Posted on 08/05/2008 11:38:30 PM PDT by kingattax
Washington (CNSNews.com) – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has the power to shut off microphones and still video cameras, but that has not stopped House Republicans – and a steady stream of Capitol Hill visitors – from gathering in the House chamber for a third day on Tuesday for what seemed like a pep rally for energy independence.
“Nancy Pelosi has said no to a vote on a comprehensive energy bill,” said Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) before the rest of her words were drowned out by booing from the crowd. “Madam Speaker, get off your book tour …”
Musgrave’s words were again lost as the crowd cheered, repeating the standing ovation given to speakers who came before and after her. The crowd chanted “vote, vote, vote,” in response to remarks by members who spoke, including Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.).
Shadegg spoke in front of a sign that said, “Nancy Pelosi, We’re Here, Where are You?” and another that listed the benefits of energy independence: more jobs, improved national security and lower prices at the pump.
Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.) “I find it incredible that the American public can’t hear what’s going on in the House of Representatives because Nancy Pelosi chose to turn off the lights and microphones rather than have an up-or-down vote on a comprehensive energy plan,” Musgrave told CNSNews.com.
“Nancy Pelosi is on a book tour,” said Musgrave. “She’s jetting around this country. She’s on a five-week vacation. The American people can’t afford a vacation, many of them. Nancy Pelosi needs to call this house back into session, and we need an up-or-down vote on energy policy.”
“Madam Speaker, what are you afraid of? Give us a vote,” Musgrave said.
Pelosi issued a statement Monday saying the protest, which started Friday after the official adjournment of Congress, lacked credibility.
“This Republican hoax is unworthy of the serious debate we must have to reduce the price at the pump and promote energy independence,” Pelosi said.
She said a Republican plan to “give away public lands to Big Oil” will not immediately reduce prices at the pump, and it would save Americans “only 2 cents ten years from now.”
Musgrave spoke to CNSNews.com as visitors to Capitol Hill filed in and out of the house chamber, many of them through the “members only” cloak room.
Edward Galgano, a U.S. citizen who lives with his wife and children in England, was with his family on the floor of the House chamber on Tuesday.
“It was pretty exciting to get on the floor to see it live,” Galgano told CNSNews.com. “I like the idea that (Republican House members) are raising the questions. I think (energy) is very important to the American people right now.
Galgano did not, however, like the fact that the cameras were off in the chamber.
“I disagree completely,” he said. “I think it’s terrible.”
Jennifer Hickman of Florida did not know about the protest when she planned her visit, but she told CNSNews.com that she was glad she had the chance to take part.
“I was surprised there was no media coverage, there were no cameras on so people can understand what’s going on in our government,” Hickman said, adding that she supported drilling for oil off the Florida coast.
“My understanding is that it’s going to be 50 miles out and not something that is obtrusive on nature in terms of the environment – so I’m for it.”
Mae Milton of Matthews, N.C., said the scene in the House chamber reminded her of her favorite movie.
“It’s just like ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,’” Milton said.
These Republicans holding out in the House are our 300 Spartans.
That fool Pelosi is trying to delay all this until her master Obambi is elected, at which time the Soros-socialist dem party will immediately kill the American capitalist-based economy and replace it with a government-based economy.
Republicans holding their own “teach-ins.”
bump
“house speaker nancy pelosi has the power to shut off microphones and still video cameras...”
so did uncle adolf and uncle joe stalin. (whoever heard of an american who favored a “fairness doctrine” who cuts off cameras and microphones in order to prevent an opposing point of view from being disseminated?”-sounds like the totalitarian game is afoot by psychotic, adolescent, arrogant and obnoxious left-wing democrats.)
imho
Now, now, Ms. Pelosi, surely you’ve learned the difference between giving something away and leasing it somewhere along the way.
Not just in your opinion. It is a fact. Everyone with eyes to see, ears to hear and brains to think KNOWS that the Democrats are fascists and Pelosi is Mussolini in drag.
I don’t understand why they don’t send video from the floor by cell phone and show it on a big screen on the Capitol steps. Every time one member gets busted another can call in. They managed to get both picture and sound out on Friday. Failing that, they could establish their own news service with ‘reporters’ coming out to the steps every few minutes to give updates. Speakers should repeat their speeches on the steps, too. Pelosi can limit tv coverage in the chamber, but she can’t stop demonstrations on the steps. The MSM couldn’t ignore such a public event forever.
I agree completely. This fire won’t catch if we can’t get video out to the public.
They should talk more about the fact that the Capitol, is the *Peoples* House, *Not* Pelosi & Reids Dictatorial Politboro, where they and they alone, decide the course of the nation. It is NOT THEIR RIGHT to *Rule* without the will of the Peoples representation!
Because they passedf rules back in the early 90’s that no cameras other than ones con trolled by the leadership, are allowed in the houses of Congress, and at this time, that means Pelosi controls the switch to the Cameras C-SPAN has, and the Capitol police are charged with making sure no one else brings any cameras in.
They need to do a better job of coordinating Congressmen and others, who go into the House, coming out in a stream, so that there’s allways someone outside, reporting on the highlights of the speeches and interviews with visitors.
Keep an all daty dialog going in front of the outside podium for an internet feed, if none of the corrupt Press wont send anyone to cover it, or, like CBS, who only came to make MoveOn look good.
Not just saying NO to a vote but saying NO to a debate on our energy emergency.
Pelosi proved the dems are incapable of leadership and the voters are noticing.
For this movement to catch fire, the common folk need to show up at the Capital Building everyday and let it be known where we stand. Camp out on the Mall. What ever it takes. The media will show up then.
Build it and they will come.
They can't send video from the floor because Ms. Pelosi has stated it would be “illegal.” She can stop demonstrations on the steps, and the MSM can indeed ignore it forever. Doubt my word? Wait and see what happens when the GOP takes it to the next level and “Madame Chairman” issues arrest warrants. I've worked for her type in this town for many years. Dissenting opinion is not only perceived as treason, but also equated with spousal infidelity. The reaction will be vindictive, cruel, and cataclysmic.
Hey I *like* that idea! The word should be put out to get as many people that can come, come not just to visit, but to hold a daytime vigil for the Peoples House! Every day till there’s a vote...Get as many people who can to show up next weekend to chant for the Democrats to fulfill their oaths and do their duty to the People of the Unites States.
I’ve sent email to S. Hannity suggesting he speak to this.
” Democrats are fascists and Pelosi is Mussolini in drag. “
BRILLIANT!!!!
Pelosi and Reid are two of the most prominent idiots I have seen in the Democrat Party in my lifetime.
I predict she will soon be tossed out on her backside.
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