Damn, he's a good lawyer. And so's your commentary. Thankyou.
moe99 |
02.17.06 - 12:57 pm | #
Near the end of the previous thread, so I repeat myself:
During the Clinton administration, the Republicans did not, after a few days, just drop subjects that were potentially harmful to Clinton but were unrelated to his duties as president. They went on about them for years. They hired private investigators and created a massive, unchecked criminal prosecution apparatus that grilled witnesses about their sex lives under threat of prosecution for obstructing justice. Cheney's recent blunder epitomizes the Bush administration's arrogance, thirst for power, and recklessness in the use of deadly force. Unlike a number of more important matters, it has captured the public's attention. We should not simply drop it and move on.
neurophius |
02.17.06 - 12:59 pm | #
Thanks Redd- great summary and analysis..
Looks as if Libby is going to drag this sucker out for years- and then get a pardon just before trial. He's doin his share- Clusterfuck will do the rest.
What's interesting is the status of the Rove et al investigation- and we get no hints about that..What's yer gut tell ya?
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:03 pm | #
Sorry this has been so slow in the writing today, gang. Am fighting off a nasty case of bronchitis and it's slowing down my brain. It's like pushing through molasses to get a chain of thought going today. Anyway, read the brief and if anyone has further questions, I'll see what I can do to answer them as I can.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:03 pm | #
Excellent post Redd. How you can turn all that legalese into plain english,AND comprehend what it all means, is a gift.Thanks for the translation. now I have to start putting pieces together.
Bustednuckles |
02.17.06 - 1:03 pm | #
Liked p.29, the idea that Libby can't produce a proper defense without every document ever made on Plame's employment "lacks any basis in law, fact, or logic." (nicer than saying this is just stupid, I suppose.)
There is a strong suggestion that the defense is trying to derail the entire trial, p. 15:
"It is respectfully submitted that in addressing these discovery requests, this Court be mindful that the incentive for defendants facing trial to engage in 'greymail' to seek to derail a trial is so well recognized that Congress passed the Classified Information Procedures Act statute ("CIPA") to deal with it."
Also enjoyed "nothing short of breathtaking."
egregious |
02.17.06 - 1:05 pm | #
Whoa---finally saw a picture of Whittington. Not a sight that helps out Cheney.
marky |
02.17.06 - 1:06 pm | #
ReddHedd, thanks for all your work. Anyone can confuse me about this stuff, it take somebody really smart to make it accessible, as you have done here.
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:10 pm | #
It seems like it's up to Fitz to get the job done. Why won't the Republicans start standing for the rule of law again?
I almost feel bad for Fitz..to have the weight of America and Democracy on his hands.
Silence is Complicity |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:11 pm | #
NEW FACT-BASED TALKING POINT: CHENEY'S RECKLESS 270-DEGREE SPIN
During his interview with Hume, Cheney clearly said that he was hunting with one other hunter (Pam Willeford) and a guide (probably Bo Hubert). Cheney was on the "far right." (Or so he thought. In fact, Whittington was to his right.) The setting sun was to their right (which can only mean they were facing south).
According to Cheney, a quail then went up and flew towards the west. Cheney took aim at the bird, then pulled the trigger, shooting towards the sun (the west) and inadvertently hitting Whittington.
Persons hearing this probably assumed that Cheney had, while following the bird, turned to his right and spun about 90 degress before pulling the trigger.
But look at the police report that summarizes Deputy San Miguel's brief 2/12/06 interview of Cheney. The report indicates that Cheney told the deputy that the quail went up "behind" him, and he then turned in a "counter clockwise direction" before shooting at the bird.
Assuming Cheney told Hume the truth, and assuming Cheney told the deputy the truth, and assuming the deputy accurately wrote what Cheney told him, then the only logical conclusion we can come to is that Cheney, while following the quail, turned to his left, then spun around about 270 degrees before shooting low towards the west, striking Whittington.
Such a 270-degree spin would be very reckless. It would be a gross violation of an important hunting-safety rule: don't spin to the point where you point your weapon at your fellow hunters. Remember, as Cheney made the 270-degree spin, he must have pointed his loaded gun at Willeford and the guide and probably at members of the entourage also, thus placing them in danger, at least momentarily.
An experienced hunter would not act this way unless he were a) drunk, b) an idiot, or c) a drunken idiot.
I like the image of a drunken, orange-clad whirling dervish, spinning nearly in a complete circle while holding a loaded shotgun, making himself dizzy, then squeezing off a shot into the setting sun.
If the media were to embed this image in the minds of the public, it would hurt Cheney, especially amoung hunters, most of whom are very safety conscious.
Moron |
02.17.06 - 1:11 pm | #
Seems to me that barring anyone opening their yap- the Cheney thing is over. We all know that he was probably drinking at the time- but there is no leverage to force anyone who witnessed it to open their yap- so it's a "tis taint" and Cheney wins that one.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:12 pm | #
I had time to read that 32 page consolidated response today while I was waiting. . . and waiting. . . and waiting for the court reporter to get out of court so I could get a copy of the transcript of the CEPA hearing from Feb 3.
Thanks for helping to decode the document, Redd. I got a lot of it, but not in the depth of course that you describe.
Nice work.
PS - I sent the pdf of the hearing transcript to Jane. No bombshells there that I can see, though you never know what our ferrts can glean from it.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:12 pm | #
P.S. Redd, I sincerely hope you get to feeling better.Busy lady that you are. Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Bustednuckles |
02.17.06 - 1:12 pm | #
rwcole: The shooting story has apparently matured. Time to take it completely to stage 4:
RH - Hot Toddies might help. Very simple. Hot water, lemon juice AND don't forget the Crown Royal.
california_reality_check |
02.17.06 - 1:16 pm | #
Stephen Parrish, CPA | 02.17.06 - 12:59 pm | I agree. It looks to me as though Executive Order 13292 is seriously flirting with unconstitutionality, (unless Gonzales wants to argue that Bush is somehow incapacitated when it comes to declassification).
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:17 pm | #
Dear Democrats:
Re: "It's in times like these that genuine heroes emerge"
bz reminds you:
"They become heroic not because they seek fame or glory or money or other perks of power, but because they put their reputations and personal worth on the line, in bold defiance of authoritarian abuse, and in defense of the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
They are always disparaged in their time, by those whose power is put at risk by the challenge of integrity, but they are the ones which history remembers most fondly.
Paine's 'sunshine patriots' need to wrap themselves in the flag, with the desperate hope of benefit by association and because they suffer a monumental inferiority complex, whereas history is the only valid judge of who shall be accorded the title of true patriot and hero." Posted by bz | 02.17.06 - 9:59 am
pow wow |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:17 pm | #
Pachacutec | 02.17.06 - 1:15 pm
Big, big props to you for getting the job done.
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:18 pm | #
Pach - Any other details of the trip?
california_reality_check |
02.17.06 - 1:18 pm | #
Never play poker with Fitz. That's all I'm saying.
And I add to that, be really fucking careful when you go hunting with Team Bush!
I am worried Lee Harvey Oswald may get riled up. Gonzales - titularly Fitz's boss - has nothing but contempt for Fitz and his investigation. In so many ways, he is naked out there. These guys would use a nuclear weapon to ensure they stay in power.
