Rice signals rejection of House subpoena

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

OSLO, Norway - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday she has already answered the questions she has been subpoenaed to answer before a congressional committee and suggested she is not inclined to comply with the order.

Rice said she would respond by mail to questions from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on the Bush administration's prewar claims about Saddam Hussein seeking weapons of mass destruction, but signaled she would not appear in person.

"I am more than happy to answer them again in a letter," she told reporters in Oslo, where she is attending a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

The comments were her first reaction to a subpoena issued on Wednesday by the committee chaired by Rep. Henry Waxman (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070426/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/congress_subpoenas_rice

[wakeme2008]

1. Oh Ricie, this is not like something you have a choice in... (edited to add nom

:grr:

And with Tenet's book coming out IMHO the longer you wait, the worst you will look.

[katty]

126. the rICE Queen, above supeonas...we'll see about that

[durtee librul]

151. Then toss the bitch in jail.

F**K her and the all the rest of the lying thugs. The minute she gets off the damn plane from Norway, grab her sorry ass and let her sit in a jump suit with matching flippers in a cell. Then we'd see how f'g smart she really is.

[catgirl]

2. What a coward

Who gave her immunity? Can we just hurry and impeach these
inept, lying, despicable people?

[az chela]

4. Hey the 2nd mrs bush doesnt answer to anyone

[Kikosexy2]

85. So basically...

we'll see dragged before the committee in handcuffs, S&M wear, kicking and screaming in Prada stillettos?...

[reprobate]

108. Don't tell us, we're with you. Tell Pelosi.

[StarryNite]

119. Impeach, Remove, and Prosecute.

Impeach, remove, and prosecute for war crimes.

[JDPriestly]

159. Agreed -- Impeach, Remove, Convict for treason.

Lying to lead our nation to war -- if anything is treason, surely that is it.

[Vincardog]

135. Second that I love the smell of Impeachment in the morning

[Cooley Hurd]

3. She acts like a woman with a great deal to hide...

:grr:

[nuxvomica]

22. If the shoe fits...

;-)

[Roland99]

24. Only if it's a Ferragamo!

[nuxvomica]

27. Thank you

DUers never disappoint, or miss a point. :rofl:

[pa28]

154. What is it about appearing under oath that scares them so?

During impeachment the Republicans said 'if you have nothing to hide you have no reason to be bothered by sworn testimony'.

If she's using the "inconvenience" angle I'm sure Waxman will remind her the war itself has been more than a little inconvenient for the rest of us.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[saracat]

5. Can she do that? Isn't that "contempt of Congress" ?

[Benhurst]

7. Yes. If she refuses to honor the subpoena, then it's time to

have her arrested.

No one is above the law, not even Condoleezza (sic) Rice.

[George II]

34. I've seen it written as "Kindasleezy" Rice

[ekelly]

156. And then there's

Condomsleazy Rice

[adamuu]

67. except... its the attorney general who is in charge of arresting her

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contempt_of_Congress
"Statutory Proceedings

Following a contempt citation, the presiding officer of the chamber is instructed to refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney; according to the law it is the "duty" of the U.S. Attorney to refer the matter to a grand jury for action.

The criminal offense of "contempt of Congress" sets the penalty at not less than one month nor more than twelve months in jail and a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000. Those penalities are enforced upon conviction, even if the Congress which initiatied the contempt citation has expired.

The statutory procedure has generally been used by Congress since 1935. But its use does leave some things unclear. The law pronounces the "duty" of U.S. Attorney is to empanel a grand jury and for its action on the matter. But dispute exists over whether or not the Congress can properly compel the U.S. Attorney to take this action, as the U.S. Attorney is a member of the Executive Branch and ultimately reports to the President. (The Courts have been reluctant to decide this question, claiming it is a "political question" for resolution by the elected branches of government.)"

[JDPriestly]

160. Congress cannot prosecute, but it can impeach.

And, if she won't admit to having lied, they should try her for it -- for treason. Taking the nation to this unwinnable war based on trumped up evidence and lies was treason in my view. And she was one of the leaders that conspired to do commit that treason.

[Kablooie]

81. You forget that his holiness Bushman is above everything and protects her.

While he remains, anyone in is administration is above the law.

[LiberalFighter]

94. Impeach the witch

Congress has powers to impeach and try her.

[TomClash]

9. Yes, but Gonzales has to enforce it

Good luck.

[no_hypocrisy]

11. If Gonzales refuses to enforce a contempt of court order against Rice, then

Congress has the grounds to impeach him for refusing to do his constitutional duties.

[TomClash]

17. Yes, I understand that

but then Bush removes him and stalls. So what?

[Cobalt-60]

164. keep them off balance with constant attack

the more criminal they look evading, the more spectacular their defeat will be.

[rock]

21. We could serve the AG with a mandemus (sp?)

The writ to force an official to do his job.

