The Defense Department’s annual budget is a phantom figure, falling far short of what we truly spend on defense. It doesn’t include either supplemental appropriations, or money allocated to defense by other departments.

But in trying to come up with a true figure, what should be included?

Thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project — Howie Klein, David Swanson, Bob Fertik, Robert Greenwald, Jason Rosenbaum, Green Mountain Daily,  Paul Martin, Jonathan Schwartz, Robert Naiman, Ryan Anderson, Kagro X, Glenn Greenwald, Digby, McJoan, Turn Maine Blue,  Markos, Mark Weisbrot and the folks at CEPR, and especially everyone who made phone calls and wrote letters.

As Kagro says, it’s been a game changer.   Let’s see how far we can take it.

I guess the Whip Count deities must be smiling on us this morning. I’m counting 32 “No” votes for the supplemental, and 15 “leaning no.” We need 39 votes.

These calls are having a big effect.  Members are hearing that “Cash for Clunkers” is chump change, and not a satisfactory reason for switching their votes on an issue like war funding.  They’re being heavily pressured by Rahm Emanuel to abandon their principles, and the only support they’re getting for doing the right thing are your calls.

Please let members of congress know that you stand by them in opposing this bill  — your call is important..

Joe Lieberman on NPR, on his demand to hold the Senate hostage until the release of the detainee abuse photos is blocked:

If this amendment is dropped, senator Graham and I will not go quietly into that good night.