DOJ launches investigation into CIA tape destruction.
By on Jan 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
DOJ launches investigation into CIA tape destruction.
The Justice Department has “opened a criminal investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes,” reports the AP. Attorney General Michael Mukasey has named John Durham, a federal prosecutor in Connecticut, to oversee the case.
UPDATE: In his statement, Mukasey explains that the FBI will be conducting the investigation under Durham’s supervision.
UPDATE II: Marty Lederman says John Durham is neither “outside” nor “special,” nor “independent”: “Durham will still report to the Deputy Attorney General, who in turn reports to Judge Mukasey. This is not like the Scooter Libby case, in which the ’special’ prosecutor was guaranteed substantial independence from Main Justice.”
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January 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pmDURHAM DOESN’T SEEM LIKE A TYPICAL BUSH CRONY ON FIRST GLANCE. FROM A CLINTON ERA JUSTICE DEPT PRESSER:
The Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, the
second highest form of recognition bestowed by the Department,
was awarded to 41 employees. Awards were presented to:
John H. Durham, Deputy United States Attorney, District of
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 pmConnecticut, for his outstanding efforts and leadership in
developing a coordinated approach to gang violence in New Haven
and other cities among federal, state and local law enforcement.
Durham’s leadership in establishing the New Haven Gang Task Force
was critical not only in reducing violent crime in New Haven and
other cities in Connecticut, but also serves as the model for
cooperative law enforcement for the rest of the nation.
Can you say Executive Privilege?
If the Chimpfck pResident can hide the death/murder of Pat Tillman under the cover of EP, can we expect anything different from that festering sore in the WH?
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 pmIf the Chimpfck pResident can hide the death/murder of Pat Tillman under the cover of EP, can we expect anything different from that festering sore in the WH?
Comment by nanlichi
Agreed - except folks are waking up to the nutcase currently living in our WH. The American people know the truth about bush now, and they want answers. This may fizzle out or it may generate a wild fire of investigations. I am hoping it starts a massive fire.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pmNice try by Mukasey, but a Special Counsel is clearly required because of the Attorney General’s belief that waterboarding is not torture.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pmGood luck with that. We don’t want the Fox to investigate the Hen House, we want a Special Council.
To all our trolls, we ask you, why did Clinton allow a Special Council to be appointed knowing that he was the target of the investigation, but the Bush Administration will not allow a Special Council to be appointed to investigate ANYTHING!
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pmThanx to Fredo Gonzalez and the lunacy of the Mukasey hearings, nobody is going to take this seriously. We need a special prosecutor.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pmSince federal investigations don’t move too fast and nobody gets indicted until the prosecutor is sure he can win the case maybe this will be going full steam after a Democratic president is inaugurated. And then you have to ask yourself which candidate would be the most likely to see that justice is served. There seems to be only one candidate that has ever seen justice served in a court of law. But I’ve been drooling all over Edwards in the previous thread so nobody should listen to me, unless they want to.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:16 pmYou can drool on me, Shane. I’m an Edwards supporter, too.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:20 pmDurham also prosecuted FBI agents in Boston around the turn of the century (sounds like a long time ago!)…
Perhaps Mukasey’s done licking boots? I wouldn’t count on it.
There’ll be more executive privilege coming around the bend…
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pmi heard elizabeth edwards on a radio interview the other day…
she stated that john is the only practicing lawyer of the D candidates…
and it’s gonna take a lawyer to clean up this mess…
paraphrasing, of course…
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:25 pmbut correct just the same…
You can drool on me, Shane. I’m an Edwards supporter, too.
Comment by Zimzone — January 2, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
That’s quite a sacrifice you’re making for the cause Zimzone. See Democrats are braver that Rethugs on every issue.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pmWhen do we ever?
