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White House exerts executive privilege to hide global warming documents.

As the Wonk Room’s Brad Johnson reports, President Bush today exerted executive privilege to block the House Oversight Committee’s subpoenas for EPA documents on global warming, heading off a scheduled contempt vote for EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson and White House Office of Management and Budget regulatory administrator Susan Dudley. Committee chairman Henry Waxman’s (D-CA) blistering response to the news:

I don’t think we’ve had a situation like this since Richard Nixon was president. When the President of the United States, may have been involved in acting contrary to law and the evidence that would determine that question for Congress, in exercising our oversight, is being blocked by an assertion of executive privilege. I would hope and expect this administration would not be making this assertion without a valid basis for it, but to date I have not seen a valid instance of their executive privilege.



54 Responses to “White House exerts executive privilege to hide global warming documents.”

  1. Buckie Boy says:

    ….and what if anything is going to do to stop this criminal administration?

    zzzzzzzzzzz…zzzzzzzzz

    Thought so.


  2. Buckie Boy says:

    oh man….

    ….and what if anything is congress going to do to stop this criminal administration?

    zzzzzzzzzzz…zzzzzzzzz

    Thought so.


  3. robbez_92107 says:

    Look, Buckie! Another sternly worded letter!


  4. TheRadicalRightisRadicallyWrong says:

    Waxman, “to date I have not seen a valid instance of their executive privilege.”

    THEN IMPEACH THE SON OF A B$%&


  5. bluefish says:

    What a surprise. BushCo involved in some more CYA.

    I look forward to the 5-cent posts from the trolls explaining why executive privilege covers global warming documents.


  6. po says:

    Hey TP, let’s just stopped pretending that anything the current administration does is wrong. Nothing will be done to correct the wrongs, so why bother ruining my day pointing out things that no one on the other side of the aisle is going to do anything about. Just move along, there’s nothing to see if you ain’t going to do anything about it.


  7. m1c says:

    Make the bad man go away, please!


  8. JosephP says:

    Another outrage…

    I was going to post a more relevant comment about Congress’ constitutional role in oversight, its power of the purse over Executive offices, the need for impeachment, etc., etc.,…

    But what’s the point?


  9. cavjam says:

    Chief Justice Burger, in US v Nixon, stated that exec priv extends only insofar as national security may be affected. How TF do global warming policies affect nat’l security?


  10. tokin librul says:

    When, o when are the People gonna surround the ShiteHouse with pikes and torches and roust these infamous blackguards, if not onto the lamp standards on Pa Ave, then at least into eternal exile?


  11. christopher wiwi says:

    To bad the SHRUB forgets he is supposed to uphold and protect the Constitution not circumvent it and do as he pleases.Will somebody in the Democratic Party get some BRASS and do what needs to be done to the Shrub and his crime family.


  12. A Patriot Acting says:

    Do you think that when heading to the West Wing toilet, George jumps ahead of whoever was just about to walk in and yells, “excecutive privilege!” while cutting in?
    At state dinners Georgie probably walks by a random table and grabs the last burger from the platter while mumbling with his mouth full, “excecutive privilege!”
    When he sneaks back to the Presidential suite after a quick stopover with Jeff Gannon and Mrs. Bush asks just where the hell he’s been and why he smells like vaseline and shame once again Georgie shouts, “excecutive privilege”!


  13. RUCerious says:

    When are you assclowns in congress going to wake up and realize that impeachment is the only solution to an executive branch that continually regards itself as a superior branch of government?


  14. A Patriot Acting says:

    cavjam Says:
    “Chief Justice Burger, in US v Nixon, stated that exec priv extends only insofar as national security may be affected. How TF do global warming policies affect nat’l security?”

    The terrorists hate us for our gaseous emmisions?


  15. RUCerious says:

    Inside those documents are predictions of food riots, public unrest, open rebellion and the black ops concentration camps we’re going to be relocated to.
    That’s national security stuff alright.


  16. tokin librul says:

    How TF do global warming policies affect nat’l security?

    in the National Security State, nothing is NOT a mater of national security…

    just as in the Corporate State, corporate media are State Media.

    The USofA no longer is–if it ever was–what it proclaimed itself to be, a unique haven of public and personal liberty. It is, has gleefully become, the paradigm case/exemplum of the Corporate/National Security State. This is how they do things.


  17. dumbstruck says:

    cavjam Says:
    ——————————————————————————–

    Chief Justice Burger, in US v Nixon, stated that exec priv extends only insofar as national security may be affected. How TF do global warming policies affect nat’l security?

    That’s a scary thought. Does the government have control of the climate?


  18. WaltTheMan says:

    I would guess that Dennis Kucinich has his 61st article.


  19. ralph the wonder llama says:

    Here’s what a right-wing blogger had to say about Executive Privilege:

    Invoking Executive Privilege, which is more an executive gag order than anything else, leaves anyone and everyone … wondering not so much if the President has anything to hide, but just how much damaging information he has still managed to keep hidden.

