Cheney On Secrecy: ‘If You Don’t Want Your Memos To Get You In Trouble, Don’t Write Any’
Cheney On Secrecy: ‘If You Don’t Want Your Memos To Get You In Trouble, Don’t Write Any’
On Friday, Vice President Dick Cheney spoke in Grand Rapids, MI to pay tribute to his former boss, President Gerald Ford, telling the audience that he learned “early on” how to evade oversight:
This Museum, and the Ford Library in Ann Arbor, mean a great deal to me — not just personally but from the standpoint of history, because I was chief of staff in the Ford White House.
I’m told researchers like to come and dig through my files, to see if anything interesting turns up. I want to wish them luck — (laughter) — but the files are pretty thin. I learned early on that if you don’t want your memos to get you in trouble some day, just don’t write any.
Watch it:
Cheney was referring to attempts to gather information using the Presidential Records Act (PRA), passed in 1978 after Watergate “to underscore the fact that presidential records belong to the American people, not to the president.” His admission on Friday reflects the great lengths he has gone to under President Bush to avoid record-keeping and deflect oversight:
Cheney lawyer told Secret Service not to keep visitor logs: A lawyer for Vice President Dick Cheney told the Secret Service in September 2006 “to eliminate data on who visited Cheney at his official residence.”
Exempted himself from executive order protecting classified information: Since 2003, Cheney’s office has failed to provide data on its classification and declassification activities as required by Executive Order 12958, which President Bush has endorsed. “Cheney’s office provided the information in 2001 and 2002, then stopped.”
Attempted to dodge Information Security Oversight Office: In 2004, Cheney’s office specifically intervened to block an on-site inspection by the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO), which is a requirement of an executive order from the President.
Sidestepped travel disclosure rules. Cheney and “his staff have been unilaterally exempting themselves from long-standing travel disclosure rules followed by the rest of the executive branch, including the Office of the President,” reported the Center for Public Integrity in 2005.
Ditching the rule of law is no joking matter, despite what Cheney would like to think.
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78 Responses to “Cheney On Secrecy: ‘If You Don’t Want Your Memos To Get You In Trouble, Don’t Write Any’”
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Makes him sound just like Big Paulie Cicero from “Goodfellas”.
What does Deadeye do, go for walk-n-talks?
September 17th, 2007 at 3:16 pmKind of… weird… to hear him brag about finding ways to subvert the very laws he took an oath to uphold. Jes’ sayin’…
September 17th, 2007 at 3:22 pmHeart attacks sure are scary when you’re as evil as Dick Cheney.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pmHistorians and interested citizens might be unhappy to hear that. It is highly important that records be kept on meetings, attendance, callers, etc. for historical accuracy that must be kept forever.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:24 pmI am outraged that Cheney must keep his notes in his pocket — no one can function in an ordinary household without taking some notes — much less keeping the office of the vice president.
No one has the right to deny history its records - not even the snarling veep himself.
As Congressman Kucinich has urged, impeach Cheney.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pmYeah, this stuff sucks.. but it’s kind of standard procedure everywhere.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:26 pm‘If You Don’t Want Your Memos To Get You In Trouble, Don’t Write Any’ the Justice Department will reveal and have the NSA record all of your political enemies communications monitored. (laughter from the Ford Center audience)
September 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pm“If you don’t want to be held accountable for your actions, just ignore the Presidential Records Act.
And when you’re called on that, claim you’re not actually a member of the Executive Branch. ”
When is this shit going to end? When will enough finally be enough?
September 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pmDick Cheney is a psychopath.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pmBut, but, what happened to the whole “if you don’t have anything to hide then you have nothing to worry about” line they keep giving us re: surveillance etc.?
September 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pm#
Kind of… weird… to hear him brag about finding ways to subvert the very laws he took an oath to uphold. Jes’ sayin’…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — September 17, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Even weirder to hear people laugh about it.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:28 pmbut it’s kind of standard procedure everywhere.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Another sweeping condemnation of EVERYONE, also tends to minimize Cheney’s behavior and make it look not as bad as it is.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:28 pmgood point margaret.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:29 pmCheney simply doesn’t want to be held accountable by the American people.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:32 pm#
but it’s kind of standard procedure everywhere.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Another sweeping condemnation of EVERYONE, also tends to minimize Cheney’s behavior and make it look not as bad as it is.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — September 17, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
This is common knowledge. Don’t send incriminating emails, etc., there will be long lasting proof. Who doesn’t know this stuff? Maybe it’s not entirely right, but it’s how the world turns.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:32 pmCheney should just lock up all the memos in a man sized safe. Maybe that is why he keeps one in his office.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:32 pmThat Uncie Dick always thinking ahead. He told me that I was to do the decidering and justicifing, and I did, he said that he thinks of it and tells me then I do it, then that is decidering. He also said that any decidering I do that I have to keep it under my hat, my cowboy hat, it is cram filled up with the little stickies that Uncie Dick gives me to be decidering on.