I am glad that FDL is finding space to report on the many other scandal gates. So many, so little time. I agree with neurophius that no one should forget Beer-n-Bam-gate.
Concerned citizens do not have to turn into conspiracy nuts. We do not have to present speculative theories about what actually happened on slender or ambiguous evidence. What we DO know is more than enough for continued attention: certain people above the law, lies, incompetent lies, cover-ups, incompetently done cover-ups, press complicity, and it is ALL A-OK with Bushy boy. All these deserve further looks. And if something big breaks, I don't mind of FDL goes all cable news on us again for a few days. You never know what might turn up.
Sorry about my many typos in last thread's comments. I am too busy during day to comment and should not try to, I suppose.
anon_1 |
02.17.06 - 1:19 pm | #
Moron | 02.17.06 - 1:11 pm
270 degree spin?
Dick is still spinning like he is out for the Gold!
(kudos - good catch)
dead last |
02.17.06 - 1:22 pm | #
This was nice -- EPU'ed last thread:
if you are gonna stay on it, boil the message down to a soundbite that makes sense to the NRA faithful.
Something like this: "Republican politicians like Dick Cheney have tons of money to buy $20k Italian guns, but they don't have enough common sense to use one."
jello5929 | 02.17.06 - 1:10 pm | #
It's a little scary to me that I seem to be getting the hang of reading these things. Before Libby, the only legal documents I had read were my divorce and my father's will. Oh, and the hundreds of health care proxies I've read for my work. (Have you done one yet? Do it.)
This makes even clearer the discussion we had here long ago about why Fitzgerald didn't attempt to charge Libby with conspiracy, despite our frustration at the time. As you say again and again, he is a smart, smart cookie.
zennurse |
02.17.06 - 1:24 pm | #
If there is some mole who has been feeding information to Fitz and his team
surely that would be an egregious abuse of prosecutorial power
Alice Marshall |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:24 pm | #
RH: yes, please feel better. I wish you well and hope you get better soon.
anon_1 |
02.17.06 - 1:25 pm | #
PS Please tell me you are on antibiotics, Redd. Has someone listened to your chest??
zennurse |
02.17.06 - 1:26 pm | #
pacha- Hope it works- but it's going to be hard to get any traction after today.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:27 pm | #
Let's all help out with Redd's chest!
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:28 pm | #
Pach-Did you have to bribe someone?
Or did you just batt your eyelashes.
colleen military mom |
02.17.06 - 1:29 pm | #
Just trying to get my acronyms straight...
What does "EPU" mean? Thanks!!
mayan |
02.17.06 - 1:29 pm | #
By Request, My Day At The Courthouse
I went in a suit and tie. DC power drag. Looked like a lawyer with a leather satchel. But no one shot me. In the face.
Chatted up the guards, who asked if my phone had a camera, and though he looked and said it was ok, I told him it had a camera and we loocked it in a locker.
Got to the Clerk's ofice and found the computer stations where you can call up the documents. Found the two latest docuiments in the case - the government response RH disssects in this post, and a notice of another counsel added to Libby's team. Her name is Walsh. Probably some junior counsel from one of the firms. I'll get you that info later.
Funny thing: there was a listing to the sought after transcript but it was not linked. I could not view it. The clerk helped me by giving the phone number of the court reporter who produced the trasncript. Said I would have to talk to him.
I asked my good friends the gurads to direct me to the man's office, and they did. He was not in.
I asked around. he was in the building, people had seen him ealier, but no one knew where. The courtroom he usually services (Judge Urbina) was not in session, so no idea where he was. I camped outside his office all morning. I had arrived in the building at 9:00 AM, and to make a long story short, I tracked him down at about 12:15.
He made a copy of the document for me right in his office and I paid him a small fee by check. I rushed home to find my scanner, which worked fine earlier in the week, was dead.
So I shot it.
Then I went to FedExKinko's to scan the document - only 11 pages - and save it to a disc. Got home and found that it was not saved properly. Half my fault, half the fault of the young guy who was helping me figure out how to use the equipment. But I went back and got it right. Came home and sent the pdf to Jane.
And now I'm here. Still i my suit pants, lavender shirt (stylin!) and my tie real real loose. Time to get into something more comfortable.
And that was my courthouse adventure.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:29 pm | #
"These guys would use a nuclear weapon to ensure they stay in power.
dead last | 02.17.06 - 1:19 pm"
And probably will.........
Edward Teller |
02.17.06 - 1:30 pm | #
Well, we could all hold hands and pray for her. However, I think Crown Royal might do a better job.
california_reality_check |
02.17.06 - 1:30 pm | #
colleen military mom - I think he is being coy.
california_reality_check |
02.17.06 - 1:31 pm | #
rwcole: not traction, exactly, but we need to keep it and remind people.
The part of the public that's disengaged from politics know Cheney fucked up. They will accept the forgiveness of the victim, but there are lingering doubts out there about the credibility and competence of the Veep. We need to keep reminding them of those dobts as we address all other issues, and as we discredit the Republicans and the whole 30 year conservative movement during the runup to the midterms.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:31 pm | #
neurophius, good point. Its important to not forget that the Repubs were relentless in their pursuit of Clinton. Anything that moved was attacked and the bulldogs never relaxed that grip.
To combat this group it requires a higher level of commitment and doggedness. They aint giving up without a fight. And they have an entire dirt digging and swiftboating apparatus and also the levers of power. Taking pot shots will not suffice. A concerted and relentless unmasking of the truth will pay over the long run. This is a marathon not sprint.
Max |
02.17.06 - 1:32 pm | #
And that was my courthouse adventure.
Pachacutec
Man, when I am next in DC I am definately buying you dinner.
John Casper | 02.17.06 - 1:17 pm | # - There's a lot more to this, of course, than Executive Order 13292.
When time permits, I will look at the version of Title 3 that I downloaded. More about this another time...
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 1:36 pm | #
Pacha- Yeah at a minimum- it makes a great add on.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:37 pm | #
Stephen,
Your point is critical -- the President cannot alter the basic structure of classifying and declassifying documents -- it is a creature of statute. The Pres. might be able to mess with the edges, but not the core statutory framework.
immanentize |
02.17.06 - 1:38 pm | #
Stephen Parrish, CPA | 02.17.06 - 1:36 pm | Agreed, sorry for implying otherwise. EO 13292 is just more "nailed down," for me.
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:39 pm | #
Pachacutec / my hero
Too bad you didn't get to see Fitzgerald.
I read somewhere that he will be there on the 24th though.
moi |
02.17.06 - 1:40 pm | #
immanentize: sounds nice!
I left out the part where all hos coworkers took pity on me sitting outside his office and tried to help me find him. They loved being shmoozed.
Once I did find him, however, I found him entirely schmooze proof. Not hostile, just a veteran of the system who was not interested in being schmoozed, resigned to all the attention and interruptions this Libby case has brought into his life, and a little anxious to eat his brown bag lunch.
But I could tell from the things in his office he's a Democrat.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:40 pm | #
Moi
Wouldn't it be fun to create a Fitzy fan club and stand around the courthouse hoping to catch a glimpse of the great one?
immanentize |
02.17.06 - 1:40 pm | #
Ol' Fitzy has got a fan club already!
