House Dems file civil suit to enforce subpoenas
House Democrats subpoenaed former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten to get their perspective on the U.S. Attorney purge scandal. They refused. House Democrats sought support from the Justice Department in enforcing congressional subpoenas. It refused.
Today, left with limited options, the House Judiciary Committee filed a civil suit to compel Miers’ and Bolten’s testimony. It sets up an extremely interesting legal showdown.
The lawsuit filed in federal court says Miers is not immune from the obligation to testify and that she and Bolten must identify all documents that are being withheld from Congress.
In a statement announcing the lawsuit, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers said, “We will not allow the administration to steamroll Congress.”
Conyers said he is confident the federal courts will agree that the Bush administration’s claims to be immune from congressional oversight are at odds with constitutional principles.
Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich) noted, “It is extremely rare that Congress must litigate in order to enforce subpoenas and no compromise can be reached. Unfortunately, this Administration simply will not negotiate towards a compromise resolution so we must proceed.”
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino responded, “The confidentiality that the president receives from his senior advisers and the constitutional principle of separation of powers must be protected from overreaching and we are confident that the courts will agree with us.”
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that Conyers’ argument is more compelling.
Rove next?
This is the same Judge that dismissed charges against Cheney's Energy Task Force issue, dismissed the Valerie Plame suit, etc..a real loyal Bushie[tm].
Inotherwords, don't expect this to go anywhere.
The judge assigned the case is a Bush appointee and has ruled in favor of Bush twice in the past
Sorry to go off topic, but is anyone else having problems with C&L today?
I've had to force quit several times to get out of the site because it gets hung up for ever trying to get into the comments.
(obviously, I'm in now...... but, it's been a beast today)
yawn... is it 2009 yet?
Wow, everyone is so.... confident. I wonder if the administration feels it can control every judge they put into power.
They will still ignore them.
they used to just take traitors outside and shoot them.
simple and clean
today you have to beg and plead for justice.
gallery @ 4:
the answer is a big YES
This feels promising.
gallery @ 4:
Ayup , same thing here , it has been going on two days for me .
A running list of those subpoenas
http://www.democrats.com/subpoenas
Go Conyers..
Stand Strong... the fbi whistle blowers are with you...
They all know.... the bush admin is spying on congress.
Bush's Illegal Wiretapping of Government Officials and Misuse of FISA
http://www.nswbc.org/Press%20Releases/PressRelease-March5-07.htm
What morons. Like anybody with half a brain couldn't see this coming when the Dems approved the new AG... oh, and anybody with half a brain couldn't knew the normalization of torture was going to happen when the Dems refused to filibuster the last AG. I'm sick of voting for complete and utter idiots.
And if the judge sides with Bush? Then what, cuz you know that is going to happen.
This is the reason that loading the courts with ideologues was so important to Repugs!
When you control the judiciary, you are above the law!
Sidney Scooter III @ 1:
Yes God please.
All anyone has to do is remember the whole GOP get Clinton machine during the 90's and the hypocrisy is clear.
Conyers is correct, it is rare for Congress to be forced to litigate matters like this, this administration could care less what Congress does. Any Appeals Court or the SCOTUS will side with the tyranny and treason that is the Dumbya Regime.
GonzoD @ 15:
So very, very true...and just think, should McCain win in Nov. 08 and one or more
Supreme Court judges need appointing, it takes no brainchild to know what kind
of ultra conservative, religiout rightwnut would be appointed.
noodlesoup @ 13:
Filibusters for Alito and Roberts as well. What complete morons is right!
Who's responsible for assigning the case to Bates, a rabid right wing partisan who has a record of flouting the law to pass down rulings favoring the Bush regime every time? If Democrats are serious, they'll push to have this assigned to a more objective judge on the DC circuit. Otherwise, this is going nowhere.
krisken @ 6:
Yes. This will be the true (only?) legacy of the Bush administration. They have packed local, state and federal courts with loyal Bushie/rightwing idealogues. Their impact will be felt for decades to come, no matter what majorities the Dems have. It's frightening.
ConcernedHusseinCanuck @ 14:
As hard as it may be right here and right now-- we can't ever turn our backs on the power of justice, she strikes back with a vengeance when all seems lost.
Snowball @ 20:
With Bates as da Judge, it is going somewhere....his ruling will be to uphold the W/H
and so we are once again screwed via the legal justice system on puppet strings
controlled by bush.
