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Title: Poor White House: Victimized by threat of subpoena
Source:
AP
URL Source: http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/14031.html
Published: Dec 24, 2007
Author: na
Post Date: 2007-12-24 21:17:03 by Mekons4
Keywords: None
Views: 377
Comments: 40
Fear of subpoenas ‘crippling’ the White House? Posted December 24th, 2007 at 2:05 pm Share This | Spotlight | Permalink As she departs the White House, and steps down as Bush’s chief terrorism adviser, Frances Fragos Townsend stopped to tell the NYT how disappointed she is with the political climate in DC. Promoted to domestic security adviser in 2004, she became a loyalist and said she was leaving wearied by the acrimony that hangs over Mr. Bush’s last year in office. “I find it both offensive and crippling,” she said. “When both career people and political people are worried about getting subpoenaed, it’s hard to get a lot accomplished.” Oh, those poor, poor White House officials. If only Congress would go back to ignoring the administration’s scandalous, sometimes criminal, behavior, the president and his aides would find it much easier to go about their business without the fear of accountability. Apparently, we’re supposed to feel sorry for the whole bunch. But does the Bush gang really find all of this really “offensive and crippling”? What’s offensive about congressional oversight? For that matter, why is it that executive-branch officials, who presumably aren’t doing anything wrong, feel “crippled” by the fear that they may be asked to account for the decisions? It just sounds so ridiculous, I’m surprised a top White House official would even say this on the record. Besides, if the Bush gang really wants to talk about “offensive and crippling” subpoenas from Congress, let’s not forget how Republicans ran (.pdf) the House Oversight Committee in the 1990s. Before the Republicans took control of Congress in 1995, congressional authority to issue subpoenas was viewed as a serious power to be exercised judiciously. From at least as far back as the McCarthy era in the 1950s to the Republican takeover in 1995, no Democratic committee chairman issued a subpoena without either consent from the minority or a committee vote. This long-standing tradition of restraint was abandoned, however, during the congressional investigations of the Clinton Administration. The Government Reform Committee is the primary investigative committee in the House of Representatives. During the Clinton Administration, the chairman of this Committee unilaterally issued over 1,000 subpoenas to investigate allegations of misconduct involving the Clinton Administration and the Democratic Party. The Committee issued 1,089 subpoenas during the six years that Dan Burton served as chairman from 1997 through 2002. During this period, 1,052 of the Committee’s subpoenas - 97% - targeted officials of the Clinton Administration and the Democratic Party; only 11 subpoenas related to allegations of Republican abuses. (emphasis added) Burton handed out subpoenas like candy. He subpoenaed 141 different Clintonites. He held hearings — for 10 days — on the Clintons’ Christmas card list. In one instance, Burton was so reckless, he subpoenaed the wrong man (looking for someone with a similar name). In another instance, Burton fired a bullet into a “head-like object” — reportedly a melon — in his backyard to test the theory that former White House counsel Vincent Foster was murdered (this from the man who is now warning against “sensational disclosures”). But Frances Fragos Townsend thinks it’s “offensive and crippling” for Congress to expect the White House to explain matters such as the politicization of the Justice Department and the destruction of CIA evidence of torture. It’s as if lawmakers have it in their heads that Congress is a co-equal branch of government with oversight responsibilities. The nerve. Discussion What do you think? Leave a comment. Alternatively, write a post on your own weblog; this blog accepts trackbacks. 9 Comments 1. On December 24th, 2007 at 2:28 pm, 1st Republic 14th Star said: Jesus, isn’t a central tenet of the Bush administration’s war on terrorism that if you’re not guilty, you should have no problem with someone secretly looking into your phone calls, e-mails, the books you buy and borrow, etc.? Well, then I have to ask — if Townsend and her fellow “loyal Bushies” have done nothing wrong, then why do they fear oversight? In a trial, Townsend’s words and actions would be considered “consciousness of guilt” and could be used to demonstrate that she had actually committed a criminal act. 2. On December 24th, 2007 at 2:38 pm, bjobotts said: Just like mobsters worry about getting subpoenaed, it’s a legitimate fear when you are complicit in corruption. “Hey, I was just doin’ what the boss ordered.” Townsend is such a wretched human being for her defense of torture. No place in government for a grand inquisitor spokeswomen. You’re right . Her statements were outlandish for a departing administration employee. “How can we do our jobs if we have to be worried about being scrutinized with intruding oversight? I think it comes from years of waking up to sex and hearing, “Just close your eyes and go back to sleep”. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt Frances. The GOP spent millions and hundreds of hours and couldn’t find anything on Clinton but when corruption is running rampant in this administration they complain if someone even dares to point it out. That’s why they deserve no respect…they have no integrity and are hypocritical to the core. 3. On December 24th, 2007 at 2:47 pm, jen flowers said: It is so inconvenient following the law. 4. On December 24th, 2007 at 2:52 pm, Jim said: The underlying assumption here is that Congress has no duty of oversight w/r/t the Executive branch. Has Ms Townsend studied American Government at the middle school level or higher? It is very difficult to take Fran Townsend seriously when considering her farewell letter to GW Bush. “In 1937, the playwright Maxwell Anderson wrote of President George Washington: There are some men who lift the age they inhabit, til all men walk on higher ground in their lifetime.” “Mr. President, you are such man.” In all seriousness, such fawning gush would be merely annoying coming from a political flack (Mary Matalin or Josh Bolten), but that a career professional could describe Bush in those terms, that said career professional played a signficant role in this country’s national security policy is frightening. I believe Townsend was Richard Clarke’s deputy. I’ve never heard him comment on her tenure. I’d be curious to hear what he has to say. 5. On December 24th, 2007 at 2:58 pm, dolphy said: Awwww…. Let’s all chip in & buy her a box of tissues. This is touching. 6. On December 24th, 2007 at 3:35 pm, rege said: Out of curiosity, how many Bush administration officials has actually responded to a subpoena which they have received? 7. On December 24th, 2007 at 4:53 pm, andy phx said: I can’t believe that bjobotts referred to Townsend as a “human being”. Can scum really be considered a human being? I think ‘human waste’ is more appropriate. 8. On December 24th, 2007 at 5:06 pm, Anne said: More to the point of how many subpoenas were issued from 1997 to 2002, which is eye-popping in itself, is how many were ignored. I haven’t done the research on that one, but I think the answer is “none.” Is that because all of the people under subpoena had nothing to hide, or knew they were innocent of whatever role was being ascribed to them? Probably not entirely, although I think it is safe to say that if there was a Congress bent on crippling, it was Dan Burton’s Congress. Bill Clinton, as with many presidents before him, understood that Congress had a right to get answers to its questions, that it had a constituionally mandated oversight responsibility, and that being “co-equal” really did mean “on equal footing.” This president believes no such thing. He believes he stands above all, and if there is any crippling going on, it’s obvious that it is the president who is doing it - not the Congress. Frances Townsend is another example of someone who has been in the Bush Bubble for so long, she actually believes the things she says. Can’t wait for the rest of them to hit the road.
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#1. To: Mekons4 (#0)
“I find it both offensive and crippling,” she said. “When both career people and political people are worried about getting subpoenaed, it’s hard to get a lot accomplished.” Too funny.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! I think it is sad. Even more I find it offensive. I am offended that they are not already on trial for War Crimes. I am offended that the whole damn bunch of criminals are not already in Orange Jump Suits.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
That's right. I'm offended that none of these traitors have been apprehended.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! This is the most criminal government in the history of the Republic. They have murdered more than a million people. That is a big number and it is not just a statistic. They were people with lives, hopes, and aspirations. More than a million children, women, and men. Murdered, and it was murder most foul. All snuffed out by the criminal monsters infesting our government. God save us all.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
You are absolutely correct.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! However, on this "eve of eve's" I'll shy off from the grimmer aspects of our reality for now. Peace on Earth is my prayer.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Mine too, with a couple helpful ideas in how to accomplish that.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! Got Rope?
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
We'll need more for any real justice.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! Courtesy of Byteshredder. Sorry if I'm tardy - I'm running back and forth - I'm carving Cheese and Meat in the Kitchen for a platter. I think I'm going to be full by the time I finish it. With the folks we have infesting the District of Corruption you just can't have too much good rope on hand - and lots of trees.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Hissssssssssssssssssss!
