So What's Next?

Let's get one thing out of the way immediately and correct something once and for all. Patrick Fitzgerald is NOT done. Patrick Fitzgerald DOES NOT have to re-convene a new grand jury. There is always a grand jury sitting in Washington DC. All he has to do is request one of them to take a look at anything he finds and you could tell by his demeaner today during his press conference he is far from finished. Karl Rove may be breathing a sigh of relief (at least to the public), but he better not get too cocky it is my feeling that Patrick isn't finished with him yet. My guess is he also has Dick Cheney in his sights and will eventually nail him. This very telling part of the indictment says it all On or about June 12, 2003, LIBBY was advised by the Vice President of the United States that Wilson's wife worked at the Central Intelligence Agency in the Counterproliferation Divison. LIBBY understood that the Vice President had learned this information from the CIA. The CPD is NOT part of the intelligence branch of the CIA it is that part of the CIA that makes up the Clandestine Service. It is the front-line source of clandestine information on critical international developments, from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction to military and political issues. In other words this is where "spies" work. This is where Valerie Plame Wilson worked. Does anyone seriously believe that the VP of the United States wouldn't be aware of this? Let's dispel another "talking point" the right-wing is going to come out with. Fitzgerald's investigation was a flop because he didn't indict anyone on the original charge covering the release of classified information. Well how the hell could he? As he said in a more poite way than I will here. He couldn't get to that point in the investigation mainly because of the lying and cover-up done by Libby. And also we cannot forget the stalling done by that self-proclaimed martyr for the first amendment Judy Miller. Fitzgerald said as much today. If it were not for Libby's lies, and the side trip to the Supreme Court to satisfy Millers' ego he would be holding his press conference a year earlier. As I said at the begining of this post. This grand jury may be finished its' work, but there is always a GJ sitting all he has to do is bring his findings to them and request them to take it over. There could still be many more indictments down the pike and Cheney could very well be one of them. Larry Johnson, a former CIA analyst and counterterrorism official at the State Department, summed it up best on the blog No Quarter A careful reading of the indictment shows beyond a reasonable doubt that there was an organized effort in the White House to go after Joe and Valerie Wilson. At a minimum, Vice President Cheney was witting of this effort. It should also be noted that Larry Johnson trained and worked with Valerie Plame Wilson when both were undercover at the CIA.

Libby Resigns

Both CNN and FAUX NEWS are reporting that Libby has resigned his post as Cheney's chief of staff. From CNN I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, resigned on Friday after federal grand jury indicted him on charges related to the CIA leak investigation. From Faux FOX News has learned that Libby stepped down as Cheney's chief of staff just minutes after the indictment was handed down. A replacement will be named as early as Saturday. The vice president's office will release a statement and President Bush is expected to remark on the case in the afternoon. Well this is a start at least. I am anxious to hear what Fitzgerald has to say at his press conference. Right now by the sound of things, he has only just begun. I suspect a new Grand Jury will be empanelled, although this is not really a necessity since he can continue investigating without one but that seems highly doubtfull and could lead to those being investigated crying "foul" and "out of control Prosecutor". Fitzgerald is to thorough to open himself to that kind of smear which would inevitably come from the right-wing crime enablers. You can read the entire indictment from The Smoking Gun

5 Count Libby Indictment

CNN reports WASHINGTON (CNN) -- I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury investigating the public unmasking of an undercover CIA operative. Charges included making false statements, obstruction of justice, and perjury, court documents show. Indictments in the case were the first in a nearly two-year investigation into the public unmasking of an undercover CIA operative. Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has scheduled a 2 p.m. ET news conference. (Watch possible ramifications of an indictment -- 2:49) The list is as follows via AMERICAblog 1 count obstruction of justice 2 counts of perjury 2 counts of making false statements Lied to FBI agents on Oct 14, Nov 26, 2003. Committed perjury on March 5 and 24, 2004. Engaged in obstruction of justice by impeding investigation. Summary of indictment: Beginning in late May 2003, two months before actual column by Novak in July 2003, Libby began acquiring info about trip to Niger by Wilson. The CIA decided on its own initiative to send Wilson to Niger after an inquiry by the VP. Libby lied about conversations he had with Tim Russert, Matt Cooper and Judith Miller. Prior to July 14, 2003, Valerie Wilson's employment status was classified, her affiliatilon with CIA was not common knowledge. Revealing the agent's status has the potential to damage the national security, risk lives of that agent and other agents, damage national security. Scooter Libby endangered national security. "Without the truth our criminal justice system cannot serve the nation or our citizens." - Patrick Fitzgerald, today.

Latest Release From Fitzgerald Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2005 www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osc PRESS CONTACTS: DOJ Public Affairs (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 *******MEDIA ADVISORY******* SPECIAL COUNSEL PATRICK J. FITZGERALD TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Department of Justice Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald will hold a press conference at 2:00 P.M. EDT today, Friday October 28, 2005, regarding the status of the Special Counsel's criminal investigations. WHO: Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald FBI Special Agent-in-Charge John C. Eckenrode WHAT: Release of public information and press conference WHERE: Department of Justice 7th Floor Conference Center 950 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530 NOTE: 7th floor access to reporters at 11 A.M. EDT Cameras allowed access at noon EDT Cameras must pre-set by 1:00 P.M. EDT NO LIVE SHOTS INSIDE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT UNTIL 1:45 P.M. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS NOTE: ALL MEDIA MUST PRESENT GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO ID (such as driver’s license) as well as VALID MEDIA CREDENTIALS. ONCE MEDIA ARE ESCORTED TO THE 7th FLOOR, THEY MUST REMAIN UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE. Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to the Department of Justice at (202) 514-2007. # # # #

