:00:53 AM PST

  •  Please keep (4.00 / 2)

    fighting the good fight.

    Since January I am a stay-at-home mom, and there are many a morning that my tot watches a few cartoons while I call my senators and reps, write LTTEs, sign petitions, send e-mails or catch up on news at dailyKos.

    We all have to do what we can.

    My heroes have the heart to live the life I want to live.

    by JLFinch on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:04:35 AM PST

  •  re: the 'intelligence fixed around the policy' (none / 0)

    The statement by C (Director, MI6) that the 'intelligence is being fixed around the policy' is crucial.

    It's also at the heart of a controversial wikipedia article and argument
     titled 'Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda'. It lists a lot of allegations from the prior leaked Feith memo, as a case for the was in Iraq.

    by Mickazoid on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:15:30 AM PST

  •  Since You're Asking for Investigations.... (4.00 / 2)

    ...how about an investigation of AIPAC's spying activities and, while we're at it, how about an investigation of the Army's attempt to cover-up Pat Tillman's (formerly with the Arizona Cardinals)death in Iraq by friendly fire.

    Heads should roll over both...where's the oversight?

    "The beginning of thought is in disagreement -- not only with others but also with ourselves." - Eric Hoffer www.InTheArena.bravehost.com

    by Thinking Republican on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:19:53 AM PST

  •  I will rec any diary on this subject! (none / 0)

    Well, just about any diary, anyway.

    Great work Rep Conyers! You are a true American hero.

    I've seen the future and I've left it behind - Ozzy

    by bejammin075 on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:34:09 AM PST

  •  I realize this is way down the diary list (none / 0)

    And you may not get to see it, but I am going to say it anyway.  Thank you sir, for the work you do for fairness and justice in our government.  I follow as much of your writings and appearances as I can, and I truly wish you were my representative.  You are outstanding.

    "Darryl Philbin is the most complicated man I have ever met. I mean, who says exactly what they're thinking? What kind of game is this?" Kelly-The Office

    by Revel on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:37:21 AM PST

    •  Rather way down the thread.. (none / 0)

      Sorry for the wrong terminology...it's Friday, a nice day, I am at work and wish I was outside...:-)

      "Darryl Philbin is the most complicated man I have ever met. I mean, who says exactly what they're thinking? What kind of game is this?" Kelly-The Office

      by Revel on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:38:24 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  So happy! (none / 0)

    Both my current rep (Van Hollen) and my rep-to-be (Corrine Brown) signed this letter!  I wrote to Brown thanking her, and promising my help in 2006.  I'm so glad I'll still have a good rep when I move!

    Now to work on getting that asshole Martinez out of office when his turn comes...

    You can't tame the white supremacist power structure with cheese!

    by andlorr on Fri May 06, 2005 at 11:57:30 AM PST

  •  This may be a defining moment. (none / 0)

    This is something any Republican with integrity -- and I refuse to believe there are none -- should be signing on to as well.  

    This is not a partisan issue -- or it should not be.  This goes to the most fundamental questions of how a democracy and a free society is run.  This goes to the most fundamental vision of the Founders, with regard to both the separation of powers, and the responsibilities of a government -- any government -- to those whom it governs.  This goes to the most fundamental vision or ourselves as moral human beings.  

    For if we as a nation are willing to countenance a war waged for convenience and based on deliberate deception, then in my opinion we have forfeited any claim to the titles of "patriot" and "American."

    And if this nation no longer has sufficient men and women from both parties who possess the sense, honor, integrity, and pride to act on the revelations in this memo, then truly there is not much hope for us.

    When you punch a lot of holes through steerage, the first-class cabins sink with the rest of the ship.

    by Roddy McCorley on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:06:32 PM PST

  •  Thank you again Congressman (none / 0)

    You're a peach, and I mean that in the best way.

    It's funny.  With all the lies of this administration (and the GOP in general) being exposed, all the corruption scandals bubbling up to the surface, the bought and paid for media, etc. etc. etc. why is it so hard for so many to believe they stole the last 2 elections?

    "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 Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:07:44 PM PST

  •  Thanks you! (none / 0)

    History will record you a great man. (We interviewed you on KPFK in '98.)

    If they obey the king they must go against their conscience, and if they disobey they lose their lives. Catherine of Aragon

    by moon in the house of moe on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:16:06 PM PST

  •  Delivered on Cinco de Mayo, no less! (none / 0)

    I wish all 88 of these reps would HOUND the sunday political round-table talk showsto allow them to appear and speak to this.  Not ask.. DEMAND.

