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July 31, 2008
Posted: 04:55 PM ET
The House Judiciary Committee voted, 20 to 14, along party lines to cite Rove for defying its subpoena.
The House Judiciary Committee voted, 20 to 14, along party lines to cite Rove for defying its subpoena.

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:

There’s a long history of the Bush administration simply ignoring subpoenas from Congress. Not that Congress has gone out of its way to exercise oversight of the executive branch. But when it does, President Bush just laughs out loud and ignores them, like unruly children who are acting up to get attention.

Well they got the attention of a federal judge. U.S. District Judge John Bates says the president’s top advisers are not immune from congressional subpoenas. Bates says there’s no legal basis for the administration’s argument and that former legal counsel Harriet Miers must testify before Congress. However, Bates says Miers and others can assert executive privilege during their testimony.

Democrats call the ruling “very good news” and say that Miers, White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and Karl Rove must testify before Congress. Of course, the White House says it disagrees with the judge’s ruling and will decide in the next day or two if it will appeal.

Karl Rove became the latest to raise his middle finger to the legislative arm of our government, when he defied a subpoena to testify earlier this month. The House Judiciary Committee voted yesterday to cite Rove for contempt of Congress. But this is only a recommendation; Nancy Pelosi will have to decide whether to bring it to a vote by the full House. And we all know how aggressive Pelosi has been when it comes to oversight of the Bush White House. With Madame Speaker, it’s all about politics.

Here’s my question to you: What does it mean for President Bush when a federal judge rules his people are not immune from congressional subpoenas?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?


Terry from North Carolina writes:
Jack, It’s about time this administration will be held accountable. These people are guilty of a lot more than breaking into an office in the Watergate Hotel, and those guys all went to prison. It will be interesting to see what direction this will take.

Will from San Jose, California writes:
Unfortunately it doesn’t mean much. These are congressional subpoenas and following up on this would mean they might miss that big vacation they had planned.

Harry from Kentucky writes:
Nothing really. After all, you said it yourself: they can “claim executive privilege” at the hearing. That’s a hearing that produces no more results than ignoring the subpoena to begin with.

Bobby writes:
It disabuses them of the notion that they are above the law. It means that his cronies, preposterous as it may seem, must abide by the law, just like the rest of the American people.

Aric from Mountain View, California writes:
Jack, Maybe it means that we can finally start charging these people for the crimes they’ve committed in the last 7 plus years. I doubt it, I think Rove will just show up and claim executive privilege anyway. But I would hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holding the Bush administration accountable for their actions.

Bob from Jacksonville, North Carolina writes:
Jack, It means someone has finally read the Constitution. The three branches of government are supposed to provide checks and balances. As it stands now, all we have is gotcha politics from the two parties. I think the Founders had it right from the beginning.

Greg from Lancaster, Texas writes:
Now tell me again why the Speaker took impeachment off the table.

Filed under: Congressional Subpoenas • President George Bush


Dm   July 31st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Oh Yippeeeee ,Its about Time!

Charles, Lansing, MI   July 31st, 2008 1:58 pm ET

It means nothing. The subpoena powers will end with the end of this Congress. Even if something were to happen to someone in the Administration he would be pardoned.

James from Virginia   July 31st, 2008 1:59 pm ET

i hope they all get thrown in jail. and i work for the government and i cannot stand the idiots in the white house.

Dave in Saint Louis   July 31st, 2008 2:00 pm ET

It just means the Supreme court will step in and say no.

Jed in Redding, CA   July 31st, 2008 2:01 pm ET

It means nothing. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid do not have the testicular fortitude to hold George W. Bush and his cronies responsible for any of their reprehensible actions over the last 7 1/2 years. Even if by some unspecified miracle Congeress was able to bring forth any justice and actually hold SOMEONE responsible for SOMETHING, Bush has the power to commute and overturn any sentence, rendering the decision moot. It has taken someone like GEorge W. Bush for us to realize that executive power, left unchecked, gives us an elected Emperor of America.

Russ - Johnston, IA   July 31st, 2008 2:02 pm ET

It means ‘W’ hasn’t needed THIS judge in his hip pocket, yet.

Harold   July 31st, 2008 2:02 pm ET

It means bush/cheney will have to try some other corrupt way to get out of this.

Donald, Canton NC   July 31st, 2008 2:03 pm ET

It means he and his lawyers should also be convicted of contempt of Congress.

Nothing states they don’t have a responsiblity to respond and appear as the summons so directs. Then, and only then, if President Bush wishes for them to invoke executive immunity, then he should put it in writing and they should then exercise it when questioned.

But not to appear is ludicrous.

The House should not be going through its process of the courts as evidenced by the lack of enforcement. I say arrest all three of them immeidately, thrown them in jail, and go from there.

Otherwise. the House is negating is resposbility and is making itself irrelevent by not enforcing it orders.

Jonathan, Hartford, CT   July 31st, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It means he either has to appeal it or get them pardoned by Christmas.

Bobby Barkanic   July 31st, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It disabuses them of the notion that they are above the law. It means that his cronies, preposterous as it may seem, must abide by the law, just like the rest of the American people.

Jason, Koloa, HI   July 31st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

It means every member of this disgraceful administration should be dragged in front of the Congress. If they don’t cooperate, they should be arrested for contrempt and put on trial for breaking the law.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   July 31st, 2008 2:06 pm ET

It means Rove and Gonzalez better “lawyer up”, because here come da judge! Goodling is probably available if they want a really top notch attorney. You know, the one that single handedly turned the justice department on its ear.

John in San Diego   July 31st, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Jack, it demonstrates that the Constitution and its division of powers are intact and more powerful than a President who thinks he is above the rule of law.

Emma from San Jose, CA   July 31st, 2008 2:09 pm ET

That was a great move to get a legal opinion. It will be a sad day for Americans if Bush wins an appeal of the decision. If so, let us hope McCain is not elected. He would need a boundary around his executive power.