Latest Indictment News And rumors

We have all been expecting what others' are calling "Fitzmas" but I prefer "Justice Friday". Unfortunately if the stories making the rounds are true, today will only be the beginning (sort of a "Little Fitzmas") not the end. What seem to be the only conventional wisdom is that I. Scooter Libby will be the only indictment announced today. Cheney apparently has been told "he will not be named in an indictment today" however he remains under investigation. According to The NY Times Lawyers in the C.I.A. leak case said Thursday that they expected I. Lewis Libby Jr., Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, to be indicted on Friday, charged with making false statements to the grand jury. Karl Rove, President Bush's senior adviser and deputy chief of staff, will not be charged on Friday, but will remain under investigation, people briefed officially about the case said. As a result, they said, the special counsel in the case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, was likely to extend the term of the federal grand jury beyond its scheduled expiration on Friday. Karl Rove, President Bush's senior adviser, was the subject of intense speculation Thursday as he arrived at the White House. As rumors coursed through the capital, Mr. Fitzgerald gave no public signal of how he intended to proceed, further intensifying the anxiety that has gripped the White House and left partisans on both sides of the political aisle holding their breath. I will be keeping my eyes and ears opened as I know you will. Feel free to shoot me an email with any information you may manage to uncover at....canadianperspective@gmail.com.... and I will be more than happy to investigate it and post it if it has not been covered. Either way, I will be happy to acknowledge you to the rest of the readers and at least attempt to answer you personally. Your email addy will not be used in public. Also among the new news sources, MSNBC is reporting Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald is expected to release some documents in the case around noon ET and then hold a press conference at the Justice Department at 2 p.m. ET. I suspect the existing Grand Jury will be extended or he will empanel an entirely new one. I find the latter to be the most plausible outcome since we now know that Patrick Fitzgerald has come into possession of the forged Uranium/Niger documents. The L.A. Times tells us Speculation about how the papers were produced in Rome, and complaints that the Italian government has done little to find out or to come clean, dominated political debate here this week, especially in the left-leaning newspaper La Repubblica, which has dedicated page after page of breathless prose to the matter. Among its claims, La Repubblica has suggested that the head of Italy's military secret service, Nicolo Pollari, disseminated the false information to the Bush administration on orders from Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a loyal ally eager to give Bush a helping hand. La Repubblica reported, and Bush administration officials confirmed to The Times, that Pollari met with then-deputy national security advisor Stephen J. Hadley on Sept. 9, 2002. Hadley later took the blame for including the incorrect claim in Bush's 2003 State of the Union address. Pollari went directly to Hadley, as well as to other administration neoconservative contacts, because CIA agents in Rome were rebuffing his overtures, apparently not considering the documents to be credible, La Repubblica reported. In case the name Hadley rings a bell that's becaue he was then NSA Condiliesalot Rice's right hand man and is now NSA. Pollari will be appearing before the Italian Parliament soon to explain his involvement in the forged letter. Rest assured, I will post everything, either sent by you. or found in my research. Take care everyone, breath deep and slowly and stay relaxed in the fact that at least some questions will be answred today. But you can also rest assured, todays' happenings will also raise even more. Here is a PlameGate Scandal Resource Center made available by Perrspective.

UPDATE On Miers Witdrawal

Below is the text of the letter from Harriet Miers to President Bush, withdrawing her name from consideration as a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Via MSNBC Dear Mr. President: I write to withdraw as a nominee to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. I have been greatly honored and humbled by the confidence that you have shown in me, and have appreciated immensely your support and the support of many others. However, I am concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and our staff that is not in the best interest of the country. As you know, members of the Senate have indicated their intention to seek documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to support me. I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy. While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information will continue. As I stated in my acceptance remarks in the Oval Office, the strength and independence of our three branches of government are critical to the continued success of this great Nation. Repeatedly in the course of the process of confirmation for nominees for other positions, I have steadfastly maintained that the independence of the Executive Branch be preserved and its confidential documents and information not be released to further a confirmation process. I feel compelled to adhere to this position, especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in tension. I have decided that seeking my confirmation should yield. I share your commitment to appointing judges with a conservative judicial philosophy, and I look forward to continuing to support your efforts to provide the American people judges who will interpret the law, not make it. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served your Administration and this country. Most respectfully, Harriet Ellan Miers The President The White House Washington, D.C. 20502 So the main reason Harriet points to as a reason for her withdrawal from consideration is "While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information will continue.". This follows exactly what was going to happen in my post here. where I said this would be George's face-saving out. As you can see here in King George's statement, via SFGate he too uses the "the document release" as his face-saving out in accepting the withdrawal: Today, I have reluctantly accepted Harriet Miers decision to withdraw her nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States. I nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court because of her extraordinary legal experience, her character, and her conservative judicial philosophy. Throughout her career, she has gained the respect and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She has earned a reputation for fairness and total integrity. She has been a leader and a pioneer in the American legal profession. She has worked in important positions in state and local government and in the bar. And for the last five years, she has served with distinction and honor in critical positions in the Executive Branch. I understand and share her concern, however, about the current state of the Supreme Court confirmation process. It is clear that senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House disclosures that would undermine a president's ability to receive candid counsel. Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the constitutional separation of powers and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her. I am grateful for Harriet Miers' friendship and devotion to our country. And I am honored that she will continue to serve our nation as White House Counsel. My responsibility to fill this vacancy remains. I will do so in a timely manner. Now we can expect to see a nominee sent up for confirmation that will be probably (but not necessarily) female, and as far to the right as she can possibly get. This will be King Georges' way of kissing up to and hopefully bringing his far right christian wing-nut supporters back into the fold.

Miers Withdraws Nomination

Harriet Miers has sent a letter of withdrawal from consideration to SCOTUS. MORE WHEN AVAILABLE

2000 Is The Loneliest Number

A milestone that will be un-celebrated has been reached. The 2000th member of the US military has lost his life in King George's folly of war and occupation. Staff Sgt. George Alexander Jr., 34, of Killeen, Texas, died at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas on Saturday of injuries sustained October 17 in Samarra, Iraq, when a bomb planted by insurgents detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. 2000 How many more must die before this mad man in the White House is held responsible. His response to this milestone was to say that he would continue more of the same. And shortly after giving a photo-op speech where he said "Each loss of life is heartbreaking, and the best way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen troops is to complete the mission and lay the foundation of peace by spreading freedom." what did dear leader do? Why he was wisked away for a $15,000-a-couple dinner that the Republican National Committee reported raised at least $1 million. That's right, rather than show true caring for the men and women dying daily he went to worship at the alter of his true god - the almighty dollar. Then to pour salt into the festering wound, we have Army Lt. Col. Steven Boylan, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, saying the 2000th death was "not a milestone.". Tell that to George Alexander's family you asshole. Tell that to the 1,999 other families who are without a loved one today so you can play your real life war games. He went even further, encouraging newspapers in an email to downplay the story saying "The 2,000 service members killed in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom is not a milestone. It is an artificial mark on the wall set by individuals or groups with specific agendas and ulterior motives." This shows us all quite clearly that the Pentagon, and the President himself don't care one whit about the men and women doing their bidding overseas. They lied the country into this war, and they lie to the families of the fallen when they express their phony condolences in highly featured photo-ops. SHAME.....SHAME.....SHAME

