Bush League Justice: Using The DoJ To Disappear Your Rivals
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In the final installment of Dan Abrams' Bush League Justice which looks at the infuriating case of Don Siegelman. A credible Democratic rival to Republican Rob Riley's race for the governorship of Alabama, it appears that Karl Rove pulled strings with the DoJ to have Siegelman charged not once, but twice, with corruption and using loyal Republican US Attorneys and judges (some of whom actually worked on Riley's campaign and refused to recuse themselves), convicted and imprisoned Don Siegelman on shaky evidence and even now prevent Don from speaking to anyone. Law professor and Harper's contributer Scott Horton, who has been following Siegelman's case, calls him literally The Man In The Iron Mask. Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL) and Horton paint a horrifying picture of depraved partisanship and corruption where nothing is off limits, not even unfairly jailing your opponent.
Resident evil shrub is all upset about baseball players and their steroids. So much so he's taking time to make a statement about it. But try and ask him about Siegelman or global warming or the illegal occupation of Iraq or wounded veterans and suddenly chimpy goes screaming into the trees. "Too busy" to talk.
Makes me wish there was a hell so he and his cronies could spend eternity roasting upside down in a lake of shit.
I'm sorry, Artur Davis' hands aren't clean as a Congressman, either. He's a DLC Blue Dog Dem who helped usher in all the legislation that's creating a nightmare for people like Siegelman.
Being a recruitment officer for the DLC as well as bagman for AIPAC doesn't hurt, either.
It's a heartbreaking case and one that every American should be ashamed of. The aspects of selective prosecution are especially galling. Rove should pay dearly for plotting this kind of evil. I only hope that when the sob's are finally thrown out in November, the Democratic Administration has the starch to spring Siegleman with a full pardon. I wish I could say I'm confident that will happen.
Oh, and Canseco already said on Capitol Hill two years ago that Bush knew about the juicing going on when he owned the Texas Rangers, and how that juicing was going on right there in the Rangers clubhouse.
Palmeiro got mad during his testimony on the Hill because Canseco fingered him, and went on to be justified when he later tested positive for steroid use. He lied to Congress, and yes, he got invited back for a hearing...
Keep preaching to the choir crooksandliars. By far, you have one of the best comprehensive blogs out there. We have an interesting case brewing in my area that you might be interested in reading, regarding the blatant disregard for the Separation of Church and State. When you get some spare time, I'm sure you'll find this amusing.
When the democrats take-over after the next election they should move to do the same investigation against the two Republicans - Sessions and the other guy....
Why does Congress have the time to hold hearings about steroids in baseball but not to investigate the criminal doings of BushCo???
Anyone?
*crickets chirping*
OT> Floyd Red Crow Westerman died in La this morning. He was 72.On the Holy Road now.
way to go Margy, give em hell!!
Lindy
The Political Junkie @ 2:
That doesn't justify banning the media from talking to him.
repubs love their Soviet America
I'm glad Dan Abram's had this series this week. I hope it's opened up more people's eyes at how corrupt, low down and dirty handed this administration has been.
AND EXACTLY WHY ISN'T THIS DOCUMENTATION THAT DAN ABRAMS PUT TOGETHER IN THE BEST OF WAYS ABOUT THE EVIL OF THIS SHIT STAIN CALLED BUSH NOT ON NBC, CBS, AND ABC'S EVENING NEWS ? WHY NOT ? why do this corporate sluts called williams, gibson, and couric continue to try to protect the evil fuhrer at all costs ? why ? couldn't have anything to do with the fact that they are paid millions not too ?
Is it really the final installment? I thought there would be at least two more..
maybe they should rename the justice department to the department?
I'm not trying to be the grammar police, but he not "LITERALLY" in an iron mask.
Kid Dynomite @ 12:
I agree and thank C & L once again for posting the series as we do not get MSNBC. I hope when Dan Abrams speaks out again, as he is promising to do, that you will provide this service again. BTW, some people have criticized Abrams for his delivery, but the content of these videos has far off-set that.
