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You are here: Home / Politics / Contempt

Contempt

by Tim F|  July 25, 200712:04 pm| 46 Comments

This post is in: Politics

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Thweet. Next comes a full House vote, then the Bushie US Attorney for DC will refuse to pursue the citation. Then what? Dems will pursue Inherent Contempt if they have any balls. If they don’t, nothing. Bush officials will figure out that they can lie about everything from their last meeting with Rove to their middle name and Congress can’t do anything about it.

Place your bets in the comments.

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46Comments

  1. 1.

    rachel

    July 25, 2007 at 12:09 pm

    Yes, we know they’re weenies. The question is… What kind of weenies are they?

  2. 2.

    HunterBlackLuna

    July 25, 2007 at 12:10 pm

    Hm…. my honest hope is that they have the Sergeant at arms frog-march that bitch down onto the floor of the House and try her on the spot! But…. given the Democratic record on such things… I’m gonna have to say ‘No Balls’. ~.~ Hope I’m proven wrong.

  3. 3.

    Snarky Shark

    July 25, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    They have to go the inherent contempt route…

    Or Congress is done

    I don’t think they have any choice

  4. 4.

    Wilfred

    July 25, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    Or Congress is done

    I think it is, along with the Republic. It’s only a question of good and bad Emperors now. There’s no real incentive for either party to persist in maintaining Congressional oversight since sooner or later they’ll have their own Emperor at the top again and end up resorting to similar abuses.

  5. 5.

    over_educated

    July 25, 2007 at 12:32 pm

    You will never lose money betting on Democratic Congressmen having no balls.

    I say that as a life-long democrat.

  6. 6.

    HunterBlackLuna

    July 25, 2007 at 12:35 pm

    That’s why I advocate the creation of legidimate third-parties: people tell me, it’s harder to get a majority, etc etc, all those dangers, but right now we face the dangers of monopoly. Two choices that, in all but name, are beginning to look frighteningly familiar.

    “Sir, what would you like with your meal? Cheese, or a cheese sandwich?”

    “… don’t you have any more choices.”

    “Well, you CAN choose the Avacado squash, but it’s unlikely that will ever be served ever in this place, and you’re just wasting votes that could have gone to cheese sandwich.”

  7. 7.

    Crust

    July 25, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    ASAP, the Democrats should:

    1. pursue inherent contempt against Miers,
    2. impeach Gonzales and
    3. push for a special prosecutor.

    And the blogosphere and the sentient media (to the extent it exists) should push them to do all three. ASAP. Time is not our friend here.

  8. 8.

    Doubting Thomas

    July 25, 2007 at 12:48 pm

    I agree with Wilfred… It’s already too late.

    Has anyone read this? http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/07/25/nonny-mouse-goes-down-under/

  9. 9.

    cleek

    July 25, 2007 at 12:52 pm

    i’m betting there’s another option (though i can’t name it). it will be some procedural act for the Dems to perform that is intended to focus the public’s attention on what BushCo is doing while doing nothing to stop them, but will instead confuse the issue and ultimately make the Dems look even more pathetic.

  10. 10.

    qwerty42

    July 25, 2007 at 12:54 pm

    Snarky Shark Says:

    They have to go the inherent contempt route…

    Or Congress is done

    I don’t think they have any choice

    I don’t think they have any choice either. The issue will come down to whether the Republicans in congress are so outraged they will act with the Democrats on this. A reasonably unified congress can do a lot. a bitterly split one – not so much. The supine reaction of so many congressional republicans is a mystery: at some point, they have to defend their institution. There is a good deal of anger and outrage among congressional democrats, but really forceful action will require that republicans join them. Have they become so terrified of their “base” they cannot act even for Congress itself? I guess we will see over the next few days.

  11. 11.

    JWeidner

    July 25, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Yes, we know they’re weenies. The question is… What kind of weenies are they?

    The kind made entirely of lips and assholes?

  12. 12.

    BigMac

    July 25, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    I’m betting on nothing being done. The republican roadblock machine and their media partners will spin this into an attack on a poor little woman and an innocent public servant. All of this being done to extract revenge for Clintons impeachment. This is how it will resound in the truckstop cafes around the country. Lets take some bets on if the 2008 elections will be put on hold due to possible terrorist activity. That seems more likely if this Congress does nothing. Whats to stop them?

    I’m moving to New Zealand… Its a blue state, right?

  13. 13.

    taodon

    July 25, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    If only they’d pay half as much attention to our borders as they do the non-stop international flights…

  14. 14.

    Cassidy

    July 25, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    since sooner or later they’ll have their own Emperor at the top again and end up resorting to similar abuses.

