Charged With Leading Ethics Inquiry Into Firings, Cornyn ‘Doesn’t See What Hubbub Is All About’
Charged With Leading Ethics Inquiry Into Firings, Cornyn ‘Doesn’t See What Hubbub Is All About’
Nearly two weeks ago, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) called for a Senate ethics inquiry into whether Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) improperly pressured U.S. Attorney David Iglesias to bring indictments in an ongoing probe of a Democrat shortly before the November elections.
The Senate Ethics Manual says it is “the general advice” of the Ethics Committee that senators should refrain from intervening in pending legal actions. Domenici quickly hired former Rep. Duke Cunningham’s (R-CA) lawyer to defend him.
According to committee rules, an automatic preliminary inquiry was triggered once CREW issued its sworn complaint. But it’s doubtful that the inquiry will get a fair shake. Why? Because the ranking member of the Senate Ethics Committee is Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
Cornyn has railed against Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for having “already reached a verdict.” But Cornyn himself has said that he doesn’t see what “all the hubbub is all about.” Cornyn has also called Schumer’s push for a deeper investigation into the attorney firings a “political circus or a witch hunt.” Watch it:
“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,” Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.” Exactly.
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I trust Judge Cornyn on this one.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:16 pmCue Roger_Rhetoric with his ridiculous screed about how Schumer is guilty of the same interference in 3…2…1…
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:16 pmWingnut rhetorical gimmick #8b:
When you’re not actively manipuating the context, pretend there isn’t one at all.
__________________________________________________________
If you wingnuts had any sense, you’d know your intelligence was being insulted.
I’ve heard better-constructed arguments between my 3rd grade daughter and her friends.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:16 pmCornyn has also called Schumer’s push for a deeper investigation into the attorney firings a “political circus or a witch hunt.â€
Cornyn is obviously biased in this case. The proper thing for him to do would be to recuse himself.
Any bets on that happening?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:18 pm…But Cornyn himself has said that he doesn’t see what “all the hubbub is all about.â€
man… you know that even HE doesn’t really believe that…
THAT is the real show… the show these bots are putting on trying to
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:18 pmfool THEMSELVES…
Also, how can a Republican be in charge of the Senate Ethics Committee? Barbara Boxer is the Chairman. Don’t “elections have consequences”?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:18 pmtom baker:
Is Senator Boxer the Chairman of this committee, or not?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:20 pm“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,†Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.â€
Well, his decision before the facts come out that there is nothing amiss is wrong. That’s what inquiries are for. To get the facts first and see where they lead.
These idiots are really messed up in their logic.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pmBe strong people don’t bite… he’ll get bored and take a nap, don’t bite.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pm“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,†Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.†- - Oh, he’s talking about Ken Starr again.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:23 pmLibs, stop it, and stop it now! This isn’t a serious issue. The president can fire anyone at his convenience. Also, you libs will never gather information to prove that the the lawyers for fired for political reasons. Move on, there are other serious issues like illegal immigration and the war on terrorism. I will continue to pray for all of you, especially Al Gore (he fell off of Mt. Sanity two days ago).
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:24 pmAfter Kenneth Starr, the Republicans have NO CREDIBILITY when they use terms like “show trial” “spectacle” or “political witch hunt”. Whenever they use terms like this, it just makes my eyes roll. Remember, Clinton had to produce his penis for inspection. Likewise, Bush should have to produce Rove.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:25 pmdlet:
Innocent until proven guilty, my dear.
Badmoodman:
Judge Starr did not “prejudge” anything about Clinton.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:25 pmWhat’s a TRAITOR to do?
…Cornyn has been (and will remain) a loyal Bushite soldier/worshipper…
…until HE’s brought down…
…but fat chance of that happening…
…Cornyn represents a red state pocket of inbreds too stupid to know their a*ses from holes in the ground…
…He and Kyl and all of the redneck faithful should be censured and expelled from the Senate…
…for being more loyal to a corrupt incompetent president…
…than they are to the Constitution and its doctrine of seperation of powers…
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:27 pmComment by Jake
Just because you have a reading comprehension problem and cannot undertand the article does not mean we have to answer your inane, stupid questions about the article Dimwit.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:27 pmI’m sure that Senator Cornyn can be convinced of the need to follow through with an investigation if his fellow Senators dig a little deeper into HIS dealings and the way he conducts HIS personal business. What ‘cha say, Senate? I’m sure that once examined, it will be found that Cornyn is just another dirty politician in need of having his laundry cleaned.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:29 pm#14
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:30 pmWayne. You are most correct. I don’t enjoy having discussions with fence posts.
I trust Judge Cornyn on this one.
Comment by Jake — March 23, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
You mean George Bush’s former Texas AG? That does it for me. No one could be more impartial.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:30 pmBeset with trolls, must be lunch hour at Nazi Party headquarters.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:31 pmBadmoodman:
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:31 pmJudge Starr did not “prejudge†anything about Clinton.
- - Let us know when you find the shutoff valve for the stupid gas you’ve been inhaling.
Daryll - no one mentioned butt sex - what are you doing chiming in on this one?
Jake’s got that “I’m fresh out of school and totally psyched to be working my internship for the RNC” energy - like a neighbor’s little dog that never ever stops barking.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:32 pmCornyn is the Senate version of Tom DeLay. To arrive at truth and/or reality, take everything Cornyn says, and apply the diametric opposite.
