This disgusted Republican is continually amazed that the United States approved torture is now defined as either Democratic or Republican. If you’re Democratic, you’re against torture. If you’re Republican, you think that torture is just fine,  that the country will thrive on torture, that we’re all safer with torture as part of our national culture.

I draw this conclusion from yesterday’s vote to override the veto of the torture act affecting the CIA.  The vote came down to  all but three of the Democrats voted to override the veto, while only five Republicans voted to join them.

You can click on the following link to see how your representative voted:

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll117.xml

The Republican montra in 2006 was that the Democrats wanted to “cut & run.” So will the Republicans stand up and take responsibility the next time some of our troops or civilians get captured and tortured?  After all, if it’s OK for us to do it, then it will be OK for them to do it, right?

Disgusted Republican

This disgusted republican urges you to call or email your U.S. representative today and urge him/her to vote to override the pres. veto of the torture act.  This act is specifically aimed at the CIA.  Our reputation around the world, and not to mention our own national values right here at home, are once again at stake.

All we’re asking is that the CIA follow the same guide lines as are set out in the U.S. Army Field Manual.  The manual expressly prohibits waterboarding detainees, forcing prisoners to perform sexual acts, and many other objectionable interrogation “techniques.  Even Gen. David Patraeus, the commanding general in Iraq, has said that the techniques outlined in the Army Field Manual “work effectively and humanely in eliciting information from detainees.”

Once again, we must stand up and assert what type of nation we are.  We do not torture and we expect not to have our own people tortured if they are ever detained in a war situation.

Disgusted Repuplican 

Disgusted  Republicans and everyone else can listen up.

Now is your chance to fight back against the heavy handed FCC.

Commission Chairman Kevin Martin pushed through a new rule in December, 2007 allowing big media conglomerates to own multiple outlets in the same market. Although he framed it as a limited rule, the fine print says otherwise.  And the FCC regularly allows exemptions to the rules.

We the people can fight to protect democracy.  In this case, you need to call your Senators and urge them to support North Dakota’s (D) Sen. Byron Dorgan’s “resolution of disapproval.” This legislation would roll back the new FCC rule that allows cross-ownership of owning a newspaper, television station and radio station in the same market.

Where public opinion was voiced at public meetings, the overwhelming  consensus was against media concentration and yet, the FCC led by Kevin Martin went right ahead and implemented the rule change. It’s own studies to the contrary were ignored.

So, call your senators.  Urge them to repeal this FCC rule.  Further gutting of our Democracy must be resisted.  Stay informed.

Disgusted Republican