New Document: It Was Cheney at the Wheel of Plame Media Strategy
By Susie Madrak Friday Jul 03, 2009 9:17am
Another controversy where the Obama administration is walking in the footsteps of BushCo!
I will say here that I'm no more optimistic that Hillary Clinton's response would have been any different. The nature of power is such that one can always find a strong enough argument for retaining it "just in case" once it's been exercised. But then again, Clinton wasn't the one who sold herself to us on the basis of a new transparent era, either:
A document filed in federal court this week by the Justice Department offers new evidence that former vice president Richard B. Cheney helped steer the Bush administration's public response to the disclosure of Valerie Plame Wilson's employment by the CIA and that he was at the center of many related administration deliberations.
The administration's discussion of Wilson's link to the CIA was meant to undermine criticism by her husband of administration allegations that Iraq attempted to acquire uranium, a matter that her husband had probed for the CIA, according to testimony presented in a 2007 trial.
A list of at least seven related conversations involving Cheney appears in a new court filing approved by Obama appointees at the Justice Department. In the filing, the officials argue that the substance of what Cheney told special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald in 2004 must remain secret.
No such agreement was reached between Fitzgerald and Cheney at the time of their chat, according to a 2008 Fitzgerald letter to lawmakers. But the Bush administration rejected requests by Congress and a nonprofit group for access to two FBI accounts of the conversation, saying the material was exempt from disclosure under subpoena or the Freedom of Information Act.
The Obama administration has since agreed that the material should not be disclosed. A Justice Department lawyer at one point last month argued that vice presidents and other White House officials will decline to be interviewed in the future if they know their remarks might "get on 'The Daily Show' " or be used as fodder for political enemies.
U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan expressed doubt about that argument. To counter Sullivan's skepticism, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer said in a supporting affidavit to the new court filing that the department needs the ability to interview White House officials informally in future law enforcement investigations, and that if the Cheney interview summaries are made public, "there is an increased likelihood that such officials could feel reluctant to participate." Breuer served as special counsel to President Bill Clinton during the Whitewater probe.
The nonprofit group pushing for disclosure, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, responded yesterday with a statement that the Justice Department has subpoenaed such officials without difficulty in the past. "It is astonishing that a top Department of Justice political appointee is suggesting other high-level appointees are unlikely to cooperate with legitimate law enforcement investigations. What is wrong with this picture?" said Melanie Sloan, head of the group.
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(n/t)
In Cheney being at the wheel previously of all these crimes and destruction to our constitution , democracy , freedom and economy when Obama is illegally not only keeping their same criminal policies , but illegally protecting Cheney , Bush , the military / intelligence from exposure and prosecution of our laws..
Does anyone see a difference in Bush / Cheney creating and executing these crimes,,, then Obama keeping , using them , expanding them and protecting their criminal actions.
Obama is starting to look like Bush Jr.'s third term...
Obama's actions are not the reason he gave me to receive my funds , support and vote... I do not see a change in direction or a transparent government...
no penalty.
"But the Bush administration rejected requests by Congress and a nonprofit group for access to two FBI accounts of the conversation, saying the material was exempt from disclosure under subpoena or the Freedom of Information Act."
If The Justice Department attorneys know that crimes were committed by ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL, since when are they NOT allowed to issue subpoenas and ENFORCE THEM EVEN IF THE INDIVIDUAL SERVED HAS TO GO TO PRISON FOR REFUSING TO HONOR THE SUBPOENA??
Are we a country of LAWS or of CRIMINALS?
How can the federal government expect ordinary Americans to abide by all the laws when our SERVANTS refuse to do so?? Or when our SERVANTS conveniently change the laws to CYA with Presidential Signing Statements and/or Executive Orders?
Does President Obama think we are all complete idiots and not paying attention to what he and his administration are up to?
He's quickly moving from "Bush-Lite" to just plain "Bush".
The only thing being protected is Cheney's ass. There is absolutely no reason these documents can not be released. Valerie Plame has already had her security stolen for a political vendetta and the taxpayers of this nation should find out why. It's more than clear why Bushco needed an Iraqi yellowcake story to justify their 'liberation', and when that fraud was exposed Cheney made it personal, like the chickenshit coward he is. I want to know my government's involvement.
been laid to rest yet.
