Are the Democrats for America?

[GNandGS]

How can you rule it obsurd until you "out" the whistleblower?

If I cant report a crime (forget this bill for a second) and remain anon or avoid a civil suit, then am I more or LESS likely to report it?

There are all sorts of stupid cases that do NOT get dismissed so easily. Need examples?

[henschman]

which is why i said that "it is a perrogative that judges need to use much more frequently," or something like that.

if i think there is a chance of a terrorist attack or something similar, i could care less what kind of civil suit might be filed against me by the suspicious-looking jackass. i would hope any other person with a shred of decency would feel the same.

[The Blob]

Originally Posted by henschman

as for whoever mentioned that it is expensive to defend oneself in court: you are right, but the other side must pay your legal fees if the suit against you is dismissed, or if you win. it's only expensive if you settle or if you are ruled against, which is only right.

Stage2 needs to step in here but I believe that if you win, at most, the other side might have to pay your court costs. BFD. The attorney, where the real expense is, is still on you.

[The Blob]

Originally Posted by henschman

i firmly believe in anyone's right to sue anyone else for ANYTHING. I also believe it is a judge's perrogative to dismiss or render a summary judgement in a case that is, on its face, absurd, or in which one side or the other cannot possibly make its case. It is a perrogative that i think, in general, judges should be using much more frequently, especially in cases like this. however, we don't need a federal law about something like this.

In cases like this I would much rather have a federal law protecting me than to leave it up to the whim of some dopey judge with who knows what political agenda.

[IEATV8S]

John Doe wins!
By Michelle Malkin • July 25, 2007 10:30 AM

I mentioned this in an earlier post this morning, but am breaking it out because it deserves a stand-alone. The John Doe amendment is officially alive, well, and incorporated into the homeland security conference report. The Democrats who opposed it will be remembered:

After nearly a week of intense, behind-the-scenes wrangling, congressional negotiators late Tuesday agreed to include in the pending Sept. 11 security bill sweeping liability protections for citizens who report suspicious activity they fear might be linked to terrorism.
Reaction:

A joint statement on the inclusion of the John Doe Protections language for terrorism tipsters by House Republican Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security Peter King, R-N.Y., follows.

“This is a huge win — a hard-fought victory for House Republicans and, more importantly, for the American people,” King said.

“In a post-9/11 reality, vigilance is essential to security. Despite the Democratic opposition to this important homeland security measure, I’m thrilled to announce that common sense has prevailed and heroic Americans who report suspicious activity will be protected from frivolous lawsuits. The American people were heard and our country is safer because of it.”

Added Boehner: “I’m pleased that Democratic leaders finally decided to do the right thing and agreed with Republicans that we should be encouraging Americans to report potential terrorist activity to the proper authorities.”

“This much-needed measure is critical in the effort to confront the significant threats posed by Al Qaeda and other terrorists and protect the American people. I want to thank Reps. King and [New Mexico Republican Steve] Pearce for their leadership on this issue and their efforts to make America safer.”
Pearce’s office sends this:

Today, Congressman Steve Pearce strongly praised the inclusion of “John Doe” protections in the Homeland Security bill. Despite overwhelming bipartisan support, the new majority leadership in the House attempted last week to remove the provision, originally drafted by Rep. Pearce, which would give immunity to vigilant citizens that report suspicious activity to security officials.

“I am pleased to see that the pressure we created lead Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid to make the right decision about protecting alert Americans,” said Pearce. “The American people shouldn’t have to think twice about alerting security and law enforcement to potential terrorist attacks.”

“Vigilant citizens can often be the most useful weapon in the War on Terror,” he added. “It was unnerving to watch the majority leadership ignore this fact and push to protect potential terrorists rather than innocent Americans.”

Said Pearce: “We should be encouraging anyone who sees something to say something. Today, Congress has rightly decided to move forward with this common sense provision.”
You can watch the video of Pearce offering the original John Doe amendment here.

Frank Gaffney and the Center for Security Policy:

The Center for Security Policy is gratified that its efforts, those of innumerable bloggers, radio talk show hosts and other public-minded citizens translated into an important legislative victory late last night. Thanks to the leadership of Sens. Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins, the chairman and ranking minority member, respectively, of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and especially that of Rep. Pete King, Sen. Collins’ counterpart on the House Homeland Security Committee, legislation along the lines of that adopted by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives last May at Rep. King’s initiative will shortly become law.

The language will provide protection against the sorts of harassment lawsuits filed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) after several unidentified individuals reported six Muslim imams engaged in suspicious – and frightening – behavior prior to boarding a USAir flight in November 2006. CAIR has been identified as a front organization for the Muslim Brotherhood and is an un-indicted co-conspirator in an alleged terrorism-financing plot.

Center President Frank Gaffney said on learning of this extraordinary development:

“Thanks to courageous, principled and tenacious efforts by key legislators like Rep. King and Sens. Lieberman and Collins, the American people are going to be free to do their part in the War for the Free World – serving as indispensable eyes and ears for those trying to protect us against terrorism – without fear that the likes of CAIR will be suing them for doing so.”

