Congress giving Pres. Bush a free pass?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans are fed up with Congress. Why wouldn't they be? A new Gallup poll shows Congress' approval rating at 14%, the lowest in 30 years.
One of the reasons has got to be the legislative branch's refusal to exercise any sort of oversight on the executive branch of government, something they are specifically charged in our Constitution with doing.
In fact, President Bush has learned he can simply thumb his nose at Congress, because they won't do anything about it. So he does… over and over and over again.
Yesterday President Bush claimed executive privilege – yet again – in refusing to hand over the transcript of the FBI interview with Vice President Dick Cheney about the CIA leak case. Congressman Henry Waxman stomped his feet and said he'll move forward with a contempt citation against Attorney General Michael Mukasey. But, so what? Haven't we been here before?
Multiple White House staffers have ignored subpoenas in the last several years, including Karl Rove, former counsel Harriet Miers, Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. And nothing was done to any of them.
Meanwhile, Congress bowed to King George's demands and passed that new FISA surveillance bill, without ever doing anything about the breaking of the law with the old one. They continue to approve more money for the war in Iraq – most recently another $162 billion, no strings attached – despite promising to cut off funding for the war back in 2006.
A new book titled "The Dark Side" by New Yorker writer Jane Mayer suggests top administration officials including President Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and others may be guilty of war crimes, but Congress has chosen to simply look the other way. A good lawyer might be able to make the case Congress has been criminally negligent.
Here’s my question to you: Why does Congress continue to allow President Bush to get away with so much?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Michael from Leander, Texas writes:
You've got me, Jack. I've been screaming about this until I turned blue in the face. The mounds of evidence are right there, the claims of executive privilege are b.s., the American people are screaming for impeachment, but I don't for the life of me understand why Pelosi won't let the gloves come off. If Bush is given a free pass, this sets the bar so low for future presidents, that we might as well abolish Congress and give the president a crown.
Bill writes:
A combination of reality and politics. In reality, we have a Bush toady for an Attorney General, an overload of conservatives throughout the Justice Department because of unfair hiring practices, and a conservative, Republican appointed Supreme Court there to uphold any unfair decisions. Politically, the Dems are about to win back the White House - there's no way they want to make waves now. I think it's the right move. There will be plenty of time for accountability once John Edwards is President Obama's AG.
Nuwan from Houston, Texas writes:
What you have in the Congress, regardless of their party, are not leaders… they are merely politicians. Politicians put their own self-interest before the country. That is what they are whether we like it or not. So why would we expect them to do anything different? We the American people lose every time we trust their election promises.
Ron from Springdale, Arkansas writes:
Jack, I think Congress is much like the rest of us in thinking by re-electing this Bozo as our leader, we are as much to blame as anybody for his actions. The goal now is merely to keep him contained and hope he doesn’t do anymore damage until we can rid the White House of him.
Jim writes:
I bet the president is wondering the same thing.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
since US congress is bailing out some of the banks can they help me bail out from the IRS
Why not?! He is nearing the end of eight years of getting away with it! why change now?
The politics of fear, corporate lobbyists, and partisan politics have allowed the George Bush and his administration to get away with so much.
Come on Jack all politicians give each other free rides. Why do you think our political system is in the toilet? Our elected officials have forgotten who they work for, oh I forgot they work for the lobbyists and special interest groups not those who shoulder the burden of overspending and policy that is folly.
Matt
Rockford, IL
Who the hell knows? It's not as if Bush has the support of the nations population. Perhaps there is an experimental additive put in the drinking water.
Like many Americans, congress is just counting the days until Bush is out of office. He's kind of like the drunken cousin who ruins every wedding: you just humor him, and take comfort knowing he'll pass out soon.
There's only one reasonable answer, Jack. The leadership in Congress must be complicit. If Bush goes down for torture, so do they. If he's held accountable for an illegal war, so are they. There's a reason Congressional approval is in single digits and this is it. Bush, Cheney and the rest of them should not only be impeached, they should be tried for war crimes.
You've got me Jack – I've been screaming about this until I turned blue in the face. The mounds of evidence are right there, the claims of executive privilege are BS, the American people are screaming for impeachment, but I don't for the life of me understand why Pelosi won't let the gloves come off. If he is given a free pass, this sets the bar so low for future presidents, that we might as well abolish Congress and give the President a crown.
Well from watching your news broadcasts over the years whether reporting on the President, the Congress or the Judicial System they are all portryed as being corrupt in one form or another. I guess it's just a case if you live in a glass house don't throw stones!
Basically most people outside the U.S. view your country in much the same light as they view a 3rd world country when it comes to the rule of law and your preferred way of dealing with issues.
Because they are a bunch of milquetoasts. The Dems of my youth would have impeached him years ago. This bunch is mostly worthless.
Sadly Jack, I wish I had come up with the answer to that one independently. I've heard a good one on the news though. Somehow the Democrats have got this idea that on issues of foreign policy they should defer to the Republicans. But really, after seven years of blunder and ridiculousness, maybe they need to reevaluate that idea about who's really competent in terms of foreign policy.
tampa, fl. with an approval rating of less than what i give any of my ex-wives you have to ask such a stupid question? until we demand that our politicians not accept bribes, oh, i mean contributions, we will continue to get more of the same i got mine, now you get yours kind of attitude. as for impeachment, i'm sure lord bush will grant himself a pardon anyway and no one in congress would question it. we taxpayers should throw every last one of them out on their ears.
A total lack of intestinal fortitude on the part of the Democratis Party. They were elected to bring change. A year and a half later the only thing they have accomplished is a series of alibi's. Do you know the maximum effective range of an alibi? Zero meters!
Cayman Islands
Jack it is simple, if you do the same thing often enough it becomes a reflex response. Even though you are thinking no, before you realize it have voted yes, then of course it is too late.
Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing, please keep it up. If you were to leave that program a lot of folks would stop watching.