One of the most deeply disappointing aspects of Obama's administration so far.
Obama's just Bush with a better vocabulary, bigger ears, and a brighter smile.
Otherwise: old boss = new boss...
it wouldn't matter. They protect their own.
Valerie Plame's lawsuit was first dismissed in 2007 by Judge John Bates, a Bush appointee, for "jurisdictional reasons". The Supreme Court, just a few weeks ago, also refused to consider her case. I wonder how many covert agents (and their families) were put in danger or died because of her outing.
Justice in America is a joke.
'Corporate justice' is all we see, that and corporate vengence, corporate merceneries to punish the little, poor, nations across whose countries the enforced oil pipeline to BLOODYISRAEL will run.
Talk about another revenue stream and stimulating the economy!
11,000 tickets. (That's what they're giving away for Jackson's memorial next week.)
11,000 tickets. (That's what they're giving away for Jackson's memorial next week.)
11,000 of his closest friends.
A mistake doesn't become a problem until one refuses to correct it.
And the other pertinent phrase is 'accomplice after the fact.' You helped cover it up, you're just as bad as the criminals who perpetrated the actual crime.
But perhaps Obama thinks he's going to win conservatives over by refusing to prosecute or seek accountability. Right. Just about the same time God comes down from Heaven and tells the Christians, "Hey, you know that Bible thing? It was the draft for my screenplay, it wasn't serious, y'dig? You're gonna have to stop using it, or my agent says I'll have to sue for copyright infringement."
"...the department needs the ability to interview White House officials informally in future law enforcement investigations, and that if the Cheney interview summaries are made public, "there is an increased likelihood that such officials could feel reluctant to participate.""
Uh, hello? Isn't that what a subpoena is for? Who gives a fuck about officials' "reluctance to participate"? If they've broken the law, or have knowlege of others who have, then these officials need to be called on to answer to the people. Jesus, this isn't some abstract legal concept!
if the evil old bastard might refuse to testify in the future? If he's going to be allowed to lie in his fricking teeth and get away with murder anyway, what difference does that make?
I doubt Hillary would cover up their crimes after they impeached her husband but we will never know.
Time for libs to admit they got punked by obama.
... to not believe that a candidate would make a difference and/or pursue accountability of the previous administration's criminal activities ...
... would mean I'd have to vote for McC...ggggggahhahahahahacan't say it.
The bailouts proved who owns government.
He never stole anything from Gore. Gore stole votes from Nader!
If we had all just voted for Nader then we'd have President Nader now and heads would be rolling...literally.
The "system" would be shaken to its core with Nader.
This reminds me of the new book by Theresa Amato (any relation to John???), "GRAND ILLUSION".
It's about the complete sham our "Two-Party" System is and about what a bunch of f'ing fools we all are for continuing to "go along to get along."
Time to stop drinking the Kool-aid folks.
... the very system Nader decries would eat him alive.
you are right.
But the fight would be fun to be a part of.
... is, in some way, in any way, er, honest?
Please. If someone will repeatedly lie about enduring gunfire with their teen age child, could there possibly be something they wouldn't lie about?
Me thinks Ms. Madrak is having a tough time letting go.
I don't think this is so cut and dry. I think the Justice Department knows it would be next to impossible to convict Cheney on this because it will come down to the testimony of a group of liars who won't turn. Politically it would be a big distraction in a time of economic crisis and might lessen the chance for meaningful healthcare change. It ain't pretty or just, but it's how it is.
How? The Justice Department prosecutes people every day. It's a large part of what DOJ does.
But the rest of the country can't rub its belly and pat its head at the same time? I think Obama's insurance buddies can write our "new" health plan regardless of whether or not criminals are investigated and prosecuted.
What, did you pine for Clinton as well?
Nader perhaps?
Talk about inability to let it go, projection is funny that way.
But that doesn't mean that I didn't notice that every major insurance group had a "seat at the table" for health care "reform" while single payer advocates were shut out.
A Justice Department lawyer at one point last month argued that vice presidents and other White House officials will decline to be interviewed in the future if they know their remarks might "get on 'The Daily Show' " or be used as fodder for political enemies.
