Justice Dept. Blocks House Inquiry into CIA Torture Tapes-Democrats "STUNNED"

[kpete]

Justice Dept. Blocks House Inquiry into CIA Torture Tapes
By Spencer Ackerman - December 14, 2007, 5:33PM

Only two days after the House intelligence committee inaugurated its inquiry into the CIA's torture tapes by hosting CIA Director Mike Hayden on Wednesday, the Justice Department instructed key CIA officials not to cooperate. The panel's leaders, Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) and Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), vowed not to back off in a just-released joint statement:

"Just two days ago, CIA Director Michael Hayden appeared before our Committee to address the CIA's destruction of videotapes. In that hearing, he committed to providing materials relevant to our investigation. Earlier today, our staff was notified that the Department of Justice has advised CIA not cooperate with our investigation.

"We are stunned that the Justice Department would move to block our investigation. Parallel investigations occur all of the time, and there is no basis upon which the Attorney General can stand in the way of our work.

"We strongly urge General Hayden to comply with our Committee's bipartisan request to produce documents and to make available John Rizzo and Jose Rodriguez for testimony next week. We will use all the tools available to Congress, including subpoenas, to obtain this information and this testimony.

"It's clear that there's more to this story than we have been told, and it is unfortunate that we are being prevented from learning the facts. The Executive Branch can't be trusted to oversee itself. Congress must conduct its own investigation."

more at:
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004919.php

.......................

Mukasey Rejects Call for CIA Tape Details

By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 14, 2007; 2:27 PM

Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey today sharply rebuffed congressional demands for details about the Justice Department's inquiry into the destruction of CIA interrogation tapes, saying that providing such information would make it appear that the department was "subject to political influence."

In letters to the leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee and others, Mukasey also reiterated his opposition to appointing a special prosecutor to the tapes investigation, saying he was "aware of no facts at present" that would require such a step.

more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...

[Lint Head]

1. This is a load of crap.

These lying pricks need to be taken out of office now! What are the heroes that this country suppose to produce doing? They need to stop kissing their ass and throw them into jail.

[tabasco]

2. We have a criminal syndicate in charge of our country.

This is an affirmative act against the rule of law.

I see no option to restore order in this Nation other than impeachment of Bush, Cheney, and other high-ranking officers of the administration.

[glowing]

3. How can they be stunned when the man couldn't define Waterboarding

as torture... Its the same shit, different day. Until they Impeach, we will never know the full context of the crimes this administration has perpetuated.

[L. Coyote]

23. MUKASEY, Torture, and a Special Prosecutor. A Conflict of Interest Conundrum.

Some are asking, "What did Bush know and when did he know it?"
Some are asking, "What did Pelosi know and when did she know it?"

I'm asking, "What did Mukasey know and when did he know it?"

Mukasey may have refused to answer the water torture question during his confirmation hearings because HIS OWN judgment was on the line.

Did Mukasey knowing use illegally obtained evidence in the Padilla ruling?
Had Mukasey already made the determination that water torture was just fine in his court?

Here is why this question arises. MrJJ's comment on TPM words this well:
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004888.php

.... Mukasey may have a conflict of interest problem already, and may have to call upon a Special Prosecutor.

Jose Padilla’s lawyers argued before the Florida Federal Court that Abu Zubaydah was tortured into saying Padilla was an al Qaeda associate. The DOJ dismissed Padilla’s allegations as “meritless,” asserting Padilla’s legal team could not prove that Abu Zubaydah had been tortured. Well, it’s clear now that they certainly COULD have, if the tapes of the interrogations of Abu Zubaydah had been made available!

Now here is where Mukasey’s role comes into question. U.S. District Judge Mukasey, now attorney general, was the one who signed the warrant used by the FBI to arrest Padilla in May 2002. Court records show the warrant relied in part on information obtained from Abu Zubaydah’s interrogation. .....

The Attorney General can only issue a warrant based upon legally obtained evidence, and confessions under torture are certainly not “legally obtained”. So either Mukasey was misrepresented the evidence, and would be liable to be potentially a party in those who were presented with “perjured evidence”; or he knew that torture was used in obtaining the confession and ignored it.

In either case he is unsuitable to run an investigation, as it will, inevitably, involved himself. Thus a Special Prosecutor is necessary.

I'm also asking, "Are we back where we started, with an Attorney General who is guilty of politization of justice?"

I'm also asking, "Did George W. "Waterboard" Bush foist a co-conspirator on the U. S. Senate and the American People?"

This seems to be where inquiries will now, of necessity, need to focus first!
Deja Vu. We are back where we started all over again.

First, we need a Special Prosecutor to investigate the Junta's new Attorney General!

FROM: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[malaise]

28. What's Chuck Schumer's take on this

and DiFis?

[K Gardner]

4. Democrats were stunned? I'm shocked and awed. n/t

[Jackpine Radical]

5. Stunned--That word worries me. It kinda means knocked insensible,

rendered incapable of responding, incapable of acting, that kinda thing. I don't want them to be stunned. I want them to be pissed and goaded into action.