[no_hypocrisy]

46. Yep

[Kablooie]

83. And then he'd simply refuse to follow that. Problem solved.

There is simply no possible way to get this administration to follow the law until Bush is removed.

[flaminbats]

125. yes..even Republicans in Congress will probably support that!

I think the growing dissatisfaction with Gonzales among Republicans in Congress is being caused by more than his rash firing of lawyers who wouldn't pursue partisan prosecutions. I think it is a growing concern that if Gonzales won't enforce a subpoena issued by a Congress controlled by Democrats, then why would a Democratic Attorney General enforce a subpoena issued by a Republican Congress?

This Administration wishes to ignore a Congressional subpoena without paying a political price, but after the last election even Senators like Tom Coburn understand that Republicans in Congress will only become the sacrificial lambs if they allow this to continue!

Democrats like Nancy Pelosi only encourage this kind of activity from the executive branch by taking tools given to Congress, like "impeachment", "off the table." IMO this statement made by Rice is the political reaction caused by a political action taken by Pelosi on Sunday. Bush isn't going to appreciate Pelosi's announcement that impeachment is not on the table as a bipartisan gesture made in good faith, he will only take advantage of it!

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[deacon]

8. Who the hell does she think she is?

I wonder why rice thinks she can dictate the means in how she wants to answer to congress.She don't show up, they should arrest her.It's kind of stunning that she is saying to congress, 'I will do things how i want to.'

[Disturbed]

10. She learned something from Busholini.

Give Congress the finger.

[MissMarple]

63. That's pretty much business as usual. This cabal has always done what it wants to.

Shameless, illegal, and continuing.

[stubtoe]

86. Yeah really. What makes HER Ms. Above-the-Law??

:mad:

[Kool Kitty]

167. Or, Miss "You're Not The Boss of Me".

And imagine what would happen to one of us if we got a subpoena and just blew it off? Or is Janet Reno got a subpoena and just blew it off? The repubs would have surrounded the White House with their torches and pitchforks.

[The Doctor.]

152. Yes, she should be arrested for flaunting the rule of law.

What the fuck happened to the 'party of personal responsibility' and 'law ans order'.

Fuck her, throw her in the brig.

[mogster]

12. Pic from the press conference

From here (NO):
http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2007/04/26/498909.html
There's also a short TV-clip, didn't watch it myself.

If you want an interesting story about NATO vs. USA vs. Norway, read this article:
http://www.iterapi.com/index.php?parse_news=single&cat=60&art=330

[ClintonTyree]

33. My, my...Kindasleezy is looking a little haggard....

but I suppose that's a natural reaction when you know you're a lying, treacherous sow that's sold her country out to the highest bidder. The blood of 3,300+ American men and women is on your hands Rice. But I suppose you suffer more than anyone, just like brain-dead Laura and her mentally stunted hubby? :eyes: POOR CONDI! :sarcasm:

[Mojorabbit]

163. She looks like

she has lost a lot of weight. Too much. Stress or illness?

[babylonsister]

13. She's lying again; she did NOT answer them in their entirety, and

does she think Waxman's a rube? :grr:

[NewJeffCT]

25. she's doing that to create confusion

if they create enough reasonable doubt about this, there will be some who think that in the back of their minds that maybe she did answer the questions.

[0rganism]

143. of course Condi doesn't think Waxman's a rube, she thinks WE'RE rubes

We The People are a collective idiot. Even in the face of all the evidence of... well, simply outrageous behavior and blatant lawlessness in which this administration has regularly engaged, we won't do what's necessary to hold them accountable. She's betting on it, she's betting a LOT on it. And based on what I've seen thus far, she might as well take it to the bank.

[dennis4868]

14. She is happy to answer...

questions via a letter...oh isn't that special ConiLiar...who the hell made you god? Get your ass in the witness seat and start perjuring yourself....

[Marie26]

82. Say it with me, "I do not recall"..

If it was good enough for Gonzales, it's good enough for Rice.

[Edith Ann]

15. Rice

I wouldn't have a choice, Susan McDougal didn't have a choice, Bill Clinton didn't have a choice and neither did Sen. Clinton. Condi doesn't have a choice. Put her in jail for contempt if she doesn't answer the subpoena and put her in jail for perjury if she lies under oath. Remember they are the ones who believed the Executive branch should be held to a higher standard. What goes around comes around.

[calimary]

98. Welcome to DU!

Glad you're here, and it's a good reminder you brought up.

The nixon administration went down on the overriding premise that NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. We've got AN ENTIRE ADMINISTRATION HERE that thinks it's above the law.

Just one more thing to call your reps about... (DAMN, the list is getting so frickin' LONG...) :grr:

[Edith Ann]

171. Reps

Sen. Jim Imhoff, Sen. Tom Coburn, Rep. Tom Cole. Nuff said.

