Reps. Conyers & Miller call for special prosecutor (Black & Abramoff)

[paineinthearse]

http://www.conyersblog.us/archives/00000266.htm

Blogged by JC on 10.07.05 @ 12:05 AM ET

The President talks about terror while serious shortcomings in domestic security remain

This evening, the president has chosen to address the American public about terrorism when his administration is besieged by scandal. Tonight, the president took credit for successes against al Qaeda, some of which are old news, and the rest of which, conveniently, could not be publicly discussed. Earlier in the day, ironically, the president's closest advisor, Karl Rove, testified before a grand jury about having disclosed the identity of a covert agent and undermining American intelligence assets seeking weapons of mass destruction.

This pattern appears to repeat throughout the Bush administration. Shortly after 9/11, the Acting U.S. Attorney in Guam, Frederick Black, identified a private citizen who had improperly been given access sensitive information about immigration loopholes in Guam and the Marianas Islands. Concerned about the need for post-9/11 security, Black started an investigation to find answers about this vulnerability.

So who was the citizen at the center of this security breach? None other than Bush administration and Tom DeLay friend Jack Abramoff. The day after Black subpoenaed Abramoff regarding this case, he was demoted from his position. Karl Rove was the conduit through which the choice for a replacement was presented to the White House.

Congressman George Miller joined me at a press conference today to call for the appointment of a special counsel in this case. A conflict of interest clearly exists sufficient merits such an appointment. My full statement from the press conference may be found here.

Conyers, Miller and Others Demand Special Counsel for Black and Abramoff Investigations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee issued the following statement at a press conference today asking that the Department of Justice appoint a special counsel to investigate two instances of possible political manipulation by Justice Department officials:

"First, we believe that the circumstances surrounding the November 2002 demotion of former Acting United States Attorney for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, Frederick A. Black give rise to the appointment of a special counsel. The fact that he was demoted just one day after he obtained a subpoena into Jack Abramoff's lobbying activities in Guam, and was replaced by an individual recommended by the Guam Republican Party through Karl Rove, certainly raises cause for concern.

Second, we believe that the circumstances surrounding Jack Abramoff and his access to a classified, DOJ review of loopholes in Guam and Mariana Island immigration laws, are problematic. Mr. Black had ordered the review in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, but they were apparently jettisoned after Mr. Abramoff obtained a confidential copy of the review.

The appointment of a special counsel is clearly called for by the regulations - a criminal investigation is warranted; a conflict of interest exists; and it would be in the public interest have an independent, non-partisan review.

At a time when public confidence in the government and its leaders is at all time lows, we must act to restore that faith. A good place to start is by ensuring that those in place to fight public corruption, such as U.S. Attorneys, are not hindered in their efforts by political appointees and high priced lobbyists. Even more credibility is lost when we allow the potentially culpable to be investigated by their friends as is happening now.

Second half of today's blog entry is posted at http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4997091

[marbuc]

1. No shit George?

Why don't you bring the defense funds home and protect our ports and borders?

[texpatriot2004]

2. Yes, even after 9-11 when "everything changed" we are still

blowing in the wind here and this evil greedy regime could care less.

[FreedomAngel82]

10. Really very telling

Yep. Very.

[autorank]

3. Let's just make Conyers VP when Cheney's indicted then Pres when * goes.

That would be a lot easier than all the nonsense we're going through.

He could be a grandfather figure, like Ike, who got the agenda back in gear. Countries around the world would love us, our exports would increase exponentially, our ability to forge positive alliances for the environment etc. would be unparalleled, and he would not spend all that time on vacation. The guy works like a Trojan.

[paineinthearse]

4. I'm down with that

Now don't bogart that joint you're smoking, my friend.

[autorank]

5. Uh, I've never done that. I just stay home, read the Bible, and

take my vitamins...cuz Stone Cold Says So...Austin 3:16

Actually, I want Gore named President by acclamation...they did it in the Ukraine, why not here?

[paineinthearse]

6. "they did it in the Ukraine, why not here"

'Cause we're much too busy reading Playboy and the Sunday New York Times and not in the friggin streets!

[FreedomAngel82]

11. That would be nice

And Kerry can be vice president. :thumbsup:

[paineinthearse]

7. .

Day shift :kick:

Started last night, the dayshifters may not have had a chance to read this.

[paineinthearse]

8. .

again

[paineinthearse]

9. .

Last attempt to attract some interest.

:shrug:

[understandinglife]

12. "So who was the citizen at the center of this security breach?"

Congressman Conyers continues asking the necessary questions; giving the correct answers.

Speaking truth to power, 24/7/365.


Peace.