Great topic choice Jack,
Nancy Pelosi took a very blunt position the last time impeachment was even brought up. She went as far as to say that it was a divisive tactic that has no purpose other than to be divisive. Maybe that's true practically speaking, because I doubt the vote would even be close even if the Democrats have a slim majority in the House. Maybe if Bush thought the option was on the table he and Cheney would tailor their actions or at least not be as blatant about the corruption and cause many voters to be disillusioned with the political system. If voters felt as if their representatives were standing up and fighting for them they would be more engaged in politics. I don't blame people who are apathetic because they see rules that this country was built on broken every day.
Jack, the legislative branch has become more and more powerless in this country since the World War II. President Bush has consolidated more presidential power (warrantless wiretaps, executive orders, endless Iraqi War) than any president in history. Congress is giving him a free pass because they don’t have anymore backbone.
Jack I have been wondering why the Congress continues to let Bush and his cronies escape prosecution for various crimes. Maybe he used the previous FISA bill to illegally wire tap their conversations and is "blackmailing" them ? He must be holding something over their heads. That would explain it.
I think both parties in congess are intimidated by George W. Bush. Jack, can you imagine of Bush just decides NOT to leave the White House? Who is going to force him out? He has the Supreme Court and the Military in his pocket. He has his own private army: blackwater. And he has a congress that is impotent. Who would ever make him leave? As long as the citizens have food, gas, professional sports, and their cell phones, they are ignorant and happy. Your answer is fear, impotency, and complacency.
Because have the power to do any damn fool thing they want to do, and they seem to do it about every ten minutes.
They are a bunch of whimps who are afraid to do the right thing, just like in the case of Bill Clinton.
In a word, fear. They were so afraid after 9/11, they signed off on everything the President wanted. As a result, they have equal culpability in the crimes that have been commited in the name of national security: torture, murder of detainees, illegal wiretapping, etc.
Ed from Texas
I bet the President is wondering the same thing !
Without a veto proof majority in the Senate and a President who is mind-numbingly stubborn and intransigent, what can they do Jack?
Impeachment would fail for the same reasons. Not that Bush doesn't deserve it.
At some point in time the Democrates will again be in the White House. Hopefully not within my life time, but it will happen sooner or later. I think there are two strong reasons why: one, they do not want to set a precedent that will later be used against their own political party when they are there, and second maybe there are some truths in the positions that the President takes. For purely political reasons the Democrates cry publicy about it, but privately they think he may be right.
Jack; Because President Bush has so little to offer and just maybe President Bush will get the hint! Yes snap out of your arrogant mind set President Bush and pay attention!
The congress probably just want this time over and these thugs out. Of course it may be one of those "people in glass houses" sort of things.
i really don't know the answer Jack.
but it sets a bad example of us in the eyes
of other countries that have leaders that
kill and should be brought to justice...
rick, n.y.
Wolff needs to ask Nancy Pelosi, for starters. Impeachment is mandated by the Constitution. It says WILL be impeached not CAN be impeached. It isn't optional or "off the table". If she can't bring herself to do it then she should be removed as Speaker of the House and impeached herself for not upholding the Constitution. Bush and Cheney aren't the only ones that need to go. If no one is going to be held in contempt of Congress and arrested, then Congress is more contemptible then those refusing to testify.
Because the members of congress lack a backbone. Dennis Kucinich was the only one to try to do something about it but instead of supporting him they laugh at him. Bush and his administration should not only be impeached but they should be put in prison as soon as possible.
It feels as if the Democrats don't want to make any divisive waves, as if they already feel the white house being inhabited by a Democrat, and they don't want to offend any disgruntled republicans. I think it's a sad, and pathetic approach to 'democracy'. Besides, what makes them so sure they'll win in November, or that on page 9,777 of the 'Patriot' Act, there isn't some clause that instates George W. president for life?. Talk about terror.
-Dan from New Orleans
The most obivious reason is they have lost their backbones but I think they are going to give him enough rope to hang the Republican party or they know if they pressure it too much he has a wide arrange of high powered thugs that your political career will be ruined. Americans will be stupid if the EVER vote in another Texan or one that is wanting them in their cabinets
Why should things change after the first 7 and a half years. It's going to get real scary now Jack. He doesn't have to worry about being re-elected. When Bush was elected for a second term I lived in shock for months. I knew where this country was headed and sure enough, here we are. somebody needed to hunt him down and round him up years ago. Now we're paying and will be paying for quite some time. Congress is just as guilty.
Because in return, he lets them get away with doing so little!!
kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi
Vote the rascals out. ALL OF THEM.
Get a new batch – if they don't work for the people, vote them out too and get a new batch. It won't happen overnight. It will take a few voting cycles to get rid of the worst ones. Our young people can and will take over the ritual of "no work, no office", but we need to get it started NOW !!!!
Half the people in this country are so fooled by "Party" that they have no common sense.
Thanks
I don't know either why they give Bush a free pass. If Congress allows offshore drilling, I will believe that there is something going on behind the curtains. None of them are listening to popular opinion, except Bush (who is doing exactly what Obama said we should do about Iran, etc). And everyone is vetoing everybody else. And yet, nothing is getting done.
Easy answer, they are all in bed together.
It's simple, they just flat out don't care. They're getting paid either way and for the most part will be re-elected this November. All they have to do is pretend like they're outraged over what Bush has done, do a little bit of pandering, and take a firm stance on some meaningless issue and your average voter will eat it up. I'd say they're not representing their constituents, but given how dumb and apathetic your average voter is, I may be wrong.
Jack, I wish I knew why congress lets Bush do whatever he wants with no consequences. My God, he makes Nixon look like a choir boy. He is arrogant and superior in the way he looks down his nose at everyone who doesn't agree with him. And Nancy Pelosi! She is such a huge disappointment. She has given into whatever he has stamped his feet like a three year old and demanded. She should be thrown out because of her refusal to even discuss or entertain the notion of impeachment of King George. He must have dirt on everyone in Washington. What we need is the democratic equilivant of Kenneth Star to go after Bush the way the republicans went after Clinton. At least Clinton wasn't doing anything that could be considered illeagal, just immoral. Bush, on the other hand is a liar and a fraud.
