White House Stonewalls Firings Probe

Bush Tells Former White House Counsel To Stay Away From House Hearing On Attorney Firings

(CBS/AP)  President Bush ordered his former White House counsel, Harriet Miers, to defy a congressional subpoena and refuse to testify Thursday before a House panel investigating U.S. attorney firings.

"Ms. Miers has absolute immunity from compelled congressional testimony as to matters occurring while she was a senior adviser to the president," White House Counsel Fred Fielding wrote in a letter to Miers' lawyer, George T. Manning.

Manning, in turn, notified committee chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., that Miers would not show up Thursday to answer questions about the White House role in the firings of eight federal prosecutors over the winter.

Conyers, who had previously said he would consider pursuing criminal contempt citations against anyone who defied his committee' subpoenas, revealed the letters after former White House political director Sara Taylor testified Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Conyers said of Miers, Mr. Bush's former White House lawyer, "As a former public official and officer of the court, Ms. Miers should be especially aware of the need to respect legal process, and we expect her to appear before the committee tomorrow as scheduled."

Fielding said the Justice Department had advised the White House that Miers had absolute immunity from compelled congressional testimony.

"The president has directed her not to appear at the House Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday, July 12, 2007," Fielding wrote.

Taylor told senators she never talked to President Bush about the firing of U.S. Attorneys and doesn't think he had anything to do with the decisions, but she wouldn't answer most of the panel's specific questions, citing the president's directive not to, reports CBS News' Bob Fuss.

"I did not attend any meetings with the president where that matter was discussed," Taylor said under stern questioning by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy.

When asked more broadly whether Mr. Bush was involved in any way in the firings, Taylor said, "I don't have any knowledge that he was."

Taylor, who left the White House eight weeks ago for reasons she said were unrelated to the firings, was treading a rough line between obeying Mr. Bush's order not to reveal internal White House deliberations and responding to a congressional subpoena compelling her to do so. Her lawyer, Neil Eggleston, sat at the witness table to advise her.

"I'm trying to be consistent and perhaps have not done a great job of that," Taylor said. "I have tried."

The committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Arlen Specter, said that may not be enough to protect her from a contempt citation for failing to answer many of the committee's questions.

"There's no way you can come out a winner," said Specter, R-Pa. "You might have been on safer legal ground if you'd said absolutely nothing."

As for the prospects of pursuing a criminal citation for contempt of Congress, Leahy said only, "That's a decision yet to be made."

The exchange was part of proceedings that were as much about the ongoing dispute over what information the White House can keep secret as it was about the stated topic — the firings over the winter of eight U.S. attorneys.

Loyal to Mr. Bush even outside the White House, Taylor said she was trying not to answer questions that might violate the president's claim of executive privilege. At one point she reminded the committee that as a commissioned officer, "I took an oath and I take that oath to the president very seriously."

[lastdance2]

On Tuesday 07-10-07
Pres. Bush said : : "The American people, are too spoiled."
Anyone having a true - reference to this. - "Please post it."
__________________________

Senate panel moves to cut off Cheney's funding
Story Highlights :
A Senate committee refused to OK $4.8 million for Vice President Cheney's office
Democrats wants Cheney to comply with rules governing classified information
Cheney says he is exempt from rules because his not an executive "agency"

Ref : CNN.com/Politics
__________________________

Gonzales aides deny he misled Congress
Story Highlights :
Attorney general was informed of FBI abuses, newspaper report says
Gonzales testified there had been no wrongdoing in terror investigations
Senate Judiciary member says he will press Gonzales on issue next week
FBI misuse of national security letters violated civil liberties, memos say

Ref :CNN.com/Politics
___________________________

Senator Leahy: 'What is the White House trying to hide ... ?'
Story Highlights :
NEW: Sen. Leahy says Bush shows disdain for "system of checks and balances"
President invokes executive privilege to block testimony
Congress issued subpoenas for Harriet Miers, Sara Taylor
Bush offers aides for off-the-record interviews

Ref : CNN.com/Politics
___________________________

Lastdance

[rushlimpdrug]

"Thank you for your understanding," she added

Are you sure they were understanding?
It doesn't sound to me like they were understanding.
I have a gut feeling about this.

[infidel_us]

Clinton still holds the record for invoking executive privilege. Read it and weep! :)

[forthepeopl1]

I HOPE EVERY AMERICAN AND ALL OUR ELECTED ARE GOING TO READ THIS, AND SEE THAT THIS ADMINASTRATION JUST KEEPS LAUGHING IN OUR FACES.WHILE THOUSANDS OF OUR TROOPS STILL DIE.
Last December, when Bush rebuffed a bipartisan exit strategy presented by the Iraq Study Group, he said he would leave the decision to withdraw from Iraq to his successor.