Boy-gosh-all-mighty that Red Iran button is looking lonely…come on Uncie Dick let me push the button…..no….I’m never gonna get to push it, shucks.
Babs get me some pretzels.
Pull my finger…..hehe
September 17th, 2007 at 3:36 pmWhy thank you hellinabucket. Whenever I hear excerpts of the Nixon tapes I’m struck by how unlikely those kinds of revelations are going to be going forward.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:36 pmThanks for The Daily Show fodder, Dick
September 17th, 2007 at 3:37 pmi cant wait to see him and bush hanging from a noose like their buddy saddam.
Comment by Fan_of_Man — September 17, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
Here manonfan this one is just for you…………….
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ypa75axdK6o
September 17th, 2007 at 3:39 pmCheney,
Thank you for this precedent.
Sincerely,
All Future Vice Presidents
Really, I hope conservatives think about this long and hard, because as soon as a dem does the exact same thing, they will be whining and screaming about it.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:40 pmThis will be another “You Don’t know Dick” segment on The Daily Show.
Why doesn’t Cheney believe he needs to be accountable to the American people?
September 17th, 2007 at 3:41 pmMaybe it’s not entirely right, but it’s how the world turns.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
And you’re STILL minimizing Cheney’s behavior here. Sandy Berger pleaded guilty to the charges at the time and paid quite fine.
Cheney has blown off sub poenas more than once. So much for the rule of law. You claim to be a liberal but you’re making excuses for Cheney.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pmMaybe it’s not entirely right, but it’s how the world turns.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
So much for bringing honesty and intregrity back to the White House.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pm#
i cant wait to see him and bush hanging from a noose like their buddy saddam.
Comment by Fan_of_Man — September 17, 2007 @ 3:28 pm
This is not right. DON’T DO THIS HERE!
September 17th, 2007 at 3:43 pmKind of… weird… to hear him brag about finding ways to subvert the very laws he took an oath to uphold. Jes’ sayin’…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — September 17, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
No, no, no - here’s where you’re confused. That was Vice President Cheney and who took the oath, along with Senate Tie-Breaker Cheney.
The one speaking is Secret Fourth Branch Cheney. Secret Fourth Branch Cheney is subject to no mere human law, nor does he swear oaths.
Secret Fourth Branch Cheney also sometimes shoots people in the face.
Beware of Secret Fourth Branch Cheney.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:45 pmWhy doesn’t Cheney believe he needs to be accountable to the American people?
Comment by hellinabucket — September 17, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
To people like you…….I don’t think so. Big Dick does whatever he wants……. Harry “butt” Reid and Nancy Screwloosie ain’t gonna do squat………..are they? In fact they are trying to find a way to agree with George and Dick with out appearing to agree.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:46 pmHarry “butt†Reid and Nancy Screwloosie ain’t gonna do squat………..are they? In fact they are trying to find a way to agree with George and Dick with out appearing to agree.
Comment by boogerBOO! — September 17, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Wow! What clever names. Can’t argue w/ that comment.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pmI may be minimizing his behavior in THIS case, but I’m in no way pledging my support for him or the administration. This just doesn’t seem like that big a revelation or outrage to me. Not writing certain things down is standard in most places. You don’t want something to come up in discovery? Don’t write it down. Don’t want an email to accidentally (or not) be spread to a certain person, or reveal some knowledge you didn’t want to get out? Don’t send the email. It’s simple stuff.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:49 pmAnyone remember this?
Fitzgerald Collecting Cheney’s Smoking Guns
September 17th, 2007 at 3:49 pmTo people like you…….I don’t think so. Big Dick does whatever he wants……. Harry “butt†Reid and Nancy Screwloosie ain’t gonna do squat………..are they? In fact they are trying to find a way to agree with George and Dick with out appearing to agree.
