(Harry) Reid On The Conviction Of Ken Lay

[sabra]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=66468

Reid On The Conviction Of Ken Lay

WASHINGTON, May 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid today released the following statement on the conviction of former Enron CEO Ken Lay on all counts. Unfortunately for all Americans, Ken Lay was a member of the Cheney Energy Task Force whose contributions to America’s energy policies can be felt to this day.

"Today, a jury of his peers found Ken Lay guilty on all counts. His conviction is cold comfort for the tens of millions of Americans hurt by Enron’s illegal activities, but at least he will serve a just punishment for his crimes. Unfortunately, the American people are not so lucky. They are still unjustly imprisoned by the energy policies that the Bush Administration let Ken Lay write. With the nation facing sky-high gas prices in the upcoming Memorial Day driving season, it is past time for President Bush to put aside Ken Lay’s energy policies and join Democrats in reducing the cost of gas and making America energy independent."

[Avalux]

1. To hell with that Harry. You're being too nice.

Demand Bush give back the 1 mil. campaign contribution he got from Lay.

Does Reid really think Bush will join Democrats in reducing the cost of gas????? Does he think we're all stupid? :banghead:

[NanceGreggs]

2. No, he doesn't think we're all stupid.

But he knows that every time he 'invites' Bush or the GOP to join Democrats in this endeavour, and they REFUSE to do so, the voters will take note of who is on THEIR side.

[Dr Fate]

6. Not if he does not say it on TV they dont.

Where exactly do you think moderates & swing-voters are hearing Reids tough talking "releases?"- on Democraticunderground? CSPAN?

[NanceGreggs]

9. I totally forgot ...

... people only pay attention solely to RW media or LW media - and nothing ever filters through from one side to the other.

[Dr Fate]

11. Give us an example of a Democratic "release" that filtered through.

Without it being repeated ON TV by a prominent Democrat, that is.

My point is that these "releases" are only read by internet political junkies who have their minds already made up. Reid knows this- he also knows it will be held up by some as proof that "see- DEMS really are fighting- they issued a RELEASE!!! A RELEASE-praise god- a RELEASE!!!!"

I'm not falling for it. If Reid wants to suggest that Cheney was lying about Enron's roll in his energy meetings, then he skip the rarely-read "release" and just SAY SO, ON TV.

[NanceGreggs]

16. We're on the same side here.

(Why do I feel like you're yelling at me?)

I have no way of knowing who reads what, who hears what, who knows what. I just debate the issue that all American voters are living in armed camps, where nary a word gets through from anyone who isn't on the same 'side'.

As for Harry, or any other Dem 'going on TV', that seems to be easier said than done in this political climate. We don't have a FAUX-NEWS network to trot out every Dem who has something to say, and the MSM is too busy with girls missing in Aruba or Runaway Brides ...

It's not right; it's just the way, unfortunately, it is.

[Dr Fate]

17. Which TV news show refuses to give Harry Reid air time?

I have yet to hear him or any other top-ranking DEM make the charge that they are being denied access on those TV interview shows.

I'm not yelling at you, I'm just tired of these excuses that dont seem too well thought out.

Has Harry Reid publically stated that Fox news or any other network refused him access to a slot on one of their interview/debate programs?

Until he does, he has no excuse for not being front & center- and ON TV on this or any other issue.

I submit to you that Reid, Dean, Kerry, Hillary, Obama and other top DEMs can get on those TV shows pretty much anytime they want- if they cant, I've never heard them say so. Have you?

[NanceGreggs]

19. I wasn't talking about interview or political shows ...

... I was talking about the nightly news shows.

As for any Dem appearing on Fox -- that's another issue, and I think ALL DEMOCRATS should abolsutely REFUSE to be on any FOX show, ever. (But that's a whole 'nother story, as we say back on the block.)

As for Harry Reid or anyone else being refused by a network TV show - I have no way of knowing if that has ever happened. What I DO know is that every time Bill Frist opens his mouth (even if he's standing in a hallway somewhere) I see the same clip over and over, on every nightly news broadcast. The number of times I have seen Reid, Pelosi, or even Kennedy in the same situation pales by comparison.

[Dr Fate]

20. Those nightly news shows have top DEM guests all the time.

Chris Matthews and Wolf Blitzer, just to name two.

And you do have a way of knowing whether DEMs are being banned from shows- if they would SAY it happens, then you would know. If they are not saying so, then you are guessing or buying into an unproven conspiracy theory.