    Hehe…I know I waas denounced for saying something similiar in another thread. Guess it didn’t come from the right person.

    No balls. Lots of speeches. Same shit, different day.

  15. 15.

    Face

    July 25, 2007 at 1:26 pm

    my honest hope is that they have the Sergeant at arms frog-march that bitch down onto the floor of the House and try her on the spot!

    Good point brought up elsewhere: what if–and let’s face it, it’ll never happen, but it’s a good thought experiment–Bush decides to give her SS protection (and/or FBI, CIA, etc) prior to said “arrest”? Wouldn’t that quite literally pit both branches against each other? After all, law enforcement is the executive branch. Who wins?

  16. 16.

    Shinobi

    July 25, 2007 at 1:35 pm

    The supine reaction of so many congressional republicans is a mystery: at some point, they have to defend their institution.

    Do they really though? I begin to wonder if loyalty to party has now become more important than loyalty to the institutions of government one serves. (Or, dare I say, more important than loyalty to this country, and loyalty to its people.)

    Partisanship has taken the place of any kind of productive discourse within the government. Maybe congress should just pass a law that congresspeople are not allowed to agree on anything unless the have the same letter tagged after their state. That would save us all some time as regards to whether anyone is actually going to make any real decisions in this government.

    The Republicans are such cowards, they wont stand up to this out of control president just because it would mean agreeing with the Democrats. One wonders if he has photos of them all with prostitutes or one of their family members locked in a basement or something.

  17. 17.

    Mr Furious

    July 25, 2007 at 1:42 pm

    cleek nails it.

  18. 18.

    jg

    July 25, 2007 at 1:49 pm

    The republican roadblock machine and their media partners will spin this into an attack on a poor little woman and an innocent public servant.

    A poor woman who was nominated for the Supreme Court yet can’t handle congressional scrutiny.

  19. 19.

    Dave

    July 25, 2007 at 2:08 pm

    I also agree it’s probably too late to do anything about this. The case will be tied up in courts until long after Bush leaves office. I’m sure BushCo. knows this and is why they are stonewalling. It’ll be a test of the Dem’s sack, so I’d like to see them pursue it.

    This on the other hand is something the Dems should fight and scream for. I don’t see how this is anything but a looser for the GOP. It also opens the door to shine a bright light on the GOP obstructionism and counter the “Dem’s aren’t doing anything” charge.

  20. 20.

    Bruce

    July 25, 2007 at 2:27 pm

    I am still hopeful that the House of Representatives (i.e., members of both parties) will initiate, pass and send to the Senate a Bill of Impeachment against the president should he assert the power to prevent the US Attorney for DC from prosecuting a charge of contempt of Congress against Bolton and Myers. So far, that claim of power on the part of Bush is only a talking point.

  21. 21.

    jenniebee

    July 25, 2007 at 2:45 pm

    Let’s hope that Pelosi finds it motivating that the WH thinks she’s got no balls

  22. 22.

    Zifnab

    July 25, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    Wouldn’t that quite literally pit both branches against each other? After all, law enforcement is the executive branch. Who wins?

    That would truly depend on the will of the people. Nothing says Democracy like Civil War, where everyone gets there gun and has a say in government.

  23. 23.

    Zifnab

    July 25, 2007 at 3:07 pm

    The Republicans are such cowards, they wont stand up to this out of control president just because it would mean agreeing with the Democrats. One wonders if he has photos of them all with prostitutes or one of their family members locked in a basement or something.

    See, that’s what I’m saying. People talk about the Dems having no balls, but seriously – look at this total ninnies in the House and Senate. John Cornyn just sat on his hands and blew bubbles out his nose as Gonzo made the biggest mockery of his Senate Committee imaginable. Joe Lieberman has turned a blind eye to the travesty that is DHS since he assumed head of his Committee. Trent Lott and Bitch McConnell filibuster every bill that moves, hoping to prove… what exactly I’ll never know. That they can drag Congressional poll numbers even lower into the dirt? That they don’t give a cold fart about what their own constituents are asking for? What are they buying time for? Do they think the American people will suddenly warm to Republicans in 18 months because they’re the bigger assholes? That Rovian politics can save them from the crippling effects of reality? They’re piss scare of a Dem majority, a majority we all openly confess are a bunch of pussies.

    Who’s the bigger pussy? The pussy, or the pussy that pisses itself at the sight of him.

  24. 24.

    cleek

    July 25, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    I also agree it’s probably too late to do anything about this.

    but it’s not. the real danger is that these powers BushCo is claiming go unchallenged.

    someday there will be another lunatic in office. and if these powers are taken for granted, there could be real trouble. BushCo is corrupt, but it could be much worse, if someone were to really take advantage of the (assumed) immunity of the executive branch.

