Here and Now: Congressional Update

I think this term so far is a mixed bag, as I expected. I'm glad to see Congress take up its oversight responsibility again, and have enjoyed the judiciary, military and intelligence hearings especially. But since we have a recalcitrant executive which I don't expect to respond to the oversight, we'll only have the satisfaction of having them answer the questions. Or hear and ignore them, as the case may be.

The tone in Congress and in politics in general has been going downhill, and the shift in politics from an exercise in compromise to a zero-sum game disappoints me greatly.

Separately, I do have a comment and question for Representative Mitchell:

I'm very pleased to have you representing my district in Congress, especially with your work on behalf of veterans. But I was disappointed with your recent "aye" vote on S 1927, the so-called Protect America Act of 2007, which permits warrantless wiretapping of Americans in contact with people overseas. Could you explain your decision to support it?

Congressman Mitchell,

It seems like I've voted for you for some office or other in every even year since my eighteenth birthday, and I was thrilled when you became my Congressman.

However, that feeling has proven short-lived. In May, you voted on the President's Iraq war budget with no timetables or meaningful benchmarks, and just over a week ago you voted to expand the domestic spying power of an attorney general who has already repeatedly abused his authority.

Congressman, you were one of 31 Democrats elected last November with a clear mandate: get us out of Iraq, and check this President's overreach of executive authority. Yes, you are a man rightly praised for his bipartisanship, but those two votes are not bipartisanship, they are utter capitulation to a President whose approval rating is creeping toward Nixon's. I can't understand how you can justify those votes, either morally or politically.

Congressman, how do you explain those votes, and what can you tell the voters of District 5 to reassure us that you will work to defend the Constitution and bring our troops home?

Congressman Mitchell,

You, like many Democrats in 2006, were swept into office by a wave of voters that wanted Congress to return to performing its job of oversight. Though they may be temporary, how do you justify voting for these overreaching changes to FISA that take oversight from the courts and Congress and gives it to individuals that have put party and politics ahead of what’s best for this country at every turn? I did not give you my vote for district 5 for more of the status quo. Please use your vote to protect the Constitution.

Dear Congressman Mitchell,
Why did you bar Liz from Code Pink and others from your Democrats and Donuts meeting this morning? I know Liz. She is articulate and very respectful, more than I would be under the circumstances. She did an excellent job exposing the views of your predecessor and certainly helped your campaign. Is this how you repay supporters? I hope you weren't expecting to be re-elected.

Firstly, Congressman Mitchell, I am very pleased that you are representing us.

While I feel that the Democratic-lead congress has made progress, I would not call it a stellar performance;

The Farm Bill, perportedly allows celebrities, such as Dennis Rodman, to make millions on our tax dollars by owning uncultivated land that is subsidized under the bill, and

I am extremely dissapointed that Democrats sided with the so-called Protect America bill S1927. I have nothing to hide, and couln't care less if the gouvernment spies listen in to my vociferous opposition to the current administration, however, it as matter of preservation of constitutional rights.

I feel that bills are being rushed through without judicious review and analytical diligence.

How do you justify your support of these legislations? And, when are we going to pass legislation to keep proposed bills clean, and void of the pet projects that authors intentionally burry on page 900? This type of "let's see if they catch this" political sand-box play is corrupt, renders congress inefficient, and infuriates constituents on both sides.

Thank you for your kind response.

I'm a constituent in Harry's district. And I am very happy that he beat JD Hayworth in the 2006 election.

I am however slightly disappointed in Harry's NO vote to cut off funding for the Iraq occupation a couple of months ago. The majority of Iraqi civilians not only oppose our military presence, but they believe that attacks on our troops are justified:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/28/AR2006092800408.html

Given this, why should our troops remain in harms way for a people that do not want our help? What length is Harry willing to go to begin bringing our troops home?

Thank you.

Thanks for all the comments and questions so far. If I can suggest one thing. The more brief you keep them--the more likely that we use them on air for Congressman Mitchell.

Short version of my question:

The majority of Iraqi civilians not only oppose our military presence, but they believe that attacks on our troops are justified.

Given this, why should our troops remain in harms way for a people that do not want our help?

The President and VP are already saying that Iraq needs another chance beyond the surge. With dozens of troops dying every month and Billions being spent every week, do you believe the occupation should continue past the surge?

Congressman

I voted for you to get us out of Iraq. I'm amazed you think you were elected for any other reason.

My daughter just returned, 7/31/07, from her second deployment. I can't even tell you how angry I am that you hide behind "defunding" the troops.

Dear Congressman;

Is it not incumbent upon our congress representatives to speak the voice of the people?

I am sickened and dissapointed by Democrats that seem to sweet talk to get elected, only to turn around and support the White House, or what they perceive as the populus view. From the support of Bush's illegal invasion of Iraq to the current congressional session.

Why is it that most Democratic Party voters seem to know the truths, and see through the deceit, yet our representatives subscribe to the lies, propaganda, and alterior motives of the administration.

Have I missed it, or has there really been no progress on passing legislation to mandate an electoral paper trail, to be in place for the next presidential election? I feel strongly that this single issue will determine whether many folks continue to believe in our political system.

Representative Mitchell:

If you and other Representatives are not willing to cut off funding for the endless occupation, then should not Congress officially relinquish this constitutional power?

Thanks to those of you who posted comments and questions. I tried to get them on-air--but we had a ton of phone calls. The cross section of issues and the intelligence in which you framed the comments speak for themselves. We'll try to get Congressman Mitchell on again in a few months.!

Realistically, what are the chances of election to President for any Republican candidate in the next election?

Is there any evidence linking Carl Rove with the rumor campaigns against Senator McCain in the 2000 Primary Race?