    Every dollar a for-profit insurance company spends on your care, is a dollar that goes against the coroporate balance sheet. --nyceve

    by letsfight on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:26:58 PM PST

  •  thank you for taking action! n/t (none / 0)

    "Politics is like driving. To go backward put it in R. To go forward put it in D."
    --Tom Harkin

    by TrueBlueMajority on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:33:31 PM PST

  •  Barely one-FIFTH of the House, eh? (none / 0)

    I'd be happier if the percentage were much higher than that!  Still, in this toxic political climate, that's substantially better than I would have expected it to be.  Well done (again), Congressman Conyers, and keep tilting at those GOP windmills!

    by Spindizzy on Fri May 06, 2005 at 12:55:02 PM PST

  •  Diane Rehm brought up the memo.... (none / 1)

    Did anyone catch Diane Rehm this morning?  She had three individuals on her show who were addressing issues in the news.  Her guests were, Tony Blankley of "The Washington Times", Susan Page of "USA Today" and James Fallows of "Atlantic Monthly."

    What struck me as funny was this little snippet regarding the leaked memo.  You can listen to it for yourself at Diane Rehm's website.  On Real Audio, Diane's question starts at 34:06.  I did my best to transcribe from the audio.

    Diane Rehm:  Okay, here is a group of emails saying, "I don't get it. The British newspapers have been reporting the memo by the head of the British Secret Intelligence. [It] states that President Bush decided to go to war against Iraq no matter what for regime change a year before he actually said we were going to war.  How come this is not news? [There is] nothing in the US media, including your program. You didn't even mention it."

    Jim Fallows:  Number one, I've seen this in the US Papers, so it's not not being covered by the US Press.  Number two, I think in a technical sense, and a deep sense, it can not actually be true. The President may have, and I'll connect this to my point three, the President's interest in going to war in Iraq is no secret at all.  Two or three days after the September 11th attacks, there were these meetings at Camp David where it's been widely reported [that] the option of going to war with Iraq was raised even then.  I interviewed people on September 12th 2001 saying that the solution has to be Iraq.  So the idea that this was an interest to the president is hardly news."

    Huh?  I just can't believe that this guy doesn't think this is news.  He thinks that the whole thing is fake... if that is the general consensus, then we need more publicity.

    Painting Texas blue.... (-7.63, -9.03)

    by political girl on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:07:30 PM PST

    •  What's news (none / 0)

      is not that Bush intended on going into Iraq. Fallow's right, we all know that. It's in the 9/11 Commission report.

      What is news is that, to quote the Knight-Ridder story on this, is that Bush "was determined to ensure that U.S. intelligence data supported his policy."

      Bush lied. He told us there were no plans to attack Iraq, and there were. They made the WMD intel fit the war plans.

      I don't get why Fallows doesn't get it. He's a pretty smart guy.

      by cscs on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:54:50 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  That's the Interrim Spin, Like They Did With WMD's (none / 0)

      They do these interrim spin tactics, sort of like hopping from rock to rock to cross a river or chasm.  The know they are out there, but rather than admit that the reason they are not reporting it is because it is unfavorable, the retreat to these (everyone knew there weren't WMDs or they were all moved to Iraq or we didn't invade because of the WMDs but because Saddam was a bad guy and to bring FREEDOM to the Iraqi people..., etc.)  Then when that excuse becomes exposed as a hoax, they jump to the next moving target, chang ethe subject, excuse.  It's the way the lie.  It's the way of SATAN.  ;)

      by BigBite on Fri May 06, 2005 at 03:25:27 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Van Hollen Hasn't Signed Yet (none / 1)

    I'm so disappointed.  I just spoke with his staffer who handles Iraq etc (different guy than who I spoke with earlier this week).  He said they just signed a letter being circulated by Cong. Conyers regarding Abu Grhaib (being sent to Gonzalez), but wasn't aware of this letter to bush.

    At any rate - he sounded very interested in this and is going to contact Conyers' office now.  Hope they sign on!

    The letter linked in the Congressman's post about includes several pages of signatures folks.  Check it out - and if your Representative hasn't yet signed this then CALL THEIR OFFICE and ask for the staffer who handles foreign policy / Iraq.  Make them aware of this letter and insist (nicely) that they add their name to those who've already stood beside Congressman Conyers in demanding answers to these vital questions.