That has to be one of THE lamest excuses against disclosure that I have ever heard. "Interviewed"?? Of course as we all know Cheney DID decline to be "interviewed"...UNDER OATH. If our highest officials are accused of committing crimes and they refuse to be questioned (i.e. grilled by lawyers) under oath then, folks, the system is broken.
As each day goes by it becomes apparent that the Obama administration has no desire or intention of investigating the numerous alledged crimes committed by various members of the Bush administration. By doing so, they are becoming complicit in the coverup of those illegal activities. It's a real damn shame. When the next Republican administration takes power they will be even more embolded to usurp all checks and balances and place themselves above the law once again.
When Bush and Cheney finally relented to the 9/11 widows who were demanding they be questioned about the events of that day?
When they agreed here was their stipulation: They would ONLY be interviewed "together". No oaths to tell the truth would be taken. No press allowed. No pens, paper, recording devices or family members of 9/11 victims would be allowed in the room. And it had to only last one hour.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and JUSTICE FOR ALL."???
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/07/02/beck-g...
The guy who was in charge of the CIA's efforts to catch bin Laden now says bin Laden "detonating" a weapon in the US is the only hope for America's security. Hmmm. Odd attitude from a CIA man, right? Well, look at this:
http://georgewashington2.blogspot.com/2009/07...
... it was amusing to see the concern troll trying to spin those words as being taken "out of context."
When I asked a couple what "context" would be the correct one for the person, who was partially in charge of tracking Bin Laden, to say those words... all I got was deafening silence.
This group of degenerates pisses me off to no extent...
but hardly surprised. I thought that it was possible that the nation's first black prez might have had some sense of history and used it to set us free and punish our jailers.
Y'know, rise to the occasion or something - become a statesman instead of a politician....
No fool like an old fool I guess...though to be honest, I never got my hopes too high...
Mostly though, I voted for him with the idea of keeping McInsane out of the office.
I shoulda kept the money that I donated though.
Awww, **** it.
he left us. given what he's done thus far, 6 months was generous...
I would just like to see him do the right things:
Lead the charge to unshackle the Constitution from the Patriot act.
Lead the call for single-payer health insurance.
Work to restore Habeas Corpus.
Initiate an investigation of Wall St.
Punish American War Criminals.
Put an end to two wars.
Barack Obama is a charismatic individual and a compelling speaker.
I am guessing that this fact alone is not enough for Susie.
It sure the hell is not enough for me.
It's very disappointing. So much for the "change we can believe in".
Aside from the hundreds if not thousands of threats he has gotten from right wing nutjobs, there is still the elements of powers that be, out there that took out JFK. He has to walk that very thin line to get anything done.
... if anything Nixon told us is that the best thing is to let these vermin go scott free, because for sure they will never ever come back to bite us in the ass again, right? right?
Buchanan, Liddy, Colson, et al have all come back to become pro shit-disturbers for the Pukes
instead of being in prison where they belong.
Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poppy Bush, heck even Karl Rove (in an ancillary role) cemented their positions under Nixon. The whole GOP should have been indicted... I can not think of any other organization which has conspired actively (and passively) to undermine our system of government and the welfare of most of the citizens of country at the level the GOP has in the past half century.
of Bushco's war crimes. Torture. Indefinite imprisonment without legal recourse. Warrantless spying. The facts behind the attacks on 9/11, especially Saudi participation. Cheney's various war crimes. The defrauding and bilking of the US and world economic systems by Wall Street. Our inhumane health care system. Etc.
Obama was elected on a platform of "change" and his vows that he would be different than Bushco and that he'd lead the US back on track. Now he's the president of the US, one of the most powerful people on the planet, yet he's betrayed most of his previous promises. Pointing out that Obama's not a lot better than Bushco isn't whining, it's grieving.
More like 6 weeks.
the gop is breathing a sigh of relief that hillary didnt win the nom and then the general
she wouldve used all the new powers of the president to go after her hubby's enemies list
no, cheney will never spend a day in prison
no, obama wont give up all the cool powers the prez aint supposed to have
and why in the world does everyone think that obama could work miracles in 6 months?
straw-man much?
