Modifying Congressman Kucinich’s statement ever so slightly:

“I don’t believe anything they say when it comes to Bradley Manning.”

We’re not not in Kansas anymore Toto.

Good job.

Here’s Kucinich’s official statement about yesterday’s events…

“Absolutely nothing the Department of Defense has done so far with respect to Pfc. Manning provides any assurance that his basic human and constitutional rights are being protected. The Department of Defense has refused to provide timely answers to even the most basic questions and have thus far refused to allow me to meet with him.

“Any move of Pfc. Manning does not change the underlying fact, which has not been disputed by the Department of Defense, that he has been held under conditions which may in fact constitute ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ in violation of the 8th amendment.

“I will demand assurances in writing from the highest levels of the Department of Defense that moving Pfc. Manning will ensure his rights are better protected than they were when he was at Marine Corp Base Quantico and he will be kept safe under all circumstances.

“I will continue my demands that the Department of Defense grant my legitimate request to meet with Pfc. Bradley Manning to fulfill my oversight responsibilities as a member of Congress and a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The American people demand accountability,” said Kucinich

“I don’t believe anything they say when it comes to Bradley Manning but I do believe I saw a UFO.”

Unidentified Financial Objects?

Or that Manning may have leaked how the big banks are raking in trillions on war profits? Oh, excuse me! That is the same as a UFO, “Unidentified Financial Object”.

I’m sorry I think dennis is making a fuss but making ‘just a little fuss” if he were serious about this he could send a letter to obama demanding that the defense department give him access. he could file a complaint with DOJ that defense dept is acting outside the law by denying him access. then when he is on tv he could say that obama and doj is also stonewalling him.

i think this is very dennis. he complained about libya but what did he do. he did a complete 180 on the health care bill. I think his role is to make us believe that politicians care about the little people.

After seeing the before clip of Jeh Johnson and crew he looks like a Foghorn Leghorn lecturing to Kucinich a little chicken hawk.

Although I don’t believe anything any of them say coming out of DC.

Democracy or Military dictatorship, you decide.

“I think his role is to make us believe that politicians care about the little people.”

Ding!

I’m telling you it is a cartoon or parody played everyday for the benefit of making us think they are doing something. I have many times likened our congress to a Punch and Judy show.

The ill-treatment of Bradley Manning would not have reached the public eye nor even the MSM, were it not for the stellar efforts of bloggers like Marcy Wheeler, Jane Hamsher, Glenn Greenwald, bmaz, David Dayen, Michael Whitney, the whole cast and crew at FDL, their commenters, and many others, as well organizations like the ACLU.

The MSM, in particular, began covering the ill-treatment of Bradley Manning in large part because of these efforts.

While some in the MSM may have had altruistic motives in their Bradley Manning coverage, there’s also no doubt that in some cases the merest whiff of scandal triggered the usual MSM Gotcha Journalism response to their coverage.

That said, Marcy Wheeler, Jane Hamsher, Glenn Greenwald, bmaz, and those many others should take a bow for constructing the narrative that the MSM appropriated.

The recent MSM coverage of Bradley Manning by such stalwart MSM giants as the NYT, the WaPo, the Guardian, CBS, NBC, ABC, and CNN, all made use of that very narrative.

In is one thing to capture their attention, it is another grand thing entirely to provide their opinions for them.

On a closing note, Jane’s appearance this afternoon on MSNBC discussing this latest news of Bradley Manning’s move with Tameron Hall was gratifying in keeping the pressure on the Obama Administration.

Yes, a battle has been won, but this is a war and it is not over.

Ah say, ah say, Obama is not a tyrannical douchebag, suh.

can’t the co be held in contempt of congress for refusing kucinich?

I too caught Jane and am very proud of the all the work that FDL has done. I signed the petitions and will forever try to keep the torch of freedom and justice above all the hype!

He is on the military commission, fer GAWRD’s sake!

LOL! Thar, I say, thar you go again.

More symbolism from Dennis Kaving-in-inch. All talk, no walk.

Welcome to Kucinich theater where he pretends to care and get really mad until it actually counts. Then fold like democrats have been folding for 10/20/30 years now…

Will FDL get a writer (no offfense to any of the current ones) who might have their posts under the narrative that both parties are completely and utterly corrupt…now what. I would love to help organize something instead of just keep bitching about people we know suck and pretend we’re outraged and suprised by it…over and over for several freaking years now…

It does help me understand why nobody protests the wars or that most of the “protesting” is scattered to 1000 issues and incoherent at best. (no offense to current protesters), we haven’t suffered enough to get off our collective couches..but we will.

in that case I think kucinich might be blowing smoke, I think he can have someone arrested for contempt of congress or disobeying civilian leadership

we do NOT have a military dictatorship (yet)

I agree with you mr chip, dennis might just be providing theater because I think he can get in there if he wants to get in there no matter what they say on sight

Unidentified Fascist Overseers?