There’s gotta be a drinking game in there somewhere…
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,†Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.â€
What Cornyn meant to say: I like to make a decision and not look for facts later.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:33 pmdoubtful that the inquiry will get a fair shake. Why? Because the ranking member of the Senate Ethics Committee is Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:34 pmI don’t get this. I thought the Dems had a majority in the Senate?
Wouldn’t the chair of the Ethics committee be a democrat?
Why in the hell would we give a shit about what the rankest member thinks?
Jake - you trust George W Bush, that invalidates your trust in anyone.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:34 pmIf this guy has known Chimpy for any length of time at all, I’m sure he has a dirty story to tell. Just dig up the past and use the information to further the progressive agenda. It’s ridiculously easy to flush those old turds down the toilet, once you get over feeling sorry for them. They’re gumming up the works! Flush ‘em all and get it over with.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:36 pmWayne sez:
Zooey sez:
Sound like you kids need to get on The List â„¢.
You see, when you’re on The List â„¢, Shakey Jake will do his best to pretend you don’t even exist. You’ll never have to put up with him directing his inane drivel your way ever again.
Of course, he’ll still post his erroneous crap for general consumption, but you’ll be free to either debunk or ignore it, at your leisure. Never again will you be forced into the repellent position of having to hold a dialog with the man.
For three easy payments of $39.95, I can show you how to get onto The List â„¢! Call now! Operators are standing by…
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:38 pmWhy in the hell would we give a shit about what the rankest member thinks?
Comment by RUCerious #23
hahahahahahahaha!!!
>…”rankest member”…em>
…clever…
…I like it….
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:39 pm“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,†Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.â€
“The facts were being fixed around the policy [of going to war with Iraq].” Downing Street Memos.
Looks like Cornyn just condemned Bush for going to war with Iraq.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:40 pmAccording to CNN Iran just gave the west a “gulf of tonkin” incident.
Iran seized 15 british soldiers.
Why do people do such self destructive BS? The palastinians use suicide bombers instead of peaceful resistance… and the Iranians do something so stupid at such a stupid moment in history… and we have a stupid president… stupid people leading the world down into disaster.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:40 pmBarfly:
You are not on the “Ignore List” — is that my oversight?
tom baker:
I’ve always been young at heart.
BlueArkansas and kyrocky:
How does Judge Cornyn has ANY influence anymore? I thought “elections have consequences”?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 pmIf this guy has known Chimpy for any length of time at all, I’m sure he has a dirty story to tell. Just dig up the past and use the information to further the progressive agenda. It’s ridiculously easy to flush those old turds down the toilet, once you get over feeling sorry for them. They’re gumming up the works! Flush ‘em all and get it over with.
Comment by R — March 23, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
This is another issue created by you libs for the demise of our beloved President and his administration. Libs, be persistent, you will only hurt youselves for the 2008 election.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:41 pmThis is the same idiot who has for years been on a crusade against judges ‘legislating from the bench’ (unless of course it’s for Republicanist ends).
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:42 pmBy “ranking member” do they really mean that Cornyn is “as old as the hills”?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:43 pmYup- He’s a dirty bird, all right; a white, pasty-faced, old, dirty bird.
Beloved President?
This guy is loathed throughout the civilized world!
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:44 pmJake - you trust George W Bush, that invalidates your trust in anyone.
Comment by Namtillaku — March 23, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
Speaking of trust, I thought the Senate and House democrats were supposed to have a proposal to impeach the President. I thought this was the reason why you voted for your democratic Senators and Representatives. I guess Nancy and the other libs fooled you guys.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:46 pmShort Jake:
President Bush is our Leader; He can do no wrong, His judgment and good intentions must be trusted, He loves us as if we were His children, we must trust Him, He would never lie to us. Everything He does is for our own good. We must trust Him.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:46 pmFor the record, as long as you answer my questions and refrain from personal attacks (two people have ASKED to be on my “Ignore List†as well), I will extend you the same courtesy.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:46 pmZooey sez:
Wayne. You are most correct. I don’t enjoy having discussions with fence posts.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
While I take it as a compliment you are misrepresenting your sources. ;)
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 pmThis will clear it up for you, Judge Cornyn. Just imagine what you’d be saying if a Democrat had done it.
It would be instant impeachment.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:48 pmugh he’s an idiot
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 pmRepubs obstruct justice.
Daryll - no one mentioned butt sex - what are you doing chiming in on this one?
Jake’s got that “I’m fresh out of school and totally psyched to be working my internship for the RNC†energy - like a neighbor’s little dog that never ever stops barking.
Comment by tom baker — March 23, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
I’m voicing my opinion because I’m tired of you liberals (including the media) bashing President Bush and Attorney General Gonzales. There are other serious issues that need to resolved. For example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 pmZooey sez:
Wayne. You are most correct. I don’t enjoy having discussions with fence posts.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
Funny post, TMM, but exactly when did Zooey say that? Cuz as clever as that was, I know that wasn’t me!
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:49 pmShort Jake:
President Bush is our Leader; He can do no wrong, His judgment and good intentions must be trusted, He loves us as if we were His children, we must trust Him, He would never lie to us. Everything He does is for our own good. We must trust Him.
Comment by Gregor Samsa — March 23, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Great Satire (Sarcasm off). Bill Clinton wasn’t perfect neither and Gore is in another world. I truly believe he’s doing drugs.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:51 pmDaryll,
What the hell are you doing on this thread? I see no evidence of the homos running rampant.