  25. 25.

    Rudi

    July 25, 2007 at 3:45 pm

    Snarky Shark – What happened to your wit and wisdom over at the imModerateVoice? Didn’t see your comments here before.

  26. 26.

    Dave

    July 25, 2007 at 3:55 pm

    but it’s not. the real danger is that these powers BushCo is claiming go unchallenged.

    I was speaking specifically to contempt charges for Miers and Bolton (and to the larger issue of impeachment) I just don’t think that there is any time left to get a judgment before the idiots in charge leave. On the other hand, I fully expect that the democrats will roll back these abuses and nonsense we’ve been subjected to for six years. If not, there should and better be hell to pay.

  27. 27.

    sglover

    July 25, 2007 at 3:57 pm

    You will never lose money betting on Democratic Congressmen having no balls.

    I say that as a life-long democrat.

    I’m very much in the same position. I’m frustrated and pissed as hell at “my” party. NONE of the presidential candidates are getting a nickel from me this time.

    But let’s not forget — it’s Republican cynicism and cowardice that’s really brought us to a Constitutional crisis. Douchebags like Hagel and Specter and McCain adore the opportunity to play “upstart” and spew about their “disappointment” and “concern” — but they don’t do one fucking thing about it. When the crunch comes, they have always lined up with the rest of the GOP pack, and given the Man-Child yet another blank check.

    The Republican Party is a fucking disgrace, and if it isn’t (justifiably) ended as an institution, it should at least be relegated to the more backward provinces of the Deep South and the Meth Lab Prairie.

  28. 28.

    Snarky Shark

    July 25, 2007 at 3:59 pm

    Rudi-

    Sent in a request to Joe for posting privileges. Apparently I am to upsetting to the priests of high Broder-ism because they never bothered to get back to me.

    Actually, I would be pleased if you would let everyone know that I was uninvited. Be interesting to see Joe’s explanation for that.

    Maybe it was a mistake, but I had a feeling that I was upsetting the conservative folk a bit too much. They are ever so delicate when you dare criticize their main squeeze-Holy Joe!

    Nice to see you though, I always thought of you as a comrade-in-arms

  29. 29.

    Billy K

    July 25, 2007 at 4:03 pm

    I’m very much in the same position. I’m frustrated and pissed as hell at “my” party. NONE of the presidential candidates are getting a nickel from me this time.

    More and BETTER Dems.

  30. 30.

    Zifnab

    July 25, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    I’m very much in the same position. I’m frustrated and pissed as hell at “my” party. NONE of the presidential candidates are getting a nickel from me this time.

    I think Edwards is doing very well, to be fair. What’s more Clinton and Obama have been playing it close to the chest for the moment, but they’re both discovering what we all know already – that the country is “liberal” (whatever the hell that means) and they should feel free to let their liberal credentials shine through.

  31. 31.

    sglover

    July 25, 2007 at 4:34 pm

    More and BETTER Dems.

    Agreed. Here’s the primary race in which I’m putting some time and money.

  32. 32.

    sglover

    July 25, 2007 at 4:47 pm

    I think Edwards is doing very well, to be fair. What’s more Clinton and Obama have been playing it close to the chest for the moment, but they’re both discovering what we all know already – that the country is “liberal” (whatever the hell that means) and they should feel free to let their liberal credentials shine through.

    I can vote for Obama or Edwards with a clean conscience. But they’re both underwhelming, and as far as I’m concerned Obama’s claim that we “need” about 90,000 more soldiers is the worst kind of pandering. I want to see a candidate talk sense about how military-centric our foreign policy already is, instead of promising to make it even worse.

    But if Clinton’s the nominee, I’ve got a real problem, because the last thing this country needs is another dynasty.

  33. 33.

    Rome Again

    July 25, 2007 at 5:01 pm

    But if Clinton’s the nominee, I’ve got a real problem, because the last thing this country needs is another dynasty.

    My feelings exactly!

  34. 34.

    John S.

    July 25, 2007 at 5:08 pm

    But if Clinton’s the nominee, I’ve got a real problem, because the last thing this country needs is another dynasty.

    I concur.

    It seems statistically impossible that in a representative government made up of over 300 million people that two families should hold the presidency for over twenty years (if HRC gets elected).

    Something is rotten in Denmark America.

  35. 35.

    The Other Steve

    July 25, 2007 at 5:53 pm

    I think Edwards is doing very well, to be fair.

    Main problem with Edwards is he doesn’t mean anything he says.

    Ohwell, any of them are better than what the Republicans have to offer.

  36. 36.