[EFerrari]

19. I know. Okay for trout, Congressmen, not so much.

[Truth2Tell]

6. This is Big

Big big big. The Congress is about to go bi-partisan bonkers on these guys. Over on the Senate side Specter is issuing joint statements with Leahey about Mukasey's interference in this investigation. This is a new leaf turning over.

The other hint that something has shifted is that the mainstream media is all over this like flies on shit. It's big.

[hatrack]

18. Ooh, a joint statement! What's next,, a strongly-worded letter?

Maybe then they'll hold a press conference!!! And at the press conference, they can say how they're "disappointed" in the Attorney General's decision!!

Won't that just KICK ASS??

[warren pease]

24. They'll "deplore" this "inappropriate" and "shocking" move by the administration...

...and then, within half a news cycle, we can expect a follow-up "clarifying statement" taking a more positive tone and "hoping that this disagreement can be resolved in a truly bipartisan manner so that the American people can begin the healing process and Congress can move forward to focus on the challenges that face our great country. And gawd bless America."

I think that about covers it.


wp

[Truth2Tell]

31. Normally I'd share your sentiment

I usually do. But usually the Republicans aren't so pissed off also. And usually the mainstream media ignores such things. And usually the CIA is not finking out the White House. Something has changed, IMHO. Someone or a group of someones inside the power structure has turned on Bushco. This doesn't mean the Democratic leadership has grown a spine - they haven't. They will just be along for the ride and will hopefully seize the opportunity to pile on.

[warren pease]

32. At present, our Commander Guy's strongest supporters are sitting on the left side of the aisle

...in both houses. These alleged leaders are committed to standing by their man and, when even republicans are beginning to jump ship -- if only to save their worthless asses from massive defeat next November -- democrats, polluted with abysmal leadership and far too many stealth right wingers -- provide the best cover by supplying excuses so lame even the white house wouldn't touch them.

The real problem with these skunks isn't spinelessness, although that's certainly a part of it. The real problem is they seem OK with enabling the enemy, caving under the disgusting influence of the DLC, wallowing in the piles of corporate money that's destroyed what remained of their ethics, and settling comfortably into their roles as permanent second-raters.

Spinelessness can be cured by an engaged electorate. Dancing with the devil is another matter entirely.


wp

[Truth2Tell]

37. You may be right. I guess we'll see. n/t

[ashling]

7. I'm stunned that they are stunned

they didn't see this coming? They should all be impeached. Bush, Cheney, Mukasey, Hayden

[democrank]

8. I`m just about rolling on the floor over this one.

Democrats are...."STUNNED"....you say? They`re freaking stunned?

Wait. Let`s see if I can guess the next move. A joint press conference with Harry and Nancy announcing they`re appointing a Special Commission which will report back in 180 days. Once a sub-committee has studied the report, Harry and Nancy will "strongly urge" cooperation with the White House.

Same shit, different day.

[Truth2Tell]

14. I think this may be different shit,

same day. I have no love for Pelosi and Reid, but I think the worm may actually be turning here. The administration is pissing off it's last critical Republican allies in Congress. This could be the tipping point at long last. (I can't really believe I'm saying this).

[kestrel91316]

17. Nah. They'll just send a Strongly Worded Letter.

[Old and In the Way]

9. Yes...more sternly worded letters are in order!

Poor chump Democrats...the guy who promised to keep them in the loop, is cutting them out. Will these people ever learn that they are never going to touch this administration through their ineffectual attempts to investigate? Inherent contempt and impeachment are the only clubs in their bag...will they ever bother to use them?

[warren pease]

27. But all 22 or so progressive back-benchers might issue their own statement, in which case...

...Ms. Nancy and her fellow "leaders" in the House will have to issue a follow-up statement to the effect that, "We find it unfortunate and lamentable that a few of our more vocal members find it necessary to go on record attacking a reasoned and moderate position when the terrorists are working overtime to attack us because they hate our freedoms.

"We want to stress that the overwhelming majority of this Congress is committed to working with the president, the CIA director and the attorney general to put this incident behind us and get on with the important issues that concern the American people. And gawd bless America."

And then they'll all snicker and smirk and go out for a pitcher of martinis at one of those great Georgetown watering holes, where they'll fall off their stools howling at the idea that Americans actually think there's such a thing as an opposition party.


wp

[gratuitous]

10. Mukasey sounds real responsive there, Sen. Schumer

You voted him out of committee for another snappy 53-40 confirmation of a woebegone Bush appointee, with the "argument" that once confirmed, Mukasey would somehow feel beholden to Congress. Fooled again, weren't you, Chuck? Dumbass.

[dkofos]

11. And our fearless leaders will just say OK

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. LOL!!!!!! Bwahahahahahahahaha! Ready to IMPEACH yet assholes?