[madrchsod]

16. was she under oath?

if not her confessions don`t mean shit. put her under oath

[Hekate]

117. Not only was she NOT under oath, she ran out the clock with evasive non-answers

You can tell I'm feeling a little negative about her previous excursion to Congress.

Hekate

[and-justice-for-all]

18. Haha!! Go get rimmed Rice!!

Because you have too!

[salin]

19. In another news item she tries to quell Moscow's nervousness

about US plans to place "Star Wars" (Reagen era name) missle shields in Europe. She says the concerns are ridiculous (or something along those lines).

So while thinking that her words carry any credibility... she publically says (while still meeting with other foreign dignitaries) that she won't speak to elected members of Congress. Yep that does TONS to build your credibility Condi - nice going to further undermine credibility.

[susu369]

127. "ludicrous" was her description

Earlier, Dr Rice complained that Russia was applying Cold War logic to a defensive proposal aimed not at Moscow but at countering the emerging threat of ballistic missiles in the hands of "rogue states" like Iran.

"Let's be real about this," Dr Rice said.

"The idea that somehow 10 interceptors and a few radars in eastern Europe are going to threaten the Soviet strategic return is purely ludicrous and everybody knows it," she said, making her own Cold War slip by referring to the ex-Soviet Union.

"The Russians have thousands of warheads. The idea that somehow you can stop the Russian strategic nuclear deterrent with a few interceptors just doesn't make sense," she said.

Dr Rice said Washington was "perfectly willing to spend as much time as we need to to demystify for the Russians what we are doing".

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21629878-5007061,00.html

===
Alrighty then, "let's be real and demystify."

:rofl:

[rodeodance]

20. 'now' she is happy to answer them in a letter??---You had your chance!

[Roland99]

23. Something tells me that Waxman will be having this song in his head >>>

"Return to sender
Address unknown"


:rofl:

[Rhiannon12866]

58. That's certainly better than "Condoleezza Will Lead Us!"

Remember that one?! Talk about an ear worm! I posted that on DU one time, ages ago, because I couldn't get it out of my head, and my fellow DUers weren't exactly thrilled because the same thing happened to them...x(

[Roland99]

75. Oh I'm glad I missed that one!!

:P

[Rhiannon12866]

113. No you didn't, LOL. I managed to find it...

The video link doesn't work anymore, since this is more than a couple years old, but you can "preview" the song on this site, which is more than enough. Remember, I warned you...:P

http://www.zuzula.com/artist.php?id=87

[Roland99]

115. I'm not going to click, I'm not going to click, I'm not going to click...

*click*



AAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rhiannon12866]

132. LOL! Don't say I didn't warn you...

:rofl:

[Roland99]

134. You should have your moderator rights revoked!!

:rofl:

[Rhiannon12866]

137. Oh, that's right! I can't get away with this kind of stuff, anymore...

Oops!:spank:

[onehandle]

26. We have new questions...and want you under oath.

But if you never, ever come back into the country, we'll call it even.

Here's your ride...

[wake.up.america]

53. Great!!!

[The Wizard]

28. She's already answered the questions.

Who gave them to her, her fortune teller? She may have answered some questions, but Waxman doesn't think they were honest answers. Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
This must qualify her for the Presidential Medal of Freedom Fries.

[kenfrequed]

29. Uhm... what?

More than happy to answer them in a letter??!!

What the heck does she think a subpeona is?

I don't know why I am actually surprised by and administration that has shown absolutely no respect for the rule of law.

I suppose she will try to make the Waxman and the democrats out to be some kind of liberal answer to McCarthyism. Watch for the rights spin on this bit and see that they don't try to paint her refusal to cooperate as some kind of hero-martyr nonsense. To counter someone must create a video clip of all the lies and evasions she has told before congress (there are so many to choose from).

[Wednesdays]

48. Yeah, you can put together such a video clip, but who will show it?

The MSM? Give me a break. :eyes:

All that will be whitewashed by the media. And the Mighty Wurlitzer will drone endlessly about how much a martyr Condolezza is.

[kenfrequed]

93. Too true

Still if the video is entertaining enough it can go viral. But you are right, the mainstream media does seem to have some strange reluctance to call Dr Rice on her various lies and question dodging.

[calimary]

99. And Welcome to DU to you, too!

Glad you're here! Now get to work.

[scarface2004]

30. rice to congress...'i am above the law'!!

or as plankton would say 'i will rule the world!!!!'

[postulater]

42. Aye, Aye, Captain!

or was that "Seig Heil, Captain"?

[LostinVA]

31. If she doesn't respond to the subpoena, she should be arrested ASAP

And taken before Congress. Average Hoes and Janes who ignore Federal and/or Congressional subpoenas don't get a pass.

