Jan 16, 2009 9:16am

Obama Pressed to Investigate Bush Era

ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: President-elect Barack Obama has said he’s looking forward, not backward. But he’s facing intensifying pressure to check the rear-view mirror when it comes to alleged wrongdoing by the Bush administration. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman writes Friday that if Obama doesn’t seek justice for possible crimes by the Bush administration, “this means that those who hold power are indeed above the law because they don’t face any consequences if they abuse their power.” He wants an investigation of warrantless wiretapping, politicization of justice and environmental policies, war contracts, and even the run-up to the Iraq war. “While it’s probably in his short-term political interests to forgive and forget, next week he’s going to swear to ‘preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ That’s not a conditional oath to be honored only when it’s convenient,” Krugman writes. “And to protect and defend the Constitution, a president must do more than obey the Constitution himself; he must hold those who violate the Constitution accountable. So Mr. Obama should reconsider his apparent decision to let the previous administration get away with crime. Consequences aside, that’s not a decision he has the right to make.” Also weighing in Friday is Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. — whom, it should be noted, has subpoena power in investigations of his own, as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He touts a report he and his staff prepared, “Reining in the Imperial Presidency,” and which, at nearly 500 pages, is itself hard to rein in. Writes Conyers, in a Washington Post op-ed: “As this report documents, there was the administration’s contrived drive to a needless war of aggression with Iraq, based on manipulated intelligence and facts that were ‘fixed around the policy.’ There was its politicization of the Justice Department; unconscionable and possibly illegal policies on detention, interrogation and extraordinary rendition; warrantless wiretaps of American citizens; the ravaging of our regulatory system and the use of signing statements to override the laws of the land; and the intimidation and silencing of critics and whistle-blowers who dared to tell fellow citizens what was being done in their name. And all of this was hidden behind an unprecedented veil of secrecy and outlandish claims of privilege.” He said he understands the impulse to look only forward — but thinks it’s the wrong course. He wants Congress and the Obama administration to launch major queries of the Bush years — including an “independent criminal probe into whether any laws were broken in connection with these activities.” Conyers writes: “In my view it would not be responsible to start our journey forward without first knowing exactly where we are. We cannot rebuild the appropriate balance between the branches of government without fully understanding how that relationship has been distorted.” ABC’s George Stephanopoulos asked Obama Sunday on “This Week” whether he’d appoint a special prosecutor to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the Bush administration. He didn’t seem inclined to do it — though he left the door open, if only very slightly. OBAMA: “We’re still evaluating how we’re going to approach the whole issue of interrogations, detentions, and so forth. And obviously, we’re going to look at past practices. And I don’t believe that anybody is above the law. On the other hand, I also have a belief that we need to look forward as opposed to looking backwards. And part of my job is to make sure that, for example, at the CIA, you’ve got extraordinarily talented people who are working very hard to keep Americans safe. I don’t want them to suddenly feel like they’ve got to spend all their time looking over their shoulders and lawyering up.” STEPHANOPOULOS: “So, no 9/11 commission with independent seeking of power?” OBAMA: “Well, we have not made any final decisions but my instinct is for us to focus on how do we make sure that, moving forward, we are doing the right thing. That doesn’t mean that if somebody has blatantly broken the law, that they are above the law. But my orientation’s going to be to move forward.” STEPHANOPOULOS: “So, let me just press that one more time. You’re not ruling out prosecution, but will you tell your Justice Department to investigate these cases and follow the evidence where it leads?” OBAMA: “What I — I think my general view when it comes to my attorney general is that he’s the people’s lawyer. Eric Holder’s been nominated. His job is to uphold the Constitution and look after the interests of the American people. Not be swayed by my day-to-day politics. So ultimately, he’s going to be making some calls. But my general belief is that when it comes to national security, what we have to focus on is getting things right in the future as opposed to looking at what we got wrong in the past.”

User Comments

We have how many problems in this country today??? and we are going to continue the ‘new american way’ blame, blame, blame.
Obama sums it up well: “Well we have not made any final decisions but my instinct is for us to focus on how do we make sure that moving forward, we are doing the right thing.”
Isn’t that what we were all taught in grade school, and sunday school. Make up and move on.
We waste so much time in this country blaming others, shifting blame and rehasing. Just think of where we could be if we solved a problem admitted a mistake and went on

Posted by: Sue | January 16, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am

I hope his investigation shows information that was reported by Dr.Frist in a recent interview. The liberals in this country are so intent on blaming Bush for everything. I hope Bush gets to have the last laugh especially since he’s been laughed at so much.

Posted by: john | January 16, 2009, 9:37 am 9:37 am

Give it a rest, left-wingers! We have absolutely no time, money or reason to investigate ANYONE in the Bush administration! JUST GIVE IT UP!!!!

