Read other letters about this article

• Tuesday, March 20, 2007 06:40 AM

  A key point that everyone misses:

  If you connect the dots in this case, some frightening implications emerge - implications which to this point have not been brought up in the mainstream media.

  The language allowing the DOJ to appoint US attorneys for indefinite periods without Senate approval was inserted into the Patriot Act on December 14, 2006.

  Emails show that members of the DOJ and White House staff were discussing the replacement of US attorneys in early 2005, and possibly 2004.

  The implication is clear that the modification of the Patriot Act renewal - a modification which usurped the authority of the legislative branch - was part of a long-standing plan by the executive branch. The language was inserted apparently without the knowledge of any Senator, and was accomplished by Brett Tolman, a conservative political operative who was made a staff member by Senator Arlen Specter to help appease right-wing politicos who were angry at Specter's "moderate" image. Tolman had prior connections to the DOJ, and was later made a US attorney himself.

  This has every appearance of being a deliberate conspiracy by the executive branch to subvert the authority of the legislative branch and therefore the Constitution itself. If Bush himself was aware of this action (as is now clearly implied by newly-revealed emails), it is a violation of his oath of office.

  If ever a case called for the appointment of a special prosecutor, this is it.

  More information:

  http://talkingpointsmemo.com/usa-timeline.php

  —Peter Maranci Read Peter Maranci's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel