A War Crimes Special Counsel -- Why it is Important

On May 5, 2004, shortly after the Abu Ghraib scandal broke, President Bush pledged a full investigation, stating "That's what we do in America.  We fully investigate; we let everybody see the results of the investigation; and the people will be held to account."

One year later - and now that the election is over -- it appears that this statement was just one in a series of unmet Bush promises.  There was never a full investigation - just a few sham hearings in the House and Senate and internal Administration inquiries that never went anywhere.  The results were never made fully public.  And the only ones held to account were low ranking soldiers, even though we all know that the lax controls and atmosphere of intolerance and abuse came from on high in the White House and the Defense Department.

As a result, as those of you who regularly read Raw Story,  Buzzflash, Kos (via Apian), and my own blog know, on Friday, 50 House colleagues and I wrote to Attorney General Gonzales asking him to appoint a special counsel to investigate prisoner abuse and torture in Iraq, Guantanamo and Afghanistan.

While there is no guarantee that Gonzales will respond, I believe that the sheer weight of having 51 duly elected Members of Congress pose the request makes it very difficult to simply ignore it.  Moreover, merely by making the request, it is my hope that additional information can come forward that will help us pursue justice in this matter. For example, I learned of many of the Ohio voting irregularities after I asked GAO to investigate.  I have obtained invaluable research and tips concering the now infamous "Downing Street Memo" based on my reading of the comments to these diaries and my own blog.  

This is the only Administration since Watergate that has refused to initiate a single independent inquiry into its own misconduct.  I asked for special counsels to investigate the Haliburton, Enron, and Valerie Plane matters to know avail.  But now that we have allegations that go to the very core of our international credibility - including the recent charges concerning desecrating the Koran -- it is more important than ever that we have an independent investigation.  After all, how can any country take our pleas for democracy and accountability seriously, when we won't even conduct a complete, independent, and credible investigation of credible allegations of war crimes by U.S. officials?

President Bush and Attorney General Gonzales, are you listening?  Are you finally prepared to "investigate" to "let everybody see the results" and to hold "the people to ... account?"

•  Thank you again sir...

  for fighting to restore decency and pride in being American again... again let us all know how we can help.

  "Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Effort, Concentration, and Wisdom"

  by Dood Abides on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:22:44 PM PDT

  •  Thank you, Congressman,

    for helping to show to the world that some of us Americans have a conscience and are trying to do the right thing.

    I support you 100%!!

    by enthusiast on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:53:49 PM PDT

•  Thank you, Congressman.

  I agree with you a hundred percent and just today wrote to my Representative, Nydia Velazquez (NY-12) to urge her to sign the letter you have sent to Mr. Gonzalez. In my opinion, it is vitally important that those responsible for such horrific abuses are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I also agree that given the involvement of Mr. Gonzalez in writing the rationales that appear to have made such atrocities possible, the only way to effectively get to the bottom of this mess is through the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate this matter.

  Thank you so much for your continued efforts in this matter as well as the other important work that you do. Congressman Conyers, we could use about 300 more of you.

  "after the Rapture, we get all their shit"

  It's time: the albany project.

  by lipris on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:24:43 PM PDT

  •  I also wrote

    To my congressman, McHugh

    I asked him if he supports torture...

    by wrights on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:40:15 PM PDT

    •  I have written my representatives

      Conyers, Hutchinson and Phil King many times.  Do you think it will influence them any?  Heh!

      Here's a quote from the latest Hutchinson respone to my letter regarding the filibuster:  

      "President Bush's judicial nominees are men and women of integrity and distinction, and have received high ratings by the American Bar Association.  These nominees are in the mainstream of American legal opinion and are committed to adhearing to the law.  If the Senate does not act on these nominations and resolve the vacancy problem in our courts, I believe the administration of justice will suffer."

      My represenatives live on a different planet.  I want new ones!

      by TXsharon on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:44:33 AM PDT

      •  So why not reply quoting Procopius?

        Procopius [c.490/510-c.560s] wrote a Secret history of Justinian's rule and describes how the Empire was overrun. Reading it while surfing contemporary news is eeeeeeeeerie. I swear that it is the playbook for much of the nonsense which inspires ButchCo initiatives. I think they just toss it on the floor, and take their cue for Action from the page at which it falls open. Recommended reading!

        You can download the 84 pages, free from www.gutenberg.org.

        Here's the bit which came to mind on reading your comment:
        CHAPTER XXI
        [Page numbers are irrelevant in electronic editions - it depends which text format you use. Perhaps they'll get round to numbering paragraphs.]
        *

        In all the cities throughout the Empire, Justinian selected for the highest offices the most abandoned persons he could find, and sold to them for vast sums the positions which they degraded. In fact, no honest man, possessed of the least common sense, would ever have thought of risking his own fortune in order to plunder those who had committed no offence. When Justinian had received the money from those with whom he made the bargain, he gave them full authority to deal with their subjects as they pleased, so that, by the destruction of provinces and populations, they might enrich themselves in the future; for, since they had borrowed large sums from the bankers at heavy rates of interest to purchase their magistracies, and had paid the sum due to him who sold them, when they arrived in the cities, they treated their subjects with every kind of tyranny, paying heed to nothing save how they might fulfil their engagements with their creditors and lay up great wealth for themselves. They had no apprehension that their conduct would bring upon them the risk of punishment; on the contrary, they expected that the greater number of those whom they plundered put to death without cause, the greater the reputation they would attain, for the name of murderer and robber was regarded as a proof of activity. But when Justinian learned that they had amassed considerable wealth during office, he entangled them in his net, and on some pretence or other deprived them of all their riches in a moment.

        *
        *

        As the misfortunes of the State increased, all learned by experience that there is no limit to the innate wickedness of man, and that, when it is supported by the knowledge of precedents, and encouraged by the power in its hands to torment its victims, no man can tell how far it will extend, but only the thoughts of the oppressed are capable of estimating it. Such was the state of affairs in regard to the magistrates.
        

        by Heteraetcaetera on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:35:15 PM PDT

•  Simple choices...

  Open government or closed government.

  Rule of law or make rules up as we go along.

  Accountability or chaos.

