For Those Who Worried That Waxman Would Step on Fitzgerald's Toes...

[CorpGovActivist]

When I posted this in January, several DUers expressed concerns that Waxman would inadvertently step on Fitzgerald's toes: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x47958

If you read down through the responses, I predicted that Waxman would show appropriate respect for the pending criminal case, but swing into immediate action after it was done - based on his own staff's extensive research.

Well, today, Waxman proved - yet again - that he is one of the hardest-working and savviest Members of Congress, and proved - yet again - that his staff members have done their homework.

http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1205

The signal from Waxman was clear, as soon as his staffers took over the committee website: http://oversight.house.gov/investigations.asp

I predict the Cheney Energy Task Force investigation will heat up soon, too.

- Dave

P.S. Will Waxman get into the Armitage Associates and Halliburton/KBR connections during the Plame hearings?

http://www.google.com/search?q=halliburton+%22armitage+associates%22+plame+kbr&hl=en&safe=off&filter=0

[CrazyOrangeCat]

1. kick

[bryant69]

2. You were right - this is an appropriate way for Waxman to act

He's right on the money, really.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[CorpGovActivist]

5. His Integrity Never Fails to Astound...

... he does the right thing - in the right way.

Truly inspiring, that guy.

: )

- Dave

[cascadiance]

13. Hmm... If down the road Ahnuld missteps again...

to the point that we decide to launch a recall against him, then perhaps we can persuade Dianne Feinstein to run to replace him, and then see if we can get her to appoint Waxman to replace herself should she win the recall. I think once in the Senate, Waxman would be a long standing great and powerful senator from California that would rival Boxer in his accomplishments then!

[CorpGovActivist]

14. I Like the Long-Term Strategy...

... and the way you think!

; )

- Dave

[robinlynne]

16. I don't see feinstein as being that selfless...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Henry is my hero

for all his hard work and dedication to finding the truth!

[CorpGovActivist]

6. The Next Democratic President MUST Award Him...

... the Medal of Freedom.

: )

- Dave

[Old and In the Way]

4. Dems are opening new fronts on just about every policy.

I agree, I want to see what's in the Energy Task Force meetings.....well, actually, I think we all know. That's where the hostile takeover of Iraqi National Oil was planned.

[CorpGovActivist]

10. Energy Task Force and the CA Delegation...

... I think some DUers are going to end up being surprised at which CA members cross the aisle to vote with Dems to issue subpoenas there.

- Dave

[kineneb]

11. probably won't surprise us

considering the "heat" from the public after Rolling Blackout Summer. I imagine that committees for tar-and-feathering parties would be formed if some of the Rs didn't cross the aisle.

We are all still pissed at Cheney & Co for screwing us on that issue.

kineneb- native Californian.

[CorpGovActivist]

12. Senators Boxer and Feinstein ...

... have laid quite a bit of groundwork for pushing this in the Senate, too.

- Dave

[KharmaTrain]

7. Not Stepping On Toes...Lining Up Ducks

With this guilty verdict and the case now part of the public record, Waxman now has legal precedence on his side to pick up where Fitzgerald didn't or couldn't. He can use this conviction and "finding of fact" as a basis now to call witnesses and use his investigative powers to focus on several fronts. The scene is set now for under cutting this regime through the combination of legal actions, including impeachments, of various officials for misconduct and contempt of Congress along with giving fuel for future criminal prosecutions. Fitzgerald didn't close the door on a future investigation and any compelling evidence uncovered by Waxman that implicates Rove, Cheney, Tenet or others in compromising national security will demand further criminal action. The sand has been removed, the cloud still hangs.

Cheers...

[CorpGovActivist]

8. Great Way of Putting It...

The staff let no grass grow, apparently.

; )

- Dave

[DemReadingDU]

9. Great Analogy!

WooHoo Waxman!

:woohoo:

[robinlynne]

18. A question about this. If libby were impeached, there could be no pardon.

That is in the presidential pardon rules. but since he doesn't work there, he cannot be impeached can he?

[KharmaTrain]

19. He's A Convict Now...That's Good For Me

The day he was indicted he was "impeached" as Scooter had to quit being crashcart's go-fer. And even better is he not only can no longer work there again, but will never be able to practice law or hold a government position again. Pardon or no pardon. While it's only one boil lacerated from the body politic. This is impeachment plus...and the taint it leavs on others in the executive will now be open to investigate.

I will be very happy with taking down this regime one crook at a time in whatever means possible. In some cases it will be in the court of law...as we're sure to get more criminal indictments and civil suits in the months ahead...or having members of booosh's regime forced out through impeachment (Gonzo) or political pressure. My hopes in '06 was to put the brakes on this regime...or slow it down enough we can start to throw light on the crimes and criminals. That is starting to happen.

Cheers...

[robinlynne]

21. Kharma, if he were literally impeached, Bush could NOT pardon him.

Then he would have to talk to do less prison time. Right now he will be pardoned, and it is then harder to get Cheney...

[KharmaTrain]

22. Not Completely True

Robin...a pardon would just be a get out of jail card for Scooter, but it wouldn't give him immunity from being compelled to testify in other cases. Thanks to Paula Jones, suits can be leveled that would force everyone in that crooked executive mansion to testify in upcoming suits and Congressional inquiries. While Cheney and other will try to throw "executive privilidge"...with the Libby verdict, that won't be applicable in a civil suit. I expect Cheney will be compelled in the Wilson case and he will have to testify and will have to do it under oath. Lets see how well he skates through that minefield. Any perjury will give the ammunition for both criminal and political action.

Booooosh is in a pickle...pardoning Scooter right now would be a political disaster as it would keep Scooter's name in the news...as well as the bad light on Cheney and Rove...and become a campaign issue next year. Instead, the appeal process could easily play out into next year...nudging past the election and then boooshie will wave the pardon wand. Also any quick trigger pardon will surely give a lot of fuel and PR to Waxman's investigation. They want this whole PR disaster to fade away.

I have a feeling Fitzgerald offered Scooter a deal and may still offer something in return...this is how he "squeezed up" to get George Ryan here in Illinois...but if Scooter knows he's getting a pardon somewhere down the line, it won't matter if he talks now or later, he will spend little, if any time behind bars...and then in a Club Fed. There's a quid pro quo for Libby here...and my thinking is that it will take the Wilson trial and other investigations to uncover that.

Cheers...

:toast:

[malaise]

15. Right again CorpGovActivist

By the way :yourock:

[CorpGovActivist]

17. Betting on Waxman to Do the Right Thing, the Right Way...

... is a safe and smart bet.

; )

- Dave

[Rex]

20. Once again

Henry proves his worth. A rare politician.