Good! This subpoena crap is nothing but crap! It's a total waste of taxpayer money! Congress knows this! The Bush administration knows this! That's why they're refusing! It's just another prime example of Pelosi and Ried acting like azzez again! What the Bush administration did was totally legal! Clinton did the same thing while in office! Pelosi and Ried cry of the abuse of power from the Bush administration but they're attempting to do the same thing!
Post made by: Jacob Larson, author of the book, Common Sense from a Common Man. Read more at: www.buycommonsense.com
"If Democrats are serious, they’ll push to have this assigned to a more objective judge..."
Ha, ha ha. That's a good one! Funny stuff. Funny. Yeh. Good times.
Maybe Conyers can start writing more letters asking for a new Judge...pretty please...with sugar on top....
Judge John Bates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._Bates
The fix is in, Democrats are getting snowed. Not only is Bates' decision already predetermined, this will set bad precedent into law cementing in the theory of the Unitary Executive. The Bush regime is playing chess seven moves ahead while the Democrats are playing tiddlywinks.
Outraged yet!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...Bushco is getting EXACTLY what it wants - delay, delay, delay! If the Schiavo debacle could happen overnight, why are THESE wheels of justice turning so slooooooowwwww?
And, while I applaud Conyers and anyone else actually doing their jobs, It's way too little and seeming all the more way too late. WTF are the Dems waiting for? The subpoenas oughtta be drowning Mukasey...
What about IMPEACHMENT John?
Another nowhere move with this action...
Agreed...is it 2009 YET?
[Deleted. Off topic-Sitemonitor]
Jacob @ 24:
Rather than click on your website(attempting to sell YOUR book), would you please
summarize for me exactly the case in point where you indicate that Bill Clinton did
the "same thing". Thanks...
Danny@29
Way off topic. This is important, so f*ck the hell off!
Site monitor, please do your little magic disappearing act on the troll post so we can discuss the dismantling of our Constitution without being sidetracked.
[I take that back. Who's getting told to fuck off here? Don't tell other posters to fuck off. He might have posted on the wrong thread-Sitemonitor]
Beat me to it, thanks site monitor, you rock!
It took them what, 14 months? Could they go any slower?
If Conyers doesn't raise hell about this being assigned to Bates, he isn't to be commended or taken seriously.
Whew. Good thing impeachment is of the table, eh? Wouldn't want to "waste time" by enforcing the law or anything.
I'm sure this judge will come to the reasoned, rational conclusion that the Bush Administration must be held above the law so they can fight the terr'ists.
Jacob @ 24:
Didn't your English teacher ever tell you that using the same word in a sentence is a bad?
I'm not going to read your link either. If it is anything like your post, I can safely assume that it is about constitutional as your average 3rd grader.
krisken @ 36:
There. I hate to quote myself, but I couldn't stand that awful typo.
I read his link, it's nothing but reposts of Faux News articles.
Good luck....ll we are going to see out of this is a "don't do it again letter" to the chimp.
Dems are pussified.
krisken @ 37:
I probably shouldn't be doing this, but here's a piece of 'Chapter 4' from his website...
CHAPTER 4: What Women Want
It has been debated for years. And regardless of how confusing or complicated
people make it seem, it’s really very simple: Women want the lights to come on.
Yes, that’s right! The lights to come on! I know; it’s really weird! Men everywhere
are reading this and scratching their heads! When a woman goes over and flips a
light switch, they expect —they EXPECT— the lights to come on! And when they
get in their car and turn the key, they EXPECT the car to start! And when they
open up the cupboard or fridge, they EXPECT food to be in it! I know; it’s totally
weird! Guys don’t get that. When a guy doesn’t pay his electric bill and the lights
don’t come on, he lights a candle, takes a deep breath, and says to himself: “I’m
good!” For women, that don’t fly! Guys expect their cars to break down. (Some
guys even hope their cars break down, so they can fix them!)
Are you getting my point?………
Pee-yew! My apologies for letting the stinky stuff in...
Impeach Pie? Y not?
More about Bates:
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/07/20/john-bates/
Plame Suit Dismissed by Controversial GOP Loyalist
By Jason Leopold and Matt Renner
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/071907R.shtml
Profile:
http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/bates-bio.html
He also sits on the FISA court now, you think he'll have any problem with domestic spying on Democrats?
