Caution: I am going to defend Republicans in this post.

[Avalux]

The disturbing news about the FBI's interest in Congress has absolutely nothing to do with party affiliation - whether it be a presumed corrupt Republican congressman or a presumed corrupt Democratic congressman. Whether or not any of them have committed a crime is not the point; whether or not any of them leaked information is not the point.

We are witnessing the WH - the executive branch - overstepping its boundaries and violating a long-standing rule in Washington. The executive branch is treating the legislative branch as a lesser power, a subordinate that they control. The actions they have taken are a clear message that they're running the show.

There is no precedence for the FBI to invade and search the congressional offices of an elected official. There is no precedence for the FBI to interrogate congressman about whether or not they talked to the press about a secret program that's illegal anyway.

One can say that Congress has done this to themselves. One can say that Republicans (and some Democrats too) have done this to themselves for being the lap-dog of the WH for so many years.

All of that will be forgiven though, if members of Congress will finally get a backbone and stand up to the fascists in the WH and say ENOUGH. I'll support them all the way, presumed corrupt Republicans included.

[Virginia Dare]

1. You're correct, this is one more facet of the larger power struggle..

that is going on. The Repukes in Congress have finally woken up to the Frankenstein monster that they created in the White House, and are now scurrying around like the rats that they are in a desperate attempt to get a grip. Is it too late? We'll see.

[MADem]

26. They cared not a whit when the WH wiped their asses

on the Constitution, they rubberstamped everything the Monkey put before them, but suddenly, though they totally ignored the fact that they had abrogated their independence to the Monkey, they suddenly, dramatically got fearful at the prospect of PRECEDENT in future.

It's not BUSH they fear, it's the NEXT DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT.

That is why Hastert is up in arms. To put it simply, what goes around, comes around. There will be plenty of retribution meted out if the House and/or Senate changes hands, if the WH does too, well, they may as well go hunting with Deadeye Dick, and give him a gift of real bullets rather than birdshot...because their political lives won't be worth a plug nickel.

[MercutioATC]

2. Hear, hear!

The issue isn't whether the FBI is illegally searching Republican lawmakers' offices, it's a matter of the exutive branch once again overstepping its bounds.

It'd be fun to see Hastert go down, but not like this. If we let this sort of thing go on unchallenged, we're promoting this pawer play by the executive...and that's a very dangerous thing.

[Avalux]

10. It could get interesting.

If Republicans, like Hastert, feel betrayed by Bushco, they might really do an about face and muck up everything. Of course they won't be motivated by doing the right thing; it'll be for selfish reasons. One's just as good as the other in this case though. ;-)

[MercutioATC]

21. You're assuming they're bright enough to see this for what it is.

Disappointingly, I haven't found Congressmen to be any brighter or more perceptive than the average American...some of them less so. If the public as a whole doesn't see this as a power grab by the executive, I don't think most Repub (or Dem) Congressmen do either.

[The Deacon]

3. Eh?

Missed the part where you defended Republicans - sounded more like you were defending the Constitution.

[Avalux]

4. tongue in cheek?

I meant to be, never have been able to pull it off very well though. And yes, it's all about defending the Constitution. :hi:

[Mandate My Ass]

5. Only because it affects themselves. They didn't stand up for us.

I can hardly applaud them for finally calling foul on this kind of arrogant overreach when they've failed miserably to perform their constitutionally-mandated duty to act as a co-equal branch of gov't and a check on the executive. They are the closest branch of gov't to "we the people" and they've ignored us, let the executive destroy our right to privacy and lectured us for the past six years.

[Avalux]

6. You are correct, but

we still have to support them - keep the bigger picture in mind. It's kinda like holding your nose while drinking something nasty. ;)

[Mandate My Ass]

8. been doing a lot of that lately

gotcha now. :hi:

[johnnypneumatic]

7. Hastert to get revenge should introduce articles of impeachment

two can play that game Mr. *
(and btw, f**k republicans)

[koopie57]

11. You should write him and suggest that!

He is pretty mad, it just might work. Wouldn't that be a hoot *LOL*.

Starting an illegal war. ho hum
Illegal spying on americans .. ho hum
Pissing off Denny H. .... IMPEACHMENT!

[puerco-bellies]

9. I think this is more of an Edgar Hoover ploy..

As the '06 elections get near the White House wants to make sure their own don't turn on them.. How? By having the dirt on them in the Attorney Generals office. Step out of line and face indictments.

[warrens]

12. The bushies are having second thoughts on this power grab

They put everything the FBI got under seal while they negotiate with congress.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060525/ap_on_go_pr_wh/raid_on_congress_42;_ylt=Ak3prI9i28Ie8wxWYwWnr3CGbToC;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

[Avalux]

19. Oh my. Wonder what went down?

What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall.....

[originalpckelly]

13. I would like to let you know we are a few days (possibly months) away...

from living in a complete dictatorship.

Just like Hitler the President has given the air of legality to all his actions. Just like Julius Caesar he has managed to turn the people against the legislature, by playing up their "corrupt and self-interested" motivations. By using fear and hatred he has taken away our rights, at least when they matter the most.

THIS IS VERY SERIOUS!!!!!!!

[Avalux]

16. I agree with you.

I was remembering Caesar and his congress and the stuff that went down there....there's still a chance, but we're spiraling fast.

[pinto]

14. I agree. Seems the FBI has a case against Jefferson...I mean

we're talking cash in the home freezer...this is an old school one. If the FBI had a compelling need to further their investigation, ie for a paper trail to other participants, they could have worked with Congressional leadership to gain access. Present the warrant to the House, get their assistance to seize the warranted material.