That question is "not going to face this government," Bush said, chuckling slightly at a news conference with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, "because we made up our mind. We've made that part clear. It'll face future governments. There will be future opportunities for people to say, 'Well, it's not worth it. Let's just retreat.' "

Since then, nearly 700 more American soldiers have died in a war that has now lasted more than four years, lost the lives of more than 3,600 U.S. troops, cost $10 billion a month -- and cost Republicans control of the House and Senate.

[realpatriot1]

Bush can make the argument that his offer to have the testimony in private is to protect executive privilege. What's the legal argument for not having witnesses under oath and not having a transcript?

How's come he hasn't claimed executive privilege for all the other executive officials who regularly testify before Congress?

I suppose if Petraeus comes back with a negative report on Iraq he'll pull out the executive privilege card again.

[rharrin1]

If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear

Isn't that what bush and his right wing conservatives retorted about the wire tapping???

It is a uncomfortable position to be in Straddling A FENCE

[infidel_us]

I have a gut feeling about this.
Posted by rushlimpdrug at 09:23 AM : Jul 11, 2007

LOL....good one! :)

[infidel_us]

What's the legal argument for not having witnesses under oath ... ?
Posted by Nancy_Naive at 09:29 AM : Jul 11, 2007

Ooooo...two posts almost back to back asking the same question. Are we listening to 'Airhead America' over the internet?

*** difference does it make? You put someone under oath and ask them questions and they say, "5th amendment." So what have you gained?
Grow up!!!!!!

[abbe7]

"Taylor's message was much the same. "I intend to follow the president's instruction," she said in her statement. "
Then, as she is a private citizen, the president's instruction is no less than obstruction of justice.

[ioweign]

lastdance2 I found a reference but it was not from the shrub.

http://www.powerbasic.com/support/forums/Forum12/HTML/001225-2.html

[pepperp1]

I am with the other guy on this what is it about I swear under god that you fear Mr. Bush%u2026..you didn%u2019t have time to completely stack the judgeships with political operatives like Roberts and Alito before being stopped by a Congress for the People not a Party, Congress will get to the bottom of what happened at Justice and in the last 3 elections, it will come out and people will be charged but you won%u2019t be able to pardon them because of delay, delay, delay Sara Taylor would be wise to think through the timing of what you are asking of her to do at her own risk and we the American People will hold the Congress feet to the fire to ensure Bush and Company are prosecuted to the full extent of the law%u2026..

[bluestardad]

LOCK THEM UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY!

[drummer94]

Throw her azz in the clink. Awww, Paris ain't there no more. Interesting video.lol

[cantshutup]

is little sara taylor one of those graduates of that little religious university, the one that seems to be supplying all the appointees for bushit? sarah, you look like one of those youngsters...AND you look perty scared as well you should...think your mama is proud of you darlin? i gotta "gut" feelin you're going down too sister...jesus can't save you now, take that nose outta bushits nasty A *SS and show some respect for your BOSS, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

[condumism]

GOPigs: USA's Military Industrial Complex Party
GOPigs: Practices the Ideology of Fascism
GOPigs: the me, myself, and I party
GOPigs: a Regional Southern Party of WHITE TRASH
GOPigs: Bought and paid for by CORPORATE AMERICA!
GOPigs: #1 reason USA dependent on foreign oil.
GOPigs: Policies create the SUV!
GOPigs: Marijuana the same drug as Heroin.
GOPigs: No oversight of BIG TOBACCO!
GOPigs: JUST SAY NO TO STEM CELLS RESEARCH!
GOPigs: the NEOCON NUTT CASE party!
GOPigs: "PEDOPHILES R US"
GOPigs: the "WE HATE YOUR FREEDOM" party
GOPigs: US Constitution only a piece of paper
GOPigs: Cronyism over competence!
GOpigs: 40 % prefer Nazi style GOV.
GOPigs: It's all Bill Clinton's fault
GOPigs: Needless Military bases across USA!
GOPigs: Perjury/Obstruction of Justice Party!
GOPigs: Avg. IQ of less than 89!
GOPigs: Privitize Social Securuty!
GOPigs: $8.9 TRILLION National Debt!
GOPigs: $500 BILLION annual Interest on US Debt.
GOPigs: gets all news from FASCIST FOX News channel
GOPigs: NO Bid Contract Party
GOPigs: LLC (Limited Liablity Corporation) Zero Accountability Corporation!
GOPigs: USA's FRAUD, WASTE and ABUSE Party!
GOPigs: the one issue voter party.
GOPigs: Illegal Wiretaps of American's
GOPigs: Israel over America Party
GOPigs: FEAR MONGERING Party
GOPigs: Contempt for the Laws of the USA
GOPigs: War on the American People

[realpatriot1]

infidel_US,

I don't listen to airhead America but I consider it to be a logical question to ask.