Rahm_Emanuel_Is_A_Tool @ 33:
Man are you sooooo right..could they move any slower? Let's see, on JUNE 7, 2007
Conyers notifed DoJ and W/H that they had until JULY 23rd to furnish documents and
testimony desired. On JULY 20th, the W/H told Conyers in so few words to "Fuck off".
On JULY 23, 2007, Conyers said he was preparing a "Contempt Report". On NOVEMBER
5, 2007, Conyers testified before the Rules Committee as to Contempt Citations.
(What happened, if anything between July 23rd and November 5th is UNKNOWN). Now
on MARCH 10th, 2008( Four(4) plus months later), a lawsuit is filed w/the Federal
Court by Conyers. So, if my math is correct, we went from June 7th, of 2007 to March
10th, 2008( NINE(9) months) and absoluetely nothing/zilch/nada has occurred...Now
that is our fine House of Representatives at work at it's best. What a crock !!!
Expect this game to be played til Bush leaves office.
The democrats are pathetic.
Administration lawyers will easily drag this out for the 10 months Bush and Cheney have left in office. A very poor substitute for impeachment, which is what the American people really need to put some closure on all of this. Conyers is savvy and isn't about to generate a lot of potential political fallout in an election year.
peaceful easy feeling @ 45:
Ms. Justice is not only blind, she is very, very, very s l o w .
I was under the impression that there is not enough votes to complete impeachment. Yes, I believe Conyers will not succeed with this case. So to go ahead with impeachment would be for the history books only. Am I correct in my assumptions?
The conspiracy nuts who cheer Conyers while at the same time claiming Bush and Cheney are blackmailing Congress are not thinking too clearly, since it obviously hasn't occurred to them that people who have nothing to hide can't be blackmailed.
Most, if not all, of the current Supreme Court Justices who are moderate or "liberal" leaning are ready to retire. This is the most important reason for the Democrats not to blow this election, which they seem to be headed toward. The Bates appointment should be a clear wake up call.
peaceful easy feeling @ 48:
If they have nothing to hide, then why can't they testify under oath?
Yeah, and in two months the next letter will be a smidge less polite. Someone in power, please get the following facts through to our leadership:
1) Bush leaves office in 2009
2) Anyone associated with Bush will say no to anything you want them to do.
I guarantee that these facts are not known to the nation's leading democrats.
Steve E @ 47:
Not really, but I am correct is saying that you are the dullest, most transparent and most dimwitted troll that ever posted at C&L.
Snowball @ 52:
Ooops, sorry Steve E. That was meant to be for "peaceful easy feeling."
My bad!
Snowball @ 50:
Exactly...kind of like granting immunity to the telecom industry...Why needed if they
did not break the law.
Maybe this is Conyer's idea of a compromise...filing a civil suit in federal court against these two corrupt Bush Republicans, while making certain that a corrupt loyal Bushie federal judge, "Norman" Bates, hears the case.
Prediction: Bates will stall the case until after Bush and Cheney leave office, while also waiting to see if Bush, as one of his last acts as president, issues a preemptive pardon for these two corrupt Bush Republicans, among all the other corrupt Bush Republicans that Bush will pardon before leaving office.
Can't Mukasey be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to enforce their subpoenas?
Steve E @ 47:
The Democrats certainly have enough votes to draft/pass Articles of Impeachment and send Bush/Cheney to the Senate for trial. But no, Pelosi has to take impeachment off the table months before she is even named Speaker. Even if the Senate is sure to acquit it is still the right thing to do in the interest of the American people. Conyers, Pelosi, Waxman, Reid, etc. are all safely posturing to protect their own political careers, apparently because they have about as much respect for the Constitution as the Administration does.
The Oracle @ 55:
I disagree that he'll stall the case. The Bush regime has been looking forwards to setting a precedent for their Theory of the Unitary executive. Bates will grant it to them and they will use the ruling against Democrats in an effort to make this appear merely partisan.
peaceful easy feeling @ 57:
Allowing criminal abuse of power is not in the interests of the American people, only your rabid far right partisan Republican party. When Congress let the Reagan regime slide for Iran Contra, it paved the way for the Bush regime. If you'll step away from your partisanship for one moment, I'm sure you won't want the next President (Assuredly a Democrat) to inherit these unprecedented powers.
Theres no conspiracy nuts here bro..
Just because the main stream media doesnt report it..
doesnt mean we cant get to the bottom of things...
http://www.nswbc.org/Press%20Releases/PressRelease-March5-07.htm
oh and yes... weeks ago ...Well informed sources indicated that Conyers was paid a visit by the FBI.
