Letters to the Editor
The Reality Kid
Published Letters: 358
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SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!
[Read the article: Hoyer hails FISA bill as "a significant victory for the Democratic Party"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Hey, Kids!
Today, in a very special "Schoolhouse Rock", we look back to those ancient, dark days, when the President was not considered the Great Omnipotent Decider ("GOD"), but was actually subject to - GASP! - the rule of law. Although it sounds archaic in this brave, secure and modern age, once upon a time, GOD was subject not only to checks and balances (the meaning of which has long since been forgotten, but it sounds scary, doesn't it?), but also to a strange and barbaric punishment known as "impeachment". Don't believe me? Ask your Grand-Dad or Grand-Mom about it. It probably started in France, but it's no longer on the table or in the picture these days. We've come a very long way in a very short time. Thank GOD! (He's listening, y'know...)
1) Making or causing to be made false or misleading statements to lawfully authorized investigative officers and employes of the United States.
2) Withholding relevant and material evidence or information from lawfully authorized investigative officers and employes of the United States.
3) Approving, condoning, acquiescing in, and counseling witnesses with respect to the giving of false or misleading statements to lawfully authorized investigative officers and employes of the United States and false or misleading testimony in duly instituted judicial and congressional proceedings.
4) Interfering or endeavoring to interfere with the conduct of investigations by the Department of Justice of the United States and congressional committees.
5) Endeavoring to misuse the Central Intelligence Agency, an agency of the United States.
6) Making false or misleading public statements for the purpose of deceiving the people of the United States.
7) Endeavoring to cause prospective defendants, and individuals duly tried and convicted, to expect favored treatment and consideration in return for their silence or false testimony, or rewarding individuals for their silence or false testimony.
8) Misusused the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and other executive personnel, in violation or disregard of the constitutional rights of citizens, by directing or authorizing such agencies or personnel to conduct or continue electronic surveillance or other investigations for purposes unrelated to national security, the enforcement of laws, or any other lawful function of his office.
9) Acting personally and through his subordinates and agents, in violation or disregard of the constitutional rights of citizens, authorized and permitted to be maintained a secret investigative unit within the office of the President, financed in part with money derived from campaign contributions to him, which unlawfully utilized the resources of the Central Intelligence Agency, engaged in covert and unlawful activities, and attempted to prejudice the constitutional right of an accused to a fair trial.
10) Failed to take care that the laws were faithfully executed by failing to act when he knew or had reason to know that his close subordinates endeavored to impede and frustrate lawful inquiries by duly constituted executive; judicial and legislative entities
11) In disregard of the rule of law, knowingly misused the executive power by interfering with agencies of the executive branch
IN SUM, acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
(SOURCE: Articles of Impeachment - Richard M. Nixon)
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@casual_observer
[Read the article: Hoyer hails FISA bill as "a significant victory for the Democratic Party"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I'm wondering why you didn't emphasize this part in bold, too?
"They won’t be able to say that I supported an extension of the Iraq war into Iran"
Or are Tony Lake and Susan Rice not considered to be senior advisors or part of Obama's campaign at this point?
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Something "The Small Town Hick" asked -
[Read the article: Hoyer hails FISA bill as "a significant victory for the Democratic Party"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Since when is winning an election more important than one's duty to country?
The answer to the Small Town Hick's question is the proverbial, um, elephant in the room.
The obvious answer would appear to be "never!" (yes, with an exclamation point!). But clearly, this is not the case.
One's duty to one's country arises only when it is politically convenient or expedient. It is neither absolute nor inviolate. Duty to country must take a back seat to self-interest or those collective interests from which your sense of self derives.
So, stop being childish. Start listening to the wise elders of the Democratic tribe.
If I may be permitted to adapt, to this context, something another commenter (Strangely Enough) said a few days ago:
You must continue voting for people who do not represent what you personally believe in.
This is your duty (and should be the credo of the Democratic Party). This is what a principled person does.
Grow up!
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Just curious, Nutella -
[Read the article: Hoyer hails FISA bill as "a significant victory for the Democratic Party"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]With regards to the e-mail from Obama's office, is the capitalization in the phrase "War on Terror" just as you have reproduced it?