Could Pete Domenici Be The Next Ted Stevens

As Alaska and much of the nation is well aware of, ex-Sen. Ted Stevens is now a convicted felon, thanks to his undisclosed bribes from the oil industry. Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) isn't as well known outside his homestate, but that could soon change if a Federal Grand Jury's probe of him turns out to find what many observers suspect he may be guilty of in association with the politically-motivated firings of several U.S. Attorneys.

From TPM Muckraker:

The federal grand jury is investigating whether Domenici and other political figures attempted to improperly press Iglesias to bring a criminal prosecution against New Mexico Democrats just prior to the 2006 congressional midterm elections, according to legal sources close to the investigation and private attorneys representing officials who prosecutors want to question. Investigators appear to be scrutinizing Iglesias' firing in the context of whether he was fired in retaliation because Domenici and others believed that he would not manipulate the timing of prosecutions to help Republicans.

Previously, Domenici was severely criticized by two internal Justice Department watchdog offices, the Department's Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), for refusing to cooperate with their earlier probe of the firings of the U.S. attorneys. In part because of their frustration that Domenici and his chief of staff, Steve Bell, as well as several senior White House officials, would not cooperate with them, the Inspector General and OPR sought that a criminal prosecutor take over their probe. It is unclear whether Domenici will now cooperate with the criminal probe. Domenici's attorney, Lee Blalack, in an interview, declined to say what Domenici will do when he is contacted by investigators.

Domenici will most likely fight tooth and nail to avoid the clutches of the recently redeemed Justice Department. Pete wanted nothing to do with the initial report and by the way Iglesias' testimony went, it is likely because he doesn't want to confront the consequences of his actions. Everything was about partisan gain and combating Democrats with any and all means possible, even if it was illegal. The rule of law wasn't respected during the Bush years, so Domenici probably felt secure in what he was doing. Unfortunately for him, justice has a funny way of catching up with you, just ask Ted Stevens.

Rove Will Now Cooperate, But How Much Can He Recall?

Abruptly and all of a sudden, Karl Rove has decided to cooperate with investigators concerning the politically motivated firings of several U.S. Attorneys. He had stonewalled officials for quite some time, claiming executive privilege and hiding behind the Bush Administration. Well the White has changed hands, but it didn't sway Rove until yesterday. So I wonder, did Alberto Gonzales give him some tips to help make this all go away?

From TPM Muckraker:

Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said that Rove, however, will cooperate with a federal criminal probe of the firings being led by Nora Dannehy, the Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut who was selected by former Attorney General Michael Mukasey to lead the investigation. Dannehy has recently empaneled a federal grand jury to hear evidence in the matter.

Luskin told me that Rove had earlier not cooperated with the Inspector General and OPR probe into the firings because "it was not his [Karl's] call... it was not up to us decide." Luskin said that Rove was directed by the Bush White House counsel's office not to cooperate with the Inspector General and OPR.

Perhaps he thinks (or knows?) that Dannehy will throw him soft ball questions since she's a Mukasey pick. She was after all installed long after the Department of Justice was tainted by Bush's quest to politicize everything about our government. Or Rove could just pull that Gonzales defense and claim to not know anything of any importance. Karl has never had much regard for the law, so why should he start now?

Ah, The Many Crimes Of The Bush Administration

Keith Olbermann covers the top three scandals within the White House and what is going on with each. Particularly interesting is that the Feds are actually showing some signs about doing something about the felonious Alberto Gonzales!

No Justice At Justice Department

According to Attorney General Michael Mukasey, bad press is far worse than a jail cell. Due to the embarrassment of those that hired U.S. Attorneys for political reasons, Mukasey feels that they have suffered enough and the rule of law and justice need not apply. When you are living under the umbrella of the Bush Administration, officials feel untouchable.

From The Huffington Post:

Mukasey used his sharpest words yet to criticize the senior leaders who took part in or failed to stop illegal hiring practices during the tenure of his predecessor, Alberto Gonzales.

But, he told delegates to the American Bar Association annual meeting, "not every wrong, or even every violation of the law, is a crime. In this instance, the two joint reports found only violations of the civil service laws."

Other intrusions of Bush administration politics into department hirings and firings remain under investigation. Mukasey said he is awaiting reports on the firing of nine U.S. attorneys in 2006 and the hiring practices in the department's civil rights division.