Bustednuckles |
02.17.06 - 1:42 pm | #
the 24th, eh?
Maybe I'll make a feild trip.
Think I can buy a Firedoglake tee shirt and get it delivered by then? I can wear it over my shirt and tie.
Fits faces many obstacles, one is that the judge is Reggie Walton, a shill for the GOP.
boro |
02.17.06 - 1:42 pm | #
immanentize
That would be pretty funny, but I'm thinking he's not the type of guy that would appreciate it though.
moi |
02.17.06 - 1:43 pm | #
moi,
sorta all the more reason to do it!
immanentize |
02.17.06 - 1:44 pm | #
Train to catch -- check y'all out later....
immanentize |
02.17.06 - 1:44 pm | #
I recommend Airborne for cold and chest stuff.One tablet,dissolved in about 4oz of water every 3-4 hours.This stuff has kept my son well all winter.Amazing considering he's usually had at least one ear infection and a couple of colds by now.Feel better soon Redd.How's the kiddo doing?
I've been Google Earth-ing Iraq and Afghanistan today,I can't see much reconstruction happening,but maybe the data is old?It's a neat-o toy though...
An Angry Old Broad |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:45 pm | #
Pach:
I would have liked to have seen you in action, A truly heoic effort for which the blogs will be grateful. Thanks for sending it here first.
A) Near the end of the previous thread, so I repeat myself:
neurophius | 02.17.06 - 12:59 pm | #
B) What does "EPU" mean? Thanks!!
mayan | 02.17.06 - 1:29 pm | #
Comment A, meet comment B
(EPU = Evil Parallel Universe)
I guess our reader-managed FDL glossary idea never took off...
punaise |
02.17.06 - 1:45 pm | #
NYT has a burning editorial up enemaizing Pat Roberts- well deserved!
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:46 pm | #
I have no idea if heoic is even a word.
Heroic is the one I was reaching for.
zennurse |
02.17.06 - 1:46 pm | #
a big shout-out to Pach!
punaise |
02.17.06 - 1:47 pm | #
EPU'd:
Named after FDL commenter Evil Parallel Universe, who noticed and complained that he was always the one to post a lengthy, reasoned comment just as everyone was moving to another thread.
Therefore, to write something in one thread that gets lost in the shuffle as the swarm transfers to another thread is to be "EPU'd."
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:47 pm | #
Cures for the croup? Have ya got a Cheney doll handy you can stick pins in?
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:47 pm | #
Poll ta freep-- (Had enough about Cheney and the assasination?)
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:49 pm | #
immanentize | 02.17.06 - 1:38 pm | # - "Your point is critical -- the President cannot alter the basic structure of classifying and declassifying documents -- it is a creature of statute."
I can't take credit for that, because others have already expressed that point quite well and I didn't think that I had done so in so many words. (Come to think of it, perhaps Title 3 addresses the point you mentioned, but I haven't read it all the way through.) What I was concentrating on in my very recent posts was the legal framework in which the office of the Vice President is supposed to operate. That's one of the many things we need to explore.
John Casper | 02.17.06 - 1:39 pm | # - No need to apologize, since I didn't think you were implying otherwise.
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 1:50 pm | #
When the quail take flight
And you shoot into the light
The lawyer falls
Cause youv'e got no balls
Then you must indict
Cause that aint right
Bustednuckles |
02.17.06 - 1:51 pm | #
zennurse | 02.17.06 - 1:45 pm | #
I look forward to hearing my well deserved and univeral praises sung throughout the blogosphere.
Phonetically, that's "Pah - cha - KOO - tehk."
Named after an Inca warrior/rulor of legend, builder of the Inca empire.
I'm part Peruvian.
And obviously grandiose in my choice of obscure nicknames. . . and my delusions of acclaim for basically taking a one day field trip and scattering broken scanner all over my office floor.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:51 pm | #
Pachacutec -- thanks for making the trip and all the hassle, lavender shirt and all. Appreciate it greatly.
Rayne |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:51 pm | #
immanentize | 02.17.06 - 1:38 pm
Just to piggyback imo, the WH took no action against Scooter, Hadley, Rove, or anyone else after all their leaks leading up to War ended up in places such as Bob Novak's column in the effing Chicago Sun Times. In their twisted (that's kind) judgement in 2003, no one had broken the statutes related to declassification. Even this WH will find it difficult to run in 2006 from their record of their own INACTIVITY in 2003.
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:52 pm | #
thanks punaise (X2) and pach for helping out an acronymed-challenged fellow-traveller!!
I will now proceed to over use it!!
mayan |
02.17.06 - 1:53 pm | #
Anyone have a link to a video or transcript of Whittington's press conference?
neurophius |
02.17.06 - 1:55 pm | #
Pach -- you are my hero. Am trying to get Amato to host the doc. I'll also send it to MaGuire, whoever gets it up first we'll have a link.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 1:55 pm | #
New poll out from Marist- Clusterfuck JAR at 40%- that's about where he's been for a couple of weeks- data collected 2/12-2/15- showed a little of the Cheney flap..
Don't think this one's going to have much direct effect on Clusterfuck- we'll see.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 1:55 pm | #
rwcole, thanks for the link above.
Should Harry Whittington's statement about the shooting accident put an end to the controversy over how Vice President Dick Cheney handled it? * 23035 responses
Yes, Whittington appears to be ready to move on, so everyone else should too.
73%
No, remaining questions, including the delay in publicizing the accident, should be investigated.
27%
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 1:56 pm | #
I would never embarrass Fitzy like that. In the hallway.
The men's room I won't discuss.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 1:56 pm | #
Delay Sought in Abramoff's Fla. Sentencing
MIAMI - The Justice Department and defense lawyers asked a federal judge Friday to delay the March sentencing of lobbyist Jack Abramoff in a Florida fraud case to allow him more time to cooperate in a broader government corruption investigation.
snip
Both guilty pleas require extensive cooperation from Abramoff in exchange for potential leniency at sentencing. The motion, signed by federal prosecutors and defense lawyers, seeks a delay of up to 90 days in the March sentencing date.
"Mr. Abramoff has been working very hard in terms of his cooperation," said Neal Sonnett, Abramoff's attorney in Miami.
Redd: forgot to give you your due. I'd never be able to decipher this stuff without your superb editing and paraphrasing skills.
shoephone |
02.17.06 - 2:01 pm | #
And that was my courthouse adventure.
Pachacutec | 02.17.06 - 1:29 pm |
Gosh golly, at the risk of sounding like a bit of a sycophant, if this article (and the speed of its production) is you when hampered by bronchitis, look out world! Wondering how you slow yourself down in court to a speed where a normal jury will not get left in the analytical dust. =-)
Wishes of good rest, good recuperation, and lots of ginger tea... (Trad. Med. "Throat Coat" also nice)
Lyrebird_in_NYState |
02.17.06 - 2:04 pm | #
I seem to have misplaced the notice of representation by additional counsel to Libby filed yesterday. It was one page and I thought I printed it out, but I don't seem to have it.
I think the document is avaliable online anyway, just as the more notable Fitzgerald response was.