J.D.   July 31st, 2008 2:09 pm ET

What does it mean? Nothing. The Attorney General has stated he will not prosecute Congressional contempt charges. We might as well get used to the idea that the most corrupt and evil administration in the history of the nation is going to ride off into the sunset and collect gigantic, taxpayer-funded, retirement checks until their dying days. It makes you want to scream.

Rosalynd Florida   July 31st, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Orange Jumpsuits and shackles!

Venia - PA   July 31st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Gosh, you mean there is a judge out there that hasn’t been bought or bribed or threatened by the repuglican machine? Wow, I’m amazed.

BillD   July 31st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

I guess he’ll have to start pardoning a whole bunch of staffers. From here on out he’ll be in “CYA” mode.

Chad , Los Angeles   July 31st, 2008 2:11 pm ET

It means someone is finally standing up to the Bush/Cheney Regime!

I believe history will look back on this administration and see it was the most corrupt of any. Once the insiders are free to speak about what really went on, we will truly see what sociopaths Bush and Cheney are.

John in Toronto, Canada   July 31st, 2008 2:11 pm ET

ABSOLUTELY!
No one is above the law. However, with matters affecting national security, the hearing should be behind closed doors.

JS   July 31st, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Hope they all go to prison.

Howard M, Bolingbrook IL   July 31st, 2008 2:14 pm ET

This decision brings joy to my conscience and heart. Now comes the national Democrats who are normally very cowardly when it comes to enforcing many of the federal laws.

I’m going to drop Speaker Pelosi and Senate Leader Reid a note and ask them to display some back bone. Hopefully other Americans will follow suit.

Tom, Avon, Maine, The Heart of Democracy   July 31st, 2008 2:14 pm ET

It means someone is willing to respect this country, its constitution, and its laws, so George should get himself a harmonica for Club Fed.

Conor in Chicago   July 31st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

It doesn’t mean anything. Congress has dragged their feet on this issue and several like it since they took power. At this pace Bush will be out of office and the Dems will still be considering what they should do when the reality is that they should arrest these people immediately, put them on trial immediately, and since it’s likely they would be found guilty, imprison them immediately.

James from Chicago   July 31st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

President Bush’s people should all be in jail and he should have
been impeached.

Ron- San Diego   July 31st, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Hi Jack:

Yes without question.

Ron San Diego

Paula from Georgia   July 31st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

No,the republicans answered that question themselves when Bill Clinton was in Office. The answered then was YES!! That’s how they and you blackmailed him and family on something that was none of your business. You kept that going for 8 years.

Joe in DE   July 31st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

One small step toward a return to checks & balances. Bad news for Bush.

Ed Reed   July 31st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

His family has pulled his fat out of the fire his entire life; so it’s no wonder he thinks he’s immune from any responsibility; however, in this country, no one is above the law. Not even him.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

Pablo in Arlington Texas   July 31st, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Jack,
it means that the Sergeant at Arms aided by deputies should go out and arrest Rove and the rest of those slime balls, drag them into the committee room, preferably in a stress position, and use enhanced interrogation techniques to get answers to the questions asked by Senators and Representatives. While not being questioned Rove & company should be held in a secure undisclosed location without benefit of counsel. Lets see how they like it when the shoe’s on the other foot.

Pablo in Arlington Texas

Kerry   July 31st, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Simply put, the skeletons in Bush’s administration office closet have outgrown the closet and need to come out…..

Andrew   July 31st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

It means that Bush needs to realize that neither he or his minions are above the law. They do have to answer to all of us.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   July 31st, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Doesn’t Congress actually need to be in session to issue subpeonas? Good luck with that.

Jerry,OK   July 31st, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Jack, It means, finally…we may find out why president Bush should be in jail.

Jerry N/Tulsa

Bruce   July 31st, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Unless Republicans step up to the plate and start calling for Bush and Cheney’s impeachment it doesn’t mean a whole lot for now. Bush’s people shouldn’t be pursued till Bush is out of office — DON’t GIVE BUSH A CHANCE TO PARDON HIS CROONIES!!!!!

Esther Marie Cuyahoga Falls OhiO   July 31st, 2008 2:23 pm ET

means the constitution of america is strong and we hold these truths above all. enough is enough

Ryan in Champaign IL   July 31st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

It means that the rule of law has been beaten, drowned, gagged, buried, sold, exported, and waterboarded; but not yet dead.

Frank Canada   July 31st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

It would be a great day for America if the country actually held these people accountable for their actions and misdeeds. The whole world would then see that the U.S. does in fact have a rule of law and a constitution that means something. I just can’t see it playing out that way!

Esther Marie Cuyahoga Falls OhiO   July 31st, 2008 2:24 pm ET

time for the fat lady to sing

Robert W. Brooks   July 31st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Jack,

It doesn’t mean a thing unfortunately. President Bush will do the same thing he did when Vice President Cheney threw Scooter Libby to the wolfes. He will pardon anyone that helped them play their arrogent games of deceit. This Administration has put itself above the law since it declared war on Iraq and even Congress has been helpless to do anything about it.

Robert
Forest, VA

Donna Colorado Springs,Co   July 31st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

It means that Bush has bought off one more judge during his reign of terror. The law, or obeying it means nothing to Bush.He just smirks and recites “executive priviledge” and it’s case closed. He has gotten away with so much that noone will ever be able to reign him in or make him be responsible for what he has done. He has thumbed his nose at the legal system for eight years, and what’s sad is that they let him get away with whatever he wants to do with no consequences. Even sadder is that McSame sees this and assumes the same thing would happen for him if he’s elected.

Tom in Desoto Texas   July 31st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

It means that finally Bush cannot do as he pleases like it has for the last 7 1/2 years. Better late than never I guess.

Don P. Calgary   July 31st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Greg in Cabot AR   July 31st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

The self appointed “emperor” is finally realizing he has no clothes and democracy is going to be restored….maybe even on his watch.

BOB in Michigan   July 31st, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Jack it means that they should be arrested and jailed like the average American citizen would be if they defied a court order.

Mike out West   July 31st, 2008 2:27 pm ET

First, that Bush and his administration are ignorant of the law.

