What will be the outcome of the wiretap hearings?

[mikelewis]

Do you believe this is serious oversight inquiry or is it merely a show of Executive's usurpation of the Congress? What do you think is going to happen as a result of the hearings? Will Congress bow down to the will of the President and alter the law to ensure Bush isn't breaking the law or will Congress assert it's oversight authority and reign in this illegal program? What are your thought on the outcome of the Wiretap hearings?

[eggman67]

1. Lots of speechifying

and maybe some new legislation. Nothing much.

[bbinacan]

2. Nothing will happen and

we're screwed.

[punpirate]

3. A Republican Congress will write amendments to...

... FISA and the PATRIOT ACT which make legal what is now illegal. And, they will say, "problem solved. That's what Congress is for."

[EFerrari]

6. Most likely. That is what they were pitching today. n/t

[punpirate]

10. Damned tootin'. That was the word from...

... Democrats and Republicans alike. "Why didn't you come to us? We would have accommodated you." Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

[EFerrari]

12. I wonder how many of them are actually, really afraid. n/t

[leftchick]

13. afraid of what bushco** has on them

they know damn well bushco spied on them as well. It was the elephant in the room. Unless they were screwing little boys in DC they are Fucking cowards.

[Burning Water]

14. HIT..NAIL..

ON.. HEAD.

You are absolutely right. The Dems will cave, as always, it seems to me.

[samhsarah]

4. Not a goddamn thing. n/t

[leftstreet]

5. I think it could get interesting.

There are plenty of people still around who in 1978 either worked on the FISA laws, or were involved with the Senate committee that reviewed it. With Jimmy Carter himself coming out to say it's clear Bush broke the law, a law Carter signed, it could get interesting.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. The cards look good...

We aren't going to achieve everything we have our hearts set on, but we are going to have a few substantial victories.

This is the beginning of the shrub's waterloo.

However, it's going to be a tough long battle to purge the neo-cons.

[pberq]

17. Yes, Viva, you have it right - both Specter and Graham

gave Gonzo a hard time, so I think that something good will come out of it, but as you say, not everything we'd like to see.

[JanusAscending]

8. For once I really believe that this is going to work!

Two of the Rep. Senators are expressing their uncertainties in re to the legality of the Attny. Gen.'s position. Now that the committee is going to invite Ashcroft, Comey, and Pres. Carter to testify, I think this will go a long way in persuading them to vote for the Constitution instead of the party. I really think Spector will proceed with Impeachment proceedings if the vote goes our way. The Supreme Court can do NOTHING in this decision, unless a defendant brings the case against the Govt. They would need proof that they were spied upon or wiretapped. That is at the least, VERY DIFFICULT to prove.

[onehandle]

9. Clinton will be impeached. nt

[Cocoa]

11. Bush's credibility will drop further

no impeachment, but drip drip drip...

[The Whiskey Priest]

15. The Republicans are the majority

soooooooo

[Perky]

16. Present path: Three things happen

1) FISA will be amended to forcefully state that a warrarnt is necessary.
2) There will be no reprecussions for Bush
3) It will be a non--issue in the mid-terms.

If the surveillance was more widespread then they say it was. I honestly think Bush will be censured.

If He continues illegal surveillance...He will be impleached.

Right now that is just teh way I see it because the Dems have lost momentum on the issue.

[loudsue]

18. I agree w/ the poster who said they'll change the law to accommodate

the chimp.

The republican party, you have to remember, is all about POWER over the people, to keep them down, so they can insure the "elite" will prevail.

I have yet to see EVEN ONE that truly supports the constitution with his/her VOTE. They may give someone a hard time during a grilling, but when the votes are cast, the republicans, and their infiltrators on the Democratic side of the aisle (DLCers) will all vote to screw the "people", and give more power to the "rulers".

They've done it EVERY TIME, and their leadership (Frist, Delay (now BOner), Hastert, Rove) will make damn good and sure that they vote in lock-step. They've already put the word out that, if anyone votes against the chimp on this, they won't get any campaign $$.

It will be just another dog & pony show of acting like they care, and the TRUE Dems (not DLCers) will be marginalized, as usual.

:kick::kick::kick:

[bunkerbuster1]

20. Cover their ass, give Chimpy a pass

Same as it ever was. This Administration knows it can run out the clock by stonewalling, and the Reep congressmen know that all they have to do is make noise about holding the President "accountable" without actually doing it.

By the time the mid-term electioneering begins in earnest, some new scandal / outrage will erupt and we'll have forgotten this one.

[Toots]

19. There is no longer a functioning Congress period

Whatever Bush* wants Bush* will get. He has at every single opportunity whether it was a broken law or not.. Remember when Bush* refused to obey the Presidential Papers Act? Not one member of Congress had a thing to say about it. That first act is what neutered Congress and defined this Administration as a Criminal Administration.

[oc2002]

21. ..nothing .. of course..

ITS A REPUBLICAN CONGRESS> CORRUPTION> FASCISM!

[msongs]

22. democrats will apologize...again nt

[MadHound]

23. Not much. Bush will get a pat on the head

The Republicans will bring in a bill to let the Executive Branch spy on who it wants, when it wants, with no oversight or warrant, and a large percentage of the Dems will break their neck nodding Yes, and thus sell us all down the river, again.

[Atman]

24. They'll amend FISA and let Bush off the hook retroactively

Crimes are all relative to the GOP.

And their relatives are all criminals! LOL!

[spanone]

25. Regardless, BUSH* IS WIRETAPPING AS WE SPEAK.

He told US that he was wiretapping AND WILL CONTINUE TO WIRETAP. So what the fuck can Congress do???? ARREST THE BASTARD.