Comment by justasking — January 2, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Oh justasking are you finished frolicking with Bartlebee. What is the name for the kind of trolling you two do? I wanted to have a contest last night but nobody joined in. Fake friend trolling? Back stabbing trolling? Maybe you and Bart should just give us the answer so we don’t waste any more time. And are you taking credit for all the posts on that Huckleberry thread we know how you like to imagine you’re famous.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pmThis is fine and good…. would also like to see:
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pma bushie investigating a bushie….
im looking forward to seeing this go absolutely NOWHERE.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pmDoes anyone really think that this DOJ will get to the bottom of this?
c’mon.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pmShane,
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pmI’ll take droll from a dem over piss from a troll anyday!
Thanx to Fredo Gonzalez and the lunacy of the Mukasey hearings, nobody is going to take this seriously. We need a special prosecutor.
Comment by tomazulob — January 2, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Since this administration is so practiced at Obstruction of Justice, can any investigation of anything be taken seriously?
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pmdroll?
Too many Trolls; so little time.
DROOL!
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pmI guess Mukasey had to wait to get final clearance from the administration and the CIA confirming that all the records have been schredded/destroyed by now.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pmOk Shayne, here it is, your crystal ball moment. One brief glance into the future. This is from a history book in 2024, paraphrased of course.
“Edwards served as POTUS for two terms with Obama as his VP, after which Obama served for two terms as President. The Bush legacy turned out to be this uninterrupted 16 years of Democratic control of all three branches of the government. When Obama left office, the Supreme Court was a solid 7-2 margin for the left, with Justices Alito and Roberts hardly even able to muster a dissenting opinion. Bush was pardoned by President Obama after serving 12 years in prison for his part in what is know as the Republican Treason Period”"
You’re welcome.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pmSo what!!! This crap will going on and on and on and on….. Nothing will happen.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pmSpecial Counsel, or it’s a total joke.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pmThe Republicans have already sol out my country. Stop trying to act patriotic, you freekin’ traitor. There’s a gibbet in your future.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pmThis will be interesting. This is the first real test of loyalty for our people everywhere in the federal institutions and agencies. They’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause, or if they’re going to give in to the pressure from the populist and hyper-partisan enemy and sell out their country.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
WTF? Are you putting the president or the party before the country again you worthless traitor. The US was a country before there were Republicans and it will be a country when you treasonous types are behind bars. Say what you want Frank just don’t call yourself an American any more because you are not. You are just a Republican, nothing more.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pmThis will be interesting. This is the first real test of loyalty for our people everywhere in the federal institutions and agencies. They’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause, or if they’re going to give in to the pressure from the populist and hyper-partisan enemy and sell out their country.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
Wrong conjunction. I think you meant “and” not “or”
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm24, nanlichi,
I hope your fortunetelling is correct.
20 years of Bush, Clinton, Bush is wearing thin on all of us. Does anyone out here really want 24-28 years of Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton?
America needs change, not experience.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pmFrank M is a traitor to our country. Mark and archive his posts as evidence.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pmThanks nanlichi, I hope your crystal ball is working. But I was hoping he’d pick Dodd to be his VP. You see Obama is my senator and I don’t really feel like he’s been doing the job so much. Dodd though seems to be working overtime even while campaigning. But I can’t have everything. Oh and could you do something about that pardon thing? Couldn’t we just let W stay there, oh, forever.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pmI think this administration has managed to seed all federal institutions with loyal people who understand that liberal aganda is a cancer and cannot be allowed to spread even if the dems gain control over the Congress and, God forbid, Presidency.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Hey Frank, Got Fascism?
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pmThey have done nothing but subvert our Constitution, loot our Treasury, and ruin our reputation around the world. Treason is the mandate of the Republican party. Traitors to America - every one.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pmFMT III,
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm-Frank ‘M Troll the Turd.
ok, but will he have the authority to use “harsh interrogation techniques” in his investigation?
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pm#35: I do indeed.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Well then you better get in your bunker and bring your suicide pill with you because you folks are going down. You won’t hear about it listening to Fox News though.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:00 pmUPDATE II: Marty Lederman says John Durham is neither “outside†nor “special,†nor “independentâ€
good one…
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm#32: Evidence? So, you’re going to hunt down a Frank M after you’re done with your revolution (or whatever it is you are after)? LOL.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
So what are you saying Frank. You fascists are ready to steal your third election. Sooner or later the people will rise up. You want to keep pushing that envelope. And Jake I thought you went to Stanford. What are you saying, your a Skull and Bones man from Yale and know all the moves that will be made?
