Posted on 07/22/2007 11:37:46 AM PDT by enough_idiocy
The Bush administration's vow this week to block contempt charges from Congress could prove to be a successful strategy for protecting White House documents about the multiple firings of U.S. attorneys, Democratic legal scholars and legislative aides said yesterday.
This week, Bush administration officials disclosed that they will never allow a U.S. attorney to pursue contempt charges on behalf of Congress, noting that the Justice Department cannot be required to act against a decision by the president.
But administration officials and other legal scholars, including some Democrats, noted that Justice Department lawyers in the Clinton administration made a similar argument during a controversy with Congress over the nomination of a federal judge.
Walter E. Dellinger III, who headed the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department then, wrote in a 1995 legal opinion that "the criminal contempt of Congress statute does not apply to the President or presidential subordinates who assert executive privilege."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
If you want to be disturbed and have your blood pressure raised, read the comments section after the article.
Whatever happened about the documents Sandy Berger stole that incriminated him & Clinton?
Several searches came up with usage but no clear definition.
The music industry pays teens to blog for (and against?) certain bands.
Wouldn’t surprise me if the DNC/Soros/Moveon was doing the same. Certianly there have been Craigslist listings across the country to pay and house “protestors” who they want protesting in certain cities.
>>But administration officials and other legal scholars, including some Democrats, noted that Justice Department lawyers in the Clinton administration made a similar argument during a controversy with Congress over the nomination of a federal judge.
Walter E. Dellinger III, who headed the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department then, wrote in a 1995 legal opinion that “the criminal contempt of Congress statute does not apply to the President or presidential subordinates who assert executive privilege.”<<
Yes but...
Clinton was not accused of wrong doing (in this particular case, just 20 others) when he quashed the subpoena.
And Reagan backed down in spite of his justice Department ruling... but Reagan at least acknowledged the it was a court decision. President Bush seems to be claiming the right to quash investigations of wrong doing against the executive branch by claiming privilege.
>>Burr asked the court to issue a subpoena duces tecum to compel Jefferson to provide his private letters concerning Burr. Chief Justice John Marshall, a strong proponent of the powers of the federal government but also a political opponent of Jefferson, ruled that the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for these sorts of court orders for criminal defendants, did not provide any exception for the president. As for Jefferson’s claim that disclosure of the document would imperil public safety, Marshall held that the court, not the president, would be the judge of that. Jefferson complied with Marshall’s order.<<
Lest we forget 9/11 and our security as a nation in total and focus on investigations.
Gosh I have to wonder why Congress approval ratings are lagging the Presidents rating via polls these days.
Sweet Revenge!
'Stroke of the pen, law of the land...
“Lest we forget 9/11 and our security as a nation in total and focus on investigations.”
You have to remember that these clowns think that the biggest threat to America is Bush, not the terrorists.
And, in many ways they’re right that the threat to them personally rests with Bush and not the terrorists. They could care less about the rest of the country.
My mindset toward the "beltway" is not a confused one my FRiend.
Not to worry. ; )
This has always been a weakness of the Bushs. From Bush I to W. Weakness is provoctive when you're dealing with RATS. They always go for the jugular when they smell it.
never apologize.....it's a sign of weakness.
If “contempt of Congress” were a crime, 80% of the country would be in jail!
Who is favored in legal channels is meaningless. This whole matter is nothing more than another smoke and mirrors to get the public thinking Republicans are evil, corrupt and place themselves above the law. All so more people either will vote Democrat or stay home and not vote Republican.
Legalities don’t matter, only public perception!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.