I guess this is what they mean when they say, "We are using all the tools in the tool box." I am not surprised at all. This supports my theory that wiretaping is being used to keep politicians in line. There is no crime too big or too small this Administration will not commit to further its agenda of total control without respect or regard for the Constitution, fair play or common decency.
As long as the grammar police are out here, this is a sentance fragment:
All the DoJ has to do is bring charges against Rudy. That would balance everything out. Heh.
To borrow from Mike Malloy:
Have I mentioned today how much I hate these people?
Oh, and this is a misspelled word: sentance. ;)
OT ... what happened to the story about John being ill?
Did Coultergeist call in and complain about being seen with another man.
Listener @ 22:
From the roundup below:
xoites defends Constitution @ 23:
Thanks
Abrams does a terrible Bill O'Reilly-esque "you're on notice" threat at the end. Maybe it was Colbert-esque. Either way, it was awful.
Any comment from Mukasey?
This shit makes my head explode. Clearly, we are too fat, too lazy, and too ignorant as a country to pick up the torches and pitchforks and take back our democracy.
I have ALWAYS been anti-gun, but I'm seriously starting to rethink my position.
D.G. Bowman @ 21:
Damnit. I always mis-spell "sentence". Boy is my face red.
Old Billy @ 25:
It takes a while for the Corporate Media to catch up but word on the street is George Bush is not as popular as they thought.
Pakistani Politics on Pennsylvania Avenue?
To replay the Dylan quote from yesterday, just a little earlier in the song:
You don't need to worry about speeding tickets when your personal lawyer is the freaking Attorney General.
I guess there's precedent when JFK had Bobby in there, but shouldn't there be some requirement for impartiality?
Dear Mainstream Media,
For once,
For once,
Do your jobs.
Make this a huge story.
For once,
Do your jobs.
jr @ 11:
In Soviet America, Russia imitates YOU!
Next thing you know, journalists will be jailed and people will be thrown in prison indeffinately......oh wait.....crap...
Who is this young whippersnapper Abrams? AND, why dis his 'you're on notice' closing? I want to see MORE journalists standing brave and tall against the criminal Bush cabal. I'd even 'pinkie swear' Abrams to keep it up!
IMPEACH NOW!
drtoxic @ 26:
Pitchforks and torches against this and this?
There must be a better way...
The hole white house gang for the last 6 years should be in jail in Cuba, instead of prisoners of war they should all be tried for treason and high crimes, the ones found for treason should be shot by a fireing squad, If are country stays on the same coarse we are on in 10 years from now are country well be in a new civil war.
hate to tell you America but this story is way tooooo complicated for the average working stiff...
what a shame
An actual journalist!
The elders have spoken of such things.
Abrams is doing this for an good reason, he wants to increase ratings for his network. The profit motive is ultimately one of the things that fuels GOOD journalism. Ethics and the persuit of justice are good reasons too, but if nobody wants to hear it, networks can't provide it.
I'm willing to take Abrams' word. If he really stays on that case, and on the case of Mulkasey, that would be something I'd watch. (I'd switched off MSNBC past Olbermann since Scarborough was just an unwatchable pander to the right.)
Abrams' show would be a welcome replacement for Tucker Carlson, as well, and I'd be surprised if he hasn't already given the bow tie the boot. (sorry) Not only are the ratings for Tucker in the tank, it's going to be even harder to sell during the coming Democratic administration. (check the betting odds if you find that boastful)
Personally, I'd like to see MSNBC give Michael Eric Dyson his own show in Tucker's spot. Now that would be entertaining, and educational.
Congratulations Dan, the Tivo's set. You keep your eyes on Mulkasey's investigating Rove's politicization of the DOJ, and we'll keep our eyes on you.