BTW, what gives with Oral Roberts losing to WSU? I thought god was on your side.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:52 pmugh he’s an idiot
Repubs obstruct justice.
Comment by jeff — March 23, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
So do democrats. The media hides your derogative issues. Correct?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:53 pmJake sez:
Just remember…Shakey Jake views questions too difficult for him to answer as “personal attacks”. ^_^
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:53 pmCornyn is going to need to be shuffled aside, if he can’t see a problem.
Dems…?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:54 pmI’m voicing my opinion because I’m tired of you liberals (including the media) bashing President Bush and Attorney General Gonzales. There are other serious issues that need to resolved. For example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
Comment by Daryll
Then the president should not have done the same thing Hitler did… waged an optional war of aggression. America sacrified 100,000s of soldiers lives in WWII to stop that type of action and went to great lengths afterwards to spell out how and why it is illegal to do so… and the republicans flushed all that down the toilet.
They deserve to be sitting in federal prison right next to the blind sheik and some day Osama.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:54 pm“For example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 12:49 pm”
Good news Daryll…… Help is on the way! The House is about to pass a bill that will help our troops with this Iraq war……
So smile and be happy! Help is on the way!
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:54 pmI truly believe he’s doing drugs.
Comment by Daryll
Everything you believe is truly scary, Daryll.
Did god abandon the Oral Roberts basketball team?
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pmI only wish all of the Republic Party people breaking the law had gotten blowjobs. THEN we would have the Coryn’s of the world hopping mad and wanting to get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately unless there is a bj involved, they will just pass over the issue.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pmThis will clear it up for you, Judge Cornyn. Just imagine what you’d be saying if a Democrat had done it.
It would be instant impeachment.
Comment by Perry Logan — March 23, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
No Republicans wouldn’t press for impeachments. This is not a serious issue. Receiving a BJ in the oval office was a serious issue (fraternization, immorality, adultery, etc.).
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pmDaryll:
#1 - I wasn’t speaking to you, and why would I as you are - hmmm, how should I put it? Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs? Yeah, that’ll do.
#2 - Since when have the Democrats been trying to, or even talking about, impeaching Bush. They talk about it around here - are we all congresspeople? (refer to comment 1).
#3 - I voted for the Democrats because GW is ruining this country, not that it did any good - I live in Utah.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pmComment by Zooey — March 23, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Eek! Sorry, Zooey…I mistakenly attributed dlet’s post to you.
Don’t know how I did that…unless I just subconsciously thought that comparing Jake to a fence post was something you might say. ^_^
Zooey, dlet, apologies all around. And remember, operators are still standing by… ;)
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:56 pmDaryll, it is not a declared war. Do you understand that? There is only the resolution to use force. It was a gamble on Bush’s part so he could skirt the criteria that come with declaring a war. Now that the criteria for the use of force have been met (such as removing Saddam and ridding the country of WMD’s) it’s time to revisit the original resolution.
do you follow this? If so, great. If not then I’m sure many here, and else where can guide you to the facts.
It’s not a war.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:56 pmDaryll,
What the hell are you doing on this thread? I see no evidence of the homos running rampant.
BTW, what gives with Oral Roberts losing to WSU? I thought god was on your side.
Comment by Zooey — March 23, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
It was meant for the team to lose. God had a purpose. This loss will help them in life.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:57 pmFor the record, I consider a “personal attack” to be questioning my reading comprehension or calling me an “idiot” (or worse). As long as you answer my questions in a civil manner, I will always endeavor to return the same courtesy, regardless of the degree of difficulty of your questions.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:58 pmDaryll sez:
Are you kidding??? Are we actually seeing the ‘liberal media’ chestnut hauled out, dusted off, and put into play again?
You Repugs treat old, discredited talking points like dirty underwear you throw in the hamper. Once in a while, when you run out of clean underwear, you fish a pair out of the hamper.
Just remember, you mother always stressed the importance of wearing clean underwear…and the same advice goes for your talking points.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:59 pmI still don’t understand how he has the power to hurt the inquiry. Boxer is the Chairman of the Committee.
March 23rd, 2007 at 12:59 pmEek! Sorry, Zooey…I mistakenly attributed dlet’s post to you.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
No worries, TMM. You’re not the only one — I caught the bus to school an hour early today. Duh.
The UI library computers are FAST!
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:00 pmThe House of Representatives passed legislation calling for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2008.
The bill passed by a vote of 218 to 212.
Finally some balls..
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:01 pmIt was meant for the team to lose. God had a purpose. This loss will help them in life.
Comment by Daryll
So god lied to the whole team and all the fans? What a sick f*ck.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:01 pmJake, you ARE an idiot…and worse.
You’re a Repuke troll, and they don’t come any dumber.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:01 pmFor the record, I consider a “personal attack†to be questioning my reading comprehension or calling me an “idiot†(or worse). As long as you answer my questions in a civil manner, I will always endeavor to return the same courtesy, regardless of the degree of difficulty of your questions.
Comment by Jake — March 23, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
Jake, libs are known for attacking others for personal/political gain. Their party is full of hypocrisy.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:02 pmJake - questioning your reading comprehension isn’t a ‘personal attack’. It’s a statement of truth that invalidates your arguments, the ones that misinterpret the statements of others (Tony Snow).
