Whether or not the Democrats have the stomach for an impeachment battle, they are at risk of creating some very bad precedents here.

They don't care.  Plain and simple.

It is becoming obvious that the Democratic Party is content in maintaining the status quo, with the idea that everything will just be swept into the dust bin of history after the GOP collapse and Democratic juggernaut victory in 2008.

All the capitulation will be worth it to them after they have power.  Because none of this is about principle, the Constitution, accountability or upholding the rule of law.  It is about getting power.  They throw bones to the progressive base, but it is becoming more painfully obvious every day that they do not plan to hold anyone accountable, press any issue or enforce anything but token oversight if it has any chance of rocking the boat for 2008.

From a purely political standpoint, I understand.  But from a human and a Progressive view, it makes me think of them as nothing more than shameless and opportunistic charlatans.

Yes, there is a tangible and startling uptick in cynicism.  How could any rational, thinking and feeling person not be cynical when you have to watch this unfold daily before your disbelieving eyes.  Based on their behavior you would think the Democrats in Congress had been planted on Gilligans Island for the last 7 years and not living in the middle of this travesty.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity"

Also posted in orange.

Right you are Boo! Right you are! You know what? Were this country to still exist 100 years from today, the investigations into the attempted destruction of the country by this administration will still be going on! It is so wide spread and endemic to this group of criminals that I don't even know whether 100 years will be long enough.
Ho about this non-topic goodie-- Dobson will not support any candidate that doesn't drink the anti-abortion coolade.

"Here is the Senate Judiciary phone number: (202) 224-7703

Here is the Speaker's phone number: (202) 225-4965

Call them and tell them not to cave in. Tell them to protect their prerogatives. Tell them to fight for the rule of law. "

Why bother? They've already made up their minds. My cell phone bills are high enough.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

Thank you, BooMan.  Well presented.

And, Glenn Greenwald also:

This could still all be reversed. The NYT article today reveals new facts about the administration's lawbreaking, lying, and pursuit of torture policies which we had decided, with futility, to outlaw. The Congress could aggressively investigate. Criminal prosecutions could be commenced. Our opinion-making elite could sound the alarm. New laws could be passed, reversing the prior endorsements and imposing new restrictions, along with the will to enforce those laws. We still have the ability to vindicate the rule of law and enforce our basic constitutional framework.

 But does anyone actually believe any of that will be the result of these new revelations? We always possess the choice -- still -- to take a stand for the rule of law and our basic national values, but with every new day that we choose not to, those Bush policies become increasingly normalized, increasingly the symbol not only of "Bushism" but of America.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/?last_story=/opinion/greenwald/2007/10/04/lawlessness/

i commented yesterday on david sirota's post wherein he bemoaned many of the same things you point out... i also posted on the house judiciary committee's latest "sternly worded letter" that i found most notable because of the uniformly "cynical" and "resigned" comments...

do ya suppose people are getting a clue...? there's little to no daylight between the r's and the dems, and, sad to say, never really has been... that's not to say there aren't some good dems and, lord help us, a few good r's, but those that hold the reins of power (power = $$ = power) are simply not about to toss it away simply to satisfy a few piddlin' ideals and principles... the vaunted "realpolitik" that enforces support for every "single tactic and decision" along party lines is, in reality, just more political b.s. as usual... while our dear leaders in congress engage in orgies of fulmination at moveon and rush, our constitutionally-based democratic republic is continuing to be torn asunder, with our civil liberties and the foundations upon which our country is supposedly based left in tatters... and, guess what...? unless strong action is taken NOW, the nightmare WILL continue long past 20 january 2009...

visit my blog - http://www.takeitpersonally.blogspot.com/

Indeed, any rational person should accept the inevitable.  Not only will the Democrats cave--they will do so in a manner that highlights their complete cowardice and emphasizes their shocking absense of character.  They will flap their gums and pretend to care about these extremely important issues--which is probably worse than just being quiet.  It shows that Democrats are not only toothless but also insincere.  I couldn't think of a more pathetic creature to supposdly represent "my side".  I don't know why but it just makes me want to kick them in the nuts.  I now have more hatred for the invervebrate Democrats than I do for the vile Republicans.  

And some people think if we just stand behind these Democrats they might win the next election and then they will be emboldened to really fight for these principles!  Ha.  I'm not a sucker--as much as the Democrats evidently think I am.  

Senate confirms Harris County judge for appeals court

The Alliance for Justice reports that Judge Elrod has been on the federal bench in Houston for five years and has never yet written an opinion or responded in any substantive way to questions which might give insight into her judicial philosophy.  She is a complete engima as a judge, except that she is, of course, an outspoken Republican.

Her husband's first name is Hal; I have been unable to determine whether he is the same Hal Elrod who contributed to the Bush campaign's fund drive to stop the 2000 recount in Florida.  (The Hal Elrod who made that contribution was employed by Enron at the time.)  There is only one Hal Elrod in the current Houston phone book, however; the listing reads "Hal and Jennifer.")

It appears we have once again a Senate approval of an Bush nominaee, who is again an evasive individual with no visible professional qualifications but strong GOP loyalty.

I'm not sure but I think that spine was surgically excised and then ground to powder and scattered to the breeze.

 

We are all captives of the pictures in our heads - our belief that the world which we have experienced is the world that really exists. - W. Lippman