[debbierlus]

37. Indeed.

[LiberalFighter]

89. Did you mean Joes and Janes?

[LostinVA]

107. Yes!

[MayorCandidate08]

32. The cowards are handing the country to the Democrats

One way or the other the truth will come out. Its now how it comes out. In the end it will show they were nothing more than murderers and thieves.

[SnowGoose]

35. Dang! I wish I'd known you could just say no... before I sent in my taxes!

I'll bet there are a goodly number of soldiers in Iraq that will be happy to know this as well.

"Extended deployment, sir? No thanks, I already did that. But I'll be happy to send a post card. See you later - oh, you can have the rest of my sunscreen."

[tabasco]

150. LMAO !

Good one!

[debbierlus]

36. The arrogance, entitlement, & blatant disregard for their duty

.....

They truly believe all the world is there for them to walk upon (& sh&t upon). The utter nerve and disdain these people show is stomach churning. Why in the world have we tolerated these infantile brats for this long?

IMPEACH THEM ALL & throw every Republican from the Senate & Congress in 08.

:argh:

[Imagevision]

38. Dems have subpeona power but say no to Rove & Miers, they'll wusp out on Rice also...!

Pelosi aand the new bunch seem to be all words and no actions?!!

[GOTV]

43. Unfortunately, I think you are right. n/t

[Marie26]

84. They've already issued the subpoena, right?

Oversight Committee Issues Three Subpoenas To Further Investigations

On Wednesday, the Committee approved the issuance of three subpoenas related to ongoing investigations. The Committee issued two subpoenas to the Republican National Committee requesting the testimony of RNC Chairman Mike Duncan and documents related to possible violations of the Presidential Records Act and the Hatch Act by White House officials. The third subpoena requests the testimony of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice regarding the fabricated claim that Iraq sought uranium from Niger and other issues.

http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1262

The Democrats are standing up to this Administration.

[Exiled in America]

103. I believe "issue" isn't the same as "served" so this could still just be posturing

Rice could be trying to win a "staring contest" with Congress hoping to call their bluff. But once they are actually served, I'm not sure what recourse she has other than to comply.

But I could be wrong about how this works.

[Marie26]

112. There's a diff. between "authorized" & "issued"

For example, the Senate Judiciary Comm. "authorized" subpoenas of Rove & Miers, but haven't yet "issued" them. But here, Waxman's committee authorized the subpoena, and then also issued the subpoena to Rice. So the subpoena has been issued, and Rice now has an obligation to comply & appear. It's official now.

[Exiled in America]

138. Interesting! Thanks for the info! New question:

Can Bush refuse to allow Rice to testify in the name of "national security" concerns?

[Exiled in America]

101. I agree 100% Apparently they thought just threats would be enough and weren't ready....

...to do anything else after their bluffs were called. :(

[Na Gael]

Inmate Shoe Selection Here:

Someone ought to slip an Anchortex catalog in with her briefings. That should be encouragement enough to motivate her. It sure isn't Ferragamo:
http://www.anchortex.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?search=action&keywords=boot&template=Templates/Page/CORinmatefootwear.html

[goclark]

68. Love it!

[davekriss]

39. Impeach her

Avoidance of the subpoena and testifying under oath is prima facie evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors. Failure to answer a subpoena is an obstruction of our constitutional system and is itself a legitimate impeachable offense. Condi may tour the world in avoidance of the subpoena but, just imagine, if she is impeached at home, how many heads of state worldwide would love to refuse her an audience. Impeach Condi. Impeach Cheney. Impeach Bush. It's the only way to restore our seized republic back to We the People.

[nealmhughes]

155. Indeed, it would be an open and shut case for the indictment (impeachment) and conviction by the

jury (Senate), the wherefore and whereases come down to naught when a legally binding writ is issued and she refuses to comply with appearance. Now, whether or not impeachment or conviction would actually occur to a satisfactory end is definitely not a slamdunk by any means with this Congress who appear to enjoy still a sizable minority of rubber stampers for the Administration.

What amazed me was that Boehner had a statement that she was "too busy" in these difficult times for being party to a Democratic witch hunt, or words to that effect. I nearly spat out my beverage when I heard that, thinking of all the time wasted on Mr. Clinton's rumpus in the Oral Office.

[NastyDiaper]

40. A copy of the WHIG check to Berlusconi...

... would do fine in lieu of testimony.



/me dings-bell twice to onehandle.

[GOTV]

41. Well, here we go. Who will blink? n/t

[liberal N proud]

44. If Congress subpoenas you, aren't you required by law to appear?

They can have her thrown in jail for such actions, can't they?

[alcibiades_mystery]

51. Yes

Perhaps next time I receive a call for jury duty I will simply decline! Is this how they want things to run in this country? People declining official summonses on a whim?

Categorical imperative in addition to legal imperative. If everyone declined subpoenas, there would be no subpoenas, and no law, and no society. Dr. Rice does not have an "option."