Posted by: M. Smith | January 16, 2009, 9:41 am 9:41 am

Obama and his team are smart enough to stay away from retribution and, as Holder said yesterday, criminalizing policy differences. Bush/Cheney certainly used shady – and quite possibly illegal – tactics, but new administration can’t be in the business of taking borderline disputes and turning them into divisive investigations
http://www.political-buzz.com/

Posted by: matt | January 16, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am

How is it they could investigate Nixon while in office but NOT Bush? Crimes are crimes… unless your Nancy Pelosi and decide punishment is “off the table…” I would NOT be surpirsed if Obama keep ALL of Bush’s illegal, criminal and unconstitutional polices in place. What politican can turn down polices that give him dictatorial control over those he intends to rule. If they believed what they sais they would have investigated, impeached and convicted Bush. Now they want to use his “tools” to go after their politcal enemies AND the American people. Especially gun owners and tax protestors… There will be two wars after the inauguration… the ones overseas, and the ones from this administration and congress, keeping the “war on terror” alive…. which translates into the war on YOU the American people. They cheered tyranny under Bush, and now Obama will like in “Brave New World” get them to love their “service” or “servitude.” And the death of what once was a great country will continue unabated…

Posted by: hmn... | January 16, 2009, 9:47 am 9:47 am

This same old tired argument from liberals who are more concerned about terrorists rights than the safety of our own country. Democrats would face a storm of opposition from within their own party if they tried this. It would cost time, money, bickering and in the end, nothing would come of it because nothing illegal was done.
Even if it was in a gray area, which much of it is, I for one have no problem with what the Bush administration has done to keep us safe.

Posted by: Lee | January 16, 2009, 9:48 am 9:48 am

Obama should not actively seek to procecute and overturn an amnesty Bush already has gotten from Congress and the Senate. Look ahead!
What he can do is declassify some of the crimes done, and have them out in the open.
Sure, the courts will probably dismiss cases having to do with wiretaps and power abuse, especially on foreigners. Supposedly “minor” things already known in part, and more importantly given immunity.
But are there homocides done to people in the USA, or other highly illegal acts done to a citizen of US. Who knows? The supreme court might not dismiss complaints from an ordinary tax-payer with a legitimate grievance. He should be allowed to hear case, at least.

Posted by: Sylvia Johnsen | January 16, 2009, 9:50 am 9:50 am

For the sake of this country’s reputation around the world, we need to deal with the Bush war crimes. I will gladly contribute my fair share of the cost of that investigation. Where do I send my check?

Posted by: hang | January 16, 2009, 9:51 am 9:51 am

Investigate the 40 foot lot that Tony Rezco purchased next to the Sen. Obama mansion. Also, let’s look into “Dreams of My Father” which was written by William Ayers of the Weathermen Underground. Compared to other Ayer’s books such as “To Teach” and “Fugitive Days,” same dumb nautical metaphors, same misspellings of 60s and early 70s cultural figures, same NYC East River metaphor, same green-eyed girl friend whose father owns a country mansion/estate with a lake in the backyard. Same style of writing and the over use of the triple dependent clause. When is Obama going to come clean about the authorship of his memoir, “Dreams of My Father.”

Posted by: Colonel Rebel | January 16, 2009, 9:54 am 9:54 am

We had almost 8 years of Democrats investigating already. Are we going to have 4 more years of Democrats doing nothing but investigations

Posted by: hmn... | January 16, 2009, 9:56 am 9:56 am

I do think that cheney should spend some time behind bars. As for bush, I think his intentions may have been good, it’s just that he should never have been president.

Posted by: pt | January 16, 2009, 9:58 am 9:58 am

It is a disgrace to the world that the Bush Crime family and his criminal partners are going to walk away with all the crap they left behind, while laughing all the way to the bank. F- these guys. I voted for Obama but if he doesn’t go after these scum buckets and prosecute them as TRAITORS to our nation. Then I will never vote for anyone again as long I live. If our nation is the torch of freedom and democracy, then Obama needs to set the tone. Yes we need to repair our economy. But first go after these #### and show the world that justice and democracy lives strong in the USA. That looking forward and not going backwards is bullc—. If Obama doesn’t bring out the gullotine to clean house then our nation is doomed.

Posted by: cony007 | January 16, 2009, 10:02 am 10:02 am

All crimes, large and small, petty and grand, that are ever prosecuted were committed in the past. Why is this any different? We do have administration officials talking about and admitting their decision TO TORTURE.
Perhaps we should simply let the international community handle this matter, and they could arrest suspects if/when they travel outside the US.

Posted by: Kim | January 16, 2009, 10:05 am 10:05 am

You people are sad examples of Americans.
I’m not a Democrat but I’m an American and I damn sure want anyone who disregarded our Constitution to do time in jail for it.
Does our Constitution not concern any of you at all?
Bush and Cheney swore an oath and they immediately broke it.
This is our country, not their’s. We are supposed to have the power in America, not them.
Prosecute them for their crimes and make sure that no administration is ever allowed to run amok in America again.

Posted by: Don Donofrio | January 16, 2009, 10:10 am 10:10 am

No future president wants to damage the image of a former president. There are committees who should do this but not the president-elect. He has other more important jobs to handle. What good would it do….he has left office with little or no dignity? I am not interested in making him pay. I think it is Cheney that we should be attacking. He was the master mind and is still arrogant. Let’s look into his past 8 years….I think you will find he is the guilty one…Bush is the fall guy for letting him have so much power.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | January 16, 2009, 10:14 am 10:14 am

Every move that the Bush administration made has been scrutinized over the past 8 years. It’s only now that dishonest liberals want to cast aspersions on those decisions. That could never be more evident when some of you posters use Salon.com verbiage like “Bush Crime Family”, nazi, war crimes, etc.
Over the past 2 years, Obama has been given a pass by the MSM for his ties with Ayers, Wright, Farakhan, etc., and his business dealing with Rezko.
Be careful what you wish for, liberals. It may just come back to Obama in spades.

