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Wednesday, January 7, 2009 12:00 AM

The DOJ pursues the "real criminal" in the NSA spying scandal

While the high-level lawbreakers are protected from consequences by our political class, only the courageous whistle-blower is subject to criminal prosecution.

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  • Wednesday, January 7, 2009 11:22 AM

    casual_observer

    The capitulation doesn't particularly bother me, regarding Reid. What bothers me is why he thought he had any standing whatsoever to block Burris in the first place. Blago, still being governor, had the authority to appoint Burris--and Reid had no authority to block that appointment. Reid once again showed contempt for rule of law, imo. And that is totally unsurprising.

    It's just the sheer ineptitude, the total inability to take a stand on anything. I agree with you on the underlying question -- vowing to block Burris was both politically stupid and legally dubious, at best.

    But once you stand up and vow to do it -- going all over television making threats to use the Sargent-at-Arms and publicizing the letter signed by all Democratic Senators -- only to then meekly reverse yourself because, as usual, you were easily outflanked and out-pressured, it just bolsters how sad and ineffectual and silly Beltway Democrats are.

    And I can't help but note how defiant they're willing to be on the pettiest of issues, when it comes to attacking other Democrats. Contrast that with the last eight years of full-on meekness and subservience.

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