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

52. Contempt of Congress...

Basically refusing to respond to a lawfully-issued subpoena from Congress. Is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000.

Arrest her. Waxman should make it a point and send the Capitol Police to the State Department and arrest her upon returning to the United States.

She's a criminal. She should be treated like one.

[Doctor_J]

45. Issue an arrest warrant for contempt of Congress. Now.

Force * to fire up the pardon machine to keep his hacks out of prison.

[Marnieworld]

47. total bulldoody

Waxman has been writing her letters for years and she has ignored every one of them. The time for writing letters is past.

Amazing that they think that a subpoena is not a subpoena when it is for them.

Go get her Henry!

I can't wait to see her raise her hand and take an oath. A beautiful picture that will be.

[Wednesdays]

50. Almost as beautiful as watching her do the "perp walk"

in a bright orange or denim jumpsuit. :toast:

[alcibiades_mystery]

49. This should be played up as ordinary people v. royalty

Do YOU have the option of "refusing a subpoena???" These people think they're above the law? They can choose whether to comply with a subpoena or not? Really? The Royals! My my my. So much for the ordinary American, who must show up for even jury duty or face fines. Rice doesn't feel like she has to show up when subpoenaed before Congress! Can you imagine?!? Etc. That's the play here.

[valerief]

54. Okay, so I've read here that if Rice doesn't comply, then Gonzo

must enforce, and if he doesn't enforce, then does Congress have a law enforcement force to arrest Gonzo? Or do all the military and law enforcement forces below to Bush/Cheney/Gonzo?

[disndat]

60. Fantastic! Fabulous!

DUers are going to save the world!

[Gidney N Cloyd]

73. Possibly the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms could arrest her.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_at_Arms_of_the_United_States_Senate

The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate is the law enforcer for the United States Senate. One of the chief roles of the Sergeant is to hold the gavel used at every session. The Sergeant can also request the attendance of absent Senators.

With the architect of the Capitol and the House Sergeant at Arms, he serves on the Capitol Police Board, responsible for security around the building.

The Sergeant at Arms of the Senate can arrest any person upon their violating Senate rules (including the President of the United States).<1>

I need to do a little research to see if this means the S-A-A is allowed to arrest outside the Senate or if its authority is literally "around the building" only.

[grasswire]

97. does the Capitol Police serve the SAA?

And where does the jurisdiction of the Capitol Police begin and end?

[orleans]

109. WHAT???

"The Sergeant at Arms of the Senate can arrest any person upon their violating Senate rules (including the President of the United States)."

OH MY GOD! LET'S SUBPOENA BUSH!!!

:evilgrin:

[lonestarnot]

55. Oh she's part of that unitary executive branch the one that doesn't answer to the American

people or its government. I will stay home or bring a TV to work just to watch this one! As I have no doubt that she will comply with the subpoena either from her jail cell or strapped to a chair! Teeeheee. :popcorn:

[Javaman]

56. Who cares. we all know she will play the selective amnesia game. nt

[snappyturtle]

57. Do I sense a little nervousness in this quote:

"I addressed these questions, almost the same questions, during my confirmation hearing," she said. "This is an issue that has been answered and answered and answered."

Ever notice when condi gets nervous her audible pitch rises? I can just hear her saying this in her squeaky high pitch and btw, how does she KNOW what questions will be asked? I don't care if she does have to answer this issue AGAIN, we listened to repuke talking points ad infinitum and it made us sick too.

[calimary]

100. And don't forget the body language.

When she declares something to be true, she shakes her head furtively from side-to-side. Um... you're telegraphing a very clear negative, contradicta, regardless what words come out of your mouth.

[Bravo Zulu]

59. Condazilla lies for her man bu$h!

[calimary]

102. Welcome to DU!

Help us help the country free itself of these monsters!

[EnviroBat]

110. God, she is a vile witch...

[bdamomma]

130. geez, what an ugly thing she is.

[Vincardog]

136. IS she swearing that he is 12 inches? This BIG?

[Forkboy]

145. hey,easy on the "zilla" reference.

He's only responsible for destroying ONE country. :)

[loudsue]

61. WE NEED E-MAIL ADDRESSES!!!

We need to e-mail the Judiciary Committee, the White House, and all of our Senators and Congressmen/women (ESPECIALLY THE REPUKE ONES), and say that, if kindasleezy rice doesn't have to obey a subpoena from THE CONGRESS, then the rest of us don't have to do jury duty or pay taxes, or respond to ANY type of legal demand.

And we have to continue e-mailing until she hears the roar from the entire population!!

This is outrageous!!

:kick::kick::kick:

[calimary]

105. There are lists available if you explore www.congress.org.

Also, since the sig lines are disabled due to high traffic, here are some TOLL FREE numbers to the Capitol Hill switchboard. They'll transfer you, free, to anyone's office just for the asking.

