Help me out here Du'ers;

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

for those more knowledgeable than I on such things I ask the question- Who or what is empowered to launch a special investigation? I recall the Clinton's being investigated for Whitewater et al. Why can't there be a special investigation on 45? Is this a function of party power or what?

[brush]

1. Yes. It's up to the party in power to okay a new bill to appoint a special prosecutor.

The previous law expired in the '90s and wasn't renewed.

And not only that, the president would have to sigh it into law.

Not much likely hood of that happening, which is why trump thinks he can get away with firing Comey.

Right now the repugs are just trying to weather the storm of criticism.

It takes real, patriot Republicans to step forward and force the issue.

Right now all we've got are nothing but repugs.

[NCTraveler]

2. Thanks. nt.

[defacto7]

5. in essence..

Dems or Reps request a special prosecutor
Congress controlled by GOP votes to approve
Goes to 45 who vetos
Goes back to Congress who must override veto by 2/3rds.
Is that right?

[marylandblue]

3. Used to have a special prosecutor law

That required DOJ to appoint an independent prosecutor whenever investigating the White House. It was put in place after Nixon. Ken Starr abused his power going after Clinton, so when the law sunsetted neither Dems or Repubs were interested in reinstating. Now it is up to DOJ to appoint independent prosecutors at its own discretion. Too bad.

[burnbaby]

8. oh right

I remember that

[yardwork]

4. Yes, it is a function of whichever party is in power.

Republicans currently control both houses of Congress. That means that Republicans chair all the committees, which determine what gets investigated.

Democrats have no power to move anything forward. No power to open investigations, articles of impeachment, or anything.

Please remember this when people tell you that there is no difference between the parties.

[defacto7]

6. This is the ugly truth.

And the ramifications are more than disturbing.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

7. Yes,

your last sentence!

[burnbaby]

9. wait

I know there were instances during Hillary's email thing where republicans wanted an independent prosecutor, but Obama said no.

Are you sure about whose ever in power decides?

Marie

[yardwork]

10. You mean the Justice Department declined to investigate?

It would be highly unethical of the president to try to block a congressional inquiry. The Justice Department might decline to investigate, but that is supposed to be independent. (It's not, under Trump.)

In any case, Trump is Republican.

I'm not sure I understand your question.