Your assumption that she will plead the 5th speaks volumes about your own feeling about the seriousness of this matter because people who've done nothing that would incriminate them don't need to plead the 5th.

I take her lawyer's comments at face value that she wants to testify openly and fully. Monica Goodling was apprehensive before testifying but acquitted herself well(too well for the White House & DOJ). Ther's no reason to believe that Ms. Taylor won't do the same.

That's why they want it behind closed doors without the witnesses being sworn. It's not about executive privilege.

[clestes-2009]

Put her under oath and grill her until toasted!!! This is just another of the Bush admin efforts to hide all their wrong doings. It isn't going to work.

Note to Congress, go to court, the American people are behind you!!! Even the rep are getting tired of this s.h.i.t!!

[infidel_us]

because people who've done nothing that would incriminate them don't need to plead the 5th.
Posted by realpatriot1 at 09:45 AM : Jul 11, 2007

Tell that to ole Scooter. But I appreciate the civility in which you answer my posts. Don't think I haven' noticed. I wish I had your patience and willingness to dialog. If more people were like you, we could get a lot more DONE! :)

[pepperp1]

Sara Taylor better watch her timing, Bush may be out of office by the time she is charged and convicted. CLINK, CLINK if she did nothing wrong she should not hide behind faux privilege I swear under god....thruth ....etc

[abbe7]

Note to Congress, go to court,...
Posted by clestes at 09:47 AM : Jul 11, 2007

What about the sergent at arms ?

[grazinggoat]

is little sara taylor one of those graduates of that little religious university, the one that seems to be supplying all the appointees for bushit? sarah, you look like one of those youngsters...AND you look perty scared as well you should...think your mama is proud of you darlin? i gotta "gut" feelin you're going down too sister...jesus can't save you now, take that nose outta bushits nasty A *SS and show some respect for your BOSS, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
Posted by cantshutup at 09:42 AM : Jul 11, 2007


-cantshutup, nice Posting!

[realpatriot1]

infidel_US,

Thanks! Believe it or not, I realize that you try to do the same and even when I strongly disagree with you I know that you are sincere in what you think is best for the country.

It does help the discussion when we can all cut out the name-calling and questioning people's patriotism, intelligence,etc. but it's not easy for any of us. Forgive me for that "you're all scum" remark last week, I was suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

As my favorite Gospel song says,"A Saint is just a sinner who fell down and got back up."

We all need to remember to keep getting back up.

[infidel_us]

realpatriot1,

Your are forgiven. Go forth and sin no more. :)

[oleander8]

I'll never understand the warped loyalty that many of the good, well-intentioned people serving in this administration continue to have in the face of so much corruption and so many lies.

[realpatriot1]

Nancy_Naive,

The Supreme Court decided during Watergate that the concept of EP only extends to cases involving national security. It would've been more appropriate
to invoke it during the Plame investigation than now.

It's clear that he didn't push this claim until after the DOJ "liason to the White House" testified that newly appointed federal prosecutor Tim Griffith was involves in vote stealing in Florida during the 2004 election. That sworn testimony has been further corroberated by uncovered Rove e-mails and documents obtained from Jacksonville local officials.

Executive privilege is being invoked to avoid executive accountability.

[macusweil]

"So have a good drown, as you go down, all alone
Dragged down by the stone." ~Pink Floyd

[lochlan-2009]

Sure hope this case isn't heard in a court with one of Bush's appointed judges. You won't see justice in any of those courts.

[terrapin78]

The US Constitution makes no mention of Executive Privilege. The strict constructionist Supreme COurt will show it's political bias if and when the notion of EP lands in their laps. If they rule in favor of Bu$h and EP then they are legislating from the bench.

[pepperp1]

It's clear that he didn't push this claim until after the DOJ "liason to the White House" testified that newly appointed federal prosecutor Tim Griffith was involves in vote stealing in Florida during the 2004 election. That sworn testimony has been further corroberated by uncovered Rove e-mails and documents obtained from Jacksonville local officials.