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
I hope you're sampling. I'm listening to a Christmas Eve Mass from D.C. and rejoicing that I finished with the wrapping. I'm also hoping the plumbing is fixed at my sister's or all 18 may end up here tomorrow.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! Come, they told ba-rumpa-bump-bum I am that poor-boy feith ba-rumpa-bump-bum I've been discriminated against bartumbarumbarumbarum... Your race will adapt to service mine barumpadumduym Resistance is futile >bA-rumpadump-dumdum you'll worship Herbert if left to your own hillbilly devices, ba-rumpa-dump-duym...
"Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who can't mind their own business, because they have no business of their own to mind, any more than a smallpox virus has." - William S Burroughs
Well, I have to make sure it's acceptable to serve to other people don't I? What kind of person would I be if I didn't make sure it was acceptable to serve guests? Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee!
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Reminds me - time to put Handel's Messiah on the ol' Victrola.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
yes of course!
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! I'm waiting until tomorrow. The cameraman just showed Gingrich's ugly mug, with I'm not sure which wife, in the front pew.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! lol! The scary part is, I was able to follow that.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! One is the beginning...and the end.
"Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who can't mind their own business, because they have no business of their own to mind, any more than a smallpox virus has." - William S Burroughs
Now it's time to sample the wine. Something festive perhaps? I have a 2002 bottle of Georges Duboeuf Noveau Beaujolais and one of Michael Picard - nice and fruity.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
oh, that's better than anything I have around, but now that you mention it...
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! Good ol Newt, drop the divorce papers off in the Cancer Ward, Gingrich. Such a Pious Man. Gag, barf, projectile vomit.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
You would hate me if you knew what I paid for it - about 1/3 of the normal price.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Estola, a Spanish wine found at Trader Joe's is good for the price. How did you get such a good deal?
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! There is a store near me that carries, close-outs, overstocks, and odd lots in grocery items - one of which is wine. Every now and then they will get a real good deal in and I will buy as much as my budget allows. Like when they got in a Case of Estate Bottled Bordeaux - which they unloaded at 9 dollars a bottle - 40 dollars a bottle, or more, anywhere else. Trader Joe's had the same Duboeuf Noveau Beaujolais that I paid 2.99 a bottle for at a little over 8 dollars a bottle - and they were undercutting the competition.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
that's a very good deal; it isn't easy to beat Trader Joe's
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today!
"Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who can't mind their own business, because they have no business of their own to mind, any more than a smallpox virus has." - William S Burroughs
No, it isn't. However, through this store, called Grocery Outlet, I can occasionally get some killer deals. Ones that stand out in memory were the time I got a 500g round of Mature Welsh Cheddar for 2.50. It is still the best sharp Cheddar I have ever had. Some are more mundane, but useful - "Eddie's Organic Pasta" - 3 bags for a buck, Marinated New Zealand Green Shell Mussels for 1.99 - 8 bucks in a gourmet store. Between Trader Joe's and the Grocery Outlet I cut my grocery budget by about 40%, and eat better, than if I went to a big chain supermarket. I am sucker for a real bargain.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
My favorite. I can still sing many of the songs from memory. Alto of course. I can't do the runs in Unto Us a Child is Born anymore because of my asthma. For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Hallelujah.
I have several recordings of it, but my favorite is the one done by the London Philharmonic - a Masterpiece recording of a Masterpiece. Alto eh? Cool. My favorite female singer is Shirley Bassey - an Alto.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Lynne Dawson sings "I know that my redeemer liveth" Lynne Dawson sings "Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion" Marietta Simpson, Robert Shaw--"Messiah" But Who May Abide Sylvia McNair, Robert Shaw-"Messiah" Shepherds Abiding He Shall Feed His Flock from Handel's Messiah Handel - Messiah - He Was Despised - Charlotte Hellekant Handel - Messiah - And he shall purify "Behold a virgin/O thou that tellest"Ian Howell Countertenor Aksel Schiøtz in two arias from Handel's "Messiah" Handel - Why do the nations so furiously rage together Alastair Miles sings "The trumpet shall sound" The Baroque trumpet being played here is valveless but has two finger holes which the trumpeter can close and open with the thumb and little finger of the right hand for fine pitch control. You should be able to see Crispian Steele-Perkins doing this in the video.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! Coolness. Thank you for posting that. I currently have a recording on, a personal favorite "Christmas Brass", playing a medley that ends with the Hallelujah Chorus.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
Sounds mellow. I just wanted a variety to listen to tomorrow. I couldn't find Shirley Bassey.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today! White Zombie - Blur the Technicolor "Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who can't mind their own business, because they have no business of their own to mind, any more than a smallpox virus has." - William S Burroughs
You might have to look on a U.K. site for her.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
They have murdered more than a million people. I think Klinton/Albright would give that number a good run.
