There is no honest reason that Karl Rove and friends can't testify under oath in a closed hearing...

[originalpckelly]

to avoid any sort of press attention that would come.

They could also stipulate that Mr. Rove and friends would only testify about this matter and if the Congress dove into other areas that they would then claim executive privilege.

They aren't doing this simply to avoid a political cost, they also don't want these individuals under oath and with a transcript.

It's very suspicious.

****I want to make clear that I do not support this. I'm trying to point out that what they are asking for is very suspicious and doesn't jibe with what they said publicly.

I really would like an open hearing on this, but I know they don't want one. What's suspicious here is that they don't want to be under oath or to have a transcript. That says something. That's a clue.****

[maxsolomon]

1. out in the open

that is what is needed at this point.

[originalpckelly]

3. While I agree with you, I'm trying to point out that if they simply wanted to...

avoid the appearance of a show trial, they could have sought a closed hearing.

But they didn't just do that, they wanted a select group of people to meet with them without being under oath and without a transcript of the meeting.

That's very suspicious and might indicate that they aren't simply avoiding a "political fishing expedition", but are also trying to avoid a legal problem.

[B Calm]

21. Damn right it's suspicious. They should be forced to testify under oath,

after all we pay their damn salaries and we are the boss!

[karlrschneider]

2. I could live with a closed session if they're under oath AND transcripts

are allowed.

[originalpckelly]

5. Yes, and so would the Senators, but that's not what they wanted...

and that's a very important clue. It might very well show they are avoiding any legally binding statements.

[karlrschneider]

9. AH...well, sure. I guess I figured that was glaringly obvious and thought you were

going off in a different direction. :D

[originalpckelly]

11. I'm just trying to make sure everyone sees this stuff about politics...

being the only reason they don't want a transcript and testimony under oath is a bunch bullshit.

I even hope the freepers see this for what it is. I don't know though, their heads are so far up the Administration's collective ass they may not be able to see anything clearly anymore.

I'm really starting to think this is more than a mere "overblown personnel matter."

[karlrschneider]

15. Yep, I got ya.

As for any hope the freepers will ever see the light of day...I won't hold my breath.

[lovuian]

4. No they need to be accountable in Open and American

people have the right to know

Bush is manipulating Congress and its time for Congress to DEMAND and they have the Right to demand

[originalpckelly]

7. I don't think you understand what I'm saying here. I want the information...

I want to know, and I want a public hearing.

I'm talking about what the Administration wanted, and how that might offer some clues.

They didn't want to be under oath or even for there to be a transcript. That's highly suspicious and shows they are simply avoiding politics, but possibly avoiding leaving behind evidence for a possible legal action at some future date.

[bluedog]

6. No.........in the open.for America to hear

........Like the GOP'ers said about bush's wire taps


"If you have nothing to hide...whats the problem?"
rover and Harriet have....Uuuuh...issues with the truth apparently.

[originalpckelly]

8. I know, I tried to clear up the confusion about what I said by editing the OP.

[WinkyDink]

10. Why closed? Who is Karl Rove, after all?

Of COURSE, it's suspicious! Or, rather, amazingly obvious!

[originalpckelly]

12. They're making the charge that this is political...

and the logical conclusion of things that one would want if one really believed that would be a closed hearing limited to the topic of the firings and nothing else.

They didn't just want that, they wanted no hearing (even behind closed doors). They wanted no taking of oaths. No transcripts.

That's just not what you'd want from the perspective of someone solely avoiding politics, it's the stuff someone who's committed a crime wants.

I hope you see.

I don't want that, I'm trying to put myself in their position.

[MissWaverly]

17. Their defense is executive privilege BS

Like this would weaken the president becuz he could never relax and talk to his staff
for fear of subpoenas but this is not about that, this is about conversations his staff
had with the Department of Justice, when they were clearly involved in influencing
appointments, they over reached not the American People, and I fail to see how
executive privilege can be used as a multipurpose cloak for all misdeeds.

[murray hill farm]

13. It has to be public and under oath because....

THEY LIE! Oh yeah...that is the reason they do not want to be under oath. That, of course is clear to everyone in the whole country...and the world.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

14. the judge or the court reporter gives the oath in court. No bible needed.

I assume a Congressman could give the oath.

Then they'll all take the Fifth and be in deep doo doo.

[heatstreak]

16. they know they're dirty and they're just covering their asses

[Danascot]

18. Exactly, and about a million dishonest reasons not to testify

[Catherine Vincent]

19. Protect Karl Rove at all costs!

That's Bush's motto.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

20. Only one...they honestly don't want to do it.

Too much truthiness...:)

[texpatriot2004]

22. WHAT ARE THEY HIDING? It is still an appropriate question. nt

[Seabiscuit]

23. Anytime they play this "no need for an oath" B.S. you *know* they're hiding a ton of shit.

[blues90]

24. Can't use rove and honest in the same sentence or artical

[MadHound]

25. Sorry, but in open court, with reporters and transcripts, under oath

This is America damnit, where matters are supposed to be open to the people, not behind closed doors, secreted away.

[EndElectoral]

26. Yes there is. He is incapable of telling the truth.