Almost a year in detention with no hearing? Obstructing a member of the US Congress? So much for a civilian controlled military when a member of a house oversight committee is denied access to an American citizen. By what authority does the Pentagon ignore congressional oversight? Behavior reminiscent of “behavior” the Allies and America destroyed. MEWNGO! My eyes will not glaze over, concerning this fucking garbage! The cancer of silence!

I don’t think you’ve been reading enough or comprehensively enough to realize that both parties are slammed here.

He can do more than he has done, that’s for sure.

The ill-treatment of Bradley Manning would not have reached the public eye nor even the MSM, were it not for the stellar efforts of bloggers like Marcy Wheeler, Jane Hamsher, Glenn Greenwald, bmaz, David Dayen, Michael Whitney, the whole cast and crew at FDL, their commenters, and many others, as well organizations like the ACLU

Among those other worthy others are Bradley Manning’s own support-group website, http://www.bradleymanning.org. I’ve written one article for them and encourage interested Firepups to check it out.

:)

You did! Jane is on Ratigan now with P J Crowley!

take no prisoner…., Jane!

Jane is on Dylan Ratigan’s show about Manning!

Hot dayam…! Jane is a busy beaver today…! ;-)

She sure is! I hope she gets my email too.

“…basis for his treatment.” Punitive/calculated

Jane just congratulated PJ on his courageous actions.

Mr. Kucinich and the UN Rapporteur were denied unconditional access to Pfc. Manning. They were given permission to visit and speak with him on the condition that the meeting would be supervised and monitored with recording devices.

Dylan asked him if he wanted his job back. He said in many words, NO!

Thanks Mr. Crowley! America needs more Americans like you!

What is the basis for this transfer anyway? Is Manning magically going to stop being treated like an animal just because he’s in a different cage?

Public eyes on the situation, thanks to Jane and others. Also, Quantico was a Marine brig and Leavenworth is Army. Manning is enlisted in the Army.

I’d say so…but then McChrystal lied in Congress’ face, as did Blankfein – demonstrably so. Contempt of congress seems so quaint these days…everybody’s doing it.

I’m worried they want another inmate to bludgeon him to death.

Is it time for the Dod to admit once again to being under civilian control?
Does Sec Gates have to come out and say something? Tell the command structure to stand down, in a show of force? The refusal of visitation to Kucinich is over the top arrogance. This is a member of Congress! Absolutely chilling. And if Manning has to accept new army-appointed counsel once interred in Leavenworth then he will be that much farther from scrutiny. If they can do this to a military member think how easy it is to do to a civilian.
I can’t believe this isn’t national news. But yet it was on the BBC this morning.

Meh. At this point, I won’t hold my breath, lest I turn blue and die.

What gives them the right to set conditions, concerning a US Congressman who has oversight responsibilities and desires to see a citizen? This is out “fucking” rageous……..

Contrast Rep. Kucinich to Alaska US Sen. Mark Begich. I delivered a letter, co-signed by many here at fdl, to his Wasilla office on March 8th. His response, on March 10th, was delivered to a dead address, so I never got it.

Meanwhile, I interviewed Begich’s predecessor in the US Senate, Mike Gravel, who appealed to Mark to do the right thing.

Last week, as I was hoping to set up a meeting with Sen. Begich while he is here in Alaska, I finally discovered the existence of the undelivered letter. I hoped to be able to meet with Sen. Begich while he was attending events in the Mat-Su Valley associated with organizations I either support or am a member of. When I inquired about meeting with Begich at two of these, I was asked by local Democrats to please not attend, as I would be unwelcome.

I tried to get in touch with Sen. Begich through his Wasilla staff person, Mary Kvalheim, a long-time friend. She was told not to return my calls. His press secretary, Julie Hasquet, who used to be a friend, wrote me, informing me that she is the sole person with whom I should attempt to set up any contact with the Senator (I’ve had to deal with Begich’s Wasilla and DC staff, since Julie wrote to me in 2010, saying that she doesn’t intend to forward any of my letters to Mark).

Here’s what Julie wrote to me yesterday:

Hi Phil,
If you are ever seeking an interview or time to ask Senator Begich some questions, please call me to arrange.
Staff does not set up time with media, that all goes through me.

Thanks. Julie

Frustrating, because in the past, she has told me I don’t qualify as “press” as a “blogger.” I wrote back:

Julie,

What I would like to do is sit down with Mark, show him Mike Gravel’s appeal to him, go over the NYRB law professor letter with him (the salient points related to Mark’s responsibilities as a member of the Senate AFC), the refusal by the DoD to allow either Rep. Kucinich or the UN rapporteur on human rights visit Manning without monitoring, and get his response on video. All the items I describe have happened since Mark wrote his reply to me, so it is all new.