Posted by: Simon | January 16, 2009, 10:23 am 10:23 am

Well its true the Bush and his administration is above the law.
IS it time for Another Revolution.

Posted by: GHM | January 16, 2009, 10:26 am 10:26 am

To: Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | Jan 16, 2009 10:14:32 AM
The Bush Crime Family, the crooks who robbed this country blind, and Bush’s criminal partners must burn in hell. They are TRAITORS not only to our nation but as well towards humanity. These guys know we they were up do. Their agenda was simple. Tear down the fabric of our nation so we become a third world country. Then they can implement their NEW WORLD ORDER bullcr–onto the world and the US. Wake up America. If Obama doesn’t go after these people our children and children of the world will becomes to these sick twisted men.

Posted by: cony007 | January 16, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am

Where were the media when these crimes were committed? They kept quiet and now when Bush is on the way out, they are starting their usual game. You also media, you must be prosecuted. You did not do your work as it was required!

Posted by: Rita | January 16, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am

Why is everyone looking to Obama to begin the charge? He is no longer a member of Congress and soon will be leading the Executive Branch. Once given or taken, it is very infrequent that an organization give up the power acquired.
Policing the Executive is the job of Congress (and the Judiciary). Conyers is correct. Congress should investigate and then make recommendations to the new administration – if the evidence is there, politically the new POTUS can do something about it. If not, nothing will be done.
The problem is that too many Democrats and Republicans currently in power in the halls of Congress are complicit and enabled much of what Bush and his Unitary Executive are accused of. They knew about, let it happen and did nothing to stop it. They don’t really want investigations. That’s why the GOP did nothing for 6 years and the Democrats did nothing for 2 but say that impeachment was off the table.

Posted by: po | January 16, 2009, 10:35 am 10:35 am

Uh Rick, didn’t a court yesterday or the day before clear the methods of intelligence gathering that has been undertaken by the Bush administration and doesn’t this then give Obama the same power when he takes office?
This Krugman guy you guys cite so often, is he an economics professional or just an expert at everything, especially everything republican?

Posted by: david | January 16, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am

The mentally Ill lefties who suffer from BUSH DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, are in for a rude awaking..This country will probably be in another civil war if they try to get there way.
“the Hill” today:: democrats are mad as hell at Nancy Pelosi:
Blago impeached for pay2play Why hasn’t Bill richardson been inpeached also

Posted by: who says what | January 16, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am

Don: “Does our Constitution not concern any of you at all?
Bush and Cheney swore an oath and they immediately broke it.”
Would you mind telling me what Contitutional law Bush and company immediately broke? Seems like a simple question…

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 10:51 am 10:51 am

I want to know what Cheney and Bush have on Nancy Pelosi.

Posted by: hang | January 16, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am

The Bush Administration made some big mistakes but that was his call to go beyond the call of his sworn oath of office.
If Obama’s Justice Department try investigating the Bush Administration it would tie up Washington for years and leave this in a bigger mess than we are already in.
This Country need to move forward and
should learn from it’s many mistakes.

Posted by: Lookup | January 16, 2009, 11:03 am 11:03 am

The Bush Administration made some big mistakes but that was his call to go beyond the call of his sworn oath of office.
If Obama’s Justice Department try investigating the Bush Administration it would tie up Washington for years and leave this county in a bigger mess than we are already in.
This Country need to move forward and
should learn from it’s many mistakes.

Posted by: Lookup | January 16, 2009, 11:05 am 11:05 am

That 70′s Guy – What Bush and Cheney have on Pelosi and all the other “top” Democrats in Congress is that all of them knew more than they’ve admitted to knowing publicly, did NOTHING to stop it and may have even asked if they could go further. Because in DC, when something goes wrong (like the Unitary Executive not doing anything when provided with warnings like “OBL determined to attack in the US”) the tendency is to overreact and overreach in BIG ways so that no one can get blamed for not doing anyting if it happens again.
It’s the same tendency that will keep Congress and the new administration from doing much of anything — none will want to hear the Rabid Right saying — see, told you you had to trample the Constitution to keep us safe. They’ll just keep using it as a doormat and say we all agreed to walk on the same GD piece of paper.

Posted by: po | January 16, 2009, 11:13 am 11:13 am

It wasn’t my question (I think it was hang’s), but thanks, po.

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 11:19 am 11:19 am

Posted by: Mike_C | January 16, 2009, 11:49 am 11:49 am

Posted by: Mike_C | January 16, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am

While I agree that this country needs to move beyond the endless political blame games that have been so destructive to progress and true, constructive bipartisanship, it’s vitally imperative that the leaders of our country be held accountable for their actions. To not do this in some fashion will only present a dangerous precedent for future generations and send the wrong message to the world.
Just as South Africa confronted it’s years of apartheid so too must the United States now face the serious questions and allegations leveled against the Bush Administration’s leadership. I do not necessarily advocate criminal investigations but I do support the formation of a “truth and reconciliation” commission to at the least bring these issues to light.
The action or inaction by the citizens of United States over investigating the alleged abuses of the Bush Administration will resonate around the world. If this nation is to truly remain (or regain) it’s position as the leader of the free world then our path is clear. The world is watching – will we be courageous enough to expose our mistakes and insure they never happen again?

