Conflicted Clarence Thomas Countdown to Clarity

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Does Justice Clarence Thomas have a conflict of interest?

It may not please the court, but it sure looks that way. Permit me to present the evidence.

Thomas's wife earned $700,000 from uber-conservative groups that opposed health care reform. He neglected to disclose her income for 13 years -- until he got caught and submitted a slew of amended filings.

What's the honorable justice's defense? Deny and deflect. First he said his critics were "undermining" the Supreme Court. Now, apparently we're suffering from "a disease of illiteracy or laziness."

We have been waiting for 10 days to find out what conflicts Justice Thomas is bringing to our Supreme Court every day. He MUST make the financial disclosure forms he filed over a week ago public immediately. Hundreds of thousands have already joined me in calling out Conflicted Clarence Thomas, but I need your help to make sure he hears us loud and clear.

Click here to up the pressure on Clarence Thomas to do the right thing and make his newest financial disclosure forms publicly available NOW.

Clearly it's getting to him. At a speech last week in Augusta, he went so far as to call us "cynics" who are "drunk on their own opinions." The nerve of us, questioning a U.S. Supreme Court justice who has been featured in Koch promotional material -- alongside such bastions of impartiality as Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh -- for conservative political events and causes.

I expected more out of someone who sits on the most distinguished court in the land.

Click here to tell Clarence Thomas to stop trying to change the subject and release his financial disclosure forms immediately.

This "impartial" member hid $700,000 of his household income for over a decade and won't recuse himself from health care reform cases even though his wife has made boatloads of money lobbying against it. What's he hiding in his financial disclosure forms now?

I know I won't let up until he stops dodging the question. I hope I can count on having you with me.

Because it's not our behavior that's undermining the Supreme Court -- it's Justice Thomas's.

Thanks for your continued support,
Anthony

Clarence Thomas

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Clarence Thomas wants a fight about his lying to the American people. So let's give it to him.

Here are the facts. Thomas' wife earned $700,000 from half the radical right-wing ideologues in Washington. Opposing health care reform was her specialty.

For 13 years, Clarence Thomas didn't disclose a penny of that income, even though he was legally and ethically obligated.

Thomas is trying to conceal a blatant conflict of interest. His family is getting rich off an issue that's very likely to come before the Supreme Court.

So 250,000 of us demanded he recuse himself from cases about health care. We must have struck a nerve because Thomas went apoplectic, accusing you and me of "undermining" the Supreme Court because we dare question a single justice's impartiality.

This week was another big financial disclosure deadline -- and the beginning of the next round of our fight.

These financial forms are a matter of public record, typically made available within 30 days of the filing deadline. But when a Supreme Court justice has broken the public trust repeatedly for over a decade, we deserve to know right away what conflict he has.

Stand with me to force Clarence Thomas to release his disclosure ASAP. We need to know how big a conflict Thomas is bringing every day to our Supreme Court.

Click here to pressure Clarence Thomas to make his financial disclosure public as soon as he files. We deserve the whole truth -- immediately -- about his conflicts of interest.

There's clearly something fishy going on when a U.S. Supreme Court justice claims his wife's income was "inadvertently omitted due to a misunderstanding of the filing instructions" -- especially when those instructions are, "Spouse's Non-Investment Income -- If you were married during any portion of the reporting year, complete this section."

Already there are questions about Mrs. Thomas' 2010 earnings at Liberty Central, a right-wing action group she founded in 2009. She claims she had no salary -- the COO of the organization says otherwise.

Clarence Thomas shouldn't hide the truth behind stalling tactics. Stand with me today and demand he publicly release his financial disclosure immediately.

Click here to pressure Clarence Thomas to do the right thing and make his financial disclosure public right away. It's long past time for him to come clean.

Thanks again to the 250,000 people who are already standing with me to hold Clarence Thomas accountable. Our work has been a great success so far.

But Thomas is gearing up for a fight. And, as a guy from Brooklyn, there's no way I'm backing down. I need you in my corner one more time.