Comment by boogerBOO! — September 17, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
Classic! I love the names! But what’s this “george” and “Dick” business? Don’t you mean something like George “screwed up the country” Bush, and Dick “go f your self or I’ll shoot you in the face” Cheney? I’m a little disappointed you didn’t have clever names for them too.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:52 pmWhat was that phrase about high crimes and misdemeanors? Oh, but I’m certain we’ll hear boo-hoos from the ends of the earth if Hillary & Co. (or any Dem for that matter) attempts to have the same practices. 18 more months and it will all be engraved in stone (and precedent). Thanks for nothing there Dems. Thanks for nothing indeed.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pmon’t send the email. It’s simple stuff.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
It’s true, and the Bush Admin has taken this sort of behavior to an unprecedented level. “Losing” FIVE MILLION emails in the face of the Presidential Records Act? Blowing off subpoenas? What other admin in the history of the WH has systemically engaged in this sort of behavior to this degree? And BRAGGED about???
September 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pmAnyone in a position to do anything have sufficient testosterone?
September 17th, 2007 at 3:54 pmIsn’t that along the same logical lines as, “If you are worried about going to jail for stealing, don’t get caught”?
A sane person who cares about doing what is right would say that you just shouldn’t steal.
Essentially, that is what Cheney is admitting to. He’s admitting that what himself and this administration has done is going to get them in trouble. And instead of just acting in a way that WON’T get them in trouble, they are going to hide the evidence. Sounds like a criminal mindset to me.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:56 pmThis is common knowledge. Don’t send incriminating emails, etc., there will be long lasting proof. Who doesn’t know this stuff? Maybe it’s not entirely right, but it’s how the world turns.
Comment by Don’t Do It
I am afraid we are getting distracted again. We are not talking about incriminating emails (we all know that), we are talking about EVERY DAY STUFF like visitor logs, meeting attendees, etc…It is astounding that the citizens of this country have been bullied so much by the administration, that they don’t take to the streets. We need patriots right now who are willing to look a little deeper and ask a few more questions. This administration lies to us everyday and we deserve better than that.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pmCheney cuts letters out of magazines and glues them onto white paper like a serial killer.
What a creepy old ghoul.
-GSD
September 17th, 2007 at 4:03 pmThis is common knowledge. Don’t send incriminating emails, etc., there will be long lasting proof. Who doesn’t know this stuff? Maybe it’s not entirely right, but it’s how the world turns.
Comment by Don’t Do It. — September 17, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
so you buy into the immorality of the American administration that shits on the Constitution and rubs it in your face? You have no right being in this country.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:04 pmShot My Friend in The Face Guy certainly has an intersting take on America.
Hide the truth. . . . the people have no right to know . . . . I can be just as nasty as I want to be - I’m the VP . . . the People suck . . . . they’re a bunch of ignorant pawns . . . My bucks are with Halliburton . . . yeah, I can have a lesbian daughter and the product thereof, suck my dick, Oh yeah, I am dick, four deferrments, three DUI’s, four unaccounted for wreckless driving stops,
Yeah, I’m the Dick in charge.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:04 pmCheney makes jokes about skirting and breaking the Law, while Pelosi still can’t find a freeking table.
Quick, someone buy Pelosi a new table to use for Impeachment!!!
September 17th, 2007 at 4:06 pmDick Cheney is a smart man. He knows the left will try to shoot him down. All he is saying is that he is not going to supply the ammunition for them.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:09 pmI’m certain we’ll hear boo-hoos from the ends of the earth if Hillary & Co. (or any Dem for that matter) attempts to have the same practices. Comment by po — September 17, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
poo, do you remember Whitewater, blue dresses, cattle futures, lost billing records, webb hubble, vince foster, charley the “tree”, impeachment, cigars, rapes, paula jones, har-monica lowinski, kathlene willy, slick willy, hard willy, travel office fireings, sandy burgler, roger clinton, bugalla, carvile now that was things to “boo-hoo” about.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:09 pmw00t! … only slightly off topic…
No rush for Mukasey confirmation hearing, say Dems
By Elana Schor
September 17, 2007
President Bush’s choice of Michael Mukasey as the next attorney general won early praise Monday, but Democrats appeared ready to take their time on a confirmation hearing until the administration plays ball on subpoenaed documents that it continues to withhold.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said the White House’s willingness to comply with outstanding subpoenas on its program of eavesdropping on suspected terrorists, as well as the recent U.S. attorney firings, would have a direct impact on the timeframe for a Mukasey confirmation.
