The Power of Subpoena (The Nation)

[marmar]

BLOG | Posted 03/19/2007 @ 2:51pm
The Power of Subpoena

Ari Berman

Investigate, investigate, investigate. That's one of key tools given to Democrats since they won back the Congress. And thus far they are using it to impressive effect.

Because of slim majorities, internal discord and Presidential Bush's veto pen, Democrats are unlikely to pass many major pieces of legislation in the next two years. But they can sure make the Bush Administration's life unpleasant. To paraphrase Jesse Jackson, they can keep scandals alive. From Walter Reed to pre-war fabrications to global warming to less glamorous subjects, like the FCC and FDA, the new Congress is performing much-needed oversight.

Just take one recent example: Attorneygate. The firing of eight US attorneys would have flown under the radar of the last Congress. Democrats could have protested publicly---but done little else. Now it's yet another scandal that threatens to topple Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and possibly other top Administration officials. Thanks to the power of subpoena, we can expect to see more explosive testimony on Capitol Hill.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion?bid=15

[BOSSHOG]

1. Subpoena power for dems - the last thing bush wanted

He doesn't give a fuck about the crimes and corruption of the republican party, he just doesn't want it investigated. And that would be exactly the case if the criminals now held majorities. bush will be on that plane to Paraguay, five minutes after the next inauguration.

[loudsue]

2. Thank you, Mr. Berman! That's what my thread was about

yesterday!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x437353


I'm glad to see the media picking up on this issue! It's critical for people to understand that, short of trying to get to the bottom of the mess the republicans have created through investigations, there's not much legislation we can pass right now.

:applause: I'm glad the word is getting out.

:kick::kick::kick:

[Labors of Hercules]

3. Scandals Discredit the administration = Draw fire against the party =

discredit the party = Repugs wanting to stay in office side with Dems to pass vetoed legislation =
Dems in power generate positive momentum and change = A Democrat is elected to the White House and the Democratic majority in Congress is strengthened by voting remaining Repukes out of office =
Democrats in power and the Pentagon launch full-scale Investigations uncovering high-treason and war crimes proven beyond a shadow of a doubt = Shrub and Cheney arrested, tried for treason, found guilty and hanged.

sarcasm? yes, but no matter how they twist it, the Repuglican fools have too much to hide, and they will be found out and held accountable.