Her name, as I mentioned, was Walsh. Not sure if she is a Jeffress person, a Wells person, a Cline person or what.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:05 pm | #
Jane,
I can host documents for you if there is a need.
the cyber ruffian |
02.17.06 - 2:05 pm | #
From Newsday via Froomkin; I found the wording on this highly amusing:
Cheney told Hume on Wednesday that when the shooting took place, he was on the "far right" of the hunting party
Redshift |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:05 pm | #
Link to Charlie Cook's speculation about the history of lame duck presidents in midterm elections- very good.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 2:06 pm | #
MSNBC online poll just now:
Should Harry Whittington's statement about the shooting accident put an end to the controversy over how Vice President Dick Cheney handled it? * 26201 responses
Yes, Whittington appears to be ready to move on, so everyone else should too.
73%
No, remaining questions, including the delay in publicizing the accident, should be investigated.
27%
Rove is flippin' us the "bird".
_
BobbyG |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:07 pm | #
Whittington waited until the wire transfer was complete.
Then he saved Cheney's ass. Secured a little something extra for his grandkids.
We can't beat the victim's Tammy Wynette routine.
We can only make use of the story and the images and doubts it has planted in the minds of the politically disengaged. We need to use it repeatedly to frame the other side, using it as metaphor.
But we won't get anywhere shouting for more investigation. It's a cover up and a sham, but they successfully bult their firewall.
There are many other scandals to pivot back to now. I suggest we concentrate on warrantless wiretapping. But ths shooting is not the symbolic keystone that builds the narrative to tie everything else together.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:11 pm | #
But the shooting is now the keystone of the narrative that should tie everything else together.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:14 pm | #
Knight-Ridder has a story up that the White House didn't make a mistake in not notifying the press of the shooting; they were deliberately trying to create an impression that the traditional media were "after them" to appeal to their base.
I don't buy it; I think KR is getting spun (a rarity for them.)
The article says "More than ever, the Bush White House ignores traditional news media and presents its message through friendly alternatives, such as talk-show hosts Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity." But during the 22-hour delay, they didn't talk to them, either.
Obviously they're trying to blame the media now, but I think Cheney's obsession with secrecy screwed them, and they're just trying to cover their asses.
Redshift |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:14 pm | #
The fact that Whittington got hit on the right side of his face seems to corroborate the 270-degree spin theory.
Allow me to explain. Cheney and Whittington are side by side, both facing south. Whittington is to Cheney's right (to the west of Cheney), but Cheney doesn't realize he's there. A quail goes up BEHIND Cheney. Cheney turns to his left and spins in a counterclockwise direction about 270 degrees, then shoots towards the west, striking Whittington.
If this is what happened, it would make sense that Whittington, upon hearing and/or seeing the quail go up behind Cheney, would turn to his left, perhaps 90 degrees, perhaps a little more than 90 degrees, so that he would be looking directly at the flying quail. If he in fact turned in that manner to see the quail, that would have exposed the right side of his face to Cheney's birdshot.
It all makes sense.
Moron |
02.17.06 - 2:16 pm | #
there's a sceenplay here, jane.( not woodward and bernstein anymore, but jane, redd,and the resourceful pach with a healthy dash of supporting bloggys). at least write the treatmant and score 50k from ron howard.
squirrel hiller |
02.17.06 - 2:17 pm | #
Pachacutec - thanks for explaining the mystery of your name - (i could have googled it) - i was in Peru and enjoyed myself emmensely - especially the train ride from Lima to Huancayo. That is the ultimate in train ride adventure. Fantastic country. i so want to take the kids there.
And loved the recap of your adventures which seemed like tons of frustration. You are chief Inspector FDL.
Kathryn in MA |
02.17.06 - 2:19 pm | #
for bronchitis and other lung/throat ailments: tea made of equal parts licorice root, mullein flowers, chammomile.
shoephone |
02.17.06 - 2:19 pm | #
LET US HOPE THE FITZ FIREBALLS WHEN HE CUTS THEM LOOSE, CUTS A SWATH WIDER THAN THE THREE WTC BUILDING IN PLANTED EXPLOSIVE FREE FALLS--- AND WIPES OUT THE ENTIRE TOP LEVEL DOWN TO THE DOOR KNOB HOLDERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CHAMBERS -- AT LEAST KNOCKING THE BALLS OFF ALL THE MALE MEMBERS ENTANGLED IN THE ABRAMOFF ANGST-- REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. OH, I FORGOT. THEY DONT HAVE BALLS AND THEY'VE PROVEN IT ALREADY. // GO FITZ
DAMMNEDUGLY_MAN |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:21 pm | #
From hunter to hunted
By Joan Vennochi, Globe Columnist | February 16, 2006
(snip)
"But whatever the level of media haughtiness, the level of Cheney's haughtiness is hard to beat. In this case, Cheney's legendary arrogance turned into an easy metaphor for the generic arrogance of the Bush administration. Never explain, never apologize, until you are forced to, whether the matter at hand is a war gone wrong or a shot gone wrong."
"In this case, Cheney also displayed contempt for President Bush, along with his well-documented contempt for the press. By stonewalling, the vice president turned a bird hunting mishap into a political albatross for the White House. That, in turn, reinforced the recurring theme of a president who is not in control of his own administration or its policies. Who's the boss? Cheney, not Bush. It gave Democrats a new line of attack, linking Cheney's penchant for secrecy to an overall pattern of secrecy in the Bush administration."
"Cheney, the hunter, is now Cheney, the hunted. The media have him in their sights, with fresh ammunition thanks to the shots he accidentally fired at Whittington. As a political lame duck, he can dodge the press as he sees fit. But what about the special prosecutor? Fitzgerald's investigation is not as easily sidestepped."
"When Libby was indicted, the Washington media predicted he would be too loyal to turn on his former boss. But an ex-chief of staff facing jail time and disgrace can redirect loyalty from an ex-boss to his family and himself. Libby's case is not scheduled to go to trial until January 2007. Cheney has plenty of time to find out whether Libby's loyalties run as deep as he believed or hoped."
"For Cheney, ducking questions about a hunting accident could be preferable to ducking questions about Scooter Libby."
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 2:21 pm | #
Redshift: lotsa interesting material here for follow-up analysis and lessons of 270degree-spin-gate for way Bushites BS the country. FDL could produce an assault of truly deadly snark here.
If Richard Bruce Cheney* did spin 270 degrees, he must have been truly and Biblically plowed ripped and zoned. One beer, huh?
*jerk who shot a man while hunting and who was such a coward he sent his flunkies out to lie about it for three days. Question remains if it took him that long to sober up?
anon_1 |
02.17.06 - 2:23 pm | #
squirrel hiller | 02.17.06 - 2:17 pm | #
I want Brendan Fraser to play me. Or Matt Damon. He'd have to darken his hair.
If they can't play me, then they can play with me.
My partner won't mind. This can be the exception to our exclusivity clause.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:23 pm | #
Pach as Pach can.
.."concur" is written but "confer" was intended...
Pachacutec | 02.17.06 - 1:58 pm | #
are you implying that we should infer a concurrent conference?
if a conifer falls in the woods...
