Here is how they are attempting to fix the mess (WMD, forgeries, etc)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

There is no Independent Counsel to investigate this mess. Congress is simply an arm of the administration. In comes VIPS the former intelligence group recommending an investigation spearheaded by none other than Brent Scowcroft from Poppy's admin. Hegel will sell this to Republicans as a palpable alternative to congressional investigations and the Dems will be played as though they are making a partisan issue out of it should they object to Scowcroft even though it certainly SMACKS of the same conflict of interest as having Harkin investigated by Poppy's SEC

I arrived at this conclusion after reading these threads among others.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=41101&mesg_id=41101&page=

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=40940&mesg_id=40940&page=

[gratuitous]

1. A possible scenario, but incredibly risky

There's no telling what might happen. There may be someone who (upon discovering the depths of perfidy this corrupt administration was willing to plumb) gets so offended by Bush's recklessness that he or she decides to go "off the reservation" and hold these bastards accountable for the thousands they've killed. I realize we like to think that the Republicans are a bunch of soulless commodifiers, willing to hang a price tag on anything, but I think there are a number of folks in the Republican caucus who have actual souls and consciences, and who don't see the country's ideals as subordinate to George W. Bush's poll numbers.

Okay, I'm a dreamer, but it's a good dream.

[trof]

6. Why you old Don Quixote, you.

The Impossible Dream.
I'll be your Sancho Panza.
;-)

[DrBB]

2. VIPS recommending Cheney's removal

...is one bad sign. Ray McGovern's piece set it in the context of Agnew's resignation--said this Niger thing was much worse than Spiro's little problem with the banks in Maryland, and all signs pointed to Cheney being the Mr Big.

So does anyone remember the Spiro resignation? No? Exactly my point. Nixon dumped him and that was it. They're saying Shrump could get off easy just by dumping the Dickhead. I don't think it would work, actually. Spiro was just a boob; Cheney is actually a power in this *admin. Dubya relies on him for all his stupidest ideas. Be like pulling one leg out from under a three-legged table.

B.t.w., "Spiro Agnew" yields one of the greatest anagrams in human history, as Dick Cavett pointed out many years ago: "Grow a penis."

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. Here is what I find interesting about the way this is flushing out

Did you watch the PBS 4 hour special just prior to the start of the war? The entire push for war, preemption etc was (in that program) laid at the feet of Rummy, Wolfie and Perle, with Cheney, Powell and Rice being the ones who were allegedly more hesitant about the PNAC model. Now witness who the shit is flinging on today (although I sympathize with none of them)...CHENEY, RICE and POWELL...who are even the targets of the VIPS memo with no mention of Wolfie Perle and Rummy.

[GumboYaYa]

7. I don't recall Cheney being in the same camp

as Rice and Powell, but I did not see the program you reference. I recall Cheney being mentioned with the PNAC gang in other stories, but your point is still well-taken. I have always thought that Rice is the most expendable member of the Bush team. Rove knows that he has no real chance with black female voters. Rice is nice window dressing while she lasts.

[GumboYaYa]

3. I keep going back to one thought,

and that is that a greedy person will always protect his or her own interests before protecting someone else.

Already the polls are headed South for W. Anyone paying attention knows that the Niger issue is but the tip of the iceberg for the Bush lies. I wouldn't be surprised if Hagel and others have very strong information that it is highly unlikely that we will find any WMDs in Iraq. The 9/11 report is coming out. If you look down the road for Bushie, there is nothing but trouble on the horizon.

As soon as the Repukes start to believe that hitching their cart to Bush's horses will lead to disfavor with voters Bush is gone. I think some of them may already see this.

Also, I hope the Dems are strong enough to insist on a real investigation of this one. So far, Levin and Waxman look like hounddogs on a strong scent.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. Yes and the LBN story yesterday that Shell is withholding doing business

in Iraq until a legit gov't is set up was also rather telling....don't wish to tie up their assets with a government that won't be recognized in the long run.