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out Judy

In what appears to be the final round of the soap opera "As The Judy Turns", it appears Miller and The New York Times are parting ways. The Wall Steet Journal reports: New York Times reporter Judith Miller has begun discussing her future employment options with the newspaper, including the possibility of a severance package, a lawyer familiar with the matter, said yesterday. ***** The newspaper began to distance itself from the reporter last week after the particulars of Ms. Miller's relationship with Mr. Libby were revealed in a first-person account of her testimony and in an independently reported piece in the Times. Those articles suggested that Ms. Miller may have misled the paper about a previously undisclosed meeting with Mr. Libby, and that the paper was negligent in not asking Ms. Miller more questions about her involvement before advancing her cause. I am sure Judy won't be on food stamps anytime soon however. Look for a generous severance package, which the NYT should NOT have to pay IMO. Doesn't lying to your employer count as "just cause" for dismissal? Then of course the ego that wrecked the Grey Lady will definitely write a book making herself out to be the modern day martyr for protection of reporters. If there is ANY justic in the world, the book (which will be filled with BS from cover to cover), will be a flop. It will be interesting however to see if it makes the NYT best sellers list.

No Fizgerald Decision Today

Via John at Crooks & Liars I just got off the phone with Fitzgerald's office and the person I talked to was very cordial even after a long, hard day. I was told it would be highly doubtful if anything happened tonight. I asked for permission to print that and was told I could. However, the Prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald did meet with the Judge in the case, Judge Hogan today. Now what went on at that meeting we can only guess at but according to the The NY Sun WASHINGTON—The federal prosecutor investigating the alleged involvement of White House officials in the leak of a CIA operative's identity spent most of the lunch hour today meeting with the chief judge of the federal district court in the nation's capital, Judge Thomas Hogan. Other lawyers familiar with the process said he could have been meeting with Judge Hogan for any number of reasons. Anything from seeking an extension of the GJ or requesting permission to empanel a new one or simply arrainging logistics for the announcement of his findings. So there you have it, the latest scuttlebut. Just one more tidbit. Rumors around Washington are that the so-called "target" letters have been sent out, and Fitzgerald will be calling a press conference for tomorrow although some are speculating not until Friday.

Indictments Coming Tomorrow; Targets Received Letters Today

Well obviously the courthouse is closed so we won't be able to celebrate Fitzmas until ..... when? Tomorrow? Steve Clemons has the scoop. An uber-insider source has just reported the following to TWN (since confirmed by another independent source): 1. 1-5 indictments are being issued. The source feels that it will be towards the higher end. 2. The targets of indictment have already received their letters. 3. The indictments will be sealed indictments and "filed" tomorrow. 4. A press conference is being scheduled for Thursday. The shoe is dropping. More soon. -- Steve Clemons Think Progress has an update from CBS News From the CBS Evening News, to air at 6:30PM: CBS’ JOHN ROBERTS: Lawyers familiar with the case think Wednesday is when special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald will make known his decision, and that there will be indictments. Supporters say Rove and the vice president’s chief of staff, Scooter Libby, are in legal jeopardy. But they insisted today the two are secondary players, that it was an unidentified Mr. X who actually gave the name of CIA agent V alerie Plame to reporters. Fitzgerald knows who Mr. X is, they say, and if he isn’t indicted, there’s no way Rove or Libby should be. But charges may not focus on the leak at all. Obstruction of justice or perjury are real possibilities. Did Rove or Libby change statements made under oath? Did they deliberately leave critical facts out of their testimony or did they honestly forget? Some Republicans urged Rove to step down if indicted. Not a happy prospect for president Bush. Any guesses on the identity of Mr. X? UPDATE: This bit from the CBS segment is also interesting – SCHIEFFER: John, I am very interested in Mr. X. Is there any clue or hint as to whether he be - maybe someone who outranks Libby and Rove or would he be a lower-ranking official? ROBERTS: The best guess is that Mr. X, even though his name is not known and some people are just speculating on who he might be or she might be, is somebody who is actually outside the White House, and in that case would be of a lower rank that both Rove and Libby. The right wing christian wingnuts can have their Justice Sunday, we will have our Justice Wednesday! I find it interesting that the indictments will be "sealed". That to me means there is more going on here than just the leak, and Fitzgerald has more in store for this Administration. According to U.S.Courts.gov, The indictment lists the crimes the defendant allegedly committed and describes the facts the government believes support those allegations. It is a roadmap to what the prosecution intends to prove at trial. Grand jury indictments are returned to the district court – usually to a magistrate judge – in a sealed court hearing. Indictments generally are unsealed after a defendant is arrested. Also, Fitzgerald is known to be very meticulous in his investigating so I wouldn't be surprised if he uses these initital indictments in order to ferret out others who may be involved and know he is looking at them. Letting them know they are next if they don't come clean now and cooperate. They may even be involved in negotiating a plea bargain. If he includes a request for an extension of the grand jury or seeks to empanel another grand jury in order to complete his investigation then we will know for sure he is after bigger fish. Let's not forget that when Fitzgerald appeared before a Judge seeking to jail Judith Miller the Judge didn't hesitate saying that this goes much much deeper than the original focus of the investigation and affects the very well being of the country.

Rosa Parks 1913-2005

Click Here For Video Full history and tribute available from WDIV-TV Detroit .

No Paper Release Says King George

As I posted HERE, I see the perfect reason for King George to withdraw Harriet Miers name for SCOTUS, and it looks as though the fat lady is beginning to limber up her vocal chords. Reuters is now reporting: President George W. Bush, citing confidentiality, said on Monday he would refuse to release documents showing what U.S. Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers recommended to him as a White House lawyer. "That would breach very important confidentiality, and it's a red line I'm not willing to cross," Bush told reporters, setting up a possible showdown with lawmakers. That's George, ever the protector of civil rights and justice.