Steve E @ 47:
To not impeach would be to imply that this type of behavior is OK. If we didn't impeach Bush, the power may as well be resigned because it need not ever be used again. Sometimes you punish a child to teach the other children a lesson. We failed to act with Bush and we will suffer the consequences.
Snowball @ 50:
Miers and Bolton testifying would obviously be embarrassing to the Administration, so that's why they're hiding.
The point is those who accuse the Administration of blackmailing the congressional leadership should realize they're effectively accusing those people of having something to hide, too.
trace @ 56:
No, but I believe he could be impeached for obstruction of justice.
Steve E @ 47:
Does anybody else ever wonder why we are handling impeachment differently now than it was handled when Nixon was impeached? Then it was the SENATE that had the hearings. Remember Sam Irwin etc. After they had the hearings on the tapes and the 14? minute gap etc. more and more incriminating information started pouring in. It was THEN that the SENATE ordered the HOUSE JUDICIARY to draw up the articles of impeachment.
Why is the Senate not being lobbied to get the ball rolling in the same manner against Bush/Cheney?
Comments?
The Smiths @ 60:
WOW!
Snowball @ 59:
Not sure how this rebuts what I said. Also, if you're suggesting I'm a Republican, you couldn't be more off the mark.
That twit Perino can't SPELL subpoena.
Tool. Twit.
Snowball @ 65:
How about these so-called well informed sources who allege Conyers is being intimidated by the FBI? Do you buy into these wacky claims without being shown a credible reference?
My fear, and I`m almost sure that many other democrats feel the same, is that so much spineless behavior will evolve into doubt about whether the Democrats have enough guts to handle the terrorist issue. This could play well into the Repugs hands. Imagine a terrorist labeled incident just before the elections, concocted or not.
Before you crow too loudly, you might look to see who is the presiding judge in the case.....Bush ,et al, didn't waste all their years in power to loose so casually.....
peaceful easy feeling @ 66:
Rubbish!
Snowball @ 53:
When the going gets tough, apparently you go right to the ad hominen arguments.
Steve E @ 47:
==================================================
I would say so. but we have to let the folks think that we have lots of time to have an impeachment, talk about it, and those that wanna do it because it happened to Clinton. Then their is always the folks who seem to think that a trial in the house will bring about constitutional rights back again for the citizens.
Bushy has the courts stacked, The DofJ stacked, and time on his side. It would have helped in Jan of 2006 to talk about impeachment, then to stick rods up every DLC leader butts in line with their backbone but it didn't happen.
Let them get it out of their systems though.
Snowball @ 71:
Or the arbitrary dismissal. :)
Well said....
Miers and Bolton testifying would obviously be embarrassing to the Administration, so that’s why they’re hiding
Regardless of which party we claim to support
As Americans... We all know something is very wrong.
And we are not going to let our country go down this dark path anymore.
Any member of congress or white house official involved with corruption... resign or be investigated.
...Whether repub, democrat or independent...
including Louisiana (D) Rep. William Jefferson
peaceful easy feeling @ 68:
You didn't even read the link that was provided. It said nothing about Conyers, only that a whistleblower claims that FISA is being abused to spy on Federal officials. A likely scenario to me, otherwise why the need to avoid having to get a warrant retroactively as required by FISA in its original form?
Snowball @ 76:
Wrong again. I did read the link and (unsurprisingly) it said nothing about Conyers being paid a visit by the FBI. Hence my question to you. Do you believe Conyers is being intimidated by the FBI?
Another gutless move. They just want the judge to tell them "no" so that they can be marginalized even more. The thing I would have done is tell the Sergeant at Arms of the House to arrest the fools.
peaceful easy feeling @ 77:
I would have no idea and haven't said so. It's not beyond the realm of possibility. Who knows, maybe he's been partying with Eliot Spitzer?
Bush was spying on Americans before 9/11. I am sure it was gain further control of the government by finding out who in the government is talking to the press, squashing leaks.
Snowball @ 59:
Maybe I am stepping over the line on this thread but I will voice my opinion. I do not want Hilarey to inherit the same powers as the Chimp has and I`m a Democrat. I think she is to vendictive.
No need to call names while we are ALL trying to figure out what is going on...
Something thats strange...
the day Rep. William Jefferson, a Democrat of Louisiana was indicted..
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Conyers_issues_statement_after_Fox_News_06...