    Then - write a letter to your editor.  Send an email to MSNBC, CNN and any network news desk and insist that they cover real news such as this.  Point them to that article in the Seattle paper.  There's no excuse for the lack of coverage on this and we need to help generate interest.

    DONATE! / HillarysVoice

    by Alegre on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:19:08 PM PST

    •  Van Hollen is signed on to the letter (none / 0)

      Typically, these letters are handled on a staff to staff basis.  Staffer for Congressman A emails letter around to all other staffers in the House saying Congressman A wants you to sign on to his letter, call me (staffer for Congressman A) to sign on.

      In this case, Congressman Conyers, for the past three days, walked around the floor of the House during votes and personally asked his colleagues to sign the letter, and brought it to any meetings he had with members and did the same.

      So, in this case, staff may not have any idea their boss signed on to the letter.  The list on this thread, put out by Conyers staff, is the most accurrate.

      by teddyk on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:32:34 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  They just discussed the memo in their (none / 0)

    blog segment on CNN. Its a start I guess.

    http://www.artistval.com

    by Alizaryn on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:21:36 PM PST

  •  Fattah not on it.. YET (none / 0)

    I just talked to Congressman fattah's office. they hadn't seen the letter yet, but told me they will be getting in touch with conyers and askign for a copy.
    I must say, whoever the guy is that works Fattah's phones, he's a very professional, helpful, and informed fellow.  Better than just about anyone else I've spoken to.
    Pennsylvanians can find Fattah's contact info here: http://www.house.gov/fattah

    by Frenchy Lamour on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:42:35 PM PST

  •  Speaking of phone lines...... (none / 0)

    You can jam those phone lines and call ANY of our elected persons with this single free phone number:

    1-877-SOB-U-SOB

    I'm not kidding.

    Thank you, Mr. Conyers, you are my hero.

    by Cap Need on Fri May 06, 2005 at 01:55:17 PM PST

  •  Here's the memo, fyi (none / 1)

    SECRET AND STRICTLY PERSONAL - UK EYES ONLY

    DAVID MANNING
    From: Matthew Rycroft
    Date: 23 July 2002
    S 195 /02

    cc: Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Attorney-General, Sir Richard Wilson, John Scarlett, Francis Richards, CDS, C, Jonathan Powell, Sally Morgan, Alastair Campbell

    IRAQ: PRIME MINISTER'S MEETING, 23 JULY

    Copy addressees and you met the Prime Minister on 23 July to discuss Iraq.

    This record is extremely sensitive. No further copies should be made. It should be shown only to those with a genuine need to know its contents.

    John Scarlett summarised the intelligence and latest JIC assessment. Saddam's regime was tough and based on extreme fear. The only way to overthrow it was likely to be by massive military action. Saddam was worried and expected an attack, probably by air and land, but he was not convinced that it would be immediate or overwhelming. His regime expected their neighbours to line up with the US. Saddam knew that regular army morale was poor. Real support for Saddam among the public was probably narrowly based.

    C reported on his recent talks in Washington. There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy. The NSC had no patience with the UN route, and no enthusiasm for publishing material on the Iraqi regime's record. There was little discussion in Washington of the aftermath after military action.

    CDS said that military planners would brief CENTCOM on 1-2 August, Rumsfeld on 3 August and Bush on 4 August.

    The two broad US options were:

    (a) Generated Start. A slow build-up of 250,000 US troops, a short (72 hour) air campaign, then a move up to Baghdad from the south. Lead time of 90 days (30 days preparation plus 60 days deployment to Kuwait).

    (b) Running Start. Use forces already in theatre (3 x 6,000), continuous air campaign, initiated by an Iraqi casus belli. Total lead time of 60 days with the air campaign beginning even earlier. A hazardous option.

    The US saw the UK (and Kuwait) as essential, with basing in Diego Garcia and Cyprus critical for either option. Turkey and other Gulf states were also important, but less vital. The three main options for UK involvement were:

    (i) Basing in Diego Garcia and Cyprus, plus three SF squadrons.

    (ii) As above, with maritime and air assets in addition.

    (iii) As above, plus a land contribution of up to 40,000, perhaps with a discrete role in Northern Iraq entering from Turkey, tying down two Iraqi divisions.

    The Defence Secretary said that the US had already begun "spikes of activity" to put pressure on the regime. No decisions had been taken, but he thought the most likely timing in US minds for military action to begin was January, with the timeline beginning 30 days before the US Congressional elections.