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm#32: Evidence? So, you’re going to hunt down a Frank M after you’re done with your revolution (or whatever it is you are after)? LOL.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
You didn’t realize every comment you’ve made is stamped with your IP address?
The interesting thing about fascism is that surveillance is not limited to the innocent. The same totalitarian methods you applaud are available to whoever is in control.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm42 - there is a difference. In this Administration the corruption seems to be endemic. It has not only affected the Ruling Party, but the Opposition Party as well, as evidenced by Democratic complicity in War Crimes.
It reaches past the Executive Branch well into the Legislative Branch, from the highest levels of government to the lowest.
Corruption has become accepted as the norm. Villians are worshiped and whistleblowers are condemed by society.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pmI am just too skeptical of Bush&Co.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 pmMukasey may be making a nice display for the windows, which will attract all of us in the public street and the media, but the real cover-up, obstruction, and evasion will take place under the drapery of executive privilege, national security, or simply “I am the president and I don’t have to do what you say.”
They’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause
By Frank M., Traitor and apologist for Bushitco.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:11 pmFrankie and his ilk have never met a Constitution they wouldn’t shred at the first sight of a conflict.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:14 pmIf Osama’s real intent was to watch us enslave ourselves and give up our way of life because of 9/11, then he won. Congrats, frank, you lily livered tory.
The people have not forgotten about the 9/11 and laying down the arms and leaving Middle East is simply not an option.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
What does 9/11 have to do with our invasion in the Middle East?
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 pmCrystal balls are notoriously fuzzy, but my prognostication may not be that far off. The Republicans I know are pretty pissed off at the Bushco for the damage to the party, and are worried that it will be a long time before we see a viable R party. RIP.
It would be ironic if Mukasey is the person who finally exposes these bastards. I am just guessing that Bush will be pardoned for his treasonous role in the last 7 years. Maybe not, maybe he will rot in his cell forever. I hope he remembers to bring his crayons for when he gets bored. And his KY for when he gets bored by Bubba.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pmIf Osama’s real intent was to watch us enslave ourselves and give up our way of life because of 9/11, then he won. Congrats, frank, you lily livered tory.
Comment by RUCerious — January 2, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Actually, his intent was to get U.S. troops out of Saudi Arabia, which we did when we moved them into Iraq. So technically Osama bin Laden won the “War on Terror” the day we invaded Iraq.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm#48: Ever heard of Tor? The friend of politically oppressed and dissidents everywhere.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Your faith in the technology is touching, but misinformed.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:24 pmThey’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause, or if they’re going to give in to the pressure from the populist and hyper-partisan enemy and sell out their country.
Comment by Frank M
There you have it folks. The problem with the last 7 years: you either stand with the president (and the cause; whatever that is) - through all his criminality - or you support the Consitution. Frank calls us populist, hyper partisan enemies!
So Frank, over 70% of Americans are now the ‘enemy’ to you and King george? Say it ain’t so Frank!
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:26 pmThe interesting thing about fascism is that surveillance is not limited to the innocent. The same totalitarian methods you applaud are available to whoever is in control.
Comment by gummitch — January 2, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
I think there are a lot of Bush supporters who are very worried about the rethugs losing the election.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:30 pmJohn Durham is neither “outside†nor “special,†nor “independentâ€: “Durham will still report to the Deputy Attorney General, who in turn reports to Judge Mukasey
That says a lot.
Here, fox, the keys to the henhouse, and, play nice!
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pmI think there are a lot of Bush supporters who are very worried about the rethugs losing the election.