I support a constitutional stand as well. This Admin has run roughshod on separation of powers and checks and balances. I can't fault any Congressional member for crying foul here.

[Warpy]

27. However, there's a case against Cheney, too

because he still hasn't released the minutes of those infamous energy meetings long after he's been ordered to. There is probable cause there, too.

He just doesn't want us to know they were carving Iraq up a year before they invaded it.

[pinto]

36. See the point. Has nothing to do w/ FBI's authority in Capitol Building

[wizdum]

15. We're all Americans - it's the media and pols that divide us for their own

gain and self interest. If they keep us squabbling amongst ourselves, they can rip us off royally, and they use lies to keep us at odds with eachother. And I haven't even read your post yet - just the title, and you already got me :bounce:

[babylonsister]

17. Why do they only get a spine when it concerns them? I'm

pissed that not many deem our Constitutional rights defensible. Until that happens, I won't forgive anyone.

[Avalux]

18. Because they're motivated by self-preservation -

I don't expect them to suddenly do the right thing. But if their anger over being trounced on causes them to stand up to Buscho, fine by me.

[babylonsister]

22. I agree it's refreshing to finally see them do something 'moral' for

a change, but until they do their damn jobs and represent us, I just can't forgive them. But hey, have at it! :)

[Old and In the Way]

20. I wonder what upset the "quid pro quo"?

I've long thought that the deal the Republican Syndicate had brokered was: "You stay oughtta our business, we'll stay oughtta yours". Republican Congressional Corruption (quid) for unquestioned Executive unitary power (quo). Maybe Bush assumed that'd be OK to go after a corrupt Democrat during election season? But I do appreciate the long-term damage this can do to our Constitution and the fundemental upset to the checks and balances this creates.

There used to be an Ethics Committee that used to self regulate...before theKing of Corruption became the House Majority Leader.

[newspeak]

23. yeah, but wonder if he sealed it

to show congress what he can and will get away with. Wonder if it's blackmail. See, I can get away with raiding all of your offices, so you better step in line with what I want to do. I'm the only one counts, do as I say you should do. Wonder if he's making the Congress critters sweat by throwing his weight around. And, this definitely looks like a power usurpation.

[Avalux]

31. Good point.

I hadn't thought of that. :hi:

[leftstreet]

24. It's time for them to "reach across the aisle" and IMPEACH

Impeach a couple of members of the Executive Branch

Impeach a couple of pro-unitary executive SCOTUS judges

I support any efforts by both Repub and Dem representatives to get control of this shit! I don't care how corrupt they are or have been. Just wake up and do your jobs!

[coalition_unwilling]

28. Congress should immediately impeach the Attorney General who,

as head of the Department of Justice, controls the FBI (the executive branch agency that did the raids).

[leftstreet]

29. Good point!

[annabanana]

30. I'm with you there! Gonzales is a big, ugly roadblock

on the American Road to Redemption...

[Warpy]

25. Um, unfortunately, I only partly agree with this.

However, given probable cause and a legal warrant, the FBI does have a right to search those offices. However, unless the executive and judicial branches want to open themselves to such searches, this is a terrible precedent.

It's just a pity there's such a huge amount of precedence citing executive privilege and allowing one corrupt GOPer after another to get away with it. The fact that this has been allowed to occur is purely the fault of Congress, too lazy to defend anyone's rights, not even their own.

[Avalux]

32. "the raid" didn't have to happen.

And you're correct it's purely the fault of Congress for allowing it to get to this point; I have to believe they'll stand up, even if it's only to save their own selfish butts.

[Marr]

33. I'll tell you why this is happening now.

Republican politicians are becoming less and less willing to simply toe the Bush Administration line. They aren't doing this out of any sense of duty, of course- it's an election season and Bush's numbers are in the toilet. I expect they're giving Team Bush resistance on some issue- perhaps Iran- and the Bush Admin. is respnding the way they always do; threats and force.

[BoneDaddy]

34. Even deeper

than the breach of codes of power regarding the executive branch, the message is if you fuck with me I will get you and yours. It is a clear shot across the bow, challenge me and you will share the same fate.

[Avalux]

35. It's like the mob, or the mafia.

It's organized crime masquerading as the government of the United States of America. What has happened to our country?

[nealmhughes]

37. Sometimes Republicans deserve to be defended!

Chaffee, Snow and Collins and until recently Jeffors...how about Nelson Rockefeller? Remember when one could be a Republican and not be a force for evil? It has been a while, I'll admit! Actually, the present (and probably the next) Gov. of Alabama, Bob Riley, for a Republican, hasn't been as bad as one would have expected from this Yellow Dog.
Out of the 535, I'd say less than 50 are deserving of deep respect at all. What is the use of having a Politburo or a Reichstag? Are these not our representatives and senators?

[carolinalady]

38. IMO, they deserve this. They did not care about the fact that

Bush has both blatently broken the law and reinterpreted just about every bill that has passed with his infamous signing statements. Now that he is knocking on their corrupt back door, all of a sudden they get up in arms. I don't have much respect for most of them. Term limits is the only way to go. People don't have healthcare, but they have the best in the world. People are being paid subwages, yet they always get their raise. Most people can't even take all of their earned paid time off, and these people are off more than they work!

[SeattleGirl]

39. Thank you! That's exactly what this is -- WH overstepping boundaries

If a Senator or Representative has done something wrong (and God knows, more than one of them has), they should suffer the consequences. However, there is NO excuse for what the FBI did. This WH has pushed the envelope so far, it gets more and more frightening all the time. This has got to stop, and now, not only for the kind of thing addressed here, but unauthorized snooping of any kind of anyone!