Posted by: bebop | January 16, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am

Bush doesn’t care. His family has purchased a 98,000 acre ranch in Paraguay (which, BTW, is guarded by 400 US Marines at taxpayers’ expense)…he and his cronies have a great place to run off to if things get too hot here…they will be sitting on their keisters sipping mai-tais and snorting coke while the rest of us suffer with the incredible mess they have left us. What they did was not “mistakes”…they and those behind them are NOT that dumb…everything these people do is carefully planned. They are criminals who KNOW they will never be prosecuted for what they have done.

Posted by: capnmike | January 16, 2009, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm

To Cony007: From your address, I see you think you are James Bond. What I said is that the president should not get involved…committees should. If there is something dishonest, then we should go after them. Otherwise, give it a rest. Bush is disgraced as it is. Have a little compasion in your heart.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | January 16, 2009, 12:17 pm 12:17 pm

This is why I never vote for Democrats (even though I am pro-choice, and pro-gay marriage). Whenever they get in office, they spend all their time in sub-committees and hearings to try to make Republicans look bad instead of making decisions and helping this country.
You may not agree with everything Bush did, but at least he had the backbone to make a stand to protect this country.
I hope they are not planning on spending millions to investigate something that will have nothing come out of it in the end.
Looks like the Dem’s will waste our money on what….a 3,000 page briefing that no one will read and some politician will make some money.
Great change there. I’m giving Obama the benefit of the doubt & I think it’s great that someone other than a middle-aged white man is president, but if it’s the same partisan pointing of fingers again (and he allows it), my hope gets knocked down another notch.
How about they focus on how they will make sure that this country does not get attacked for another 8 years like Bush. I’d like to know that terrorists will not kill more American’s here.
I do not care if GWB personally listened in on my conversations stating Patriot Act…just keep me safe!
You won…now change this country for the better…People have expectations…don’t try to divert attention by trying to make GW Bush look bad…it only reflects poorly on the priority of your party.

Posted by: Rochelle | January 16, 2009, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm

Investigate WHAT! This is beyond sick. The democrats are evil.

Posted by: Ann | January 16, 2009, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm

FYi: I am a dishartened republican who voted democratic and is now an Independent. It is not a matter of which party won, America won. We are all Americans wanting the same thing. We all love our country, God and our family. It is not restricted to a party. We need to get on with things and look to the future and hope for a better one.

Posted by: Pat Napolitano Marietta. Ga. | January 16, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm

The Bush administration lied, deceived, raped and pillaged our Constitution. First and foremost, I want our rights BACK — to live free there is risk, for heaven’s sake, people. We cannot have it both ways. Terrorism is going to happen, whether we spend three trillion for 3 million. The whole idea is to bankrupt this country in fighting illusive threats. AND, they have almost done it. WE, as Americans, are responsible for keeping due diligence — WE are America — not the government. Obama must investigate and let the facts take them where they have to go. I am sick and tired of more stuff being dusted under the rug. That rug bulge is starting to look like Mt. McKinley!!! People, all people, must be responsible for their actions, the good and the bad.

Posted by: profm2 | January 16, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm

“You people are sad examples of Americans.
I’m not a Democrat but I’m an American and I damn sure want anyone who disregarded our Constitution to do time in jail for it.
Does our Constitution not concern any of you at all?
Bush and Cheney swore an oath and they immediately broke it.
This is our country, not their’s. We are supposed to have the power in America, not them.
Prosecute them for their crimes and make sure that no administration is ever allowed to run amok in America again.”
———————————–
Don Donofrio,
**************************
What about the attack on our Constitution that will happen over the next 4 years? Are you worried that hard working people trying to move from middle class to upper middle class will be pushed back down through tax penalties and the new Socialist agenda.
Where does the Constitution say that the Democratic party needs to create Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginne Mae so that people who cannot afford a house can get one, default on the payments, and then force responsible American’s to bail them out of foreclosure?

Posted by: You've got to be kidding | January 16, 2009, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm

I took an oath years ago to defend the constitution against ALL enemies, foreign, and if we are going to go after Bush, then we also need to go after ALCU, Congress, Unions, all Banking institutions, all Organizations that preach against the constitution, in any way shape or form, so my question would be, where would it stop! A law is a law, where do you draw the line? Just like driving a car. Do we fudge a little at the red light, or do we Stop !If that is the case every American and Illegal would be in jail. Think about it. Are we who we say we are, Americans, or are we just like the Congress?

Posted by: Sonny | January 16, 2009, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm

Why isn’t BARNEY FRANK BEING INVESTIGATED AND THE EVIL DEMOCRATS THAT CAUSED THESE FINANCIAL CRISISES? Oh I forgot they’re dems from hell. They’re allowed to be BAD. They follow their congressional leaders, who are scum itself along with being baby killers. I think they should all be put away, starting with Pelosi.

Posted by: Ann | January 16, 2009, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm

BS. I am sick to death of this attitude of Obama’s. “Let’s look forward”. You can ask any incarcerated person if they wish the judge that sentenced them would have said the same thing. I voted for Obama because I felt he was smart and had integrity. If he chooses to ignore his responsibility to the constitution and to the citizens of this country, then he is no better then the moron leaving office.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW………NO ONE!!!

Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm

Obviously another biased, slime democrat started this evil thread. We had a wonderful”good” president who protected us for the last 7 years! Do you think Billy boy Clinton would have done that? I’m still laughing.

Posted by: Ann | January 16, 2009, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm

It’s easy to see why Obama wants to avoid looking back. There was such wide spread abuse of power it would take all his energy and entire first term just to get started. There’s simply not enough time, money or man power to prosecute all the wrong doing.

Posted by: Mark in NY | January 16, 2009, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm

Wow Ann,
Aren’t you late to your snake worshiping church?

Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm

Obama defend the constitution? He hasn’t even proved he was born in the U.S.

Posted by: pcmania | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm

It’s -23 degrees where I am right now, upper midwest. Schools have been closed for two days! As a kid, here, I never experienced this cold. Now Obama said he wants to spend billions out of the bail-out money on global warming! This is beyond sick.. We do not have an experienced in life, intelligent human being for a upcoming president.

Posted by: Ann | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm

You so called americans want to procecute Bush, and Cheney for allowing a terrorist to be slapped arround, and dunked in water so that they could prevent another 9/11 that killed 3 of my friends.
Whos side are you on? What if it was your child locked in a box, and the only person who knew where your child was, was in your custody? Would you simlply ask him where your child is, or would you do a little more than put him in a freezing room, play loud music, and dunk him in water? My guess if you can call yourself a parent is you would do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get the location of your kidnapped child.
Liberals are pure filth.

Posted by: Eric | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm

As a former government employee for many years, I have found that, without proper accountability nothing changes.
I think we need the change, therefore we need the accountability.

Posted by: Jay | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm

Ann, One can only laugh when reading comments from people like you. If you had one active brain cell you might be able to understand how wrong you are. Bush created more terrorists than he ever stopped. I’ll stop there. I’m sure you don’t even understand that sentence.

Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm

eric—–so you think people that dont want to torture someone or doesnt want to start war is filthy…..man you republithugs are some wierd and evil people.

Posted by: T | January 16, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm

This is to Ann: Are you aware that any other country can put into motion the indictments of the Bush administration for war crimes? If we don’t do it, some other country can — and off to The Hague we go. Is this what America wants — the pillar of human rights — to be investigated for war crimes by another nation?

Posted by: profm2 | January 16, 2009, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm

I am Republican and I want an investigation. Those here who claim “the lefties” want this are not the only ones.
If we let him slide we give a legal precedent to every future president to violate The Constitution AND international law and therefor cannot prosecute any future offender.
Bush and Cheney belong in jail and everyone in the world knows it except for the last remaining ignorant 10% of America that still support him for some unknown emotional reason.

Posted by: Max | January 16, 2009, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm

Thanks for the compliment Eric! Filth? That’s a step up from the manure leaving the office. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Bye Bye Bushy. Go to Texas and ride one of your invisible horses around. PUTZ

Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009, 12:39 pm 12:39 pm

I’ll ask again: Mary, what law(s) did Bush & Co. break?

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm

If there’s nothing to hide ,then there’s nothing to fear …

Posted by: Illinois209 | January 16, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm

I was against the bailout from the beginning – I feel like the American people are getting F—-ed over and there is nothing we can do about it – The bailout money never got to anyone. It reminds me of charity companies like UNICEF and the Am. Red Cross whose administration fees eat up 80% of all donations. Here we are donating our tax dollars to big companies who pass on 20% of the take to those who really need it. No wonder the attitude is “let me get what I can” since for the last 8 years, our leaders have lead by example. Obama should over turn any last minute pardons by the BUSH thieves and prosecute just like the Nuremberg trials… Until all are jailed.

Posted by: Benjamin B | January 16, 2009, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm

For the time being, Obama and his administration should focus on getting this country back on it’s feet! The last thing we need to do is spend millions of dollars on an investigation that could take years to iron out. I’m all for prosecuting those who have committed crimes, but we have bigger issues at hand. Focus on what is needed, that can always be re-visited.

Posted by: chris | January 16, 2009, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm

Republicans don’t want Bush investigated
because they all know he’s a lier and a crook !

Posted by: Rick | January 16, 2009, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm

Ah the liberal left nut jobs got to love them.

Posted by: john | January 16, 2009, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm

What needs investigation is the news media and their hiding behind the 1st admendment to do their dirty work and manipulate the news to support their agenda. We need to be really worried about their joing forces with the left wing to destroy this country with socialistic programs.

Posted by: Jim Ansted | January 16, 2009, 12:50 pm 12:50 pm

Q: When a house is burning, what do you do first…put out the fire or find out who started the fire while the house burns to the ground? A: Put out the fire first!!! Our Country is in serious trouble. Start fixing the problems THEN worry about who to hang for them. I’m tired of these stupid witch hunts.

Posted by: Priorities | January 16, 2009, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm

The idea here is that if we as a nation torture our prisoners then what moral high ground do we possess in war? None.
I for one do not want our troops tortured in turn if and when they are captured by our enemies.
If you think torture really does work – I suggest you stop watching ’24′ and hit up your local library for some research on the matter.
“America does not torture.” – PEBO
Get used to ‘that one.’