President Bush is like the big bully in the schoolyard that recks havoc on everyone and says, "I dare ya! I double dog dare ya to do something about it!" and all the little kids run for cover. I guess some storylines are universal from the elementary playground to the playground on Capital Hill. Funny how they both get to go to recess.
The mere fact that Congress sits on their collective ***es while these crimes are obviously being committed is a crime in and of itself. They are guilty of complicity and protecting criminals from justice. Congress should impeach themselves.
President Bush is like the big bully in the schoolyard that wrecks havoc on everyone and says, “I dare ya! I double dog dare ya to do something about it!” and all the little kids run for cover. I guess some storylines are universal from the elementary playground to the playground on Capital Hill. Funny how they both get to go to recess.
I can understand why Congress does not want to tie us up an another impeachment drama, but by allowing Bush and his cronies to defy their subpoenas, Congress is going a log way toward diminishing their power under the Constitution. I say, send out the Sargent at Arms, and warm up that jail in the basement. Giving these crooks a few days on a bread and water diet would restore some of my faith in Congress.
Jack, didn't you know that as a members of Congress your first job is to always make sure you have a job? Rocking the boat might upset that priority.
I don't know for the life of me why they don't impeach Bush/Cheney. This would certainly up the approval ratings for Congress and would provide us all with some justice for the innumerable failings of the Bush Administration. Both Bush/Cheney need to be indicted for war crimes. .
Jack, I would suggest that maybe there is not a whole lot of difference between Democrats and Republicans in that their first priority is to serve the interests of large corporations. As long as government policies are serving these interests, the President can pretty well do whatever he pleases. The opposition will fake outrage and threaten the administration but numerous times, as you have pointed out, results are slow in coming or actions just fizzle out.
Congress has the weakest leadership in history..... plain and simple...
Jack
Waiting for Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid to act on anything has become a joke, waiting for Bush to finish his term has been their watch word and the American people have paid dearly for their ineptness. Bush has riden roughshod over congress since Pelosi and Reid have taken leadership positions.
Most members of Congress allowed a lobotomy to be performed on themselves just before being sworn in. Of course, the swearing in itself is meaningless, since they do whatever they please, with little regard for the American people who put them there. We need end-of-year reviews for each member of Congress, with penaties (fines) for underperforming.
Absolutely they are! The separation of powers has become another throw-away line like impartial Supreme Court and Homeland Security. Can there be any bolder a disregard for their Constitutional duties being shown by any of the members of our three rotting branches of government then seen these last decades? Gentlemen and ladies, we don't think your stupid, but we're beginning to think you're afraid to risk your incumbency by facing reality , finally. We face it every day, and mat be whiners; you are cowards.
Jack congress does absolutely nothing so for them to go pointing the finger at Bush would spotlight three more pointing back at themselves. God forbid the people of this country realize how much they aren’t doing. Allowing Bush to look so bad helps congress look not as bad. Politicians are lawyers aren’t they. Well they say lawyers are snakes and that is just what we have sitting up on Capital Hill. They are all too busy fighting to get re-elected rather than fighting for the citizens of country.
If they look into impeaching the President or charging anyone with war crimes, heck, even taking action against those who refused subpoena's, they'd most likely be implicating themselves in some pretty hefty stuff.
Desiree, Chicago,IL
My theory is that Bush uses his contacts to get the members free baseball tickets.
If the House impeachs W, who deserves it for his real crimes, either the evidence will show Congress's involvement in these crimes or it'll be setting the stage to impeach Obama for spitting on the sidewalk if the GOP ever regains control of Congress. Let's make life easier - throw them all out and start over with a fresh bunch. Couldn't hurt.
does Congress have a Magic Wand? People keep forgetting that the majority held by the Democrats is so slim its nonexistant. Many Republicans are afraid of being cut off from the RNC funds when they run for re-election that they play follow the leader with the President, no matter what the People want. The Republicans had a large majority for 6 years and used it to repeatedly break the law, ignore the Constitution and act like spoiled kids when asked to "play nice" Until the Democrats get a sizable majority you will not see many changes because they can not make any.
Because most of them are as worthless as Bush is. Their only objective is to see how much they can get from their lobbyist friends. They could give a s__t less about the average american. Their self importance is beyond belief. I believe their actions are a good reason for term limits, at least we wouldn't have to put up with their inability to do anything or get anything accomplished in congress. Hopefully they will all get voted out of office. This has to be the worst bunch of elected officials that I've saw in my sixty seven years and I don't see any change in the near future.
Jack, the answer is simple: George W. Bush has become irrelevant. Period.
Congress has given Bush a free pass for the last 8 years. He should have been impeached, but our congress has no back bone, and Palosi is dead weight as a house speaker, she is useless.
This congress is currently requesting 11,510 earmarks averaging $1.3 billion each for 2008. In a standard workweek an earmark would be processed every 10 minutes. All this congress needs is a bill – any bill – to attach a pile of these veto-proof earmarks. Contrary to conventional perceptions – they really are very busy and efficient in Washington. It is the President who gives this congress a pass every time he signs one of these bills...
Jack, I think Congress is much like the rest of us in thinking by re-electing this Bozo as our leader, we are as much to blame as anybody for his actions. The goal now is merely to keep him contained and hope he doesnt do anymore damage until we can rid the White House of him.
Bad habits of submission, plus they want to keep their jobs.
i would like to know the laws concerning citizens arrest on these issues.congress wont impeach the criminal,so maybe enough regular citizens should arrest him and his cronies ourselves.they wont bring these crooks to justice,for treason,but they'll raid my neighbors house for a little marijuana.whats wrong with this country?REPUBLICANS!
The democratic congress have no spine; case in point, Carl Rove was ordered to appear before congress or be in contempt; well he never appeared and congress has done nothing. They hold hearings on various issues with absoultly nothing done to address the problems noted in said hearings. If you ask me it boils down to poor leadership by Mr. Reid and Ms Pelosi!