1 (800) 828 - 0498

1 (800) 459 - 1887

1 (800) 614 - 2803

1 (866) 340 - 9281

1 (866) 338 - 1015

1 (877) 851 - 6437

[GOTV]

62. Has the subpoena even been issued yet?

[Cass]

64. They really think they're above it all, don't they?

The contempt they show for our system of government is incredible. I hope she is not allowed to just blow off the Congress. Condi and the rest of them must be made to understand that we have laws they must adhere to and, if they don't like it, they can get the hell out.

[Enrique]

65. what part of "subpoena" doesn't she understand?

[markbark]

66. Reminds me of ANOTHER pirate who once said:

I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request.

[MurrayDelph]

116. That was my first thought, too.

But what can you expect from an administration that considers the Constitution to be
"more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules."

[ihelpu2see]

69. Put her in jail for being in contempt of Congress...

if the Congress does that to reporters why not her lame ass...

[Botany]

70. No one could have imagined that lying to get us into a war is a bad thing

[BelgianMadCow]

142. best one in thread

had me smiling there :-)

[PurpleChez]

71. I know this is a cliche by this time, but if this were the Clinton administration...

people would be having an absolute shit-fit. If this had been Madeline Albright (yeah, Madeline!) the RW talk radio lunatics would be forming necktie parties and marching on Foggy Bottom with torches. How do the Bushistas convince themselves that this, somehow, is different?

[whistle]

72. That means jail time for Condi Rice doesn't it?

[eppur_se_muova]

74. Oh, really? Stay out of sight of the Capitol Police, honey.

They can issue warrants, you know, and look who is on the supervisory Board ...

The Capitol Police Board is a group of three members who have jurisdiction over the United States Capitol Police. The three members of this board are the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate, and the House Sergeant at Arms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Police_Board

[Marie26]

76. Condi, it doesn't matter whether you're "inclined to appear."

If you are subpoenaed to appear, you GO! I hate how this crew acts like they are royalty & the laws only apply to the little people. And her reasons make no sense at all: If she's "already answered these questions", why is that that appearance didn't violate executive privilege, but this one does? Why can she answer questions in writing & not in person - wouldn't written answers also violate executive privilege? :crazy: :crazy: They don't even care if the excuse makes sense as long as they don't have to answer the Committee's questions. I hope Waxman takes this all the way up to the Supreme Court. The court needs to slap Bushco. down now or they will continue to resist any Congressional subpoenas.

[drm604]

77. So now we have our constitutional crisis.

Let's hope that somehow the law is enforced. :mad:

[Patsy Stone]

78. I'll try this when/if I ever get a subpoena

and I'll let you know how it goes. :eyes:

[BigDDem]

79. Put me down as shocked...

Since when has anyone in this administration been "inclined"
to follow the law?

[KansDem]

80. "I am more than happy to answer them again in a letter,"

No, we want you UNDER oath; IN public; WITH a transcript.

The GOP is out--no more hiding behind Chimpie. :grr:

[Sherman A1]

87. I would remind

The Esteemed Secretary of State that she is an appointed employee of the People and the ELECTED Representatives of the People of the United States, have subpoenaed her to come forth and answer their questions under oath. If she fails to appear, she should be found in Contempt of Congress and Articles of Impeachment initiated to remove her from office. There is no longer any time to play games with the Constitution.


:grr:

[Name removed]

88. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[StefanX]

90. Who the hell does she think she is?

I am so fucking sick and tired of these people who think they're above the law.

Remember "RULE OF LAW! RULE OF LAW!"?

Yeah, Republicans loved to shout that all the time when they were going after Clinton about a blowjob.

But now that the Dems are going after them about destroying our military by starting a needless war and destroying our CIA by outing an agent, they don't give a shit about the law.

Well I have some news for them. This is a nation of laws. Bush ain't King, and Condi ain't Queen. They serve the people and NO PERSON IS ABOVE THE LAW.

Send over the Sargent-at-Arms and arrest her.

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Morgana LaFey]

147. Who does she think she is indeed. I guess our Constitutional Crisis

which has been simmering gently on the back burner, starts to boil now, eh?

BRING IT ON!!

[burbank_spiffers]

91. Pre-9/11 video showing Rice/Powell claiming Iraq had no WMD

You must see this - this really pisses me off - Pre 9/11 both Rice and Powell say Sadam Hussein was kept in check:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1X-I-38lrU

And you can always find this clip by searching in YouTube by "Rice" and "Powell"

[calimary]

106. Welcome to DU!

Thanks for the link!

Now get busy!

[proud patriot]

92. Well looks like she'll have a warrant put out for her arrest right?

that what would happen to me , so it will with her .

No one is above the law .

[Gman]

95. The game plan is to run out the clock

and the clock says 20 months and running. A lot can happen in 20 months. Nixxon went down in probably 15, from spring '73 to August '74. But that was with public opinion giving impeachment momentum. They don't believe there is time given the time to appeal to the SCOTUS, and other legal obstacles they will throw out.

