Ms. Chacounne goes to Washington

It started out as an action diary.  Heather, also known as Chacounne here at DKos, stated we have 5 days to change Dianne Feinstein's and Chuck Schumer's minds.  

She listed all their contact information and asked people to call, email and fax them to try to get them to change their minds.  You can read her excellent diary here.

She also added something that many of us hadn't heard before.  Her late husband, Dan, had been a POW during the Vietnam war and had been tortured during his incarceration.  She explained how that experience had colored the rest of his existence and how it still impacted hers.

In a single throw away comment, Heather  said:

I so wish I could afford to get to DC this next week and make them tell me to my face, look me in the eyes, and tell me that Dan's sacrifice doesn't matter.

In that moment, the dye was cast.  Through the efforts of a number of Kossacks, Heather is now headed for Washington DC next week on Tuesday and Wednesday to lobby the Senate Judiciary Committee to turn down Michael Mukasay’s nomination as Attorney General.  We think she can be a particularly good advocate for the cause, because she's seen the effects of torture first hand.

But she still needs some help.  Do you have any contacts with anyone on the Senate Judiciary Committee?  Can you offer her a place to stay on Tuesday night in the DC area?

Come on Kossacks, this is what we do best.

•  Hey Heather

  I hope this helps!

  Good Luck!

  by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:45:51 PM PDT

  •  (((((((((((((((((((((((((((DMiller)))))))))))))))

    You and the others have done more than I ever hoped for. Thank you, again.

       Hugs,
       Heather

    by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:29:18 PM PDT

    •  For all the voiceless people

      Heather, bless you for doing this.

      by CocoaLove on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 02:44:01 AM PDT

    •  It is for Dan. It is all good.

      You will be wonderful and we will all have to say we knew you when......

      Peace and a world without torture....

      PaintyKat

      by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:38:41 AM PDT

    •  I have a friend who goes to DC

      frequently to [protest.  She has lots of contacts.  I forwarded to her.  

      by TXsharon on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 06:45:52 AM PDT

    •  You absolutely rock

      Three cheers to you. Have a safe and successful trip to DC!

      by ilona on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 09:35:52 AM PDT

    •  Hey...I'm just seeing this now.

      You know who might be able to help? The folks at e pluribus media. You might email RenaRF (who posts here and there) and see if she has advice for who you can specifically get in touch with. I found the card of the guy we met - he's the Communications Director for the Judiciary Comm. in the House - I dunno if that's helpful.

      Anyway, if you email me I can send you his info - but someone at e pluribus media may be able to contact him for you and let him know you'll be coming...and that may help a bit more. I'm not sure.

      Sorry I can't help more than that.

      Good luck.

      by Elise on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 03:29:17 PM PDT

•  That's a story and half, right there

  I think it would be interesting to get someone at WAPO or another 'traditional media' outlet advised to this story, up front.

  It could have some real meaning and impact on the issue.

  People are fascinated with the personal stories.
  This might be one of those times to make sure all is done to make it available.

  by shpilk on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:46:48 PM PDT

  •  Great idea! n/t

    by cosette on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:52:26 PM PDT

  •  Absolutely. Who knows anyone in the DC press?

    How can we make this effective?

    by Jacques on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:52:33 PM PDT

    •  let me see what I can do - no promises

      but I do know a number of people from a number of publications

      if someone knows her hometown paper, their WASHINGTON bureau should be contacted

      by teacherken on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 03:49:50 AM PDT

•  Well

  I don't live in the DC area, but I will GLADLY chip in to help cover a hotel and local expenses.

  DMiller, you are an angel from heaven!!

  by twilight falling on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:47:21 PM PDT

  •  I think most

    who know me would disagree.

    I don't know where Heather is this evening, but I'm sure that she'd appreciate donations to cover food, hotel, etc.

    by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:50:25 PM PDT

    •  I'll add one more perk for her

      If she does this, I'm also sending her for a really nice dinner while she's there! Boy, will she have earned it.

      by twilight falling on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:52:51 PM PDT

      •  She's committed

        to it at this point.  The tickets are bought and in her name.  The rest is just putting together the details.

        by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:54:08 PM PDT

        •  Excellent

          Then all I need to know is where to send the contribution.

          by twilight falling on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:56:16 PM PDT

          •  Her email

            is listed in her profile.

            by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 09:58:13 PM PDT

      •  I have relatives who must travel to DC for work.