    The Foreign Secretary said he would discuss this with Colin Powell this week. It seemed clear that Bush had made up his mind to take military action, even if the timing was not yet decided. But the case was thin. Saddam was not threatening his neighbours, and his WMD capability was less than that of Libya, North Korea or Iran. We should work up a plan for an ultimatum to Saddam to allow back in the UN weapons inspectors. This would also help with the legal justification for the use of force.

    The Attorney-General said that the desire for regime change was not a legal base for military action. There were three possible legal bases: self-defence, humanitarian intervention, or UNSC authorisation. The first and second could not be the base in this case. Relying on UNSCR 1205 of three years ago would be difficult. The situation might of course change.

    The Prime Minister said that it would make a big difference politically and legally if Saddam refused to allow in the UN inspectors. Regime change and WMD were linked in the sense that it was the regime that was producing the WMD. There were different strategies for dealing with Libya and Iran. If the political context were right, people would support regime change. The two key issues were whether the military plan worked and whether we had the political strategy to give the military plan the space to work.

    On the first, CDS said that we did not know yet if the US battleplan was workable. The military were continuing to ask lots of questions.

    For instance, what were the consequences, if Saddam used WMD on day one, or if Baghdad did not collapse and urban warfighting began? You said that Saddam could also use his WMD on Kuwait. Or on Israel, added the Defence Secretary.

    The Foreign Secretary thought the US would not go ahead with a military plan unless convinced that it was a winning strategy. On this, US and UK interests converged. But on the political strategy, there could be US/UK differences. Despite US resistance, we should explore discreetly the ultimatum. Saddam would continue to play hard-ball with the UN.

    John Scarlett assessed that Saddam would allow the inspectors back in only when he thought the threat of military action was real.

    The Defence Secretary said that if the Prime Minister wanted UK military involvement, he would need to decide this early. He cautioned that many in the US did not think it worth going down the ultimatum route. It would be important for the Prime Minister to set out the political context to Bush.

    Conclusions:

    (a) We should work on the assumption that the UK would take part in any military action. But we needed a fuller picture of US planning before we could take any firm decisions. CDS should tell the US military that we were considering a range of options.

    (b) The Prime Minister would revert on the question of whether funds could be spent in preparation for this operation.

    (c) CDS would send the Prime Minister full details of the proposed military campaign and possible UK contributions by the end of the week.

    (d) The Foreign Secretary would send the Prime Minister the background on the UN inspectors, and discreetly work up the ultimatum to Saddam.

    He would also send the Prime Minister advice on the positions of countries in the region especially Turkey, and of the key EU member states.

    (e) John Scarlett would send the Prime Minister a full intelligence update.

    (f) We must not ignore the legal issues: the Attorney-General would consider legal advice with FCO/MOD legal advisers.

    (I have written separately to commission this follow-up work.)

    MATTHEW RYCROFT

    by Feanor on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:03:03 PM PST

  •  John Conyers... (none / 1)

    one of the biggest reasons I'm proud to be from the 313.

    It takes a nation of millions to hold him back - the Limbaughs, the Coulters, the Santorums and the ultra-korrupt apparati of big media, big business, and the Repiglican party haven't been able to do it yet, though they try. Thanks again, so much, Mr. Conyers for doing so much to try and save American democracy.

    It's called the american dream because you have to be asleep to believe it. - G. Carlin

    by RabidNation on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:29:45 PM PST

  •  KR's article about it is up on Yahoo (4.00 / 3)

    Freep it up ... http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/krwashbureau/20050506/ts_krwashbureau/_bc_usiraq_intell igence_wa_1

    This is huge, guys--here are just some of the papers in the Knight Ridder stable.  Some of the most respected in the country:

    Charlotte Observer (my hometown paper)
    Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News
    Miami Herald
    Kansas City Star
    San Jose Mercury News
    St. Paul Pioneer Press

    GOP=Grand Obstructionist Party

    by Christian Dem in NC on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:34:40 PM PST

  •  SF Bay Area People (none / 0)

    Call Rep. Tom Lantos Office Please!

    Kossacks!

    If you know people here, call/email them the list and ask them if their Rep is on the list, (there are a lot of Bay Area Reps on it), if not have them call their Rep.

    San Mateo: 650-342-0300
    Washington, DC: 202-225-3531

    Democrats have constituents, Republicans have clients.

    by whitsmail on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:39:15 PM PST

  •  Conyers Interview with Stephanie Miller posted (none / 0)

    at http://www.conyersblog.us

    by teddyk on Fri May 06, 2005 at 02:58:58 PM PST

  •  Congressman, by serious constitutional questions (none / 0)

    do you mean, like, impeachment?