    The President’s stonewalling is not only wrong, but can also be described from a legal standpoint as Perjury, Subornation of Perjury and Witness Tampering. As a lawyer himself, the President knows these are not only felonies, but offenses for which he, an attorney, can be disbarred. As President, these High Crimes and Misdemeanors should be cause for impeachment and removal from office.

    This is from a fellow named Timothy Rollins, writing in a blog called “Right Magazine” (tag line: “Faith Family Flag Freedom”).

    Oh yeah, one last thing — it’s dated May 4, 1998.

    I wonder how Mr. Rollins feels about Executive Privilege today?


  20. misshusseinmolly says:

    cavjam Says
    June 20th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
    Chief Justice Burger, in US v Nixon, stated that exec priv extends only insofar as national security may be affected. How TF do global warming policies affect nat’l security?
    _______________________________________________

    Unlike Nixon’s time, we now have a SCOTUS that will rubber-stamp anything Bushco wants. Therefore, EVERYTHING is a matter of national security. Even global warming, which is supposed to be a concern of the entire planet. If you don’t think so, just ask the Supremes.

    214 more days…


  21. upside99 says:

    I can just see Darth, Dubya and KKKarl, sitting back, laughing at the rest of the country. Just like Adolf and the boyz were doing, in, oh, say, 1944.

    Where is that bunker when we REALLY REALLY need it??


  22. Bob says:

    RUCerious Says:
    When are you assclowns in congress going to wake up and realize that impeachment is the only solution to an executive branch that continually regards itself as a superior branch of government?
    ——————————————————————————–
    When a democrat tries to do it?


  23. Marcus Aurelius says:

    Re: The Democrats.

    Pogo had it right – We have met the enemy, and he is us! The Democrat (I’ll be referring to them by that handle, from now on) leadership reminds me of “General” McClellan during the Civil War. Linclon wrote to McClellan:

    I suppose the whole force which has gone forward for you, is with you by this time; and if so, I think it is the precise time for you to strike a blow. By delay the enemy will relatively gain upon you — that is, he will gain faster, by fortifications and reinforcements, than you can by reinforcements alone.

    And once more let me tell you, it is indispensable to you that you strike a blow. I am powerless to help this. You will do me the justice to remember I always insisted, that going down the Bay in search of a field, instead of fighting at or near Mannassas, was only shifting, and not surmounting, a difficulty — that we would find the same enemy, and the same, or equal, intrenchments, at either place. The country will not fail to note — is now noting — that the present hesitation to move upon an entrenched enemy, is but the story of Manassas repeated.

    I beg to assure you that I have never written you, or spoken to you, in greater kindness of feeling than now, nor with a fuller purpose to sustain you, so far as in my most anxious judgment, I consistently can. But you must act. Yours very truly

    We need a general purge. (pardon the pun)


  24. misshusseinmolly says:

    ralph the wonder llama Says
    June 20th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
    I wonder how Mr. Rollins feels about Executive Privilege today?
    ______________________________________

    IOKIYAR. Or, he’ll be “doin’ the McCain”: Flip. Flop. Or my personal favorite: “9/11 CHANGED EVERYTHING!”


  25. LividLib says:

    the thought of him hanging upside down by his ankes in some public square, a la mussolini, gives me a warm & fuzzy feeling inside. a human pinata.


  26. gitrdone says:

    The founding fathers are rolling around in their graves.


  27. joe cantwell says:

    folks what do you do when you run out of gop talking points? you recycle them!

    from the old copy ‘n paster himself, rogerse:

    TODAY:

    rogerse Says:
    Buckie Boy Says:

    well, the gop tried, so who you gonna blame?.

    June 20th, 2008 at 12:28 pm Recommend (0) | Report Abuse

    YESTERDAY:

    rogerse Says:
    Yeah, so what?.the gop already tried supporting impeachment, the dems refused…so you all know who to blame…

    June 19th, 2008 at 2:03 pm Recommend (0) | Report Abuse

    (if at first you don’t succeed…)


  28. Wayne says:

    Waxman:I don’t think we’ve had a situation like this since Richard Nixon was president.

    And how was that fixed?
    Oh yeah,Impeachment was setup, which made Nixon decide to resign.

    Impeach the criminal already, do your f-king job, Waxman.


  29. Paul W says:

    Truth or reality means nothing to these people. If the facts don’t say what you want then just hide/make up the facts.

    http://progressiveworldreview.com


  30. Red Pill says:

    OT, and I apologize: is the MFing roll call on FISA up yet?


  31. nanlichi says:

    Spit that out rogerse! That’s not intended to be swallowed.

    Sheesh, now you look cheap and stupid.