Scooters' Notes Lead Right To Cheney

The NY Times is reporting that "Scooter" Libby did NOT learn about the identity of Valerie Plame Wilson from a reporter as he testified. It turns out that in his own notes he states that he learned of her identity by none other than Dick Cheney. I. Lewis Libby Jr., Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, first learned about the C.I.A. officer at the heart of the leak investigation in a conversation with Mr. Cheney weeks before her identity became public in 2003, lawyers involved in the case said Monday. Notes of the previously undisclosed conversation between Mr. Libby and Mr. Cheney on June 12, 2003, appear to differ from Mr. Libby’s testimony to a federal grand jury that he initially learned about the C.I.A. officer, Valerie Wilson, from journalists, the lawyers said. The notes, taken by Mr. Libby during the conversation, for the first time place Mr. Cheney in the middle of an effort by the White House to learn about Ms. Wilson’s husband, Joseph C. Wilson IV, who was questioning the administration’s handling of intelligence about Iraq’s nuclear program to justify the war. Well now we know at least one of the charges that will be brought forth from the GJ will be perjury against Libby. However this also puts Cheney right at the middle of the leak if indeed he is the one who disclosed the name and identity. Lawyers said the notes show that Mr. Cheney knew that Ms. Wilson worked at the C.I.A. more than a month before her identity was made public and her undercover status was disclosed in a syndicated column by Robert D. Novak on July 14, 2003. The NY Times article went on to say that this doesn't necessarily mean Cheney knew the name was classified. BULLSHIT!!! If Cheney learned the identity from the Director of the CIA George Tenet as the article says, I find it pretty damn hard to believe he didn't also tell Tricky Dicky it was classified information. Given the fact that the Times' own "star" reporter, that fighter for the rights of the press, Judy Miller seemed to have such an IN with the cabal at the White House it reinforces the fact that Cheney is involved much deeper than has been previously reported. What justice that would be to see the chief enforcer of the Bush crime family Dick Cheney and his hitmen KKKarl Rove and "Scooter" Libby indicted for treason. MORE.....

Let The Flip Flopping Begin

Now that the Republican Washington elite is all in a twitter about possible charges against certain higher-ups in the White House in the CIA leak case, the spin is beginning. It is pretty well certain that the least of the charges against some of these higher-ups (read Rove, Libby and possibly Cheney)will be perjury. But I guess perjury is only a crime when it is about oral sex in the oval office. And of course said perjury must have been committed by a Democrat. Take for instance Senator Kay Baily Hutchison (R-TX) and her statement this past Sunday on "Face The Nation" "if there is going to be an indictment that says something happened, that it is an indictment on a crime and not some perjury technicality where they couldn't indict on the crime and so they go to something just to show that their two years of investigation was not a waste of time and taxpayer dollars." In fact she even went so far as comparing it to the case of Martha Stewart and her stock sale, "where they couldn't find a crime and they indict on something that she said about something that wasn't a crime." How very consistent of Ms. Kay, seeing as how she had this to say regarding a certain President who performed or received (who knows and who cares?) a certain sexual pleasure in the oval office. "The reason that I voted to remove him from office is because I think the overridding issue here is that truth will remain the standard for perjury and obstruction of justice in our criminal justice system and it must not be gray. It must not be muddy." She also went on to place into the the official record this little gem in oh such solemn tones: "If only the President had followed the simple, high moral principle handed to us by our Nation's first leader as a child and had said early in this episode `I cannot tell a lie,' we would not be here today. We would not be sitting in judgment of a President. We would not be invoking those provisions of the Constitution that have only been applied once before in our Nation's history. Cut the crap Kay your just as big a hypocrite as the rest of your "family values" Republicans. What will your excuse be for insider trader Bill Frist or your money launderer Tom Delay? Oh I know! Bill just happened to forget his stock was in a blind trust......just a simple slip of the mind. And as for Tommy well gee wiz people how was HE supposed to know where the money would end up? After all being Majority Leader is hard work and he can't be expected to know EVERYTHING! Besides the prosecutor is nothing but a renegade Democrat gone wild and hey don't forget that there judge guy he's a Democrat too!!!

Civil Rights Pioneer Rosa Parks Dies At 92

Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks has died. Parks, 92, reportedly died around 7 p.m. Monday. Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Ala., in 1955 landed her in jail and sparked a bus boycott that is considered the start of the modern civil rights movement. Parks, was born on Feb. 4, 1913. She now lives in Detroit. MORE....

Will Merry Fitzmas Be Tuesday?

Reuters is reporting that Patrick Fitzgerald may be giving us a Very Merry Fitzmas as soon as TUESDAY: Federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald appears to be laying the groundwork for indictments this week over the outing of a covert CIA operative, including possible charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, lawyers involved in case said on Sunday. Top administration officials are expected to learn from Fitzgerald as early as Monday whether they will face charges as the prosecutor winds up his nearly two-year investigation, the lawyers said. Fitzgerald could convene the grand jury as early as Tuesday to lay out a final summary of the case and ask for approval of possible indictments, legal sources said. The grand jury hearing the CIA leak case normally meets on Wednesdays and is scheduled to expire on Friday unless Fitzgerald extends it. Glory to all the gods in the universe at the very LEAST include Dickhead Cheney in the indictment list. And if your real nice Patrick you'll throw in King George for good measure. MORE....

George Has His Opening - Bye Bye Harriet

Now that it is finally sinking in that Harriet Miers is going to have a rough confirmation hearing and probably not receive a recommendation from his own Republican controlled House Judiciary Committee King George has his opening to withdraw the nomination. The Washington Times is reporting that the Administration is even drawing up contigency plans to use in order to withdraw Harrient and send up a new nominee. The White House has begun making contingency plans for the withdrawal of Harriet Miers as President Bush's choice to fill a seat on the Supreme Court, conservative sources said yesterday. "White House senior staff are starting to ask outside people, saying, 'We're not discussing pulling out her nomination, but if we were to, do you have any advice as to how we should do it?' " a conservative Republican with ties to the White House told The Washington Times yesterday. Of course the White House denies this is taking place. However The Times goes on to report But a conservative political consultant with ties to the White House said that he had received such a query from Sara Taylor, director of the Office of White House Political Affairs. Miss Taylor denied making any such calls. A second Republican, who is the leader of a conservative interest group and has ties to the White House, confirmed that the White House is making calls to a select group of conservative activists who are not employed by the government. My guess is this is how it will all play out. Since Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have joined with the Democrats and demanded documents relating to any work done by Harriet in the White House, which of course George will refuse to do, he will then have a "face-saving" reason claiming the high ground citing the greater principle of "executive privilege" or some such nonsense and withdraw the nomination. BBBye Harriet it's been nice knowing ya.