You can choose to ignore whatever you like, you are the very definition of a troll - as evidenced by your 14 hours of comments in here, every single day.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:03 pmBen Dover:
Some “balls” since the White House has stated it will be vetoed even if the withdrawal date was 2080.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:03 pmSenator Cornhole
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:04 pmThe House of Representatives passed legislation calling for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2008.
The bill passed by a vote of 218 to 212.
Finally some balls..
Comment by Ben Dover
Where can I find a list of the 14 democrats that voted with the republicans?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:04 pmThe House of Representatives passed legislation calling for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2008.
The bill passed by a vote of 218 to 212.
Finally some balls..
Comment by Ben Dover — March 23, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
Can you say veto? I know you can. Please say it for me?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:04 pmDaryll - are you old enough to remember Watergate? I am and the parallels are striking: something that seems odd, but insignificant, intrepid reporter (Woodstein - Joshua Michael) who keeps digging, information that seems to belie the official explanation, Republican senators brushing it off as politically motivated, more inconvenient facts, stonewalling by the president’s men, inoperative statements, exectuive privilege, confrontation in the courts. Next comes firing the most obvious targets (John Dean, the Plumbers - Gonzales) then more firing, tossing the bodies at the pursuers like the Keystone Kops, public appeals in prime time, and finally, inexorably Peter Rodino sadly casting the deciding vote to impeach.
It ain’t pretty, but to use an old Watergate cliche - the system works.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:05 pmPerjury, obstruction of justice, undermining our system of jurisprudence, and creating an imbalance in our co-equal branches of Government.
Yawn [/Cornyn]
100 on the Inhofe scale
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:05 pmFunny how the Repukes have no problem with their party’s vicious attacks on the Left and Democrats. And they’ve been vicious.
But when its payback time, they whine like little girls.
Payback’s a bitch, you Repukes. Bend over and take it like a man.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pmHey, Jake! Buddy!
You won’t believe the deal I have for you. Several years ago I inherited some land in Louisana and I have to sell it. I need the money now man. It is going to be worth so much money and I wish I could hang on to it, but I just can’t wait. Only a 100k! I am leasing it to some guy using it as a nutria and alligator ranch right now but, like I said big money baby!
Only a 100k, what you think?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pmDaryll:
Doesn’t bother me. It has actually been A LOT easier referring to my “Ignore List” rather than giving people the time of day when they refuse to return the same common courtesy.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pmJake supports Senator Cornhole.
That makes him a Cornholer.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:06 pmI truly believe he’s doing drugs.
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Your belief system has been shown, time and again, to be faulty.
I am indifferent to what you believe about either Clinton or Gore.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:07 pmTheir party is full of hypocrisy.
Comment by Daryll
That’s really funny, coming from you.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:08 pmggibson:
http://www.thomas.loc.gov
Also, I wonder what Senator Lieberman will do now. I hope he finally decides to caucus with the GOP.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:08 pmNo thanks, j swift.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:09 pmGood point Gregor.
The Repukes all live in a Bizarro world of spin and lies.
So what they believe is meaningless.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:09 pmPeople like Daryll are ruining the country.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:11 pmHi.
I mentioned this in the other thread…
This is a show made to distract the citizens from what should be their one and only goal at this point…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
ON LIFE = Do political prisoners like being water boarded?
ON LIBERTY = Did the Patriot Acts I&II grant us liberty yet?
ON HAPPINESS = Are we happy yet??
Way back when, folks that betrayed the trust were covered in TAR & FEATHERS and the deed was followed by a party. When carpet baggers spread their “snake oil” getting rid of them was just common sense. Other than some years the need to tar & feather carpet baggers still exists.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:12 pmOn the floor of the House, Congressman David Obey rips the Washington Post and the Republic Party an entirely new anal pore…..read about this great news here.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/ horsesmouth/ 2007/ 03/ dem_rep_obey_ri.php#comments
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:12 pmit was not hard to spot that White House and Justice Department officials, and members of Congress, may have violated 18 U.S.C. §§ 1501-1520, the federal obstruction of justice statute.
1. Misrepresentations to Congress. The relevant provision, 18 U.S.C. § 1505, is very broad. It is illegal to lie to Congress, and also to “impede†it in getting information. Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty indicated to Congress that the White House’s involvement in firing the United States attorneys was minimal, something that Justice Department e-mail messages suggest to be untrue.
If Mr. Sampson withheld the information from Mr. McNulty, who then misled Congress, Mr. Sampson may have violated § 1505.
2. Calling the Prosecutors. As part of the Sarbanes-Oxley reforms, Congress passed an extremely broad obstruction of justice provision, 18 U.S.C. § 1512 (c), which applies to anyone who corruptly “obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so,†including U.S. attorney investigations.
3. Witness Tampering. 18 U.S.C. § 1512 (b) makes it illegal to intimidate Congressional witnesses. Michael Elston, Mr. McNulty’s chief of staff, contacted one of the fired attorneys, H. E. Cummins, and suggested, according to Mr. Cummins, that if he kept speaking out, there would be retaliation.
4. Firing the Attorneys. United States attorneys can be fired whenever a president wants, but not, as § 1512 (c) puts it, to corruptly obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding.
