Flashback: Chertoff’s Incompetence At DHS Prompted Repeated Calls For Resignation
Flashback: Chertoff’s Incompetence At DHS Prompted Repeated Calls For Resignation
One of the most repeated criticisms of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’s tenure was that he continued to serve as Bush’s lawyer, rather than the nation’s lawyer. “He lacked independence, he lacked judgment, and he lacked the spine to say no to Karl Rove,” said Senate Majority Harry Reid (D-NV) in a statment today.
The media are reporting that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is the frontrunner to replace Gonzales. Yet it’s not clear that Chertoff will be any more independent or competent.
Most recently, Chertoff was criticized for claiming that he had a “gut feeling” the nation faced a heightened chance of a terrorist attack this summer. As head of the agency overseeing FEMA, he managed the administration’s bungled response to Hurricane Katrina. He also faced bipartisan criticism for his agency’s misallocation of terrorism funding.
This morning, CNN’s legal analyst Jeff Toobin speculated that there are already “very good sign[s]” for Chertoff’s nomination. But in the past, Chertoff’s incompetence as DHS head has prompted bipartisan calls for his resignation:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called for the resignation of Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday, one day after the government dropped Las Vegas from a list of cities considered potential high-risk targets eligible for special anti-terrorism grants. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/5/06]
Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY): Rep. John Sweeney (R-N.Y.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, warned that if the funding isn’t fixed, “Chertoff should consider resigning.” [New York Daily News, 6/2/06]
Former FEMA Director Michael Brown: Asked whether Chertoff should be dismissed, Brown said, “Well, I think so.” He said FEMA had been “marginalized” by Chertoff and his predecessor, Tom Ridge, and that he had expected the agency’s performance to suffer. [CNN, 3/3/06]
New York Times: “On Wednesday, an 11-member, all-Republican Congressional panel released a scathing report on the leadership failures before, during and after Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. While there is no shortage of incompetent public officials involved in this tragedy, one stands out above the rest. That person is Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. … It would be nice for the administration to finally send a message that if important people do a bad job, they go away.” [2/17/06]
Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX): “Do you believe you should be fired because I believe you should.” [House Homeland Security Committee hearing, 2/16/06]
Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) and Charlie Melancon (D-LA): “What the majority report does not do, however, is draw the logical conclusion to its own findings and recommend Secretary Chertoff’s removal from office. Our judgment, based on a careful review of the record, is that the Department of Homeland Security needs new and more experienced leadership.” [Minority report by the House Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Katrina, 2/15/06]
As Salon’s Glenn Greenwald notes, the “DOJ and the country desperately need a completely outside figure who will ensure that the prosecutorial machinery operates independently. … That is not going to happen if the Democrats allow the confirmation of one of the ostensibly less corrupt and ‘establishment-respected’ members of the Bush circle — Michael Chertoff or Fred Fielding or Paul Clement or some Bush appointee along those lines.”
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Caption Contest:
(Sorry…too easy)
August 27th, 2007 at 12:06 pmOh my word. That photo! I keep trying to read the post but … I can’t get past it.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:07 pmCool pic TP.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:07 pmgrrreat screen shot… but very hard to look at…
August 27th, 2007 at 12:07 pmtypifies these boobs…
derp!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:08 pmpatrick fitzgerald…
And, yes, I DO take it personally
August 27th, 2007 at 12:09 pmis that Chertoff or Sid Caesar?
August 27th, 2007 at 12:09 pmIs Chertoff still alive? Hard to tell.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:09 pmyes, fitz should take gonzos place….
August 27th, 2007 at 12:10 pmThat’s a frightening picture of Chertoff. A cut-out would make a great Halloween mask, though.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:10 pmHartmann has a great name for this ghoul…SKELETOR!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:12 pmOnly a moron would nominate Chertoff.
(…waiting for the inevitable reply, 3, 2, 1….)
