Kyle Sampson Must Have Gonzales Nervous

With Kyle Sampson agreeing to go in front of the Senate Committee and testify under oath, you know that his old boss Alberto Gonzales has to be a bit nervous. You could accept the lie from Gonzales that “with over 1000 employees in the DOJ, I can’t know everything that goes on”. BS! Gonzales only needs to keep up with the 93 appointed U.S. attorneys. This proves what a poor manager he is.

Gonzales has less than an impressive career even before he got to Washington and while in Washington. In a Washington Post four part special report by Andrew Cohen “Rough Justice – The Case Against Alberto Gonzales” Cohen points out that “Gonzales’ failures aren’t just on substantive matters. He has continued to fail, some legal scholars say, to break free from the widespread and long-held perception that he is so beholden to the President, on both a personal and professional level, that he is cannot exercise the independent judgment necessary to properly fulfill his duties at the Justice Department”

John Dean, former White House counsel during the Watergate era, told me bluntly via email earlier this week that Gonzales “is an empty suit Attorney General. He is way over his head and it shows… He has been overwhelmed since the day he arrived in Washington in 2001.” (“Rough Justice – The Case Against Alberto Gonzales”)

Kyle Sampson seems to be the only one in this group of thieves and liars that’s doing the right thing. I’m sure Bush and Rove are wondering, how the heck did Sampson a job here? Now, I’m not saying that Sampson is not involved or guilty of whatever; he just knows when it’s time to step up to the plate and tell the truth.

I really find it hard to believe that Gonzales did know what was going on. When the 8 U.S. attorneys were fired, a Senate Committee asked Gonzales about the firings he assured them it wasn’t political. Obviously that was a lie.

Bush has a heck of a nerve offering Rove and Miers to talk to a select few from the committee, no transcript and not under oath. The whole problem with this corrupt administration is that they have bullied their way out of everything in the past. Prime example is Valerie Plame, no previous statements were given under oath nor are there any transcripts. The previous Congress went along. This new Congress has some bite in their bark and Bush doesn’t like it.

Bush has stated that he is disappointed with members of Congress calling for Gonzales to be fired. I really don’t give a rat’s ass that Bush is disappointed. He’s just pissed that they got caught. I’m disappointed that Bush won in 2004 and I’m sure he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about that. Bush stands at the podium posturing like he is going to give us a whipping if you don’t jump at his every command. A dictatorship he will not make us.

Gonzales is just another example of Bush’s fierce loyalty in giving or nominating completely incompetent people for government positions.

J. Steven Griles Pleads Guilty

Former Deputy Secretary of the Interior J. Steven Griles pleads guilty for obstruction of justice in the Jack Abramoff scandal. Griles admitted that he lied to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee four times and once to panel investigators, regarding his relationship to Abramhoff.  Griles has the honor of becoming the highest ranking Bush administration official to be convicted in the Abramhoff scandal.  It really makes you wonder if everyone that Bush nominates, hires or appoints is required to take “obstruction 101″

15 Royal Marines Seized

Is this Bush’s excuse to get into a war with Iran? I hope not. You know Bush will stand by his man Tony. I’m sure Rove and Cheney already have their shock and awe plan for Iran. Bush and his gang can’t be trusted so we’ll have to watch this one very closely.

House Passes War Bill

In a 218-212-vote, the House passes the 124.6 billion spending package would set tough benchmarks for the Iraqi government.  Republicans complained that there is pork-barrel spending in the bill which includes $6 billion for hurricane relief and millions in subsides for spinach and peanut farmers.  The Republicans fail to acknowledge that it will also give money for new armored vehicles.

I would have preferred no add-ons, but I really don’t have a problem with the ones in this bill. Hurricane victims of Katrina and Rita are still waiting for Federal help, so I would considered that an important relief. Spinach and peanut farmers have had recalls and drought which caused great losses. I don’t keep up with the agriculture market so I will take that at face value as needed relief.  In comparison to the Alaska bridge to nowhere that probably only benefited the builders these add-ons will hopefully help citizens that are in need. 

Bush will surely veto the bill. I’m sure he will say that setting a time line sends a bad message to the troops and the terrorist will know when we are leaving.  I believe that sending troops on up to 4 tours to Iraq with bad or no equipment sends a very poor message.  Not to mention their treatment when they get back. Regarding the terrorist they could care less about our time line.  They will continue to bomb and kill either way.  Bush will put the blame for the bill being vetoed on the Senate.  It would never dawn on Bush to send back a compromise bill. It’s his way or no way. November 2006 means nothing to him. At least Congress heard us.

Mayan Leaders Have The Right Idea About Bush

You have the give the Mayan leaders credit for voicing their opinion about Bush.  I found the attached  Reuters article “Maya to “cleanse” sacred site after Bush visit” on the right track.  I wonder if they can give us some tips or teach us the ceremony so we can cleanse 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Another 109th Congress Failure

Does it really amaze anyone that the FBI took advantage of the Patriot Act? Or that Alberto Gonzales was less that forthcoming with committee member?   

You really have to wonder if anyone in the 109th Congress read or at least paid attention to what they were reading before they reauthorized the Patriot Act.

I have decided that the 109th Congress may not be the do nothing Congress after all.  I mean they did manage to fail on every task assigned to them.  So, I guess in reality they did do something to earn that raise.  

The GOP Is Just As Lazy As Ever

Did the GOP not hear all of us last November? It baffles me how the GOP can just continue to go down the same old path of not rocking the boat. As we all know, the last the 108th and 109th Congress were rubber stamp, do nothing, no over site employees of the American people. And those “employees” were fired. I believe employees are how we have to look at them. Members of Congress have taken the privilege of going to Washington as if it’s a free ride to look out for their own best interest.

So now you have the 110th Congress beating their heads against the wall because the GOP wants to behave in the same lazy manner that they have become accustomed to. It is apparent that the GOP allegiance is still to the Bush administration and not to the American people. Asking for accountability of war dollars, protection and equipment for the troops, the Iraqi government to take an active role in their country and wounded soldiers to be treated with everything they need, is not micro managing the war.  It’s being responsible and accountable to the American people.

I will acknowledge, that the Democrats can’t seem to get on the same page for when the war should end, but all of them are on the same page for accountability and bringing the troops home. As least the Democrats are having hearings, trying to get bills past and listening to what we said in the November election.

The more time the GOP spends arguing that accountability is micro managing the war, more American troops are being killed and more Americans are being wounded. The GOP’s constant picking apart of every word or item put in the Iraq policy means that they don’t want to be held accountable for anything. The GOP would rather have the status quo with the Pentagon, Halliburton and all its subsidiaries writing the checks and running the show.  I really don’t remember the last time Americans voted for the Pentagon or Halliburton as elected officials.

If the GOP is worried about losing in the 2008 election then they need to change the status quo.  They need to get on board with the rest of Congress and the American public and do the right thing for the troops instead of what’s best for their political advantage.  The reality is that they have the political advantage right now and they can’t see it.  Members of the GOP who have spoken out against the status quo are being heard and their statements are being respected. While others have their cart hitched so tight to Bush that they’re going off the cliff as the wheels are falling off this administration. And yet they can’t see that.