What the puck? Work miracles in 6 months? No one expected that but to live up to his promise... hell yes!
I am sick and tired of Barry and his breaking campaign promises. He told us his would be an administration of CHANGE... right? What change? In almost every example he is following the BUSH lead. The only exception I see is Climate Change where he has broken away from BUSH doctrine. Hell, he is more BUSH than BUSH! I can't imagine why he is doing this, but we need to remind him who got him into office... and what we expect from him.
.
Has long as we can clean the pile of crap that was dumped on us.
BO , has lost my repect on this issue , now he will have to earn it back .
You mean Cheney was the master mind behind the exposure of an undercover CIA agent for political gain? Doesn't this mean he is going to jail now? If not now, then when?
The Obama administration obviously recognizes that there may be, at some future point, the need to use this authority legitimately.
Therefore, however strongly or weakly, they must at the least put up a legal front to challenge any attempt to override that authority by the courts.
Really, this argument is pathetic, but think it through, people...if it were the "high priority" that BushCo thought it was, Obama's DOJ would be fighting tooth and nail against the court.
As it is, they present an extremely poor and weak legalism as a token gesture on this specific issue in order to prevent a larger and more sweeping decision on a broader range of disclosures.
n/t
... everybody knows Obama is an avid three dimensional chess player, like in Star Trek!
FIZZBIN! Where the rules are always changin' ...
SHAZBOT!
... frankly I am surprised no one has requested us to stop criticizing Dick Cheney on account that doing so is equivalent of making fun of the elderly heart patients... or some other bullshit concern crap.
However, I doubt you meant those people...
except that we're arguing against obama's "reasoning", ... wait for it now, ... from the "left!"
so that would make you a what?
make the argument that Obama is waiting for his second term before alienating conservatives.
That is plausable, though I doubt it.
Instead, you choose to attack those who disagree with you, starting with Susie.
If you're looking to change your ID, consider using Ad Hominem.
I am just very disappointed that Crooks and Liars seems bent on highlighting failures as though it will in any way help move this country forward. Who gives a crap about Cheney. I want soldiers home, jobs created and health care fixed. Not an easy list among many more "to dos" for Obama eqaully daunting. I think he is doing a great job and in time most of the country will think so as well. This is what I voted for.
... that supports your view of "he is doing a great job."
Just one.
I was heartened when Obama released the Torture Memos.
Those memos have made it much easier for several lawsuits to go forward.
I'm hopeful Obama et al will comply with the Aug 31 deadline to release the 2004 investigation into Bush administration torture practices.
.. but doing one thing right doesn't constitute "doing a great job" ..
Releasing torture memos, and at the same time not allowing the very people indicted by said memos to be even considered for prosecution is many things, an "achievement" is not one of them.
Me thinks Obama doth wanting to have it both ways too much.
A court ordered their release after the DOJ lost its case to keep them secret.
Obama came into office looking at a global financial crisis, a war in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan, a hostile republican party looking to obtruct his every move and a complex administration to man as well as the rebuilding of our governments foundation to examine and begin repairing. In five short months he has, if not magically repaired the economy, has effectively stopped the bleeding. He has created a time table to exit from Iraq that has found a fine balance of ending the the war (that really has no good way of being ended) and not creating chaos by leaving too quickly and possibly creating the need to rush back in and find any progress has been lost at great cost. He is affirming his campaign promise of taking care of the Afghanistan war, the war that should have been fought and won by now if we hadn't made the huge mistake of invading Iraq. He has made a very successful first trip to Europe, creating ties with world leaders who will over the next few years create policy with Obama and Sec. Clinton. He has laid the foundation to battle congress for health care reform, energy reform and education reform. It takes time to solidify policy and fill positions and create communication networks in addition to all the conversations and politics needed to get anything done in Washington. And I believe beyond all this he has been very careful with security issues so as not to be played by the Bush remnants and their still very active legal and policy experts. It is a chess match that we see very little of but is part of the countless challenges Obabma faces every hour of every day. If you think you know any thing of the true story of how and why these decisions are being made you are simple minded. Only the simple minded would believe all of his promises could be accomplished in 5 months. Nothing you say can refute this as only time will tell if he is successful or not. I for one will give him time and defend him and this administration until he has a chance to fail or succeed.