Posted by: Jack Bower | January 16, 2009, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm

A civilized nation that respects and lives by laws cannot and should not “turn the page” on past criminal acts. Clearly, the outgoing administration had broken many laws in its greed for more power. Mr. Obama and the new Congress should pursue a rigorous examination of the facts surrounding the lies Bush & company engaged in for initiating their aggressive war against a sovereign nation, the criminal acts that were committed in conducting the war and other criminal violations of our civil rights.

Posted by: Steve | January 16, 2009, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm

I dislike Bush/Cheney intensely and want them out of power, never to be given any again. That said, I would like to have their atrocities declassified and shown the light of day; however, I am not inclined to go after these hooligans in the courts wasting resources on bygones.
It is interesting that the Republicans who were so quick to impeach Clinton for a dalliance are so intent on forgiving Bush his willful policies flaunting our constitutional rights while he hypocritically mouthed the virtues of democracy.

Posted by: two-cats | January 16, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm

My phone was never tapped. Was yours ??

Posted by: Larry Wallace | January 16, 2009, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm

Honest intelligent men can reach different conclusions to the left and to the right. It would be wrong for the left and the right to persecute each other for past alleged “wrongdoing”. Let’s move forward.

Posted by: john raccoon | January 16, 2009, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm

Oh Mary – Such an angry Liberal. We have more terrorists now, we might not of had a 9/11 at all if Clinton (oh yes, a DEMOCRAP president) would of done his job on the Taliban in the first place. Why didn’t he? Oh yes, LYING TO HIS FELLOW AMERICANS THAT HE DIDN’T HAVE “S” with Miss Lewinsky. Tragedies like the USS Cole bombing in Yemen (2000), the Original bombing at the World Trade Center (1993) and the bombings at the US embassies in Africa (1998) were all done while Clinton was president. This was done by the Taliban and other terrorists groups. We can all thank Bill for chasing women instead of taking care of your fellow Americans…

Posted by: msindependent | January 16, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm

3rd Time: What law(s) did Bush & Co. break, and who is complicit in those crimes?
Your turn to pony-up, Steve:
“Clearly, the outgoing administration had broken many laws in its greed for more power.”

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm

Oh well. I guess it wasn’t as “clear” as promised. Apparently, clarity is only a sound bite for angry liberals who still harbor ill feelings over Clinton’s impeachment, disbarment, or whatever. Get over it.

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm

Let’s first look at the list of the president’s High Crimes and Misdemeanors. They are:
1. “A Crime Against Peace.” Initiating a war of aggression against a nation that posed no immediate threat to the U.S.–a war that has needlessly killed 2550 Americans and maimed and damaged over 20,000 more, while killing over 100,000 innocent Iraqi men, women and children, is the number one war crime according to the Nuremberg Charter, a document which was largely drawn up by American lawyers after World War II.
2. Lying and organizing a conspiracy to trick the American people and the U.S. Congress into approving an unnecessary and illegal war. This is defined as “A Conspiracy to Commit a Crime Against Peace” in the Nuremberg Charter, to which the U.S. is a signatory.
3. Approving and encouraging, in violation of U.S. and international law, the use of torture, kidnapping and rendering of prisoners of war captured in Iraq and Afghanistan and in the course of the so-called War on Terror. Note that the Hamdan decision actually declares Bush to have violated the Third Geneva Convention on Treatment of Prisoners of War, which means the justices are in effect calling the president a war criminal. Under U.S. and international law, if prisoners have died because of such a violation–and many have died in illegal US captivity because of torture authorized by this president–the penalty is death (a point made to the president in a warning memo written by his then White House counsel Alberto Gonzales, the text of which is published in full in the appendix of our book).
4. Illegally stripping the right of citizenship and the protections of the Constitution from American citizens, denying them the fundamental right to have their cases heard in a court, to hear the charges against them, to be judged in a public court by a jury of their peers, and to have access to a lawyer.
5. Authorizing the spying on American citizens and their communications by the National Security Agency and other U.S. police and intelligence agencies, in violation of the First and Fourth Amendments and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
6. Obstructing investigation into and covering up knowledge of the deliberate exposing of the identity of a U.S. CIA undercover operative, and possibly conspiring in that initial outing itself.
7. Obstructing the investigation into the 9-11 attacks and lying to investigators from the Congress and the bi-partisan 9-11 Commission–actions that come perilously close to treason. (Former Florida Senator Bob Graham, who headed the Senate Intelligence Committee until his retirement at the end of 2002, has called this the president’s most impeachable crime.)
8. Violating the due process and other constitutional rights of thousands of citizens and legal residents by rounding them up and disappearing or deporting them without hearings.
9. Abuse of power, undermining of the Constitution and violating the presidential oath of office by deliberately refusing to administer over 750 acts duly passed into law by the Congress–actions with if left unchallenged would make the Congress a vestigial body, and the president a dictator.
10. Criminal negligence in failing to provide American troops with adequate armor before sending them into a war of choice, criminal negligence in going to war against a weak, third-world nation without any planning for post war occupation and reconstruction, criminal negligence in failing to respond to a known and growing crisis in the storm-blasted city of New Orleans, and criminal negligence in failing to act, and in fact in actively obstructing efforts by other countries and American state governments, to deal with the looming crisis of global warming.
Crimes 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, and possibly crimes 1, 2 and 6 have all been justified by the president using the claim of “special powers” in his role as commander in chief, the claim that was ruled invalid by the High Court, in relation to crime number 3.