Executive privilege is being invoked to avoid executive accountability.
Posted by realpatriot1 at 10:17 AM : Jul 11, 2007

Is that the 14,000 supposed no votes for President from a mostly black neighbor in Jacksonville that you are referencing? EP can not be used to cover a crime so the Shrub will lose again, the people will be gratified to know when this has been investigated that they really did not elect this incompetent baboon and now they will need to look at penalties and methods when a criminal enterprise grabs power of our country.

[pepperp1]

Why are these women always goofy blond that Blackburn Representative is a good example, and the men so butt ugly, petty yes, but come on a major trend here? LOL

[infidel_us]

Why are these women always goofy blond Posted by pepperp1 at 10:44 AM : Jul 11, 2007

Would you hire a bunch of Janet Reno look alikes? PAHLEEEZE! :)

[realpatriot1]

pepperp,

What they did, in their own words, was send registration confirmation letters to the home addresses of African-American soldiers stationed in Iraq. These letters were marked "Do not forward" so that they would be returned unopened to the board of elections. They would then challenge the registrations and when these soldiers voted, their provisional ballots would be thrown out. The soldiers would not know that there votes were even challenged. This is how the Bush campaign & White House supported the troops in 2004.

They rewarded their foot soldier Tim Griffith by appointing the criminal to be a federal prosecutor. I guess that's ok because the President has the right to do it.

What they don't have the right to do is to cover up this crime.

It appears what underlies the replacement of prosecutors is to have a loyal cadre of prosecutors in place to challenge votes in 2008.

They're going to have to challenge an awful lot more votes next time to hold back the will of the people.

[harp1963]

Their lies will be exposed in ways they cannot refute them.

[condi1836]

I wonder what her ethics professor at the Christian College would advise her now? What is wrong with the truth?

[afmca]

It is so sad the so many have to lie so much to preserve the illusion of accountability for a corrupt and bankrupt presidency. Bush's legacy will equal Hitler, Stalin, Mao in perverting society to suit their personal agendas. His Christian crusaders show that their allegiance is more to a corrupt man than to the teachings of their God. Jesus would not be proud.

[clestes-2009]

Girl, you had better come clean. Didn't that 4th tier religous law school you attended along with Monica, teach you to TELL THE TRUTH when asked a direct question??

How is it that the Bush administration corrupts every single person it touches??

[mudrose-2009]

It is so sad the so many have to lie so much to preserve the illusion of accountability for a corrupt and bankrupt presidency. Bush's legacy will equal Hitler, Stalin, Mao in perverting society to suit their personal agendas. His Christian crusaders show that their allegiance is more to a corrupt man than to the teachings of their God. Jesus would not be proud.
Posted by afmca

Sorry you feel that way. But if you know the history of "Leaky" Leahy, you'd see that the croney is being true to himself. No one would trust him with anything that is relevant to national security. He wants information for informations sake. All hirings and firings of AGs are political. Leahy just wants to grandstand. Otherwise he would have taken Bush's offer to speak to his people off the record. A bunch of B.S. and everyone's falling for it.

[citizenusa-2009]

She's terrified of reprisal. Let's face it, "freedom" in this country is just a catch phrase. We no longer have it. We can thank the Bush Dynasty for using their power and privilege to rape and pillage our country and the Democrats for letting them get away with it. God Help Us!

[mcvet]

Sorry you feel that way. But if you know the history of "Leaky" Leahy, you'd see that the croney is being true to himself. No one would trust him with anything that is relevant to national security. He wants information for informations sake. All hirings and firings of AGs are political. Leahy just wants to grandstand. Otherwise he would have taken Bush's offer to speak to his people off the record. A bunch of B.S. and everyone's falling for it.
Posted by mudrose at 11:34 AM : Jul 11, 2007


What does the Senator have to do with this? The JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, a BI PARTISAN COMMITTEE, asked this person to testify you pathetic Nazi! God where do you Fascist come from and why is your PARTY so much more important than the Country? This person is a citizen of this Country pure and simple. I certainly hope, in your desperation to defend the worst President in US History, you are NOT saying that citizens have a right to ignore Congress. Sieg Heil Bush!!

[realpatriot1]

mudrose,

I partially agree with you. There's plenty of grandstanding and politics going on here.

However, there was plenty of grnadstanding in the president's offer as well.

I would have no problem with the hearings being private but I would have a huge problem with witnesses not being under oath and no transcript so that people could be held accountable for what they say and the public could ultimately know what went on here.

I have empathy for the psition she's in. I don't agree with the position that the White House and her lawyers have convinced her to take, but I can understand her personal conflict about what to do and I think it's genuine on her part.

