This is meant to be a call to action, and I'm asking for your help to spread this message to every progressive blog. The time has come to kick Joe Lieberman out of the caucus once and for all. He needs to learn that actions have consequences, period. We have previously been told that he is with us on "everything but the war," but now it is all too clear that this just isn't the case. And just so it is understood that this isn't just about health coverage reform, I have listed reasons for his expulsion from the caucus, after the jump...
Reasons Joe Lieberman needs to be expelled from the Democratic caucus:
- Left the party in 2006 to run against the Democratic nominee Ned Lamont, including distributing flyers suggesting Lamont was a racist.
- Endorsed the Republican nominee, John McCain, for president in 2008, and campaigned for him.
- Contributed to other Republican candidates in 2008.
- Has repeatedly criticized Barack Obama, questioned his dedication to his country, lied about Obama's commitment to the troops, lied about Obama's campaign comments on the public option, stated that it was a "good question" to ask if Obama was a Marxist, alleged that Obama was endorsed by Hamas.
- Has repeatedly grandstanded against health coverage reform, most recently declaring he will filibuster, even though he was a part of the group that fashioned the compromise. Coincidentally, his wife has earned money in the past lobbying for the insurance industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the tobacco industry.
- Has already declared that he will campaign for Republicans in 2010, a crucial year for Democrats to maintain their majorities.
- Has previously threatened to caucus with the Republicans anyway.
- Has used his position as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee to block investigations, including the response to Katrina.
Do you really need more reasons than those? It's time for the Democrats to realize that Joe Lieberman is NOT vote number 60. In recent years, the evidence has shown that Lieberman is solely dedicated to advancing the interests of Lieberman, and nothing more.
If you have a moment, please write or call the following senators, all of whom are members of Democratic leadership (especially if you are a constituent):
Harry Reid
Phone: 202-224-3542 / Fax: 202-224-7327
Toll Free for Nevadans: 1-866-SEN-REID (736-7343)
Robert Byrd
Phone: 202-224-3954 / Fax: 202-228-0002
Dick Durbin
(202) 224-2152 - phone
(202) 228-0400 - fax
Charles Schumer
202-224-6542 - phone
202-228-3027 - fax
Patty Murray
Phone: (202) 224-2621
Fax: (202) 224-0238
Byron Dorgan
Phone (202) 224-2551
Fax (202) 224-1193
Debbie Stabenow
Phone: (202) 224-4822
e-mail: senator@stabenow.senate.gov
Jeff Bingaman
(202) 224-5521
Blanche Lincoln
Ph (202) 224-4843
Fax (202) 228-1371
Barbara Boxer
Ph (202) 224-3553
Fax (202) 224-0454
Tom Carper
Phone: (202) 224-2441
Fax: (202) 228-2190
Bill Nelson
Phone: 202-224-5274
Fax: 202-228-2183
Russ Feingold
Ph (202) 224-5323
Fax (202) 224-2725
Go ahead and contact your senator if they are a Democrat but not a member of leadership, as well. Also, if you post on other blogs, please consider spreading this message. I'm mad as hell and I can't take it any more! Let's make this week JOE HAS TO GO WEEK! I welcome other suggestions as to making this message heard loud and clear to ALL members of the Democratic caucus.