Second, they have to show up, but they can still invoke Executive Privledge and not answer. (But you DO actually have to show up)

Erin   July 31st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

It means it’s tap-dance time for W.
(with choreography by Cheney, the puppetmaster.)

Of course, if this legal-eagle tap dancing doesn’t fend off the evil-doers, I’m sure the decider and his gang of thugs will resort to breaking the knee caps of would-be witnesses and holding the family kitten hostage.

Aaron   July 31st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

It means nothing. In W’s own mind him and his cronies are not only above the law, they are the law.

Aaron in Carolina Beach

Becker Dallas, Texas   July 31st, 2008 2:29 pm ET

It simply means that the court can deliver all the subpoenas they want. They can not make them testify. This is just posturing. I for one would love them to get in front of the congress and answer questions. As soon as they start more subpoenas will come out for members of congress. They are all part of the same corrupt machine.
You want a witch hunt? Fine. There are just as many if not more complicit members of congress. Congress better be careful what they wish for. They just might get it.

Dee in Denver   July 31st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

With any luck, and intelligent judges, it will mean hard time for the most deserving.

Rex in Portland, Ore.   July 31st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

So ONE judge isn’t in bush’s pocket! Big deal. Rove will not appear, not testify under oath, and will suffer absolutely no consequences for his contempt of congress. He’ll go back to texas and get protection from his fans. . .

. . . those judges of the supreme court of texas. The ones who decided, in their almighyt wisdom and probably after taking with bush’s boss, God, that churches are immune from liability for assault on their members.

roger dowdle lockhart, tx   July 31st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Nothing. If congress calls them, they will refuse to testify, legal action will be initiated, and bush will pardon them before leaving office. They should wait until jan., and then bring charges (criminal) against them and bush/cheney/rumsfield. They should be charged with crimes against humanity, treason, 4,000+ counts of murder, and other charges.

Diane Glasser   July 31st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It means we “gotcha” President Bush and the” jigs up”. Now all we need is to have two strong armed men with Congressional warrants show up at the doors of those Congress has subpoenaed and cart them off to Congress.

cy gardner   July 31st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It means the list of people he’s going to give unconditional pardons to on the day after Election Day just went from a few dozen to a few thousand. cy gardner, arlington va

sarah, indiana   July 31st, 2008 2:33 pm ET

it means nancy pelosi will say it does not matter what the court says. her congress is determined to let bush get away with everything. maybe she’s trying to hide the fact that she is incompetent by letting bush continue to run amok.

Joy   July 31st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It means that govt. officials are held accountable for their actions since they’re supposed to serve their employers(the American people who voted for them).

cy gardner   July 31st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

It means that some judges haven’t gotten the memo yet: the law does not apply to the Bush administration. I am sure one of the corporate lawyers or wing nut idealogues that he has packed the courts with will reverse this crazy decision.cy gardner arlington va

Anna, SW Missouri   July 31st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Although it is encouraging to the American public to think that there is at least one judge that is not in Bush or Cheney’s back pocket, in reality it means nothing. If any of these idiots actually do appear before the Congress all we will hear is “I don’t recall” I don’t remember” “I claim executive privilege” or even better yet “While I was preparing to testify, I read a lot of different accounts of what happened so I don’t know what I actually remember, or what I read!”

Marie Ontario   July 31st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

What this administration has done is no worse than John McCain advocating off shore drilling to get big bucks from the oil companies.

Corruption is corruption regardless of who does it and what form it takes. Of course McCain stated the invasion of Iraq was all about oil in one of his senior moments but has never been held accountable by the press for that statement since he was and is a big proponent of both the invasion and continuing on with the occupation.

Terry from North Carolina   July 31st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Jack
Its about time this administration will be held accountable, these people are guilty of a lot more than breaking into an office in the Watergate Hotel, those guys all went to prison. It will be interesting to see what direction this will take.

James from Idaho   July 31st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

It means the Shredders will be jamming from all the evidence, and the Myers and Bolten housholds will be hot in summer from all the documents they have to burn, as Gonzales slips out of his old life and into his new, as a grape farmer in Napa Valley California, and under his new name Hector Vino.

There will be scheduling conflicts, bouts of political Alzheimers, posturing and peacocking, blubbering, and hopefully, eventually, a paparazzi photo of Laura and the girls in headscarfs cleaning the floors with a nice spit shine while George and Dick fluff the pillows for Barak and family.

And all this, after a heapin’ helpin’ of cronie-istic pardons go out to the offending parties.

Mike Ca   July 31st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Nothing.
By the time the appeals are over they will all be long gone.
Mike CA

Ralph in New York   July 31st, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Jack, it means that Bush and his friends will have to appear in court, apparently to answer for their worongdings. Of course, this does not means impeachment or imprisonment, as Bush is a lame duck, and it might just become a publicity event, still a plus for the Democrats.

George   July 31st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

If it sticks, it might mean that we are about to get some payback for the mess these idiots have put our country in. What bothers me is that nothing will ever be done, and will be swept out with the gabage.These people who are worse than comman criminals, they hide behind the shadows of the Constitution, and they should be treated as traitors, for tramping on our Constitution.

Stacy from Fairfax, VA   July 31st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

You mean they are not above the law? And all this time I thought there was some kind of invisible force field around the White House which kept them immune from pesky common people issues, like obeying laws.

Sandra --Cordell, Oklahoma   July 31st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Jack, it means that ‘finally’ we are seeing a justice system that says “No one is above the law”. I have never believed in ‘executive privilege’…..Look what the Bush Bunch have gotten away with!

JT in NYC   July 31st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

It means the Bush administration hadn’t packed the courts quite as well as they thought.