As far as the legal position goes, it's total garbage in my non lawyer's opinion. Beyond the fact that this case does not meet the standards established by the Supreme Court in U.S. vs. Nixon for invoking EP, she's no longer a White House employee and didn't sign any secrecy agreements that I've heard of. She's not compelled to accept Bush's claim but I'm sure that she's being threatened not to look for a job reference if she goes against King George.

I hope the Committee can get this before the appeals court quickly. Her attorny may try to petition an appeal before the Supreme Court which would drag this out, probably til the court reconvenes in the fall. Unless of course a judge jails her for contempt of Congress.

Either way, the stonewalling won't make this go away,it will only make it a bigger story.

[gangesdak]

So, that is what has come down to. All these Republican upholders of Christian values- proud God fearing Christians- see no conflict with their teachings when they lie in public and/or supress the truth from the public. Their other buddy from LA is hooked to brothels while airing (which end) high- note Chrisian values. This indeed is religion- Moral Republican style.

[wdrussell1]

What is going on here? They want to question her about HER involvement. She has no right to executive privilege. She may invoke the 5th if she wants, but not executive privilege.

[rochest]

in another story China has executed an incompetent lawbreaking official of its government ..... sometimes I wonder if we need to implement this to " scare straight " some of our administration officials .
Since I really don't believe in the death penalty may be IMPEACHMENT is the appropriate remedy for this corrupt administration. so let's start with Gonzo boy here.
and while I'm on the topic what's with the stupid nicknames? since Bush gives all these nicknames out to people is it a sign of disrespect, lack of power, intellectual laziness by the decider, or true affection (as he claims)?

[pepperp1]

If there is nothing to hide, step up to the palte, I swear before God to tell the thruth what is there to fear Mr. Presdient if you have nothing to hide?

[vet_sk]

This has no bearing on national security.
And this is our government not their, remember.
In secret? For what reason? Embarrassment and being held accountable of crimes is not a reason.

And I have just about had it with the repubs who are the biggests hippicrits... over just about everything I can think of: family values, filobusters, and blocking of legislation, executive priviledge, smaller and less intrustion of government. Oh, I am sure the Repubs will just blame it on Clinton or Leahy again. Easy way out, isn't it?

Congress is a co-equal branch of government with oversight responsibilities. Congress should move swifty to hold her in full contempt of Congress and let the courts see it forward. And then swifty convict her of the crime - not just compel her to testify, send her directly to jail.

[finewoven]

Leahy just wants to grandstand. Otherwise he would have taken Bush's offer to speak to his people off the record.
Posted by mudrose at 11:34 AM : Jul 11, 2007

Yeah Mudrose, Government by the people for the people is all about cronies speaking "off the record." Republicans have proven to date, that when they got control of all three parts of our government, the Congress, Judiciary, and the Presidency, the are unaccountable to the people and suffer great lapses of memory when it comes to the truth. Their values are all destorted, especially through their hypocrisy of Christian ideals.

[tuckerndfw]

Let the impeachment proceedings begin.

Enough is enough.

Since George Bush wants to play Richard Nixon, he should be treated accordingly.

George Bush is not the king, he is as accountable to Congress and the courts as anyone else. The White House does not get to pick and choose which laws they obey.

Time to impeach and rid ourselves of the worst administration in US history. And, to send a message to any other thugs in the future who might be similarly inclined.

[ioweign]

Send her to GITMO.
Don't tell anyone in the Executive Branch.
Separation of Power!!!!

[forthepeopl1]

I HOPE EVERY AMERICAN AND ALL OUR ELECTED ARE GOING TO READ THIS, AND SEE THAT THIS ADMINASTRATION JUST KEEPS LAUGHING IN OUR FACES.WHILE THOUSANDS OF OUR TROOPS STILL DIE.
Last December, when Bush rebuffed a bipartisan exit strategy presented by the Iraq Study Group, he said he would leave the decision to withdraw from Iraq to his successor.

That question is "not going to face this government," Bush said, chuckling slightly at a news conference with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, "because we made up our mind. We've made that part clear. It'll face future governments. There will be future opportunities for people to say, 'Well, it's not worth it. Let's just retreat.' "

Since then, nearly 700 more American soldiers have died in a war that has now lasted more than four years, lost the lives of more than 3,600 U.S. troops, cost $10 billion a month -- and cost Republicans control of the House and Senate.

we the people payed her not gb we the people will show her who is the boss

[antoniof123]

You know at first I did not want a repeat of what the GOP did to Clinton in the 1990's but now please Nancy and Harry do it I will back you 100 percent.