Girly-Man Novak An Easy Flip For Fitzgerald

Proving to be the blubbering, slobbering coward we all know him to be, it appears it was none other than Robert Novak himself who was among the first to spill the beans to Patrick Fitzgerald in the Plame/CIA leak case. The Washington Post is reporting: A critical early success for Fitzgerald was winning the cooperation of Robert D. Novak, the Chicago Sun-Times columnist who named Plame in a July 2003 story and attributed key information to "two senior administration officials." Legal sources said Novak avoided a fight and quietly helped the special counsel's inquiry, although neither the columnist nor his attorney have said so publicly. Isn't it fascinating how the shills from the media who speak the loudest about others and condemn them the most are always the first to roll over like a puppy getting its' stomach rubbed when the spotlight turns on them. I guess we now know why he cursed and stormed off the set of "Inside Politics" on CNN a few months back when the flame was getting a little too close to the moth and he knew that host Ed Henry was about to ask him about the CIA leak case. This also answers the question asked by many wondering why Novak's ass wasn't in jail. One thing you should have remembered Bob (and this goes for Ms. Judy also) if you roll around in the gutter with the big boys be prepared to get covered in slime. MORE....

UPDATE On Media Hotel Bombing

UPDATE 12:03 A.M. -Reuters is reporting the death toll at 12. The explosions, shortly after the ritual breaking of the Ramadan fast, blew out windows and damaged buildings, scattering shrapnel and debris over a wide area beyond the high-rise concrete towers, Reuters correspondents on the scene said. Witnesses said the first bomb appeared to be in a car that drove between the two hotels, which have long housed international journalists and foreign contractors in Baghdad. The ground floor of the Sheraton hotel suffered severe damage and several people were wounded, a hotel official told Reuters by telephone. CNN television pictures showed two smaller explosions followed by one huge flash that sent up a mushroom cloud of dust and smoke in front of Firdous Square where Saddam Hussein's statue was torn down at the end of the U.S. invasion in 2003. ****** UPDATE 11:50 A.M. - at least six people injured. Arab satellite television networks said 11 people were killed in the vicinity of the bombs. ****** 11:11 A.M. - AP is reporting: BAGHDAD, Iraq - Two rockets and a car bomb hit the Palestine Hotel on Monday, wounding at least two people and causing considerable damage to the building that houses many foreign journalists, Iraqi police said. The attacks shattered windows and caused heavy damage to the south side of the 19-story hotel, forcing journalists, including those from The Associated Press, to take refuge in the corridor. refuge in the corridor. Inside the hotel, pictures were blown off walls. Maj. Abbas Mohammed Suleiman said the hotel compound was hit by two rockets and one car bomb. After the attack, automatic heavy weapons fire rang out in the area although it was not clear what it came from More when available.

Foreign Journalists Hotel Bombed In Iraq

11:01 A.M. - Hotel Where Foreign Journalists In Iraq Stay Attacked. The Palestine Hotel, which houses many foreign journalists in Iraq, was hit by three car bombs Monday, police and security officials said MORE TO COME WHEN AVAILABLE.....

Lovely Lady Causes Technical Difficulties

I appologize for the lack of posting the past few days, actually since Friday. No it wasn't the computer that was out of order, it was the computer owner. I made a little side trip to the friendly Doctor on Friday morning for just a routine check-up.....well that's what I thought. Instead the lovely lady said "oh by the way it's flu shot time. Ok I said shoot me up madam. That was all well and good. I knew I might have some minor side effects since I have had them before. Just the usual low grade fever and slightly sore arm. Well she left the room for a few minutes, and when she returned what do I see but TWO syringes. Ummmmmmm hey there doc I say, "you're really an attactive young lady and I admire you greatly but what's with the TWO syringes, "Oh" she says "I think you should be given a pneumonia anti-body also. Well since I am the epitome of a northern Canadian gentleman, I am not one to say no to a lovely lady. OK Doc, go ahead. One in each arm. Well kids I gotta tell ya. I SO DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PAIN TOLERANCE, and come Friday night around 5:30 p.m. I started to feel achey, feverish, and both arms felt like they weighed a ton. I took some Tylenol and laid down "for a few minutes" and woke up at 9 a.m. Saturday. The feverishness had passed, only to be replaced by constant nausea and my arms were totally USELESS. Just moving them the slightest in any way made me want to scream like the worst and loudest banchee that ever roamed the earth. So I spent the entire weekend doped up on pain meds and and today I am finally able to eat some light food and move my arms enough to start reeking havoc on my favorite enemies........The Bush Crime Family and all their little toadies. So it is time to surf around to all my favorite progressive blogs and news sites and see what I have missed out on. Then, look out - I have a whole lotta sarcasm and bite that built up while I was under the weather that just much be let out. See you all soon. Oh BTW just a word of caution if an attractive female Doctor whith all the right moves and a soft sexy voice comes near you with a syringe in her had RUNNNNNN!!!!!!

Brad Blog Has Exclusive On Coulter

Congratulations to Brad Blog for getting the exclusive on the release of a documentary on the hypocritical mind of the opportunistic mouth that roared Ann Coulter. EXCLUSIVE: CONSERVATIVE GROUP DENOUNCES ANN COULTER! Anti-Coulter Documentary in Production, Release to Coincide with Rightwing Gadfly's Next Book! ALSO: PowerPoint Presentation Exposing Coulter's Religious Hypocrisy, Opportunism, Flip-Flops Released Exclusively to BRAD BLOG! Read the entire story HERE....

Smile Tommy

DeLay Mug Shot - What No Number? WE DO HAVE THE ARREST WARRANT THOUGH

Arrest Warrant Issued For DeLay

The Associated Press is reporting A Texas court issued a warrant Wednesday for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to appear for booking, where he is likely to face the fingerprinting and photo mug shot he had hoped to avoid. Bail was initially set at $10,000 as a routine step before his first court appearance on conspiracy and money laundering charges. Travis County court officials said DeLay was ordered to appear at the Fort Bend County jail for booking. It looks like the Republican house of cards is beginning to crumble. Between this and the upcoming announcement of the indictments in the Plame/CIA leak it's time to get the popcorn and sit back and watch the newest release of "The Titanic". And don't forget we still have to hear from the Security and Exchange Commission into the insider trading probe of Bill Frisk.