August 27th, 2007 at 12:13 pmI’m going out on a limb and predicting a great Halloween season, with the new Cherty costume at #1
August 27th, 2007 at 12:13 pmLook up Noahide Laws and Chertoff – you won’t ever sleep again until they have all been impeached. After you find out what it is, write your congresspersons to repeal the Noahide Laws.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:14 pmLove Chertoff’s photo. Speaks volumes!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:14 pmFitzgerald worked with Chertoff on the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Do some research. Fitz is very, very dirty.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:15 pmChertoff has all the qualifications he needs. He is a Bush loyalist. Nothing else matters.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:15 pmSenate Majority Leader Harry Reid: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called for the resignation of Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday, one day after the government dropped Las Vegas from a list of cities considered potential high-risk targets eligible for special anti-terrorism grants. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 1/5/06]
Time to really show you meant what you said in the quote above, ‘Leader’ Reid and nip this thing in the bud!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:17 pmnext AG should be DAVID INGLESIAS!!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:19 pmHe’ll face the mother of all senate confirmation hearings. Why Bush thinks Chertoff will fly after crashing in New Orleans is a question for the ages.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:20 pmIf you’re taking heat from Sweeney and Jefferson you’d may as well withdraw from consideration. At least in any other Administration….
August 27th, 2007 at 12:20 pmFitzgerald worked with Chertoff on the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Do some research. Fitz is very, very dirty.
Comment by Dan Siegleman
Is that the one where Fitz and Skeletor were working with Egyptian operatives to blow up the WTC? And is Fitz also a signatory to the ‘Noahide laws?’
man o man
August 27th, 2007 at 12:20 pmNo, next AG should be DAVID COMEY!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:20 pmThat’s a frightening picture of Chertoff. A cut-out would make a great Halloween mask, though.
Comment by UpFromTheSkies — August 27, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
dude that would be FRIKKIN AWESOME! Although I’m afraid it might cause a few heart attacks in the infirm….
August 27th, 2007 at 12:22 pmnext AG should be DAVID INGLESIAS!!!!
Comment by whiteyfresh — August 27, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
I vote for Glenn Beck. With the enduring and redeeming graces of a pubic louse, he’d probably do a better job than Chertoff!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:22 pmor Bud Cummins!!!Or ANYONE NOT up Bush’s Butt….
August 27th, 2007 at 12:22 pmIf Bush had any common sense at all (yeah, yeah), he’d approach the Democrats about a potential nominee. Just like Clinton did in conferring with Orrin Hatch, who helped Clinton nominate Bader-Ginsberg by indicating she would not face any opposition in confirmation. That’s the way these things should work.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:23 pmIs that a picture of Micheal Chertoff or the Cryptkeeper?
August 27th, 2007 at 12:24 pmCaption:
GODZILLA!!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:24 pmChertoff photo….[ A screaming Contest...]!!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:25 pmLet’s see…what qualification should the new AG have. The new AG should possess the redeeming graces of pubic louse.
Who might that be?
GLENN BECK!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:26 pmI’m serious guys, I think TP messed up with that photo.
Thats definately the Cryptkeeper.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:26 pmB-GEEZUSS! This guy is what is keeping us safe from ‘terurists’? Just putting his picture at every airport and border crossing would do the trick by scaring the crap out of them all!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:27 pmgreat pic.
does America really deserve the guy who oversaw Brownie and Katrina? WTF, when does the game of lowered expectations end? Can’t the head of the GOP do better for our nation? Why is this OK?
August 27th, 2007 at 12:29 pmya best watch out, or Leahy will put his letter-writin’ suit on!!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:29 pmWhat is it about Cherty, every time I see or hear him, a dismal fugue in D minor starts playing in my head.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:29 pm“when does the game of lowered expectations end?”
Comment by John — August 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
When we install someone with the redeeming graces of pubic louse to be the new AG.
I vote for GLENN BECK!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pmI think David Comey would be a good concensus choice. He’s already demonstrated serious integrity when the going gets rough.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pmChertoff is spectacularly incompetent. For all the scorn heaped on Brownie, Chertoff was actually even more clueless during and after Katrina.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:32 pm(humble entry in the caption contest)
“YOWWWWWWWCH!!!! And that’s Abu Ghurayb voltage?!”
August 27th, 2007 at 12:33 pmIt is James Comey. The Bush criminal organization will never nominate him in a hundred years, because he is competent, and he believes in the rule of law.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:34 pmThe comments are for naught. There will be two recess appointments of two obsequitious sycophants (for the trolls that means two BAK’s (Bush ass kissers)). Soon we will be calling gor ompeachment. Again!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:34 pmComment by VerbalKint
But he would slide easily by the republicans on the senate confirmation committee.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:36 pmComment by barfly — August 27, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
Great Idea! But King GW Bushie would not touch Comey with a 10 footer. Comey has a brain, respect for the US Constitution and does not keep mum over executive power abuses
August 27th, 2007 at 12:36 pmThat must be one hell of a feeling he’s got in his gut.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:36 pmHarry Reid accusing someone else, anyone else, of not having any spine? From the man who couldnt lead a one-man parade?