So why is this guy still in jail? I would think all Congress persons and Senate persons as well as Governors across the nation would be demanding a look into this case. Was Don Siegelman made into an example? If you try to interfer with Bushies power grab, THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU?
Dan Abrams first appeared in the American consciousness with the OJ trial...hired by MSNBC as a lawyer commentator he later got his own show...
It looked like his show might slip into simple minded discussion of missing white women and school shootings without any focus on the law-breaking patterns of this Administration, but....
Lately Dan's become so outraged by this lawless Administration that he's been doing some good muckracking work, probably encouraged to do so by the great ratings Olberman has been getting.
Go Dan, GO! You'll never be an Olberman, but I've been proud of you lately.
carl h @ 8:
Good man. Great loss.
bushisaliar @ 36:
No, actually it is not. You don't seem to talk to the average working stiff much do you?
We're missing one of the Bush League Justice eps, or were there only 4?
"You're on notice" - Isn't that an O'Reilly line? Why does he have to turn a very well researched and important story like this into another piece of sensationalistic crap? And the VO guy on the piece sounded like he was reading a "thrilling" story to third graders, not a professional reporter talking to an adult audience. If this is what the resurgence of the liberal media is going to be like I'm quite saddened. I thought it was only conservative spinmeisters who had to act like fools to get ratings.
A great story but it felt like it was brought to us by a Fox News.
This is straight out of a mafia movie isn't it.
Sad thing - it's our DEMOCRACY taken over by neoCONs or better yet reincarnated NAZIS who have taken over our country.
Even sadder, is that this has happened also thanks to the ENABLERS in the Democratic Party who have allowed the DLC to dictate who runs/wins Democratic elections, when it reality they are conservative acting more like Republicans.
Time for a FRESH START with new and better Democrats to help stop the bleeding of our democracy.
If you have an out, your best plan is to take it and watch the country crumble from a safe distance.
If you don't just keep your head down and buy as many Euros/Pounds/Yuan as you can afford to save for the currency collapse the IS already happening to you.
Au revoir mes amis, meilleurs de la chance à vous toute.
Stupid Git,
your right. But we live in world today where people think CSI is how police work and Date Line is news.
Sensationalism is all this current generation TV producers know how to do. CNN has been leading the pack at de-evolving
Stupid Git @ 43:
I don't believe it. this feels to me like a fake out. MSNBC makes a big deal out of 'going after the bad guys' and then at some point, comes up empty, this then becomes 'proof' that there was nothing going on all along. It has happened before, look at Iran Contra.
The tough talk, and the refusal to let others make points, instead inserting strongly editorial language, and indeed not even looking for decent quotes suggests an urge to indulge opinion, and not a coordinated effort to build a case. The fact that he can't even get his sentences out suggests either complete fear (which may be warranted), or again indulgence in emotional attacks, not an effective plan to change something.
This show is just a ratings play, playing to the 'liberal audience'. It is exactly the same as Fox with just a different set of opinions. And hence, is equally stupid. What is really going wrong in this country is movement toward letting emotion over ride fact, and turning every issue into a personal vendetta between 'camps' ('liberals' believe xyz, 'conservatives' always follow the party line -- it didn't used to be that way in american politics. People didn't used to get bundled into 'groups' their beliefs presumed known based on a projection of group membership). Things don't get better by substituting opinions we agree with for ones we don't. It's still stupidity.
But people need to be on guard. The way this will now go is that the culture of stupidity (which is what we have) will now stupidly come to believe some new vaguely true thing, and insist on the right to impose this vaguely accurate belief on everyone and everything, and the stupid mass of people who stupidly, loudly cheered the Invasion of Iraq, will now in their infinite wisdom cheer the new stupid idea. Back when we had informed discussion in this country it was called 'the tyranny of the majority', and you better believe that is what the Democratic Party has lined up for us.
Don't fool yourself: Stupidity doesn't solve Stupidity.
Isn't it clear? There is a common theme behind all the signing statements. Bush is gearing up to declare martial law and surround the Dem's in congress with his new corporate army, Blackwater.
We should thank Nancy P for allowing the illusion of a democracy to continue.
Our only hope is in Dennis K or Ron Paul and there is no way the corrupt electoral system is going to allow that to happen. (most recent example is the Debate last night)
All is lost. Thanks for destroying the earth, jerks.
Symes @ 45:
I am not really into the politics of fear but thanks for trying. This country has been struggling with these issues since its inseption. If it goes down in flames i want to be here if for nothing else for the experience. I will not abandon it in one of its darkest hours. Chances are we will get past this, get better then worse and better again. Can't wait to find out.
I have been struggling with spelling since the inception of my writing. :)
Aww. And he was doing so well with this series too (other than not having enough time to discuss things properly).
But to end with a cheesy, O'Rlly-esque "you're on notice"? He couldn't even say it with a straight face... embarrassing... Should have ended just with "we'll be watching the new AG VERY closely."
Can we Impeach NOW? No?
Can we write, call and petition our Senators and Congresspeople to do SOMETHING? Yes...but to little or no effect...
What then is our course of action? We are quickly running out of options.
xoites defends Constitution @ 34:
Dear Friend:
THIS is all it takes.
The only way to even read this stuff is to have great music on at the same time ...
Ry Cooder "Dark end of the street"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUSAVcp1H1k
Impeach/Indict '08
xoites defends Constitution @ 50:
Not trying to scare you or anyone else xoites, just calling it as I see it.
I've been right more than I've been wrong these past years.
But I just want to correct you, this has not happened before.
This is an all new beastie, with a population that has never been as disconnected from reality in the history of this nation. If you want to ride it down, enjoy the ride. But like I said, buy some foreign currency now while you can, the Dollar is toast and most Americans just don't know it yet.
I can tell you from recent travels that the rest of the world does know it.
The time is nigh to commence the slaughter.
drtoxic @ 54:
On many levels i agree, however i would like to point out the absence of both pitchforks and torches in that photo.
Symes @ 56:
You don't catch a falling knife.
It's really sad, but I think the only way to get these people's attention is FEAR.
They've been using it on the weaker-minded among us for a long time now.
Fear of terrorism, fear of immigration, fear of (you name it)......
The only way we're going to get this democracy back is by realizing that the word DEMOCRACY begins with "DEMOS"...if I remember my Latin, DEMOS means "people".
This government will only return to greatness WHEN ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE SCARED TO DEATH OF THE PEOPLE, AND WHAT THE PEOPLE WILL DO TO THEM IF THEY SCREW UP.
Right now, there are "elected officials" who don't give a damn for the Constitution and the rule of Law. The list is so long.....and I believe everyone who posts here knows who these miscreants are.
Unfortunately, until the majority of the population finally figures out WHO'S ACTUALLY SUPPOSED TO BE IN CHARGE...this "government" will be able to screw the public with complete immunity. Welcome to government OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
End of rant.
xoites defends Constitution @ 59:
Huh? That's a little too obscure.
Excellent, Mr. Abrams. Thanks for covering this case. The MSM and congress are spineless pussies, too afraid to cover it.
Symes @ 61:
Sorry, let me put it this way. To start with i am not wealthy enough to put any money towards anything but my bills. Buying currency for me and most Americans is a luxury i can't afford. My choice in life has been to be with the poor anyway so with that in mind i am a success.
In addition i do not want to be the one with money in a crowd of paupers. If the economy goes down it goes down. And yes, i will ride it out or die if i don't. We shall see.
Aaaarrrrrrggghhhh!!!!!! Effing Rove and the Republicans!!!! Eff the lot of 'em!!!
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
xoites defends Constitution @ 18:
Their toolbox is a toilet!