  Thanks to Rep. Conyers and his office for being a part of the community.

  by Danno11 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:25:00 PM PDT

•  Your dedication is inspiring

  and for those that have not seen his letter, please drop on over to The Raw Story

  I will be sending thank you letters to David Wu and Earl Blumenauer, and putting a bug in the ear of our other Reps in Oregon.

  Thanks for taking the time to inform from the comfort of your home. :o)

  God Bless You Congressman Conyers.

  by Terre on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:27:44 PM PDT

  •  The letter

    is here at dKos also.

    by realitybased on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:46:37 PM PDT

    •  LOL

      I realized that right after I hit the 'post' button. After all, Apian's diary has been on the Recommended list for just a 'wee' bit. - DOH!

      by Terre on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:53:58 PM PDT

•  Difficult to Ignore?

  I believe that the sheer weight of having 51 duly elected Members of Congress pose the request makes it very difficult to simply ignore it.

  Are we talking about the same administration?  Because I can very easily see Bush, Gonzales, every Republican member of Congress, and the media ignoring this.  Unfortunately, the Democrats are the minority in every aspect of the federal government, and the Republicans have decided to throw out any notion of bi-partisanship, except the token mention of it to reporters.

  The way I see it, there are only 2 possibilities for you and your fellow Democratic congressmen to force these issues into the public eye.  One is to get a subsantial number of Rebuplican congressmen to join you in your quest, forcing the Congress to listen to you.  With the Republicans under the iron fisted rule of DeLay and company, I don't see this happening.  

  The other way to to effectively shut down the government, not allowing the Republicans to pass any meaningful bill, forcing them to deal with these issues before allowing them to continue to govern.  This will lead to a massive amount of ill press that I don't think the majority of Democratic congressmen will be able to handle.

  So, unfortunately, I think all these issues are doomed to fall into the 'Memory Hole'.

  All that said, I truly love what you have been able to accomplish so far, and am behind you 100%.  I pray that you can prove me wrong.  And I profusely thank you for taking the time to post updates here.

  by SleepyG on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:28:28 PM PDT

  •  Difficult to Ignore?

    The only way we can obtain Republican support is through public pressure via attention to this matters.

    Might I suggest an even better way of gaining the Administration's attention?  Regain the House in 2006.

    by Congressman John Conyers on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:38:58 PM PDT

    •  With people like you in the lead

      the sleeping-walking population can be roused, and the truth will be heard.

      Thank you Congressman - your presence here is inspiring.

      by bumblebums on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:47:54 PM PDT

    •  I am ALL behind that

      Regaining the House...and then the Senate.

      But I fear short term s/he may be right.  However, though no real action may result, you have made the statement and shone the light on their misconduct.  Thank you for that, and for your continued efforts to bring these law breakers to account.  Keep up the good work, sir.  I'm proud to have you on our side.

      by baba durag on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:52:57 PM PDT

    •  I'll call Petri...

      and encourage as many people in my area to do the same. Thanks again for your bold leadership.

      by blueyedace2 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:06:26 PM PDT

    •  Why did you do it on Friday?

      Seems that the letter would get minimum media coverage compared to a Tuesday release, for example. Was there a strategic or tactical reason for this decision?

      OTOH, it is an awesome move on any day!! Many thanks.

      by MarkInSanFran on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:14:15 PM PDT

    •  Important Question...

      I didn't happen to see my Rep., Brad Sherman (D-CA), on the list of signatories.

      Did he refuse to sign your letter? If so, he will hear from me Monday morning.

      Please let me know what the circumstances were regarding Sherman's absence at the bottom of your letter.

      by alysheba on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:39:19 PM PDT

      •  Circumstances of Letter

        I sent around a dear colleague to all Dems and Repub Offices in the House.  I was not able to personally take the letter to the floor to solicit signatures as I did with my Downing St. Letter.  So failure to sign may have been as a result of a staffer's failure to bring to a Member's attention.

        by Congressman John Conyers on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:30:40 AM PDT

        •  Sadly...

          ...Brad Sherman doesn't appear to have signed the Downing Street Letter, either. Though, with the pdf that's going around the web containing ACTUAL signatures, not a list of signatories, it's a bit difficult to tell.

          Did Brad Sherman sign the Downing Street letter?

          by alysheba on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:35:29 AM PDT

          •  No he didn't :o(

            Looks like you'll need to take him to task on both letters.

            by Terre on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:53:51 AM PDT

          •  Here is a typed list of signatures

            from Raw Story.

            by Terre on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:59:05 AM PDT

            •  Thanks.

              I also see that my FORMER Rep., Henry Waxman (D-CA), didn't sign the Downing Street letter, either.

              W
              T
              F
              ???

              by alysheba on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:12:23 PM PDT

        •  Since the letter

          has become very public now, whether or not it was sent Friday matters little. It is our job to back up the Representatives who signed the letter by writing letters to the attorney general, the preznit, the chiefs of staff at the pentagon, the more moderate republicans, etc, as well as get this out to the media. Congressman Conyers--would you like to be a guest on the Daily Show and/or Olbermann as well as the more conventional programmes? Air America radio? I have no doubt you would be a very welcome guest!

          by Nina on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:13:27 AM PDT

    •  Congressman Conyers

      First, thank you for all you are doing to save our country.  After this dark time is over, there should be medals for you. :)  You make me so proud of Michigan, the state of my birth and half of my life!  

      I'm going to call my Reps here in Indiana, I doubt it will do much good but I have to try for YOU, as you are working so hard for me.  

      Second, have you thought of gathering signatures of citizens, as Barbara Boxer has been doing recently to help indicate support for her projects?  Showing public support from all over the country can only help you more.  If a Congressperson declines to sign one of your letters, it would be nice to show them a list of people in their area that support your letter.

      by libnewsie on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:44:45 PM PDT

      •  I agree

        Libnewsy you said "Second, have you thought of gathering signatures of citizens, as Barbara Boxer has been doing recently to help indicate support for her projects?  Showing public support from all over the country can only help you more.  If a Congressperson declines to sign one of your letters, it would be nice to show them a list of people in their area that support your letter."