Comment by Saint Augustine — January 2, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
I look forward to a booming bumper sticker removal service in Nov 08…
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pmThe people have not forgotten about the 9/11 and laying down the arms and leaving Middle East is simply not an option.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
That’s exactly right, frank, and the fact that Bush failed us so miserably on 9/11 and invaded the wrong country will never be forgotten by loyal patriots. we will make you pay; watch your back. Tor can be turned against traitors like you, and no doubt will be.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm64. In Frank’s world, it wasn’t Bush who failed us on 9/11, but it was an insidious plot consisting of Bill Clinton, the liberal media, and the Democrats to discredit Bush. It must be great to be Frank. If his positions are refuted by any sort of infallible evidence, then he can just point out that the evidence has a liberal bias or was planted by the vast left-wing conspiracy.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:46 pmIf 9/11 had occurred in a Democratic administration, can you imagine the reaction of the reichwingers? I doubt they’d be making the excuses that they continue to make for the failures of Dubya the Dumb.
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm#44: I must admit I am somewhat concerned over the reaction of the patriotic public if the dems win the Presidency and try to do about-face with our foreign politics and war on terror. The people have not forgotten about the 9/11 and laying down the arms and leaving Middle East is simply not an option.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
I had to run out and Frank started backpedaling on his fascism. Too late Frank it’s all here for the next feds to see. Bunker down little neoturd.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm#48: Ever heard of Tor? The friend of politically oppressed and dissidents everywhere.
Comment by Frank M — January 2, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
I guess since you’re dumb enough to believe in the Bush Fascist Party you’re dumb enough to believe Tor will protect you from prosecution for treason. Apparently you don’t understand the way federal investigators work when they’re actually doing their jobs. It’s been 7 years since that happened but it won’t be much longer now.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pmFrank M has declared himself to be a traitor to this country. He believes that liberals should play no part in this country. He believes the usurpation of the rule of law by Republicans to “seed” the government with personnel who will place party ahead of the country is an appropriate respone. MAKE THIS A SIMPLE TRUTH. TRAITORS NEED TO DIE. THOSE, LIKE FRANK M., NEED TO BE PICKED UP, FORCED TO CONFESS AND THEN EXECUTED.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pmShayne - I’m taking another look at Edwards. The fact that he is willing to re-examine his position on redeployment and listen to what people are saying shows leadership.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:02 pmThe important thin Cats is that our vote matters somehow. And to me that means voting against Hillary. While I liked a lot of what Kucinich is for it’s unfortunately just throwing a vote away at this point. Sad but true.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:24 pmThey’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause, or if they’re going to give in to the pressure from the populist and hyper-partisan enemy and sell out their country.
Comment by Frank M
In other words, our DOJ has to decide if they are going to continue to turn a blind eye to crimes being committed all in the name of party loyalty. How brownshirt of you Francine.
So Francine, since you are the first troll I ran into here, please explain to me why Clinton allowed his AG to appoint a Special Prosecutor who was going to investigate him, but Bush can’t allow a Special Prosecutor to investigate anything. It sounds to me like Clinton has a lot more integrity than Bush. Doesn’t it sound that way to you?
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pmI think this administration has managed to seed all federal institutions with loyal people who understand that liberal aganda is a cancer and cannot be allowed to spread even if the dems gain control over the Congress and, God forbid, Presidency.
Comment by Frank M
Wrong Francine. This administration has managed to seed all federal institutions with people who are loyal to the Republiscum party and who are destroying our government from within. I am going to laugh at you once the Democrats take charge and start to undo the damage you and yours have done to this once great country. I pity you and the scum you run with.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:32 pmThe people have not forgotten about the 9/11 and laying down the arms and leaving Middle East is simply not an option.
Comment by Frank M
You are right, the people have not forgotten about 9/11. But they also want to stop meddling in other people’s business. If this was not true, 70% of the people in this country would not want us to get out of Iraq. People of your ilk are only 24% at this point and can be easily handled by the 76% who are loyal to our constitution.