Ewer. Jeroboam. Nigrescent.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:37 pmLooking at the Picture of Chertoff it appears that he would have a problem sinking his teeth into the AG spot.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:38 pmOmpeach today! Ompeach I say!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:38 pmHey! Does Jeff Gannon have his law degree? Maybe he will get the coveted AG post. After all, has ’stuck up’ for the whole BushCo Klan!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:39 pmI say bring back Janet Reno, there are some buildings that need burning down along with everyone inside.
Not to mention it would mean the return of the Janet Dance Parties!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:42 pmWell its up to Congress now. If they’re tough, and demand a REAL candidate for AG, then Bush is in trouble.
But if Congress just rolls over and nominates whoever he puts up, then its business as usual.
Of course, Bush might try a recess appointment, although I am not sure he can do that for the AG. If he can, then Congress better cut their vacation short, so that whoever the country gets as the next AG, actually is an American, and not some bootlicking Bush goon.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:42 pmLooking at the Picture of Chertoff it appears that he would have a problem sinking his teeth into the AG spot.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 27, 2007 @ 12:38 pm
Actually I think that photo was taken on Broadway, back when Chertoff was doing the lead in the Pirates of Penzance.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pmWell its up to Congress now. If they’re tough, and demand a REAL candidate for AG, then Bush is in trouble.
The Congress of America’s Grandmother? Tough? FISA.
Tee hee hee
August 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pmComment by FESTIVUS — August 27, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
Your comment should be titled:
OPEN LETTER TO ‘LEADER’ REID OF THE 110TH CONGRESS!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pmUGH!..With each passing day I am reminded our country may become the United States of Israel with our home office in Dubi under the eternal rule of dark cheney…..Some one bury this walking dead man,Please…Blessings
August 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pmWow! Looking at this picture, he forgot to put his teeth back in this morning..
August 27th, 2007 at 12:45 pmSkellator
August 27th, 2007 at 12:46 pmIf Chertoff is confirmed, by the Senate, to be the new A.G., then Democrat leadership in DC will have committed political suicide. Best to stand-up now and tell Dubya to pick someone else.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:47 pmI hope Chertoff isnt Joooish; those Jooos blew up the WTC, who knows what they might do if they controlled the AG spot.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:48 pmWow, Wikipedia already changed the info on Paul Clement to reflect he will be serving as acting AG starting September 17th. They’re fast..
August 27th, 2007 at 12:49 pmThe Dems should tell Bush that he is welcome to have anybody he wants as AG, as long as their name is Patrick Fitzgerald!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:53 pmChertoff should be dragged behind a truck and then have his ears cut off. Its a small price to pay for being who he is.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:54 pmOPEN LETTER TO ‘LEADER’ REID OF THE 110th CONGRESS
Now we have another battle in th continuous plundering of our laws by a few people (check out what the dictionary meaning of: TYRANNY is
The responsibility of the unprecedented and unabashed plundering of our sacred laws should be firmly and unprejudicably placed in the laps of the US High Court for her landmark over-reaching decision in Bush v. Gore when the majority agreed to set-aside the will of the Electorate and impose herself on the US Presidential Election in 2000. The majority BTW, also includes the great… Sandra Day O’Connor, the one who is supposed to be mildly conservative..when the chips are really down…
Hey if one arm can get away with it why not the child of the mother, so to speak. Interesting however, that Congress is the only arm getting over-reached upon. One wonders if the 110th Congress cares any and would do anything about it. ‘LEADER’ REID, ARE YOU LISTENING???
In case anyone hasn’t noticed:
WE ARE EXPERIENCING A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS IN OUR DEARLY-BELOVED COUNTRY! ‘LEADER’ REID, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
If this same Constitutional method was good enough for George Washington and George Herbert Walker Bush, it should be good for anyone else.
At the Nurnberg Nazi Trials, most of the accused perpetrators’ judgements were sealed when their ‘following orders’ argument did not hold water. Pari-passu Abu Ghraib.