        Hi again, Congressman Conyers. I think this is a very good idea of Libynews'.  If we signed maybe a slightly different letter or petition and this was shown on a day when Congress was in as close to full session as possible, it might have an impact and get more Representatives to sign on.  I'm sure you would get a huge amount of citizens signing on.  Please consider it!

        Respectfully,
        Joy Williams
        Santa Cruz
        

        by Hummingbird on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:00:17 PM PDT

        •  I also agree

          dKos member base is 51,000

          That would be a pretty impressive list of signatories  I think sending Congressman Conyers letter with the names of Constituants of the members of Congress in first section, then the names of dKos signers whose members of Congress are not on Conyers' letter would make a serious impact.

          Nothing preventing anyone from taking this idea to other Dem net news sites, and getting signatures from their member bases.

          by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:32:36 PM PDT

          •  not just dkos though

            There are a number of other blogs that we could add to it.  Including buzzflash, Liberal Oasis, etc... even Randi Rhodes blog...

            I think we could easily get 100,000 people to sign.  I think we should contact PFAW as well.

            by Hummingbird on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:47:05 PM PDT

    •  You are a real American, Congressman!

      And you are right -- winning back Congress will be a big step.

      We also have to win back the media.  That will have to come first.  It's through outlets like Kos that this will happen.

      by Phoenix Woman on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:26:02 PM PDT

    •  Ultimately we need fair elections

      I think if we had fair elections, we wouldn't HAVE a republican majority in all branches. Fraud appears to have occurred in 2002 and again in 2004. It does seem odd that Bush has far less than a majority of support only 100 days into this term... How can we win back the house if republicans control the voting machines? It's only by winning the house that we can Do Anything. So how do we regain the fairness of elections? Is it possible to do it by law as a minority party.

      by blueherring on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:22:08 AM PDT

    •  Thank you Again Congressman Conyers

      Dear Congressman Conyers, Yes, we need to regain the house in 2006 so we need some good candidates to throw their hats in the ring to replace some of these Republicans that are betraying our country with their neo-con agenda. And we then need to start impeachment hearings of everyone in the administration that is capable of being impeached or putting on trial war criminals like Rumsfeld, et al. The torture of prisoners, whether in our gulags or out-sourced is one of the most shameful things this country has done in my memory. (Though slavery was pretty bad too - but that wasn't in my "memory" per se). Even if it doesn't work to demand special investigation into this, we must demand it anyway, if for no other reason to live by our convictions and conscience, since this administration apparently has neither. So thank you, sir, for your integrity and your convictions and your conscience. You are showing us that there are some voices of compassion and wisdom in the Congress. What else can we do to help you in this most noble of efforts to regain America's soul? Sincerely, Joy Williams Santa Cruz

      by Hummingbird on Sun May 15, 2005 at 11:52:45 AM PDT

•  I really can't stand fawning as a general rule

  but your dedication to restoring sanity and democracy to the US is inspiring... even on a late Saturday night when you should be allowed to take a break ;)

  Even if your efforts ultimately get stonewalled by this administration (as they are wont to do... repeatedly), history will remember and record your efforts and those of Sen. Boxer, et al.

  And hopefully, because of your persistence in speaking truth to power the American people will begin to wake from their slumber and boot these jackasses out in 2006 & 2008... before it really does become too late to reverse the damage.

  You have our complete support and we are here when you need us.

  Cheers!

  by spiderleaf on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:37:48 PM PDT

  •  amen

    Rep. Conyers,

    Thank you for your persistence and real hard work (as opposed to the President's perennial excuse - "it's hard work") -- even into the late hours. Congressman Brady will be hearing from me.

    by deselby on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:50:28 PM PDT

  •  Hell, I'll Fawn, No Problem!

    The Muslim world is aflame - and it's spreading. The deadly nature of this justifiable rage is going to kill Americans.  And, I can't begin to express my worry about this.

    If there is no check on this administration's amazing brutality, endless stupidity and criminality - one hell a lot of lives are going to be lost.

    You know what I find amazing?  That in the hostages taken by the Resistance in Iraq - there is NOT ONE INSTANCE of which I am aware, of torture or humiliation or degradation of someone's religious artifacts.  Not one.  They may kill ya, but they don't do things like that. Now who, I ask, is the more civilized and humane?

    Some of the allegations coming out of Gitmo like the putting the Koran in the toilet and the smearing of women soldier's smenstrual blood on the faces of detainees are an absolute guarantee of a harvest of millenial hatred and a fine revulsion from civilized people everwhere in the world.

    I learned, for example, that the Aussies are painting large kangaroos on all their military vehicles in Iraq, in the hope that they will not be mistaken for Americans.  They're that worried.

    So if you can put a check on this and bring the true criminals to a halt and to justice, I'll clean your boots with my tongue.  No sweat.

    I much prefer to save lives - not face.

    So, "thank you" does not begin to express my gratitude for your amazing work.

    But it's a start.

    by mattman on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:03:54 PM PDT

    •  P.S.

      Dude, ya got a pair of steel ones.

      by mattman on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:05:31 PM PDT

    •  Forcing innocent people to beg for

      their life on camera multiple times and them leisurly slicing their head off while recording the event for propaganda purposes certainly constitiutes humiliation, degradation, torture as well as cold-blooded murder. And that is what only happened on camera.

      I agree that what has gone on at Gitmo and Abu Grab and other prisons is a stain on our nation and I pray that those responsible are eventually brought to justice.  But I utterly reject your suggestion of any sort of moral superiority for those insurgents who brutalize and murder innocent and even saintly (Margaret Hasson, for example) people for their political and military objectives.

      by Sam I Am on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:29:15 AM PDT

      •  You Make An Excellent Point

        I don't agree with it but it is an excellent point nonetheless,  because then it comes down number, type, duration and the sheer depravity of the torture/humiliation inflicted.

        Because in that regard we've got 'em beat hands down.

        When there are examples of the resistance throwing hostages' food in the toilets and forcing them to eat it from there;  when there are examples of the resistance making journalists stick their fingers in their rectums and lick them;  when there are reports of the resistance sodomizing kids in front of their screaming mothers; when there are reports of the resistance training dogs to attack hostages genetalia - THEN and only then would I agree that they are just as depraved as we are.