David, Tampa, Fl   July 31st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Talk about smoke and mirrors. Big deal. This could drag on for years in federal courts ending up in the Supreme Court where conservatives and Bush appointees will rule in favor of them NOT HAVING to appear. While I can hardly wait for the exit of this bunch from the national scene, I doubt none will ever go to testify because on his last day in office Bush will give transactional immunity to his whole administration and they can all take the fifth.

dennis north carolina   July 31st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

The judge was right. NO person is above the law so no person should be exempt or immune to answer questions from a court or congress to include the president. the president also should not be able to pardon any person who will not answer the questions.

cy gardner   July 31st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Bush thinks the law does not apply to him or his crooked cronies. Why can’t anyone prove him wrong? These people are evil. They have soiled the Constitution and flouted the law repeatedly. Why is this okay? Cheney, Bush and much of their gang have done more to hurt this nation, our principles and our democracy than anyone in Guantanamo. Why can’t we put these people in prison where they belong? cy gardner arlington va

The Bu   July 31st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

None of us are above the law, Jack. Although Mr. Bush seems to think he is, I’ve got news for him and his Rovites. HE’S NOT!! I want to see these guys testify so the truth finally does come out.

Michael, Lorain, Ohio   July 31st, 2008 2:40 pm ET

It means that the Judicial Branch of our government seems to be the only branch doing the work for the people and not for the Republican party.

NANCY , Grand Ledge MI   July 31st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

It means nothing!! Bush doesn’t care about the law, or the Constitution, or the truth, for that matter. Didn’t you hear? He is the decider! He thinks he’s King George!

Sally, Seattle   July 31st, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Hopefully, it will be the beginning of the end of the blatant misuse of “executive priviledge” and hopefully someone in this administration will start to be held accountable for their actions. But maybe I’m asking for too much.

Keith   July 31st, 2008 2:42 pm ET

After Bush gets done pouting he’ll probably ignore the decision and go on business as usual. The judge will resign.

Keith
Haslet, TX

circy in New Mexico   July 31st, 2008 2:43 pm ET

It means that one judge’s opinion carries no weight against an administration and a Congress that can evade prosecution as long as they want to, even if they have to pass a law granting themselves immunity. What a bunch of losers these people are. They somehow found a way to remove their conscience when they were sworn in.

James from Idaho   July 31st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

To Esther Marie Cuyahoga Falls Ohio…

Hey; You leave Babs Bush outta this!

mitchell ,arkansaw   July 31st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

it means, instead, we will get to watch 3 hours, of each of their testimonies, saying,”i cannot answer that question,because of executive priveledge”,or “no comment”,or,”i dont recall”,or”can i have some more water?”

Mary M.   July 31st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

It doesn’t mean a thing, Jack. Once it goes to the supreme court poobahs, they won’t let it happen anyway. They are all in bed with Bush. How do you think we got that nincompoop as president for starters?

John L - Indiana   July 31st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Bush has been the worst president in our history. period!. He has done nothig for the American people. I hope he goes to his little ranch and never leaves.

Len in Clarkston, WA   July 31st, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Unfortunately, Jack, nothing will happen here including a valuable lesson for all of us. We need to press our elected officials face to the wall and demand that this kind of Constitutional flaunting will not be possible in the future. We all know how that will go.

Ray Kinserlow   July 31st, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Since Bush operates like the neutrino, I doubt it will make a difference.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

Larry from Georgetown, Texas   July 31st, 2008 2:48 pm ET

They have been playing God in this administration but the Judge says they’re not. Put this Judge on the Supreme Court.

Will from San Jose, CA   July 31st, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Unfortunately it doesn’t mean much. These are congressional subpoenas and following up on this would mean they might miss that big vacation they had planned.

Jackie in Dallas, TX   July 31st, 2008 2:50 pm ET

It means that it is time for White House staff members to find out that they are not above the law, instead that they are bound by it. It is also time for Bush and Cheney to realize that their immunity runs out when a new president is sworn in, as well, and that they will pay for trying to become absolute monarchs in what should be a democracy.

Josh in Sylvania, Ohio   July 31st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

FInally there is someone in the judical system that Bush hasn’t tried to replace with another one of his cronies. It is high time to have Bush,Cheney and their ilk stand trial at the international court and finally thrown in prison never to see the light of day. We must not allow the current criminal regime get away with breaking the law.

Ray,Florida   July 31st, 2008 2:53 pm ET

It mean’s that judge should expect his phone line to be tapped very soon!

Kristen- Philadelphia, PA   July 31st, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Jack, you tell me what it means. Trying to decode what comes out of Washington is like trying to decode baby gibberish, hopeless.

Louis   July 31st, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Jack it means that people like Karl Rove will be singing like a canary when he comes before the House Judiciary committee.

Bert, Iowa City, IA   July 31st, 2008 2:59 pm ET

There is nothing, NOTHING!, I would like more than to see these liars on the witness stand.

Ralph, Corpus Christi   July 31st, 2008 3:00 pm ET

It means that while this is headlines now and drawing some much need attention for Congress to act upon, it will mostly likely fade and be forgotten like all the other arrogant above the law and lack of accountability Bush Adminsitration cases.

Terence   July 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Jack, Why bother with the congressional subpoenas. Bush will pardon them anyway. Terence, Piscataway,NJ

mitchell ,arkansaw   July 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

you can lead a horse to water,but you cant make him drink,unless of course you water-board ‘em.

Terri-Ann, Dallas, TX   July 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

It shows that his people are citizens of the United States of America, like you and me.

Fluffy in Lovelock, NV   July 31st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Dear Jack,

That’s nonsense! What do you mean my people are not immune from congressional subpoenas? To work for me, you need to be up to date on all your immunizations.

Signed,
Dubya

Dan, Maryland   July 31st, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Wait, you mean the President and his staff aren’t above law and oversight, two of the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence? Could have fooled me these past eight years.

Randy, Salt Lake City   July 31st, 2008 3:02 pm ET

It means absolutely NOTHING! Bush will simply ignore it just like he does everything else. He’s King George, didn’t you know that?

One thing though. That judge who ruled on this will probably feel some blowback -like maybe some “accidental” fire at his home or some other Rove tactic.

Annie, Atlanta   July 31st, 2008 3:03 pm ET

After seeing what’s happened over the last eight years, sadly, NOTHING! Our only hope is the International Red Cross going after him for war crimes. Would he receive his pension and perks from behind bars?

Kevin   July 31st, 2008 3:04 pm ET

When it comes to Bush, it doesn’t mean anything. His administration didn’t appear for all the previous subpoenas, so I bet none of them will appear for this one.