Abbybwood @ 64:
=============================================
There is no time to prepare a case, try a case, bring it to the Senate for conviction. There all sorts of other things happening in the next couple of months, and I wonder if Congressfolks and Senators feel that that what Nixon tried to do on the way out was lightweight compared to what these bozos can do.
Snowball @ 79:
OK, so we agree the "FBI intimidating Conyers" claim has no basis in verifiable fact.
Yeah, what a surprise to see that champion of justice Spitzer squirming at the podium today with the wife in tow. First Eliot gets caught with lobbyists, now $4000/hour hookers. Shades of when Ted Haggard got caught on the wrong side of his crusade.
Alot happened on the same day that White House counsel Fred Fielding formally rejected subpoenas from Conyers and Leahy.
Ill review and work on a timeline..
peace
I expect that between now and the general election, a whole slew of Democrats will go the way of New York's Spitzer and Alabama's Seigleman. The entire justice system has been stacked and rigged and is being used for partisan gain. It's just a theory, but check back in a year and see if it doesn't come to something.
Did Spitzer endorse Hilarey or Obama? Just wondering.
Frank Dufek @ 61:
===================================================
That's great and everything, and think of the Children an all that. But how far has #303 gone through the house. My Congressman Pete Stark sent around a letter stating that he was a sponsor of #303. Well folks how much further do you think it will get?
Knowing the wimpy, recapitulating behavior that the Democrats have become known for, I'll bet that Conyers drops the suit - but not before authorizing immunity for the telecommunications companies and giving Barbara Bush a sensual oil massage...
Snowball @ 86:
If Spitzer's deal is a setup, then why is he knuckling under so easily? Heck, the guy is a lawyer whose claim to fame is fighting corruption! This is not a man who is easily intimidated by "bad guys."
While I'd admit the administration likely put priority on the Siegelman case, he and his co-conspirator, Richard Scrushy, were put away fair and square by a jury of their peers based on evidence presented by career prosecutors who were just doing their jobs.
Sorry, I don't buy your argument the whole justice system has been stacked.
Snowball @ 86:
Could possibly be..I, for one, am still waiting for Larry Flynt to drop the bomb shell
he said he had on some Repugs back about 9 or so months ago. Hope he was not
talking out of his ass and has some more "fun and games" for us..
Conyers said, “We will not allow the administration to steamroll Congress.”
i don't want to pee on anyones campfire, but i think that has already happened. what bush co. has not been compelled to do in the past year or so will sadly not be changed in the remaining months of the boy kings term.
X @ 89:
What a hoot...but even so, you've probably pretty well nailed it.
peaceful easy feeling @ 48:
Admittedly, "conspiracy nuts" was rude and obnoxious. "Well-intentioned people who buy into conspiracy theories" would have been kinder and more accurate. My observation on the inconsistency still stands.
In a statement announcing the lawsuit, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers said, “We will not allow the administration to steamroll Congress.”
L-f'in'-OL! This guy ought to get his own show... or maybe he could do the warm up for Karl Roves next concert. It could be billed as Hanky Head Conyers donin' the MoTown hoe down.
Doggiebobo @ 93:
I really wish that I wasn't being sarcastic...
Spitzer endorsed Hillary.
While working on the timeline...
Heres another article ..
FBI Chief Confirms Misuse of Subpoenas
Washington Post, 3/06/2008
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III told senators ..
that agents improperly used a type of administrative subpoena to obtain personal data
http://www.americanfreedomcampaign.org/index.php?option=com_content&task...
As a historical reference ... relating to the Justice Dept...
So far, not a single person has been held accountable
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1.01/inslaw.html
X @ 96:
Yeah, I understand and agree, but many in "our" Congress are deserving of sarcasim...
they have more than earned.
X @ 96:
And to follow up; as Mark Twain said: "Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose
you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."
noodlesoup @ 13:
SEVEN Senate Dems voted for Mukasey.
This action is by the HOUSE.
Anyone with half a brain would know both those facts.
peaceful easy feeling @ 90:
OK, maybe not the whole justice system, just large parts of it. We wouldn't be the first empire to crumble with a corrupt justice system.
As far as the Seigleman case goes, the Judge was a longtime opponent of Seiglman and the jury was railroaded. The "career prosecutors" were Bush cronies who were installed for that purpose. BTW, it's honest Republicans who have been making this claim, not just Democrats. In case you haven't noticed, we've been discussing "Attorneygate" tonight. The Seigleman case and Attorneygate are inextricably linked.