        Then and only then will they have achieved parity with us.

        Not to mention the resistance never signed the Geneva Accords.  And we did.

        by mattman on Sun May 15, 2005 at 03:09:28 AM PDT

•  Thanks to you and your brave colleagues

  for pressing on this issue and on the leaked war memo, Rep. Conyers.

  by lecsmith on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:44:24 PM PDT

•  Good Luck, Representative!

  You're fighting an uphill battle, but I know that all of us appreciate your willingness to do so.

  by ultrageek on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:46:17 PM PDT

•  Dear Congressman Conyers

  Am I ever glad you showed up!!! A letter writing campaign is going on over at

  BREAKING!!! Conyers Goes After Gonzales.  Will you please tell all these good people to go there and write to their members of Congress.  As soon as they do, I'll put their state up on the list.

  Please continue to check in with us and give us clear guidance on exactly what action we can take to support you in this effort  It is so important that people know what they can do to help, to feel they have contributed, and to know, because you tell them so, that their efforts are effective.

  Other than that, can't think of a thing.

  Except that you're the greatest!!!

  Sincerely,

  Apian

  by Apian on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:46:51 PM PDT

  •  HOw about a little of

    initiative. lets flood the attorneys office with phone calls and pressure them to ansewer the letter. This is the Attorney General office phone # [phone].
    

    by cruz del sur on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:36:20 PM PDT

    •  where's that media blaster thingie? n/t

      by Cedwyn on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:13:23 PM PDT

    •  An Additional thing

      We can do is fax a letter to the Attorney General's office or mailing a letter demanding that they investigate the torture and that they appoint a special counsel ourselves.

      I found the letter, but I need a fax number.  Maybe John Conyers would share that with us?

      Office of the U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
      U.S. Department of Justice
      950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
      Washington, DC 20530-0001

      by Hummingbird on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:11:02 PM PDT

      •  Main Website

        Office of the Attorney General

        USDOJ Contact Page

        And you're right, I don't see a FAX number for anyone at the DOJ, at all.  I wonder why they're not published?

        by Terre on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:29:14 PM PDT

  •  is there a petition for

    people to sign?

    by Cedwyn on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:14:27 PM PDT

  •  thanks

    for the reminder, Apian. I just emailed my Colorado Rep., Bob Beauprez.  I would guess the odds are 100% that he will not sign, but at least he heard from me.

    I guess I'll put a note on your other thread too.
    

    by OLinda on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:17:33 PM PDT

    •  Here's The Letter I Thought Was Best

      Dear Congressperson Undecided,

      Representative John Conyers of Michigan has authored a letter to Attorney General Gonzales asking for the appointment of a special prosecutor to determine the complicity of Bush Administration officials in the torture of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan and at Guantanamo Bay.

      The Islamic world is justifiably incensed over the horrible treatment of these prisoners and desecration of their religion.  There are currently riots going on in Afghanistan over this very issue.

      We must show the rest of the world that we do NOT condone the torture and killing that the Bush administration has wrought.

      Please consider adding your signature to Congressman Conyers' letter.

      Still proud to have you as my representative,

      Constituant

      This letter could be sent to ANY representative, Republican or Democrat, Hawk or Dove.

      by Apian on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:24:39 PM PDT

      •  Thanks

        I noted on your other thread that I stole a bit from 2 letters you had posted.  This was one of them.  Thanks!
        

        by OLinda on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:33:21 PM PDT

  •  What you can do

    At this point, contacting your Rep. and the Justice Dept. are good first steps.  Encouraging the media to cover this issue is important also.

    by Congressman John Conyers on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:32:40 AM PDT

    •  Clarrification Please

      Which DoJ?  Bybee, OLC December 2004 over-write, or the (ideal) DoJ of a free democratic Constitutional republic?

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 03:50:50 PM PDT

    •  This Is The Face of the Department of Justice

      

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 03:58:33 PM PDT

    •  And This Is What Happens When You Tell The Truth

      Gagged, But Not Dead

      A BUZZFLASH GUEST CONTRIBUTION
      by Sibel Edmonds

      The Appeal Court's decision on Sibel Edmonds' Case is out: `Case Dismissed;' no opinion cited; no reason provided. The Court's decision, issued on Friday, May 6, has generated a string of obituaries; "another major blow, maybe the last one, to Sibel Edmonds, a woman who has faced an unprecedented level of government secrecy, gag orders, and classification." Well, dear friends and supporters, Sibel Edmonds may be gagged, but she's not dead.

      On October 18, 2002; three months after I filed my suit against the Department of Justice for unlawful termination of my employment caused by my reporting criminal activities committed by government officials and employees, John Ashcroft, the then Attorney General, invoked a rarely invoked privilege, the State Secrets Privilege. According to Ashcroft, everything involving my case and my allegations were considered state secrets, and whether or not I was right in my allegations, the United States District Court had to dismiss my entire case without any questions, hearings or oral argument; period. According to Ashcroft, the court had to grant his order and dismiss the entire case with no hearings solely based on the fact that he, Ashcroft, said so. After all, our government knew best. As of that day, my case came to be gagged; but I continued on.

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 04:00:36 PM PDT

    •  This Is Who Controls Information -- FOIA

      Electronic Reading Room:

      This includes frequently requested records, opinions, policy statements, and staff manuals/instructions to staff, created by the Office of the Attorney General after November 1, 1996.

      Component Description:

      The Attorney General is responsible for the overall supervision and direction of the administration and operation of the Department. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and furnishes advice and opinions on legal matters to the President, the Cabinet, heads of the executive departments, and other agencies of the Federal Government. Records maintained include those relating to the administration of the office

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 04:06:01 PM PDT

    •  Must Respectfully Decline

      For the above reasons, (and loads more) I can only approach DoJ through the American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights First, and any other organization or representative in government that has gone head to head with them in the last year, and advanced the cause of justice without losing the opportunity to "live to fight another day."

      Senator Leahy - D-Vt. has been a mighty warrior when taking on the DoJ.  I have been in contact with his office over the last year, and the materials he has been able to press Gonzales for have been key in the case against the present AG.

      Looking at the case against AG Gonzales during the last year has turned my hair white.  I have to defer to those who have more strength, expertise and courage than I do.  Not to mention a stronger stomach.