Another Cheney Aid Flips For Fitzgerald

Yesterday Raw Story broke the news that John Hannah, a senior national security aide on loan to Vice President Dick Cheney from the offices of then-Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, John Bolton, had flipped and was giving information to the Prosecutor. Now today, they have beat the competition to the punch once again with more excellent investigative reporting. In today's news, Raw Story is reporting: Now, those close to the investigation say that a second Cheney aide, David Wurmser, has agreed to provide the prosecution with evidence that the leak was a coordinated effort by Cheney’s office to discredit the agent's husband. Her husband, former ambassador Joseph Wilson, was one of the most vocal critics of the Iraq war. Wurmser, Cheney’s Middle East advisor and an assistant to then-Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs John Bolton, likely cooperated because he faced criminal charges for his role in leaking Wilson's name on the orders of higher-ups, the sources said. Does anyone else see a pattern here? If this entire episode was not created and managed by the Vice President's office and approved by Dick Cheney himself I would be very surprised. First we have Cheney's chief of staff "Scooter" Libby implicated, and now we have two other individuals (not surprisingly, who were originally from John Bolton's staff) Hannah, and Wurmser. There is no way these three would carry out this leak and the over-all move to discredit Joe Wilson without, at the very least, the implicit approval of Dick Cheney. If that is the case, it lends even more credence to the rumour about him being indicted on conspiracy charges and leaving office. Raw Story also went on to say According to those familiar with the case, Wurmser was in attendance at several meetings of the White House Iraq Group (WHIG), a little-known cabal of administration hawks that formed in August 2002 to publicize the threat posed by Saddam Hussein. Those who say they have reviewed documents obtained in the probe assert that the Vice President was also present at some of the group’s meetings. [snip] The sources say that Hannah and Wurmser were given orders by senior officials in Cheney’s office in June 2003 to leak Plame’s covert status and identity in an attempt to muzzle Wilson. The former ambassador had been a thorn in administration’s side since May 2003, when he began questioning claims that Iraq was an imminent threat to the U.S. and its neighbors in the Middle East. Kudos to Raw Story for once again being on top of this story. Their coverage has been second to none, and I would urge everyone to visit their website and read the entire story HERE...

Insider Says Big Names To Be Indicted

Larry C. Johnson a former CIA operative and current intelligence expert posts on his blog NO QUARTER that some VERY BIG names are among the 22 indictments that will be handed down from Patrick Fitzgerald in the Plame leak investigation. How are these names for size? Rove, Libby, Hadley, Matalin...and last but not least Cheney. A New Tidbit on the Plame Affair by Larry C. Johnson Had lunch today with a person who has a direct tie to one of the folks facing indictment in the Plame affair. There are 22 files that Fitzgerald is looking at for potential indictment . These include Stephen Hadley, Karl Rove, Lewis Libby, Dick Cheney, and Mary Matalin (there are others of course). Hadley has told friends he expects to be indicted. No wonder folks are nervous at the White House. As Mr. Rogers would say "It's a happy day in the neighborhood". Larry Johnson is no fly-by-night rumor monger. Here is some of his bio: Larry C. Johnson is CEO and co-founder of BERG Associates, LLC, an international business-consulting firm that helps corporations and governments manage threats posed by terrorism and money laundering. From 1985 through September 1989 Mr. Johnson worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. During his distinguished career, he received training in paramilitary operations, worked in the Directorate of Operations, served in the CIA’s Operation’s Center, and established himself as a prolific analyst in the Directorate of Intelligence. In his final year with the CIA he received two Exceptional Performance Awards. This sounds like a credible individual to me, lets hope his source is just as credible. Here is another interesting facet to this story. Stephen Hadley was Deputy NSA for none other than Condiliesalot Rice when she was the National Security Advisor. When she became Secretary of State, King George named him to be NSA. Could righteous Miss Condi possibly be taken down a peg or two?

Cheney Aide Cooperating With Prosecutor

Wow! In a breaking story, Raw Story is reporting A senior aide to Vice President Dick Cheney is cooperating with special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson, sources close to the investigation say. Individuals familiar with Fitzgerald’s case tell RAW STORY that John Hannah, a senior national security aide on loan to Vice President Dick Cheney from the offices of then-Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, John Bolton, was named as a target of Fitzgerald’s probe. They say he was told in recent weeks that he could face imminent indictment for his role in leaking Plame-Wilson’s name to reporters unless he cooperated with the investigation. Perhap's the rumor circulating about Condiliesalot Rice being chosen by King George to replace Dickhead Cheney is not so far off the mark. All I can say is that would make for one hell of a confirmation hearing! The revelation that Hannah has become a prosecution witness strongly suggests that Fitzgerald is now looking into the motive for outing Plame and how Wilson’s complaints threatened to destroy public support for the war, which the Bush administration worked diligently to win. Fitzgerald may be looking at a broader conspiracy case of pre-war machinations by the White House Iraq Group (WHIG) and by the Pentagon’s ultra-secret Office of Net Assessment, the former operating out of Dick Cheney’s office and tasked with “selling” the war in Iraq, and the latter operating out of Defense Under Secretary for Policy, Douglas Feith’s office and tasked with creating a war to “sell,” as some describe. Most of you may remember that Joseph Wilson, in his book The Politics of Truth named Hannah as one of the possible people out the the VP's office that leaked his wifes' name. Be sure to head on over to Raw Story to read the complete report. Believe me it makes for a compelling read to say the least.

Vice President Rice?

With reports circulating that the Plame leak investigation may reach into the VP's office and that the Prosecutor is looking at Cheney himself, the Washington rumour mill went into overdrive. U.S. News and World Report: Sparked by today's Washington Post story that suggests Vice President Cheney's office is involved in the Plame-CIA spy link investigation, government officials and advisers passed around rumors that the vice president might step aside and that President Bush would elevate Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. [snip] Said another Bush associate of the rumor, "Yes. This is not good." The rumor spread so fast that some Republicans by late morning were already drawing up reasons why Rice couldn't get the job or run for president in 2008. This would certainly be one way to put Condiliesalot in a position to take on every Republican's nightmare - Sen Hillary Clinton in '08 for President, but I doubt this would happen. Then again I suppose nothing King George does would surprise me. Any man who swears he talks personally to God and God instructed him to invade Iraq is capable of anything.

Hey Karl, Hey Karl, What Ya Gonna Do - What Ya Gonna Do When The Come For You?