        Where's a "really nice dinner" in DC?

        by Jacques on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:08:30 PM PDT

        •  Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

          if you like steak, that is, and aren't averse to spending large amounts of money for the best steak. Their other dishes are also wonderful.

          by kyril on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:36:06 PM PDT

      •  (((((((((((((((((((((Twilight Falling))))))))))))

        Thank you, Honey.

            Hugs,
            Heather

        by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:31:41 PM PDT

        •  Isn't he a Pip? n/t

          by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:44:40 AM PDT

      •  I will take her out for it

        And I am calling EJ Dionne tomorrow!  Even though I've known him for a gazillion years, he is impossible to track down, but track him down I will.  Great news, DMiller.

        by noweasels on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:56:20 PM PDT

        •  OM goodness!

          Do you mean I might actually get to meet you in person. Oh I so hope that happens.

               Hugs,
               Heather

          by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:51:17 PM PDT

          •  My email is listed in my profile

            I would be interested in contributing to expenses if I knew how to send.

            Send instructions.  I will be away from my computer for a couple of hours but will check back.

            We got your back.

            Hugs to you,

            PaintyKat

            by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:46:37 AM PDT

    •  How do we contribute toward her expenses?

      by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:40:35 AM PDT

  •  (((((((((((((((((Twilight Falling))))))))))))))))

    Thank you, Darling. You lift me up, always.

        Hugs,
        Heather

    by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:30:43 PM PDT

•  What would be even better

  is if either Ted Kennedy or Russ Feingold got wind of the thread themselves.  They both read DKos and post pretty often.  Ted just posted Friday (Thursday?).

  by Christian Dem in NC on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:04:13 PM PDT

  •  I know one

    Kossack says that he or she knows Russ Feingold.  I cannot for the life of me remember who it is.

    by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:05:45 PM PDT

    •  It's Miss Blue

      I wasn't sure of it, but I checked her comments and she does know Feingold.

      by Christian Dem in NC on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:08:07 PM PDT

      •  That might

        be useful if it's a relationship such that she can call him and arrange for an introduction.

        by DMiller on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:10:10 PM PDT

•  Wow, that's wonderful. Do both Senators

  have to vote no or just one to keep it from going to the Senate floor?

  by flumptytail on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:08:39 PM PDT

  •  It will take both of them voting no,

    along with all the others dems on the committee, and even then Reid can bring it before the Senate, if I understand correctly.  And since he's turned out to be such a bastard, I wouldn't put it past him....

    by Got a Grip on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:09:27 PM PDT

•  This is awesome!

  Heather, I am so glad to hear this! You will be a powerful witness for truth.

  DMiller, how do the rest of us get in on this, to help with meals or spending money or whatever? Maybe Heather could set up a PayPal account quickly?

  This is wonderful!  

  by Ekaterin on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:12:38 PM PDT

•  Highly Recommended!

  We need to get this on the Rec List to attract more brainstormers for a media contact for Heather. I am racking my brain.
  Maybe Keith Olbermann would do a remote with her?
  Her's is such a compelling story and totally grassroots from what DMiller and the rest have put together for her trip.
  What about Dana Priest?
  She's the Washington Post reporter that busted open the secret rendition sites.

  by cosette on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:26:53 PM PDT

•  Might I suggest contacting the FPers?

  They may have contacts that could help.  Also, Elise works in the campaign of one of the presidential candidates.  She may have information that might help.....

  by Got a Grip on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:32:11 PM PDT

  •  Oh...Elise doesn't work for a campaign :-)

    Elise works so often she may as well...but unfortunately, she doesn't. If I did...(I need to stop talking in 3rd person), I wouldn't blog anymore. Shit...I may not blog anymore anyway...but that's a different story.

    Anyway, thought I should let you know that.

    by Elise on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 02:27:57 PM PDT

•  Here is the webpage that contains

  contact info for all the Senators....

  congressional email directory

  You can pull up any Senator or Representative and get their phone numbers, faxes, emails, etc.  See if these will be of help....

  by Got a Grip on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:41:44 PM PDT

•  Kossack Vets, Vets Day Nov. 11 and Heather...???