How much of this shit are you cowards willing to swallow? Dumb ass JERKS! You're all an embarrassment!

[Bitwit1234]

13. Isn't this the guy who swore to congress he would be bi-partisan

and not be a pawn of the whitehouse like Gonzales. If his statements were under oath can't HE be impeached.

[donkeyotay]

15. Dems keep playing nice, and repos keep kicking them in the teeth.

Isn't Mukasey another member of the Federalist Society? Aren't they the folks that brought forth this unitary executive bullcrap on which the torture rationale is based? Isn't this appointment supposed to restore faith in the rule of law. Schumer. What an ass. What do the dems expect from these guys?

[donkeyotay]

42. Here's emptywheel on Mukasey, worth a look.

http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/2007/1...

I also visited the WH transcript of the chimpass speechifying before the Federalist Society recently. He talks about them upholding the constitution, how any judge who wasn't onboard with this reichwing was an "activist." This has got to stop. Gonzales and his federalist gang come up with this drivel that the president can order torture and therefore it's legal AND THAT'S NOT ACTIVISM? If the commander in chief can rewrite that law because 9-11 changed everything, then he can rewrite any law. Indeed, for our own safety, he could refuse to leave office in Jan of 09.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

16. May you all burn in hell

Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Dianne Feinstein of California, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Charles Schumer of New York, Thomas Carper of Delaware and Independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut

Traitorous a-holes

[Elidor]

20. So Mukasey was "The best guy we're going to get," eh Schumer?

Mr. Mukasey is a man of integrity, eh? Hell, Robert Bork himself couldn't be any less principled than this guy. I could've told you his nomination was a bad idea, and many people did, in fact.

Woe, that the greatest challenge ever to our constitutional government is to be met by the most hapless, the most feckless, the most worthless bunch of fucks the republic has ever seen.

[EFerrari]

21. I'm stunned the Democrats are stunned. Who could possibly be stunned

after seven years of the same obstruction? A brick? Some feldspar? Goosedown?

[magellan]

22. Stunned? Are NONE of them paying attention to how this cabal works?

They've only had 7 years to observe.

JHC. "Stunned." That's how I feel watching the Dems continue to run around after these criminals like nuns with rulers.

[hvn_nbr_2]

25. No one could have anticipated that Bushco would obstruct justice.

[dysfunctional press]

26. this is what happens when "impeachment is off the table"...

and since the democratic leadership is most likely complicit in the torture by passing on it when they were probably first made aware of it, it'll be interesting to see IF/how hard they fight it.

[MasonJar]

29. Well, it obviously is..."subject to political influence." Thanks again, Chuck and Diane!

And of course continued thanks to W for ruining our country in less time than it takes to say "You're a pathetic loser."

[spanone]

30. what the fuck do they expect, mukasey wouldn't call it torture, but they approved him.

shocked my ass

[L. Coyote]

33. Mukasey: DoJ is not subject to oversight, that would be "political" ROFLMAO

po·lit·i·cal adj. Of, relating to, or dealing with the structure or affairs of government, politics, or the state.
I thought they covered this in Yale Law School and first grade.

[GliderGuider]

34. It's time for someone to listen to Daniel Ellsberg

This situation screams out for a big, fat, brown envelope with no return address.

[Supersedeas]

35. run away.....run for your lives....Dems showing their true colors!!

[riverdeep]

36. But this time I really thought she would let me kick it!

How could she lie to me! I'm stunned!

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

38. Is there EVER A FUCKING FINAL STRAW?!?!?!?! EW! This pisses me off!!!

The point of this administration BEING AN ENEMY OF THE STATE has passed, long ago!!!

[Generator]

39. My oh my

If the Dems are stunned by this, not only are they weasels but they are stupid weasels.

Did anybody watch Daily Kos Markos on Countdown? He said the word COMPLICIT. He used to be more conservative than I-and much of this site. Now he sounds like a Du'er!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. Quick! Git the smellin' salts. Miz Scarlett is STUNNED!! Lawdy! Lawdy!

I am just soooo concerned that the fragile senators are stunned that the guy they allowed to become AG is acting like they guy they allowed to become AG.

[Disturbed]

41. Most of the Dems in Congress need to be kicked out &

replaced by Green Party Candidates. This is disgraceful! The tapes are gone! The tapes are more important now than Torture? Subpoena that Goddamn Transcripts of the "Enhanced Interrogation" you
stupid Assholes!!!

[countryjake]

43. Comatose is more like it!

What did they think would happen when they confirmed him? Or better yet, WHY did they think the prez wanted HIM confirmed?

[Rex]

44. Wow.

Has 'fuck you' all over it.

[DemGa]

45. Um, yeah, there's gonna be a showdown...nt

[deacon]

46. Congress botched it up realllllllllll bad by confirming mukasey. It was critical

to get in a AG that could repair the damage done by gonzo and they screwed up enormously.