Gonzales could be prosecuted, McKay says

[deminks]

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=12036

The U.S. Inspector General may recommend criminal prosecution of departed Attorney General Alberto Gonzales at the conclusion of an investigation, possibly as early as next month, the fired former U.S. attorney for Western Washington told a Spokane audience Friday.

(snip)

McKay said he was summoned to Washington, D.C., in June and questioned for eight hours about possible reasons for his firing by investigators with the Office of Inspector General, who will forward their final report to Congress.

“My best guess is it will be released sometime next month,’’ and likely will include recommendations for criminal prosecutions of Gonzales and maybe others, McKay said.

(snip)

“When it lands … it is going to be an extremely negative report on President Bush’s Justice Department,’’ McKay told the packed conference room, which included federal prosecutors and judges.

“There was a conspiracy to politicize the Justice Department,’’ the former U.S. attorney said, “and they did not get away with it.”

[gateley]

1. K&R! nt

[H2O Man]

2. Good news

nominated

[cali]

3. You go Glenn Fine!

Prosecute the hell out of Gonzo, and prosecute him for something that leads directly to the admin.

This, btw, is why bushco wants to ensure there are no protections for IGs.

[malaise]

23. Why else did he 'lawyer up'?

Gonzo is a criminal.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Too bad McKay doesn't have the ability to prosecute the other criminals...

ie: This complete Administration, past and present....

[cali]

5. It's not McKay who gets the credit here

It's the IG, Glenn Fine. And actually, I think we have to be wary of a Saturday night massacre.

[rurallib]

6. Spoke with a member of congress last weekend

I asked if Gonzalez, Bush & Cheney would walk out on 1/20/09 scot free. The MC replied that the Justice Committee was building cases on all three, that to let them get away with all they have done would wreck the constitution.
I know we've all heard fighting words before but .....

[ClayZ]

10. I like those words!

K and R

[rodeodance]

28. yeah, lots of talk then they sit back and go ----gee whiz!

[dickbearton]

34. Go back to your rodeo dance, gee whiz, you sound like a Republican boot lick.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MsMagnificent]

61. sounds like

something many of us --non-Republican, non-bootlickers-- have thought

That kind of despair is brought on by disappointment and disillusion with this Congress.

As much as I'd like to praise our Democrat politicians -- they've got to supply us with something to be proud of!

[WHAT]

49. Yeah for McKay...

That's what ires me, it just seems that if there is a corrupt judiciary, then you couldn't have a democracy because a democracy would depend on rule of law to ensure consent and if it doesn't you don't have compliance...no matter the amount of pr thrown on the tv screen. If you force obedience without consent it's something besides democracy...

[Gregorian]

7. Setting the table.

These are all steps that move us toward, not away from, impeachment. And another positive thought- even if they aren't impeached, there is still criminal prosecution after they leave office. We haven't seen the last of this kind of thing. It's just the beginning.


They would be smart to end the war and resign.


Edit- I like the fact that "prosecutions" is plural.

Another edit- I just got back from the store in the town of Mendocino on the coast of northern California. As I turned around, I looked down the street, and at the end, going into the ocean, was a huge ball of a sun. I have never seen anything quite like it. I thought it might have been a good omen.

[cali]

9. Sounds like a good omen to me!

And I agree completely. I think this is the road to impeachment. I'm just worried that bushco will try and get rid of Fine. You know they don't want that report coming to light.

[Gregorian]

11. Is that the report on the FBI's spying abuses?

I hardly remember that. So many scandals ago.

Sooner or later they are going to run up against a judge who isn't on their side. Reggie Walton may be conservative, but even he was asking for Libby's head. And the longer this goes on, the closer we get to the point where pardons may not be applicable. I'm just blabbing here. But it seems like things could start picking up momentum in the favor of justice.

[UTUSN]

8. The sun'l come up TOMORROW!1 Bet your bottom dollar, TOMORROW!!1 n/t

[hisownpetard]

12. K&R!! O frabjous day, calloo, callay! Gonzales may get sent away!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jackpine Radical]

42. All mimsy were the Neocons,

the Republics outgrabe.

[hisownpetard]

44. You've made me chortle with joy, my beamish boy! nt

[kelliebrat]

13. This would be great, but I have a ??

Is there anyway Gonzo can be pardoned by Bush if Congress does bring charges? Or will they wait until they are out of office so that cant happen?

[tgnyc]

14. Fry that bitch!

[Disturbed]

15. Gonzo has hired a Defense Attorney.

He is getting ready for the battle.

[CatWoman]

48. lol

post of the year!!!! :thumbsup:

[yodermon]

16. and he will be PROMPTLY FUCKING PARDONED BY FUCKING BUSH argh

Do people not understand why IMPEACHMENT is the only solution left to save our Country???