Jack,
They are just going with the more popular positions. According to CNN's report last evening, Congressional approval is more like 9%. Bush has a better approval record than Congress. Follow the leader Jack. He must be doing somethings better than Congress is.
If you had a person running things in congress that saw the position seriously and as a duty, Bush and his boys would have been impeached the day he messed with Habius Corpus.
Instead you put some little old lady in charge that looks at her position like she would a new set of china, to brag about when she has freinds over for tea. Congress needed a Democratic ball buster and instead you elected everybodies favourite aunt.
Jack
Hell Yes Congress is giving Bush and his minions a free pass. This is the most gutless bunch of clowns and whambos ever to sit in the House and Senate. They have let that yellow son of Beelzebub trample all over the Constitution and the Bill of rights and never blinked an eye. They wouldn't know a principle if it jumped up and bit 'em where the sun don't shine. One exception: Dennis Kucinich. he may be a vegan wing nut but at least he knows treasonable betrayal of our Constitution when he sees it and has guts enough to say so.
Pablo in Arlington, Tejas
Congress continues to allow President Bush to get away with so much for the same reason you wouldn't dare to kick a skunk that had wandered into your garage.
You know he will be leaving soon and anything you do besides placate him and wait for him to leave will probably have disasterous results.
Jack If congress would start impeachment procedings against DUMB and DUMBER it would keep them out of our hair untill january
Jack,
The only person in Congress with any guts is Dennis Kucinich. We know that this war was fault for acquire oil money for the Bush's and Chaney's. America's economy is shot only to enrich George Bush and Dick Chaney. It' s sad that Nancy Pelosi refuses to take action, it is sad that John Conyers refuses to take action. I have lost all faith in our government. Because it no longer respects the will of the people. George Bush has committed the same crimes of the evil dictators that he so often chastens in the media. But I also blame the media for not telling the American people the truth and helping to cover up the crimes committed by our president. Bush should be tried for WAR CRIMES.
It appears Congress does not share the desire of so many Americans to get that warm tingly feeling inside from seeing the whole lot of Cheney, Bush, RIce, Rumsfeld, and the gang in orange jumpsuits and shackles. Ah, a dream deferred once again.
they are hoping to gain the majority and white house in november and thus the republicans reciprocate the stupidity(no spine) the democrats are showing!
Have you ever read the Constitution? The Executive Branch has powers too? President Bush has finally decided to exercise his and I'm happy to see him do it.
Jack,
The only person in Congress with any guts is Dennis Kucinich. We know that this war was faught to acquire oil money for the Bushs' and Chaneys'. America’s economy is shot only to enrich George Bush and Dick Chaney. It’ s sad that Nancy Pelosi refuses to take action, it is sad that John Conyers refuses to take action. I have lost all faith in our government. Because it no longer respects the will of the people. George Bush has committed the same crimes of the evil dictators that he so often chastens in the media. But I also blame the media for not telling the American people the truth and helping to cover up the crimes committed by our president. Bush should be tried for WAR CRIMES.
Here goes nothing, since my comments don't even get printed, but I'm stubborn enough to keep trying...
Congress hasn't yet realized that they have a majority, and that it is their JOB to stop caving in. The recent veto override may, just MAY, mark a turning point, but I doubt it. Both Bush and Cheney should be impeached and Rove, et al should be cited for contempt of Congress.
Add to that the billions of dollars of debt that the action (please, not a WAR - that requires a Congressional declaration!) in Iraq has cost, not to mention lives, that they were and are still compliant to, and you have an ineffectual group of people who were elected by special interest groups and not by the electorate.
As someone once said: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Add to that a slight rewording of an old joke, that the only people who run for office are the very last we'd want IN office, and you have an explanation.
Jack - This is not an innovation of the Bush adminstration. This is the same Congressional behavior that let Slick Willie slide through the empeachment hearings. It is the also the same Congress that has done nothing about our energy dependance, immigration needs, health care or social security for untold years. It is the same Congress that let dot-com go to dot-bust without oversight and let the equally predictable mortgage crisis bite us in the posterior. Where is our national resolve in all this? I don't blame Bush for bullying Congress - like it or not, at least he's getting something done.
Only time will tell Jack!
Bush has control of the justice dept. until his term is up. If the democrate's take the whitehouse, and gain more seat's in the congress, I'll be curious to see if they investigate the whole lott of them, and force Rove and the rest to testify with the A.G. to back congress up!
As far as I am concerned any Member of congress whether R or D with more than 6 years in congress should be thrown out.
The congress is too busy feathering their own nests to waste time on trivial issues like high crime in the White House. Where would the payback for them be?
I think the answer lies in the political system we have, which has been broken for many years. The majority the Democrats have right now is not enough to override a veto. It will take bipartisan cooperation to enforce any oversight that is done on the executive branch. As long as politicians are allowed to accept campaign contributions and other gratuties from special interest groups and lobbyists, there can be no meaningful change. The playing field must be leveled for all in Washington and only then can true bipartisanship begin. And only with true bipartisanship will the executive branch be held accountable. Our constitution was written with the expectation of morality which no longer exists in our political system.
My guess that the reason behind Congress giving a free pass to King George is: His administration has accumulated dossier's on each member of Congress and most of them are as dirty as he and Cheney. This or they are getting some kind of monetary kick-back from Bush/Cheney and Company.
Geri – Mead, OK
Thank you for being among the few on mainstream television who will acknowledge that Bush is getting away with many, many things. There isn't space here to list the offenses from abuse of power to cronyism to felonies.
He gets away with it because the Democrats are afraid of the GOP smear machine. Since 9/11 anyone who has opposed anything Bush has wanted is branded as not supporting our soldiers, as unpatriotic, an appeaser, giver of comfort to terrorists, and worse. Another reason is the huge amount of money in Washington supporting Bush policies. A third reason is that to impeach or indict anyone high in this administration for crimes would likely show that there was some complicity by spineless Democrats.