»
He's "stopped the bleeding" of the economy "if not magically repaired" it?
"He has created a timetable to exit Iraq".
The escalation of Afghan War
He took a trip to Europe.
"I for one will give him time and defend him and this administration until he has a chance to fail or succeed."
"taking trips to somewhere" as a presidential "achievement" that they would stop for a second to reconsider their list of "achievements" or whether or not their definition of "achievement" is in sync with the one agreed upon in the English language.
Sadly, Obama is breaking my heart because he seems to be all about fluff, and little about substance. It is interesting to see people citing said "fluff" as the reason why he is doing such a great job.
That being said, he is orders of magnitude better than the McCain/Palin alternative. But that is not saying much, since the carrots I am growing in my backyard are also better than either McCain/Palin... on the simple account that they are neither McCain nor Palin.
The low level of expectations is enough to break any sort of hope...
It was just announced that she's resigning as Gov. of Alaska this month and will not run for re-election so she can focus on a "national strategy".
Aw-oh....
It's like hiring me to paint your house and coming home to find the walls smeared with elephant shit.
"Well, I'm just getting started. I'm sure you can agree I'm doing a great job, and, in time, most of the neighborhood will agree."
It's what you paid for, after all.
reveals the failures of Democrats as well as Repubs.
That is what makes left-leaning websites reliable: facts.
And, yes; time will tell. I want Obama to lead the USA back to the rule of law and civilization.
If he succeeds, I will shout it from the rooftops.
Unfortunately, I am compelled to shout his failures as well.
left <> democratic party (even when they occasionally coincide)
Probably the millions of families affected by his push to invade an innocent country, the millions of Americans ripped off by his war and "secret energy" platforms, the large majority of Americans affected by his dismantling of the American economy, Valerie Plame's family, the few decent constitutional scholars left in this country, the few Americans left who still give a shit about the rule of law.... you know, just a few "bad apples."
I've been saying since the Democratic primaries that I wanted a return of basic Constitutional Rights to this country, but I found that doubtful until a Democrat not just wins the office, but gets reelected to it, only to be called an Obama hater.
The only trouble is Obama is in serious trouble of losing the Left entirely making his reelection problematical, however, the Right can't seem to come up with anybody that doesn't seem like some kind of joke.
When people talk about their whitie-tighties
I'm never sure if it's their politics or their underwear.
Bill Clinton was forced to testify in a civil case while he was in office. How in hell can a VP get away with refusing to even be interviewed?
I am sick and tired of Obama breaking promise after promise. As of now, I will NOT support another BUSH like president.
Transparency huh, exactly where is it? He was the candidate of change... right? What change? Obama is more like BUSH than BUSH! He has forsaken those of us who campaigned, pledged money and supported his candidacy for all those months and years. Talk about a major disappointment!
side dressing. He can do what he wants on that. He's just another politician and liar.
The Public option in health care is the straw on my camels back, if he forsakes the public option just to get some kind of bill passed then I will never vote for or support him again.
He has lied repeatedly and I'm getting to the point where I don't care too much for him. He needs to stay off TV and stay on Congresses ass to get something done. I loathe everything republican so they won't get my support but I just won't vote period next time.
The white house web site states: President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history. That begins with taking comments and questions from you, the public, through our website.
And how is he doing it? Simply to follow Bush's lead and by allowing the lies and distortion of the Bush era to stay in the dark... keep covering up the TRUTH. Obama, give me a friggin break. Talk about hypocrisy.
But not of CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, the newspapers or the radio. Or the law. Or the courts. Or the people.
No. They are afraid of being humiliated.
about their clothes!
Sadly I too become more and more disillusioned with Obama with every passing day.
Very sadly.
The only plausible justificiation I can imagine for his behavior is that he doesn't want to end up the same as the last president who bucked the entrenched interests - John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
We all believe our president has great power - and in many ways he does. But there are forces - dark, greedy, powerful forces - more powerful than the president.
In my view the only way real change will come is from the bottom up, not from the top down.