I could take the same data and assume that Pelosi, etc are not on as much simply becuase they dont ask to be on as much.

Until I hear them clarify and make the charge that they are indeed being denied equal time, I'll assume it is all an excuse for then being afraid of confrontation.

Dont get me wrong- I agree that the media is extremely biased and pro- Bush- I also beleive that the media refuses to give airtime to Democratic "releases" and tough talk they put out on Liberal websites. I even believe that tough things they say on CSPAN gets ignored.

But I dont believe that top name Democrats like Reid dont have access to those nightly TV News/interview/debate shows. If he does not, step one in clearing up the matter would be to SAY So. Has he?

Until he does, he has no excuse for not being front & center & ON TV as to this and other issues.

[NanceGreggs]

21. I think we're both getting way off-topic here ...

"And you do have a way of knowing whether DEMs are being banned from shows- if they would SAY it happens, then you would know. If they are not saying so, then you are guessing or buying into an unproven conspiracy theory."

I am not promoting any 'conspiracy theory' here, or anywhere else. I was being honest when I said I DO NOT KNOW. I'm sure there all KINDS of things going on that I DO NOT KNOW.

Do I know that Reid (just using him as an example) has ever been told re a TV booking he is seeking, "No, sorry, we're all booked up. Don't call us, we'll call you." No, I DON'T KNOW.

Do I know that he is invited time and again to appear on these shows, and he says, "No, sorry, I don't want the air-time." No, I DO NOT KNOW.

All I can judge from is (a) what I see in the MSM, and (b) what seems logical.

Dealing with (a), what I do see on crapola shows like Wolf Blitzer and Chris Matthews is usually three Repubs and one Dem, the latter never getting a word in edge-wise. Or worse, a show like Meet The Press where Russert does his utmost to catch a Dem in a contradiction, while playing footsie with his Republican guests week after week.

As for (b), I cannot imagine that ANY politician (regardless of party) doesn't take as much air-time as is offered to them - some because they have an issue to speak to, and others (all right, ALL of them) because they have their own career ambitions and being in front of the camera can serve to promote those ambitions.

Or are you saying that news stations from coast to coast called Harry Reid today and said, "We'd like you to come on and discuss what you said in your press release today," and he said NO?

For all of the abovementioned reasons, I don't see that happening.

But to go back to where this all started, you may think there was nothing to be served by Reid issung a press release on the topic-at-hand today. Well, if there's any 'theory' I adhere to, it's the Chicken Soup Theory: It might not help, but it certainly couldn't hurt.

[Dr Fate]

22. They can have their PR people call them and ask to be booked.

If they are being refused airtime, they need to say so. They have not.

Where did you get the idea that Democrats are just supposed to sit around and wait to be asked to give their opinions on any issue? That sounds like a very poor strategy to me. Seems it would be better if they openly and publically DEMAND equal time. Have they?

No?

Why?

I think the reason why Reid chose a "release" instead of televised debate is simply because he cant handle it. He is plain frightened of the fight it would bring upon him. He can issue a "release"- knowing the media will ignore it, and thenm have it both ways- avoid debate but claim to activists on the web- "see- look at the 'release'- I really am fighting!"

You are right- it is usually 3 Republicans against one. Welcome to reality- I used to debate 3 Republicans at once all the time in GA- cry me a river, Harry. He gets paid the big bucks- if he cant handle the reality, then he needs to pass the mantle to someone who can.

Two diff. issues- it's one thing to claim he is too frightened/unskilled to debate 3 repbs at once- another to say he has no access.

I'll believe your theory that Reid cant get TV interviews when I hear him say that is the case.

Has he?

[NanceGreggs]

24. Okay, I'm sorry -- but I'm outta here ...

"I'll believe your conspiracy theory that Reid can't get TV interviews when I hear him say that is the case."

You keep trying to debate me with things I NEVER said, implied, or inferred. The only one talking about 'conspiracy theories' is you, not me.

I never said he CAN'T get interviews. I never said he was REFUSED interviews. Please stop arguing by putting words in my mouth that never originated there.

I have no doubt that PR people for both parties, and for individual politicians, are on the phones constantly trying to get their clients booked on TV shows. That's their job. It's just like having a client who has a new book out, or a new movie about to be released. Everybody wants the publicity. And that's show biz.

But once all the PR people have weighed in, it is still the final decision of the producers of (whatever) show to say, "We'll take this guy, this guy, this woman and this woman." And that's final - end of discussion.