Posted by: zekesma | January 16, 2009, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm

My comment was not spam. I took a lot of time, effort, and energy, to write that.

Posted by: Pamela McCandless | January 16, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm

To Posted by: Rochelle – Well said and Thank you. To zekesma, go more to Canada, if you feel Bush is the only President that should be investigated you don’t know your history. Why don’t you stop and read at your local library. I’m glad Bush is out, and I’m
giving Obama my support even thou I didn’t vote for him. Obama will be President next week and Bush won’t so get over it until you find another Republican to blame for all the problems in America!!!

Posted by: msindependent | January 16, 2009, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm

And yet, they let zeke’s spam through…Go figure.

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm

Ok, I’ll bite — what laws did the Unitary Executive break . . . here’s 4 examples. I’m certain others will provide more.
1. FISA — breaking that one almost lead to the resignation of most of his high ranking legal appointments. Congress saved him by passing the Protect America Act and the FISA Amendments later – which retroactively blessed the wrongdoing.
2. Perjury before Congress — Numerous political appointees lied to Congress. The DOJ scandal. The Plame outing (arguably treasonous because she was working on WMD and Iran, but, hey, that’s water under the bridge).
3. Torture — although many keep trying to keep tying this subject up in linguistic pretzels, the majority view remains that what happened at Gitmo, Abu G, and all the other prisons holding enemy combatants in this never ending GWOT was not the work of a “few bad apples”, but was the actual policy of the Unitary Executive and was authorized by those in the WH, up to and including the President.
4. Numerous civil servant hiring statutes — in our federal government, whether you voted for the then sitting President, approve of Roe v. Wade or donated to GOP causes are not questions asked or considered when hiring people.
When the new POTUS does the same thing, I’m certain all those saying W did no wrong will be singing a different tune.

Posted by: po | January 16, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm

You need to do a bit more research on No. 1, po. Particularly now that there is an imminent ruling to the contrary. On No. 2, there has been absolutely no proof that Bush deliberately lied to anyone regarding these items. No. 3, waterboarding predates the Bush admin and it hasn’t been ruled as torture until a bunch of liberals decided that protecting terrorists is more important than saving U.S. lives. I can’t see where you’re going with No. 4, but if you have something specific regarding crimes committed by Bush, I’m anxious to hear about them.

Posted by: That 70's Guy | January 16, 2009, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm

“…the majority view…”
Sorry, I had to laugh. The “majority” don’t have a single clue about what occurred in Abu Ghraib or Gitmo. Oh, and weren’t the guilty punished for humiliating those nice boys?
Similarly, wasn’t there a trial to punish the guilty on the Plame “outing”? What happened there? Did anyone in the administration go down? I must have missed it.
Where do these conspiracy nuts come from?

Posted by: Trace | January 16, 2009, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm

The framers of the Constitution thought they had a pretty foolproof system.
The Congress passes laws.
The president ensures that the laws are faithfully executed.
Bush immediately began — not ensuring that the laws be faithfully executed — he began breaking them himself.
How an individual feels about this says how they feel about the nation itself. If the history of the country means anything to you, you will support indictments, trials and prison time for anyone who broke the law.
Walt

Posted by: Walt Miller | January 16, 2009, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm

“If the President does it, it’s not against the law.” – Nixon
“If we had done something wrong we would have been impeached.” – Cheney
“The King can do no wrong.” – common law
With each new president the power of the Executive Branch grows. If you’re a new president, why allow your powers to be examined and challenged? So it’s “Let’s move forward.” Change of topic: why is it that in these discussions progressives are called names like “angry Liberal,” “liberal left nut jobs,” “mentally Ill lefties” but I don’t see similar insults thrown the other way? And since when does disagreeing with the President’s policies make one a “Bush-hater”? Love the sinner, hate the sin — isn’t that the term? BTW, O.J. has filed an appeal based on the theory that we should not review his past actions but should move forward. Too bad he’s not a politician – he’d win.

Posted by: DesertRat | January 16, 2009, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm

Well, Desert Rat, “Right Wing Nut Job” does often come to mind, but I usually ask the Bush apologists to be American enough not to pee their pants in fear when the laws are not broken on their behalf.
We can defeat militant Islam -and- remain true to our ideals.
Walt

Posted by: Walt Miller | January 16, 2009, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm

msindependent;
Not such a good reader. Nowhere in my post did I indicate that Bush was the only President (in the history of the US) that should be investigated. I’m not sure if you know this, but Bush is the current President and the Commander in Chief, meaning he had the sole authority to approve the incidents that were described in my previous post. You know the incidents that indicate he knowingly took part or allowed WAR Crimes to be committed.
Go MORE to Canada–do you mean go move to Canada? Certainly get rid of anyone who creates dissent.
Blame another Republican for all the problems in America? Don’t think I need to, GWB will do just fine. He’s done a great job of destroying what Americans have accomplished and embraced.
Maybe you’ll understand some of those things when someone you know (innocent of any crime) has been water boarded – thousands of miles away from their home where they can have no familial visits or contact with family (via phone or letter), or maybe when the home you have always lived in is blown to smithereens by a wayward cluster bomb, or a child of yours loses their arms because they were out playing football in the front yard, or your brother or husband or dad disappears for 7 to 10 years and returns a shell of the person he was.
Maybe then you’ll see why we need to lead the world in behaving with diplomacy and adhering to the rules we write.
Maybe then, but probably not.

