Dems seek 'Truth Commission' probe of Bush

[ConcordCowboy]

Dems seek 'Truth Commission' probe of Bush

Senators call for investigation into former administration's security policies


http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/ap/418880df-5c8f-481c-920e-8339869e5f19.hmedium.jpg
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., listens to testimony on Capitol Hill during the committee's hearing on a "Truth Commission" to investigate the Bush administration's national security policies.



WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats on Wednesday suggested Republicans should join their call for a nonpartisan "Truth Commission" to probe whether the Bush administration abused its power, or face partisan congressional investigations.

The GOP response: forget it.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, was supported in his commission proposal by a former career diplomat and a retired admiral. But he told a hearing he convened that if Republicans "remain absent or resistant, this opportunity can be lost."

He said the alternative was "accountability through more traditional means" — defined by Leahy's aides as congressional hearings controlled by Democrats.

Both moderate and conservative Republicans made clear to Leahy, D-Vt. that they'll take their chances with the alternatives to a "Truth Commission."

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., ranking GOP member on the committee, said he opposes the "Truth Commission" because Democrats "can walk in the front door" of the Justice Department and "ask directions to the relevant filing cabinet."

Specter has often criticized the former administration's assertion of extraordinary powers to fight the war on terror, but said the commission is unnecessary.

Specter is considered a moderate and a maverick. Sen John Cornyn, R-Texas, part of his party's conservative wing, added: "The idea that this so-called Truth Commission would somehow resolve the good-faith disagreements ... is just asking us to believe in the tooth fairy." He said he's willing to have Congress do the job itself.

The Justice Department is, in fact, opening the file drawers to make public the formerly secret Bush administration memos on counterterrorism.

The documents released Monday by the department showed the Bush administration determined that certain constitutional rights would not apply as the U.S. stepped up its response to terrorism.

Within two weeks of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, government lawyers were discussing ways to wiretap U.S. conversations without warrants, the documents showed.

The Bush administration eventually abandoned many of the legal conclusions, but the documents themselves had been closely held.

Leahy hasn't yet introduced a bill that would show the composition of a commission. The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, John Conyers of Michigan, has introduced legislation for a similar commission.

"There should not be a focus on retribution or payback, and such an effort should not be used for partisan purposes," said Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., a supporter of the commission. He told Leahy, "That is why your proposal, Mr. Chairman, is so important. Your proposal is aimed at finding the truth, not settling scores."

Thomas Pickering, ambassador to the United Nations under former President George H. W. Bush, gave Leahy's idea strong support at the Senate hearing.

"We must, as a country, take stock of where we might have been and determine what was not acceptable, what should not have been done, and what we will never do again," he said. "It is my sincere hope that this commission will confront and reject the notion, still powerful in our midst, that these policies are proper choices that could be implemented again in the future."

Retired Vice Adm. Lee Gunn, part of a coalition of retired admirals and generals opposing torture, added that members of his group have conflicting views on whether to prosecute those who carried out harsh interrogations.


"But we all believe that we cannot move forward without looking back and examining how our country got so far off track," he said.

Republicans countered with Jeremy Rabkin, a George Mason University professor of constitutional law, who concluded, "What many advocates of a 'Truth Commission' seem to have in mind is not simply an exercise in gathering facts but in assessing blame."


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29509588/

[ABQCOWBOY]

Dems seek 'Truth Commission' probe of Bush

Senators call for investigation into former administration's security policies


http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/ap/418880df-5c8f-481c-920e-8339869e5f19.hmedium.jpg
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., listens to testimony on Capitol Hill during the committee's hearing on a "Truth Commission" to investigate the Bush administration's national security policies.



WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats on Wednesday suggested Republicans should join their call for a nonpartisan "Truth Commission" to probe whether the Bush administration abused its power, or face partisan congressional investigations.

The GOP response: forget it.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, was supported in his commission proposal by a former career diplomat and a retired admiral. But he told a hearing he convened that if Republicans "remain absent or resistant, this opportunity can be lost."

He said the alternative was "accountability through more traditional means" — defined by Leahy's aides as congressional hearings controlled by Democrats.

Both moderate and conservative Republicans made clear to Leahy, D-Vt. that they'll take their chances with the alternatives to a "Truth Commission."