Sharp words may sound cutting, but anything that comes out of Mukasey's mouth is pure, unadulterated bullshit. The best (or worst) was the statement that not every violation of the law (a crime) is a crime. Confused? Yeah, well when it comes to Mukasey and other Bushies, doublespeak is one of the only rules they actually follow.

Sometimes Being A Big GOP Donor Isn't Enough

The recent update on the U.S. Attorney scandal revealed that Monica Goodling did indeed break the law numerous times by using political factors to determine who would and wouldn't be good candidates for the office. Being a good loyal Republican was key to the process, but even some of those didn't make the cut.

From The Times-Union:

The IG report discusses how the Bush White House tried to get favorites appointed to lifetime posts as immigration judges, and reached out to friends in New York. One passage deals with a judge candidate from New York recommended by an unnamed congressman in June 2005.

The congressman's staff gave the candidate's qualifications to the White House as "great Republican" and "long time donor to the local GOP." The "local" Republican Party officials said they could vouch for the candidate, whose name was forwarded for an interview, according to the report.

The New York Republican nominee -- also unnamed, alas -- didn't score well.

"The candidate's conduct during his ... interview causes us to question whether he possesses the appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor to serve as an immigration judge," a Bush administration e-mail quoted in the report says. "The candidate used profanity during the interview, acted abrasively, and when asked what his greatest weakness was, responded 'blondes.' "

Perhaps Bush's minions saw what this guy said and had at least a few principles left to realize that maybe this guy wouldn't be the most impartial of judges....and godforbid a possible terrost wear a blonde wig, we might have all been in serious trouble. Now I wonder who might this judicial candidate might have been?

Judge Bates Reminds White House No One Is Above The Law

Since they walked into the White House, George Bush and his minions believed that they were above the law. This was proven time and time again when they broke the law and when called on it by the blogosphere (and rarely by the timid traditional media) they hid behind a veil of secrecy. When Congress changed hands and gave the Democratic Party some power to hold hearings and deliver subpoenas, they claimed executive privilege. Well after what seems like months and months of delays, a federal judge known for his executive branch bias has reminded the White House that no one is above the law.

From MSNBC:

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge John Bates said there’s no legal basis for Bush’s argument and that his former legal counsel, Harriet Miers, must appear before Congress. If she wants to refuse to testify, he said, she must do so in person. The committee also has sought to force testimony from White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten.

“Harriet Miers is not immune from compelled congressional process; she is legally required to testify pursuant to a duly issued congressional subpoena,” Bates wrote. He said that both Bolten and Miers must give Congress all non-privileged documents related to the firings.

The ruling is a blow to the Bush administration’s efforts to bolster the power of the executive branch at the expense of the legislative branch. The Bush administration argued it was immune from such subpoenas, arguing that Congress can't force them to testify or turn over documents.

Contrary to the wishes of the President and those beneath him that carried out crimes against the people of the United States and in particular several U.S. Attorneys (for this specific matter, the scandal is but one symptom of a devastating disease ravaging our Constitution). Judge Bates realizes that in our democracy, Congress has the power to check the Executive branch in order to give balance to our system of government. You know, the stuff written into the Constitution.

Of course now the White House will come up with another tactic to delay, most likely in the form of an appeal. That is why the Congress must find its spine and act now to circumvent their skirting of the justice system. Pelosi claims that they'll act, but only the people can pressure her and the caucus she leads into choosing real action over blustering and issuing sternly worded statements with nothing behind them.

Apparently The Constitution Does Not Apply To Mr. Rove

It isn't breaking news that Karl Rove or anyone in or out of the Bush White House has any regard for our nation's highest governing document. What's the Constitution anyways when you have a lust for all encompassing power and a need to be above the law? Well Karl Rove does not have to come out and say that he or his friend the President want dictatorial powers in order to ignore the Congress, they just do it. And now they mock it.

From RawStory:

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) issued a subpoena Thursday to former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove for testimony about politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ), including the case of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, who was jailed for bribery in what was widely seen as a political prosecution.

In response, Rove's attorney Robert Luskin questioned why the subpoena was necessary and mocked Conyers in a letter copied to RAW STORY.

"I do not misunderstand either the Committee's procedures or the scope of its interest in Mr. Rove; nor, in light of your reported remarks about the need for 'someone' to 'kick his ass,' am I the least bit confused about the Committee's motives and intentions," Luskin wrote. "I confess, however, that I do not understand why the Committee is threating a subpoena to Mr. Rove for information related to the alleged 'politicization of the Department of Justice,' when, as the Committee is surely aware, Mr. Rove has already received a subpoena for the same subject matter from the Senate Judiciary Committee."