Do they give preferential treatment to inviting Republicans over Dems? Absolutely - that's the way the MSM is leaning these days, and it's obvious. Again, it's not what's right; it's just the way things are.

But if I am to buy into your logic, I have to believe that (a) people like Harry Reid (and pretty much ALL Democrats) are asked week after week to appear on TV shows, and they just flatly refuse. (NOT buying)

Or (b), Republican politicians just happen to have all of the BEST PR people in the world, and Democrats just happen to have all of the lousiest PR people. That's an amazing coincidence -- kind of like the coincidence of Cheney holding all of those Halliburton stock options and Halliburton just 'happening to get' all of those no-bid contracts. (WAY NOT buying)

Or (c), ALL Democrats can't debate the issues, can't hold their own, are too 'afraid' to go in front of the cameras -- again, so NOT BUYING it's laughable.

Tell me that Howard Dean wouldn't be on every Goddamned TV show every week, from "24" to the "Greatest Race" to "ER" -- I'm sure he'd compete on "American Idol" if he thought it would get him more air-time.

So why don't we see more of him, or outspoken Democrats like him, on TV political talk shows every week? Oh, yeah, the Democrats all have other priorities.

[Divine Discontent]

26. what you're feeling is probably right... LOL

anyhow, I think the Dems are smart to not get overexposure right now, then crank it up come August, if they went on a bitch-fest right now, people would get sick of em (who are middle of the road people or the few % of repubs who may swing our way and cause a landslide change), so it's smart to let Bush continue to erode his base with amnesty and other issues.

you go Nance!



www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <-- CHECK IT OUT, Hundreds more proDem, antiBush stickers & shirts

[mbperrin]

33. Well, Reuters isn't TV, but it is media...

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=governmentFilingsNews&storyID=2006-05-25T212828Z_01_N25191316_RTRIDST_0_ENRON-TRIAL-CONGRESS-UPDATE-2.XML
UPDATE 2-White House says Enron verdicts send strong signal By Kevin Drawbaugh

WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters) - The Bush administration said on Thursday the guilty verdicts against former Enron Corp. chief executives Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling send a strong message against business corruption.

<snip>

But the administration's formerly close ties to Lay -- once a friend and political supporter of President George W. Bush, who nicknamed him "Kenny Boy" -- drew election-year criticism.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid called on the White House to put aside the energy policies of a 2001 task force led by Vice President Dick Cheney. Reid said Lay took part in the secret task force, an accusation made for years by critics.

Lay's "conviction is cold comfort for the tens of millions of Americans hurt by Enron's illegal activities, but at least he will serve a just punishment for his crimes," Reid said.

"The American people are not so lucky. They are still unjustly imprisoned by the energy policies that the Bush administration let Ken Lay write," Reid said in a statement.

[QC]

28. IMPURE!!! IMPURE!!!!! HE'S IMPURE!!!

He's a witch!!!!!!!!!! Burn him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[uppityperson]

3. Go Harry.

I just had to explain this all to someone at work, from CA, knew it had something to do with an "energy thing" but not the full information about who all it hurt and how much. "but can't they sue him?"

[Demeter]

4. Not To Mention the "Government" Ken L:ay Bought With the Loot

RICO the crooks and strip them of their assets!

[Dr Fate]

5. What is a "release" and where would a swing-voter find a "release?"

Say it on TV harry- say it loud, long and in a n agressive manner.

Your "releases" only fool some of us into thinking that you are fighting Republicans.

Forget these "releases" and SAY IT ON TV, Harry.

[Roland99]

7. All Dem leaders need to get something out in the press NOW!

Pre-emptive strikes against pardons from the Propagandist.

[Dr Fate]

12. They are- they are issuing "releases"-whatever that is.

Probably writting some strongly worded letters too.

Who needs that fancy new invention called "TV"- DEMS have typewritters and ink pens!!!

[peaches2003]

8. Don't make me laugh, Harry

Even when Harry is speaking what he calls tough talk, he is NEVER talking tough. He gives the impression that Dems are a bunch of weenies. We need an attractive spokesmen with a little swagger and pizzaz.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

10. I've seen enough politicians with swagger to last me a lifetime.

I like Harry's style just fine. :)

[Dr Fate]

13. So do several others who read his "release" on low traffic liberal blogs

His "style" in this case seems to be to issue a "release" that only the choir will read.

If he had guts, he would say it to Wolf Blitzer's or Chris Matthew's face- but he is probably afraid to debate them.