Reuters is reporting that when Patrick Fizgerald announces any decisions from the CIA leak investigation they will be made in Washington and not in Chicago where he is based. The prosecutor investigating the outing of a covert CIA operative has yet to say whether he will bring charges, but he has decided to announce decisions in the case in Washington rather than Chicago, where he is based, his spokesman said on Monday. Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, who has been investigating who leaked the identity of the CIA operative Valerie Plame since 2003, is the U.S. attorney in Chicago and his staff has been tight-lipped throughout. "If and when there would be any announcement, it would be made in Washington," said Randall Samborn, Fitzgerald's spokesman. Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis Libby, and President George W. Bush's top political adviser, Karl Rove, are among the officials facing possible charges, legal sources have said. It is unusual for Fitzgerald's office to offer comment on any aspect of the case and Monday's statement led some observers to wonder if it might be a signal that a decision was imminent or that Fitzgerald was trying to increase pressure on potential targets to cut a deal. Start the theme from "Cops"...Hey Boys, Hey Boys watcha gonna do? What ya gonna do when they come for you? Listen up KKKkarl the music plays for you.

Harriet Version 2.0 To Be Released

Time Online reports the newest upgrade of the teeny-bopper talking SCOTUS nominee will be released this week: Get ready for a whole new Harriet. After a disastrous two weeks, White House officials say they hope to relaunch the nomination of Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court by moving from what they call a "biographical phase" to an "accomplishment phase." In other words, stop debating her religion and personality and start focusing on her resume as a pioneering female lawyer of the Southwest. "We got a little wrapped around the axle," an exhausted White House official said. "As the focus becomes less on who she's not and more on who she is, that's a better place to be." So, as the White House counsel begins her formal prep sessions this week for a confirmation hearing that's likely to start in early November, President Bush will hold a photo op with former chief justices of the Texas Supreme Court who will testify to Miers' qualifications and legal mind. The White House's 20-person "confirmation team" will line up news conferences, opinion pieces and letters to the editor by professors and former colleagues who can talk about Miers' experience dealing with such real-world issues as the Voting Rights Act when she was a Dallas city council member and Native American tribal sovereignty when she was chairwoman of the Texas Lottery Commission. Isn't it comforting to know that YOUR tax dollars are paying for Harriet's extreme makeover?

More Scandal From Ms. Judy

Damn! I decide to take a few days off, and wouldn't you just know it yet another scandal leaps out of the current soap opera known as "As The Judy Turns". E&P breaks down the latest scandal, which came to light in the NYT article about the Miller-Plame leak story. Since the posting of The New York Times lengthy article on Judith Miller's involvement in the Plame scandal Saturday, much of the Web has been abuzz with the revelation that she had some sort of special classified status while embedded with troops in Iraq at one point. The issue came to the fore after Miller, in recounting her grand jury testimony, wrote about how her former classified status figured in her discussions with I. Lewis Libby. She was even pressed by the prosecutor on this matter. Excuse me? This poor excuse for a so-called journalist had clearance to receive "classified" information? What the hell for!!! If this doesn't amount to Judy Miller being no more than a paid schill for the Administration then I don't know what the hell does. And it seems that Bill Lynch the former CBS News national security correspondent, feels the same: There is one enormous journalism scandal hidden in Judith Miller's Oct. 16th first person article about the (perhaps lesser) CIA leak scandal. And that is Ms. Miller's revelation that she was granted a DoD security clearance while embedded with the WMD search team in Iraq in 2003. This is as close as one can get to government licensing of journalists and the New York Times (if it knew) should never have allowed her to become so compromised. It is all the more puzzling that a reporter who as a matter of principle would sacrifice 85 days of her freedom to protect a source would so willingly agree to be officially muzzled and thereby deny potentially valuable information to the readers whose right to be informed she claims to value so highly. One must assume that Ms. Miller was required to sign a standard and legally binding agreement that she would never divulge classified information to which she became privy, without risk of criminal prosecution. And she apparently plans to adhere to the letter of that self-censorship deal; witness her dilemma at being unable to share classified information with her editors. [snip] If Ms. Miller agreed to operate under a security clearance without the knowledge or approval of Times managers, she should be disciplined or even dismissed. If she had their approval, all involved should be ashamed. I would go a step further. If Miller had the Times managers' approval, then they should not only appologize, but they should step down and vacate their positions immediately and the legitimate reporters of the NYT should not only demand it, but refuse to submit any further stories until they do so.

BUSTED!!!

Finally the MSM is recognizing the fact that the crap coming from King George is scripted and scrubbed before they see it. King George had a "teleconference" with the troops today to AGAIN push his view of the occupation of Iraq. MSNBC has the story and the video. The only problem with all this is the soldiers and Bush were both given the questions and the answers BEFORE the photo-op. Prepped to answer Before it began, a Pentagon official coached the troops, telling them the president planned to ask questions on three topics: The overall security in Iraq, how they were preparing for the vote on Saturday and how much progress had been made in the training of Iraqi troops. Allison Barber, a Pentagon official, said Bush would ask them specifically, “In the last 10 months, what kind of progress have we seen?” She asked who was prepared to answer the question. “Master Sgt. Lombardo,” one said. After Bush asked just that question, Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo responded: “Over the past 10 months, the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces are improving ... They continue to develop and grow into a sustainable force.” All this made for an interesting press gaggle for poor Scottie. From E&P: Q Scott, why did the administration feel it was necessary to coach the soldiers that the President talked to this morning in Iraq? MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, I don't know what you're suggesting. Q Well, they discussed the questions ahead of time. They were told exactly what the President would ask, and they were coached, in terms of who would answer what question, and how they would pass the microphone. MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, are you suggesting that what our troops were saying was not sincere, or what they said was not their own thoughts? Q Nothing at all. I'm just asking why it was necessary to coach them. MR. McCLELLAN: Well, in terms of the event earlier today, the event was set up to highlight an important milestone in Iraq's history, and to give the President an opportunity to, once again, express our appreciation for all that our troops are doing when it comes to defending freedom, and their courage and their sacrifice. And this is a satellite feed, as you are aware, and there are always technological challenges involved when you're talking with troops on a satellite feed like this. And I think that we worked very closely with the Department of Defense to coordinate this event. And I think all they were doing was talking to the troops and letting them know what to expect. Q But we asked you specifically this morning if there would be any screening of questions or if they were being told in any way what they should say or do, and you indicated no. MR. McCLELLAN: I don't think that's what the question was earlier today. I think the question earlier today was asking if they could ask whatever they want, and I said, of course, the President was -- and you saw -- Q And I asked if they were pre-screened. MR. McCLELLAN: You saw earlier today the President was trying to engage in a back-and-forth with the troops. And I think it was very powerful what Lieutenant Murphy was saying at the end of that conversation, when he was talking about what was going on in January, how the American troops and coalition forces were in the lead when it came to providing security for the upcoming election, an election where more than eight million Iraqis showed up and voted. It was a great success. And he talked about how this time, when we had the preparations for the upcoming referendum this Saturday, you have Iraqi forces that are in the lead, and the Iraqi forces are the ones that are doing the planning and preparing and taking the lead to provide for their own security as they get ready to cast their ballots again. Q But I also asked this morning, were they being told by their commanders what to say or what to do, and you indicated, no. Was there any prescreening of -- MR. McCLELLAN: I'm not aware of any such -- any such activities that were being undertaken. We coordinated closely with the Department of Defense. You can ask if there was any additional things that they did. But we work very closely with them to coordinate these events, and the troops can ask the President whatever they want. They've always been welcome to do that. It looks like they can't lie their way out of this one. The only thing that is surprising about this fiasco, is why it took the MSM to realize what all of us have known for FIVE years. Or perhaps it is what I think and that is that the MSM now see a crack growing in this well scripted BS Administration with indictments and corruption coming forth and feel safe enought to start pushing for answers to direct questions. Heaven knows it's about time.