    -9.0, -8.3 Write On! for writers, Thursdays 8 pm ET

    by SensibleShoes on Fri May 06, 2005 at 05:16:37 PM PST

  •  Thank God for you, Rep Conyers (none / 0)

    ...you're one of the few Dems with a real backbone and the country needs you now like never before.  

    There are 45,000 Kossacks and many others who will stand behind you with loud voices, even if the mainstream media will not.  We've got to fight this conspiracy of silence with everything we've got.

    Thank you, again, and thanks for posting here.

    "There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS." - Gandhi

    by hopesprings on Fri May 06, 2005 at 06:05:16 PM PST

  •  Thank you 88 Representatives! (none / 0)

    !

    by Vespertine on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:01:38 PM PST

  •  As Mainstream As It Gets (4.00 / 2)

    A New Memo-gate? Knight Ridder Covers Leaked British Document That Disputes Bush Claims on Iraq

    Editor and Publisher, America's Oldest Journal Covering the Newspaper Industry

    Published: May 06, 2005 4:30 PM ET

    NEW YORK For much of the week, much of the U.S. press paid little attention to the highly classified British memo, leaked to a British newspaper, which seems to reveal that President Bush decided by summer 2002 to overthrow Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and was determined to ensure that U.S. intelligence data supported his policy.

    That changed on Friday, when Knight Ridder circulated a lengthy report on the memo by Warren P. Strobel and John Walcott.

    The memo was first disclosed earlier this week by the Sunday Times of London. It has not been disavowed by the British government. A White House official told Knight Ridder that the administration wouldn't comment on the leaked document.

    Meanwhile, Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has gained 88 signatures on a letter among fellow Democrats asking the White House for an explanation of the memo. Among other things, the letter asks: "Did the Administration lie to the American people about its intentions with respect to Iraq? Did the Administration deliberately manipulate intelligence to deceive the American people about the strength of its case for war?".....

    by Apian on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:25:10 PM PST

  •  Inaction by the Republicans indicates approval (none / 1)

    And if you ask any Republican on the right, he/she would say that it was necessary to falsify evidence to correct a wrong.

    'Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.'  Goldwater has a lot to answer for.  With those words, he condoned illegal activities in the name of morality.  Now we have our elected officials lying to the American public to manipulate current events to their advantage.

    When does it end?  Torture to find out crucial information to 'save the American people.'  Invading foreign countries to establish political advantage to 'save the American people.'  Now we have conspiracies at the highest levels of government to manipulate evidence for going to war to 'save the American people.'  It's become as tired of a catchphrase as 'Won't somebody think of the children!'

    Thank you, Rep. Conyers.  Your actions and others are necessary to get the truth out there.  I think truth will eventually win out, but I'm getting tired of waiting!

    "I believe in compulsory cannibalism. If people were forced to eat what they kill, there would be no more wars." - Abbie Hoffman

    by Jensequitur on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:29:54 PM PST

  •  War Crimes and Pre-Emption (4.00 / 2)

    I thought about doing a diary on this, but this is as good a place as any to vent.

    In the fall of 2002 the United States government adopted a new doctrine of pre-emptive war.  The condition was weaker than the obvious one of imminent attack, but it still had elements of emergency.  When I read it, I saw a doctrine of unending war.

    The released memos show that the doctrine was put through as a cover for what ordinary people call war crimes.  I quite distinctly recall my visceral reaction to that memo and the war that followed.  It was attack on a non-threatening state.  I thought at the time and believe now, that defeat is better than victory in such a case, unless you believe that the bank robber ought to be allowed to carry out the robbery.

    War crimes have been committed.  They will not be prosecuted in the short term, but Bush is young enough that he will be vulnerable over the expected length of his remaining life, just as Pinochet was.  

    We are beyond redemption, other than by humiliating defeat.

    Knut

    by Knut Wicksell on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:49:30 PM PST

  •  Please don't let this drop - and tell Debbie (none / 0)

    Wasserman Schultz that I am so impressed with her I am thinking of running for Congress!!!