Let’s take the case of Carol Lam, United States attorney in San Diego. The day the news broke that Ms. Lam, who had already put one Republican congressman in jail, was investigating a second one, Mr. Sampson wrote an e-mail message referring to the “real problem we have right now with Carol Lam.†He said it made him think that it was time to start looking for a replacement.
http://www.nytimes.com/ 2007/ 03/ 19/ opinion/ 19mon4.html?ex=1331956800&en=ffab854496251b4b&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:14 pmI’ll give Jake a 99.9 on the Inhofe scale for this batch of comments.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:15 pmI was depressed about so much crap coming out of Jake, but a friend told me to cheer up because things could be worse. Sure enough, I cheered up and we got Daryll.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:16 pmIt’s interesting to watch all of the Rethuglicans reverse themselves now that the Democrats have control of the House and Senate.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:16 pm41 Big D - We’re voicing our opinions because we’re shocked at the enormous, ongoing NATIONAL DISGRACE bush and gonzalez have brought upon us.
If you really had a scrap of Christian humility, you’d be as ashamed, as angry, and as sick of it as we are - but you don’t have that, do you? You wouldn’t know what the red letters in your Bible mean, would you?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:17 pmIt’s interesting to watch all of the Rethuglicans reverse themselves on all of these issues. How long will it take for them to do so on all of their previous positions I wonder.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:18 pmComment by Tom3 — March 23, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Indeed.
Their talking points about this one issue in particular have been debunked over, and over, and over again, by many people in this board. Yet, here they are, still repeating the exact same drivel, without any hint of shame.
Arguing with these epsilon-minus is like trying to explain the Theory of Relativity to a donkey -with my apologies to donkeys everywhere.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:19 pmWatson and Woolsey , both Dems from CA voted against the bill…I missed the others
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:20 pmAmazing. Truth? Not with the GOP, ReichWingNuts, Trolls, or Christofascists.
[from: http://www.salon.com/ opinion/ conason/ 2007/ 03/ 23/ rove/ ?source=whitelist ]
Rove, proven liar
President Bush’s “offer” to let Congress interview Karl Rove about the U.S. attorney firings without an oath is a joke. As we learned in Plamegate, Rove cannot be trusted to tell the truth…
… The proposal to interview the president’s chief political counselor without an oath or even a transcript is absurd for a simple and obvious reason. Yet the White House press corps, despite a long and sometimes testy series of exchanges with Snow, is too polite to mention that reason, so let me spell it out as rudely as necessary right here:
Rove is a proven liar who cannot be trusted to tell the truth even when he is under oath, unless and until he is directly threatened with the prospect of prison time. Or has everyone suddenly forgotten his exceedingly narrow escape from criminal indictment for perjury and false statements in the Valerie Plame Wilson investigation? Only after four visits to the grand jury convened by special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, and a stark warning from Fitzgerald to defense counsel of a possible indictment, did Rove suddenly remember his role in the exposure of Plame as a CIA agent…
No getting around it. Rove is a liar and will wheedle his fat a** way through the system every chance he gets. The Dems are RIGHT! to put him up there under oath!!!
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:20 pmDon’t you think Cornyn and Gonzales make a cute couple?
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:20 pmFor example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
Comment by Daryll
Daryll Daryll Daryll………
It’s hard to win a civil war when we are not on either side. Kinda like being the referee standing in the middle of a duel. Not smart!!!
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:21 pmJake sez:
But what if it is questionable?
If the shoe fits, Shakey. It’s not slander (libel, in this case) if it’s true.
Oh, and you forgot the rule about asking questions of you that you can’t answer (the rule I ran afoul of here.)
One more thing: You were on thin ice ever since your ill-conceived rape joke…even thinner than usual, but your selfish and childish use of the Elizabeth Edwards thread for your infantile showboating against John Podesta crossed the line. I don’t think anyone here is overly concerned about your ‘courtesy’.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:21 pmTrolls on a progressive site:
“Bush is the best ever.”
Same trolls on a conservative site:
“Just wait for the glorious revolution, comrades.”
Yet again the same trolls on other sites:
“All your base are belong to us.”
“Any hot chicks in here?”
Get it? They aren’t interested in what you have to say. All they like to do is kick the ant hill and watch the chaos.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 pmDEMS WHO VOTED NO ON BILL:
Watson and Wollsey both Dems from CA, Barrow (GA), Boren (OK), B Lee (CA), J Lewis (GA), Matheson (UTAH), Davis (TN), Kucinich (OH), Taylor (MS), McNullty (NY), Waters (CA), Michaud (ME), MARSHALL (GA)
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 pmI just heard on the news that subpoenas WON’T be issued for Rove or Miers until next THURSDAY at the earliest!!! LOL
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 pm41 Big D - We’re voicing our opinions because we’re shocked at the enormous, ongoing NATIONAL DISGRACE bush and gonzalez have brought upon us.
If you really had a scrap of Christian humility, you’d be as ashamed, as angry, and as sick of it as we are - but you don’t have that, do you? You wouldn’t know what the red letters in your Bible mean, would you?
Comment by tom baker — March 23, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
Tom, what have they done that should be considered a national disgrace? Please specify.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:31 pmSomeone who makes a decision and finds the facts later, Mr. Cornyn?
Aren’t you describing Mr. Cheney’s road to war? Or, the after the firing “brainstorming” undertaken to figure out a public”explanation” for the firings?