[On the Road]

96. Congress Just Has to Follow the Legal Steps

1) Attempt to enforce the subpoena
2) If Rice refuses, ask her to be arrested for contempt of Congress
3) If Gonzalez refuses to arrest her, get a court order
4) If Gonzalez refuses to comply with the court order, demand that Bush fire him
5) If Bush does not fire him or uphold the court order...

THAT's the time to file articles of impeachment.

[Jack Rabbit]

104. Impeach. Indict. Imprison.

But first, cite for contempt.

[bobthedrummer]

111. You answer to US-we, the people in a democracy, WE sent a message last November

and despite the criminal fascist corrupted system filled up with loyal Bushies as apparatchiks you will answer to US.

You are a lying criminal and conspired with others to work against OUR US Constitution, Bill of Rights and other "pieces of paper" to implement a political agenda.

I join with all other citizens to demand your compliance with the subpoena or be arrested.

[BattyDem]

114. Since when is it optional to respond to a Congressional subpoena?

:eyes: :grr:

Charge her with contempt of Congress. If Gonzo won't arrest her, impeach him! It's time to stop playing nice and expose this lawless bunch of thugs for who they really are! Stand on the floors of the House and the Senate and call-out ANY Republican who doesn't support going after Rice or Gonzo! Hold press conferences, visit talk shows, put an ad on television ... ANYTHING to inform the American people that the Bush* Administration and the Republicans who are giving them a free pass, no longer believe in a constitutional democracy and are, in fact, supporting a dictatorship!

Come on, Dems ... NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!!! STAND UP and take this country back from these arrogant criminals ... NOW!!!

[xiamiam]

118. looks like condi is digging an even deeper hole...predictable arrogance..im not upset

if she refuses...she gets arrested...handcuffed...voila...my prayers will be answered...
couldnt happen to a more evil creature...

[damntexdem]

120. Let's see: I seem to remember GOP statements that 'no one is above the law" ...

when Clinton was called to testify.

Hey, Condi, do you know what a 'high crime and misdemeanor' means?

[Tekla West]

122. Well,

if I don't have to show up for a subpoena, and can just send them a post card or whatever, well that's great, Frees up a lot of time on my schedule.

[greyghost]

123. Beautifull...

I hope she holds that idea all the way to her jail cell.

[superconnected]

124. Arrest her.

[mnhtnbb]

128. Maybe Condi would prefer a ride courtesy of Aero out of Kinston, NC

to a country where she could be encouraged to respond with the truth, since she thinks she's above being subpoenaed. Your choice, Condi?

http://www.stoptorturenow.org/site/weblog.php

[bdamomma]

129. what a arrogant bitch she is.

I am more than happy to respond by mail??????????????????/ she is so arrogant, she has been sent many letters from Waxman and does not reply back.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

131. Throw her in jail!

[CottonBear]

133. Link to BBC report: Rice rebuffs US Congress subpoena

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6595637.stm

[Handsome Pete]

Cool!

Can I reject paying my taxes, or following laws that I disagree with?

If it's good enough for Condi, then it's good enough for me!

</satire>

[robinlynne]

139. I received a subpoena to testify as a witness in a legal case involving a neighbor in

my building. It was terrible, but that is another story. It was about a neighbor waking everyone up at all horus of the night and letting his dog run loose, i.e. small potatoes. At the bottom of the subpoena was clearly written. if you do not appear, you will be charged a fine of $500.00 and/or face a jail sentence. That's for a case about a dog off the leash. Why is it that subpoenas about important things, like, say, national security, going to war and killing a half a million people, don't have the penalty in writing on the bottom like my subpoena did? We all (tenants in the building) showed up. no way we were going to pay a 500 fine. Why doesn't Rice's subpoena have a million dollar fine, and or 6 months in jail, since mine did?

[SoCalDem]

161. Obviously you should have "written a letter", and then shopped for Ferragamos.

:)

the judge would have understood:)

[Major Hogwash]

140. She has to appear before Congress if she is subpoenaed, doesn't she?

Or, is she special?

I don't think she has a choice on the matter.
Politically, it would be a mistake to refuse to go before Congress and answer some questions with "I don't recall" and "I don't remember".

The "Too Stupid to Remember" defense isn't going to work anymore.
Scooter tried it - din't work.
Gonzales tried it - din't work.

Better come up with a better excuse, Condi.
Maybe you can tell them your dog ate your homework.
That worked so well for me back in the 8th grade.
Yeah, right!

If Condi won't go, then they should call her undersecretary and get them to testify before Congress.

[Norrin Radd]

144. Perhaps we need to institute a memory acuity test

to qualify for these positions, in the future?