“Our focus now will be on securing the relevant information we need so we can proceed to schedule fair and thorough hearings,†Leahy said in a statement.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:09 pm[…]
http://thehill.com/ leading-the-news/ no-rush-for-mukasey-confirmation-hearing-say-dems-2007-09-17.html
…
would be a good idea to call and offer kudos…
.
Well, Laura killed her ex in a driving accident - it was expunged from the record - wow.
If only Karl Rove were in my court.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:10 pmCheney makes jokes about skirting and breaking the Law, while Pelosi still can’t find a freeking table.
Quick, someone buy Pelosi a new table to use for Impeachment!!!
Comment by Wayne
Pelosi doesn’t have the stones for impeachment. Has the melons though.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:11 pmComment by Cynicon Implant — September 17, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
Figures that you think breaking the law is ok…… if you are a Republican……
September 17th, 2007 at 4:11 pmHey hughjazz, you’re a moron! Go back to Canada, jerk!
September 17th, 2007 at 4:12 pmNo one has the right to deny history its records - not even the snarling veep himself.
Comment by Marie — September 17, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
but it will sure make creating a specialized version
September 17th, 2007 at 4:12 pmof “history” much easier now, won’t it? …
…
so you buy into the immorality of the American administration that shits on the Constitution and rubs it in your face? You have no right being in this country.
Comment by ronjazz — September 17, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Hmm… Not sure where I said this.. or where your anger towards me came from all of a sudden..
September 17th, 2007 at 4:13 pmPelosi doesn’t have the stones for impeachment. Has the melons though.
Comment by Cynicon Implant
Pelosi is a Bush enabler and is violating her oath of office by keeping impeachment bills off the floor. By doing so, she is complicit with the crimes commited.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:15 pmFigures that you think breaking the law is ok…… if you are a Republican……
Comment by Wayne
Figures you would claim Cheney is breaking the law without having any proof of it — you’re a libtard.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pmPelosi is a Bush enabler and is violating her oath of office by keeping impeachment bills off the floor. By doing so, she is complicit with the crimes commited.
Comment by Wayne
Again with the crimes thing. What crimes?
September 17th, 2007 at 4:16 pmShot My Friend in The Face Guy certainly has an intersting take on America.
Interesting, lots of trolls, but none addressing this:
Hey Trolling Cowboys:
Hide the truth. . . . the people have no right to know . . . . I can be just as nasty as I want to be - I’m the VP . . . the People suck . . . . they’re a bunch of ignorant pawns . . . My bucks are with Halliburton . . . yeah, I can have a lesbian daughter and the product thereof, suck my dick, Oh yeah, I am dick, four deferrments, three DUI’s, four unaccounted for wreckless driving stops,
Yeah, I’m the Dick in charge.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:17 pmWhy do so many people resort to name calling around here?
September 17th, 2007 at 4:18 pmyou’re a libtard.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — September 17, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
And with that, troll sh!t, you ended and chance of discussion with me.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:20 pmStick it where the sun don’t shine you sorry excuse for a human being.
fsck off twit.
Well Dic, you can’t answer because you are a dick: You Hike in a Cave.
Bin lauden hides in a cave
You hide in a cave
(Saddam hid in a spidy hole - a cave)
Dub’ya hides in a cave (not a truthful answer comming out of this monkey)
Somehow, you can rationalize that your lesbian daughter had a child with her lesbian lover-yeah, eyes wide open) and that Condi Rice and Randy Bean have been shacking up in SoCal for years despite “don’t ask don’t tell)
Now, when Rice and Beans procreate, what’s your response?
September 17th, 2007 at 4:27 pmcarvile now that was things to “boo-hoo†about.
Comment by boogerBOO! — September 17, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
You can be helped, but first you must want help. You don’t have to suffer like this. You can be helped.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:29 pmNow, when Rice and Beans procreate, what’s your response?
Comment by rockyroad
Rice and Beans, a cheap dinner that is too high in carbs.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:30 pmDon’t send a memo if an email will do.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:31 pmDon’t send an email if a call will do.
Don’t make a call if a word in person will do.
Don’t say a word if a nod will do.