(OK, I'll stop blathering for a while...)
punaise |
02.17.06 - 2:24 pm | #
Moron | 02.17.06 - 2:16 pm |
You wrote: "Allow me to explain. Cheney and Whittington are side by side..."
Did you mean to write Allow me to explain. Cheney and Pamela Willeford are side by side...
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 2:24 pm | #
shoephone - did you post the URL for medicinal herbs a while ago? I would love to get that as i neglected to bookmark it at the time.
Kathryn in MA |
02.17.06 - 2:27 pm | #
oh, for cryin' out loud: front page headline at cnn.com -
"Shooting victim apologizes to vice president"
punaise |
02.17.06 - 2:28 pm | #
sharkbabe commented earlier today about the possibility of the WH trying to deflect Amercia's attention away from serious domestic issues with a strike against Iran.
It's going to be even tougher for Dead Eye to make a case on Meet the Press against Iran than it would have been before he shot Harry.
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 2:29 pm | #
pach-
they can multi-task and play you and with you.
let your partner have the make-up hair guy.
squirrel hiller |
02.17.06 - 2:29 pm | #
It was interesting to read the names in the citations. Haldeman, Secord, Poindexter. Anyone who says the Republicans have contributed nothing to our legal system are simply wrong!
Jose Padilla |
02.17.06 - 2:32 pm | #
squirrel hiller | 02.17.06 - 2:29 pm | #
If I get to exercise my pass on those guys, he will insist the guy from Lost and an Australian rugby player to be named later.
No makeup nellie for my better half. He won't be interested.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:35 pm | #
John Casper -
Willeford, Cheney, and Whittington were all in an east-west line, all facing south. Willeford was to the east, Cheney in the middle, and Whittington to the west.
I suspect Willeford and Cheney were quite close to each other.
The official story is that Whittington was 90 feet away from Cheney, but I suspect he was closer.
Moron |
02.17.06 - 2:36 pm | #
Kathryn in MA: It's a remedy given to me over 20 years ago when I was suffering from chronic bronchitis and laryngitis. It works really well.
Moron, let's not speculate that Whittington was TOO close to Cheney, ok?
Picturing Willeford swallowing his oysters is bad enough..
marky |
02.17.06 - 2:37 pm | #
"Comment A, meet comment B"
punaise | 02.17.06 - 1:45 pm |
too funny
John Casper |
02.17.06 - 2:38 pm | #
I just heard Bush on the radio saying this"..we have almost two divisions nearly ready to take over alone..." or something very close to that. Translation: we have no divisions ready.
Looking at him on CNN a while ago, I think he was probably 40 to 50 feet away.
Edward Teller |
02.17.06 - 2:39 pm | #
Whittington apologizes to Cheney. What next? How about "War widow apologizes for embarrassing President Bush; fully supports the liberation of the Iraqi women"
marky |
02.17.06 - 2:40 pm | #
Where's the MSNBC poll? I can't find it.
jane hamsher |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:42 pm | #
--------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Whittington apologizes to Cheney. What next? How about "War widow apologizes for embarrassing President Bush; fully supports the liberation of the Iraqi women"
marky | 02.17.06 - 2:40 pm | #
ok nix make-up hair. special effects guys and stunt men are the real deal.
nuf of this.
jane has to start writing.
thanks for the frothy diversion from our troubled times.
i gotta run and make an 11' burmese cobra right now for a nature special. later.
squirrel hiller |
02.17.06 - 2:44 pm | #
Fitzy, pages 11-12:
"The defendent has not, and cannot, establish that the withheld information is material to the preparation of his defense, much less that his need for the information outweighs the continuing need for grand jury secrecy. Indeed, information regarding reporters with whom the defendent had no contact, and reporters' sources other than the defendant, is highly unlikely to 'play an important role in uncovering admissable evidence, aiding witness preparation, corroborating testimony, or assisting impeachment or rebuttal.' See Marshall, 132 F.3d at 68, The defendant is not charged with falsely characterizing what journalists knew prior to July 14, 2003, as he contends. Instead, the indictment charges the defendant with lying about what he knew and did not know about Ms. Wilson, what reporters said and did not say to him, and what he said and did not say to reporters, prior to July 14, 2003. Given the nature of the charges, defendant's legitimate defense necessarily must focus on the defendant's state of mind, rather than that of others. . ."
Emphasis in the original.
And in invisible ink, at the end of that slapfest, comes the barely decipherable word, . . .Bitch!"
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:45 pm | #
Jane - you have to click through to the main story - one of the bullet points (no pun intended) is "Vote: Had enough?"
punaise |
02.17.06 - 2:47 pm | #
I hope folks know that this particular commenter is a college student doing a great job on a college progressive site. I think that's a great thing and hope we can address his/her questions as they arise, cause he's getting freeped here and there.
zennurse | 02.17.06 - 11:11 am | #
zennurse,
I just caught this from three threads south. Anyways, thank you for posting to that nemesis. There are so many troll droppings all over the place. I really needed help with the Alito threads, but don't have the legal experience to respond to the posts from the neoCONS there. There is one, supercoolyellow, who is always there and another Alexanderbayouboy who are always hounding my threads.
Would it be ok if I provided a link to a specific Alito thread where I needed assistance? Alexander posted to me in this and I would appreciate the added comments to him.
OfTopic, but it seems the GOP is incompetent even when it comes to having the House and the Senate pass the same bill and send it to W for signature. Really basic civics class stuff, and they mess it up. Or, as with all their mess-ups, did they tinker with it just enough to get the votes (1 in the House, Cheney's tie-breaker in the Senate) to pass it? In which case, Pelosi's right, it must go to the Ethics Committee.
Just another example of the work we must accomplish towards November 2006.
Is there absolutely anything these doofuses can do right, except make money for their pals? (not in TimeSelect, but free reg reqd. for link below):
Shoephone, zennurse, et al, I apologize for not checking my yahoo mail for over a week. I don't want to take up space on the thread, but hell yeah, $5 for freedom lake, I'm in. Email the Ruffian!
the cyber ruffian |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:50 pm | #
Maybe our young quad amputee Iraq vets should apologize to Bush for making his job more difficult.
.
BobbyG |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:51 pm | #
Anyone heard from Barbara Comstock yet?
mainsailset |
02.17.06 - 2:51 pm | #
Alice Marshall at 1:24 pm -- When I say "mole," I don't mean someone currently working with Libby's defense team. That would be prosecutorial misconduct. What I mean is someone who is either currently or formerly working for the Administration who was either working with WHIG or whatever other group was involved in outing Valerie Wilson, but who has now flipped and testified for the Feds. An informant, if you will, or a mole in lay terms.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:51 pm | #
California_reality_check -- thanks for the toddy suggestion. I may have to try one later, with a Nyquil chaser.
Zen, yes, I'm on antibiotics, but I'm just overwhelmed with..erm...snot at the moment. (Sorry. Not a pleasant visual.) And no matter what I'm taking, it doesn't seem to be getting better. I know it takes time, but it's back to the doc for me if I'm not feeling better by Monday.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 2:54 pm | #
PS Sorry for all the silly non-cuss words in my last post, I've been over at the WaPo blog asking a lot of questions about their policy and had to clean up my act.