That's the perfect recipe for a free pass.
Richard Green
San Clemente, Cal.
What you have in the congress regardless of their party are not leaders, they are merely politicians. Politicians put their own self interest before the country. That is what they are whether we like it or not. So why would we expect them to do anything different. We the American people loose everytime we trust their election promises. This country badly in need of leaders not politicians. There is a difference that we have failed to understand. This country used to have leaders. Now we have crooks.
Nuwan from Houston, TX
That question has baffled so many of us for so long. It is hard to know
why Bush can pull off his abuse of executive power. But he does have a lot of Republicans voting his way and when he has vetoed legislation,
there have not been enough over-ride votes. Why has no one challenged his change of wording in bills before he signed them? I suggest members of Congress are too worried about effects of strong positions against him that could put their own political futures at risk.
You bet they are! Bush is getting away with many thing that have hurt the U.S. And look how many Congressmen and Senators have been caught in wrong doings. And it will not change with Obama because it is the machinery behind congress that is running the show. And too many are statisfied or lazy to do anything about it. That machinery is "We the People". We could vote out all congressmen up for re-election. And vote none of the above on all ballots. That would be one way to have a revolution. The cost would hurt for a few years but it might let our leaders know we are tired of business as usual. We are given promises that are never fufilled. But they get our vote on the promises year after year.
Now thats what I call change!
Gwinn Oregon
I think it might be the "can of worms" concern. If they start investigating and prosecuting Rove, Cheney, Bush and the rest, where would it end? They have rigged elections, used the Justice department for political gain, falsely prosecuted the former Gov of Alabama, leaked CIA identity, lied to congress, the U.N. and the public to get the war they wanted, and profited personally from that war. If they did go after them and put it on TV, it might run longer than the Ed Sullivan Show. And be just as entertaining
When lackeys like Susan Collins are replaced with Tom Allen types we will see Congress do its duty. Until then, there are not the numbers.
Jack, I've been absolutely baffled by this and can't answer your question. Is it a CYA situation here? Would members of congress open themselves up to accusations of breaking the law because they allowed Bush to do so? I really want to know what the heck we can do to take our government back?
It’s simple: They’re afraid of being accused of being soft on terror, soft on national security, or soft on the economy. The fear and loathing of George W Bush and the GOP machine is so powerful, they have most (but not all) of the elected Democrats afraid to cross them.
As with all suppositions, there are numerous possible reasons that are put out to explain the causes.
George W, Bush has demonstrated that he is a superb horse trader if nothing else.
During his tenure as President, you might note that he cared less about the DEFICIT and more about giving political gifts to the members of congress in terms of allowing earmarks and corporate influence to pervade the legislation presented for his signature without even threatening a veto.
The Democrats, on the other hand may look upon allowing him to continue his policies feel that it gives them an edge in this political year and I believe he is also allowing some of the issues that help the incumbents politically to get passed into law.
Jack,
I've been asking myself that for the past 2 years and have no answer. But I also ask myself why did the media give him a pass for the first 6 years. Perhaps if you had scrutinized George Bush the way you did Hillary Clinton, then maybe this man would never have been elected and would have saved the whole world from one big mess. But, alas, you didn't, so here we are, eight years later, and he's still getting a pass.
Haven't a clue, Jack. If Congress refuses to follow its constitutional mandate to investigate impropriety in the Executive Branch by citing Rove etc. for contempt, it's time to sweep the place clean of all of them in November. It's interesting that Feith, Gonzalez, and a few others have been advised not to leave the country because of the chance of their being arrested for war crimes. Will Bush, Rove, and Cheney join that list? Maybe it will take the indignant rest of the world to clean up the Bush administration mess,. Truly embarassing.
Apparently congress and Bush must have made a secret pact at some point. As long as no one in congress charges Bush with any of the multiple felonies he has committed, he will not let the attorney general prosecute any member of congress for whatever crimes they have committed. Can’t see any other explanation.
Congress has an 86% DISSAPPROVAL rating. Can you say incurably corrupt? Honor and integrity have vanished. Congress is beyond repair but is NOT beyond total replacement. In the elections over the next 6 years FIRE all incumbent and HIRE the challenger regardless of the party. Insist on term limits for everyone. EVERYONE.
That is a great question. Unfortunately, all you are going to get is speculation. This is the best kept secret, in one of the most secretive administrations. Maybe big oil has bought every poliyician in Washington.
Why should these spineless, self-serving, deep-pocketed lawyers care about anything but themselves, as they have for years. These corrupt white-collar men and women have their own healthcare system, their own retirement plan, all sorts of benefits, and a ton of vacation days, or visits all over the world absolutely free. Maybe if they had to fend for themselves like we do, they wouldn't be sooo out of touch with reality.
They left us AND their responsibility at the swearing in ceremony. It's WAY past time for a change... In November, I hope we all know what to do....
Because they're all in cahoots with one another – I wonder how many members of Congress are members of GW's "New World Order" mongering "Skull & Bones" organization?
And besides – isn't "Con-gress" the opposite of "Pro-gress"?
Note: change in last sentence.
Haven’t a clue, Jack. If Congress refuses to follow its constitutional mandate to investigate impropriety in the Executive Branch by citing Rove etc. for contempt, it’s time to sweep the place clean of all of them in November. It’s interesting that Feith, Gonzalez, and a few others have been advised not to leave the country because of the chance of their being arrested for war crimes. Will Bush, Rove, and Cheney join that list? Maybe it will take the indignant rest of the world to hold the Bush administration accountable,. Truly embarassing.
Put Bush on trail for war crimes, the put ALL members of Congress in Super Max prison for 5 years, John McCain is excempt being Ex-POW. Start over, NO laywers in Congress. Oh yes lobbyist go home aren't allowed into Congress. Will this happen, no way!!!!
We are near the end of this democracy, probably have 4 to 5 years left when we become a 3rd world country.