How sad that the media then buys that this is strictly a partisan story. If the politicization of the Department of Justice is alleged, why can't Karl Rove voluntarily come to Congress to discuss that, under oath? Whats the harm if there has been no foul? The problem is, as we already know, there have been multiple fouls and Rove does not want to be held accountable for his criminal behavior. He hasn't shown up for his first subpoena from the Senate, the Department of Justice will not fulfill its duty to compel him to testify and the loser here is all of us and the health of our democracy.

All I have to say is that our next President, in addition to the hope and change he brings, better make sure that all those guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors be brought forward to face justice and not be allowed to get away with the raping of our Republic.

Go Wexler!

This man has to be one of the most passionate advocate of real oversight and reform in Congress.

It Ain't Over For Gonzales Yet

Even though ex-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned from his office last month, his troubles are far from over. Obviously he is smart enough to recognize this and has retained a GOP loyalist attorney by the name of George Terwilliger. George was one of the top lawyers helping Bush during the 2000 vote recount saga down in Florida and was almost selected to replace Gonzo as Attorney General himself, being beat out by Michael Mukasey.

From Newsweek:

The top concern for Gonzales, and now Terwilliger, is the expanding investigation by Glenn Fine, the Justice Department’s fiercely independent inspector general, according to three legal sources familiar with the matter who declined to speak publicly about ongoing investigations. Originally, Fine's internal Justice probe—conducted in conjunction with lawyers from the department’s Office of Professional Responsibility—focused on the mass dismissal of U.S. attorneys late last year. The investigation has since broadened to include, among other matters, charges that Gonzales lied to Congress about the Bush administration’s warrantless surveillance program and the circumstances surrounding his late-night March 10, 2004, visit to the hospital room of then attorney general John Ashcroft. At the same time, Congress is continuing to pursue more documents on harsh CIA interrogation techniques approved by Gonzales.

Fine’s investigators, who received high-level security clearances, have been interviewing key players involved in the now-famous bedside confrontation in Ashcroft's hospital room, according to the legal sources. During the visit that evening, Gonzales, then White House counsel, sought to persuade an ailing and heavily medicated Ashcroft to overrule department lawyers who had refused to sign off on classified surveillance activities ordered by President Bush because of concerns about their legality. A rash of senior Justice Department officials—including then deputy attorney general James Comey and FBI Director Robert Mueller—threatened to resign over the incident.

Now that incident is beginning to haunt Alberto in the worst way. Congress and the Attorney General office's own Glenn Fine is hot on his trail. Can GoOPer Terwilliger save Gonzo's ass from the law and the truth? I'm hoping he can't, but we'll see how good his new attorney is....and more importantly how hard the law is going to work to convict him for his crimes against our country.

Gonzales Takes A Long Look In The Mirror

Alberto Gonzales finally gave his last speech as Attorney General yesterday. Don't worry though, if you want to hear him again check the speaker circuit for the GOP, I'm sure you can catch his wit and wisdom for $50,000 or so. If that isn't pathetic enough, since he should probably be in jail and nowhere near a lecturn, you must hear what he said yesterday. If I was dreaming, he would have been talking to himself in a mirror here.

From The Huffington Post:

"Over the past two and a half years, I have seen tyranny, dishonesty, corruption and depravity of types I never thought possible," Gonzales said in prepared remarks at a Hispanic Heritage Month ceremony at Bolling Air Force Base. "I've seen things I didn't know man was capable of.

"But I will tell you here and now that these things still leave me hopeful," he said. "Because every time I see a glimmer of the evil man can do, I see the defenders of liberty, truth and justice who stand ready to fight it."

Later, Gonzales was feted at a standing-room-only Justice Department farewell ceremony attended by, among others, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and former White House chief of staff Andy Card. Card's wife, The Rev. Kathleen Card, said a short prayer at the beginning of the ceremony, and former Solicitor General Theodore Olson, considered a top contender to replace Gonzales, also was in the audience.

Sure, around his friends he gets honest, why not talk candidly about himself like this when he was in front of Congress. Those details come back fast when you aren't under oath. He saw tyranny in George Bush and Dick Cheney. Dishonesty and corruption were all around him, isn't lying to Congress considered being dishonest too? As for depravity and things that men are capable of.....would that include going to hospital bed of a sick man to trick him into signing documents that talked about warrantless wiretaps? Or how about looking the other way as we torture Iraqis? Too harsh? Firing several U.S. Attorneys for purely political reasons? Does any of this count? Is anyone listening??