Thanks to Redd for wading through the legalese and helping us non-lawyers understand where the snark is, and to Pach for retrieving the document (lavender is my favorite color!)
-
TeddySanFran |
02.17.06 - 2:54 pm | #
Just to clarify, the document Redd writes about is not the one I had to retreive.
Todays' special mission was for the transcript of a hearing, not this filing by Fitz.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 2:56 pm | #
So when will Cheney sue Whittington? Is Whittington offering a settlement?
Let's see what FOX and MSNBC have to say.
marky |
02.17.06 - 2:58 pm | #
Presumably if this is the same judge who threw Judy into the slammer, Libby will not prevail with this.
bob h |
02.17.06 - 2:59 pm | #
Pach - is your doc going up to?
I won't be playing poker with anyone from DOJ in the near future. Their house rules are so far from the Constitutional rules I learned, it is a very stacked deck.
Mary |
02.17.06 - 3:01 pm | #
marky: LOL
Bob h: different judge. The one with Judy was a three judge panel; different cast of characters. That was an appellate court, I think.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 3:02 pm | #
Just want to pop in here and mention how best (IMO) to talk about The Reckless Shooter with those who are less informed on the details.
Just put it in terms everyone can understand. If someone says, "But the investigation cleared Cheney," feel free to laugh heartily first and say:
"Boy, that's the type of investigation I'd love to have if I ever ran over a pedestrian. I could just go home, call an ambulance for the poor soul, and sit down to dinner. Then when the cops drop by, I could ask them to come by the next day, since I'm too upset to talk to them at the moment. And besides, my dinner beckons and I have some charming guests here. Then when the cops call on the phone, I could assure them that alcohol played no role, and they'd be satisfied. Now THERE'S an investigation. Right?"
Don't forget to laugh raucously while outlining this simple narrative.
Oh, and I want to add my own thanks to Pacha-Cutie.
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:02 pm | #
Mary: Jane is trying to get John Amato at CrooksandLiars to host it, or maybe Tom Maguire will.
She will post when the link us up.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 3:03 pm | #
Redd, pound the Zinc, Echinacea and Colloidal Silver over the weekend. That will put the kaibosh on the snot.
CaryGrant'sBirthControlGlasses |
02.17.06 - 3:03 pm | #
By Peter S. Goodman
Washington Post Foreign Service
Friday, February 17, 2006; 5:39 PM
SHANGHAI, Feb. 17 -- China is hastening to complete a deal worth as much as $100 billion that would allow a Chinese state-owned energy firm to take a leading role in developing a vast oil field in Iran, complicating the Bush administration's efforts to isolate the Middle Eastern nation and roll back its nuclear development plans, according to published reports.
The completion of the agreement would advance China's global quest for new stocks of energy. It could also undermine U.S. and European initiatives to halt Tehran's nuclear plans, possibly generating friction in Beijing's relations with outside powers.
Caijing, a respected financial magazine based in Beijing, reported on its Web site on Thursday that a Chinese delegation comprised of officials from the National Development and Reform Commission -- a top economic policy body -- intends to visit Iran as early as next month to conclude an agreement. The deal would clear China Petrochemical Corp., also known as Sinopec, to develop the Yadavaran oil field in southern Iran.
Beijing and Tehran are attempting to swiftly conclude a deal in the next few weeks, ahead of the possible imposition of international sanctions against Iran, according to a report published in Friday's editions of The Wall Street Journal. The report relied upon unnamed Iranian government officials. Sanctions could hinder Chinese investments in Iran.
In the spirit of concern for Cheney's well being, I am wondering how the shooting will affect him. Seriously though ... while we can stipulate that the Dark Lord has no soul, and Gloria Borger's reportage of Cheney's "meltdown" was Rovian spin, I do think the shooting rattled him considerably. Not out of any concern for Harry--it is just that Cheney's self-identity is based largely on a belief in his own competence. This screw-up would shake him to the core; I can imagine him kicking himself over and over "How could I be so stupid!" I'm not sure how long of an effect this will have on him, but in the short term it will knock the wind out of his sails, make him less hubristic, because he knows, deep down that he fucked up. Big time (as they say).
It probably doesn't help to have to explain Swiss Miss to wifey either. When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. (Unless perhaps they have one of those "arrangements" where they each have their own gal on the side.)
uncle toby |
02.17.06 - 3:04 pm | #
MSNBC's linked the poll in the photo on the msnbc-tv page. The second bullet point.
Cheney can't believe in his own competence is he read Norman Schwarzkopf's book.
marky |
02.17.06 - 3:06 pm | #
A pox, nay, a fitztula, on the houses of Libby and the guy who shot the old man in his kisser.
fred |
02.17.06 - 3:06 pm | #
Gettin a little weary of the Cheney story- by the way- if Cheney is managing ta dip his cocktail weanie inta some fresh flesh- I could care less- I didn't care when Clinton did it and I don't even want ta KNOW if Cheney's doin it.
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 3:07 pm | #
Coulda gone all day w/out That mental picture.
Bustednuckles |
02.17.06 - 3:08 pm | #
Come on, Cheney couldn't be dipping into that fondue---not with his erection fraction.
marky |
02.17.06 - 3:11 pm | #
Redd --
Glad to hear you will re-visit the doc if not better by Monday.
When I was in grad school preparing for comprehensives, I kept ignoring a little "post nasal drip" problem, and figured I was just exhausted from all my burning of midnight oil.
By the time it was clear that my fingernails were turning blue, I had a whopping case of so-called "walking pneumonia" (which just means you're strong enough to walk around even though you ought to be in bed).
Should you notice (before Monday) that you are short of breath -- when walking up stairs or trying to move quickly -- or that the base of your fingernails looks bluish, please hie thee to the E.R.
Don't wanna scare ya unnecessarily, just let you know what signs should not be ignored. I ended up requiring hospitalization when earlier and more aggressive treatment should have sufficed. Docs kept saying, gee you are one tough specimen. You must've had this infection for MONTHS.
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:12 pm | #
*Applauds wildly for Pach*
Good job and much appreciated.
Shez |
02.17.06 - 3:14 pm | #
rwcole | 02.17.06 - 3:07 pm | # - Taking Dick Cheney's heart problems into consideration - his poor circulation in particular and the rest of his cardiac problems in general - and his age, it is probably safe to conclude that he's impotent.
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 3:14 pm | #
Redd: Crown Royal makes nice cough medicine.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 3:15 pm | #
Mrs. K8 -- I did the same thing my senior year in college when I was running a conference and working on a major paper for a senior seminar class. It took a fever of 106 to get me to the infirmary, and I wouldn't let them put me in the hospital because I had to man my phone for conference registration questions. (Yeah, I've always been a little on the workaholic side. SIGH) I'm keeping an eye on this, though, and they've already got me on some hefty antibiotics. Am hoping to get a little extra rest this weekend and kick this.
