Posted on 11/09/2012 4:55:44 PM PST by chessplayer
Duane, what puzzles me is why Petraeus’ resignation disqualifies him from testifying at all. I’m not the only one puzzled, either. NRO’s Katrina Trinko can’t figure it out:
Perhaps there is some protocol I’m unaware of, but I don’t see why resigning should affect whether Petraeus testifies or not. He was in charge of the CIA when the Benghazi attack occurred, and the CIA has been under plenty of fire for how the attack was handled.
Neither can John Hinderaker:
This gets curiouser: Petraeus was scheduled to testify before a Congressional committee on Benghazi next week, but in view of his resignation his testimony has been canceled. That makes no sense to me. Why should his resignation have anything to do with testifying about events that occurred while he was the director of the agency?
The only explanation I can conceive is that Petraeus doesn’t really have any information to tell Congress that relates to his own personal actions relating to the Benghazi attack.
Congress can subpoena witnesses, or force them to testify under oath, before its committees. This authority comes from the Constitution’s grant to Congress of “all legislative powers” (Article 1, Section 1). Witnesses are subpoenaed to provide information that will assist committees in preparing legislation. In the case of Mc-Grain v. Daugherty (1927), the Supreme Court recognized that Congress could subpoena even private citizens to testify. The Court noted that since not everyone would volunteer needed information, “some means of compulsion are essential to obtain what is needed.” Witnesses who refuse to respond to a congressional subpoena, or refuse to give information (unless they invoke their 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination) may be found in contempt of Congress and sent to prison.
Congress can issue a subpena to Petraeus.
Maybe so...but unless I'm mistaken he can also be granted partial,or *full*,immunity.
Yes, they certainly can subpoena any citizen to testify before Congress. They can also cite people for contempt of Congress if they lie or refuse to answer questions. Remember the “Hollywood Ten”?
They had no problems doing so with sports stars and the Twisted Sister freak.
That looks really bad for Obama and Pretreaus.
Pretreaus spilling the beans, though, it looks like Pretreaus is telling the truth, especially since the affair is old news, and especially after the MSM has told us "sex doesn't matter".(i.e Clinton/Lewinsky)
That,s right null and void.
There is some $hit going on in this country.
And it’s some pretty bad stuff.
He can only plead the Fifth if testifying will incriminate him
What about Roger Clemens (sp)?
As a retired officer drawing pay, he can be recalled to active service 'til the day he dies, and even in a retired status, remains subject to the UCMJ.
I wonder if he ever court martialed a subordinate for adultery....
Per this piece from the Weekly Standard- OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS have told Congress that Petraeus will not testify- BECAUSE he resigned. WTH is going ON here?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/petraeus-s-sudden-resignation_662200.html
Congressional Republicans were furious with Petraeus for what they described to THE WEEKLY STANDARD as “misleading” testimony he gave to the House Intelligence Committee on September 14. In that session, Petraeus pointed to a protest over an anti-Islam YouTube video as a primary reason for the attacks on the U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, despite an abundance intelligence pointing to a preplanned terrorist assault on the U.S. consulate and CIA annex there. Other members of Congress were particularly interested in questioning Petraeus about why crucial details about those attacks were left out of “talking points” the CIA prepared for lawmakers and executive branch officials. Among those details: the existence of a communications intercept between two al Qaeda-linked terrorists discussing the attacks. The level of frustration with the CIA and Petraeus had led several top Republican lawmakers to consider calling for his resignation in late October.
Obama administration officials have told reporters that Petraeus’s resignation means he will not testify before congressional oversight committees next week, as planned. This will not sit well with Republicans, who believe Petraeus is in a unique position to shed light on the intelligence on Benghazi before the attack, the decision-making during the attack and the misleading stories told after it.
Do you really think a 4 Star married 47 years was screwing some journalist? Really? He resigned in protest over Benghazi and zero won’t allow it.
He’s done some crazy stuff to make me completely distrust him, but he’s got the RATS totally trusting him.. well, until now.
the way I take it is this: The bastards were trying to blackmail him to testify a certain way and he called their bluff.
Too many unusual circumstances surrounding Benghazi. Each new one makes this smell worse. I have a very suspicious feeling about this.
Laura Ingraham, who’s almost as as bad as O’Reilly, was just talking to somebody on O’Reilly and wondered if Petraeus can be court-martialed, since “he’s a 4 star general”.
Ground control to Ms. Laura. Petraeus retired August 2011.
He is now a private citizen and citizens are not court-martialed. He might end up in jail for dereliction of duty as the Director of the CIA. He no longer has to testify. And he made the call. What’s he hiding?
I'd say this was a "planned" affair....and not by Petreaus.
How long was it going on??
Is she a Democrat?? Does she know Fluke??
Lotsa dots here.
“The only explanation I can conceive is that Petraeus doesn’t really have any information to tell Congress that relates to his own personal actions relating to the Benghazi attack.”
Then that should be his testimony.
And Congress has the power to cite him for contempt like a judge presiding over a grand jury hearing.
Furthermore, Pretreaus is likely still listed on active duty , and any case, it is possible for any flag officer can be subjected to Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Well, now this makes sense.
BO wanted to shut Petraeus up. Wonder how much BO paid the “biographer” to screw Petraeus.
Getting rid of the witnesses is the Chicago way, after all. BO won’t have anything to fear from a Bengazi investigation.
Mark my words. The investigation is over and the POS in the White House comes out smelling like a rose!!
That reminds me of the moveie/book "Word of Honor" by Nelson DeMille
Both are great if you ever get a chance to watch/read.
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