    My new bumper sticker: Palin-Satan '12

    by adigal on Fri May 06, 2005 at 07:49:36 PM PST

  •  You are our hero of democracy! (none / 1)

    From the ELECTION "IRREGULARITIES" House Judiciary Committee hearings--to

    standing in opposition to the ratification of this self-proclaimed King-- to

    this revelation, which I know is a lot to ask, but could you start the whispering campaign over there in the House that we'd very much like-- to

    IMPEACH THE LYING SON-OF-A-BUSH

    Separation of Church and State AND Corporation

    by Einsteinia on Fri May 06, 2005 at 08:12:44 PM PST

  •  I'm ashamed (none / 0)

    My Representative isn't on there.  If I had had your previous diary I would have called his office asking him to sign it, but I didn't know there was a letter, now I'm ashamed.

    The Linfield Filibuster

    "You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free."-Clarence Darrow

    by cwech on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:05:03 PM PST

    •  correction (none / 0)

      That was supposed to be "had seen" not "had had"

      "You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free."-Clarence Darrow

      by cwech on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:06:44 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

    •  Ashamed? Don't be. (none / 0)

      We can't all be sitting and available at the computer, or near a phone, waiting for the next shoe to drop, or next ready to pounce on the next action item.

      The circulation of his letter, IIRC, wasn't started until this past Monday. That he got as many signatures in such a short time is pretty incredible.

      If you missed a reply he made to a post above, read it below this one.

      Give your Congressperson a call on Monday, to fill them in, in case they are unaware.

      ..Got to admit it's getting better...A little better all the time. ~ Beatles

      by Terre on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:27:21 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  WE waited for the evidence (none / 0)

    even though we knew it all along.

    (They never would have waited.  They impeach on a whiff of cigar smoke.)

    Isn't it obvious by now?  Puss on this one, and they'll just come back double...

    If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State...

    by HenryDavid on Fri May 06, 2005 at 09:49:45 PM PST

  •  Please support this PDAmerica effort (none / 0)

    http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/5/7/02117/59288

    Thank you.

    Yes. We. Did. ... Begin.

    by understandinglife on Fri May 06, 2005 at 10:06:23 PM PST

  •  Thankyou, Congressman (none / 0)

    It is refreshing that you with other progressives are challenging this administration's deceptions and policies.

    hemonkres

    by leftyfrizzel on Sat May 07, 2005 at 03:37:12 AM PST

  •  Media Contact List (none / 0)

    For best effect, don't just bulk copy and send- pick your targets, write respectfully - no foil hats, please, or they'll just change their email addresses.