Anthony

Disgusting

Friday, 06 May 2011

The outright Republican assault on women just keeps getting worse. They're using their majority to push their rigid ideology, and that's why you need to stand with me. Here's the latest.
First, they tried that bill to change the very definition of "rape." The massive public outrage made them back off -- or so we thought.

Then, this week, radical House Republicans passed a bill that goes further than ever. It's called the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," and it's the biggest attack on a woman's right to choose in a generation.

It's shocking how extreme -- how over the top -- this legislation is. It's disgusting how central destroying women's rights is to the hard right vision of America.

Democrats like us have to fight back. If we don't stand together, who knows what else they might try.

Click here to fight the radical Republican war on women. We WILL NOT tolerate any attack on women's rights.

Not only does this bill resurrect the ridiculous "forcible rape" idea, it takes direct aim at women's rights and women's equality.

This bill would authorize the IRS to audit victims of sexual assault -- seriously. It would raise taxes on small businesses who offer health insurance that covers reproductive health -- seriously. It would make permanent the DC abortion ban -- a real and serious rollback of women's rights.

It would prevent American women looking for health insurance in state exchanges from spending their own money on insurance for essential reproductive care ­-- seriously.

Fighting Democrats everywhere are springing to action to stop this outrage. I need your help right away.

Click here to fight the radical Republican war on women. We WILL NOT tolerate any attack on women's rights.

Anthony

a great nation

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Thanks so much to all who've joined me in taking a stand against the GOP's outrageous assault on our seniors' health and well-being.

Thousands have already called on Republicans to keep their hands off Medicare, but we're going to need to be a whole lot louder to be heard over the Tea Party ruckus. So I'm asking you to spread the word to your friends, family, coworkers, friends of friends -- because this fight is bigger than you and me.

Here are some ideas on how you can ask people to join us right now:

• Share on Facebook.
• Share on Twitter.

Here's a sample message for the social networks:

Republican budget math is all wrong: Twice the cost for half the care? No way! Tell them to keep their hands off Medicare at democratswhofight.com.

Our commitment to our senior citizens is one of the things that makes America a great nation, and we can't let any party -- Tea or otherwise -- dismantle it.

Thanks for all you do,
Anthony

Ds support Medicare. Rs don't.

Tuesday, 19 April 2011

The GOP is trying to break a promise we made to seniors almost 50 years ago. That promise is simple: we'll make sure you have the basic medical care you need.

Apparently, that's too much for the GOP. Last Wednesday, I was proud to hear President Obama vow that he wouldn't let that happen on his watch. He took on Rep. Paul Ryan's budget, which ends Medicare as a guaranteed program for seniors. Instead, it takes that money and gives the wealthiest Americans still more tax cuts.

Click here to tell the Republicans to keep their hands off Medicare. This is bigger than balancing the budget. It's a fight for who we are and what we believe.

I don't buy into the Republican myth that our country can't afford to take care of its citizens.

Our President laid out a budget plan that reduces the deficit and protects the commitments we make to our seniors. This is an inspiring vision, but having seen the Tea Party in action I know he's going to need all of us in his corner. I want to keep the promise of Medicare for every future generation, which is why I need fighting Democrats all across America to stand up and join me.

Be a Democrat who fights. Click here to tell the right wing that we won't let them dismantle Medicare or the rest our social safety net.

Thanks for your continued support,
Anthony

The end of Medicare as we know it

Friday, 15 April 2011

On Wednesday, President Obama fought back against the GOP's budget proposal -- which would end Medicare as a guaranteed program for seniors, while also helping out the wealthiest Americans with more tax cuts -- when he outlined his plan for both cutting the deficit and protecting our commitment to seniors.

Congressman Weiner picked up where the president left off, taking the fight to cable news to show the right wing that Democrats won’t back down from defending Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The Republicans did their usual song and dance about spending -- talking about “transforming” the programs you rely on. The Congressman made sure to call them out by stating what this really means: ending Medicare as we know it.

On The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Rep. Weiner went up against Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and made it clear that this fight is about our ideals – do we want to be a country that takes from the poor to give to the rich, or do we want to be a nation that takes care of its people.

Later, on The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell, Congressman Weiner debated Jack Kingston (R-GA) about the president’s budget plan.

