White House kept "major program" secret

reuters ^ | July 9, 2006 | Alan Elsner

[prairiebreeze]

Dear Congressman Hoekstra,

In view of the leaks over national security to the NY Times, there is little wonder why the WH would be hesitant to the point of impenatrable silence to inform congress (notoriously leaky) about anti-terror programs.

Further, if the congress would show one tenth the backbone in sustaining their power balance against the breaches that the SCOTUS levels against them and their legislation as they show toward undermining the executive branch, the entire country and rest of western civilization would be much better off.

sheesh.

[prairiebreeze]

But Hoekstra's complaint was particularly significant since it came from a strong supporter of the administration's tactics.

Tactics which have saved lives, prevented attacks and nabbed terrorists. And which al-Reuters heartily disapproves of. ping

[Dilbert56]

Imagine, a "penchant for secrecy" while fighting a war. Hard to believe, isn't it?

[prairiebreeze]

ping

[new yorker 77]

Hi I am Congressman Hoekstra.

Make me look like an ass on WMD and I will whore it up for the press by trying to make you look bad.

[Paloma_55]

I saw Hoekstra on Fox News this morning and unfortunately, they neglected to ask him "Since this letter, which was confidential information between the Congress and White House was leaked from your committee, do you intend to investigate this leak and prosecute the leaker?"

[NonValueAdded]

Indeed. Given the leaks from Congress, the White House would be derelict in its sworn duty if they exposed vital national security programs not to Congressional oversight but rather to the enemies of our country. Get your House in order first, Hoekstra.

[Cinnamon]

yeah.. it's unimaginable! ypu know.. these lefties and co. are gonna feel it at the ballot box and the wallet come November.

[msnimje]

If there were actual Statesmen in the Legislature with the best interest of this country at heart rather than their own political futures I am sure the Administrative Branch would disclose more to them.

[Mo1]

And how did Hoekstra's jsut happen to reach the NYT

This is all BS and it smells to me

[syriacus]

"Since this letter, which was confidential information between the Congress and White House was leaked from your committee, do you intend to investigate this leak and prosecute the leaker?"

Great catch!

[Mo1]

grrrr

Should be

And how did Hoekstra's LETTER just happen to reach the NYT

[billbears]

Further, if the United States Congress would show one tenth the backbone in sustaining their power balance against the breaches that the SCOTUS Executive branch levels has leveled against them for the past 150 years and their legislation as they show toward undermining the executive branch, the entire country and rest of western civilization would be much better off.

There, fixed it for you...By law the Executive Branch is required to inform the Legislative Branch on certain issues. This was not done. Just good to see some Republicans haven't drunk all the partisan koolaid and are realizing how far the Executive Branch has moved from the original intent of the Framers

[don-o]

This is bullshit. W well knows that when he "briefs" Congress, we will read it in the NYTimes next day - or same day on the net.

Dear Congressman Hoekstra is eat up with Potomac Fever. Sheesh; what part of war do these dweebs not understand?

[Mo1]

they neglected to ask him "Since this letter, which was confidential information between the Congress and White House was leaked from your committee, do you intend to investigate this leak and prosecute the leaker?"

I doubt it .. I think we all know how the NYT rec'd that letter

This wasn't just a leak of a letter .. it was another leak of a national security program in this war

These people are going to get more Americans killed

[johnny7]

Seems so don't it. This kind of crap ain't gonna' help anyone... DON'T TAKE PRIVATE FIGHTS TO THE MSM!

[prairiebreeze]

Certain issues, yes. And that of course, has happened and continues to happen (dont' you ever read?)

But since congress can't be trusted to keep it's yap shut, I'd prefer the EB looking out for my neck when it comes to sensitive anti-terrorism programs, thankyouverymuch.

As for the SCOTUS (and allow me here to widen that to include a large share of the judiciary in the nation), that neuters congress (federal and state) AS WELL AS VOTERS with a dull rusty knife several times a year, it would just be refreshing to see congress stand up for their constituents and itself against these legal tyrants. Even a little bit.

Instead they limp off with tails between their legs to lick their wounds....once again.

[don-o]

I will buy into that when the leakers are frog marched out of Congress or the NYTimes directly to jail. Until then, the President is fulfilling his oath of office.

[billbears]

Certain issues, yes. And that of course, has happened and continues to happen (dont' you ever read?)

Indeed I do. Don't you?

Rep. Pete Hoekstra, a Michigan Republican who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, said on Fox News Sunday he had written a four-page to President George W. Bush in May warning him that the failure to disclose the intelligence activities to Congress may be a violation of the law.

It wasn't done in this case and it makes me wonder exactly what other cases it hasn't been done in.

But since congress can't be trusted to keep it's yap shut, I'd prefer the EB looking out for my neck when it comes to sensitive anti-terrorism programs, thankyouverymuch.

Oh yes, much better one political hack do it than 536. You are too willing to put a lot of power into the hands of one man. Washington warned against this. Unfortunately party faithful apparently don't care.

As for the SCOTUS (and allow me here to widen that to include a large share of the judiciary in the nation), that neuters congress (federal and state) AS WELL AS VOTERS with a dull rusty knife several times a year, it would just be refreshing to see congress stand up for their constituents and itself against these legal tyrants. Even a little bit.

What cases in particular are you addressing? Just the cases from SCOTUS mind you.

[Wild Irish Rogue]

There are only a handful of Congress members that cannot resist showboating on tv. I thought Hoekstra was above this-apparently not.
I do not want national security measures and programs discussed in public or printed in the paper- especially during war time.
To our nation's shame, there are too few Congress members who understand this concept.