    countdown@msnbc.com;hardball@msnbc.com;abramsreport@msnbc.com;
    msnbcinvestigates@msnbc.com;feedback@msnbc.com;viewerservices@msnbc.com;msnbcreports@msnbc.com;today @nbc.com;info@cnb
    c.com;dateline@nbc.com;nightly@nbc.com;mtp@nbc.com;  
    NETAUDR@abc.com;2020@abc.com;nightline@abcnews.com;wnn@abcnews.com;
    support@abcnews.go.com;niteline@abc.com;abc.news.magazines@abc.com;
    thisweek@abc.com;evening@cbsnews.com;earlyshow@cbs.com;48hours@cbsnews.com;ftn@cbsnews.com;
    60m@cbsnews.com;thismorning@cbsnews.com;sundays@cbsnews.com;grain@cbsnews.com;realitycheck@cbsnews.c om;wolf@cnn.com;
    360@cnn.com;aaron.brown@turner.com;Paula.Zahn2@cnn.com;crossfire@cnn.com;daybreak@cnn.com;livefrom@c nn.com;loudobbs@
    cnn.com;newsnight@cnn.com;wam@cnn.com;livetoday@cnn.com;am@cnn.com;andrea.koppel@turner.com;bill.sch neider@turner.com;b
    ruce.morton@turner.com;kyra.phillips@turner.com;lou.dobbs@turner.com;miles.obrien@turner.com;paula.z ahn@turner.com;candy.crow
    ley@turner.com;
    krugman@nytimes.com;public@nytimes.com;editorial@nytimes.com;executiveeditor@nytimes.com;foreign@nyt imes.com;justice@nytim
    es.com;letters@nytimes.com;nytnews@nytimes.com;managingeditor@nytimes.com;liberties@nytimes.com;nati onal@nytimes.com;news-
    tips@nytimes.com;executive-editor@nytimes.com;managing-editor@nytimes.com;  
    letters@usnews.com;whispers@usnews.com;editor@usatoday.com;theforum@usatoday.com;letters@economist.c om;letters.editor@ft.com
    ;wsj.ltrs@wsj.com;wsjcontact@dowjones.com;themail@newyorker.com;deborah.barfield@newsday.com;Editors @newsweek.com;WebEd
    itors@newsweek.com;howardfineman@aol.com;
    Letters@newsweek.com;letters@time.com;lettersbwol@businessweek.com;
    letters@washingtontimes.com;dkeil@bloomberg.net;NewsAlert@letters.washingtonpost.com;letters@washpos t.com;webnews@washingto
    npost.com;ombudsman@washpost.com; fjames@tribune.com;oped@csps.com>;letters@latimes.com;readers.rep@latimes.com;
    feedback@ap.org;pr@ap.org;info@ap.org;pressreleases@upi.com;tips@upi.com;
    investigations_desk@upi.com;politics_desk@upi.com;info@ap.org;
    editor@reuters.com;news@capitolhillbureau.org;  
    newshour@pbs.org;theworld@pri.org;newshour@pbs.org;ombudsman@npr.org;
    atc@npr.org;morning@npr.org;wesat@npr.org;corrections@npr.org;newstips@wdtn.com;
    jason.pheister@wbns10tv.com;gramshaw@newshour.org;stephanie@stephaniemiller.com;
    brian_hill@metronetworks.com;mcurtis@njn.org;mail@uttm.com;maureensm@ffww.com;  
    tgrieve@salon.com;talbotd@salon.com;letters@slate.com;ekelly@gns.gannett.com;dabrahms@gns.gannett.co m;rrhodes@airamericaradio.
    com;tawalker@airamericaradio.com;geoff@radioleft.com;johncorby@clearchannel.com;
    contact@pacifica.org;me@glennbeck.com;nealznunze@cox.com;brinkerbob@aol.com;howie@wnir.com;colmes@fo xnews.com;bsteigerw
    ald@tribweb.com;mitch@albom.com;buzzflash@buzzflash.com;kos@dailykos.com;editorial@flashpoints.net;n ow@thirteen.org;jridgewa
    y@villagevoice.com;mail@democracynow.org;info@jimhightower.com;billy.house@arizonarepublic.com;oped@ thestar.ca;info@thenatio
    n.com;rob@opednews.com;jsmyth@plaind.com;feedback@necn.com;alan@alan.com;jnorman@dmreg.com;jconason@ observer.com;edit
    orial@progressive.org;news@michaelmoore.com;mike@mikemalloy.com;
    fair@fair.org;galbraith@mail.utexas.edu;drshow@wamu.org;online@tnr.com;connectionweb@wbur.bu.edu;ema il@wrn.org;justicetalkin
    g@asc.upenn.edu;dastor@editorandpublisher.com;Lionel@LionelOnline.com;onthemedia@wnyc.org;

    Might be hard to ignore 50K emails in a day, even for Paula Zahn

    The Republican Party will never die until there is a new political home for racists.

    by kamarvt on Sat May 07, 2005 at 05:18:10 AM PST

  •  international law (none / 0)

    I would like to suggest a rationale which avoids having this inquiry be dismissed as an election issue from an election which is over.

    I'm thinking of repeated recent Repug comments (by Delay and some others) according to which American judges have no right to even consider 'foreign law' in their deliberations. In a more general way, we know that Bushco has been unusually dismissive of other countries, agreements with them, and their legal systems. The clear implication is that only American law really counts; 'international law', like the United Nations, doesn't have any force as against American law or policy.

    My impression is that Repugs could be baited further, further, and finally too far in this direction. Our legal system has a clear foundation in English common law. Our founding documents (Constitution, Bill of Rights) are closely related to other such declarations of the 18th and 19th century.

    It's also possible that Repug-religious groups could be baited into talking about their belief that God loves America best, that history is all unfolding on the North American continent, that foreign peoples are just waiting out there for us to save them, etc. etc. If you draw Bush out a little further on 'spreading freedom', it's going to sound like that.

    by suibne on Sat May 07, 2005 at 05:27:07 AM PST

    •  Let them hang themselves. (none / 0)

      I think folks like Hillary and a few others who vote to uphold our Constitutional laws even though we don't agree with their stance may be providing that fodder. May be a bitter pill to swallow but in some sense we are where we are and it is now up to "them" to continue to display the arrogance they have until America is full of it and rebels - even if only a slight majority. We need to get out of this conundrum but quick. While our representatives still need to concentrate on the running of the government there is still plenty of wrong doing to eventually take them down. That is only my hope.