[cali]

19. What makes you think such a prosecution and trial

would even be over by the time bush leaves office? And if you want more than a failed impeachment, this investigation is important.

[yodermon]

31. bush can issue a pardon prior to any conviction.

He can issue pre-emptive pardons just like poppy did for weinberger. Don't think that he won't.
Hell, his commutation of Scooter's sentence was de facto Obstruction of justice and impeachable in and of itself.
And impeachment proceedings would necessarily reveal so much *shit* that it couldn't possibly fail. In my opinion. Hence I will keep pushing for it.

[cali]

32. This investigation and potential prosecution is

a possible route to impeachment, so you should be supporting the hell out of it. And that's regardless of bushco pardoning Gonzales.

[yodermon]

55. Don't misunderstand - of *course* I support the prosecution of Gonzo.

I just believe that justice will be thwarted by fiat from the criminal cabal running the show, and it just pisses me the fuck off.
That's all.

[MsMagnificent]

40. I don't believe the American people

as dumb as they've appeared to be these last years, will allow Bush to continue to pardon convicted criminals.

And if the Democratic Party had ANY fucking sense it would jump on each and every one, detailing the hypocrisy
and for good measure, detailing all the many pardons :puke: Bush gave to those on death row in Texas
INCLUDING mocking a woman --a born-again Christian, no less-- about to be executed.

We have plenty of good, dry powder.
WHY won't they USE it??!

[AuntPatsy]

17. Shoulda, coulda, won't be..now whom do we invesititate next?

x(

[cali]

18. What do you base your dismissive comment on?

What do you know about this case? What do you know about Glenn Fine?

If you'd been following the bouncing investigatory ball, you'd know that this is a serious investigation, and Gonzo didn't hire Terwilliger for the fun of it.


Furthermore, several of the investigations conducted by dems have had real results- even if they're not the results you wanted.

[Disturbed]

20. Gonzo will most likely never go to Prison but he will

probably be disbarred.

[MiniMe]

21. Even if he is convicted and receives a sentence of prison, * will commute it

Just ilke with Scooter. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if * gave him immunity before a trial could take place because Gonzo could bring down the house of cards.

[cali]

22. What makes you think

that a conviction will come before bushco is out of office? And do you realize that this could be a boost for impeachment, depending on Fine's report and recommendations?

[MiniMe]

26. True, if there is a trial. Doesn't matter if * pardons him before a trial

If I were Gonzo's lawyer, and if there was going to be a trial, I would try to get the trial expedited just so * would still be President when the trial is over. It would be a brilliant strategy. Gonzo knows too much, and like Scooter, will probably spill the beans for a deal before he would go to jail. If the trial os over after * leaves office, he will have no protection, and that is dangerous to *co.

One thing is for sure, it will be interesting.

[Name removed]

35. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[cali]

38. I have no idea where that came from, but it's not true

and it is offensive- even if you're just attempting sarcasm.

[Beerboy]

24. Be advised, any time you see the title "Inspector General",

no matter the form of economy or government, it's someone who's been cashiered. 'Inspector General' usually refers to someone hanging onto the fringes of a bureaucracy by a political appointment, without any real influence over it's day-to-day workings.

[cali]

25. Want to provide some evidence for your

claim? Simply that someone is a political appointee, is hardly evidence that they don't have any real influence. Undoubtedly, there's an effort to sideline the IGs in the Departments, but some of them cling tenaciously to their positions. I'd argue that Fine is one of them, and I'd also argue that the admin would like to take him out because they are worried about his influence.

[rodeodance]

27. whow. I cross my fingers and toes.

[paulk]

29. good news!

and I have to say it sure is nice to find a thread here on DU that goes after a Republican for a change!

[L. Coyote]

30. This remains to be seen: “and they did not get away with it.” I'm not sure yet.

Don Siegelman would disagree. While the former governor of a state still sits in jail, they still are getting away with it. While the judges appointed, lawyers hired, etc., are still on the job, they are still getting away with it. It has yet to be undone, and a report won't change what has been done. We need action. Even impeachment would only be a beginning IF the Rs are thrown out completely.

[dickbearton]

33. K&R.

[dkofos]

36. * could be prosecuted too, but it will never happen. UNLESS

Kucinich wins

[cali]

37. I'd rather focus on realitry. n/t

[MsMagnificent]

39. Could

Could?!

So Congress, fucking DO it already! You interviewed McKay in JUNE!

And while you're at it -- haul those who you subpoenaed and refused to show up before you
-- in chains.
It's completely legal. You have the power.
Hell, any of US were to ignore a subpoena and you think the authorities would look the other way?!
If I ever get a subpoena, I should ignore it and claim legal precedent; for that is what Congress, the law makers, have allowed.

And make sure something is done over your investigations!
Investigations are good, they're needed; but they're just a waste of time when you don't DO anything with the knowledge you've gained.
For instance, WHY does Lurita Doan the cookie-lady still have her job?