Terry, Chandler AZ   July 31st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Congress has more important things to do than waste their time on these people. They will beat any charges brought against them. I wish the opposite wre true but sadly it is not. Thomas Jefferson et.al have been shedding tears for years and wil continue to do so.

David, Orlando, FL   July 31st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

It means absolutely nothing – never has. I don’t know who this judge thinks he is, but if a Supreme Court ruling is meaningless to Bush what makes him think anyone will comply with his order? And no one will ever enforce contempt charges against anyone in this WH.

perry jones   July 31st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

i personaly do not think any body getting payed buy our government should be immune from any thing even the president , once in the office even there spouses

perry jones
council bluffs iowa

Patricia F Pine Plains NY   July 31st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I’m so glad to hear it. But the Congress, I believe is waiting until after the elections. The last thing we need is for Buch & co., Inc. to be looked upon a bunch of martyrs.

Crimes are crimes, no matter how long it takes to bring the bullies to justice. And this gang has committed quite a few.

Stacy from Beautiful Loudoun County Virginia   July 31st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Jack, it means the rule of law still exists in this country. King George and his ilk are subject to the laws of this country. This man has left a taint on the presidency that will take a long time to remove and hopefully this is the first step in restoring the power of Congress.

Dan, Boston, MA   July 31st, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Jack-

It means far too little, far too late. Although finally someone has stood up for the Constitution, I fear that King George will only go on a pardon binge if the truth of his administration’s misdeeds ever come to light. Why the Democrats in Congress are not pushing for impeachment hearings is infuriatingly beyond me.

Keep up the good work!

Mikey P   July 31st, 2008 3:08 pm ET

No No, forget the little guys, go after ROVE!!

Linda, Ruther Glen, Va   July 31st, 2008 3:09 pm ET

It means absolutely nothing right now. I hope someone gets the chopping block ready for future goals and punishment.

Willow, Sheldon Iowa   July 31st, 2008 3:09 pm ET

I agree with Pablo, let’s waterboard ‘em!

Dave, Brooklyn, NY   July 31st, 2008 3:10 pm ET

This judge must be some kind of idiot. Guaranteed, he will be looking for a assistant legal aide job by next week.

Anthony Smith   July 31st, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Not much since George Bush thinks he is Steven Seagal…above the law!!!

Wildwood Crest, NJ

Karl in CA   July 31st, 2008 3:12 pm ET

It means the President might want to consider moving his library from Texas to Kansas, as in Leavenworth Federal Prison, where they all can be inmate librarians. I will give them a little pocket money each month.

angel in Louisiana   July 31st, 2008 3:12 pm ET

It doesn’t mean anything more today than It did yesterday. Bush’s people will stay mute.

Linda in Florida   July 31st, 2008 3:12 pm ET

What it “means” and what will “happen” as a result, are two very different things.

Hubert Bertrand   July 31st, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Nothing will happen,It just build up our hope that there is a few good people in washington. Then we wake up and nothing will happen like always. Just a dream???

Carol, California   July 31st, 2008 3:14 pm ET

It means there is at least one federal judge in the country that remembers the U.S. Constitution and the system of checks and balances its framers created with our three branches of government.

Carol
Lompoc, CA

Sandra fromTexas   July 31st, 2008 3:15 pm ET

It doesn’t mean anything. The Bush Bunch doesn’t have to obey the law or judges. We all know that by now.

AVEE from VA   July 31st, 2008 3:16 pm ET

The whole White House staff should not only be subpoenaed, but locked up for crimes against America including George Bush.

Paul, Columbia, SC   July 31st, 2008 3:16 pm ET

This is nothing more than DC drama. The laws of this country are obeyed and enforced selectively except by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. We should elect him President. He get’s it.

Thomas, Yo.town, OH   July 31st, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Nothing. Congress is going on vacation and it will be all forgotten once they reconvene. Sorry bunch of losers.

Cindie   July 31st, 2008 3:18 pm ET

It means…

1. It means no one in the United States is above the law.
but…
2. It means Bush doesn’t care about our own laws, he just wants to protect his guilty “Bush and Company”
3. It means nothing will happen to them because Bush is in office, they need not worry about anything… business as usual for past four+ years.
4. It means the next President will have to clean up after Bush, unless they are just as corrupt as Bush is, and decide to pardon all of them. God have mercy on us all, if that is the case. Question is which one of the candidates is most likely to do this? McCain maybe?

South Georgia

Raymond Duke/Gatesville,Tx.   July 31st, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Nothing it will if nessecary be sent to the supreme court or overturned before it ever gets there by the federal appeals court. This is nothing but a federal judge who is a liberal left winger. All politics if the democrats were so interested in this why did they not bring it up when they took over the senate and house.

David,San Bernardino,CA.   July 31st, 2008 3:19 pm ET

It means that the justice department needs to do its job and bring all of the bush/cheney criminals to justice.

Chryssa   July 31st, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Nothing. He doesn’t know what that word means.

Boise, ID

Mary Steele   July 31st, 2008 3:20 pm ET

About time somebody stands up to this government, Congress and Senate needs a dose of that as well.

We need to start issuing lie detector tests to get the real truth from all of our represerntatives, maybe the backdoor deals and other nonsense would stop!!

Mary Steele
Yorktown VA

Mike Smith, New Orleans, LA   July 31st, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I don’t think it means anything. Every one of Bush’s close friends would lie under oath anyway, so what difference would their testimony make?

Cindi Des Moines, IA   July 31st, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Sorry to say Jack, it won’t mean “jack.” (no pun intended)
Bush will continue to pardon anyone and everyone from his administration as it suits him.

Cindi
Des Moines IA

David Richards   July 31st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Finally. George Bush’s neocon legal eagles have gone too far even for a Bush appointee. Too bad the Justice Department has been so overwhelmingly politicized that there is nothing Congress can do about it.

kenneth sibbett   July 31st, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Jack, George Bush and company have been stomping on the constitution for eight years while Democrats and Republicans have been laying around like wet pups. Americans, Democrat and Republicans, so called patriots have stood around and watched this happen. If justice happens it will be a surprise to everyone. Maybe it will happen, but don’t count on it.