And I agree with you regarding the wiretapping and this fucked up administration. Disgustingly low morals and absolutely no shame. To hell with the lot of them!!
ATTENTION BAMA'IANS.... VOTE DEMOCRAT REGARDLESS OF CANDIDATE...
REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAIL SO THEY CANT KEEP YOU FROM THE BALLOTS...
F(*&^ THEIR TRICKS.....
GOP ELEVATOR...GOING DOWN FASTER THAN THE BUSH TWINS ON PROM NIGHT
xoites defends Constitution @ 63:
Understood, in that case just keep your head down until the time is right.
I don't think most Americans are ready for a fight yet so if your head is the one sticking up over the wall when the scythe swings by, well...
I'm sure you'll know when the time is right.
As I said before I'm not trying to scare, just telling it like I see it.
And as I also said (albeit in French): goodbye my friends, the best of luck to you all.
I'm off to another land where they have already learned the lessons that the US seems hell bent on putting itself through.
Reslugs are corrupt, law breakers to the core.
not to pimp for abrams or anything, but he is the head of msnbc now. he's the guy that gave olbermann his own show, iirc. also, if you have watched him at all, as i have only casually, it seems pretty clear that he puts the law way above politics and does not suffer fools gladly at all. he is no patsy for the right wing talking points and from what i have seen a staunch defender of the law. sharp guy, good job.
Look into my eyes....
Professional Athletes using Steroids is news, is news, is news.....
The Second Amendment only applies to Republicans, Republicans, Republicans.....
Give your country to Bushco, Bushco, Bushco.....
Now,
wake
the
fuck
up!
Take America Back!
I wish there were more indepth reports like this. And if I had one complaint that would be it. Each of these stories this week should have been an hour long.
Dan Abrams.....FUCK YEAH!
drtoxic @ 54:
I actually heard that guy speak at the University of Illinois round about 1991-2.
V V
Yeah, I worked in Austin, and people around there at UT cautioned about being to vocal about Karl Rove. There were stories of him having other people falsely accused and convicted of crimes for crossing him. I laughed it off at first, but after hearing "It's not a joke" a few times, I stopped laughing. That pig-faced turd is dangerous.
Daughter of jailed governor sees GOP White House hand in her father's fall
The Thom Hartmann Program
Hour Three - Larisa Alexandrovna www.rawstory.com Topic: Her investigation of backroom Republican politics
Listen
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/1...
New testimony details alleged Rove ties to prosecution of Democratic governor
Jason Rhyne
Published: Thursday October 11, 2007
Article
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/New_testimony_details_alleged_Rove_ties_10...
Comments
http://www.haloscan.com/comments/rawstory/7864a/
The permanent Republican majority: Daughter of jailed governor sees White House hand in her father's fall
Larisa Alexandrovna
Published: Tuesday November 27, 2007
Part one of a Raw Story http://rawstory.com/news/2007/The_Permanent_Republican_Majority_1125.html
Part one Comments
http://www.haloscan.com/comments/rawstory/8381a/
Part two of a Raw Story
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/The_permanent_Republican_majority_Daughter...
part two comments on raw story
http://www.haloscan.com/comments/rawstory/8396a/
Go get 'em Dan.
Those of you slamming style of this.....here's the thing....first of all, "you're on notice" could be construed as MOCKING old shitstain O'liely.
Furthermore, to those critical of the foxesque aspects of this.......one of the reasons that we have tended to LOSE in the past is that the left generally takes the high road and is FAIR.....as opposed to slimy cut throat bullshit, pandering to morons, etc.
Yea, Karl Rove is a "brilliant genius".......all he basically did was figure out the nastiest slimiest shit that could possibly be done, and then do it.
Frankly, with literally the world as we know it at stake, we need play for real.....and if that means dumbed down news (which coming from a leftist perspective is in actuality probably just corporations pandering to their new market....with everyone but the wingnuts having their fill of right wing bullshit) exposing scumbags to American Idol fans, then so be it. With the TRUTH on our side, we should be able to sleep nights, even putting forth a dumbed down sensationalistic version of it.