“We are extremely grateful to these lawmakers and also to members of the Democratic leadership who opposed such efforts, but eventually relented in the face of an outpouring of public demands that the King amendment be enacted into law. We are even more appreciative of the efforts made by all those who helped alert the public to the need to engage so directly and, ultimately, so decisively.”
Now, stay vigilant.

Michelle Malkin » John Doe wins!

[The Blob]

This is a sad day for the trial attorney lobby.

[IEATV8S]

Originally Posted by The Blob

This is a sad day for the trial attorney lobby.

Yes it is!

But where are all the lefties in here to tell us this is RACIST legislation, it's not PC, and it lets American citizens PROFILE the bad guys without worrying about a civil lawsuit???

[BlownZ]

They're making this out to be break through legislation....

BFD.

We still have thousands unemployed, millions undereducated, a manufacturing base that is disappearing, health care costs that are out of control, gas prices are expensive, criminals walk free everyday due to the inability to house them for the true length of time they deserve...etc...etc....etc.

They all need to pull their head out of their asses and figure out what will actually make a difference in this country.

My .02 cents.

[quickerthanmost]

Doesn't sound like typical GOP gripes ( except the criminals). what pray tell has gotten into BLOWNZ?

[IEATV8S]

Originally Posted by BlownZ

They're making this out to be break through legislation....

BFD.

We still have thousands unemployed, millions undereducated, a manufacturing base that is disappearing, health care costs that are out of control, gas prices are expensive, criminals walk free everyday due to the inability to house them for the true length of time they deserve...etc...etc....etc.

They all need to pull their head out of their asses and figure out what will actually make a difference in this country.

My .02 cents.

You get up on the wrong side of the bed today???

What good does all you say do IF WE ARE DEAD FROM A TERRORIST ATTACK? One small nuclear and GOOD BYE HUNDREDS of thousands of people!

One bio agent in a NYC`subway at 5 PM and GOOD BYE TENS OF THOUSANDS of people!

One chemical agent in LA's water supply and HOW MANY?

One young man in NJ made a difference about bombing Kennedy airport!!!

Believe me, if your DEAD, it's PERMANENT and you couldn't care less about ANYTHING!

Want to complain, how about all the USELESS investigations going on in Congress about the Bush administration firing attorney's, The SLEEPOVER that accomplished NOTHING, THE NON-BINDING vote on the funding of the war, etc., etc., etc. etc.

How about the Democrats IN CHARGE, get over their hatred of Bush, their REVENGE for Clinton, and start to act like statesmen and WORK with Republicans to FIX all the chit you mentioned!!!!

NEVER HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!

My .02 cents

[BlownZ]

Originally Posted by IEATV8S

You get up on the wrong side of the bed today???

Why...because an inconsequential piece of legislation is being hailed as a BFD......sorry...we all need to expect more than we do from these idiots in Washington. They're all patting themselves on the back like they did something.....meanwhile China continues to become an even bigger 800lb gorilla than they are now.

What good does all you say do IF WE ARE DEAD FROM A TERRORIST ATTACK? One small nuclear and GOOD BYE HUNDREDS of thousands of people!

Yeah...so let's seal our borders and put some meaningful legislation into place that might actually protect us. That would be a BFD....being able to sue someone or not...is not groundbreaking. Sorry to burst your bubble.

One bio agent in a NYC`subway at 5 PM and GOOD BYE TENS OF THOUSANDS of people!


One chemical agent in LA's water supply and HOW MANY?

One young man in NJ made a difference about bombing Kennedy airport!!!

Believe me, if your DEAD, it's PERMANENT and you couldn't care less about ANYTHING!

Gee thanks...I really needed you to explain this....save the drama. This legislation has done NOTHING to make us safer....it's another meaningless bill that really accomplishes NOTHING but the politicians are pretending they made a break through.

Want to complain, how about all the USELESS investigations going on in Congress about the Bush administration firing attorney's, The SLEEPOVER that accomplished NOTHING, THE NON-BINDING vote on the funding of the war, etc., etc., etc. etc.

That sucks too ....but it doesn't change my opinion on the actual topic of my post....so why you think it matters I don't know.

How about the Democrats IN CHARGE, get over their hatred of Bush, their REVENGE for Clinton, and start to act like statesmen and WORK with Republicans to FIX all the chit you mentioned!!!!

NEVER HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep...again you state the obvious.....I agree but I also agree that if the shoe were on the other foot then the Republicans would be doing the same damn thing. They dragged the Clinton BS on forever.....when in reality it really didn't matter.

These jokers need to be held accountable for getting NOTHING done...for accomplishing NOTHING. It isn't a party issue....it's a politician issue...even though some of you would rather jump off a cliff than admit that neither side is that great.

My .02 cents

I'd start a tip jar....you need help.