I am sooo mad at congress for passing that FISA bill, and also at Nancy Pelosi for not starting impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney they are going to get away with lying about going to war, which cost Iraq's and American soldiers lives, whereas president Clinton lied about sex and was impeached for it, which was none of our business no body was harmed for that except for the republicans with their morality crap they are a bunch of hippocrates.
Now that the price of crude has dropped $16 as of today said on CNN when can we expect to see the price at the pump drop?
They are politicians playing politics with the welfare of America and the American peoples lives to bolster them selves; Ego, Power, Financial. Some REAL changes need to be made and since it is to late to impeach then changes in the Senate. Get rid of Missy Fluff Pelosi and gutless Reed for starters. We need people that can and WILL get this county back on track NOW not 5 to 20 yrs down the road. Where there is a will there is a way. and remember that charity
starts at home not lining pockets of foreign millionairs.
Jack,
The lame Democratic leadership in the Congress claim if they try to impeach President Bush it would prevent them from doing the Nations business. Here is a news flash for them your Republican peers are doing that now. The Democrats in the Congress don't have the guts to remove President Bush for pure incompetency. Like the Republicans had when they impeached President Clinton for sex, lies and a pizza...
C.I., New York
Oh Jack, they are all in it together and strings are being pulled every which way. The American people really have something to be mad about and I'll bet change is on the way.
Because they're a lame duck Congress. We need to go back to the way it was before, when the Republicans had control. At least they did something.
Jack, maybe our senators and representatives (from both parties) need to be replaced or get some backbones. Our present Congress, President, Vice President and all along the line are not working for the people of this great nation. If we truly have a government of the people, then the people had better wake up, get involved, and vote in the November election.
Congress is a joke and Nancy Pelosi is at the top of the list of ineffective elected officials. The only terrorists I recognize are part of the George Bush White House. I believe it will take an outside international group or organization to investigate the war crimes committed by Bush and his minions. It's a sad commentary on the current United States congressional members. Their slogan should be "Just look the other way." Congressional attire of business suits (or pantsuits) were designed to hide the yellow streak up their backs...
They don't ever do anything because they don't want to be seen as witchhunters who are out to get the oppostion party. I think that they don't want to be portrayed how the Republican Congress was during the Lewinsky/Clinton affair. Instead they choose to ignore wrongdoing by the administration so that they can save their political lives. It seems to me that these officials are more concerned with how they will look when they run for reelection rather than standing up for what is right.
A combination of reality and politics. In reality, we have a Bush toady for an Attorney General, a overload of conservatives throughout the justice department because of unfair hiring practices, and a conservative, Republican appointed Supreme Court there to uphold any unfair decisions. Politically, the Dems are about to win back the White House - there's no way they want to make waves now. I think it's the right move. There will be plenty of time for accountability once John Edwards is President Obama's AG.
Jack,
I assume the reason why members of Congress are letting the administration get away with this crap is because they are all guilty of skeltons they don't want unhidden! I live in Pennsylvania. I can't open my daily newspaper without reading about some Pennsylvania politician being investigated for some sort of unethical behavior. The elected officials don't care what you or I think because we don't make them responsbile for any of their actions. It's a disgrace!!!
Tina from Pennsylvania
Let it slide, Bush is a lame duck, and in 50 years when people are writing the history books, they'll acurately portray him as one of the worst president America has ever had. That can be his legacy and that can be the end of it.
Bush should have been impeached years ago...
It should concern all of us that it didn't happen. It shows democrats are only interested in being the supreme above-the-law commander-in-chief and maintaining that power.
That's easy Jack. They are afraid that the FBI the IRS and any other of a host of other Bush toddies will start outing them. By the time any politician has reached national office he has already sold his or her soul and I have no doubt what so ever that the majority have dirty hands themselves.
There is no way on Earth that this country could have gotten where it is without the complicity of both political parties. Besides, jellyfish have no spines.
Dear Jack,
I hate to say this, but our current system of representative democracy is inherently flawed and is doomed to failure. Some dude named Plato nearly two millenia ago wrote a book called the Republic, in which he compared various forms of governments. Democracy finished 2nd to last, just below tyranny. Democracy leads to mob rule and pandering to pleasure-seeking, it favours stupid rulers, and it encourages conflict. Perhaps its time to scrap this whole notion of democracy and install a benevolent dictator...our nation would be much better off.
Jack, it is the Washington politics as usual until Senator Barack Obama becomes the president to close the doors to lobbyists and special interest groups, and is able to bring change with the people’s support in letting more democrats win seats in both the congress and the senate. Currently democrats are kinds of lame ducks because they cannot overcome the president’s veto power. We know that all democrats are not like Senator Barack Obama. That was one of the reasons for the very long primary season. People without college degrees are taking more time to understand because not all of them read the blogs in your Cafferty file. I sincerely wish more people would look at the blogs in your file and read your book, “Its getting ugly out there” to broaden their knowledge about our country.
Because the Democratic party is too afraid of stirring up controversy in an election year. I can't wait until someone pay attention to Dennis Kucinich.
hi jack
we cant just blame congress for letting Bush get away with things,you also have to blame the press,and the American people,the media always have had a bad time looking at Bush in a negative way,maybe because of his father,or hes that good of a liar.just think the History books will tell his sad legacey for his grandkids to know how bad of a President their grandfather was.
clearwater,fl
I would say that Congress and the national press are both giving this idiot a free pass. congress does not want to jeopardize the upcoming elections while the free press appears to be too cowardly to do their jobs.
To Jack from Hays, KS
The Democratic majority, now, lacks both the conviction and courage expected in their office. They have not fulfilled the promises or expectations held by the electorate. This Congress is afraid of being made to appear foolish; to error. They need to act. Isn't this impeachment becoming a joke, too, because of the Democratic leaders in Congress? Basically, the US Congress has failed their essential oath of office to protect the US Constitution and the separation (balance) of powers.