Perhaps we should ask Texas to secede. Of late, they’ve given us Mr. Bush, Mr. Cheney, Mr. Rove, Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Armey, Mr. DeLay, Ms. Miers, Janice Brown (former TX S.Ct. judge who Gonzales described as a judicial activist who ignored the law - now on the DC Circuit, home of the first appeal for any Congressional subpoena case), mid-census redistricting, and now Mr. Cornyn. And I thought the Texicans lost at the Alamo.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:33 pmSo to reiterate, the following are the loving folks who voted NO on this bill:
DEMS WHO VOTED NO ON BILL:
Watson and Wollsey both Dems from CA, Barrow (GA), Boren (OK), B Lee (CA), J Lewis (GA), Matheson (UTAH), Davis (TN), Kucinich (OH), Taylor (MS), McNullty (NY), Waters (CA), Michaud (ME), MARSHALL (GA)
REPUBS WHO VOTED YES “FOR†THE BILL:
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:34 pmJONES (NC) & GILCHRIST (MD)
Jake sez:
Wow…you’re actually gloating about how it will take six more days to issue the subpoenas???
That’s a far, far cry from when you were gloating about Chimpy telling Congress to ‘go pound sand on subpoenas’, as you so colorfully put it.
Must be tough, having to lower your expectations again and again…and again. However, I’d wager that being you provides you with a lot of practice in that area. ^_^
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:36 pm#101 He said, “Pound Salt”
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:39 pmTom, what have they done that should be considered a national disgrace? Please specify.
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
By goodness Daryll, your myopic view is incredible. The rest of world knows what an idiotic venture Bush has sent America on never mind the gross negligence in America itself. Bush is a disgrace to America and you are a disgrace to humanity.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:39 pmD,
Everything they’ve done from day one is a national disgrace, and if you weren’t high on your faulty ideology, you’d be able to realize that.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:42 pmThinkprogress has gotten this wrong, to my knowledge. Cornyn has been fully supportive of a no-holds-barred investigation, from what I’ve seen him say in interviews, and on CSPAN. This site’s become blindly partisan. They’ve made similar untrue claims based on fragments of soundbites from Arlen Specter, who is AS pissed as Leahy is about the whole thing.
Why the hell would you attack centrist Republicans?? Tom Delay has to out there somewhere being a total prick. Pay attention to those guys.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:43 pm“Tom, what have they done that should be considered a national disgrace? Please specify.
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 1:31 pm”
That’s easy… Here is just a SMALL list!
1) Torcher, against the Geneva Convention which is now part of our law of the land since we signed on to it.
2) Starting an ILLEGAL Invassion! Bush was REQUIRED by the UN Charter to get APPROVAL before any invasion. He did not because he was wiretapping the UN (Another Crime) and knew that Russia and China would not agree.
3) Speaking of wiretapping…. ILLEAGALLY wiretapping Americans! Started the process only 3 weeks after getting into office according to PUBLIC Court records in the AT&T case.
4) Imprisoning AMERICANS without DUE PROCESS! This is in DIRECT conflict with the CONSTITUTION!!!! Which OVER RULES ANY LAW!
5) Lying to the Congress! Another Felony!
6) TREASON! Failure to protect the US on 9/11. He ALLOWED the attacks to continue, and this makes his actions an accessory to the attack. Just ask, and I will provide the Press Secretary stating that AF1 was threatened by “coded language”, which means that someone in the government performed 9/11 and Bush did NOTHING.
This should be more than enough, as I could go on for hours!!!!
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:45 pmI’m voicing my opinion because I’m tired of you liberals (including the media) bashing President Bush and Attorney General Gonzales.
Comment by Daryll
It would seem you would get tired of being wrong all the time.
Like your predictions that Jebus would make the Republicans win last November for example.
Open your eyes dimwit, the president and Gonzo acted unethically and Congress is calling them to account for it.
Much like you will eventually be called to account for your false prophesies and using Jesus’ name in vain, thinking he supports the corruption of Bush or any politician. Your invocation that Jesus supports any politician over another is as stupid as praying to God your football team beats the opposing team
Get a life you freekin idiot
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:46 pmLooks like they picked the wrong guy to lead the investigation, then.
But, after all, they are Republicans, so we should know better than to expect competence at this point.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:48 pmThat proverbial bar just keeps getting lower and lower as time goes on. Not wanting to appear as though they are losing ground and to save face, the Repubs set thier sites lower and lower- like thier nonexistent morals and values.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:51 pm#83, thanks for that.
Daryll, reading #83 would at least START to answer your question. I don’t think, however, that you’re here to LEARN.
March 23rd, 2007 at 1:57 pmOf course, Cornym ‘doesn’t see what the hubbub’ is all about! When you are the home intruder/robber, you wonder why the police are called. When you are the rapist, you wonder why she doesn’t just lie back and enjoy it. When you are the embezzler, you don’t see why others shouldn’t contribute to your financial windfall. When you are O.J., you don’t see why people continue to bring up Nicole & Goldman. What’s the fuss all about? Sheesh.
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:02 pmWatching Republican Senator Arlen Specter challenge Bush administration wrong-doing is like witnessing a failed rocket launch. After the initial furious explosion of hot air, Specter almost immediately loses momentum and never breaks the dark gravitational pull of planet Bush.
Specter’s performance Thursday during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s debate over issuing White House subpoenas in the firing of U.S. attorneys was certainly no exception.
For the sad story, see:
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:25 pm“Specter’s Failure to
Make that:
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm“Specter’s Failure to Launch.”
They’ve made similar untrue claims based on fragments of soundbites from Arlen Specter, who is AS pissed as Leahy is about the whole thing.