Posted by: zekesma | January 16, 2009, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm

I wish we could move forward but how can we when we witnessed dishonesty and were victimized and allowed others on this planet to suffer from ill conceived policies they were the bedrock of the Bush era.
The Bush years will be investigated due to their close proximity to the fate of our country.
Justice has to be served. It’s our duty as Americans to seek justice. This duty fall squarely on our shoulders more than it does on the President Elect’s.
This is our country.

Posted by: clarity | January 17, 2009, 12:30 am 12:30 am

The democrats have no right to turn a blind eye to illegal acts in order to best position themselves for 2010. They have a duty to preserve the rule of law. Assign the matter to a qualified federal prosecutor and let him do his job. If no illegal acts come to light, fine. If they do, the law must be enforced regardless of the short-term consequences. The long-term consequences of failing to uphold the law are too dire to make it an option for the new administration.

Posted by: American Mother | January 17, 2009, 9:51 am 9:51 am

Follow the evidence where it leads. In a nation of laws, there is no other option.

Posted by: Mr. Smith | January 17, 2009, 9:54 am 9:54 am

Comments like this:
“I do not care if GWB personally listened in on my conversations stating Patriot Act…just keep me safe!”
have no place in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Imagine where we would be if our first president “George” had been so cowardly!

Posted by: Patriot Rose | January 17, 2009, 10:02 am 10:02 am

The ruling by the FISA court the other day did NOT cover the legality of warrantless wiretapping BEFORE the Patriot Act was installed, so the idea what Bush did was legal BEFORE the Patriot Act is a lie by rethug blogs and MSM pundits. Killing 4200 G.I.’s (and one million Iraqi’s) is enough to start investigations, since we have solid proof they lied us into a War. What, a blue dress is a good reason and THIS isn’t? LOL! Besides, if Barack DOESN’T pursue this, he’s basically “aiding & abetting”. Only repugs would want that to cover their crimes. If this investigation happens to snag a few in the DLC, fine, they weren’t real Democrats (and more importantly-Patriots) to begin with. The World Court is watching this very closely, so I advise Barack to do the correct thing- investigate!

Posted by: Titonwan | January 17, 2009, 10:45 am 10:45 am

If you don’t push it to the limit we must picked the wrong man for the job.

Posted by: Ronald Mayfield | January 17, 2009, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm

70′s Guy – I thought we prosecuted (and executed) some Japanese soldiers for waterboarding during WWII.

Posted by: Kim | January 17, 2009, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm

Im gonna be really happy when he comes in a screws all and everyone who voted for him. He has no brains All he did to get voted was had enough money to win and read of a telepromter. So lets really ask areselfs! why were we so dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: justin | January 17, 2009, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm

http://www.meettheissues.com

Posted by: justin | January 17, 2009, 6:50 pm 6:50 pm

So are they going to investigate obama’s birth certificate???? illegal

Posted by: kim | January 17, 2009, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm

obama is a chicago thug, with lots of money thug ties, thats what got him elected. You dumb $hits will see change. White people will be $hit on

Posted by: kimcliftrn | January 17, 2009, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm

If he screws too much with the people he will not be re-elected in 4 years if he makes it to 4 years without impeachment

Posted by: kimcliftrn | January 17, 2009, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm

2nd amendment is the 1st one not to mess with obama osama

Posted by: kimcliftrn | January 17, 2009, 8:28 pm 8:28 pm

To build a house strong you need a good foundation. You built a house on a weak foundation, what happen? It will crumble in time. The same principal applies. We the people are the foundation in this economy if the people are financially strong the economy will be strong.
Why is the government trying to bail out the banks and auto makers with the tax payer’s money when they don’t give a damn about the people? The banks have a license to rob the people with their ridiculous interest rates, they claim they are in financial trouble, yet the CEO’s are getting ridiculous bonus and there lavish parties.
If the government wants to make this country strong they need to give that money to the tax payers. That will fix the recession; the money will go back into the system not the CEO’s pocket. This will bail out the banks; auto and every other institution in the country and the government will still have change left over.
Mohamed Khan
Orlando,FL

Posted by: Mohamed Khan | January 18, 2009, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm

The international reputation of the United States will forever be tarnished if the Obama administration does not fully investigate and prosecute all lawbreakers in the Bush/Cheney administration who authorised torture (however euphemisticlly described) and other abuses of human rights.As an Australian citizen I am looking along with the rest of the world to see if the US will publically cleanse itself and hold these criminals to account.

Posted by: Chris Nestor | January 26, 2009, 4:24 am 4:24 am

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS I THINK OBAMA CAN SUCK IT

Posted by: MATT | January 26, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm

The Bush Regime are the biggest traitors our country has ever known. When they stole the 2000 election, I knew that our country was “in for it”. But I could not imagine how badly. Top prosecuter Vincent Bugliosi states truthfully that Bush is a murderer. Look at our troops who came back from Iraq with their limbs blown off and this was just the tip of Bush’s vicious iceberg. Already he has 100,000 acres in Central America waiting in case he needs to escape because of horrible crimes.

Posted by: Sally Evans | February 7, 2009, 11:26 pm 11:26 pm

I AGREE WITH MATT OBAMA CAN SUCK IT! HE LOOKS LIKE A MONKEY

Posted by: terry | February 19, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm

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