Justice Department argues against releasing Cheney interview

[laststeamtrain]

Source: Politico

Justice Department argues against releasing Cheney interview

By JOSH GERSTEIN | 7/21/09 2:10 PM EDT



President Barack Obama’s Justice Department is arguing that former Vice President Dick Cheney’s interview with prosecutors in the CIA leak case should remain secret for five to 10 years to persuade high-level government officials to cooperate in future investigations.

“In making public the Vice President’s interview, you will chill them,” Justice Department attorney Jeffrey Smith told Judge Emmet Sullivan during a two-hour hearing Tuesday on a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit seeking release of records about the Cheney interview, which took place in 2004.

Sullivan sounded highly skeptical of the government’s arguments, but he said he had not decided how he would rule in the case “Where do I draw the line? This happened five years ago,” the judge said. “Would there be impediments to putting this information in a time capsule?”

As the hearing concluded, Sullivan said he thought Congress had drawn a “bright line” with language in the Freedom of Information Act that generally exempts information about pending investigations from disclosure, but not closed probes, like the CIA leak case. He also said he would stay any ruling so the government could appeal before he released any documents.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25211.html

[MNDemNY]

1. When Bush did this type of thing it was wrong. Secrecy to the Nth degree.

But now it is Obama doing it, therefore, it is legitimate and well thought out. I support it fully.

[zipplewrath]

4. Tags

Cute. They have tags for this kinda stuff ya know.

[MNDemNY]

9. really??

here.:sarcasm: Better now?? sheesh.

[zipplewrath]

10. Look at Redsock's answer

You basically weren't that far off. I got it, but there would be many that might see it fly right on by.

[RedSock]

6. sadly, that is a very common attitude here (eom)

[BlueJazz]

2. Fuck that Shit. You know damn well that the "Time Capsule" or whatever...

..will get conveniently "Lost" in 3 or 5 years.

I don't trust any of these Sons-a-Bitches to do the right thing.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. News alert: it's already been 5 years! (2004 to 2009=5 years)

[No Elephants]

5. Please! All this transparency has been hurting my eyes. Make it go away.

[bushmeister0]

7. I think it's pretty transparent the DoJ doesn't have a legal leg to stand on here.

I mean, their case is that releasing the interview will make future government officials reluctant to follow the law? Huh? Nothing a little enhanced interrogation wouldn't solve!

[24601]

12. That's not their thrust - it's to encourage cooperation with an

investigation. Anyone asked to discuss things with the FBI can always say "no thanks". While lying to the investigator violates the law, declining to speak with them is perfectly legal. It's only when you are hauled into court that you have to speak. And if what you have to say is incriminating, you can refuse unless granted immunity. You also can refuse if it qualifies under a Spouse, Clergy, Attorney or Doctor privilege.

[AlbertCat]

8. “In making public the Vice President’s interview, you will chill them"

They should be served chilled!
Can you think of anyone colder than Cheney? It's not like he was eager to cooperate, y'know.

It will only "chill" those in fear!


Besides, screw "interviews"! How about a subpoena or two??? Or are we gonna continue the ignoring of those?

[Vidar]

11. Obama's transparency is a joke.