Here’s something else you need to know Francine:
More than a third of the American public suspects that federal officials assisted in the 9/11 terrorist attacks or took no action to stop them so the United States could go to war in the Middle East, according to a new Scripps Howard/Ohio University poll.
http://www.scrippsnews.com/911poll
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 pmAG Mukasey has a conflict of interest problem already, and should recuse himself and appoint a Special Prosecutor (someone from outside the DOJ)
Jose Padilla’s lawyers argued before the Florida Federal Court that Abu Zubaydah was tortured into saying Padilla was an al Qaeda associate. The DOJ dismissed Padilla”s allegations as “meritless,” asserting Padilla”s legal team could not prove that Abu Zubaydah had been tortured. Well, it”s clear now that they certainly COULD have, if the tapes of the interrogations of Abu Zubaydah had been made available!
Now here is where Mukasey’s role comes into question. U.S. District Judge Mukasey, now attorney general, was the one who signed the warrant used by the FBI to arrest Padilla in May 2002. Court records show the warrant relied in part on information obtained from Abu Zubaydah”s interrogation. So we have a problem Houston.
The then Judge Mukasey could only issue a warrant based upon legally obtained evidence, and confessions under torture are certainly not “legally obtained”. So either Mukasey was misrepresented the evidence, and would be liable to be potentially a party in those who were presented with “perjured evidence”; or he knew that torture was used in obtaining the confession and ignored it.
In either case he is unsuitable to run an investigation, as it will, inevitably, involved himself. Thus a Special Prosecutor is necessary… Odds that this will happen? Zero percent.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:39 pmFrank M wins this one. He has totally hijacked this thread…..
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:42 pmIt’s like Gonzo never left, Mikie will do as he’s told or get fired. Mark Filip is AG in waiting and would do anything for the top job. Mikie will come up with the facts that the tapes destroyed themselves and there is not crime. As for Durham he will stick to the Cheney plan or he’ll find out what happens when you don’t follow the criminal laws of Dick Cheney. We have more White House crimes that those in the rest of the United States. Diane and Chuck will see why they should not have voted for Mike as he is doing no different then Gonzales, he’s following Dick Cheney’s orders. Don’t worry Bush doesn’t know anything they don’t tell him things, he’ll have to read it in the news paper.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:46 pmFred, I agree that Frank has “hijacked this thread,” but still, I need to ask:
Frank: “They’ve got to decide now whether they’re going to stand by their president and the cause, or if they’re going to give in to the pressure from the populist and hyper-partisan enemy and sell out their country.”
Frank, what, in your opinion is “the cause?”
Both the Repub and Dem chairmen of the 9-11 commission said today that they were obstructed in their investigation by the administration. The administration obstructed the investigation into the worst terrorist attack in history. Frank, is that “the cause?” Remember Frank, you believe Clinton should have been removed from office for obstruction of justice, right?
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 pmRe “Frank M wins this one”
Fred, I think people are understandably shocked that someone could exhibit such a blatant disregard for American values and institutions and, at the same time, see himself as a “patriot.” To me, it’s very strange and sad. I guess it shows how crazy-making this “cult of personality” around Bush has become for Americans. Frank just shows a pathological disregard for our system and he’s proud of it.
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:11 pmThese FBI guys are the same guys investigating the Anthrax attacks and who said TWA 800 was a fuel tank explosion. Hoo boy. Keep sipping that cool aid. CIA must be all wobbly over this one.
As for the people not forgetting 9/11, that true. Yet what they have been told about 9/11, and much of their own history, is a lie. Why it is still believed despite all the evidence is beyond me. Yet I recall in Matrix, Morpheus, the leader of the resistance, telling Neo:
“The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, when you go to church, when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes, to blind you from the truth.”
Prophetic? Or was it simply a warning to us that things are not as they seem. By distorting reality, people can be enslaved without even knowing it. Lies become the truth and despite the fact that the emperor has no clothes, if MSM says it is so, they must be fine clothes. People think that if they can not see them there is something wrong with them, and so they keep quiet. To those who may dare to question the clothes, they are deemed conspiracy theorists, out of their mind, or even unpatriotic.
When asked how history will judge him, Bush shrugged, and said “Well, that depends on who writes the history”, then he kind of smirked like a naughty boy who thinks he has gotten away with something.
Thats why we need socialized education, to make sure kids read the “right” history.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:04 pm