Julie replied an hour ago:

Phil,
Should Sen. Begich change his views in regards to the case of PFC Manning, other than what was relayed in his recent letter, we will let you know.
At this time, he has nothing to add to what he wrote to you a few weeks ago.
Thanks. Julie

Thanks, Mark.

So, like Jane suspects they all want it to go away and disappear under the, Oh! Look over there news.

Think of the difference between a southern city jail and a northern state prison. Sterotypes for illustrative purposes only.

Is there anyone in the U.S. government that is doing more for Manning than Kucinich?

Thank you.

I was outspoken about my disappointment in Congressman Kucinich regarding his folding and bending over at the end of the health care debate.

He did the right thing, at least, when he returned our little contributions after participating in that massive screwing over of the American people.

My respect for him was never gone. Maybe a bit diminished for a while. He’s taken a great leap forward toward restoring it by speaking out against the Department of Defense’s mistreatment of Bradley Manning.

Thank you, Congressman Kucinich.

Frankly, I don’t believe anything they say when it comes to Bradley Manning.”

Maybe Mr. Obama needs to start asking a few questions and demanding the truth.

Kudos to you for persistence. This is just the way a citizen should act.

That’s the usual politician meets ten foot pole, but not what it touches, response.

If being accused by the government of “serious charges” were all it took to land someone, even a politician, in jail for life, with or without a hearing or conviction, with or without treatment that complied with the law, then Sen. Ted Stevens would be rotting in jail instead of being buried beneath the permafrost.

Oh man… This totally sucks…

Tim Hetherington, co-director of ‘Restrepo,’ killed in Libya…

He was here at the Lake awhile ago during either a Book Salon or Film Salon with Junger…! What a tragedy…! R.I.P. Tim…! 8-(

“I will demand assurances in writing” – yeah, that will change a lot.

This is all just Civil Rights Theater.

Kucinich should abandon Manning like everybody else. When he tries to help people just condemn him for it. The last time I saw the Democrats demonize a liberal it was Ralph Nader. Kucinich bucked the system and lost. I think y’all should save your hatred for all the sorry ass Democrats that never lift a finger.

Isn’t the public supposed to run the military?
Or is it the other way around?

Your comment disheartens me considerably since my niece works for Begich.

I had hoped for so much more than what he has become.

I wish I could help,but fear I would not be successful.

You raise an interesting point. I tend to be critical of Kucinich for popping off and not following through, but at least he pops off when few others do. On issues of human rights — especially when it involves the willful destruction of a human being, which is what the government apparently wants to do here — it can be hard to accept half a loaf, though.

Oh I agree both parties get slammed here daily.

What I would like to see is posts that don’t always start with Democrat doesn’t act like a democrat how shocking story… That party is dead (and has been) and can’t be revived (and wont’ be). It’s Republicans and the Dino’s (or other assorted terms).

I wish there more (any) stories with that theme instead of the theme the MOTU want us to keep (dems vrs repubs). We’re just playing to their strategy with the current narrative I see every day.

He’s managed to insulate himself pretty fully from the progressives upon whom he depended for his election in 2008. I’m not the only one.

After having several friends refuse to come to my assistance in meeting him this weekend, I’m considering leaving the Democratic Party.

This is just beginning. Pound the phones folks. They do not like the heat at all. Use those “rollover” minutes! I recall how a pedophile priest was killed in jail buy someone with righteous absolutist indignation. You expressed my first thought on hearing the news of the move.

“I’m worried they want another inmate to bludgeon him to death.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjkHXDtoXAo&feature=player_embedded#at=417

Case closed while the secrets are kept safe! Just like Saddam! Then wash their hands of the matter, like Pontius Pilate?

Kucinich bucked the system

No, Kucinich only talked as if he bucked the system.

“Bucking” anything is an act, an act of resistance, and Kucinich takes no meaningful action and presents no resistance at all.

Kucinich’s actions have no materially different effect than Jonah Goldberg masturbating in his mother’s basement with a bag of Cheetos.

I think y’all should save your hatred for all the sorry ass Democrats that never lift a finger.

See my previous statement.

Mr. Chips,
It doesn’t seem to me that there are very many “shocking” revelations about politicians, mostly confirmation about what we already know about them.
Part of what we do here is keep the story alive.
We also explore as many angles to the story as there are commenters.
Personally, I use information I gleen from FDL to call out my senators and reps when I write them about a topic of importance to me.

If he makes something he happen, he’s doing something. If it’s a sternly worded letter, it’s just like health care debate…all talk, no action.

We truly live in a bannana republic anymore…completely not the country I was raised to believe in.

That sucks.

While I agree that it’s very important to point out these stories and keep up on them (I love me some FDL truly), I don’t think anything ever moves forward (progress) until we stop pretending there are 2 distinct parties in congress when clearly there is not.