Just because a jury rules guilty or innocent is no proof of innocence or guilt. There are plenty of wrongful convictions and visa versa.
Or maybe you think OJ was really innocent?
trace @ 56:
No. Congressional subpoenas are called "political" subpoenas, and there is some record for not upholding them in cases involving executive privilege.
By filing in district court, the subpoenas WILL be transformed into civil subpoenas which these two felons can't refuse. As for Bates, yes, he will be delaying as much as possible, but straight refusal is not at all likely. Unlike Valerie Plame, this is Congress, after all.
Besides, Miers and Bolten are just means to an end. Getting Bates into it allows the JUDICIARY Committee to out his bad decisions and perhaps lead in the direction of censure if he stalls too long. The value, in other words, is not so much in the subpoena but in the process, which will help strengthen the judiciary (the committees primary job).
Miers and Bolten WILL testify, and Rove WILL be subpoena'd as well.
John Tighe @ 78:
Which was the fantasy of some. Inherent Contempt has not been used for most of a century for a reason. It will certainly not be useful in the current case (against a coup).
Paul in LA @ 100:
As I recall, Mukasey was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 53 to 40, with
7 Senators not voting.
willie @ 92:
That's just defeatism. It's interesting how disaffiliation and defeatism go hand in hand.
We are totally screwed. Anybody want to bet me $100 we either have another stolen electon, a new war, a terrorist attack, or martial law by November?
With the power the Bush Cabal has seized they would be fools and losers to loose it. They are nuts, murderous, heartless, money worshipping devils that will stop at nothing to ensure the rich get richer. Their day of downfall will come but not until our absolute bleakest hour.
Vman @ 106:
... And we can count on the Democrats having voted for it before voting against it...
Vman @ 106:
Most definetly NOT martial law, and NOT another stolen election, and probably not another terrorist attack, but as to a "new' war, I'm not so sure...
Paul in LA @ 102:
My guess is that Bates, given his history, will not stall but rather hand down a flawed ruling to set a precedent for the Theory of the Unitary Executive. The Democrats could probably appeal, but which court would hear the case and could not that court be stacked as well? Would it wind up at the Supreme Court eventually? At that point, it would all depend on the ethics of Justice Kennedy.
Doggiebobo @ 104:
Seven, if you count Lieberman, Dems voted for Mukasey (and seven did not vote).
Mukasey Yea:
Bayh (D-IN)
Carper (D-DE)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Nelson (D-NE)
Schumer (D-NY)
(and 46 R)
Snowball @ 109:
Unlikely, but possible. The case is shit, Bates knows it, and Bushco isn't going to be there next year, but Bates still will, and he knows that.
This is another 'fourthbranch' fiasco, and Bushco is going to lose, again.
Paul in LA @ 111:
Lose again? When have they lost in Bates' court?
Vman @ 106:
Not with a bang, but a whimper.
Bushco is DONE. The great fear which still possesses some is mostly GONE.
They are going to run and hide behind their lawyers. And Miers and Bolten WILL appear, under civil subpoena, but refuse to provide documents, and so it will go.
Snowball @ 112:
Precedent is going to force Bates' hand.
Their glory days are done. They are making a retreat as we speak. But the handwringers on overdrive will be screaming Chicken Little and badmouthing the Dems all the way through the landslide in November.
Talking about testicles, how about having some?
Paul in LA @ 103:
So I know we got into it earlier on a different topic, bigons? But wow, how terrifyingly fascinating it is to seriously hear the term 'coup' associated with American politics.
Hey, but for a few exceptions, the Democrats as a whole haven't done much to hold the Bush regime accountable or reign in its worst excesses. They need as much pushing and prodding as possible.
This is it, huh? A real showdown of Righteousness vs. Executive Abuse. Hold tight everyone, I feel like this is going to get ugly.
Snowball @ 116:
What you call 'pushing,' requires respect and support.
I think most of the people calling Conyers names don't do a tap, politically, and just like to complain and feel justified.
Frank Dufek @ 117:
It's going to be an anticlimax. People are so rhetoricized at this point that they expect a Martian invasion at every moment. But, instead, Miers and Bolten will dutifully appear, and refuse to say anything, declaring the Fifth, not Article 2.
See what a waste of time and money an impeachment process would have been with Loyal Bushies in the Justice Department working so hard to stall and bottle-neck the effort over and over again? The Dems knew this would happen.