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., ranking GOP member on the committee, said he opposes the "Truth Commission" because Democrats "can walk in the front door" of the Justice Department and "ask directions to the relevant filing cabinet."

Specter has often criticized the former administration's assertion of extraordinary powers to fight the war on terror, but said the commission is unnecessary.

Specter is considered a moderate and a maverick. Sen John Cornyn, R-Texas, part of his party's conservative wing, added: "The idea that this so-called Truth Commission would somehow resolve the good-faith disagreements ... is just asking us to believe in the tooth fairy." He said he's willing to have Congress do the job itself.

The Justice Department is, in fact, opening the file drawers to make public the formerly secret Bush administration memos on counterterrorism.

The documents released Monday by the department showed the Bush administration determined that certain constitutional rights would not apply as the U.S. stepped up its response to terrorism.

Within two weeks of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, government lawyers were discussing ways to wiretap U.S. conversations without warrants, the documents showed.

The Bush administration eventually abandoned many of the legal conclusions, but the documents themselves had been closely held.

Leahy hasn't yet introduced a bill that would show the composition of a commission. The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, John Conyers of Michigan, has introduced legislation for a similar commission.

"There should not be a focus on retribution or payback, and such an effort should not be used for partisan purposes," said Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., a supporter of the commission. He told Leahy, "That is why your proposal, Mr. Chairman, is so important. Your proposal is aimed at finding the truth, not settling scores."

Thomas Pickering, ambassador to the United Nations under former President George H. W. Bush, gave Leahy's idea strong support at the Senate hearing.

"We must, as a country, take stock of where we might have been and determine what was not acceptable, what should not have been done, and what we will never do again," he said. "It is my sincere hope that this commission will confront and reject the notion, still powerful in our midst, that these policies are proper choices that could be implemented again in the future."

Retired Vice Adm. Lee Gunn, part of a coalition of retired admirals and generals opposing torture, added that members of his group have conflicting views on whether to prosecute those who carried out harsh interrogations.


"But we all believe that we cannot move forward without looking back and examining how our country got so far off track," he said.

Republicans countered with Jeremy Rabkin, a George Mason University professor of constitutional law, who concluded, "What many advocates of a 'Truth Commission' seem to have in mind is not simply an exercise in gathering facts but in assessing blame."


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29509588/

God Lord, Manny, Moe and Jack at the wheel.

Maybe it's just me but seems like we have plenty on our plate right now. How is this going to help anything? I guess it would help if it is intended as a misdirect with what's really going on on the Hill these days, I don't know.

[ConcordCowboy]

God Lord, Manny, Moe and Jack at the wheel.

Maybe it's just me but seems like we have plenty on our plate right now. How is this going to help anything? I guess it would help if it is intended as a misdirect with what's really going on on the Hill these days, I don't know.

Go get that sob Bush!

:p:

[ABQCOWBOY]

Go get that sob Bush!

:p:

Yeah, might even be a twofer. The Mob is fickle

[Doomsday101]

Go get that sob Bush!

:p:

Yeah that should help take attention away from the antics the dems are pulling right now. Gosh maybe they can hold more hearing on steriod use in Baseball

[sacase]

It don't matter, nothing is going to happen to Bush anyways. Just a waste of time and money. Besides, just because you are in power now doesn't mean you will be in power later. Do you really want to have the GOP having truth commissions when you get out of power?

[ConcordCowboy]

Yeah, might even be a twofer. The Mob is fickle

Bush sleeps with the fishes.

http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/o/ow/ownmoment/694208_dead_fish.jpg

[ConcordCowboy]

Yeah that should help take attention away from the antics the dems are pulling right now. Gosh maybe they can hold more hearing on steriod use in Baseball

God you're cranky today.

[Doomsday101]

Bush sleeps with the fishes.

http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/o/ow/ownmoment/694208_dead_fish.jpg

Nancy husband sleeps with a fish. GW sleeps in Texas.

[ConcordCowboy]

Nancy husband sleeps with a fish. GW sleeps in Texas.

That fish looks better than her.

[iceberg]

Go get that sob Bush!