Bush gets a free pass from everyone! Did you hear the softy questions Bush was asked at his press conference? I would have asked him:
1. Now that the Cheney Energy Plan has come to fruition, how about telling us who was in on all those meetings?
2. Has Bush attempted to call T. Boone Pickens and talk to him about his "plan"?
3. Why didn't Bush know that on Wednesday the energy department would be reporting that the US reserves were higher than imagined?
Maybe the press should ask Bush the hard questions.
Jack maybe it's a case of you tell on me I will tell when you. But whatever it is it is wrong. They should have put their foot down and demanded answers a long time ago. My blood pressure goes way up when I see Cheney, Rumsfeld, Carl Rowe and scooter Libby snickering faces on TV. They have that cocky look of we are above the law and there is no nothing no one can do about it. It's disgusting and scary in the way these gentlemen show no respect for our constitution. The American voter needs to wake up and start voting for people who will uphold the oath they've taken to obey the constitution of the United States.
Thumbed his nose, great choice of words. If it were me thumbing my nose, I'd have the Secret Service on me so quick it wouldn't be funny. If I didn't respond to a subpoena, I'd get thrown in the can, after a bench warrant was issued for my arrest. My crime, NOT PAYING MY FRIKKIN' MORTGAGE, or filling my Duster up and running for the hills, or hey, even saying that our President is a complete knucklehead. Yes, congress took President Clinton to trial for Monica Lewinsky for crying out loud. I didn't know sexual activity was a felonious act. Where acts of treason and high crimes against the people of the United States, aren't. Wait, what's that sound...(Tires screeching to a stop, men with dark suits and shades jump out and head for this citizen's door).. Jack, It's Truly Getting Ugly..
Because he'll throw a tantrum and tear up the Oval Office? I don't know. But one thing's for sure, it shouldn't be happening. We need to move forward with the impeachment bill(s), instead of it just sitting there.
Arnold, Missouri
Because nearly half of them (at least in the senate) are republican. Partisan politics trumps checks and balances.
Don't be so hard on those poor little Congressmen, Jack. After all, we have the best government China could afford.
The reason Congress will not bring War Crimes charges against the Bush administration is they are part of the crime ! They all want to get re-elected and don't want their chances deminished by having to stand up and testify that they agreed with what the President wanted. It is kind of like "I voted for it before I voted against it" What a complete failure the Administration and Congress is.
I agree, Congress has looked the other way. And the only weapon at our disposal is the Election in November. Once again, they didn't seem to get the message last time so lets vote them all out again!
Alas, the American people are as Team Sport orientated as Congress. It's all about winning, not about what's Right or Wrong. It's like that passage in the Bible where it says,
"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." -2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12
It has been a mystry to me how so much wrong could go unnoticed and even ignored by the people and Congress. I am not a bible thumper but am often amazed at the "truth" in it. This book doesn't end well, Jack!
I don't know, Jack.
Bill Clinton ruined a dress and nearly got impeached.
George Bush has ruined an entire nation and congress does nothing.
Good to know what the gov't does with our tax dollars– NOTHING!
Jack, it's very puzzling. It's as if they are so used to operating this way when they were the minority, well now they have no idea how to go full steam ahead. Is it fear? Fear that there is some dirty trick still to be played on them by the opposition?
Jack,
The most likely reason that comes to mind is that the same corporations that furnished the money for Bushes political career also furnish the money for the congressmen and senators. They have done so well under the Bush Administration that they will not contribute to anyone who gets in his way.
Jack,
99% of Congress are a bunch of spineless politicans that have not yet read your book "it's Getting Ugly Out There". I am waiting for your sequel.
Oh, by the way, did anyone in Congress ever take an Ethics class in college, because their behaviour is very suspect to any knowledge of Ethics.
It's obvious that in Washington we have our own version of the three Musketeers. Bush, Pilosi, Reed.
President Reagan and Bush’s dad (41) got away with negotiating with terrorists (Iran-Contra) and moving cocaine to america’s poor urban neighborhoods, so I’m not surprised this congress isn’t moving their feet. Always happens, Jack.
I have to say that I think Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats are the most morally bankrupt batch of them all. The Republicans have to have some kind of dirt on them.
There's a special place for those spinless cowards.
i have no idea, this bunch is not accountable for anything. bush has got to have something very bad on somebody very powerful is the only thing i can figure . the saddest part of this madness our young people are being taught that its o.k. to lie, if your questioned about the lie you can just refuse to answer, or as Chaney says SO , bush has gotten to our congress, there mice and hes the mangy old cat... they should ALL BE FIRED ....if i acted like this bunch when i was a child, they would be spending some time in the wood shed with the old man, and trust me it taught me not to lie
(Moderator: I had a typo and corrected here).
The system is broken. Has been for years. There is no repair. It’s all ‘quid pro quo’. Back room meetings. “Friends” getting job or contracts with no qualifications. Happens at the State level. Local, too. Why do people worth millions run for political office? Not for the salary or perks. It is for the access to even more millions at the expense of taxpayers AND the irreparable damage to the Nation. George Bush and Nancy Pelosi – two birds from the same flock.
Well Jack, the United States as a whole is a stupid oblivious nation, and we the people elected these stupid oblivious people to govern us......Bush. Clinton f'd an intern. Bush f'd a nation!!
Jack,
It would seem that the Democratic Congress is just letting Bush and Co. dig a deeper hole for the Republicans to have to get out of and therefore help insure a more 'Democratic' outcome for the upcomming election.
-Wm Thomas
Tucson, AZ. – Jack. we need to brush up on our civics:
1) Congress has no law enforcement powers. The only recourse to Executive misconduct for Congress is impeachment, which requires 66 votes in the Senate to be upheld. There are, at most, 53 such votes – no chance there. For the rest, the Justice Department has the law enforcement powers, but Bush still controls the AG. Mukasey will not bring charges against Bush or his acolytes before the next inauguration.
2) Senate rules require 60 votes for calling a measure to a vote. The Democrats have 53. Any bill that must pass both Houses (laws, taxes, spending) requires the support of at least seven Bush Republican Senators to even come up for a vote. Most of the Democratic moves to shut down Bush's disasters have failed to get enough such votes. The only things that have passed over Bush opposition are things enough Republicans favor despite him (e.g., raised Medicare rates for paying doctors.)
