Today's Article
If oversight of any
branch of
government is
obliterated, America
ceases to be a
democracy.
branch of
government is
obliterated, America
ceases to be a
democracy.
The American Spark
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House Panel Seeks Contempt Charges Against Bolten, Miers
By Cliff Montgomery - Aug. 4th, 2007
The House Judiciary Committee approved on July 25th a recommendation that the House hold both White
House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers in contempt of Congress
for refusing to cooperate with its investigation of the now-infamous U.S. attorney firings.
The vote ensures that Congress may actually be attempting to hold accountable this White House for its
continued destruction of democracy. George W. Bush is of course pretending that he has the kingly authority
to extend "executive privilege" even onto clear matters of congressional oversight.
But if oversight of any branch of government is obliterated, America ceases to be a democracy. It then
becomes the tyranny of those who cannot be held accountable for their actions.
Republicans failed to do their patriotic duty in this one, voting along partisan lines to produce a 22-17 vote. It
was not their best day in Congress. But thankfully, they were on the losing side.
The Judiciary Committee recommended to the full House that it cite Bolten in contempt of Congress for flatly
refusing to hand over documents demanded by the panel, and also cite Miers in contempt for ignoring
congressional subpoenas to appear before the committee and produce requested documents.
Outraged Democrats pointed out it was "audacious" for Bolten and Miers to ignore the inherent oversight
powers Congress possesses in this democracy.
If the full House does rule them in contempt of Congress, the federal prosecutor for the Washington, D.C.
area would decide if the law should proceed with an indictment.
This White House has claimed that the U.S. attorney in D.C. is an agent of the Bush Administration, and
therefore will not agree to bring charges.
But as usual, this White House is grossly mistaken on matters of democracy. Federal prosecutors do not work
for any White House career politician, but instead for the country, and for the American people.
This is not a kingdom; your whim is not our law, Mr. Bush. That's why federal law punishes those in government
who fire officials--including U.S. attorneys--for primarily political reasons.
That's why Mr. Bolton and Ms. Miers were subpoenaed before the House Judiciary Committee.
And that's why Bolton and Miers must be found in contempt of Congress, and why your entire administration is
in contempt of the American people.
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
By Cliff Montgomery - Aug. 4th, 2007
The House Judiciary Committee approved on July 25th a recommendation that the House hold both White
House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers in contempt of Congress
for refusing to cooperate with its investigation of the now-infamous U.S. attorney firings.
The vote ensures that Congress may actually be attempting to hold accountable this White House for its
continued destruction of democracy. George W. Bush is of course pretending that he has the kingly authority
to extend "executive privilege" even onto clear matters of congressional oversight.
But if oversight of any branch of government is obliterated, America ceases to be a democracy. It then
becomes the tyranny of those who cannot be held accountable for their actions.
Republicans failed to do their patriotic duty in this one, voting along partisan lines to produce a 22-17 vote. It
was not their best day in Congress. But thankfully, they were on the losing side.
The Judiciary Committee recommended to the full House that it cite Bolten in contempt of Congress for flatly
refusing to hand over documents demanded by the panel, and also cite Miers in contempt for ignoring
congressional subpoenas to appear before the committee and produce requested documents.
Outraged Democrats pointed out it was "audacious" for Bolten and Miers to ignore the inherent oversight
powers Congress possesses in this democracy.
If the full House does rule them in contempt of Congress, the federal prosecutor for the Washington, D.C.
area would decide if the law should proceed with an indictment.
This White House has claimed that the U.S. attorney in D.C. is an agent of the Bush Administration, and
therefore will not agree to bring charges.
But as usual, this White House is grossly mistaken on matters of democracy. Federal prosecutors do not work
for any White House career politician, but instead for the country, and for the American people.
This is not a kingdom; your whim is not our law, Mr. Bush. That's why federal law punishes those in government
who fire officials--including U.S. attorneys--for primarily political reasons.
That's why Mr. Bolton and Ms. Miers were subpoenaed before the House Judiciary Committee.
And that's why Bolton and Miers must be found in contempt of Congress, and why your entire administration is
in contempt of the American people.
Like what you're reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of the The American Spark
e-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be
delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!