:p:

hey - if we're going to hold a politician, esp one who no longer matters, accountable for the truth, let's do it across the board.

hell, obama can't nominate a democrat anywhere w/o lies and baggage being the headline.

clean up your own damn house first obama.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Bush sleeps with the fishes.

http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/o/ow/ownmoment/694208_dead_fish.jpg


Could be worse. I'm sure we'll probably experience it soon enough.

[ConcordCowboy]

hey - if we're going to hold a politician, esp one who no longer matters, accountable for the truth, let's do it across the board.

hell, obama can't nominate a democrat anywhere w/o lies and baggage being the headline.

clean up your own damn house first obama.

I doubt Obama has anything to do with this...nor will he support it.

[ABQCOWBOY]

hey - if we're going to hold a politician, esp one who no longer matters, accountable for the truth, let's do it across the board.

hell, obama can't nominate a democrat anywhere w/o lies and baggage being the headline.

clean up your own damn house first obama.


Too busy redecorating it.

[Doomsday101]

I doubt Obama has anything to do with this...nor will he support it.

I agree with you.

[iceberg]

I doubt Obama has anything to do with this...nor will he support it.

hey, it's happening under his watch. he's responsible.

i heard that for 8 years. if it's not true, i hope all sides put that "card" away. i just hate cards that only seem to count when you want them too.

in the end, i hope he doesn't. i hope he doesn't try to stifle rush, or any political commentator and i hope he's as fair to all sides as he says he'll be.

so far i'm not impressed with what he's doing, but it's early. he's still our president and i still support him as such.

[ConcordCowboy]

I agree with you.

WHAT????!!

:p:

[ConcordCowboy]

hey, it's happening under his watch. he's responsible.

i heard that for 8 years. if it's not true, i hope all sides put that "card" away. i just hate cards that only seem to count when you want them too.

in the end, i hope he doesn't. i hope he doesn't try to stifle rush, or any political commentator and i hope he's as fair to all sides as he says he'll be.

so far i'm not impressed with what he's doing, but it's early. he's still our president and i still support him as such.

If he comes out and says he doesn't support it...it will be hard to hold him accountable for it.

[trickblue]

hey, it's happening under his watch. he's responsible.

i heard that for 8 years.

Lord, how many times have I heard that...

As I stated on here earlier, I watched Brokaw call the falling economy the "Bush Economy" days after the 2000 election was decided.

Bush was criticized for talking the economy down yet when Obama does it it somehow gets blamed on Bush...

The 9/11 attacks took a long time to plan and Clinton could have thwarted them earlier. I heard time and time again from the sanctimonious left that "It happened under his watch"...

Turnabout is fair play... ;)

[iceberg]

Lord, how many times have I heard that...

As I stated on here earlier, I watched Brokaw call the falling economy the "Bush Economy" days after the 2000 election was decided.

Bush was criticized for talking the economy down yet when Obama does it it somehow gets blamed on Bush...

The 9/11 attacks took a long time to plan and Clinton could have thwarted them earlier. I heard time and time again from the sanctimonious left that "It happened under his watch"...

Turnabout is fair play... ;)

turnabout just perpetuates stupidity to me.

"well he did it" parents won't even let kids get away with, yet look - it's done all the time by the same adults.

[iceberg]

If he comes out and says he doesn't support it...it will be hard to hold him accountable for it.

yep. and i'll differentiate the two. : )

[trickblue]

turnabout just perpetuates stupidity to me.

"well he did it" parents won't even let kids get away with, yet look - it's done all the time by the same adults.

It's not stupidity but rather tit-for-tat... maybe not mature... but fun... ;)

[iceberg]

It's not stupidity but rather tit-for-tat... maybe not mature... but fun... ;)

if all you wanna do is argue it's great. if you want to settle problems and make progress, it's counterproductive and devisive.

[trickblue]

if all you wanna do is argue it's great. if you want to settle problems and make progress, it's counterproductive and devisive.

I'm all about settling problems... but I wanna have fun as well... :D

Incidentally, I haven't said that yet, but I reserve the right if I need to... ;)

[iceberg]

I'm all about settling problems... but I wanna have fun as well... :D

Incidentally, I haven't said that yet, but I reserve the right if I need to... ;)

won't argue w/you there. i do take things too seriously at times.

*shock waves through the room*

[ConcordCowboy]

yep. and i'll differentiate the two. : )

I would be shocked if Obama came out and supported this.

