Blogging the Hearings: Chumps R Us

[The2ndWheel]

http://www.chris-floyd.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=461&Itemid=1

Look, these ballyhooed Judiciary hearings into Bush's illegal wiretap program are just a PR clown-show from the word go -- literally. They've just convened to hear torture-enabler and execution-lubricator Alberto Gonzales "testify" on how peachy-keen it is to turn over thousands of names of innocent Americans for the security organs to check out. But lo and behold, the nation's "chief law enforcement officer" is not going to testify under oath, despite the Democrats' insistence that he do so. To be sure, AG-AG nobly expresses his willingness to be sworn in, but Committee Chairman Arlen Specter -- yes, he of the tough talk on the Sunday shows about the "illegality" of the surveillance and his own big-balled boldness to stand up for the Constitution -- then insists that Gonzales will NOT testify under oath -- no way, no how. Therefore, anything and everything that Gonzales says today will be so much rag-chewing blather; it won't mean anything, he can't be held accountable for it.

[wtmusic]

1. Gonzales can't be held accountable for lying to Congress?

Even if he isn't under oath? Anyone certain that this is true? :shrug:

[Frustratedlady]

2. I thought I read somewhere that

lying before Congress is a Federal crime. No matter what the subject matter is.

[Frustratedlady]

3. Google "lying to Congress" --

It may be a felony, but it surely is a common practice--look at all the hits that came up. Why bother to tell the truth? The senators pose their limp questions trying to bring the truth out (and impress the media for a photo op) and, when the truth isn't forthcoming, they shrug their shoulders and end the hearing. Incredible! Surely, the anger comes out behind closed doors. Surely.

[NV Whino]

4. Well, the thing is...

If he were under oath, he would lie anyway. Then we would just have to have another investigaton. Just think how much money they are saving us taxpayers by not having him under oath.

:sarcasm: