Subpoena Power: Would Dems even use it?

[Stevendsmith]

Should Democrats gain the seats necessary to acquire subpoena power, do you expect that a robust and effective use of this power would be used to get to the bottom of the invasion of Iraq and other administration abuses?

I’m sorry, but based on the performance of the Democratic “leadership” over the past several years, I am not confident that justice would be vigorously pursued.

[AndyA]

1. We would likely have to FORCE THEM to do it.

We will have to DEMAND JUSTICE and not let up until they do what WE THE PEOPLE want them to do.

[Stevendsmith]

9. It's sad that we'd have to beg and plead for them to do their jobs. (n/t)

[Monkeyman]

2. I know for a fact they will

http://DemocraticLeader.house.gov

[Stevendsmith]

4. Where is the reference to subpoena power in that link? (n/t)

[Monkeyman]

6. Its just a link

The power will come believe it from the horses mouth

[Sherman A1]

3. I doubt that they would use subpoenas

[gratuitous]

5. Four words: Committee Chairman Henry Waxman

I think Waxman would call as many hearings as he could humanly preside over, and be a subpoena machine. Same goes for John Conyers and Peter DeFazio.

[Monkeyman]

7. Yep

But during this run we want to keep the replug base at home.Don't give Rove ads

[Stevendsmith]

8. Well, I have no doubts about Waxman or Conyers

and I'll take your word on DeFazio.

These are reps who have a proven and commendable record of pressing for truth and justice.

But a vigorous program to achieve accountability for BushCo and it’s allies would require a broad and sustained commitment among congressional and senate Democrats.

Would you agree?

And do you believe that this program would be aggressively and effectively pursued?

[gratuitous]

10. I think it will take less effort than you might think

But as the cracks in the façade turn to falling chunks of mortar and finally to the crashing down of the entire edifice, I think even the most nervous nelly Democrats (think Nelson of Nebraska) will join the dog-pile.

And having Democrats in control will surely be an improvement over the current leadership in Congress.

[Stevendsmith]

13. The nervous nelly syndrome is precisely what I fear

Or just plain old corruption and complicity.

But don't get me wrong: I want the Dems to regain control of one or both houses of congress. I just fear that they won't effectively use that control.

I do like the thought of a dogpile!

:hi:

[shadowknows69]

11. I have my doubts

I think a significant number of Dem politicians like the new powers the "criminal in chief" has secured for future governments.

[cyclezealot]

12. Don't count on it.

Remember a putz called Lee Hamilton from Indianapolis. During Hearings on Iran Contra he did all he could to protect Ronald Reagan. Hope we have better leadership now.