Who do you call?

The Fascist government is ignoring due process in its pretrial detention and torture of PFC Manning. Congressman Kucinich, alone among his peers is speaking out about it. This is bucking the system. I suppose Kucinich could set himself on fire but then so could you.

Agreed, didn’t mean to indicate otherwise

I often say that red state/blue state is a game for suckers. In this I think we agree.

I question the motives of those who condemn Kucinich for doing what they consider too little while they are silent about those who do nothing. I think they are simply looking for a safe scape goat to beat up on. They notice others doing it so they pile on. I find this behavior mindless and cowardly and in this instance damaging to the cause of PFC Manning.

Who do you call?

Your Congressman (or -woman).
Your senators.
The White House Comment Line.

(Contact information for above: http://bit.ly/e7RrIW)

For extra credit:

The Secretary of Defense, (703) 692-7100

Well said.

i’m afraid you are right mswinkle ….

“I don’t believe anything they say when it comes to Bradley Manning but I do believe I saw a UFO.”

Which is quite honestly almost infinitely more rational than believing in an omnipotent sky-fairy that listens to your thoughts, grants your wishes, and gives a shit what you eat on Friday’s.

Whoever I want! Free “political” speech baby! I would suggest calling Senators and Reps outside your district, also. Be careful and polite and say well if corporations like the US Chamber of Commerce can attempt to usurp the due process of voters by throwing undisclosed money at candidates of their choses in respective states, I as a US citizen by calling your office, I’m just trying to level a tilted pitch, which benefits corporations, in light of Citizens United, which protects corporations and screws my fellow American citizens. Send the politicians a clear message that they are being watched. There are honorable men and woman in Congress representing the American people. Those individuals should be identified and praised. Compliments go a long way! For the jerks…. let them have it. Express yourself!

Exactly. Thank you, EdwardTeller/Phil for your dogged efforts, even in the face of power-currying indifference from your one-time friends.

It sounds like the Begich camp is now trying to trip you up by leaning on your semi-”insider” status – counting on your good will and personal graces to stay on good terms with his staffers, and thus to ‘self-police’ your activism. They might change their tune if you decide to transition to “outsider” status tactics, like showing up unannounced and shouting out your questions at any events Begich manages to fit into his latest leisurely break from implementing the orders of the Party/fundraising machine leadership in D.C. (including those of see-no-evil Carl Levin, his boss on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who I’m sure Begich is afraid to cross).

I was thinking of Phil and his admirable efforts to get the ear of Begich about the mistreatment of Manning (may the Leavenworth facility Army commander live up to her words of evident integrity yesterday) late last Thursday, as I watched the pathetic excuses that pass for our Senators arrive on the Senate floor to approve, on command, without debate or amendment, the deal that someone worked out in secret to finance our government for the rest of this fiscal year. Prominent among the scrum of gossipers in the Senate well giving their two-second thumb’s up to the undebated, outsourced deal – and, with that sole “accomplishment,” promptly calling it a week – was Mark Begich, who was busy backslapping and laughing with his pals as they all prepared to depart Washington for a two-week recess.

Before final departure, Mark Begich was in the Chair presiding over the empty Chamber when Harry Reid, alone with Begich and Senate staff, raced through a bunch of unanimous consent requests (to immediately adopt, without debate, measures like, oh, a resolution “calling on the United Nations to rescind the Goldstone Report,” and other immaterial matters…), just before shutting the place down until May. Nice work if you can get it.

Congressman Kucinich, alone among his peers is speaking out about it. This is bucking the system.

As I said, those are merely words and hot air, not actions.

What has Kucinich done that has improved Manning’s conditions in any way whatsoever? All the tears and hand wringing change nothing.

The physical world is changed by physical deeds.

And that Kucinich and his supporters hold up impotent whining as some form of “bucking the system” is worse than doing nothing, because it deludes those who might, given a different example, actually do something.

Kucinich’s words have the same power to effect change as all the comments here at FDL.

Thanks.

I’m glad I missed Begich presiding over the adoption of the resolution asking for killing Goldstone.

Words have the power to persuade or inform or intimidate. Some people’s words are more powerful than others due to their eloquence or clarity or timeliness or due to the relative power or authority of the speaker. Kucinich is a congressman and I am an anonymous nobody and I have no idea who or what you are. If you really believe that talk is useless why don’t you stop?

If you really believe that talk is useless why don’t you stop?

The essential point, which you continue to miss is this: talk is useless without action.

And to the question of why I might or might not choose to post here, that is utterly unrelated to the issue – the impotence of Kucinich and those who believe words alone will help Bradley Manning.

Its been fun. Peace out.

Wowsers…! Mahalo, powwow…! *g*

That’s a real eye-opener…! 8-(