Kennth Chadbourn, NC

Kim Richmond Va   July 31st, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Hi Jack;
When our Judiciary Justices across the land see a rat, they go after it. I think it is HIGH TIME We the People sought to correct, the mess, this group of stubborn warmongering AWOL brats started.

It means Impeachment, is just a sweet moment away and, ‘HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

If it’s One thing the Average American Joe knows about it’s JUSTICE system, it’s that it works for everyone, when it is applied.

Dan, Chantilly VA   July 31st, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Since when have little things like “the law” and “the Constitution” bothered anyone in this administration?

Tina (Texas)   July 31st, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I hope this will be the same judge when it comes time to try Bush & Mr Cheney for war crimes.

JW Georgia   July 31st, 2008 3:34 pm ET

It may mean that Bush and Saddam Hussein might have a few more things in common. Let history judge. I think we’ll all find the Bush administration is now beyond the reach of normal courtesy and forgiveness.

gail Centre, Al.   July 31st, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Jack
It’s to little too late, the Bush administration, should be serving prison time instead of serving this country. Bush, Cheney, Karl Rove and the whole bunch. It’s a shame for all the things they’ve gotten away with, and CONGRESS, don’t get me started. Pelosi, Reed, and all of congress just stands by, like they have all got good sense. they need to put Congress in prison with them. I’m like Lou, doesn’t anybody deserves a country that works.

Kirk (Apple Valley, MN)   July 31st, 2008 3:37 pm ET

He isn’t God afterall.

Kim Richmond Va   July 31st, 2008 3:37 pm ET

And may I suggest a petition from the Iraqi’s before the World Court to
Give them a front row seat in Guantanamo.
That’s where all the mass murderers, child preditors, and treasonous vermin, belong.

Cyndy Keith   July 31st, 2008 3:38 pm ET

We all know that nothing will happen to anyone in this administration. Presidential papers have already been sealed for years to come and most politicians are well-versed in hundreds of ways to say “I don’t recall”… so any hearings will be another waste of taxpayers money. It’s a shame that federal judges haven’t clearly expressed this rule often and loudly, and enforced it while the evil-doers were actually in the act. Cyndy, from Virginia

EBC   July 31st, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Geeez, do we Americans REALLY believe any of the Bush croonies are going to get justice? Yeah, and I’m still waiting for the tooth fairy to appear. This is nothing but another waste of the tax payers money and a joke beyond all jokes. It’s a little too late in the game to bring these fools to justice. They have made a mockery of the ENTIRE legal justice system, Congress, etc. AND yet penalize everyone else for so much as a speeding ticket.

I’m disgusted by it all at this point. I hope and pray Sen. Obama cleans our government of these dirty OLD rats! They are nothing but the root of the problem. OLD men holding onto their BIG egos and selfish greed and ambitions.

Norm (Columbia, SC)   July 31st, 2008 3:39 pm ET

It means he’s just like the rest of us, only not as bright because someone had to explain it to him.

Rachel Port   July 31st, 2008 3:40 pm ET

It means it’s a good thing his term is almost over.

And for the rest of us, it means that when DOJ is not policing itself, judges still know how to do their jobs. I think that is why I find Mike Mukasey so disappointing. Anyway, didn’t you hear the collective sigh of relief?

Karen - Missouri   July 31st, 2008 3:40 pm ET

It’s about time they were held accountable! But then, WHEN will anything be actually done to them?

Jack Blakley Bloomington, MN   July 31st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Jack,

This is only fair. Why should they be exempt?

Jack B.

Al, Lawrence KS   July 31st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

What this means, if you are the President, is that you can lie and cheat for 7 1/2 years…but sooner or later it will catch up to you. Doesn’t really do us any good, does it?

Jan/AR   July 31st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

The Judicial Branch has found it’s balls and decided to send the Executive branch a message. Remember us?

Jerry from Jacksonville   July 31st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

It’s a damn shame it didn’t happen when it mattered. A day late and a dollar short the worthless jerk is about out of office. I guess we can at least try and make sure he remains the worst president the United States has ever had or will probably ever have. I don’t think the Republicans are dumb enough to vote another jerk like Bush into office again.

Patrick Henry, Fort Myers   July 31st, 2008 3:43 pm ET

This is a very good decision!!

Nearly everyone of Bushs top staff–showed contempt for fair play, an air of secrecy in all that they did, and clear indications they forced their subordinates to tow the company line–even when it was unconstitutional, and perhaps illegal.

Testimony before Congress should be done–and let the chips fall where they may. We need to send a message, emblazoned in our history books for future generations–we expect more from our President and his chosen staff.

William Allen   July 31st, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Jack,
It means that all these people live according to the law as we all have to….being in or part of the White house does not give them any special power and they should learn that, one way or another.

William N.B. Canada.

stephanie/houston   July 31st, 2008 3:45 pm ET

It means that when you spit in the wind it comes right back. because it goes Nowhere! So is the Law of Bush Gravity.

Ann, Newton, New Jersey   July 31st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

The American people have finally won something. Cheney should also be put in that mix. But hold on, with the Congress we now have, I’ll believe it when I see and hear it. For the life of me, I will never understand why Karl Rove got a job with that other cable news station. A perk for being corrupt?

gary saari   July 31st, 2008 3:48 pm ET

It means that “everybody” is not an idiot like George W. Bush and his cronies who think that most people forget what the administration has done, and some people realize that the constitution still may mean something to that judge and most of the American people. You can’t fool “everybody” all of the time as Bush and Cheney seem to think.

Nuwan Sam   July 31st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

To tell you the truth Jack, I do not know who is right anymore. Every governing branch of this country has become chaotic or disfunctional now. There is no harmony between them as the only thing they do best is to clash with each other so nothing good happens to the people in this country. Can you tell who is right and who is wrong ? Because I am lost….