He drove the point home: Democrats created and support Medicare. Republicans don’t.

Have a look.

we did it

Monday, 04 April 2011

As you know, it's hard to leave me speechless -- but you guys did it. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we made up the difference and got to our $25,000 fundraising goal -- all in one night. Your amazing response shows Michele Bachmann and her Tea Party pals that when they attack, we fighting Democrats don't back down.

This isn't the last "boo" we'll hear from them, but because of you, we have the resources we need to fight back against the right-wing noise machine.

Thanks again for your support -- I honestly couldn't do it without you.

Anthony

P.S. It's not too late to pitch in and let Republicans know what you think of their antics.

Chip in $5 today to help me keep fighting and really show the far right what they're up against.

Boo

Thursday, 31 March 2011

Michele Bachmann is worried. Why else would she attack me this week at some Tea Party revival in Iowa? The mere mention of my name made the Tea Partiers boo.

Looks like fighting Democrats really get under their skin, huh? Bachmann is coming after me because I won't take her bull. I fight back and she's scared of it. But if it's too hot, stay out of the kitchen, right? Well, I'm staying in the kitchen because I love cooking up trouble.

I'll never back down from core Democratic values -- jobs, health care, Social Security. No matter how hard they attack me.

We're less than 24 hours from the next FEC deadline and I need your help right now to raise $25,000 and shut these right-wing bullies up. We're halfway there, and there's not much time left. Can you give right now to finish the job?

Click here to rush $5 or more to my campaign before midnight TONIGHT. We have less than 24 hours to show Bachmann and her Fox News cronies that they've attacked the wrong guy.

Just look at what the Republicans are doing to our country.

Bank of America makes billions in profit -- tax free. Giveaways for millionaires are kosher, but the middle class doesn't deserve one ounce of health care. And of course, the real bad guys are cops, teachers, and those radicals on NPR's Morning Edition.

And our side is the one playing defense!? It's ridiculous.

Now they're attacking me for being a fighting Democrat. Big surprise. I'll keep doing everything I can to hold them accountable, but I need your help to keep the pressure on.

Join me before midnight tonight. It's our best chance to show the Republicans that Democrats won't back down.

Click here to rush $5 or more to my campaign before midnight TONIGHT. We're halfway to $25,000, and I need you right away to reach this strategic goal.

Thanks again for all your support,
Anthony

No time for hiding

Monday, 28 March 2011

Socialism. Unconstitutional. Un-American. Those are just the nice things Republicans said about our historic health care victory to mark last week's anniversary.

Now is not the time for Democrats to hide under our desks. We have to be out there - right now and every single day - fighting the Fox News lies and standing up for what we believe.

We're just 3 days away from another big fundraising deadline, and I urgently need your help to keep fighting the good fight. The other side has billionaires and corporate overlords, but when you stand up for core Democratic values, you can't count on big money checks. I'm counting on you to reach my $25,000 goal.

Click here to contribute $5 or more to my campaign before March 31. Calling Republicans on their stunts makes me a target, but with your help, I'll reach that $25k goal and never back down.

If you're fired up and ready to fight back, then I need you to make a contribution right away. The Republicans have been looking at Glenn Beck's chalkboard for way too long. It's got them taking away from pregnant women and Elmo to make sure the super-rich get theirs.

It's time to show them we're not going to shrink in the corner.

All the pundits are looking at what we do at this deadline to decide if we have a chance in 2012. The only way we win is to keep fighting for what's right. Please do your part immediately. Even five bucks from each of you can really add up to help us reach our goal.

Click here to contribute $5 or more to my campaign before March 31. Calling Republicans on their stunts makes me a target, but with your help, I'll reach that $25k goal and never back down.

Thanks so much,
Anthony

Fox Lies, You Decide: What Weiner Really Said

Friday, 25 March 2011

On Wednesday, Congressman Weiner spoke at the Center for American Progress’s event commemorating the first anniversary of heath care reform. While he was there, he answered some questions from the audience about the law.