      It is like sitting to table with a Great White Shark.

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 04:15:31 PM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers, I hope you'll

  continue to gather support of additional colleagues in your effort.  I'm pleased to see that my representative, Mark Udall, signed onto this letter.  My guess is that there are others who'll sign ... perhaps there could be a new round of press for each additional 25 signatories, for each republican, when more than half of a state's delegation is signed on, etc.

  Thanks so much for your work on this.  Let's continue the conversation about how we can all move this process forward.

  by by foot on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:48:10 PM PDT

•  Rep. Conyers is a true American hero!

  Make sure to keep working on those voting machines. They need to be functioning properly when we send you to the White House!

  by Idioteque on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:48:58 PM PDT

•  Thank you

  from a gal who lives in western Wayne Co. & unfortunately has a congressional representative who is a disgrace.

  You provide inspiration and support for a progressive message at the grassroots level.

  Please - keep up the good work!

  by Cordelia Lear on Sat May 14, 2005 at 08:50:30 PM PDT

•  Rep. Conyers

  Thank you for being our voice. How come you and Sen. Boxer are among the few elected officials with a soul? This admin is right out of hell and plan on dragging us all back  with them.
  I am 49 years old and I miss my America from the 60'sand 70's. When people cared. I was in riots that started in peaceful demonstrations until the
  nixon draconians went ballastic on us. I remember reading the papers and MLK getting assualted and arrested....in 1963. WTF has America come to when our country is killing 100,000's of thousands and no body says shit...BUT YOU AND  AFEW that have a voice in policy, and those of us that pay the fuck attention? If British minute memo isn't grounds for impeachment, WTH is?
  You are my candidate for President any time you care to step forward.
  My thanks.

  by mpc 12 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:02:05 PM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers,

  You are helping tremendously to keep our morale up during these times that 'try men's souls'. This is the worst presidency this country has faced in its short history and it is appalling how much damage this administration has done in 5 years, both at home and abroad. As Wes Clark said,
  

      
  I think we're dealing with the most closed, imperialistic, nastiest administration in living memory. They even put Richard Nixon to shame.

  
  If they are not stonewalling on providing documents, they withhold funding. Whether it is the 9/11 investigation or the leak investigation, the best assurance we have is John Ashcroft telling us everything was just fine. The Justice Department advised this president that, as commander in chief, he is not bound by either international treaties or domestic laws that ban the use of torture. Superficially, because of enormous political pressure, this Administration claims it has retreated from that advice, but there is no effort made to work in compliance with the laws of war and interrogation, nor to release a statement of just what torture methods are currently in use. This country is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions. You are 100% right to have our nation abide by the convention and its protocols.

  by Nina on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:03:32 PM PDT

•  thank you sir

  keep pileing it on them. great work. thank you.

  by cognitive dissonance on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:05:36 PM PDT

•  It's very important that Afghanistan is included

  because, once again beyond the not-so-prying gaze of the US media, the Bush administration has apparently established an Afghan network of detention camps. This network has been termed a "gulag" in this article in the Guardian and elsewhere.

  "In some ways, the abuses in Afghanistan are more troubling than those reported in Iraq," said John Sifton, the Human Rights Watch representative in the area. "While it is true that abuses in Afghanistan often lacked the sexually abusive content of the abuses in Iraq, they were in many ways worse. Detainees were severely beaten, exposed to cold and deprived of sleep and water. Moreover, it should be noted that the detention system in Afghanistan, unlike the system in Iraq, is not operated even nominally in compliance with the Geneva conventions. The detainees are never given an opportunity to see any independent tribunal. There is no legal process whatsoever and not even an attempt at one. The entire system operates outside the rule of law. At least in Iraq, the US is trying to run a system that meets Geneva standards. In Afghanistan, they are not."

  by rob511 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:06:07 PM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers

  I've noticed recently that whenever I see your name in a headline, I stop and read the article. I've learned that if I see your name, something important is probably happening and I had better pay attention.

  Thank you for your leadership, sir. You make me proud to be a Democrat.

  Oh, and hell yeah on the war crimes special counsel. Isn't this the Accountability President? Well let's start settling some outstanding accounts.

  by Pompatus on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:08:34 PM PDT

  •  I second this...

    ...I always look up, so to speak, when I hear "Boxer" or "Conyers" - when they make the news, mainstream or blog, it usually means that someone, at least, is doing his or her job.

    Thanks for doing the real "hard work", Congressman.

    by ChaosMouse on Sun May 15, 2005 at 06:53:00 AM PDT

  •  Ditto on Conyers' diaries

    You can bet it's worth the time to alert yourself to a Conyers' message.

    We're here, dedicated, and relentlessly willing to proceed with you with whatever power we can bring to your fight for justice.

    Keep fighting, Representative Conyers.

    WE all appreciate how difficult your work is these days and will be through this second term, but we are standing by to lend helping hands.

    Visit:
    PoliticalStrategy

    by btyarbro on Sun May 15, 2005 at 01:53:45 PM PDT

•  You give me hope, Congressman Conyers

  I believe the desperate acts we are witnessing are the final thrashings of a near-extinct consciousness.
  

  Your courage is evidence of a fierce patriotism unknown to those currently at the helm. Thank you for loving this country enough to fight for it. You are winning.

  by thecarriest on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:10:18 PM PDT

•  Thanks, Congressman Conyers,...

  ...for all your efforts!

  by boran2 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:15:14 PM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers, was that a Repub

  I saw as one of the signatories?

  I noticed that Raw Story had Tom Price (R-GA6) as signing your letter.  I hope that wasn't a misprint--if even one Repub signed this, I would imagine the president would have to listen.

  by Christian Dem in NC on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:28:50 PM PDT

•  My deepest and sincerest gratitude

  are yours. It has been historically difficult to stand on the side of integrity no matter what the "majority" is saying.

  Still, even if everyone says that it is impossible to achieve, a person of vision such as yourself will indeed usher in the possibility of a brighter future by showing your conviction and your piece of our common perserverence.

