Subpoena Power? So What?

[RestoreGore]

Are Democrats still so naive to think that having subpoena power is going to accomplish anything? Bush, Cheney, and their entire brood of soulless amoral vipers have NO regard for the law! Hasn't that yet been made crystal clear in the last six years? Why would anyone who has been paying attention these last six years even THINK that Cheney would answer anything truthfully even if he did answer the subpoena and was put under oath? They have no allegiance to any system or oath but their own ideological one! Please, does anyone truly believe any of them would even care if they were subpoenaed? And even more so, that even if they answered one that they would tell the truth? I just don't see why that should surprise anyone. Of course, that doesn't mean that power shouldn't be exercised should Democrats "win," but I don't see that going too far considering that we have allowed it all to go too far already.

[HereSince1628]

1. It depends on what comes out, you/we can't know now.

Chairmen have broad latitude in who gets to present as expert witnesses and on what topics. When Joe 7 Jane Patriot learn the detalis some of the things that Bush/Cheney have done and the things that the R's have let fester. Those ordinary citizens are likely to be more pissed off than ever.


At that point things could happen.

[RestoreGore]

2. That's what we were told in 2004

And they're still there. I now believe it when I see it.

[NOLADEM]

3. Subpoenas ignored for the final two years of their term would help us in 08

IF we have Dem leadership that HAS THEIR BALLS still intact, they can imprison him and/or fine him PERSONALLY for failing to appear for a subpoena.

Remember, subpoena means 'under penalty'.

So, if we keep our balls and insist on the subpoena being followed, he would have little choice.

If they insist on ignoring subpoenas, we can just COMPLETELY cut funding for the White House, Air Force One flights, food at the white house and Veep's Naval residence, and sweat em out. They can't write checks without Congress' approval.

Make em buy their own food and pay for their own insane policies and programs.

They have been spoiled by one party rule. They never have had to actually govern and play politics yet. They just called Tom Delay, handed out some bribes, and passed the next assault on America.

We will have tools at our disposal. Subpoenas are one. Also, hearings, funding choices, new laws demanding new procedures and accountability, etc.

They can't do SHIT without money.

[RestoreGore]

5. They're rich

What do they need with our money? Sweat them out? Bush virtually now has power to declare martial law if it gets too hot for them because Congress handed that power to him, and some of those who did that were Democrats. What's to stop him now? I'm also not trying to be negative, but am trying to get across the point that they have now had all the power they wanted handed to them in a unitary executive. Perhaps that is why even now they continue to smile. Bush has his signing statements, edicts, vetoes, and he would still have the executive and judicial branches. How do you then get those laws passed?

[Demeter]

4. Just Keeping The Bastards Tied Up In Hearings and Court

will slow them down--then rejecting all the evil legislation, cutting the funding for Iraq, turning down all appointees--this will all stop the juggernaut dead in its tracks,so that the legal system can catch up.

[kestrel91316]

6. Your low opinion of Dems has been duly noted. Welcome to DU. Enjoy your stay.

[RestoreGore]

7. And your low opinion of free speech has been noted.

This post BTW showed a low opinion of Bush and his gang of thugs. Too bad you can't read. And the fact that 2000 was swept under the rug by those on all sides, and that Bush now has been handed dictatorial powers is a FACT. So when Democrats in Congress get some BALLS and do their duty, my opinion of them will change accordingly. Thanks again for your intelligent response.

[AtomicKitten]

8. Don't be a poopie-head tonight.

Have some faith in the legal process while it's still hanging by a thread.

Cheers.

[RestoreGore]

9. poopie head?

How old are you?

[AtomicKitten]

10. Better question: Why are you so pessimistic?

There is always hope.

[RestoreGore]

12. It's called expressing an opinion and asking a question based on reality

If you can't handle that, then go back to the sandbox.

[AtomicKitten]

17. it's looking pretty good so far today.

Your dismissive attitude made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that. I love it when people here expose their true nature. I have great hopes that even your nastiness and pessimism can't crush today.

[baldguy]

11. It's not just subpoenas.

Congress controls the purse strings too.

[coalition_unwilling]

13. That's one non-ceremonial reason why you have a Sergeant at Arms:

to enforce compliance with subpoenas. If they refuse long enough, they can be dragged in in chains to testify.

[RestoreGore]

14. Oh, I Have GOT To See That n/t

[RestoreGore]

15. Oh, I Have GOT To See That n/t

[Uncle Joe]

16. I don't believe just having subpoena power is the be all answer

to the soulless amoral vipers, but it is a step in the right direction.

Lack of Congressional oversight has been one of the prime dysfunctions of our so called checks and balances government, thereby enabling the neocons in power to install their fascist agenda. Winning Congressional oversight is not winning the war, but it goes a long way toward winning an important battle, which hopefully will turn the tide against the fascists in power now.

[dansolo]

18. You subpoena the guys under them

That is the standard prosecutorial tactic--go after the little guy, and get them to roll on the bigger guys.