V V
I called and had a long conversation with someone from Feinstein's office a few weeks ago and begged them to look into this since she is on the judiciary committee. I have no vested interest in this case, except as a very concerned American. After a few days I called Leahy's office. They said they were aware of it but suggested I call "my other senator" in a tone that I took to mean that Feinstein will do nothing on this case. This has affected me more than many of the other travesties that keep springing up. How much you wanna bet that anyone with any scruples will NOT plan on running for public office in Alabama under fear of ending up in a similar situation as Siegelman. This is so incredibly depressing. I hope some of these bastards end up in prison themselves.
Where's Molly Ivins when you need her? Though she only wrote on the Texas legislature and its penchant for comedy, I think that she would hardly be amused and certainly not surprised to see a number of scandals rocking a number of states. In Louisiana, it is the on-going Sabine rape of New Orleans post-Katrina (oh wait this isn't a scandal, yet); in Ohio, various bizarre occurrences on various levels of the previous Republican state government; and, this one now in Alabama that is increasingly bring back a topic from last year's Attorney Generals firing scandal that had been lying dormant. But the state scandal that most intrigues me is the one brewing up in Juneau. There a cabal called themselves and I quote "Corrupt Bastards Club." This Alaskan scandal is worthy of a land as big as Alaska as it threatens to bring down the longest serving Republican in the Senate, Ted Stevens or as I call him Mr. No! No! No! unless it involves money for my State. He's like Jim in the Vicar of Dibley in that way, a stuttering parrot of a man.
Have you ever wondered why the state capitols in the United States are all tucked away in nice places like Juneau, Sacramento, Albany, Harrisburg, Springfield, Tallahassee, Baton Rouge, Santa Fe, Austin, Olympia, or Salem? My theory is that if the state capitals were instead in Anchorage, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Miami, New Orleans, Albuquerque, Houston, Seattle, or Portland, we would pay a lot more of attention to what's going on in these tucked in out of the way places as nice as they be.
I miss Molly Ivins, she did have a way of getting us to pay attention to state legislatures.
facta non verba
San Francisco, CA
I'm sorry but this doesn't compute - how, fer crissakes, does something like this happen in AMERICA? Why is this man still in jail? I am finding that I can't read the news without nearly losing it every day. It is just unfreakingbelievable what the Bushies have done to this country, and how we are seemingly unable or too complacent to do anything about it. Are we drugged into a mindless stupor? Is that what is going on? Don't we care enough to fight this tooth and nail?
AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!
These criminals murdered over one million innocent Iraqi men, women, and children so they could steal Iraqi oil revenues and U.S. tax dollars. What does one kangaroo court have over all of that?
The three largest newspapers plus the Internet site al.com in Alabama are all owned by Advance Publications, INC. They literally print nothing but lies about all Democrats in the state. They will not allow their investigative reporters any access to these cases. If they would have investigated and printed the truth about Don Siegelman like the locally own papers done the Canary's would have been run out of the state by its citizens before now.
It has taken a few months, but most Alabamians now know the truth about their good friend Don Siegelman, about the conspiracy that removed the most popular Democrat in Alabama by Bush's appointees and how his elections were taken from him.
These three newspaper instruct their writers to start every article that they write about Siegelman with this statement, "our newspapers endorsed Riley and we believe Siegelman to be a crook" then they twist every sentence after that to sound negative.
Many of us are dropping our subscriptions and are switching to locally owned newspapers.
another turd blossoms
This is huge and I glad that it is finally getting some attention. This man is apparently a political prisoner and needs to be released. When will that slime Karl Rove be brought to justice?
Let me see if I get this: The Brown Shirts and the Republicans are going into the olive oil business together. Is that it? Or do I have my synapses and symbols and metaphors mixed?
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