If we stand by and do absolutely nothing to rectify the sacred and delicate sands of the foundation of our culture, we -shall- only have ourselves and ‘Leader’ Reid to blame.
Does anyone want to go live somewhere else in search of the personal liberties we are fast losing?
No, really?
August 27th, 2007 at 12:54 pmactually, that pic looks like Scatman Cruthers when he starts having visions of death in The Shining… I can just hear the heartbeat on the soundtrack, and see the torrents of blood coming from the elevator…
August 27th, 2007 at 12:55 pmWatch, pass along, enlighten.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:56 pmChertoff should be dragged behind a truck and then have his ears cut off.
Comment by Biscuit — August 27, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Better look at that picture again.
Cause it looks like someones already done that to him.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:57 pmWow, Wikipedia already changed the info on Paul Clement to reflect he will be serving as acting AG starting September 17th. They’re fast..
Comment by JG
You mean those in government assigned to wiki detail, right?
August 27th, 2007 at 12:57 pmCaption Contest:
“I’ve been told I do a great Durante impression…”
August 27th, 2007 at 12:57 pmIf you plan on sending an open letter to the Senate leader, you might want to do a quick spellcheck and close those parenthesis. Hysterical just doesnt sell anymore.
August 27th, 2007 at 12:58 pmThat’s a frightening picture of Chertoff. A cut-out would make a great Halloween mask, though.
Comment by UpFromTheSkies — August 27, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
will you just STFU?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!
Noone gives a $hit about Glenn Beck, and you’re not even being funny. Sorry if this seems a little harsh, but the truth hurts, dammit…
August 27th, 2007 at 12:58 pmCause it looks like someones already done that to him.
Then he should be lit on fire and strapped to the next space shuttle during launch. He deserves it as do ALL conservathugicans!
August 27th, 2007 at 12:59 pmSkeletor is in the same mold as Gonzo. They serve the Decider only and not the country. His response to Katrina alone should eliminate this guy.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:00 pmDOH!DOH!
“when does the game of lowered expectations end?â€
Comment by John — August 27, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
When we install someone with the redeeming graces of pubic louse to be the new AG.
I vote for GLENN BECK!
Comment by James Saville Row — August 27, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
August 27th, 2007 at 1:00 pmTHATS WHO POST 70 WAS MEANT FOR—SORRY UPFROMTHESKIES!
Incompetence?
I thought that was a requirement for employment in the Bush Administration.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:00 pm…
I think you have the picture wrong.
That’s the old guy from benny hill.
http://pobladores.lycos.es/data/pobladores.com/ab/er/aberron/channels/fogonazos/images/3666191jackie.jpg
…
August 27th, 2007 at 1:01 pmNoone gives a $hit about Glenn Beck,
Becks beer is nutritious AND fun to pour.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:01 pmCaption Contest;
“I’d walk a million miles….. for one of your smiles,
my maaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeee”.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:02 pmIdiot trolling GOPr bleats:
[
"If you plan on sending an open letter to the Senate leader, you might want to do a quick spellcheck and close those parenthesis. Hysterical just doesnt sell anymore."
Comment by Cluster Bomb — August 27, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
]
Not necessary, I’d let a nazi-lockstep trolling GOPr do it for me as you just did, otherwise, I would not bother dignifying your cheek with a response!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:02 pmThis is the perfect example of why Bush shouldn’t / doesn’t simply remove / replace his personnel, simply because the MSM or liberal blogoshere criticizes them. Once an individual is replaced, the MSM or liberal blogosphere merely focuses their attacks on their next target.
As I warned you months / years ago, your actions are more a vaccine than a virus, and the Reps are becoming more and more resilient. You only need to see Dems submission on wiretapping, and now the War in Iraq to understand what I mean.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:03 pmNew York Times: …While there is no shortage of incompetent public officials involved in this tragedy…
Replace the word “public” with “federal”.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:05 pmMy recommendation for a new AG would be Patrick Fitzgerald, or David Inglesias, or any of those nine fired for political reasons attorneys! Please, who can I send this suggestion to?
August 27th, 2007 at 1:08 pmCaption Contest:
Three little maids who, all unwary….
Come from a ladies’ seminary,
Freed from its genius tutelary,
Three little maids from school…………..