  You are not alone in your sentiments, and I will continue to write my little letters to the editor, and participate in whatever vocal way that I can until we both feel the swell of the goodness and greatness our government can bring our nation with leadership, integrity, and true vision like yours.

  If you've ever wondered if you'd make a difference in this life, stop wondering.

  You're my hero.

  by JohnPaul on Sat May 14, 2005 at 09:41:16 PM PDT

•  Congressman,

  I take my hat off to you. Sorry, but I have to put it back on quickly, it is made of tin foil.
  Thank you!

  by emmasnacker on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:12:10 PM PDT

•  RockOnConyer!!!

  They Sucketh. Rock on.

  by blueohio on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:15:29 PM PDT

•  Why an open investigation is crucial

  Personally, I doubt the majority of abuse came as a result of 'direct orders'. What seems more likely is that the abuse was a cultural failing. A nod here. A wink there. Towel-heads, Camel-jockeys, Sand-niggers. Who cares about them?

  It would be a much simpler problem if these travesties were the result of chain of command. There would be concrete instances - orders,  records etc.

  A cultural problem is more insidious. It's implication and expectation, rather than protocol and command. It's between the lines, rather than on the line. More than any of the other blunders in Bush's Iraq fiasco, this one alone surrendered any possibility for 'success' in Bush's ill-advised adventure.

  After all of the money and blood we poured into Iraq, this distubing cultural mindset squanded any shred of hope that maybe something good might eventually come from it.

  Even if we set aside our outrage at the illegal, immoral and inhumane treatment of the prisoners, we are still owed an explanation as to what kind of culture we have in place.

  For the sake of our own national security, we have to identify and eliminate this cultural arrogance before it costs us another war.

  by JoeWPgh on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:15:40 PM PDT

•  Welcome to my list of lifetime heroes

  Mine has been a relatively small list of people that will immortally be heroes to me. My father and mother, Martin Luther King, Sheriff Fred Abdulla, Congressman Douglas Applegate, Senator John Glenn, Sister Theresa. You have become a hero to me in our troubling times.

  Thank you for taking time out from must be a fantastically hectic schedule to talk to us.

  It's the little things that larger than life people do in actions, that we remember in our memories.

  I usually don't get too sentimental in things, it's something that systemically built up inside of me as an Army Veteran and police officer, but felt it was something important to me that you should know. Even if thousands of others are reading it, and I'm increasing becoming embarrassed by the second.

  So I need to hit the post button quickly before i change my...

  by ladydawg on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:25:49 PM PDT

•  Thank you

  Rep. Conyers, you are truly one of the of the shining lights in the darkness and one of the reasons I have not quite yet given up on the Democrats. Keep fighting the good fight.

  by James Benjamin on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:43:19 PM PDT

•  It's nice to know somebody is doing this

  Thanks. I'm not one of the "Impeach Bush" crowd, I'm just someone who lived through 8 years of Clinton psudo-scandals and is disappointed at the lack of public and congressional reaction to the gross dishonesty that led us into war and into a post-war quagmire.  It's good to see somebody calling for an investigation.  

  by dianem on Sat May 14, 2005 at 10:44:07 PM PDT

•  Make sure you get my Congresswoman!

  I remember seeing Carolyn McCarthy sign on to one of your campaigns already, I just don't remember which one I am thinking of.  I noticed her name is absent from the 51 representatives on this letter.

  I sent a letter to her asking her to sign on.  Please make sure she does!  Thanks Rep. Conyers!

  by Muboshgu on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:06:40 PM PDT

•  I believe this is the correct approach

  If you have the votes you can impeach a President for forgetting to tie his shoes.  

  If you don't have the votes you cannot impeach a President for lying about matters of war and peace.

  The issue is not whether or not Bush deserves to be impeached, the issue is whether he has committed high crimes.

  And it is problematic to prove his deceit on Iraq was a high crime, for a variety of reasons.

  But his authorization of torture was an indisputable high crime because it violated treaties that the Senate has signed.

  This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.

  Bush and Gonzales violated the Geneva conventions without any question.  It's a high crime.  Whether we can ever get the votes to remove them from office in an entirely different matter.  But documenting the crime is a first step.

  Focus on torture, not on lies.  At least, if your intent is to grow the groundswell for removal from office...

  by BooMan23 on Sat May 14, 2005 at 11:41:52 PM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers,

  I don't think you could perform a more valuable service to the nation than to help redress the harm caused by our decision to sanction torture as policy.  Thank you, and please continue to call on this community for any assistance we can provide.

  by Mogolori on Sun May 15, 2005 at 12:12:00 AM PDT

•  Congressman

  They has been only four politicians who have, despite their human failings, truly been my heroes and a champions of the Enlightenment - Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Madison, and Ben Franklin.  Now I add one more political hero to that short list - You.  Washington never quite made to my list but came very close - you beat out Washington.  Here's to sending you to the White House if you ever so desire.  Thank you

  by Jeffersonian Democrat on Sun May 15, 2005 at 01:13:02 AM PDT

•  Bob Ney

  Is going to get another letter from me.
  Thanks, Rep. Conyers.  

  by Margot on Sun May 15, 2005 at 01:24:58 AM PDT

  •  Ney

    http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=9658  This will be in the June issue of the American Prospect. We really need to find someone to run against Ney.  I'm in Morgan Co. where are you?

    by Mary Anna on Sun May 15, 2005 at 07:39:31 AM PDT

    •  Charlie Wilson

      Unfortunately, he needs to move 10 miles west to be in the district.

      http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/bios/sd_30.html

      /dare to dream

      by Buckeye BattleCry on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:00:37 AM PDT

    •  Muskingum

      Drop me a line. All I know here are people anxious to get Iran and Syria invaded.

      by Margot on Sun May 15, 2005 at 11:33:44 AM PDT

•  open up

  There was a recent series of guest posts on Kevin Drum's blog debating questions and solutions surrounding the objective of 'Democracy in the Middle-East'. My only contribution to that discussion was to say such talk was irrelevant because it pre-supposes that the participants on the policy making side actually care about open dialog. This administration does what it believes regardless of whether their policies are sound. The point I made is that effective policy only comes from true oversight.