[IEATV8S]

Originally Posted by BlownZ

Why...because an inconsequential piece of legislation is being hailed as a BFD......sorry...we all need to expect more than we do from these idiots in Washington. They're all patting themselves on the back like they did something.....meanwhile China continues to become an even bigger 800lb gorilla than they are now.

I guess having the fear of intimidation doesn't mean anything to you. "I can't report them, I might get sued for being a bigot" It's as important as BORDER SECURITY, perhaps even moreso, as we certainly have people already here that want to kill us (the NJ 6, etc.) And what would you do with China?

Originally Posted by BlownZ

Yeah...so let's seal our borders and put some meaningful legislation into place that might actually protect us. That would be a BFD....being able to sue someone or not...is not groundbreaking. Sorry to burst your bubble.

See above for people already here! Protection from being harassed by someone you turned in could be a BIG DEAL! Have you ever been sued? It's a bubble burster! Even if you win, you lose!

Originally Posted by BlownZ

Gee thanks...I really needed you to explain this....save the drama. This legislation has done NOTHING to make us safer....it's another meaningless bill that really accomplishes NOTHING but the politicians are pretending they made a break through.

Then why were the Democrats against it? Having heard Peter King today say that all the phone support and e-mails really pushed the democrats to do the right thing, just like it did with the immigration bill, sure doesn't sound meaningless. IMHO!

Originally Posted by BlownZ

Yep...again you state the obvious.....I agree but I also agree that if the shoe were on the other foot then the Republicans would be doing the same damn thing. They dragged the Clinton BS on forever.....when in reality it really didn't matter.

Unfortunately Bush was on the wrong side of the immigration bill, but so was a vast majority of the Democarts. The Republicans were the ones that stopped it from going through, even with defectors!
I guess you don't remember all the scandals from Clinton that were never investigated fully or were stonewalled. Try catching up on them.

Originally Posted by BlownZ

These jokers need to be held accountable for getting NOTHING done...for accomplishing NOTHING. It isn't a party issue....it's a politician issue...even though some of you would rather jump off a cliff than admit that neither side is that great.

Neither side is, but seems one side is more for security then the other! Just an observation you might want to look into, in your spare time.

Originally Posted by BlownZ

I'd start a tip jar....you need help.

I don't know, I've been holding my own, amongst the vermin!

[BlownZ]

Originally Posted by IEATV8S

I guess having the fear of intimidation doesn't mean anything to you. "I can't report them, I might get sued for being a bigot" It's as important as BORDER SECURITY, perhaps even moreso, as we certainly have people already here that want to kill us (the NJ 6, etc.) And what would you do with China?

If fear of being sued sways you from reporting terrorist activity then first off....F you. Secondly if this piece of meaningless legislation is as important as border security to you then you've got bigger problems than arguing with me.

See above for people already here! Protection from being harassed by someone you turned in could be a BIG DEAL! Have you ever been sued? It's a bubble burster! Even if you win, you lose!

You have such meaningless arguments and points that you might just get elected.

Then why were the Democrats against it? Having heard Peter King today say that all the phone support and e-mails really pushed the democrats to do the right thing, just like it did with the immigration bill, sure doesn't sound meaningless. IMHO!

See above.

Unfortunately Bush was on the wrong side of the immigration bill, but so was a vast majority of the Democarts. The Republicans were the ones that stopped it from going through, even with defectors!
I guess you don't remember all the scandals from Clinton that were never investigated fully or were stonewalled. Try catching up on them.

Can't you get it...I don't CARE about CLinton...it's history. Who gives a crap...I give as much a crap about that as I do about who outed Plame. It means nothing to the average American schmo who is trying to feed his family and put his kids through school so they don't end up working a McJob.

Neither side is, but seems one side is more for security then the other! Just an observation you might want to look into, in your spare time.

In my spare time...I have better things to do. I have to support the free loaders of America who have nothing better to do than watch Jerry Springer and once in a while vote on Capital Hill if they aren't in the Hamptons.

I don't know, I've been holding my own, amongst the vermin!

Not really. You having the patience to argue meaningless point after meaningless point does not mean you're holding your own. It just means that you too have nothing better to do than waste your time solving nothing and arguing with people who will never change their mind. If that gives you your jollies then by all means have at it.

We should all expect better from our politicians than we're getting....and this breakthrough legislation simply highlights that FACT.

[IEATV8S]

Sorry Blown, I POLITELY disagree with you!

[BlownZ]

It's ok. You're used to being wrong.

[IEATV8S]

Originally Posted by BlownZ

It's ok. You're used to being wrong.

Now your sounding like qwik!

[GNandGS]

I think what you might be missing is that this bill unlike so much other redtapedgarbage is actually SIMPLE and could have been implemented quickly and easily with zero fuss. It COULD have gone through quickly and not been such a distraction from saaaaay border control

BUT because some opposed it for mystery reasons we had to have it hashed out. Bad security can be erroded away into worse if this "little stuff" goes unchecked.

Im glad this didnt get dropped.