LMFAO At Karl Rove

Oh Karl, how you make me laugh (and cry sometimes to because of your record of destroying our Constitution). The terrible attempt at dancing on the stage at the White House Correspondents Dinner was one thing, but the interview on Fox News (of all places) with Chris Wallace yesterday was just too much.

From RawStory:

"Why not appear under oath or at least allow a transcript?" asked Wallace.

"Because of the Constitution of the United States," replied Rove, citing the separation of powers and suggesting there would be a public outcry if either Congressional aides or Supreme Court clerks were called to testify by one of the other branches.

"The Constitution does not prevent you from speaking to me, so in fact I'll ask you some questions," responded Wallace. "Why did you push to fire some US Attorneys in the president's second term?"

"Nice try," Rove came back. "The president has prerogatives that stand up not only to Congress but also to you. ... What I advised the president is protected by that prerogative. Nice try, Chris." Rove then spelled out the doctrine of executive privilege, saying, "You don't understand you're being an agent of Congress when you ask me that question, but you are."

An agent of Congress? Caring about the Constitution? If I had more floor space here I'd be rolling on the ground with laughter. So I'll just chuckle and smirk instead. Karl cares as much about the Constitution as Hitler had fondness for the Jews. The "brain" pathetically tried to defend himself with executive privilege, but he forgets that the Congress represents the American people. Even though Wallace works at Fox News, I give him some credit for asking a tough question even if he couldn't get a good answer.

The thing is, Rove won't give him or Congress an answer because he knows he is guilty of oh so many crimes against our nation. He really isn't as bright as many people think he is, but there is enough intellect to know when not to fess up to your criminal conduct. Even a low-life like him can try to save his ass on national television.

The Arrogance of Tony Snow

Les' questions and Tony Snow's lecture I posted about before is nothing compared to this video clipping. His arrogance is incredible and overpowering and reeks of the contempt of the White House for the rule of law in our nation.

F.B.I. Chief Blasts Gonzo's Testimony

Alberto Gonzales is a dastardly liar, there is no doubt about that. His testimony before Congress over the last few months has been nothing but a metaphorical lugee (sp?) on the face of this nation and our Constitution. He doesn't care that he lies to Congress and the American people. But there are plenty of people willing to call him on his bullshit, like the current F.B.I. director Robert Mueller.

From The New York Times:

Mr. Mueller told the House Judiciary Committee that the Bush administration’s secret eavesdropping program was the main topic at an encounter in the hospital room of then-Attorney General John Ashcroft on March 10, 2004, contrary to what Mr. Gonzales told a Senate panel on Tuesday.

At the time, Mr. Gonzales was the White House counsel, and Mr. Ashcroft was recovering from gall bladder surgery. That March night, Mr. Gonzales went to the hospital room with Andrew H. Card Jr., then White House chief of staff.

In his testimony before the Senate panel on Tuesday, Mr. Gonzales said the subject in the hospital room was “intelligence activities” under debate in the administration, but not the secret eavesdropping program.

But Mr. Mueller contradicted that version of events today, several hours after four Senate Democrats called for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate whether Mr. Gonzales perjured himself before Congress.

If homicide detectives find bloody fingerprints at a murder scene and the suspect in question is denying it, chances are he is lying. Mr. Gonzales' prints are all over this scene, and if Congress' investigation needs more information than this, then something is wrong. The glove fits, so this criminal doesn't deserve an acquittal, he needs to get the full force of the law. It is time for his impeachment and conviction.

Gonzales Can't Keep His Story Straight

Even a liar at the caliber of Alberto Gonzales is eventually prone to screwing himself over. After a while, all the false stories weave together and inadvertently paint a picture of the truth that lies below the surface of Alberto's skin. The more lies he tells, the less anyone will believe him and his reputation will continue to slither down into the recesses of society. He had a chance to come clean today at the Senate Judiciary Committee, but you know Alberto doesn't have much in the way of a conscience.

From ThinkProgress:

SPECTER: Let me move quickly through a series of questions there’s a lot to cover. Starting with the issue Mr. Comey raises, you said “there has not been any disagreement about the program.” Mr. Comey’s testimony was that “Mrs. Gonzales began to discuss why they were there to seek approval” and he then says “I was very upset, I was angry, I thought I had just witnessed an effort to take advantage of a very sick man.”