  So when one asks how to create democracy in the middle east or how to solve our energy problems or how we prosecute the war on terror, the first question is whether open inquiries and discussions truly exist. If the answer is no, then the rest is meaningless.

  I applaud your efforts Congressman Conyers. Though you are merely asking for acountability, you are doing the work that must be done to truely fight the WOT.

  by pvjeff on Sun May 15, 2005 at 01:27:17 AM PDT

•  Government in the open?

  Congressman Coynyers,

  Why can't I use taxpayer funded communications (house.gov or senate.gov) to convey my thoughts as a American citizen without giving a name, address, email address, etc.

  Are the government websites being used to collect campaing donation information or is it a fear of anthrax by email?

  Thanks,
  someone who grew up in America before it became the USSR

  by PissedOffVet on Sun May 15, 2005 at 02:09:33 AM PDT

•  It is not just

  that war crimes violate international law, they also endanger Americans by fuelling hatred of the West among Muslims.  More Americans will die because of these crimes.

  by BobNJ on Sun May 15, 2005 at 04:25:50 AM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers, you are OUTSTANDING

  You just don't give up. You are truly an AMERICAN HERO!!!!! Thank you for all of your hard work and keep up the good job that your doing.

  America's Work Stories
  http://usaworkstories.blogspot.com
  [e-mail]

  by SeasonedHR on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:52:17 AM PDT

•  Congressman Conyers

  Late to the party here. Have you responded or contacted Veterans for Peace regarding the letter they sent you and all Representatives? I have diaried it here with all the documentation included. Thank you for your continued efforts in trying to bring these war crimes to the attention of the American people.

  The letter.

  March 19, 2005

  Dear Representative,

  On the second anniversary of the invasion and occupation of Iraq, this letter is being sent on behalf of Veterans For Peace (VFP), a national organization of military veterans, to appeal for Congressional action to remove George W. Bush and Richard Cheney from the offices of President and Vice-President of the United States, respectively.

  We do not make this call lightly and as former members of the U.S. armed forces, we take our responsibilities as citizens very seriously.  For that reason we believe that when our government conducts a war of aggression on Iraq and commits a growing and appalling series of what must legally be considered war crimes and crimes against humanity in the execution of that war, it violates Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the War Crimes Act of 1996 (18 U.S.C. § 2441), and numerous international treaties which are legally binding on our nation.  

  Seeing this happen, and understanding all too well the suffering it is causing and will continue to cause among our soldiers, their families, the people of Iraq, and the fabric of both our societies, we cannot stand by in complicit silence.

  If you will read the relevant sections of the Nuremberg Principles, the Geneva Conventions, and the other treaties this administration has violated (see attached), you will be left with only one conclusion: that this administration's war on Iraq, in addition to being increasingly unpopular among Americans, is an unmistakable violation of our Constitution and federal law which you have sworn to uphold.  

  In our system, the remedy for such high crimes is clear: this administration must be impeached.  We urge you as sincerely and solemnly as possible, to begin impeachment proceedings against President Bush and Vice-President Cheney in the House of Representatives and follow that with a trial in the Senate.  In the name of humanity we beseech and direct you to act.  

  Most Urgently,

  David Cline, President

  by BOHICA on Sun May 15, 2005 at 06:13:04 AM PDT

•  Congressman, 2 questions

  1.  What legal recourse do we have if (when, I should say) the AG ignores your letter?  Can a suit be brought to demand a special prosecutor?

  2.  If the SCLM won't make the Downing St. Memo news, why don't some of our dem senators follow your lead and MAKE it news through concerted action or public statements?  (I am hoping Durbin or Kennedy will make noise about it on the talking head shows this morning.)  Where is our noise machine to force this into print?  Have you discussed this with Howard Dean?  Dems need to force this into the political dialogue.

  by daveriegel on Sun May 15, 2005 at 07:28:24 AM PDT

•  House (Conyers) vs Senate (Biden) views

  on the intelligence failure here

  by CrawfordMan on Sun May 15, 2005 at 07:54:05 AM PDT

•  Sent. Phone call to follow.

  To The Honorable Chaka Fattah:

  I understand Congressman Conyers is soliciting signatures from colleagues in support of a letter to Attorney General Gonzalez. I strongly urge you to join him in this effort.

  The letter requests that the Attorney General appoint a special counsel to investigate, "whether high-ranking officials within the Bush Administration violated the War Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. 2441, or the Anti-Torture Act, 18 U.S.C. 2340 by allowing the use of torture techniques banned by domestic and international law at recognized and secret detention sites in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere."

  I love my country. I served three years in the U.S. Peace Corps (Russia Far East, Group III). As I am sure you are aware, the second goal of the Peace Corps is, "to promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served." Naturally, serving this goal often meant explaining the rationale, as I understood it, behind U.S. policies my hosts found abhorrent (such as NATO expansion and the war in Kosovo).

  Congressman, I have no idea what I would say now to a Russian who asked me why the United States tortures prisoners. The President claims that torture is not our policy, but the actions of his administration speak louder than those words.

  I could tell my Russian friends that many Americans do not agree with the President--that we find his detainee policies foolish at best, criminal at worst, and unamerican at all points in-between. But could I honestly say that when there has never been a single serious investigation of the policies? When a man who coauthored one of the "Torture Memos" sits as a federal Judge in Nevada? When none of the people who drafted these policies have ever been investigated or disciplined?

  I think not. I think my Russian friends and, indeed, people all across the world would reply, "America is a democracy governed by laws--if torture were against U.S. law, then those who engaged in it and encouraged it would have to stand trial." And they would be right.

  Please, Congressman, sign the Conyers letter.

  Sincerely,
  Real Name
  Philadelphia
  

  by abw on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:19:04 AM PDT

  •  By the way

    I know this letter is too long and will never be read in its entirety. I just couldn't help myself.

    And anyway, I think I make The Point (i.e. sign the Conyers letter) early enough in the letter to assure that it wont be completely ignored.
    

    by abw on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:23:38 AM PDT

    •  Take this letter to your local newspaper

      don't give up until it get's printed in the letters to the editor.  hammer the media!!  if one paper won't print it, take it to another.

      hammer the media!!

      letter writing campaign on-going at:

      BREAKING!!!Conyers Goes After Gonzales

      "I would humbly offer that if we give people the knowledge, the republic will be saved. The media is the only entity in America that has complete freedom to hold government accountable."
      (Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind , case:  Branzburg v. Hayes)
      

      by Apian on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:48:11 AM PDT

•  I will now visit your Blog sir.

