Posted on 07/10/2006 1:38:58 PM PDT by eraser2005
BREAKING NEWS:Judge rules FBI search of Rep. William Jefferson's Capitol Hill office was constitutional
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
That's putting it charitably.
Ah yes, all through history corruption by government leaders has been a winning ideal.
Some FReepers just can't see that "historic perspective".
/S
The tradition of keeping the federales out of the Houses of Congress, their offices that directly support Capitol Hill, etc. dates back a long, long way, even before the founding of the Republic.
Besides, any FBI worth it's salt could find all they need on this Jefferson character without breaking into one of the House office buildings.
We should not sacrifice our Constitution simply because the FBI no longer attracts first-class analysts and investigators.
Breaking hearts, undoubtedly.
United States citizens have long had the right to be secure in our homes and belongings too. I don't see Congress too upset with "no knock" raids and other intrusions into citizens lives.
Prosecutors asked Congress for help 10 months ago with no response. When one act irresponsibly other steps are taken. Congress acted irresponsibly, they are getting what they deserve.
I think we should rake FBI over the coals and totally reform them. It's been pretty obvious for some time now that they are not pulling in first-class minds who are able to take down a crook like Jefferson without violating Congress' Constitutional prerogatives.
For most of the history of the Republic there was no "no knock" rule.
Congress not being above the law is a coup? That's quite a jump.
You and I disagree.
Congress is not "above the law", but then again, neither is the Executive nor the Judiciary.
LOL! I heard he is represented by the law firm "Dewey, Cheatham & Howe"...
I disagree completely with your reasoning.
We are a nation of laws, not men.
There are 3 branches of government. None of the members of any of these 3 branches are above the law.
As regards future corrupt administrations, the Clinton adminstration violated so many laws with impunity in order to get political enemies, it is laughable that one would consider the manner of Jefferson's downfall to be opening any flood gate to future crooked administrations.
if this decision had gone the other way - it would have been. it would be the only branch to have a constitutional protection against oversight from the other branches. and not for legitimate actions mind you, I agree that is in the constitution - but for EVERY KIND OF CRIME. the executive and judicial bracnhes have impeachment and removal, so who oversees congress if the law were to be as you suggest?
and don't answer with - "the voters", or "they investigate themselves".
Still, notice that the Constitution provides that the House and Senate are judge of their own members.
In questions like this the Founders fell back on the elected body closest to the people to decide how to proceed in the case of a crime involving their members.
You might well read the Constitution someday to check all of that out.
only with respect to official acts do they have such protections.
if a congressman murders someone inside washington DC, can they be prosecuted,or even investigated, for it by the civilian justice system?
"...except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest.."
If that is a joke, I don't get it.
When the FBI is so bereft of people who can think clearly, the greater problem is the FBI, not the criminals they are after.
What joke?
Your post. I thought it was an embedded joke.
Did I miss something? The mods didn't.
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