Establish progressive candidates at the local level, gradually fill both Houses of Congress with strong progressive voices.
And make strong ties with the international progressive movements.
This ship was hijacked over a hundred years ago, and it's going to take time to correct that.
... in some sense it feels worse to have to see such actions from a supposed Dem. With Repugs at least you know what to expect, but the hole hope bullshit adds a level of deceit that its a bit like adding insult to injury.
Alas, you are probably correct. And I assume Obama at some point was told what was what and thus he figured out he better comply.
"..... the hole hope bullshit adds a level of deceit...." - Tyler Durden
... a pay-to-play internet is their next move. You really think bandwidth restrictions are to fight piracy?
Hell, no - they don't want some grass-roots type with a podcast preaching dissent and outstripping million-dollar campaigns.
"dark, greedy, powerful forces" as the Powers that Be or PtB. Never been any question in my mind since a few years after JFK was killed - like when RFK was killed. If they didn't want Obama to be President, he never would have made it past the primaries.
The problem is now that the corrupt forces control all access to the election process - and all of the money.....and everything else for that matter.
» Obama came into office looking at a global financial crisis, a war in Iraq, a war in Afghanistan, a hostile republican party looking to obtruct his every move and a complex administration to man as well as the rebuilding of our governments foundation to examine and begin repairing. In five short months he has, if not magically repaired the economy, has effectively stopped the bleeding. He has created a time table to exit from Iraq that has found a fine balance of ending the the war (that really has no good way of being ended) and not creating chaos by leaving too quickly and possibly creating the need to rush back in and find any progress has been lost at great cost. He is affirming his campaign promise of taking care of the Afghanistan war, the war that should have been fought and won by now if we hadn't made the huge mistake of invading Iraq. He has made a very successful first trip to Europe, creating ties with world leaders who will over the next few years create policy with Obama and Sec. Clinton. He has laid the foundation to battle congress for health care reform, energy reform and education reform. It takes time to solidify policy and fill positions and create communication networks in addition to all the conversations and politics needed to get anything done in Washington. And I believe beyond all this he has been very careful with security issues so as not to be played by the Bush remnants and their still very active legal and policy experts. It is a chess match that we see very little of but is part of the countless challenges Obabma faces every hour of every day. If you think you know any thing of the true story of how and why these decisions are being made you are simple minded. Only the simple minded would believe all of his promises could be accomplished in 5 months. Nothing you say can refute this as only time will tell if he is successful or not. I for one will give him time and defend him and this administration until he has a chance to fail or succeed. I feel it is fair to give the President at least the same time to remake America at least the same amount of time as an average house remodel and most sane people would agree.
One year, two years, by three years he'll have to start campaigning again.
Other questions,
Why isn't the single payer option on the table for even discussion, let alone to be voted on?
With one felt swoop, Obama can get rid of DADT. Why hasn't he? How about that very patriotic officer/translator who was discharged simply for admitting he's gay? Why doesn't Obama step in for him?
Why is Obama withholding information regarding torture and the other activities under the Bush administration? Why can't people have access to the torture photos?
Why can't the democrats in both chambers tell the republicans where to go every time they threaten a filibuster?
How much longer will Obama keep bending over backwards to create bipartisanship, and every time he does, republicans and DINO's spit in his face?
For openers, this is stuff that doesn't need to wait. It might take a certain length of time for appropriate hearings, trials, etc. It might take time to pass laws guaranteeing full equality for people who are gay. It might take time to finally create, and get passed, a real working national health plan. I can accept that. What I have difficulty with is why Obama, and the democrats, are holding back in the very first steps required to go down these roads.
These are the questions that the media and the American public should be asking no, Demanding answers to.
... not the time he has had to implement them. The whole time table is a canard pushed forth in order to create yet another excuse.
When leaving for America from Europe it would be silly to use the excuse that "we haven't been at sea long enough" when people point out that we are facing East not the required West.
your points are well stated but are in fact, tragically irrelevant.
Without the rule of law and accountability for Constitutional high crimes, treason and the abuse of our military, against the very corner stones of our country, all the rest is in reality...
Window Dressing.
