Rep. Issa counters anonymous critics

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-20073465-10391695.html#ixzz1Q5wOOm6j ^ | June 22, 2011 5:52 PM | Sharyl Attkisson

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

A chief critic of ATF's gunwalking operation was reportedly briefed on the program last year --- but didn't object. That's according to unnamed sources speaking to the Washington Post about the classified briefing. The sources said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) was given "highly specific information" in an April 2010 briefing, attended by members of Congress from both parties.

The operation called "Fast and Furious" is now under fire by Issa and others for allegedly allowing thousands of assault rifles and other weapons to get into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. CBS News first broke the story in February. "All of the things [Issa] has been screaming about, he was briefed on,'' said one anonymous source to the Washington Post.

Today, a spokesman for Issa said that unlike the Post's sources, Issa will not discuss the classified briefing except to say he was not briefed or told about gunwalking by ATF agents until after the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Terry was gunned down near the Arizona-Mexico border last December. Two guns that ATF allegedly let "walk" were found at the murder scene.

"(O)pponents of this investigation are incredulously trying to assert that Obama Administration political appointees at the Justice Department were ignorant - yet Congress was in the know on the details of Operation Fast and Furious," said Issa in a statement.

Today's public relations attack against Issa comes as sources tell CBS News ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson is coming under increasing pressure to resign over the scandal. Internal emails obtained by CBS News indicate Melson was deeply involved in the controversial ATF operation run out of the Phoenix office.

Despite rampant speculation, Melson hasn't resigned. Today, he hosted ATF's first annual Gay Pride observance. Melson told ATF employees "Our role is to do our best to welcome the many so that we can work as one."

The keynote speaker at the event, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MASS) didn't mention or defend Fast and Furious,

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

What happens if in this case the AG of the USA pleads the fifth? So far they are trying to stonewall by claiming it classified and the committee's subpoena's could ruin ongoing investigations.<-------BS! YET they don't know a thing about it. In the end Obama could claim executive privilege. But even the dems bud Cummings has to see the cover up?

http://bigpeace.com/bbarrack/2011/05/16/did-msnbc-find-project-gunrunners-smoking-gun/

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

What is strange is in the WaPo hit piece yesterday it was clearly stated (and their ‘source’ is the DOJ themselves that Melson was not resigning. It's like getting caught red handed and going on with their literal gay activities like nothing happened because Obama and Holder have Melson’s back.It is sick. It is further abuse of power and obstructing justice from Obama and Holder.When will it end?

[philman_36]

[philman_36]

there’s people out there that have every incentive to lie or do whatever it takes right now to try to discredit this investigation so that they can save their careers

[BerserkPatriot]

Try having a “Religious Pride Observance” and see what kind of reaction you get – just make sure to suit up in your body armor and cup first.

[Joe Brower]

[ExTxMarine]

The hit-piece from yesterday was complete and utter BS (Bacon Sandwich)!!!

How in the world was Congress "briefed" on something which the upper management at the DOJ has continually stated they knew nothing about?!?!?

Lies beget lies which beget lies! Maybe the people over at the DOJ should not be using the Anthony Wiener method of deflection!

[ctdonath2]

Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

Issa may have been informed of the program prior, but sometimes concluding what you have been told amounts to “felony stupid” can take a while, and once you realize that you may realize the paramount importance of proceeding with extreme caution.

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

Quote of the year regarding FastNFuriousGate.

[DarthVader]

It will end soon because the overlords of this nation are watching and they have had enough.

[Texas Eagle]

Today, he hosted ATF's first annual Gay Pride observance.

Perhaps the saddest sentence ever written in the English language.

[Still Thinking]

Demotion and sensitivity training I surmise.

LOL I misread your post as demolition and sensitivity training, and I'm thinking "Well, I could see either of those from PO'd libs, but probably not for the same person, at least not in that order."

[Still Thinking]

If this were true it wouldn't have to come out through an anonymous source as the administration would be shouting it from the rooftop. I guess that's too hard for the MSM to figure out.

Anything that doesn't fit the template (liberals good, conservatives bad, government is never the problem, bigger government is always better, always the solution to any problem) is too hard.

[Smokin' Joe]

Today, he hosted ATF's first annual Gay Pride observance. Melson told ATF employees "Our role is to do our best to welcome the many so that we can work as one."

Didn't Hitler's early shock troops (SA? SD?) have a high percentage of 'gays' in the ranks?

[sportutegrl]

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-june-21-2011/the-fast-and-the-furious-—mexico-grift?xrs=share_copy

At the bottom of the article is a nifty link to a Daily Show Jon Stewart skewering of the ATF debacle. Sweet.

[philman_36]

Well when something more substantial than "one anonymous source" comes to light we'll all know more, won't we.
Just think of what we didn't know a year, or even two, years ago.

[patriot08]

Go Issa!
He’s dug up some real dirt on Obongo.
Republican candidates should take it and run with it- if any have the guts.

[publiusF27]

Jon Stewart’s suggestion of putting a microphone in every bullet next time was brilliant! Funny stuff!

[liberalh8ter]

Exactly. Aside from the obvious fact that the ATF is an embarrassment and needs to be defunded and disbanded, what part of ATF does gay pride fall under?

[publiusF27]

The Washington Post was saying that US foreign policy with respect to Mexico was being developed in Phoenix, with no consultation from Washington.

Anyone buying that?