Don’t nod if a wink will do.
Don’t wink if a look will do.
Again with the crimes thing. What crimes?
Comment by Cynicon Implant — September 17, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
Yo! Hatch Act? Presidential Records? Refusing subpoenas, for starters.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:31 pmDon’t send a memo if an email will do.
Don’t send an email if a call will do.
Don’t make a call if a word in person will do.
Don’t say a word if a nod will do.
Don’t nod if a wink will do.
Don’t wink if a look will do.
Comment by Art
Don’t shoot the bird, if a friend’s face will do.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:32 pmYou can be helped.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — September 17, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
No help for me at this time………….I’m waiting for “Hillary care”. Some of that FREE health care, you know, like in Canada and Cuba. Its all just FREE for everyone.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:37 pmIs this guy the epitome of evil or what? When Bush referred to the axis of evil, he was pointing the finger inward.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:42 pmI’m waiting for “Hillary careâ€. Some of that FREE health care, you know, like in Canada and Cuba. Its all just FREE for everyone.
Comment by boogerBOO!
It’s obvious you have not read Republicans-lite Hillary’s web site about her Heath Plan Proposal at all.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pmIt’s almost as dumb as a reich-wing troll….. I said almost….
Perhaps if the Rice & Bean Baby can sustain life in the cave, it will do so by chanting the mantre: :Bin Lauden will not be found:; “oil is good”: “if daddy behaves well, he will become the CEO
of Halliburton and I will live in the Green Zone.”
Allah yeah!
September 17th, 2007 at 4:45 pmAgain with the crimes thing. What crimes?
Comment by Cynicon Implant — September 17, 2007 @ 4:16 pm
You’ve clearly been in a deep cave or a deep coma the last seven years.
Of course, since Cheney is a “conservative”, he’s innocent of all crimes even if he’s proven guilty (much like his former assistant). If he was a Clinton, on the other hand, we’d know that his crimes included rape, murder, and all matter of financial malfeasance.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:48 pm5-deferment Dickhead Cheney is a lying weasel who’s slippery as an eel. Where is the French Revolution when it’s REALLY needed?.
Time to storm the Bastille and build guillotines.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:49 pmI always wondered why people documented stuff they didn’t want to get out. That’s my rule. I don’t document stuff I don’t want people to know about. But I’m just a dude, not the Vice Prez.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:50 pmIsn’t it just about the time for Pat Leahy to waggle his finger again and tell the White House that he ‘really, really, really means it’ when he says he wants the subpoenaed documents?
What a joke the Dems have become.
September 17th, 2007 at 4:54 pmIsn’t it just about the time for Pat Leahy to waggle his finger again and tell the White House that he ‘really, really, really means it’ when he says he wants the subpoenaed documents?
Comment by Mike McArdle
He is still at the “stomping the foot and holding his breath” stage.
September 17th, 2007 at 5:03 pmMaybe after he wakes up from the “till I’m blue” stage.
This is the most evil person in the western world today. I can only hope that his next domicile is a prison cell in the Hague.
September 17th, 2007 at 6:14 pmImpeach.
~Sean
September 17th, 2007 at 6:15 pmLiar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar Liar! You make me sick! You make me sick! You make me Sick. You make me sick! You are a moron! You are a moron! You are a moron!
September 17th, 2007 at 6:17 pmwhat an absolute piece of shit.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:08 pmThere is a valid alternative to “not writing any memos”. You can, instead, advocate purely legal things in all you do. It’s called being honorable. Too bad we can’t expect that from Cheney.
September 17th, 2007 at 9:18 pmthe enemy
September 17th, 2007 at 9:51 pmComment by Peter C — September 17, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
Well put, friend. Like Cheney has said is the past, “if you’ve got nothing to hide you’ve got nothing to worry about.” which was supposed to make us Americans feel better about this Administration prying into our private lives unconstitutionally. What he was really saying was that HE has plenty to hide but don’t worry, no one will find out about it because HE destroyed all the evidence. (can’t have any prying eyes in MY shit)
September 18th, 2007 at 8:50 amCheney, you treasonou sprick!
But, but, what happened to the whole “if you don’t have anything to hide then you have nothing to worry about†line they keep giving us re: surveillance etc.?
Comment by margaret — September 17, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
Cheney doesn’t appeared to be worried in the least. ;)
September 18th, 2007 at 2:21 pm