  We are in increasingly dangerous times. Job well done.
  

  by gandalf on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:57:53 AM PDT

•  Time to pester Sue Myrick again

  She hasn't responded to any of my emails lately ... but it's worth a try.

  I remember during the Clinton impeachment that Myrick said, "The children are watching."  Well, Congresswoman, the children are watching again.

  by Christian Dem in NC on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:58:12 AM PDT

•  Your efforts, Congressman Conyers,

  Speak to the heart of democracy. We realize it is something that we can't take lightly, must strive for everyday, and support with every fiber of our being.

  The list of offenses against a government for the people and by the people grows daily:

  1. failure to stop or investigate the Enron energy scams,

  2. 9-11 coverups and incomplete investigation of lucrative stock options days before, the curious circumstances of 3 steel-framed building collasping, and the widespread contamination of lower Manhattan due to the release of toxic material and asbestos from the building's demolition and collapse.

  3. phony intelligence leading the country to war at the cost of hundreds of billions of dollars and thousands of lost lives, widespread death and destruction in Iraq turning their country into an occupied war zone,

  4. mismanangement of funds by military contractors without investigation or penalty,

  5. widespread and numerous reportings of prisoner abuse and gross mistreatment of the Iraqi population which have never been independently investigated,

  6. investigation of election irregularities again in 2004 that were silenced,

  7. plus the recent revelations of news media "operatives" who were on the payroll of the White House or who operated specifically at the request of the White House to "legitimatize" the administration's propaganda.  

  by hmbnancy on Sun May 15, 2005 at 09:35:54 AM PDT

•  Thank you congressman.

  By the way, have you ever thought about becoming president?

  Just wishing out loud, you know.  

  by Heartpine on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:15:31 AM PDT

•  What Has Become of America?

  Thank you again, Representative Conyers.  Thank you for not giving up the good fight.  The level of corruption in our government at the hands of this administration is astounding.  My grandfather lost a lung to mustard gas in WWI.  My father fought in both WWII and the Korean war.  I know these proud patriots would be thoroughly mortified by the actions of this administration, especially the immoral, inhumane torture of prisoners.  This is not the America of my father and grandfather.  We cannot allow this ultra right wing neocon controlled government ruin our country.  Thank you for your courage to save America!

  by rlharry on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:16:28 AM PDT

•  Oh they'll (Bushco) ignore it

  and the media will ignore it, for that is what they do.

  But keep hammering away at the bastards, Congressman.  Someday, I pray, the vast ignorance in our country about these atrocities will be finally laid to rest, and action to prosecute those responsible will take place.

  by Steven D on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:40:21 AM PDT

•  Thank you Congressman

  I am an admirer of yours for quite a number of years. Let's keep on fighting!
  ingrid of NYC

  by nicki37 on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:49:32 AM PDT

•  Right on Congressman!!

  Conyers is a rockstar.  We need more of our representatives to stand up like this.  The Cheney administration deserves to be tried for treason for the iraq mess.  Just how do we go about making it happen?

  by Celtic Warrior on Sun May 15, 2005 at 10:51:06 AM PDT

•  Thank you

  for pursuing these important matters, even when it seems the tide is against you.  You give us hope that the people of this country have not been completely forgotten by those in Washington.

  by CabinGirl on Sun May 15, 2005 at 03:46:11 PM PDT

•  Congressman, you have the support

  of the readers of this blog and I daresay MILLIONS more Americans who still need to throw cold water on our own faces to believe that the shameful, anti-democratic land this nation is becoming is the American we were born in.

  Keep posting here and keep helping us to help YOU!

  by hopesprings on Sun May 15, 2005 at 04:05:48 PM PDT

•  Damn, I wish this guy was president

  What a refreshing change to see a congressman who's actully got a pair.

  by leftyboy666 on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:14:46 PM PDT

•  thank you

  n/t

  by Errol on Sun May 15, 2005 at 05:31:27 PM PDT

•  Thank You...

  ...but it's not enough.  It never is.

  We need loyal, honorable military resources to through the lot of these monsters into the containment towers of Chernobyl.

  by Paul475 on Sun May 15, 2005 at 06:02:42 PM PDT

•  Please add 'Rendition' to the investigation

  Al Franken was saying the other day that the US is 'Renditioning' suspects to one of the 'Stanz' countries (Uzbeckastan?) where they are known to torture people by boiling them.

  Keep up the GREAT WORK!!! There only seems to be a handful of honest, ethical politicians left. You are  top shelf.

  by CitizenOfEarth on Sun May 15, 2005 at 06:28:41 PM PDT

•  To show the world

  that we are once again a decent country and people that deserve respect I am afraid it will be necessary to sign the international treaties that place Americans under international law. I am afraid that our own institutions are now so widely discredited that few outside the US have any faith in them.
  We need to say not that we have investigated ourselves but that we have faith in our actions and are willing to be tested in the international arena.

  by observer393 on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:36:35 PM PDT

•  Noteworthy House Members.

  Rep Conyers, as usual your the one leading the charge for us. Thank you much sir, we sincerely appreciate it. A quick question for you, though it's off topic. You are doing yeomans work for our nation. And I know Rep Slaughter is always ready to jump in a fight too. But if I could ask you: Which of our other House members specifically, do you think are making a particularly noteworthy effort at fighting to preserve our democracy against the ultra right?

  by mike20169 on Sun May 15, 2005 at 08:46:25 PM PDT

•  Thank You Congressman Conyers

  I have admired you since i sat sobbed through 2 hours of F 9/11.

  You have motivated me to contact my own representative (Brian Baird D-WA) to support you in any endeavors you may undertake on behalf of the citizenry of this country.  I was pleased to see that Mr. Baird signed your petition about the Downing Street Memo.

  I second and third any comments upthread regarding you as President.

  Thank you.

  by HillaryIsMyHomegirl on Mon May 16, 2005 at 05:35:44 AM PDT