Fox News did what they usually do - they lied about what Anthony Weiner said. But as you know, Anthony is used to talking on the fibbers at Fox. Take a look.

Barnstorming across the internet

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

One year ago today, fighting Democrats everywhere celebrated a historic victory for our country that would make sure every American gets the health care they need.

It was a long, hard road, and while we didn't get everything we fought for, the effect has been tremendous for working families everywhere. Young people are staying on their parents' insurance longer and no one is getting denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

To celebrate, I'm barnstorming across the internet today to make sure everyone knows all the good this law does - and to make sure Democrats everywhere are leaning into the debate over where we go next.

Here's the schedule:

Twitter Town Hall
2:30 - 3:30 PM ET
Today, Wednesday, March 23
Click here to join this event.
(Tweet questions / comments to @RepWeiner.)

Facebook Town Hall
3:30 - 4:30 PM ET
Today, Wednesday, March 23
Click here to join this event.

Daily Kos Live Chat
4:30 - 5:30 PM ET
Today, Wednesday, March 23
Click here to join this event.

"Ask Me Anything" on Reddit.com
5:30 - 6:30 PM ET
Today, Wednesday, March 23
Click here to join this event.

The online community was a huge part of our health care victory, and I know we're going to need you to stand up to Republican lies to protect its legacy. These online discussions are an important part of getting organized.

Hope you can make it for one of these events.

Anthony

P.S. The insurance companies can rely on record profits to stay in the fight against implementing and improving our health care reform. I'm depending on grassroots supporters like you to keep me fighting for the middle class.

Click here to chip in $5 to my campaign. Your support is the only way I can keep fighting for real health care reform.

Anthony celebrates the first year of health care reform... with a speech

Wednesday, 23 March 2011

The speech, from today's Center for American Progress event "Moving Forward: The Affordable Care Act," marks the first anniversary of last year's historic health care victory. Take a look.

Kudos to the GOP

Monday, 21 March 2011

Last week, my Republican friends really stepped up for the American people, breaking House rules to rush a vote on an important bill. Instead of focusing on jobs, health care, or our challenges overseas, they targeted the true problem facing our nation.

Of course, I'm talking about defunding NPR's All Things Considered, Wait, Wait… Don't Tell Me, and that other great evil -- Car Talk. So naturally, I took to the floor to congratulate the GOP on averting a crisis.

Talking Points Memo picked up the video and I thought I thought you'd like to check it out.

Click here to watch.

• Share it on Facebook.
• Tweet it.
• Upvote it on Reddit.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Colbert: 'You Want To Interrupt And Belittle People? Get Your Own Show On Fox'

Friday, 11 March 2011

Thanks to all of you who've joined me in calling on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from any deliberations related to health care. So far, 300,000 people have taken a stand for an impartial court.

On Wednesday night, I took the fight to The Colbert Report, and thought you would like to see how "conservative" host Stephen Colbert took the news that Justice Thomas must recuse himself.

Have a look.

• Email it.
• Share it on Facebook.
• Tweet it.
• Tell your friends about it.
• Upvote it on Reddit.

Then join me today at ConflictedClarenceThomas.com.

Sincerely,
Anthony

The GOP war on women

Wednesday, 02 March 2011

The GOP is waging a war on women, and the hypocrisy is mind-boggling.

They're trying to regulate what happens when an individual woman meets in private with her doctor, and they want to deny a medical procedure based on a woman's income.

This is from a political party that says it's all about liberty! It's just immoral.

That's why, at a recent hearing on the so-called "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," I called them out on it. Our friends at the Crooks and Liars blog posted the video and I thought you should see it.

Click here to watch my hearing statement and see what Republicans are trying to get away with.

Someone needs to make it clear to my Republican friends that you can't be for "less government" at the same time that you add layers of red tape between a patient and her doctor.

More important, we have to stop any attempt to take away the basic right a woman has to safeguard her own health.

So spread the word. Share this video with your friends, your family, even your casual acquaintances.

• Tweet it.
• Post it on Facebook.
• Talk about it.

This bill is bigger than you and me. The people who support this bill don't believe in a woman's right to make basic health decisions. That's the bottom line.

Anthony