3) Congress has surrendered the power to enforce its own subpoenas to the Justice Department, having neither its own police force nor its own jail. It would require a House rules change for the House to arrest Karl Rove after finding him in contempt. Thus far, no contempt citations have even passed any committees. Perhaps, there, Congress has been weak – although Presidents have, in the past, thumbed their noses at such citations too, and it is doubtful that the AG will enforce a Congressional citation against the VP or the President's advisers.
Bottom line – the Democrats do not have actual control of the Congress, despite majorities in both Houses. Bush's followers have enough votes in the Senate to prevent anything they dislike from happening there. So, it is still Bush and his pet Senators who are limiting the output of Congress, using Congress's rules and the Constitution to do it. Justice will not be served until either the Democrats have 60 votes in the Senate, or the Presidency, or both.
I have just heard Nancy Pelosi's comments about not allowing a vote in Congress for drilling in America's protected areas for oil while 73% of Americans in CNN's poll are in favor of drilling in these places. Doesn't she get it? Isn't she in the "democratic party"? Is this what the democratic party has come to as our nation spins into a collapse of the dollar because of skyrocketing oil prices.
Nancy Pelosi is not for the American people. She just wants to sit around and blame the President for everything, while she is oblivious to her stubborn part that is contributing to our country's most serious problems.
If we go to war and oil shipping is cut off, that's when we need to dip into the reserves. We don't dip into our oil resersves because Nancy Pelosi is stubbornly wrong on this issue.
Jack, the problem is that there is a loophole in the Constitution that Bush has exploited to the detriment of democracy: as long as he is able to pardon any member of his administration he has the upper hand over congress' oversight ability. Once we take that away, say that White House Staffers, cabinet members and the Vice President himself can only be pardoned by vote of congress itself, the balance of power will disadvantage congress and make it look like a club of ineffectual wannabes. Even if we change the administration, the loophole persists. The country isn't safe from tyranny until this loophole is closed for good.
Jack...the ideals of democracy have been betrayed over the past 8 years, possibly longer. The question is whether the current constellation of the three governmental branches can provide the efficiency needed once all “parts” of our society join the 21st century, socially and ideologically… As if there were too many cooks in the kitchen, nothing gets done, and if the finally make up their minds it tastes like S#@* for us.
sorry i didnt realize i was responding to a question–
Democrats think republicans will shoulder most of the blame at the polls for the malfeasance of our government, and in a cynical way have played follow the leader in acquiescing to what this administration has gotten away with. It will take years to repair our problems at home and our negative image abroad in large part because of a lack of leadership in Congress and an unwillingness by them to do the right thing.
Jack,
I congress giving Bush a free trip? Are you kidding? Bush has been riding this boat since he was appointed President. A stacked supreme
court gave him the seat. I would not be surprized if his degrees from college were bought for him. After all he ruined two businesses and almost ruined a baseball team. This President is a total waste. It will take years for the USA to recover if ever. I feel congress is almost at the same level as Bush. Every member of gongress that is up for election should be voted out.
It's pretty simple, Jack. Democrats think republicans will shoulder most of the blame at the polls for the malfeasance of our government, and in a cynical way have played follow the leader in acquiescing to what they have let this administration get away with.
Why when the President uses the power of his position to implement something "he is getting away with it"? When Pelosi wont let a drilling bill reach a vote she is protecting us. Now can you tell us why Obama gets more coverage, look how you phrase the questions. Your a campaign surrogate, not a commentator.
James Andrews
Sacramento, Calif.
Jack, the American public has become apathetic. Instead of expressing outrage to their government representatives about the loss of their own civil rights through the likes of unwarranted wiretapping or the the outting of a CIA agent because her husband told the truth about no uranium, thus no... reason to go to war in Iraq–our citizens would rather watch Dancing with the Stars or hear the latest news about "Brangelena"!!!
By comparison, Watergate is trivial!
Congress is made up of a bunch of cowards who are afraid the president will accuse them of being soft on: [insert a conservative cause here]. They need to get their act together and state that they are dealing with an ignoramus in the White House and anything he proposes is most likely;y a mistake. Just look at what he has done to date. Harvard and Yale should be ashamed. However, this is when you get when you give preferences to legacies.
Jack,
Have you ever seen the movie “Dodgeball?”
As the actor Rip Torn in the movie states “if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”
For 6 of the past 8 years Congress has been in the grip of the republican majority. Now, while democrats hold a slim majority in the last 2 years of this morally & legally bankrupt presidency, they are engaged in a game of constitutional dodgeball with the executive branch.
It appears that even when this Congress gets the chance to throw a wrench, it turns out to be nothing more than a rubber ball.
Unfortunately, this President has learned to dodge them both.
Must have something to do with the glare coming off of the tin-foil hat he’s been wearing all these years.
It's pretty simple, Jack. Democrats think republicans will shoulder most of the blame at the polls in November.
jack this is the no. 1 reason america hates washington. there are so many of us who want to see bush and cheney in jail for all the many laws of this and other countries they have broken.
It's the "old boy" club syndrome. At the end of the day, all politicians protect their profession and their jobs. This explains why they are reluctant to take legal action against other politicians including Bush. It's a show – just like wrestling.
For the last two years, the explanation is simple. A presidential election is coming up, and the democrats don't want to take the chance that backlash might ensue from actually holding hearings to find out "if" crimes have been committed. They figure even at 14% approval, they have a big lead over the republicans, and they don't want to blow it.
Assuming they win the election, then they will have another excuse, and that would be trading criminal investigations for republicans allowing legislation they want passed. There is no end to their hypocrisy.
Because the Democrats do not have the courage to fight for the American people. They always give in instead of letting the Republicans stall bills in Congress. Let Republicans do this. I firmly believe in letting the funding bills run out.
Republicans and Bush keep saying every time