While I would not have one iota of a problem investigating Bush...now is not the time.

And Obama knows this.

We've got MUCH bigger problems now.

[ConcordCowboy]

won't argue w/you there. i do take things too seriously at times.

*shock waves through the room*

NO...I would never have said that.

***********That was a shock wave that just hit me.

[Doomsday101]

WHAT????!!

:p:

I don't think Obama wants to revisit the past with so much on his plate. This is a move by some dems for personal reasons. I doubt it will get much traction

[MetalHead]

hey - if we're going to hold a politician, esp one who no longer matters, accountable for the truth, let's do it across the board.

hell, obama can't nominate a democrat anywhere w/o lies and baggage being the headline.

clean up your own damn house first obama.

Ice,you know, reasoning isn't one of Concord's capabilities.
He's like a horse with blinders...notice his absence in the threads about Obama's blunders and broken promises.
He won't go there because the last ounce of honesty left in him will not let him defend the undefendable.
He is still obsessed with Bush....expect less from Concord.

[DFWJC]

Interesting how Bush took the high road by not going after Clinton (before and after 9/11) but this current House and Senate (not sure if I can say Obama yet) are taking the lowest of low roads on Bush.

[MetalHead]

Interesting how Bush took the high road by not going after Clinton (before and after 9/11) but this current House and Senate (not sure if I can say Obama yet) are taking the lowest of low roads on Bush.

Isn't that funny?

[CowboyPrincess]

The dems know that they made a huge mistake with Obama and now they are putting up a smoke screen to remind the sheep about how horrible Bush was so they can rally the troops again like they did for the election. OUR country is going to hell in a hand basket and it's all on the Dem controlled government now. In two years there is going to be a major turn over and they are trying to find a way to stay in office and what better way then start the Bush bashing again

[SuspectCorner]

The dems know that they made a huge mistake with Obama and now they are putting up a smoke screen to remind the sheep about how horrible Bush was so they can rally the troops again like they did for the election. OUR country is going to hell in a hand basket and it's all on the Dem controlled government now. In two years there is going to be a major turn over and they are trying to find a way to stay in office and what better way then start the Bush bashing again

You're joking, right?

The Dems are happy as hippies at finally getting the opportunity to roll out some "progressive" programs that were on hold forever.

IMO, Dem reps and senators were just as culpable in enabling Bush as Republicans were and, knowing that, they won't see Bush through to formal charges no matter what any inquiry uncovers. Unless they can somehow prove they were completely unaware - which may also further implicate themselves as inept.

In the event Congress were able to unearth the extremely damning without finding themselves dirty in the process - I'd be shocked if Obama didn't step in with a pardon. I think Obama's willing to stand aside and let this go as far as necessary for Congress to realize they're picking culprits from a lineup that they're also standing in... beyond that - he'll slam the lid on it rather than allow the office to bear a Nixon-like stain.

If Bush is to be convicted in any court - it will be from abroad and in absentia.

But, again, this is all JMO.

[MetalHead]

You're joking, right?

The Dems are happy as hippies at finally getting the opportunity to roll out some "progressive" programs that were on hold forever.

IMO, Dem reps and senators were just as culpable in enabling Bush as Republicans were and, knowing that, they won't see Bush through to formal charges no matter what any inquiry uncovers. Unless they can somehow prove they were completely unaware - which may also further implicate themselves as inept.

In the event Congress were able to unearth the extremely damning without finding themselves dirty in the process - I'd be shocked if Obama didn't step in with a pardon. I think Obama's willing to stand aside and let this go as far as necessary for Congress to realize they're picking culprits from a lineup that they're also standing in... beyond that - he'll slam the lid on it rather than allow the office to bear a Nixon-like stain.

If Bush is to be convicted in any court - it will be from abroad and in absentia.

But, again, this is all JMO.

Or illusion....

[burmafrd]

Democrats have their fingers in every pie that Bush was part of and only the really stupid ones like Joe Curly and Moe are pushing this. Of course its from Daily Kos and Move on as well so its pretty easy to see where this came from.
Democrats as a whole are JUST SMART enough to realize that they would come out looking just as bad as Bush if this went forward. The Republicans would make sure of that even if the MSM mostly toed the liberal line.