Double Standard alert - Assaulting Governor Dean.

[shance]

I once again, am amazed at the double standard and attempt to intimidate individuals like Howard Dean by trying to force an issue on his record as Governor.

There are those regular naysayers here at DU, of course many are actually freepers, who have tried to assert the transparent argument that Dean should release the records.

First off let's clarify.

This is the right and privilege of ANY governor of the State of Vermont upon their leave from their position.

Secondly, this is NOT a permanent sealing. The records are sealed for only ten years. They are opened after that time.

Correct me if Im wrong, but I am under the impression Governor Bush has been attempting to *permanently* seal his records?

Also, when taking a walk down memory lane and looking at the expert ways in which Republicans miraculously concoct situations from thin air and thin ice, it certainly indicates to me Dean has made the best decision.

Those who would attempt to compare Governor Dean's choice to seal his records with Mr. Bush's attempt to seal history in general is ridiculous and offensive.

Not to mention one more time, it was certainly more than legal and within his right as Governor.

Of course, if Governor Dean wasn't as revered, well-supported and liked as much as he is nationally, this would never have been a blip on the screen of an issue.

It is obvious those at Judicial Watch, apparently a bastion of objectivity, (sarchasm off) as well as others, seek to try and inflict harm against Governor Dean, a good person and leader who has been inspirational to thousands, steadfast and needless to say, consistently loyal to the Democratic party and cause at large.

This is why they are assaulting him.

In addition, it's important to note this situation because it is how abuses of this kind continue to exploit our judicial system. They tie up individuals who have done absolutely nothing wrong, in legal disputes and cases which are time consuming, energy and certainly at times emotionally draining, not to mention abusive to the individual and the court system at large.

In this particular case, the judge Alan Cook ruled that Governor Dean will have to identify hundreds of thousands of documents and EXPLAIN why they should be covered by Executive privilege. I would be curious to know how many other governors utilizing their legal privilege and temporary seal their records have had to go through such a process?

Here's a quote:

<<The state is appealing a ruling from Superior Court Judge Alan Cook in February of last year saying that 86 boxes of records sealed by Dean when he left office in 2003 are presumed to be open.>>

<< Cook ordered that Dean and the state had to identify each of the hundreds of thousands of documents in the boxes and say why each should be covered by executive privilege.>>

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=3063755

Is this yet one more example of the double standard happening between Democrats and Republicans?

How much "more" equal are others, like George Bush, who have been given preferential treatment and allowed to not give their military records, energy records, governmental records, etc.?

To show a comparison, how many things has the Bush Administration refused to release, when Governor Dean was more than in his legal right to seal whatever records he felt it necessary at the time to temporarily seal?

To be sure, this issue is not as much about Governor Dean as it the larger issue of protecting and defending the written law, not to mention what is fair, and to identify when abuse of power is occuring, like in this situation. In addition, it is up to us as citizens at large to speak up when things like this occur.

Although it may not appear to be, the damaging effects of judicial assaults on individuals like this have a ripple effect on the overall confidence in our justice system at large.

[Wapsie B]

1. The neocons are just piling it on

to paint Dean in a very negative light. Their aim is to have him totally discredited in the public's eyes everytime he opens his mouth.
But Dean won't sit back and take it. He's a fighter. That's what I love about the guy.

[shance]

3. Yes. Seems they are piling it on Americans in general.

I think what's important is for us as Americans at large not to allow and tolerate situations like this to happen to anyone that are extremely biase, are mean spirited, clog up our Judicial system and are unfair.

When things like this or other situations where people attack primarily Democratic leaders, it hurts morale and confidence in our political system along with creates doubt in the legitimacy of our Justice system.

It's the bad part of politics that needs to be addressed.

[madfloridian]

2. McDermott, Buddy Myers in Orlando....a legislator in S. Florida.

Will have to look up her name. Our elections supervisor here, long story, but nothing to it...just a way to sully her name.

I have seen more lately. We need to keep track.

It is one of their tactics. Keep attacking until the heads are spinning too fast to keep up.

[Jackpine Radical]

4. The sad fact is, of course, that it works.

All you need is for a totally compliant press, and you can push whatever kind of BS you want down the throats of a publoic mainitained carefully in a state of selective ignorance.

[JNelson6563]

5. Yep, it's worked so far

why whould they change tactics now? They are on a roll.

Sickening isn't it?

Julie

[madfloridian]

6. If I may mention something here....

it is not just the Republicans doing this. It started during the primaries with criticism from Dean's opponents. The other campaign managers did their share on this. So our party did its share as well.

Wonder why they are not going after the other two governors before Dean? They sealed more records than he did.

I wonder how many governors are really happy about this? Dean has already said for the court to do whatever it pleased, let them handle it.

He did nothing more or less than many governors do. Try getting access to the Bush records in TX, though they are supposedly open. He has the attorney general and governor standing guard.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. MF, you're absolutely right.

I was a Deaniac myself, and have a very jaundiced view of the Primary campaign, especially in Iowa. And I don't just mean the Scream. But again, the attacks on Dean only worked as well as they did because of the media environment that was so predisposed to pull down anyone who threatened *. The media were all too willing to help Kerry when Dean looked so strong. Then they turned on Kerry. And Kerry was surprised when the Swifties popped up to do him in. (!?!?!?)