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 3:15 pm | #
I can imagine him kicking himself over and over "How could I be so stupid!" I'm not sure how long of an effect this will have on him, but in the short term it will knock the wind out of his sails, make him less hubristic, because he knows, deep down that he fucked up.
uncle toby --
Forgive me, but I think your understanding of Cheney is wildly optimistic. Cheney NEVER thinks he's fucked up. In spite of mountains of evidence to the contrary regarding all manner of things. I fully believe that his only concern about the shooting is annoyance at the whole pain in the ass business of the aftermath.
NOTHING is ever his fault.
And nothing will ever make him "less hubristic." This is a person who has no experience or understanding of humility.
On the other hand, it's a very good thing to have in the public's mind just in time for his push to attack Iran. People will still be thinking "Cheney, The Reckless Shooter." He will have much less ability to push publicly for widened war.
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:19 pm | #
Monzie -- she's much better, thanks. We're having a yogurt snack and watching some Baby Einstein at the moment. :)
ReddHedd |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 3:19 pm | #
In line with the Whittington apology headline, I'm thinking of an alternate universe in which a FOX headline blares "Monica apologizes for blue dress---says she should have swallowed"
marky |
02.17.06 - 3:23 pm | #
Stephen Parrish, CPA | 02.17.06 - 3:04 pm
Yeah, I caught that Sinopec story earlier in the day, as well as the P&D-Dubai ports story. Wall Street has a lot different concerns than the White House -- or I should say, Wall Street is parting company with the White House. Been noticing a gradual migration away from confidence in Bushista agenda over the last handful of months on the part of the financial sector, and I'd say it began in earnest with Katrina.
Rayne |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 3:25 pm | #
Just a quicky -- have to make dinner for the tribe:
But after hearing Hrry today, I have been moved to offer the following statement:
"My family and I are deeply sorry for everything Osama Bin Laden and his family have had to deal with. Considering the bombing and the assassins and all, we hope that he will continue to seek the relaxation and dyalisis that he deserves."
immanentize |
02.17.06 - 3:25 pm | #
Redd --
Ah, you know the lay of the land. Good. Now we will all be monitoring here to make SURE you take it easy over the weekend. We need you in good shape over the long haul. Pamper yourself! We'll still be here when you're better.
And what is it about 106 degrees and pneumonia? I went from "normal" (no snickers, please) to 106 suddenly, in the space of half an hour. Driving myself to the E.R. was a hallucinatory experience. Not recommended...
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:25 pm | #
Olbermann asked John Dean an interesting question last night: what does "in the performance of executive duties..." mean in EO 13292. Dean sounded like he didnt really know offhand. gave a brushoff answer. I figured the great legal minds here (even ones so stuffed up are amazing!) might want to tackle this one.
GWS (get wll soon) Redd!
TiredFed |
02.17.06 - 3:30 pm | #
Pach- did anyone want to know why you wanted the document, or seem interested in the topic? Any chit chat about Fitz?
-
Valley Girl |
02.17.06 - 3:30 pm | #
My mind is mush today - did I or someone already post about the Gonzales take on Comey and Ashcroft?
No big surprise on the restraints on testimony front (although I think they all just have a terminal case of Fanfic love of Witness for the PRosecution).
What I found interesting, though, was the reference to investigations into the program - aka, "Yeah, right, when we stop laughing we'll get right on that"
In a letter to Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey (D-N.Y.), Office of Professional Responsibility counsel H. Marshall Jarrett said that his office has "initiated an investigation" into the Justice Department's role in the NSA surveillance program. The letter, dated Feb. 2 but not received by Hinchey until yesterday, indicates that the probe will include "whether such activities are permissible under existing law."
But Justice Department spokeswoman Tasia Scolinos said the inquiry will be more limited: "They will not be making a determination on the lawfulness of the NSA program but rather will determine whether the department lawyers complied with their professional obligations in connection with that
All of which makes me harken back to the mostly unreported request by a handful of Housers. See, the Patriot Act - which included the revisions to FISA - has this nifty section where abuses are supposed to be reported. In some realities, regularly and systematically failing to get a required warrant might be deemed an abuse. So the Housers asked the DESIGNATED OIG office to take a look. They got shot down. Bc Fine said - VIOLATIONS? Nah, the most we have here would be wether or not people complied with their Professional Responsibilities in how they gave advice within the Exec branch - which seems to be the response to the Senators too.
From Glenn Fine in response to the Request:
After reviewing your letter, we have determined that the issue of the Attorney General’s actions in this matter falls outside the jurisdiction of the OIG. Specifically, the actions of the Attorney General or other Department attorneys in providing legal advice regarding the legality of warrantless surveillance by NSA relates to the legal duties of Department attorneys, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), not the OIG. As a result, we have contacted the Counsel for the Department’s OPR and have forwarded your letter to OPR for its review and any action it deems appropriate.
From Congressional Members in response to IG Fine:
Under that law, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General has the “duty and responsibility” to report to Congress “abuses and deficiencies relating to the administration of programs and operations” within the Department of Justice. Furthermore, under Section 1001 of the PATRIOT Act, your office is designated as the one entity responsible for the review of information and complaints regarding civil rights and civil liberties violations by DOJ employees and officials.
…
Notwithstanding your characterization to the contrary, the allegations at issue here do not relate to the Attorney General’s provision of legal advice to any party, but rather allegations of his non-compliance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in the conduct of his official duties. Your letter fails to explain how, in the absence of any investigation by your office, you have concluded that the Attorney General’s conduct in question extends no further than “provid[ing] legal advice.”
…Federal courts have been careful to distinguish between the roles government employees fill as attorneys providing counsel as opposed to as officials conducting government business. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that an attorney in the White House Counsel’s office may not refuse to testify about possible criminal conduct on the basis of attorney-client privilege. As the Court of Appeals stated, “the Office of the President is a part of the federal government, consisting of government employees doing government business, and neither legal authority nor policy nor experience suggests that a federal government entity can maintain the ordinary common law attorney-client privilege to withhold information relating to a federal criminal offense.” The Court further stated, “With respect to investigations of federal criminal offenses, and especially offenses committed by those in government, government attorneys stand in a far different position from members of the private bar. Their duty is not to defend clients against criminal charges and it is not to protect wrongdoers from public exposure. The constitutional responsibility of the President, and all members of the Executive Branch, is to ‘take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.’ U.S. CONST. art. II, § 3.” In light of this careful distinction between government employees acting as legal counsel versus acting as officials conducting government business, we fail to see how you conclude, without any investigation, that the Attorney General’s alleged criminal violations of FISA constitute the simple provision of legal advice.
Mary |
02.17.06 - 3:30 pm | #
Getting people's attention:
Why are we selling our ports to Arabs? Does that make our nation safer?
"I read a comment over at TPM Cafe on this subject, and it bears repeating. That is, this news of Specter's alleged corruption comes immediately on the heels of news reports of Specter's continuing struggle with the White House over NSA domestic spying. He has requested appearances from Ashcroft, Comey, et cetera, and numerous internal DOJ documents for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings. Only yesterday Gonzales responded publicly and made clear that, hell no, the administration would not allow those individuals to testify regarding their participation in internal discussions while at DOJ with respect the NSA wiretapping, citing executive privilege among other grounds. Rest assured, we are not getting the full-blown, knock-down-drag-them-out story, that there is much going one behind the curtain.