"No- no- stop saying Reid is not fighting Bush- didn't you read his 'release' on the internet at 1:00AM in the morning???" Please.

[QC]

29. Too bad you're not in his position!

Then you'd really tell 'em what's what, wouldn't you?

I mean, somebody who's so brave carping at strangers anonymously on a chatboard would surely ream out the most powerful people in the world, given a chance, right?

[sendero]

30. The Dems....

.. in the Senate were elected to take our fight to Washington and to the people. If they are not up to it they should go home. Dr. Fate is 100% correct, the reason Dems have no power is because they have no game, no fight.

Bush should be begging for mercy right now. He is surrounded by scandal and the failure of practically every policy he's implemented. But as usual, the Dems just sit and twiddle their thumbs, waiting for Bush to self-destruct. Would it kill them to push him over the ledge a bit?

Apparently so.

I know that Dean has been getting some face time. The rest of them issue memo after memo. Those memos are doing NOTHING to bring the American public around to our way of thinking, they are beyond useless, they are an insult, a "shakin' it boss" game. It's getting old.

[QC]

31. Sure, I want some anger, too.

But the cheap, easy criticism here gets real fucking old.

It's just too, well, cheap and easy.

Reid and Pelosi don't say what we wan't them to say, so they're dirty, rotten SOBs.

Reid and Pelosi say what we wanted them to say, but they don't say it loudly enough, so they're dirty, rotten SOBs.

Reid and Pelosi say what we wanted them to say, but they don't say it at the precise moment when we think they should have, so they're dirty, rotten SOBs.

Etc.

Sounds more like a gathering of angry fundamentalists than a discussion among fellow progressives.

[sendero]

32. I don't disagree with ..

.. what you are saying, but it is not at odds with my point either.

I too get sick of folks starting hate threads because one of our congresspersons makes one decision they don't agree with. I don't presume to understand every aspect of their decision making. Folks who say atta-boy, atta-boy, atta-boy, atta-boy and then hate someone for one aw-shit. Nobody is going to vote your way every dang time. People should get over it.

But in this case I'm not talking about a decision or vote or two that I didn't like. I'm agreeing with Dr Fate that our congress is hiding out. They are not getting out in front of a camera and taking a stand, and that is really part of their job.

Seriously the point is apt - releasing memos accomplishes nothing in terms of getting swing voters to see our side of the story. The current meme of "the Democrats have no plan" is totally played into by the refusal of our leaders to get in front of a camera and articulate our point of view.

[Dr Fate]

14. BREAKING: Harry sends message in a bottle that Cheney is a liar!!!!

Except he was too frightened to even use that simple word- but we all know what he meant- right?

The desert island community will be LIVID about Cheney's involvemet with convicted criminlas in approx. 1 year and 6 months- if the bottle does not break, that is.

STOP saying he is not fighting Bush- he sent out a message in a bottle!!!

GO HARRY!!!

[jazzjunkysue]

15. "Smartest Guys In The Cell"

It's a good day. News about Rove, too.

[MsLeopard]

18. That's a pretty big leap of faith

"but at least he will serve a just punishment for his crimes...." I doubt his punishment will be just - how could it be? If it even looks like his punishment will be anything more than a little slap on the wrist, the Chimp will just pardon him. These thugs make me :puke:

[VegasWolf]

23. I just hope our "leaders" are smart enough to jump on the fact that

Bush will undoubtably pardon Lay and Skilling. They should immediately start tarring Bush to make it just a little harder for him to eventually pardon them. Lay and Bush are buddies, Lay is a heavy Repuke contributor, Lay has all kinds of inside dirt on Bush and Daddy Bush. Bush will have to pardon him, else Lay, if faced with the rest of life in jail, will tell all to get out.

The earliest Bush can pardon Lay is after the 2008 elections. This leaves two years for Lay to appeal and stall for time. I've got Vegas odds that Lay never spends ANY time in jail.

I too thought Harry's statement was a little on the weak side. I too would love to see more agression from our "leaders".

[Lib Grrrrl]

25. I Think We Ought To DEMAND A Promise From Bush/Cheney

right now...that they publicly declare, for one and all...that they will not pardon Lay or Skilling. AND I MEAN ON THE RECORD

[wake.up.america]

27. Bad Lay....Never thought I would see the day.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

34. I love Harry Reid. It's too bad *all* Democrats aren't speaking up

It'd be great to have them show they, too, abhor what the Ken Lays of this world do to the common man.