GONZALES: The disagreement that occurred was about other intelligence activities and the reason for the visit to the hospital was about other intelligence activities. It was not about the terrorist surveillance program that the president announced to the american people.

SPECTER: Mr. Attorney General, do you expect us to believe that?

I don't believe anything that comes out of that bastard's mouth. Of course Specter talks tough to him and so do most Democrats, but the solution is impeaching him. If it doesn't work the first time, try again, and again and again until we rid our nation of one of the worst Attorney Generals that have served under the worst President of all time.

"Nixonian"

Sen. Patrick Leahy was on Press The Meat yesterday and slammed the Bush Administration for stonewalling the investigation of the Justice Department. Not only did he bark at them, but threatened to bite by taking the matter to the courts if the White House does not comply by the beginning of next week.

Tony Snow Caught Red-Handed

We all know he lies at will for the President and the rest of Bush's Administration. The latest lie is caught by Jon Stewart in brilliant fashion using the wit of the Daily Show and the two videos of Tony saying one thing a while back and completely contradicting himself this week.

No Confidence

The American people have no confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The question is, does the Senate have the chutzpah to vote on it? NY's Chuck Schumer requested the vote for today at 5:30 EST and the debate is already under way. The Democrats are fully behind letting the people have their say on the situation. So will a few vocal Republicans do the same and vote their conscience? Or will they simply cave and fall in with the President?

From The Huffington Post:

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he's concerned like others in his party that the resolution, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and up for a test vote later in the day, was a Democratic effort to embarrass Bush and push Gonzales to resign.

But Specter has long said that Gonzales has exercised poor leadership on a host of issues, from the firings of eight federal prosecutors to the Justice Department's handling of wiretapping authority under the USA Patriot Act.

"If you ask Arlen Specter, do I have confidence in Attorney General Gonzales, the answer is a resounding no," Specter said during a news conference in Philadelphia. "I'm going to vote that I have no confidence in Attorney General Gonzales."

No matter what the outcome, the vote would tell us where each Senator stakes their claim. Yet what is it going to accomplish besides that? Bush has already said it will have no impact on him. He has full confidence in what Gonzales does, specifically because his loyalties lie with the President and his illegal endeavors.

What the Senate really needs to do is impeach his sorry ass. Gonzales has failed the American people and our constitution. He has given himself to committing high crimes and misdemeanors and needs to have the justice he deserves. If he does not, it will prove that the Justice Department is nothing but a sham.

Whats News Depends On Where You Are Watching It

Cable news networks and particularly Fox News is known to focus on sensational stories over 'hard news' in order to boost their ratings and advertising dollars. Plenty of figures have been posted in the past on how many stories and time is devoted to missing white women, Michael Jackson and Paris Hilton. The latest study from the first quarter of 2007 shows that not much has changed. Fox still talks about crap and avoids real news while CNN and MSNBC are better but still lacking.

From Media Bistro:

According to PEJ's first quarter News Coverage Index, "MSNBC and CNN were much more consumed with the war in Iraq than was Fox." (See the chart to the right.)

In daytime, FNC devoted 6 percent of its time to Iraq, and 17 percent of its time to Anna Nicole. For CNN, the mix was 20 percent Iraq, 5 percent Anna; for MSNBC, the mix was 18 percent Iraq, 10 percent Anna.

"Fox also stood out for its lack of coverage on the firings of the U.S. attorneys, compared with the other channels. The story, which gained real momentum in mid March, consumed a mere 2% of Fox’s total airtime. CNN devoted twice that percent (4%) and MSNBC four times (8%)," the report says...

Fox still garners the largest share of cable news viewers which really isn't that surprising. Fox gets it that most people really do not want to hear what is going on in the country. Ignorance is bliss for many cable-owning Americans. It is a sad reality that so many people choose to be deluded with 'riveting' nonstop coverage on who Anna Nicole Smith's baby's daddy is rather than be informed on how Republicans keep flushing our country down the drain.

Fighting Republican Memory Loss

There is a new thing on the market if you keep forgetting things like crimes committed while in the Bush Administration. Do you have some of the problems below? Democratic Committee Chairs might have an answer for you.

More Of Goodling's Goodies

She sounds like a scared and confused little girl on the stand. Whereas Alberto kept saying "I can't recall," legislators investigating Goodling got all sorts of interesting things to come out of Monica's mouth today. And no, it has nothing to do with cigars.