August 27th, 2007 at 1:08 pmGosh, that photo of Chertoff is wild. He looks like the old man sidekick on Benny Hill!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:11 pmCaption Contest: Perry Farrell still performing at 70.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:14 pmMy recommendation for a new AG would be Patrick Fitzgerald, or David Inglesias, or any of those nine fired for political reasons attorneys! Please, who can I send this suggestion to?
Comment by CalGal — August 27, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
They wouldn’t qualify.
They’re not blind Bush loyalists.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:14 pmCaption Contest; let the eaaaaaagleeee soooooaarrrrrr……
August 27th, 2007 at 1:18 pmThe next president will have a big stinky swamp to drain.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:19 pmBetter get the plunger and the snake.
Picture caption: Hi! I’m Skeletor. Have we met?
August 27th, 2007 at 1:24 pmOh Dear Gawd!
That picture of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff looks exactly like the Bat Boy from the World Weekly News issued in the 90’s.
If you think I’m kidding, click on the link below:
August 27th, 2007 at 1:26 pmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_Boy
They are only going to shuffle the deck chairs around. Slight of hand. Shell game. This is a small group of people who are in on all the domestic surveillance programs, the rendition and torture programs, all the secrecy, and all the political shenanigans they have been pulling for years now. They are not going to make themselves vulnerable by opening that circle up to a new person. They will just move someone who is already in the ‘know’ into the slot and continue on with what they are doing. They are just trying to divert attention away from what they are doing and what they have already done.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:28 pmCongress had better not drop the ball here.
Comment by DRxJ — August 27, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
Good one! You’re right!
August 27th, 2007 at 1:29 pmCaption Contest:
“My ass knows where the wild goose goes!”
August 27th, 2007 at 1:29 pmHi,
I am James Saville Row. Used to be L. Frederick Yonas. We are well-met. And if not, our parting is well-made!
I am a Flaming Liberal who takes it personally that Countries like Russia and China can now claim to be on equal footing with our beloved country when it comes to personal liberties.
-James Saville Row
August 27th, 2007 at 1:33 pmJason, you are wrong here. The criticism of Chertoff was present prior to this. To be quiet on the speculation that he could become the next AG isn’t an option. The man had a “gut feeling” about an attack but didn’t and couldn’t back it up. This is coming from the man who should have the most accurate data at his disposal.
What’s typical is your ignorance in having a critical look at this administration.
August 27th, 2007 at 1:53 pmAh, DRxJ had me beat by only a few minutes … but I put it to the test.
Separated at birth?
Side by side, it’s very powerful …
August 27th, 2007 at 2:01 pmLooking again at that photo, I keep wondering, “who kicked Beaker in the groin?” (yes, a Muppets reference.)
August 27th, 2007 at 2:15 pmWith all the respected jurists and prosecutors available for the AG position, it makes total sense that a failure like Bush would pick a crony instead of a qualified candidate. LOSER>
August 27th, 2007 at 2:15 pmSo thats what a Bar Mitzvah is like.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:22 pm#94, Hellin,
Didn’t say that Chertoff wasn’t already under some fire, just stating that guns pointed at Gonzales slew over to Chertoff once Gonzales was gone. Moreover, just stating that Bush shouldn’t react to MSM and liberal netroot criticism as a result, and not assessing their performance. Considering your incessant attacks on any Bush Administration official, they are wise to maintain support for them, until they choose their own moment for departure.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:35 pmHe holds a dual citizenship (USA ans Israel).
August 27th, 2007 at 2:48 pmThat’s an observation from a slanted point of view. Logically the next person in that position (regardless of what administration) would be scrutinized.
Your response appears to say that the criticism isn’t warranted. I question anyone who walks lockstep with an administration as rudderless as this one.
Please note that my criticism isn’t reserved for this administration. It’s for any and all who aren’t moving to uphold the constitution.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:53 pmPlease note that my criticism isn’t reserved for this administration. It’s for any and all who aren’t moving to uphold the constitution.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 27, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
So true! Including the Dems who don’t have the testosterone to stand up and win back our government and our country! They are just as guilty as the Repugs.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:57 pmPhoto caption:
Gitmo Guard apologizes profusely to the visiting Head of the Department of Homeland Security after his hand slipped and an electric cattle prod went into the wrong ass.
August 27th, 2007 at 2:57 pmNeocons came in after the democrats had been castrated and pushed their agenda with healthy doses of fear down the throats of all of congress. Many believed they should follow. Too bad they didn’t question the validity of what the Neocons were spreading.