- Nuwan from Houston, TX

Kevin in Denver   July 31st, 2008 3:49 pm ET

It means someone will have to explain it to Bush, very slowly and with small words. The words in the constitution make his head hurt.

Susan from Ga   July 31st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

It means the Leavenworth train will be leaving…..All Aboard!

Jerry from Jacksonville   July 31st, 2008 3:52 pm ET

If our House Speaker fails to inforce the law maybe she should be removed from office, what is it with her that she won’t do her job. She is just on the edge of being as sorry as Bush.

Ted Beaverton, OR   July 31st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

It means it’s time to employ the services of “Dog, The Bounty Hunter” He seems to have a certain way of handling scoff-laws that make them want to reconsider their non-appearance decision.

John in Atlanta   July 31st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Heck, I can finally go to sleep now. How Miers, Rove and the other “Bushies” could just ignore the subpoenas just plain blew my mind. If it were you or me, Jack, we’d be underneath the jail in no time flat, hanging out with Bubba and his Gang of Swang. So they’ll now appear per their subpoenas so they can invoke their 5th Amendment rights….Now we’re cookin’

Joan, Ontario   July 31st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

If they have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, then why are they afraid to be questioned under oath? I think they “doth protest too much”. Definitely Karl Rove should be made to testify.

Jerry--- Roselle, Illinois   July 31st, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Jack

It means nothing as theRepublicans will stall and stall and the Democrates will look like the fools! Ever hear the term “I don’t recall”.
or “I can’t remember”.

Terrell Walker   July 31st, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Jack, This is the classic tale of the tail wagging the dog. The old adage that the truth shall set you free is in reverse. We will only know the truth concerning this administration when we are free of them. Then it will all come gushing out in all it’s putrid glory. Terrell of Vista Ca.

Harry   July 31st, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Nothing really. Afterall, you said it yourself….. they can “claim executive privilege” at the hearing. That’s a hearing that produces no more results than ignoring the subpoena, to begin with.

Harry
Ky.

Deb from Lancaster, PA   July 31st, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It means that the judiciary has finally grown the necessary anatomical parts to stand up to the present treacherous administration.
Bush is toast. The rule of law will be his toaster.

Derick, Greenlawn NY   July 31st, 2008 4:01 pm ET

King Bush doesn’t like unruly followers. He should sentence Judge Bates to the gallows for such an obvious act of defiance.

Jeremy D (University of Texas)   July 31st, 2008 4:03 pm ET

It means little because George Bush has expanded the powers of the Presidency farther than they have ever been and Congress continues to watch. Why won’t Pelosi even consider impeachment? Maybe if Bush thought he could have been impeached he wouldn’t defy oversight so blatantly.

Dave from Maryland   July 31st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

It means almost nothing. It still takes a congress with a backbone to start proceedings against the executive branch. Until Pelosi and the other Democrats ‘grow a pair’, the Bushies have nothing to fear.

Shirley -AK OHIO   July 31st, 2008 4:05 pm ET

What it means Jack is that he better get his people together and get their stories straigth.

40+ In Suitland, MD   July 31st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

That he’s not immune either? Go figure. He’s not GOD after all….

wally Ruehmann las Vegas nv   July 31st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

its a good idea but in the real world we all know nothing will come of it. this group running the white house have got the goods on someone or something, the only way the mouse eludes the cat is be being real greasy.

Janet, Indianapolis, Indiana   July 31st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

It means that they are subject to the rule of law just like anyone else. Of course, once they are there they will lie or “fail to remember” just like everyone else from the administration who has shown up to testify.

Lesley   July 31st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Just mentioning the name of Karl Rove makes my skin crawl, let alone Dick Cheney. Remember the long lost Donald Rumsfeld?? Now there is an axis of evil for you Jack. These men will never face any charges for what they have done. It’s all too late. Good riddance to every last one of them. Can January ‘09 come quick enough?

Jack Carlson   July 31st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Truly is sad, but it means our present Adminstration has alot to hide.
Jack Carlson
Portland, OR

Patricia : Teacher in Houston, Texas   July 31st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Finally after eight more years perhaps the Bush/Cheney administration will have their feet held to the fire! I’m sure they have felt that they got away with all the things they have done. Clinton would have been crucified on the White House lawn had he done the underhanded things that Bush has done!

Linda Richards   July 31st, 2008 4:09 pm ET

It means absolutely nothing. Even when the Supreme Court makes a ruling they don’t like, they get a crafty lawyer to try a different approach. Our legal system is a joke; from the top down. Linda in Woodbury, NJ

Pugas-AZ   July 31st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

It means that TB can’t be AWOL

Cynthia   July 31st, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Can’t wait because I’m tired of seeing Rove sprew his dirty politics all over the place. It appears he has even influenced the Straight Talk Express into becoming the Mudslinging Express. Hopefully he will be made to go and testify and if found guilty be sent to the honeycone “jail” and not one of the nice ones that they send some people who do wrong.

Greg, Hamilton Ontario   July 31st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

President Bush knows it doesn’t matter who get’s put in front of Congress they will just pull the same thing the pro babseball players did and say “wasn’t me.” or “I don’t know.” When was the last time you heard anything about the baseball junkies? This will be the same, they will lie and then it will all go away and be forgotten. Luckily for you Bush will be gone too.

Dennis from Albuquerque   July 31st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

I’d like to say that it is a wake up call to our most imperial president, but knowing how he is, he’ll just appeal the ruling and delay the outcome until his term has run out.

Billy G in Las Vegas   July 31st, 2008 4:13 pm ET

hopefully it means that George W Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove and their whole criminal gang will be trading the White House for the Big House sometime in the near future.

Rick/Marysville, WA   July 31st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

He’s going to have to write pardons from here to January 19th!

Greg form Mechanicsburg PA   July 31st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

It’s of no matter. Pelosi controls what gets to the floor of the House and she won’t allow it. Even if she pushed for it, “executive privilege” renders the investigation moot and puts a “patriotic” spin on their refusal to testify. Even if the Supreme Court ruled that Bush team could not claim privilege, they can do what any career criminal would do and take the Fifth.

