If Holder starts investigations into Bush era crimes and Obama's agenda is derailed, politicaly,

[DUlover2909]

Would you support prosecution of war crimes and violations of the US Constitution leading to jail time for offenders (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Bremmer, and anyone else involved) in exchange for Healthcare Reform, Energy Reform, and the entire agenda of Change?

I'm stuck. I hope we can get all of it. If Holder holds people accountable and sparks fly, people go to jail, and the Change agenda is ruined, I would be torn. I want both. I can't decide which I would prefer. Obama seems to believe from his position that we can have only one or the other. I say, "Let's get both done." Prosecute the criminals and make everyone see they're crooks and also push the liberal agenda all the way through. We have the executive and both chambers of the legislative branches of government. We can do this if we just freaking unite as one.

[elleng]

1. IF we unite as one!

Thats a HUGE 'if' and Dems don't appear either inclined or capable.

I agree with Prez O's apparent 'belief' that its one or the other.

[Demeter]

2. The Two Arent' Exclusive

But if we don't punish evil fast, it will take over.

Anybody with a brain, heart and courage can get healthcare--

[RC]

12. Correct

It is the mindless talking-point-of-the-day supporters of "Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Bremmer..." that are against Obama. Take out and imprison the criminal leaders and the opposition goes powerless. Everybody wins except the war crime violators. Justice is served and everyone else's lives are improved world wide.

[G_j]

3. tnere is no excuse

and the meme of Obama's agenda being derailed, is simply an excuse for derailing justice.

[Xipe Totec]

4. Are you suggesting pugs might support Obama's agenda?

Don't let's be silly!

The Party of NO has already demonstrated they will not cooperate in any way, under any circumstances, with any Democratic initiative whatsoever.

So what do we have to lose if we prosecute the war criminals?

Absolutely nothing.

[DUlover2909]

5. I'm afraid of the blue dogs and the DLC.

It's a shame. We have a filibuster proof caucus. I'm afraid of Lieberman especially.

[bigbrother05]

6. Chess vs checkers?

Obama has signaled his priorities, but made it clear early on that the AG has the ball on charges/prosecutions (that old independence of DoJ meme). Handled in this way shows a clear break with the last 8 years of a politicized DoJ and lets Obama continue to push the political agenda. You don't have to personally multitask if you have folks doing the job they were hired for.

Don't have anything to link to to support this, but maybe Holder was getting his house in order (hunting out and minimizing/eliminating the Bushwackos) before moving out on what will be a long hard slog.

As I said, have nothing hard to base this on, just my own optimism. Any good prosecutor knows you don't go in unprepared if you want to get the conviction.

[JVS]

7. I expect to se his agenda derailed even without investigations.

In fact, I think we're already witnessing that on healthcare

[tavalon]

10. Good point. I wish Obama would realize he has a bully pulpit and start

cracking heads because they will hate him and try to derail him no matter what.

[JDPriestly]

8. I believe that the only way to get good health care, tax and energy reform

is to enforce the rule of law on those in high places. That would include not only Bush and Cheney and Republicans who clearly violated laws passed by Congress as well as the Constitution and international law but also both Republicans and Democrats at various levels of government who trade political favors and access for campaign contributions and personal favors including donations to favorite charities.

[tavalon]

9. I think that is a false dichotomy, but if we take your parameters,

I'm afraid I have to say yes, it needs to be done, no matter what. If we don't do it, we have ample evidence that these people will just surface again, and do things even more brazen and unlawful, if that's possible.

Change is really important to me, but no real change will come without a reckoning. Looking forward without fixing this wanton lawbreaking is guaranteeing the destruction of our country or at least the ideals it was founded on.

[Enthusiast]

11. President Obama can't 'nice'

the GOP into behaving in a civilized manner. The rule of law should be enforced. It is not an 'either- or' situation.