Comment by Mike #105
Mike,
You obviously missed the footage of Specter (sitting next to Leahy) saying:
“The White House’s offer is reasonable, they want us to talk to Rove and if we don’t like what we hear then we can issue subpoenas. Let’s hear what he has to say.”
Mike WTF is up with YOU dumb a*s inbred conned’self-servatives?
How can ANYONE ask the people to “TRUST” ANYTHING KKKarl Rove (or any other WH minion) says…
…UNDER OATH!
…let alone NOT under oath…
…are you people just STUPID…
…or do you enjoy being USED?
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:31 pm#83 - Comment by mrJJ — March 23, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
It was not hard to spot that White House and Justice Department officials, and members of Congress, may have violated 18 U.S.C. §§ 1501-1520, the federal obstruction of justice statute.
1. Misrepresentations to Congress. The relevant provision, 18 U.S.C. § 1505, is very broad. It is illegal to lie to Congress, and also to “impede†it in getting information. Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty indicated to Congress that the White House’s involvement in firing the United States attorneys was minimal, something that Justice Department e-mail messages suggest to be untrue.
If Mr. Sampson withheld the information from Mr. McNulty, who then misled Congress, Mr. Sampson may have violated § 1505.
2. Calling the Prosecutors. As part of the Sarbanes-Oxley reforms, Congress passed an extremely broad obstruction of justice provision, 18 U.S.C. § 1512 (c), which applies to anyone who corruptly “obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so,†including U.S. attorney investigations.
3. Witness Tampering. 18 U.S.C. § 1512 (b) makes it illegal to intimidate Congressional witnesses. Michael Elston, Mr. McNulty’s chief of staff, contacted one of the fired attorneys, H. E. Cummins, and suggested, according to Mr. Cummins, that if he kept speaking out, there would be retaliation.
4. Firing the Attorneys. United States attorneys can be fired whenever a president wants, but not, as § 1512 (c) puts it, to corruptly obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding.
Let’s take the case of Carol Lam, United States attorney in San Diego. The day the news broke that Ms. Lam, who had already put one Republican congressman in jail, was investigating a second one, Mr. Sampson wrote an e-mail message referring to the “real problem we have right now with Carol Lam.†He said it made him think that it was time to start looking for a replacement.
http://www.nytimes.com/ 2007/ 03/ 19/ opinion/ 19mon4.html?ex=1331956800&en=ffab854496251b4b&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Couldn’t have been said better, mrJJ,!
But Cornyn (who sadly was the attorney general in my State before he became a senator) says that he doesn’t see what “all the hubbub is all about.†Violations of the law by NeoCons and their pimps and enablers (Libby, Abramoff, Lay, etc., etc., etc.) are just “hubbub” to this corrupt former Texas attorney general. It is time to investigate Cornyn and his involvement in violations of the law himself!
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:34 pmGonzales PR Strategy: I’m Going To Stay Focused On Our Kids
He couldn’t take care of his own sister!!! yet we have .. “I’m Going To Stay Focused On Our Kids” yeah ok…
Alberto Gonzales’ sudden moment in the unflattering spotlight has prompted a new look at his background.
Gonzales’ younger sister Theresa plead guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. Nine years later, while Gonzales was on the Texas Supreme Court, his mother and another brother signed over their houses to a bail bondsman to raise bail for Theresa after she was charged with the same offense.
http://www.buffalonews.com/180/story/34944.html
March 23rd, 2007 at 2:43 pmMove on, there are other serious issues like illegal immigration and the war on terrorism. I will continue to pray for all of you, especially Al Gore (he fell off of Mt. Sanity two days ago).
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
So where do these fall on your list? Same sex marriage and flag burning are still the two most important issues in this country…right?
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:36 pmReceiving a BJ in the oval office was a serious issue (fraternization, immorality, adultery, etc.).
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
And it was none of your g*d damned business.
Besides, go read the Starr Report, numb nuts. Clinton and Lewinsky flirted with each other for a time before their first sexual encounter. And on the day of that first encounter, guess who made the first “move”? That’s right…Lewinsky did, when she raised her dress to show Clinton the straps of her thong. She knew exactly what she was doing.
But all you Republican idiots were just foaming at the mouths to get Clinton any way you could. All the whining about that poor Monica Lewinsky and how terrible it was what Clinton did to her. That poor little Monica was a consenting adult, you idiot. An ignorant and immature adult, but also a consenting adult. Clinton didn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want to do.
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:51 pmSenate Ethics Committee Members:
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:58 pmDemocrats
Barbara Boxer, California, Chairman
Mark Pryor, Arkansas
Ken Salazar, Colorado
Republicans
John Cornyn, Texas, Vice Chairman
Pat Roberts, Kansas
Craig Thomas, Wyoming
Salazar is a wienie, but Pryor’s pissed about Karl Rove’s buddy (Tim Griffin) getting the USA job in Arkansas. I haven’t heard much from Pat Roberts since the election, and he was no longer able to stonewall pre-war intelligence.
For example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
Comment by Daryll — March 23, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
I refuse to support a war that was started against a country that did nothing to us. They were not a threat despite the BS job that Bush and the media pulled on the American public. Let me repeat…they were not a threat…even Colin Powell and Condi Rice, only months before 9/11, said the same thing. I can give you a link to their speeches/interviews if you like.