Ella   July 31st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Oh, I know, I have a better idea.

The voters from each state demand to put out a referendum to arrest Bush/Cheney/Rove and cronies on site for the murder of our young service men and post bush/cheney attrocities commented in office.

Try that for executive privilege.

Reminds me of the movies…diplomatic immunity :(
bush, la.

Ken   July 31st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

It means Bush was not as smart as he thought he was. There is a Federal Judge he forgot to replace with one of his cronies.

DT from Arizona   July 31st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

It means that perhaps true democracy is not dead in this country. It is about time that the sins of these reptiles within the Bush crime administration catches up with each one of them

Gigi in Alabama   July 31st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

It’s about time. But they should not stop with those two, go all the way to the top with Bush and Cheney.

Diane, Barneveld, NY   July 31st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Nice to know at least one judge follows the law, but I think its way too little way too late. Nothing is going to come of it because they always lose their memory when they have to testify. As in: I don’t recall, I don’t remember, not that I know of, not that I am aware of, not that I was told, etc., etc., etc.,

Deb (Bow, NH)   July 31st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I’m thrilled to see someone stand up to the imperial attitude of the Bush WH and tell them that they ARE actually subject to the same rules and the same constitution as the rest of us. I just wish I could believe it will make any real difference - but I can’t. They may show up when they’re required to for now, but don’t expect any responses other than the old tried and true, such as claims of executve privelege and bad memory.

Bruce St Paul MN   July 31st, 2008 4:18 pm ET

It means one slipped through the cracks. They actually left a judge in place who has read the constitution. He’d better watch his back.

Kendall Hewitt   July 31st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

It means they are all a bunch of damn criminals. I thought we already knew that??

Kendall Hewitt

Tennisguypitt   July 31st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Well, what they waiting for? Subpoena them so we can indict them on war crimes. Maybe they’ll be like Karadizc and say, “I didn’t do it.”

He violated the constitution on almost a daily basis! Although I am a democrat, I am disgusted at Congress for not doing something about this!

Maybe Obama will charge them with war crimes if he is elected. It IS only fair…

robert little rock ar   July 31st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

it dosen’t mean nothing jack ,because we have a congress with no backbone,no spine, no means, no nothing

Toni Boutwell, Myrtle Beach SC   July 31st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

It’s aboutdamn time! I am so sick of these crooks and liars and the damage they’ve done to my country. Bush may pardon all of them, but he can’t pardon himself, and he will have to answer for the crimes of his regime.
Fortunately Bush’s pardons are as worthless as his promises when it comes to the War crimes tribunal, and we can only hope they will take action as soon as the Bush regime leaves power.

Shrujal in Crescent City, CA   July 31st, 2008 4:22 pm ET

It means that as much as President Bush hates it, he has to agree with a previous Democratic president and say “He’s made his ruling, now let him enforce it.”

Brendan M., Granville, OH   July 31st, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I’m sure the humble public servants in the White House will comply with the legal ruling, especially with relentless watchdogs in the media, like CNN, and in Congress applying constant pressure on the Bush Administration to respect international and domestic laws over these past seven and a half years. Keep up the good work!

don in Naples, Florida   July 31st, 2008 4:25 pm ET

the fact is war was manipulated by this term to strengthen the grip government has over the people. if you examine history you will notice a trend of power shifting one way or another when one group gains to much leverage. It may take some time, but the people will revolt and take back their rights

Ella   July 31st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

And Jack,

Bush had the nerve to sentence some one to death for war crimes.

What about he and Cheney go before an army tribune for murder of our sons and daughters in Iraq.

Teri in FL   July 31st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

It means the chickens are coming home to roost - especially since Judge Bates was a Bush appointee.
Teri
Palm Coast, FL

G-Ma from Lake View, SC   July 31st, 2008 4:28 pm ET

It is way too late to fix the problem. What’s the point in “shutting the barn door after the horse is out”. The damage is done and is not likely to be repaired.

Charlene, Henderson Nevada   July 31st, 2008 4:29 pm ET

It means that he and “his people” are not above the law, and perhaps that the check and balance system does work!

Nancy, Tennessee   July 31st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

President Bush is not afraid of the ruling by Judge Bates. The administration will appeal the ruling and probably win. No one so far as been able to do anything with Bush and his team. They appear to be immune to all laws of this land. Everybody thought Nixon was close to wearing a crown! George Bush has almost worn his crown out because he’s had it on so long. Nancy Pelosi has disappointed us all and she will not do anything. She thinks that once we get Bush out of office that the American people will forgive and forget all that Bush and his cronies have done. She’s is setting a bad example for women in government.

Dorothy, Knoxville   July 31st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Finally! I don’t think even the Supreme Court will overrule this decision. Kennedy, at least, may have a shred of conscience and remorse for what he has done to his country by his support of Bush’s installation in the Presidency. Unfortunately, Scalia and Co. are beyond either conscience of remorse.

hugh ny   July 31st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

not a whole lot. if they ever are hauled in front of congress, you know what will happen. they will lie, deflect, say they can’t remember or whatever else they have to do. even if anyone is sent to the country club for a few months,they will be looked out for, especially if mccain is elected.

Jerry in Boston   July 31st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

It means nothing.

This will eventually end up before his buddies in the Supreme Court, who will obligingly agree with him.

Hank   July 31st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Something new for his Presidency - A bit of truth!
Bonifay FL

Allen in Hartwell GA   July 31st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Maybe it means that the president’s and vice-president’s days are coming.
If Congress and the DOJ can threaten enough of the White House staff and get them to testify against Bush and Cheney to save their own hides, we might see justice served after all.

Bill from Alabama   July 31st, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Heck! Just pardon them George and be done with it! Your the President!

Greg form Mechanicsburg PA   July 31st, 2008 4:39 pm ET

It’s of no matter. Pelosi controls what gets to the floor of the House and she won’t allow it. Even if she pushed for it, “executive privilege” renders the investigation moot and puts a “patriotic” spin on their refusal to testify. Even if the Supreme Court ruled that Team Bush could not claim privilege, they can do what any career criminal would do