All those things you speak of can, and likely will, change with the next political season. Maybe for the better but not necessarily.
But, what WILL remain if the President and Attorney General fail to hold BushCo accountable is precedence. Precedence established by this President that nothing will happen as a result of future criminal acts by future Presidents.
...why the hell aren't you doing your job?
Cheney has already admitted to criminal acts (torture).
Prosecute him!
of secrecy and deceit by our President and Attorney General is very troubling and certainly not what the President promised or the way the country felt in the wake of the horrors of Bush/Cheney.
Why are the American people, who so overwhelmingly swept the GOP and their loathsome agenda out of office having to listen to stories of our President embracing BushCo era policies? Not once but repeatedly and consistently over the first 7+ months of his term? Where is the accountability and the transparency the President promised? Where is the rule of law?
Now the bigger question then becomes, why are the media and specifically, our trusted left leaning and progressive blog sites giving him a free pass on this? They should be screaming at the top of their lungs and mad as hell. Their readers and the netroots certainly are!
Note to blog sites.. Matters of accountability for high crimes are never a matter of who has a better response to it, Hillary or Obama or who we would rather have in charge of committing crimes of secrecy and unaccountability.
Wrong is wrong. Whether a Republican does it or a Democrat. The American public at large knows full well that if there is not accountability and adherence to the rule of law, then there will be severe abuses and unequal justice in the future. The American people voted NO to that in Nov. Or, at least we thought we had!
We voted No to the rich and powerful corporations and politicians getting one kind of justice and the common man and woman on the street and in our military getting the shaft. Because that is what this cry for accountability is all about. An illegal war, treason and the death of our best and brightest in uniform.
By embracing BushCo, The President is on the verge of breaking the backs of those who worked so hard to put him in office on his promise to govern differently.
Some say that this is all a chess game. They say that the President is really planning something big and we should just be patient. Well, by that definition, he is doing something big. Embracing BushCO policies, not holding them accountable for war crimes and acting to continue the secrecy and lies that led us to this terrible place in history is indeed big and wrong and leaves the future of our country vulnerable to crimes in ways not even conceived of now by a future administration who has precedence on his/her side.
Precedence of no accountability that this President established.
If the President and Attorney General want to begin demonstrating their support of their campaign promise and oath of office, I would suggest convening a grand jury into the actions of Karl Rove with regards to the Don Siegelman case in Alabama. Its a straight forward case of perjury and tampering with the added benefit of likely unraveling the many strings into other illegal activities.
That is what the President and Attorney General should do. Sadly, I'll believe it when I see it as I am slowly losing faith that it will happen. That said, I will be happy to be proven wrong and will publicly admit it if I am.
saying he's trying to do too much, at once. While I may agree, when is he going to get to the things I care about, like making bush, cheney and the rest of the crime family legally accountable for their actions? I'm getting tired of issues that are so watered down you can't recognize them, such as the healthcare reform and help for middle America.
And obviously as POTUS, having taken a solemn oath "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign AND DOMESTIC...so help me God", I feel that Obama's first order of business should have been to find the most aggressive, respected and intelligent prosecutor in the country to become Attorney General.
Then it should have been serious house cleaning time. I feel beyond the acts of 9/11 (which I still do not believe we know the truth about....why can't the public view ALL the video tapes that were confiscated moments after the Pentagon was hit??? Huh??), there are major war crime investigations that need to be started, investigations into the economic meltdown, investigations into the fraudulent election in 2000 and 2004, investigations into our illegal invasions and occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. Heck, even the FBI admits that Osama bin Laden is not wanted in connection with the events of 9/11 because "there's no credible evidence against him." Duh.
We are either a democratic Republic of laws and not "men" or we are NOT.
Right now it appears as if we are NOT.
When I saw Obama go to the White House on Inauguration Day and pat Bush on the back I thought, "Aw-oh...I hope Obama doesn't also consider the Constitution to just be a "goddamned piece of paper."
As of this moment, it looks like he does.
Like nobody knew this already! Yawn
I'm waiting for some real news ......Like, Dickies heart attacked him.
I see Cheney with his snarling curled mouth, and I see greed and evil personified. But that's just me.
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