Republicans embraced it because they saw the power involved. Democrats sided with it because it would have been political suicide to make a stand against it. That and the fact the Democrats couldn’t find a voice for the last six years.
I never accepted it and it disgusts me to no end that soldiers lives have been lost on this missadventure.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:05 pm#101, hellin,
Again, I am talking about the strategic response of ANY administration under scrutiny. Although intense criticism may be hurled at a few or several administration officials, ANY administration has to consider the hundreds or thousands of employees who work for them, who are watching how their President handles the criticism of their reports.
If an administration quickly removes any employee that receives harsh criticism, then the other employees won’t feel any loyalty, and won’t serve them well. Given the indiscriminate criticism that the liberal MSM and netrooters rain down on many administration officials, it becomes and easy choice for Bush to ignore the criticisms for the reason listed above.
If the liberal MSM and netrooters were more selective in their criticism, then the removal / replacement of a few would probably have been more prompt. Instead, like a vaccine, you’ve just made the Bush administration far more resistant to criticism, and, as a corrollary, made the criticism ineffective. Now that Reps are vaccinated, they are able to legalize their new wire tapping policies, and continue the troop surge in Iraq.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:06 pmCaption Contest:
(Sorry…too easy)
Comment by Juan C
Say dere, Ralphie Boy!!!!
August 27th, 2007 at 3:15 pmHow very narrowminded Jason. You use the worry of losing respect within but that’s exactly what has happened in the justice dept. because of the irrational firings of 8 attorneys. How many different excuses have been touted. Regardless of the legality of the firings, the rationale is flawed and has sent a bad message thru the entire justice dept.
I don’t believe the president has enough political capital to push anything thru. Republicans aren’t vaccinated, they’ve been released and are looking at the light of day for the first time in a long time. The only smart republicans are the ones who distant themselves from this failed administration.
It’s a disgrace what this administration has done to the constitution and to the republican party. It will be years before they recover, if ever.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:16 pmCaption Contest: “I was just a paper hanger….no one more obscurer…..
got a phone call from the reichstag, told me I was Fuhrer…..
:|
August 27th, 2007 at 3:18 pm“we are crossing borders…. the new world order is …. heeeeeeeeerrrrrreee!
Every hotsi totsi nazi stand and cheeeeeer.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:21 pmAG Chertoff.
Just sayin’
August 27th, 2007 at 3:24 pm#107, Hellin,
The attorney firings were NOT the result of external criticism by the liberal MSM or netrooters, but a result of not functioning in a manner consistent with Bush’s priorities. ALL employees understand that is what they are supposed to be doing within an administration.
As far a political capital, Bush has plenty, considering he has won against Dems on the issues of wiretapping and the troop surge in Iraq. True, Social Security and Immigration remain unresolved, and I blame flacid Bill Frist and Dennis Hastert for not achieving compromise while they held power, but the Dems have no prayer for any agenda of theirs as well.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:26 pmZ-
August 27th, 2007 at 3:30 pmExactly! See my post #96 ;-)
Just to add to the inanity, how about putting a picture of Chertoff next to Fred Thompson. That’s a real scary looking pair!
August 27th, 2007 at 3:33 pmCaption contest continued;
and nowwwww its, ..springtime for Bush and the RNC…..
Cheney is happy, and gaaaaay.
We’re dancing to a FASTER pace,
Look out, here comes the MASTER race!
:|
Cause its Springtime, for Bush and, the RNCeeee…
Dicklands, a hickland, once mooooooorrrre.
Springtime, for Bush and the RNCeeee….
Look out Iran,
We’re going on toooourrrrr..
August 27th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
No more AIPAC/Mossad members in office!
This man is so deep in the Mossads pockets it’s sick.
AIPAC truly has control of the US government.
Remove all dual-citizenship holders from office. We know where Chertoffs loyalties lie, and they’re with Israel.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:37 pm#111, Jason,
Not sure where you assume I said the firings were the result of external criticism by anyone. This administration had prided itself on determination and remaining steadfast but the explainations of the firings (and the emails that were not recorded and illegally used) are pitiful. Poor performance when good ratings on the previous reviews is just one example.
Jason, you have the markings of an apologist for this miserable administration. Bush has no political capital left. His own team has abanded him. The group that lambasted the democrats with the “cut and run” slogan are doing just that in numbers never seen in any administration.
