Why Obama will not prosecute Bush... for now

[Dirty Hippie]

It seems obvious to me. Prosecuting Bush et al, would divide Congress like a hot knife through butter. Obama is facing unprecedented domestic issues. He knows (probably more than we do) that action is needed now and has plans ready to go.

Do you think he is going to risk alienating a large segment of Congress?

I believe he will speak with all of those pressing for trials. He will ask them to please be patient. He will get the more important work done and build his support. And when the time is right, he will support moving forward with hearings on torture.

This is my hypothesis. I think we need to realize that we do not have the luxury of pursuing criminal prosecution at this time. But we will.

[notadmblnd]

1. he's going to get a fight from pukes in congress no matter what he does

[Le Taz Hot]

2. This is my hypothesis.

He will swear on the Constitution of the United States to protect and defend it and us. I for one am going to hold him to it.

[Berry Cool]

3. This is not a Dem vs. Republican thing.

If the Republicans can't see that, they will be the ones who look bad.

[KharmaTrain]

4. It's Congress Job...An Unfinished One

I agree with you that President Obama's plate is very full coming in and his attentions are best used in putting out the fires and fixing the big problems this country faces...then we can have the space to do some real acccounting.

That doesn't mean we keep quiet or "move along". There are still plenty of crimes of the past 8 years that need to be investigated and now many of those cases can proceede. It's the job of the Congress to hold the Executive accountable as a means of both restoring the balance of power and reasserting their authority and credibility. Also, it's the job of a rejuventated Justice Department to not impeded but cooperate with the Congress in getting to the truth and compelling ALL who have been subpoeaned to testify. The DOJ, in specific, was so politicized, it was used as a shield by the past regime...the Department needs to assert its independence and no better way is to clean up their own house and bring to justice those who perverted the system.

I've long said the real investigations couldn't begin until this regime was fully out of power as they would, and have, obstructed to the last minute. As of 12 noon, the veil of "executive privilidge" that has stonewalled investigations will be lifted and my hopes are it stays that way...bringing in both sunshine and the opportunity for existing investigations to move forward. Congressmen Conyers and Waxman not only have said they want to do so, but now have larger majorities in which to do it with.

I'm in a wait and see mode. While I have seen the "let's move along" attitude (just as Olbermann was describing last night) in my life and feel this country needs a fulltime President paying attention to the immediate needs of the nation, I also want the past regime brought to justice in as many ways as possible. Being a realist, I know it can't happen overnight, but I won't forget, and I can see many others won't either.

In the long run, many of the crimes will belong in criminal and civil courts...outside the "pay grade" of a President...and left to the law and a jury of peers. The corruption and crimes of the past 8 years were too pervasive and brazen not to expect those who were victimized to seek some kind of personal or financial restitution. Also as crimes are revealed, so will be the actions of the justice system...taking cases to grand juries and getting indictments....something that was impossible until 12 noon today.

Cheers...

[Romulox]

5. The real answer is that the money men don't want that; they want another $350 for Wall Street.

And they'll get it.