NY Times: 'Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project' (July 11)

[Jackeens]

The Central Intelligence Agency withheld information about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress for eight years on direct orders from former Vice President Dick Cheney, the agency’s director, Leon E. Panetta, has told the Senate and House intelligence committees, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said Saturday.

The report that Mr. Cheney was behind the decision to conceal the still-unidentified program from Congress deepened the mystery surrounding it, suggesting that the Bush administration had put a high priority on the program and its secrecy.

Mr. Panetta, who ended the program when he first learned of its existence from subordinates on June 23, briefed the two intelligence committees about it in separate closed sessions the next day.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/politics/12intel.html?_r=1&hp

[Sanity Claws]

1. I don't think anyone is surprised by this

I don't think he or his daughter will go on the talk shows about this. Sounds pretty indefensible. Also proves how Bush and Cheney were lying when they claimed that Congress had the same intelligence they did.

[lamp_shade]

3. We haven't seen much of either of them lately, have we? Hmmm.

[NewJeffCT]

6. all Cheney all the time for 3-4 months

and oddly quiet the past few weeks.

[lamp_shade]

8. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.

[NightWatcher]

2. and still NOTHING will happen to him

even if we find pics and video of Darth Cheney doing things himself, nothing will happen to him and the others

[Paladin]

13. Sadly, I Agree With You On This.

I believe that Dick Cheney could empty a tommy gun into a loaded school bus at this point and he'd still walk, on the basis of brain-dead conservative support and spineless Democrats unwilling to even investigate him. And when I use the term "spineless Democrats" that includes the White House......

[DevonRex]

4. K&R. This is some pretty good information Jackeens. You're bringing

a lot of serious discussion to DU as well as your wonderful picture threads and I greatly appreciate it.

Heh. Wonder if this is why Cheney's Secret Service protection has been extended. Now, the question is are they just protecting him or are they also making sure he doesn't slip away to some place that has no extradition...

[havocmom]

12. Been thinkin the latter. Is he under 'house arrest' with benefits?

Suddenly the AG is making noise about investigations. I think the Administration was waiting until THE PEOPLE started raising a fuss. To go before the people made resounding demands for investigation, anything the Administration would have started would be dubbed 'partisan attacks' and used as cover for GOP obstructionism on the Hill.

Now, the people have made THEIR feelings plain AND Franken has been seated. I look for a little less talk and more action in the coming months.

The good spook/bad spook war is still on, cheney still has moles. But that extended Secret Service 'protection' for the former VP sure looked interesting to me.

We have a President who is a chess player. I think dick is in trouble.

[DevonRex]

14. This is my fervent hope. And lol at "house arrest with benefits."

There is just too much coming out right now that would lead me to believe Cheney is being watched VERY carefully.

[Cha]

5. Oh really?

There was a time when this wouldn't have seen the light of day..thanks, Jackeens!

[IndianaGreen]

7. Explain why Obama has refused to appoint special prosecutor?

He took an oath to defend and protect the Constitution and, as chief executive, he is duty bound to enforce the law. I didn't give Bush a pass on this, and I sure ain't going to give Obama a pass.

[Sanity Claws]

9. Makes you wonder what else the CIA is hiding from Panetta

Also how did Panetta find out about this program? By accident? A whistleblower?

[Marsala]

10. Panetta is the guy in charge. Presumably he was briefed on day 1.

They might not have mentioned the bit about Cheney telling them to keep the program secret from even Congress that early, though.

[Sanity Claws]

11. He said he didn't know about it either

until 5 months in. Then he informed Congress of it.

[uponit7771]

16. There no doubt should be an investigation then a "Cleansing" of those people...

...and some folk thrown in jail

Plame now this shit...

[uponit7771]

15. This is traitorous if true...

[solstice]

17. So what - it's not like anyone will ever hold him accountable. Not Congress. Not Obama.