Posted on 05/26/2006 6:50:32 AM PDT by cougar_mccxxi
WASHINGTON President Bush stepped into the Justice Department's constitutional confrontation with Congress on Thursday and ordered that documents seized in an FBI search of a congressman's office be sealed for 45 days.
"The Department of Justice's search was part of an important investigation of alleged public corruption. At the same time, the bipartisan leadership of the House of Representatives believe the search violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers and the speech and debate clause of the Constitution," according to the president's statement.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
The good ol boys club protecting the good ol boys club.
Political arrogance is being displayed at it's greatest right now.
How can a corruption investigation move forward if there is interferance from the top?
Average citizens in the same position woiuld be indicted for obstruction of justice.
This case of corruption goes way beyond Jefferson I am thinking. Otherwise why would Republican(s) come to the aid of a Democrat? If it were the other way Demons would be jumping all over a Repub with the least shread of evidence. I smell a rat too.
What happens when the government decides it is above the law?
Not just acting outside of its constitutional authority, which has been happening, but in direct violation of written law.
I think this action would cause Clair Wolf's clock to advance out of the awkward period.
I tend to agree with you .. because the President doesn't do things without consulting legal counsel .. I wish people would remember that instead of flying off the handle and using everything Bush does as some kind of "there he goes again" action.
Just another excuse to BASH-Bush!
The one that really gets me is mandatory air bags - a system designed to force safety on those who won't wear seat belts, and which will decapitate a child or even small adult sitting in the front seat. So this "safety system" has indeed murdered some children, and kids can no longer safely ride in a front seat. AND there is no outrage.
"I vote first on character. Party is second."
Same here. Never have voted a straight ticket and never will. 3rd party anyone? There is plenty of time and the pickings are ripe.
Right on CyberAnt -
Most people (on subjects like this) simply REACT - they don't think about the issue - the ramifications - and the benefit of letting emotions subside - and reason enter the equation.
Bush always takes his time
This has been discussed ad infinitum here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1638257/posts
Yep. W ceded nothing. The DOJ will get the docs and precedent will have been set in the event other congresscritters are hiding evidence in their offices. ;^)
Exactly
Enough with the strategery and poker talk. This was a foolish move by the president. This stinks to high heaven and it looks like elites covering for one another. The Department of Justice has established precedent for investigating our "betters". They caught the guy red handed with $90 large, the president seals the investigation and you think this is good for the country? The president has abused his authority by interfering in a legal federal investigation.
I am truly amazed at how many FReepers believe this is good for the country. FReepers used to support the rule of law. We demanded it during the Clinton administration. Now we look the other way on illegal immigration and support the president when he stops the legal investigation of a dirty politician. What will you not accept?
Like, perhaps, this investigation: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1638463/posts
Your nuts - the President is in charge of Executive branch - and guess what genius - the Judiciary reports to the executive.
You need a civics lesson
Oh, as to the leak investigation, here is a fun place with lots of neat inside skinny and probably some speculation: http://macsmind.blogspot.com/
Sorry to diasgree, Goose, but the president did not make a nice move here, once again he has ticked off a large part of his base.
The constitution is clear and he should have pointed that out to these screamin, whining senators and representatives. Senators and reps are NOT immune to search if it envolves a felony. There is nothing murky or unclear about it. President Bush screwed up here and you have to wonder why.
What the hell is this. Has President Bush lost his mind? Is this the beginning of politicians who will be above the law. No longer subject to investigation and court ordered warrants are meaningless. Bush, is making a mistake. Too many mistakes lately.
Sorry, I agree this was a good move by Bush. It gives those dumbe@$$ republicans in the House a chance to climb off the ledge. Meanwhile Justice takes it to Court and wins. If and when (I believe) Justice takes it to Court, that will be Bush telling them they aren't above the law.
"Never have voted a straight ticket and never will."
It looks like we won't be able to vote straight ticket in Missouri anymore even if we wanted to.
http://www.senate.mo.gov/06info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=83706
"The act repeals provisions that allow straight ticket voting."
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