Oh, and BTW, all this talk of Dem's families being threatened is pure bullshit, IMO. It's just people trying their best to rationalize to themselves why our politicians turn against members of our own party. I can understand not wanting to be disillusioned, but get real!
ALL they need is to go public with any threats. And if their families DO get hurt -- well then there will be hell to pay from the American people against the Greedy Old Perverts.
As bad as the 'pukes are, as uncaring of their reputation, they do NOT want to be seen as organized crime and prosecuted via RICO acts.


Your poor approval ratings are based directly upon your cowardice and your deference to criminals .

You all DO want to be reelected, don't you?
Yeah, I know there are more important reasons, but that's the only thing that would probably get your pantywaist-clad azzes in gear.

Pathetic.
Disgusting.

[cali]

43. er, this has little to do with Congress. It can't bring criminal

charges against Gonzales. This is an internal investigation conducted by Glenn Fine, the Inspector General as Justice, at Senator Leahy's request.

And you may consider Senator Leahy useless and only interested in re-election, but I don't and neither do 70+ percent of my fellow Vermonters.

If it weren't for Leahy, Gonzo wouldn't have been kicked out, there wouldn't have been an IG's investigation, and likely charges, and Rove would still be there.

[hisownpetard]

45. Leahy's one of the best! Great dignity and integrity, don'tcha think?

[MsMagnificent]

58. Then what can it do

when it finds laws have been broken?

Sounds rather toothless to me -- there must be something they can do!
So what can happen after a hearing, when criminality is found? What are the options?

And even if it can't bring criminal charges, it surely can haul those who ignore subpoena's up before them.
AND 'imprison' them too, I believe... but it may be more convoluted than just that.



That wasn't an attack upon Leahy and I'm sorry if it sounded that way, he wasn't even mentioned in the op. He is one of the few who I'm proud of.
If I had realized it would appear pointed towards him I would have put in a disclaimer.

It was in general to all members of Congress who do nothing but vacillate and retreat and hide their heads in the sand. That's not Leahy. If he had to be included in the 'reelection' rant, he'd be at the bottom of the list.

[cali]

59. well, it can impeach.

but just because as a body it doesn't have prosecutorial privilege doesn't mean that it has to be powerless. It does have the ability to make laws. When a committee uncovers law breaking by an individual, it can refer the information, as Leahy did, to someone or some agency that can pursue it.

[MsMagnificent]

60. Let's take the matter of Lurita Doan...

...it found, substantially, that she willfully violated the Hatch Act.
Now, to me, it doesn't sound as if impeachment would be the solution

so what is?
She's still in her job!
Her wages are paid for by us, the taxpayers!
So if it can refer said information, why hasn't it?

[me b zola]

46. k&r

[Faygo Kid]

47. He'll never be prosecuted. But he could be disbarred.

Anybody who believes that a high-level Bush Administration official - like Cabinet level - will ever be prosecuted is smoking Crayolas. But, Gonzalez is a lawyer. Bush doesn't control all the bar associations. Gonzalez could be disbarred, and that could lead to the investigation we must have.

[cali]

51. I think it's worth waiting and seeing

After all the second in charge at Interior is going to jail. I realize that's not the same as Gonzo, but I think it all depends what Fine digs up.

[pingzing58]

50. Pelosi Dems will not agree to it. It would be mean spirited and might lose Repug votes so important

to her.

[cali]

52. Only it has jackshit to do with Pelosi.

Once again DUers prove they don't know the specifics of a given situation, but have no hesitation chiming in with an opinion.

[pingzing58]

53. Right Cali she's a powerless figure head who has not accomplished anything and can't stop his

prosecution from going forward because it has nothing to do with her or congress. Time will tell. I will apologize to you if Pelosi never comments on why this prosecution should not go forward.

[cali]

54. One more time: The Congress cannot prosecute anyone and this

has zip to do with Pelosi. You don't need to apologize to me, but I can guarantee you, she won't be saying anything about how she thinks Gonzo shouldn't be prosecuted if that's what Fine recommends. In fact, she'll be all over it about how he should be prosecuted.

It didn't take me long to find this, comments from Pelosi about Libby:

Pelosi Statement on President's Commutation of Scooter Libby Prison Sentence

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on President Bush’s commutation of Lewis “Scooter” Libby’s prison sentence today:

"The President's commutation of Scooter Libby's prison sentence does not serve justice, condones criminal conduct, and is a betrayal of trust of the American people.

"The President said he would hold accountable anyone involved in the Valerie Plame Wilson leak case. By his action today, the President shows his word is not to be believed. He has abandoned all sense of fairness when it comes to justice, he has failed to uphold the rule of law, and he has failed to hold his Administration accountable

[spanone]

56. kick

r

[bonito]

57. Great news!

Thanks for posting this deminks!