  32. acv says:

    Lets take a deep breath! We need to get organized and do something. Let’s blitz the media and our elected officials with our collective outrage! I’m going to start now and let those with a platform know that this is not lawful and it’s not the American way. Let them know that if they do not hold this Administration accountable then they forfeit their authority and that’s bad for our country.


  33. tokin librul says:

    Re: Impeachment

    That well was effectively poisoned when a gaggle of Blue-Dog Dems joined the enGingriched GOPhux in dumping Bill Clinton’s rotting, crooked schlong into the public watershed on a trumped-up pretext.

    Thereby infecting the whole system with toxic reluctance to sample the bottle again, no mater how serious the breach of law and custom.
    Ew Era Os Dekcuf…


  34. ralph the wonder llama says:

    Looks like lock_box got to the break room late, and all that was left was a half a cruller.

    lock_box is pissed.


  35. bogtrotters says:

    Impeach, convict, imprison. Do it the Guantanamo way, where the order doesn’t really matter.


  36. joe cantwell says:

    ralph,

    yesterday he was “the_dude_man” today he’s “lock_box” tomorrow he’ll be “blast_in_the_face”.

    these troll names really need work.

    *


  37. JMOHR says:

    Yes, this is the typical response that we see from the administration and the Democrats. The Republicans learned from Watergate. The Democrats have not. It takes tough action to defend democracy.


  38. ralph the wonder llama says:

    joe cantwell Says:

    these troll names really need work.

    joe, you gotta have some sympathy; they go through them so quick these days (much like a box of Kleenex®) that their choices are really limited by now.

    Plus creativity isn’t generally considered among their strengths.


  39. RUCerious says:

    joe, you gotta have some sympathy; they go through them so quick these days (much like a box of Kleenex®) that their choices are really limited by now.

    Plus creativity isn’t generally considered among their strengths

    Yeah, but there’s still a shitload of good names that anybody with an ounce of brai…. Never mind…
    ‘Where’s My Cheetos’, ‘Ooops, Mom’s coming downstairs’, etc..


  40. ralph the wonder llama says:

    Agreed, RUC. The fun parts of being a troll are, sadly, often overlooked.


  41. ralph the wonder llama says:

    OT (or maybe not):

    The latest poll from Fox has Bush at 29% approval.

    http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm


  42. RUCerious says:

    pretty telling, ralph, when Faux polls show him at 29%.
    That’s pretty close to the average of the last ten or so I looked at on that site.


  43. Leftside Annie says:

    I am so effing SICK of these gutless barstids. Where’s my effing pitchfork??? Let’s march, people!!


  44. DRxJ says:

    Global Warming? What Global Warming?
    Why the need to “hide” something that doesn’t exist, correct rightie????


  45. Uncle Ho says:

    When it comes to stonewalling and abuse of executive privelage, Bush make Nixon look like an amateur.


  46. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Time to charge George Bush with inherent contempt. Only this time, they should actually go have him arrested. That can be George Bush’s legacy.


  47. SP Biloxi says:

    EPA documents + Executive Privilege = Covering Dick Cheney’s hide.


  48. MapleStreet says:

    To claim executive priviledge, he would be asserting that the materials contained secrets of the White House including internal WH discussions of political strategy.

    So why would a scientific report from the EPA have materials that are politically determined ?


  49. sacopenapa says:

    According to Bush, there is a NEW TERRORIST on the block: The Weather!


  50. Kgprophet says:

    I have yet to hear any rational argument by Global Climate Crisis deniers:

    What possible sinister motivation would all these scientists have to warn us about the effects of man-made pollution? Why would they possibly risk their reputations if wasn’t sound science? If this is a hoax, what do they intend to accomplish?

    Answer: Nothing. There is no hoax. But who are going to believe? The guy with the PhD or the guy with the talking points?


  51. LeaderofMen says:

    Global warming, or more accurately, climate change is not a national issue, it is a GLOBAL issue. Thus, executive privilege for sequestering documentation related to this is bogus. Anyone with a high school education can understand this.

    Thus, the REAL issue is what they’ve been doing with the science, which is to HIDE it. That constitutes a grave threat to our existence as a civilization.

    Once again, historians will prove that this administration was the worst in our nation’s history. The. Worst. With a capital W. Incompetence is not complete unless it’s completely incompetent. W is proving precisely how incompetent he is and HE’S NOT DONE YET.


  52. marwick says:

    Japanese IPCC scientists says global warming “worst scientific scandal”

    No wonder Al Gore’s carbon footprint continues to grow. He converted to green energy AND increased his energy usage while he polishes his Oscar. Sweet.


  53. Bad Eye says:

    marwick Says:

    June 20th, 2008 at 6:22 pm

    Perhaps you can explain what the fk EP has to do with documents on global warming. What is it that Bush is afraid of? Care to speculate?


  54. neopro says:

    if republicans hate this planet so much, they are more than welcome to leave it



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