Powell said that Iraq had been contained, the sanctions had worked and were continuing to work (and actually had been adjusted so that they remained effective), Iraq was not a threat to the U.S. nor to its neighbors, and Saddam did not have the capability to restart any WMD programs (including a nuclear program).
In a separate event, Condi echoed Powell and said Saddam was not a threat to anyone.
Our own government asked relatives of Iraqis living and working in the U.S. to go home to Iraq and ask their family members who were in positions to know about any WMD programs what the status was of any programs. They did, and reported back to the U.S. officials that no programs were in operation. The U.S. officials called them liars.
Tell us, oh wise one, what Bush did to punish bin Laden once the CIA confirmed they were responsible for bombing the U.S.S. Cole? Wait…I can answer that for you: Not a damned thing.
When was it that Cheney organized a task force on terrorism and had their first meeting? Oh wait…he didn’t.
When was it that the administration held its first cabinet-level meeting that addressed terrorism? That’s right…a few days before 9/11…almost 9 f*cking months AFTER they took office and knowing full well the history of bin Laden’s attacks and planned attacks and foiled attacks against the U.S. They admitted they knew this history well when they labeled the information in the infamouse 8/6/01 PDB as “historical information.”
Clinton wanted to expand the program to wiretap terrorists (legally, I might add) and wanted to add tagents to explosives to make it easier to track their sources…two things that would aid in our fight against terrorism. The Republicans in the Congress they controlled laughed at him and essentially said “no way.”
As for this so-called “war” (I use these terms and quotations marks because war has never been declared. Gonzo even admitted it. I can give you a link if you’d like), you and the Bush butt-lickers can just cram it.
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:10 pm“I think there’s some who would like to make a decision and then maybe see if the facts come out later,†Cornyn added. “I think that’s the wrong order.â€
So, Cornyn, how are the facts going to come out if you won’t investigate? Since you think it’s much ado about nothing?
Hopefully the Democrats can force an ethics probe into this stuff because what the two Republics did with Inglaisis was definitely an ethics violation. And I’m pretty sure Cornyn would see it that way if it had been done by Democrats in a Democratic administration.
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm“I thought this was the reason why you voted for your democratic Senators and Representatives. I guess Nancy and the other libs fooled you guys.” .. Daryll
Well, you thought wrong. Nancy never said that they were going to impeach Bush. As a matter of fact she said the exact opposite. I think she is wrong, I do think that impeaching Bush and Chaney should be at the top of their “to do” list, but it’s not.
Why don’t you get your facts straight before you post inane things like that? Do you really not mind that people are laughing at you because you are such a joke?
The people who voted Democratic in 2006 (this included a lot of former Republics) did so mostly because of Iraq and because of Bush’s assault on our constitution.
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:24 pmFor example, we need your assistance and support to help win the Iraq war.
No Republicans wouldn’t press for impeachments. This is not a serious issue. Receiving a BJ in the oval office was a serious issue (fraternization, immorality, adultery, etc.).
Comments by Daryll
First of all, what are you doing to help win the war in Iraq or on terror? Why aren’t you in Iraq or Afghanistan, which really should be the center of the war on terror?
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:03 pmSecondly, if you think receiving a BJ in the Oval Office is such a serious issue, can you explain to us what gay hooker/phony journalist Jeff Gannon (aka James Guckert) was doing in the White House on several nights when no press conferences were even scheduled?
I’ve interviewed “Big John” before. I’ve gotten his oft-sophomoric weekly columns at my newspaper for years. This is his usual nutjob BushCo interference-running.
OTOH, if he is actually, even a tiny bit, leaning on Fred Fieldling (and being known as such for the record), then he KNOWS this is huge.
March 23rd, 2007 at 10:00 pmrepugnant-repub rightwingnut crank fidge-pachyderm Cornyn and his “girl Friday(not black of course)” Kay Bailey Hutchison ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT IN 2008—-TEXAS AND TEXANS DON’T NEED SUCH IDIOT MORON BOMBASTIC IMBECILES REPRESENTING THEM IN THE SENATE, ESPECIALLY THESE TWO LOON-JOKERS!!!!! “What’s all the hubub?” “Witchhunt” Cornyn, YOU CORN-HOLE, THE HUBUB IS ABOUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH MALFEASANCE AND LAWLESS ILLEGAL ACTIONS, AND WHAT WOULD YOU CALL THE “WITCHHUNT” DIRECTED AT THE PREVIOUS OCCUPANT OF THE WHITE HOUSE, William Jefferson Clinton?????? Cornyn, YOU STUPID IDIOT!!!!! YOU BLOATED IMBECILE!!!! YOU CLUELESS FATHEAD!!!!! YOU DROOLING FOOL!!!!!
March 24th, 2007 at 12:09 amRe: my post #123
March 24th, 2007 at 3:40 amIn the past week I have asked three different trolls on three different threads to explain gay hooker/phony journalist Jeff Gannon/James Guckert’s presence at the WH on evenings when no press conferences were even scheduled. So far I have not received a reply. This question sometimes even ends the thread.
I recommend using this question every time a troll tries to remind us for the millionth time about Clinton’s consensual BJ.
Comment by Lora #126
Lora,
I would definitely like to see the US Secret Service release the WH Visitors’ Logs for the times that Gannon/Guckert was signed in…
…I truly believe (like you) that there’s FIRE under that there smoke…
…otherwise why would they be so reluctant to do so?
March 24th, 2007 at 6:31 pm