Former Ala. Governor Turns Tables on Justice Department

[lonestarnot]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/12/AR2008041201903_pf.html


Siegelman Connects His Case to Accusations of Interference

By Carrie Johnson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 13, 2008; A02



The successful criminal prosecution of former Alabama governor Don Siegelman (D) has become tangled in political charges and countercharges that reflect contrasting views about the independence of the Justice Department.

In the two weeks since his release from prison pending an appeal, Siegelman has sharply increased the volume of his assertions that he was railroaded. He says that Karl Rove, who was a White House adviser, targeted him for prosecution to ensure he did not win reelection to the governor's office and displace a Republican there.

Siegelman is seizing on a theme that is newly popular with politically connected defendants: turning the tables on a Justice Department vulnerable to accusations of interference because of missteps last year under then-Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.

[nashville_brook]

1. hmm, would be nice if Siegelman could crack open a criminal investigation of the Gonzo DOJ

[EFerrari]

2. Take it to them, Don.

K&R

[bow-tie]

3. What would you give

to see Rove's face as he enters the joint with all the other felons, waiting for that cavity search?

[tom_paine]

4. This is still written as if it was edited by the RNC

which, in many ways, it was.

You understand that, right from the get go, Johnson (or her Bushie Editors, more likely) tells us the criminal prosecution was "successful" (therefore implying validity at a subconscious level)

Siegelman, you see, has "seized on a theme newly popular with politically connected defendents".

Which, at the subconscious level, tells you he's just another guilty slob trying to work an angle to go free even though he's guilty.

That's what Ms. Johnson's undoubtedly edited words say from an advertising and marketing perspective. And from said persepctive, this is a welll-executed hit piece for the Bushies, and it carries our their own desired plans by smearing Siegelman at the subconscious level.

Do I think Ms. Johnson was a willing conpirator? Unlikely. But corporate pressure creates it's own conspiracies of self-interest and the motivation to keep one's job.

And in the modern media, shying away from telling the truth about the Bushies is almost as guaranteed a ticket to success as fabricating and spreading lies about Americans.

[lonestarnot]

6. I agree. But never-the-less.

[elizfeelinggreat]

7. At least

it's a story that can no longer be ignored ...

I agree they're framing it to their advantage but at least the story is coming out. Let's hope that it gets more (and better) coverage!

[tom_paine]

9. Agreed. n/t

[pscot]

5. Siegelman for Attorney General

He would be an AG with a mission.

[L. Coyote]

8. Don't confuse selective prosecution with innocence.

Even if he wins the appeal, there may be another trial on the charges, ..... etc.

Under the circumstances, not realistic. Think John Edwards, Patrick Leahy ... many possibles that have impressive records.