Mark If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers - normally good Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free - Americans who have been lulled into a false security (April 1968).---Ezra Taft Benson, US Secretary of Agriculture 1953-1961 under Eisenhower
I was just re-reading this and you reminded me of a recording I have of period Baroque Trumpet - thanks for the reminder - on it goes. :-)
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
I think Klinton/Albright would give that number a good run. You'll get no argument from me. But then Klinton and gang are associates of the Bush Fambly anyway, and as near as I can tell both are run by Rockefeller/Rothschild interests.
"The difference between an honorable man and a moral man is that an honorable man regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked and he is in no danger of being caught." ~ H. L. Mencken
I really enjoyed Aksel Schiøtz, an old but amazingly good recording. I'm going to look for more on him someday.
Ron Paul for President - Join a Ron Paul Meetup group today!said she was leaving wearied by the acrimony that hangs over Mr. Bush’s last year in office.
The Revolution will not be televised!
#2. To: robin (#1)
“I find it both offensive and crippling,” she said. “When both career people and political people are worried about getting subpoenaed, it’s hard to get a lot accomplished.”
#3. To: Original_Intent (#2)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#4. To: robin (#3)
#5. To: Original_Intent (#4)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#6. To: robin (#5)
#7. To: Original_Intent (#6)
Peace on Earth is my prayer.
The Revolution will not be televised!
#8. To: robin (#7)
#9. To: Original_Intent (#8)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#10. To: Original_Intent (#8)
Got Rope?
My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places. -- Winnie the Pooh
#11. To: robin (#9)
#12. To: farmfriend (#10)
Courtesy of Byteshredder.
#13. To: Original_Intent (#11)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#14. To: robin (#13)
(Edited)
and hated for my subversive views, Herbert picnic lyrics,...
#15. To: robin (#13)
I hope you're sampling.
#16. To: robin (#13)
#17. To: Original_Intent (#15)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#18. To: Original_Intent (#16)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#19. To: Dakmar (#14)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#20. To: robin (#19)
#21. To: robin (#17)
#22. To: Original_Intent (#21)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#23. To: robin (#18)
#24. To: robin (#22)
oh, that's better than anything I have around, but now that you mention it...
#25. To: Original_Intent (#24)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#26. To: robin (#25)
#27. To: Original_Intent (#26)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#28. To: robin (#19)
The scary part is, I was able to follow that.
#29. To: robin (#27)
...it isn't easy to beat Trader Joe's
#30. To: Original_Intent (#16)
Reminds me - time to put Handel's Messiah on the ol' Victrola.
My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places. -- Winnie the Pooh
#31. To: farmfriend (#30)
#32. To: Original_Intent (#31)
(Edited)
Alastair Miles sings from Handel's Messiah: 45 Behold, I tell you a mystery - 46 The trumpet shall sound. Crispian Steele-Perkins is the trumpet soloist. Stephen Cleobury conducts the Brandenburg Consort.
The Revolution will not be televised!
#33. To: robin (#32)
#34. To: Original_Intent (#33)
The Revolution will not be televised!
#35. To: robin (#34)
#36. To: robin (#34)
I couldn't find Shirley Bassey.
#37. To: Original_Intent (#4)
This is the most criminal government in the history of the Republic.
#38. To: robin (#32)
The Baroque trumpet being played here is valveless but has two finger holes which the trumpeter can close and open with the thumb and little finger of the right hand for fine pitch control.
#39. To: Kamala (#37)
They have murdered more than a million people.
#40. To: Original_Intent (#38)
The Revolution will not be televised!
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