      "conservatives are the worshipers of dead radicals".

      by gandalf on Sat May 07, 2005 at 07:41:51 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  When will you run for president? n/t (none / 0)

    sign the petition at http://www.impeachbush.org

    by DrKate on Sat May 07, 2005 at 07:27:05 AM PST

  •  Yoohoo! My Congressman (none / 0)

    is on board. I contacted his ofice as soon as I saw your first post.

    You have our deepest appreciation. In the midst of this downward spiral -- there is hope still.

    "conservatives are the worshipers of dead radicals".

    by gandalf on Sat May 07, 2005 at 07:33:14 AM PST

  •  Where is the US media? (none / 0)

    Thank you for asking for answers. Its a shame that our so-called "free press" won't do its job. I've read nothing about this issue which clearly proves Bush creating intelligence to support an illegal invasion.

    by mlplm on Sat May 07, 2005 at 07:51:50 AM PST

    •  there IS coverage (none / 0)

      Go to news.google.com and type in the search box "leak memo".  You will find a number of news sources, notably the seattle times and the Kansas City Star, both on the Knight Ridder news feed, have covered this story.  What we need to do is pressure the NYTimes and the Washington Post to cover it, and/or AP and Reuters.

      Email them! nytnews@nytimes.com

      by Hummingbird on Sat May 07, 2005 at 09:32:07 AM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  Orange County Register (none / 0)

    Has now picked up this story and has INCLUDED the fact that John Conyers has sent a letter around to other representatives.  Our letters are having an effect!

    "Memo paints Bush's mind as made up" Kinda an odd headline however.
    http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/05/07/sections/news/iraq_transition/article_511125.php

    by Hummingbird on Sat May 07, 2005 at 09:24:36 AM PST

    •  It's the Knight Ridder story (none / 0)

      but huge nonetheless.  Remember, this is the flagship paper of a conservative-leaning libertarian chain (Freedom Communications) in probably the reddest county of any size in the country.

      Tick, tick, tick ...

      GOP=Grand Obstructionist Party

      by Christian Dem in NC on Sat May 07, 2005 at 02:58:22 PM PST

      [ Parent ]

  •  keep on top of the news (none / 0)

    Register with google to get email alerts on stories that have "leaked memo" in their headlines...

    That way you will get the latest news that deals with this story.

    by Hummingbird on Sat May 07, 2005 at 09:26:47 AM PST

  •  John Conyers--Profile In Courage! (none / 0)

    We still have courageous leaders--Representative John Conyers from Michigan is bravely leading the forces for truth and justice!

    "AMERICA DID NOT INVENT HUMAN RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS INVENTED AMERICA"

    by michealallison on Sat May 07, 2005 at 10:38:01 AM PST

  •  I love you, John. (none / 0)

    I love you.

    Peace.

    by super simian on Sat May 07, 2005 at 01:32:30 PM PST

  •  Mr. Conyers (none / 0)

    Well done and thank you.

    "It's like these guys take pride in being ignorant." -- Barack Obama

    by liberalis on Sat May 07, 2005 at 03:10:11 PM PST

  •  My congressman (none / 0)

    Chris Van Hollen--
    And my ex-congressman (after redistricting), Al Wynn, both signed. I wrote to both of them and thanked them for standing  up to be counted on one of the most important issues in this country today: whether our elected officials can be trusted to ensure that government is truly of the people, by the people and for the people.

    Now, how about those Senators??

    by gravie on Sat May 07, 2005 at 03:21:39 PM PST

  •  We're in a fight for our country. (none / 0)

    I'm not being over-dramatic. I think of those who have faced worse than us. They didn't give up. Think of the invasion of Normandy. Impossible. No way. But they kept on trying and pulled it off. The GOP doesn't give up. Why should we. Chip away a little at a time if that's all that you can do, but don't ever stop. We worry about how we are percieved and often let things go. Look where that got us! We need to relentlessly try to do what is right. If Bush has done something that merits impeachment, then we have to try. I won't be crushed by disappointment. I'm numb to it. But if we pack it in and say Bush is untouchable, they win by default.  

    Conservative Christian is an Oxymoron.

    by kitebro on Sat May 07, 2005 at 03:50:29 PM PST

  •  700 Daily Kossacks Want Answers on Leaked Memo (none / 0)

    Congressman Conyers, we value your opinion and your leadership.  

    Does the release of the Downing Street minutes, and the Goldsmith March 7, 2003 opinion strengthen significantly the grounds for the impeachment of George W. Bush?

    by Apian on Sun May 08, 2005 at 03:47:26 AM PST

Permalink | 247 comments