The Dems only have a slight majority in both the house and the senate so getting much done will be difficult. Especially when the repbulicans have recently rediscovered the fillibuster.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:40 pmCaption Contest:
“This is my best chimp look…whaddya think”?
August 27th, 2007 at 3:41 pmJason, you have the markings of an apologist for this miserable administration.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 27, 2007 @ 3:40 pm
Gee, ya THINK?
August 27th, 2007 at 3:46 pmYeah, I do think it. I just wonder if he’ll defend it/them more.
August 27th, 2007 at 3:50 pmQuestions we know the answers to we don’t need to ask.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:08 pmExactly! See my post #96 ;-)
Comment by RepublicansAreFascists — August 27, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
That’s too funny! I hadn’t read all the comments, so I wasn’t sure if anyone had gotten there first. You get all the credit. :)
Chertoff needs that goatee to cover up some of his ugly. Ugh.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:14 pmQuestions we know the answers to we don’t need to ask.
Comment by Dr. Carl Sagan — August 27, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Wrong. We should never stop asking questions.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:15 pmWhen the question reminds others of the importance of the question then the question is of value. The answers I have may not be the answers from others and if intelligence and thought is put forth in the response then all can gain from the question being asked.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:17 pmWrong. We should never stop asking questions.
Comment by Zooey — August 27, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
I was referring to Hell’s wondering whether Jason Hendler would defend Bush.
Sorry, but thats a question no one needs to ask.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:19 pmI just want to know when Chertoff’s going to do the ‘Guten Tag Hop Clop’.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:20 pmI gathered that Dr. Sagan. It’s the content of the answer (if/when he does) that I’m interested in. I want to know why he would defend Bush. It also makes him question it himself.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:25 pmCaption Contest;
“the thing you gotta know isssss
everything is shooooooowwwwwbizzzzzzz”
August 27th, 2007 at 4:27 pmI want to know why he would defend Bush. It also makes him question it himself.
Comment by hellinabucket — August 27, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Might as well ask Eva Braun why she dated Hitler.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:29 pmChertoff, the only person less photogenic than Cheney.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:32 pmThats because Cheney’s picture only shows up on the negative.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:34 pmAs you can see Mr. Hendler chose not to answer which is telling in and of itself.
Liked your post about Eva Braun.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:55 pmThanks. Like Eva I imagine Jason takes it in the rear.
:|
That being said, NOW think of a caption for the above photo.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:56 pmThat’s easy
“Got the whole fist up there doc?”
August 27th, 2007 at 4:58 pmNew caption contest;“ohhhh mammy I think we struck gold”
August 27th, 2007 at 5:01 pmHe does have that Mad Scientist look
August 27th, 2007 at 5:03 pmAt first glance I thought the photo of Chertoff was “The Scream.”
August 27th, 2007 at 5:03 pmCaption Contest;“the sun will come out, tomorrow…. bet your bottom dollar ….”
August 27th, 2007 at 7:19 pmthe Muppet Bald Eagle
August 27th, 2007 at 10:10 pmreplace one lipless freak with another?
August 27th, 2007 at 10:30 pmCaption Contest:
Balok: “No not the Corbomite!”
August 27th, 2007 at 10:39 pmCaption contest (haven’t read the others…sorry if this is a repeat):
“Oh dear…I do believe I left my dentures at home!”
August 28th, 2007 at 12:34 amOnly a moron would nominate Chertoff.
(…waiting for the inevitable reply, 3, 2, 1….)
Comment by troqua — August 27, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Zero…guess what troqua? The Moron-in-Chief will do exactly as you ask, and we’ll sit through another bruising CSPAN hearing followed by the committee rolling over and giving Busdh what he wants. No one wants tio go home to the 2008 campaign to the 30-second Rove commerical…”[insert name here] voted to stop the nomination of a new Attorney General, a man with special credentials, with experience defending our country [cue sad swelling music, pictures of the Towers falling]. Senator [name] doesn’t care about your safety or mine. He only cares about scoring points against our President [cue the martial music and the flight suit shot under the "Mission Accomplished" banner]–the President who has kept you safe from another attack since September 12, 2001. Call Senator [Name] and tell him to stop his shameful action….paid for by RSC, Karl Rove, Chairman.
August 28th, 2007 at 1:36 am