    Zifnab

    July 25, 2007 at 6:00 pm

    Something is rotten in Denmark America.

    Not really. When you consider what it takes, both politically and financially to run for President, it is no surprise that you see the same guys popping up again and again in office. Take a look at the Kennedys for instance.

    That said, I’m with you on Clinton for many reasons. I don’t like the idea of a Dynasty. I don’t like her politics – she’s not fooling me, she’s a conservative in blue, and a Liebercrat DLCer at her core. And I really don’t like her pandering.

    But I think the party and the people can keep Hillary in line better than any of the batshit crazy Republicans. So if its between Hillary and Generic Crazy-Ass Republican, I’m still voting Clinton, even if I have to hold my nose to do it.

  37. 37.

    Dave

    July 25, 2007 at 6:13 pm

    I just can’t vote for Clinton, I just won’t vote. I don’t like her, her pandering and most importantly as has been pointed out, her name.

    That said I don’t think she has a chance of getting the nod.

  38. 38.

    Downpuppy

    July 25, 2007 at 6:28 pm

    17 Republicans voted against even trying today. 2 people were subpoenad as part of an investigation of massive and blatant misconduct at the Department of Justice and didn’t even show up. Open & shut contempt. It’s the DoJ, so who but Congress can investigate?

    Yet somehow, the Republicans didn’t want to make them.

    They’re not a party, they’re a criminal conspiracy.

  39. 39.

    Walker

    July 25, 2007 at 6:30 pm

    Main problem with Edwards is he doesn’t mean anything he says.

    Are you referring to those ridiculous hypocrisy the media makes with regard to his stance on poverty (which make no logical sense) or something else more substantial?

  40. 40.

    rachel

    July 25, 2007 at 6:54 pm

    Doubting Thomas Says:

    I agree with Wilfred… It’s already too late.

    Has anyone read this? http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/07/25/nonny-mouse-goes-down-under/

    Lovely. A friend of mine and her fellow passengers on their way through the USA to Canada had to stay overnight in a “transit lounge” with no food, no drink, no furniture, and no privacy. They were only allowed to go to the toilet after they hinted things would turn violent if they weren’t. Meanwhile, stuff like this shows how much safer this harassment has made us all.

  41. 41.

    Cain

    July 25, 2007 at 8:08 pm

    Hey what’s with the Ann Coulter ad (free emails from Ann Coulter? No thanks) Worse, her picture looks like she wants to bite someone’s dick off. If she’s looking for a dick, I know one who sometimes thinks he’s in the legislative branch and other times the executive branch.

    cain

  42. 42.

    semper fubar

    July 25, 2007 at 8:08 pm

    Jeez, it’s really not that hard to figure out, kids.

    The republicans are have been paid off and/ or are being blackmailed into standing with the president. Where do you think all the billions of dollars of cash in Iraq went? Who do you think Bush was spying on?

    The ones who haven’t been bought and paid for are hoping that Rove won’t show the photos and emails he has of them diddling male pages in the Senate coat closet.

  43. 43.

    John S.

    July 25, 2007 at 9:06 pm

    When you consider what it takes, both politically and financially to run for President

    Oh yeah, that reminds me…

    Publicly funded elections. Now.

  44. 44.

    ConservativelyLiberal

    July 25, 2007 at 9:09 pm

    Cain Says:

    Hey what’s with the Ann Coulter ad… If she’s looking for a dick, I know one who sometimes thinks he’s in the legislative branch and other times the executive branch.

    Naah, if she needs a dick, I am sure one is close at hand…

    Sorry, but watching that Adam’s Apple bob up and down when she is talking on TV is just creepy.

  45. 45.

    Rome Again

    July 25, 2007 at 9:27 pm

    They’re not a party, they’re a criminal conspiracy.

    The sad thing is, I’m sure there are very few here who might be surprised by this.

  46. 46.

    jake

    July 26, 2007 at 6:42 am

    It seems statistically impossible that in a representative government made up of over 300 million people that two families should hold the presidency for over twenty years (if HRC gets elected).

    Sorry, I’m still not getting the dynasty thing. Hillary is a Rodham, not a Clinton. Unless you want to argue that women somehow lose their identities/personalities and take on their husband’s when they marry. I’m not going there ‘cos I don’t want my ass kicked by some normally kind and gentle people. Including mom.

    I don’t like HRC, I think she’s hiding behind the Clinton “logo,” and I wouldn’t like her regardless of who she was/wasn’t married to. But shit, Bush got elected* because people found him “likable,” so fuck that. The next president will need to roll up his sleeves and start fixing the shit the current one broke, I’ll be voting based on who I think will be best at that job.

    *In 2004 anyways.

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