So this latest "revelation" with respect to Specter -- while it may have legitimacy -- more likely than not is a Rovian plot a la SBVT to discredit Specter. Simply put, it's exhortation.
Pat Roberts' Senate Select Committee on Intelligence only yesterday opined that there is no need for an investigation, period. We'll, Roberts' committee, just retroactively amend the law to make the administration's illegal conduct legal. Heather Wilson's initial call for an investigation was overriden by Pete Hoekstra, and that committee in the House having caved in to administration demands, announced yesterday as well that it will only investigate whether FISA needs broadening to encompass these "new techniques."
So, clearly, Specter's committee represents the only remaining threat to the administration, and the adminstration's threats had little effect because Specter is not budging one iota in his demands, so the White House resorted once again to tried-and-true methodology (all-out guerilla warfare) and leaked to the media that the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee may himself be tarnished by the ballooning lobbyiing scandals. Perhaps that is the reasoning behind Specter's immediate calls for an investigation of his office yesterday."
Rose Elvern |
02.17.06 - 3:32 pm | #
Complete video of Cheney's extramarital sex life to be released next month as a part of the hit series "Porn for couples who want to break up".
rwcole |
02.17.06 - 3:32 pm | #
K8,
As a general rule, I agree that Cheney NEVER thinks he's fucked up. But you still need some sort of defense mechanism to rationalize what happened. E.g., "that damn Chalabi sold us a bill of goods" or "the people who were in charge of the details of the occupation of Iraq dropped the ball" or "those 3000 people in the WTC who I allowed to die when I had our air defenses disabled were martyrs to the cause of patriotism and maintaining the American way of life".
But, in this case there is no rationalization--unless he's thinking "that sonofabitch got in the way of my perfectly good shot"--Cheney knows he pulled the trigger.
I'm not predicting in any way a humble Dick Cheney, just one who has a little more self-doubt over his ability.
uncle toby |
02.17.06 - 3:34 pm | #
egregious -- why are we selling our ports to ANY foreign interest?
I haven't done my homework yet on this, but I wonder if this deal included the Port of New Orleans...
Rayne |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 3:37 pm | #
Rayne | Homepage | 02.17.06 - 3:25 pm | # - I haven't seen many details today about the P&D Dubai ports story. What is the proposed structuring of the sale? As for Sinopec, is it premature to wonder what the preferred currency for that transaction will be? Will it be in euros?
immanentize | 02.17.06 - 3:25 pm | # - Let's give Mr. Whittington some time to return to Austin and make further progress with his recuperation. Then let's see what he says.
Although he appeared to be coherent when I listened to a brief portion of his comments, I'm wondering how much the pain medication he's taking is affecting his ability to express himself.
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 3:38 pm | #
Pach
According to ABC's The Note, the tall man in the rumpled suit was supposed to have been in the Grand Jury today.
He should have been in the building at the same time you were.
looseheadprop |
02.17.06 - 3:38 pm | #
Kudos to pach for getting that pdf. Sounds like a very trying but ultimately rewarding trip. Thank you for your effort.
triciawrites |
02.17.06 - 3:42 pm | #
Valley Girl | 02.17.06 - 3:30 pm | #
Nothing about Fitz.
No one seemed at all surprised by my interest. No one asked why I wanted it. They are already very used to a swarm of attention for this case.
When I was searching for the document in the Clerk's office, there was another woman there getting copies of documents as well. Same case. Don't know what her angle was.
The court reporter who gave me transcript, Mr. McAllister, asked for my card for my name and information, since he keeps a record of the copies he produces and disseminates. Plus, since I have to pay for the copy, he gives a receipt, and includes my information.
I told him I have a card and gave it to him, though mentioned that I was not asking for the record in my professional capacity, but just in my capacity as a member of the public. No one cared. Just a matter of how to complete the form. he kept my company name and title off the receipt.
After my long wait and search, I found Mr. McAllister closing up a courtroom at lunchtime, and walked with him back to his office. Along the way he quoted me the exact per page and total cost for the document reproduction. "Eighty-three cents per page, eleven pages, nine dollars and thirteen cents total."
He added drily, "I know that not because I'm a math whiz, which i'm not, but because I now know the price by heart from all the other requests."
Heh. See what I mean?
No one among the courthouse staff is curious about interest in this case.
They just want the media storm to be over. And he just wanted to have his lunch.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 3:42 pm | #
They hide those people though. I would never have found them, and there are segments of the building and its annex closed to the public.
Pachacutec |
02.17.06 - 3:44 pm | #
But, in this case there is no rationalization--unless he's thinking "that sonofabitch got in the way of my perfectly good shot"--Cheney knows he pulled the trigger.
uncle toby --
We have a slight difference of opinion here, because I believe that the portion of your post I highlighted is EXACTLY what Cheney thinks.
And it's the attitude he (via his pals) put out initially, until it sank in how much the public found it an appalling response.
Today having his victim public APOLOGIZE to him was a real coup for Cheney -- with his kool-aid poisoned base. I doubt anyone else has trouble seeing through that little theatrical production.
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:45 pm | #
egregious -- why are we selling our ports to ANY foreign interest?
I haven't done my homework yet on this, but I wonder if this deal included the Port of New Orleans...
Rayne | Homepage | 02.17.06 - 3:37 pm
ooops -- should be "publicly apologize"
Mrs. K8 |
02.17.06 - 3:48 pm | #
Mary | 02.17.06 - 3:30 pm | # - To summarize your post, is it correct to conclude that executive privilege can't be asserted in this case, keeping in mind a precedent (United States v. Nixon) mentioned in at least one previous thread?
Stephen Parrish, CPA |
02.17.06 - 3:52 pm | #
If there is some mole who has been feeding information to Fitz and his team, as some have speculated, this sort of fishing expedition might be one way to get a hint as to who that might be.
Hmm... And that sort of fishing expedition sounds like a job for Barbara Comstock...
radish |
02.17.06 - 3:59 pm | #
Thank you so much for the FITZ update...needed that... ;-)
enigma4ever |
Homepage |
02.17.06 - 4:09 pm | #
Yes, thanks for the Fitz fix.
chady |
02.17.06 - 5:34 pm | #
Redd -- This doesn't sound too thrilling but to limit the mucous in your throat/lungs overnight, a glass of warm (not hot, not cold) orange juice, grapefruit juice or (much better) lemonade just before bed works wonders. It is also an excellent treatment for the croup, and even helps mild asthma attacks. Also, we were told to stay away from dairy products as they make the secretions worse.
Feel better soon and keep up the good work, everyone.
dannyboy |
02.17.06 - 5:46 pm | #
This is extremely old news, indeed.
There was a book published in the 1950's called "All Honorable Men" by somebody Mitchell or Mitchell somebody detailing the involvement af all four major German banks. The two "D" banks Dresdner and Deutcher were the leaders.
There were 100 men who controlled all the boards of German industries and the banks held the "bearer' share certificates that gave them the power.
Mitchell was a US attorney seconded into the army to investigate these buisness conections.
He had them on toast but General "Wild" Bill Donovan let them go.
Donovan was a partner in one the major banks supporting Hitler before the war ( Dillon Read, I think)
Jim |
02.18.06 - 3:02 pm | #