[flyarm]

141. GUESS SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO STAY PERPETUALLY ON THE ROAD! EOM

[Forkboy]

146. Good idea...should could pull a Roman Polanski and never come back!

:)

[baldguy]

148. Imagine if one of Clinton's people refused a subpoena?

It would be front page news and every nightly news & RW talk show would lead with it.

[StefanX]

149. Congress has the power to arrest her (even if Bush & Gonzales's cops refuse to)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x763707

[yojon]

153. So at what point do these reptilian monsters in congress

realize the extent to which bushco is rubbing their noses in their poop. Until they realize this, congress may have trouble making anything stick..

[MGD]

158. The neo=cons are operating under the assumption that we won't play hardball

during a time of war. IOW, as always, they're hiding behind their war for political purposes. We need to prove them wrong. People need to start being arrested.

[tabasco]

157. A nice set of bracelets might convince her to cooperate.

[burrowowl]

162. Contempt of Congress!

Jail Condi!

[creeksneakers2]

165. Good information on the possibilities at this link

First though, I think the biggest barrier to putting Rice in jail is Bush's power to issue pardons. I doubt that anything would trump that, except impeachment, which requires 67 votes.

Here is some information about what Congress could do to enforce the subpoena before it got to the point of a pardon:

Congress has three routes .

(1) The old method,the inherent contempt power, was used up until 1935. The Sergeant- at-Arms would bring the person in contempt before either house of Congress, where the offender would be tried. The house of Congress could then sentence the offender to jail for a specific time as a punishment, or put the offender in jail for an indefinite time which could not go beyond the end of the legislative session. With the latter choice, the offender could end his confinement by complying with Congress.

I don't know of any reason, other to the time it would take to try her, that the inherent contempt power method couldn't be used now, even though it hasn't been used for 70 years. Again though, I think, even if Rice was imprisoned by Congress, Bush could pardon her.

(2) Since 1935, Congress has used statutory contempt actions against those in contempt. To use the statute, a full vote of either house is required. The statute says it is the duty of the Attorney General to prosecute the person held in contempt.

I guess that Congress would not be able to force the Attorney General to prosecute. The power to prosecute is a unique power of the executive branch. The power to prosecute must include the power to refuse to prosecute. This issue has never gone to court, so I am just guessing that the courts would see an attempt to force the Attorney General as a violation of separation of powers.

(3)Congress also has a civil contempt alternative but it can't be used against the executive branch, with exceptions. I haven't looked up what the exceptions are.

(PDF)
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL30240.pdf


If Waxman starts down this road, the story would dominate the news. There's much to lose because the fight could wind up giving conservatives the powerful executive they've long sought, and seriously diminish the power of Congress. However, the political side looks great.

I think the biggest threat we face is not George Bush or Iraq. Its the creeping fascism of the right wing. It would be great for the public to see just how far the right wing would go to do wrong and cover it up.

Rice had to have known that questions were raised about the Niger/uranium story. I don't think any career intelligence employee believed the story. According to the CIA debriefers who heard Wilson's report on Niger, they didn't circulate Wilson's findings because Wilson told them nothing new. If Wilson said the Niger/uranium yarn was a hoax, and that was nothing new, then everybody at the CIA must have already known it was a hoax. According to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which was under GOP control, the State Department analysts who first viewed the Niger/uranium documents broke out laughing at what poor fakes the documents were. The documents were then sent to the CIA, where they were put unseen in a safe for months. The best explanation I can think of for the CIA doing that was that they didn't want to examine the documents because they knew they were forgeries, and nobody wanted the responsibility of telling the White House or covering it up.

On top of all that, Tenant told Rice the Niger/uranium story wasn't credible. Rice says she forgot. How could the person responsible for the security of the United States forget whether what she judged as the greatest threat to national security was real or not?

I think a good constitutional showdown could bring attention to the biggest problems we face. The administration's case for the Niger/uranium hoax is so weak that at some point Americans could finally stop asking what happened and start asking WHY it happened. How did the Bush cabal get away with all they did? The media has much to hide about their own involvement. A big story like a constitutional showdown would be impossible to downplay. If we can get to the WHY all this happened, we'll save America.

GO WAXMAN GO!

[rpannier]

166. I was unaware you could legally blow-off subpoenas

I'll have to remember that the next time I receive one.
I'll just tell them I'm only going to respond by letter to handwritten inquiries

[lovuian]

168. Ok she defied the subpoena doesn't that mean she is

in contempt of Congress

[Skittles]

169. C O W A R D

they're all g.d. COWARDS

[bobthedrummer]

170. All these treasonous criminals are accountable to US-kick

[nolabels]

172. Yea but a good portion (and we should not fool ourselves) of congress....

higher ups on the governmental food chain and a whole lot of others are in on the take.
For it to be otherwise very bedrock structures of how things are run will have to change.

[Supersedeas]

173. You will get you checks and an unbalanced letter when Condi's good and damned ready