No, you've got to devote years and millions of tax dollars to almost nothing else EXCEPT impeachment to get one done. This Dem Congress only had about 18 months to get it done before gearing up for another election season. By comparison, the GOP in Congress were trying to impeach Bill Clinton before his first inauguration day in January, 1993, and continued in earnest the day they took majority control of Congress after November, 1994.
And, oddly enough, it's a lot easier to impeach someone like Bill Clinton who surrounds himself with people who respect government agencies charged with investigations, oversight and the pursuit of justice than it is to impeach total crooks and liars like Bush who surrounds himself with nothing but other crooks and liars fully prepared to tell the Ken Starrs of the world to go f*ck themselves.
I hope military forces use handcuffs and shackles to drag them away.
racoon and stiffman need to answer the subpoenas or face jail time.
repugs have no common sense
repugs say laws are for dems
Here's hoping history remembers bush as a petty tyrant he is and marks the criminal contempt he and his co-conspirators have for the law.
His legacy should be epic in its infamy.
Democrats need to do more to protect our vote. There are other ways to fight against the GOP's continued efforts to suppress and disenfranchise voters using various methods. Vote tampering and election rigging should be considered an act of treason and a mandatory prison sentence.
Good night Americans. Good night to your dreams and your wishes for a better tomorrow. Good night.
.
Pppffftttt!
CONyers is hoping for a fair and balanced Bush appointed Judge.
.
Vic @ 19:
But...but...but...That's just so messy and and un-bipartisan! Everybody knows that if we play nice, the Republicans will do the same when we have the majority and a Democratic president appoints progressives for confirmation.
Won't they?
moonsha @ 123:
Mainly, you have to be active locally to protect your vote. Nothing at a national level will change so long as the local courts are turning you away. Elections are mainly local affairs, and across the country crooked RoVs are conspiring cronies. In CA, Democratic SecState Bowen has been a sterling example of resourceful response to the crisis. If only AG Moonbeam was worth the golfballs.
Max-Hussein-1 @ 125:
Conyers didn't put him there. The fact is that the Bushies don't want to stand their ground. What's their downside if Miers and Bolten have to appear? They'll stonewall, but Conyers is not going to put them in jail, and Bush would Libby them anyhow. The privilege claim is unlikely to be put to the test over Miers and Bolten.
Plus, the hyena-like howls of disapproval from the former Congressional majority will probably lose them some more seats in November.
Doggiebobo @ 23:
theWalrus @ 2:
off they GO through the BUSH clearing house. Another political damage control tactics to the complicit congress. And Pelosi put Conyers up to this task so that the GULLIBLE PUBLIC would appear that Rubber Stamp Congress cronies are NOW suddenly awaken to the rule of laws?
"Swamp of Corruption" has got deeper............................
WAKE UP AMERICA
What's the point of a subpoena if it doesn't have power?
I sent this letter to Nancy Pelosi today. If you want impeachment the time is right.
Write her. Get positive. Impeach, fine, and imprison.
Dear Nancy Pelosi:
For the love of all that is good and holy, for the country, for the world, please put the agenda of impeachment of Cheney and then Bush to the House of Representative as soon as possible. It is obvious to many that the country is being destroyed by Cheney and Bush. It is obvious to many that they have abused their positions of power for greed and have brought shame to a nation. It is time to impeach, fine, and imprison these two war criminals. Not to pursue justice at this time is aiding and abetting their crimes, and we are all responsible to speak out and do what we think is right. Please change your mind, there overwhelming evidence of these two crook not defending and protecting the Constitution which they have sworn to do over seven years ago.
The country needs you to "do the right thing." Thank you for your efforts in this matter. A grateful nation awaits your proactivity.
Sincerely,
John Forlenza-Bailey
Citizen
I would find a declaration of inherent conptempt of Congress, concurrent with the civil litigation, to be even more compelling. Haul both of these dirbags in front of congress in shackles, throw them into the congressional brig for thirty days solitary on bread and water.
I'm glad they finally did something, but why has it taken so long? Will they follow through this time? I am so tired of waiting for justice that never comes.
So what exactly makes Russia a dictatorship and USA a democracy?
I know it takes a great deal of gall just for an ignorant half-wit like Dana Perino to stand in front of the White House press corps and act like a human, but for her actually to invoke the idea of constitutional separation of powers in the context of the Bush Junta...
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