  Sounds like natural to work up some heavy stuff...

  At the Vietnam Memorial, too.

  Oops, my 60s protest blood is boilin' over...

  Also, two important Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee hearings this week...VA hiring practices and Legal issues concerning Vets claims disputes.

  Why does it so irritate my Aorta to see Bush put the Wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown?

  by deMemedeMedia on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:59:41 PM PDT

  •  VoteVets can help.

    by llbear on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 10:42:50 PM PDT

    •  What a GREAT idea. I'll message Brandon

      through his myspace.    

            Hugs,
            For Dan,
            Heather

      by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:10:50 PM PDT

  •  What about Iraq Vets Against the War?

    by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:48:27 AM PDT

•  Jim Webb

  We need to contact Jim Webb about this -- I will contact him.

  by noweasels on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:04:01 PM PDT

  •  (((((((((((((((((((((((((((Noweasels)))))))))))))

    Thank you, dear friend.

        Hugs,
        Heather

    by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:49:48 PM PDT

•  We have a HUGE problem :(

  I messed up big time. I had Thursday fixed in my brain as the day for the vote for some unknown reason, and thanks to someone who was very kind and paying attention, I checked the SJC web site. The vote is Tuesday. So, if this is going to happen, we need to get organized VERY quickly, I would need to get on the plane tomorrow night.

  If we can't make this happen for this vote, which would be completely my fault, I am committed to going before the full Senate votes. It's a bigger challenge, but I like challenges.

          Sigh,
          Heather

  by Chacounne on Sat Nov 03, 2007 at 11:49:10 PM PDT

•  It doesn't look like it going to be possible

  for me to lobby in person before this vote. I've checked the applicable flights for later today and I'm unable to catch any of them, due to a previous commitment I can not get out of. I am so sorry. I will continue to write diaries later today, tomorrow, and Tuesday morning. I also commit to lobbying in person in DC before the full Senate vote, if he passes the SJC.

      Sigh :(
      Going to hide my head,
      Heather

  by Chacounne on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 12:42:17 AM PDT

  •  :(

    I'm very sorry you can't go.  

    I actually felt like you had a real shot at knocking some sense into them and making a difference in Washington.

    by susie dow on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 01:32:56 AM PDT

  •  Oh man ... of all the rotten luck

    Well, you still deserve a pat on the back, Heather.  You may be responsible for one of the largest weekend fax/email bombings in recent memory.  We can't say we didn't go down fighting.

    by Christian Dem in NC on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 04:27:16 AM PDT

  •  Hang in there because your voice

    and your message is so strong.

    Just let me know when you are planning to go.

    PaintyKat

    by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:51:11 AM PDT

  •  Heather,

    Even if you can't make it before the judiciary committee vote, you can certainly go before the whole senate votes on the confirmation.  Perhaps, with a little advance planning, you can make a longer trip of it and see more senators and really have an impact.

    by DMiller on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 09:24:36 AM PDT

•  progressive activism

  How exciting that one of the regular people have taken up this cause. I hope it generates lots of media attention, and shames Schumer and Feinstein to do better.

  by CocoaLove on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 02:43:18 AM PDT

•  This is wonderful news. Thank you

  all so much.

  by blue jersey mom on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 04:25:38 AM PDT

•  What about RenaRF? She is in Northern VA

  I think.  She was the host for the Orange group a couple years ago.

  Click on her name and she has a blog that might give an email.  She did say that she has a new job and is very busy but she came to mind right away.  And another advantage is that Rena is sharp about political processes and could lend support for Heather too.

  I suspect it can be intimidating to try to lobby in DC, I've only participated at the State level and in very organized situations other than presentation of petitions that were more "off the cuff."

  Maybe she should make contact with her elected reps and Senator and their staff can help her.

  PaintyKat

  by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:32:50 AM PDT

•  Excellent diary and wonder news about

  Heather.  Are you heading for the #1 position on the rec list again?

  Let's send it up.  This is a really important dkos action.  So much more exciting than all the pissing and moaning.  Proves how much more we can do and there are probably other folks among us who could step forward with stories that are unique but powerful.  I know I would consider participating.

  PaintyKat

  by PaintyKat on Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 05:35:43 AM PDT