DeLay Fights Back With Slimey TV Ads

Well we should expect nothing less from the likes of this corrupt sack of do-do. When you can't win your case on its' merits and prove your a clean and good politician, you resort to trying to influence the jury pool. The Washington Post reports: A conservative group is running a TV ad likening the Democratic district attorney prosecuting House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to a vicious dog. A group which calls itself "The Free Enterprise Fund" is running the TV ad in the Austin Texas area and of course on Faux News. The ad apparently has a male voice-over, which comments "A prosecutor with a political agenda can be vicious" while a snarling dog barks on the screen. In case you never heard of this group, it describes itself as the preeminent force in Washington for the passage of legislation that promotes economic growth, lower taxes, and limited government. Limited Government? Ya right this from a group whose chairman is Mallory Factor, a major contributor to George Bush campaigns. I wonder how Mallory feels about the massive expansion of government under King George's regime and a Republican controlled congress and senate. I suppose a group under the direction of Mr. Factor is not much of a suprise, seeing as he has a bit of a skeleton in his own closet: Mallory Factor founded Mallory Factor, Inc. in 1976. This merchant bank has a division that coordinates corporate meetings and events. It also markets corporate investor relations services, sometimes exchanging such services for an equity stake in a company. National Auto Credit (NAC), which made subprime used-car loans, retained these investor-relations services—and put Mallory Factor on its board in 2000, after paying $6.5 million to settle the shareholder lawsuits. Investors had sued NAC after its auditor quit in 1998 because it did not trust management’s numbers. Ironically, as Mallory Factor, Inc., billed NAC $431,000 for investor-relations services, NAC investors filed new lawsuits. The shareholders alleged that NAC directors—including Mallory Factor—breached their fiduciary duty by approving deals that lined the pockets of NAC executives and directors. In one deal, NAC subleased property or new exectutive offices from Mallory Factor, Inc. These shareholder lawsuits were consolidated in 2003, as NAC and the plaintiffs sought to negotiate a settlement. The above is from Texans For Public Justice. An Austin-based non-profit that organized in 1997 to take on political corruption and corporate abuses in Texas. Now isn't that just par for the course. A ethically challenged Bush supporter and his group trying to get one of the most corrupt politicians out of a jam. Even though I hate the latest en-vogue term "Culture of Corruption" it is most certainly the best, and dare I say ONLY way to describe what is going on here in the sliming of Prosecutor Ron Earle.

It's Card VS Rove As Karl Goes Down

Let the games begin, this is a downright dirty fight and is going to be a sight to behold. If this is true, I will be happier than one of those right-wing preacher guys celebrating the end-times. Can we please have a perp takedown on the front lawn of the White House? Picture it..... Karl Rove running across the WH lawn in his boxers. A police dog takes him down, they slap the cuffs on and drag him by the scruff of the neck to a waiting paddy wagon. OH HAPPY DAY!!!!! Oh well I can dream can't I? LOL Seriously though there does definitely seem to be people at odds in the WH. This would explain the lousy response to Katrina (Karl had kidney stones - ya right) and the Miers pick for SCOTUS. I certainly looks as if King George is distancing himself from his right-hand man. From MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" —so, Joe Wilson is challenging the main element of this administration, which was going to war with Iraq and saying they did it under false premises. It was a corrupt war, he‘s saying. That‘s it, isn‘t it? HOWARD FINEMAN, NBC CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: That‘s the point of the lance of this whole thing. Right now, my sense, in reporting this, Chris, is that the Bush family, political family, is at war with itself inside the White House. My sense is, it‘s—it‘s—it‘s—it‘s Andy Card, the chief of staff, and his people against Karl Rove, the brain. MATTHEWS: Right. FINEMAN: And that runs through a whole lot of things, whether it‘s Harriet Miers or Katrina. But it all starts with Iraq. And some submerged, but now emerging divisions within the administration over why we went into that war, how we went into that war and what was done to sell it. There are people are out for Karl Rove inside that White House, which makes his situation even more perilous. My understanding, from talking to somebody quite close to this investigation, is that they think there are going to be indictments and possibly Karl Rove could be among them, if not for the act of the leaking information about Valerie Plame, then perhaps for perjury, because he‘s now testified four times. And there are conflicts between what Matt Cooper told the grand jury and what Rove evidently told the jury himself. And Patrick Fitzgerald, the prosecutor, is an absolute stickler for detail who has no political axe to grind here, other than keeping his own credibility. Having put Judy Miller in jail, having gone to the lengths he had, my understand is, he has got some people here, not only Rove, but perhaps Scooter Libby, the vice president‘s chief of staff. MATTHEWS: I also get the sense he reads the law book. He doesn‘t care about the politics. (CROSSTALK) FINEMAN: That‘s what I meant. That‘s what I meant. He doesn‘t care about the politics. (CROSSTALK) MATTHEWS: Let me ask you, you just raised a curtain-raiser for me. I didn‘t even know this. You believe that the fight between those who may be headed toward indictment, the vice president‘s chief of staff, Karl Rove, there is a war between them and the people who are going to survive them, Andy Card, etcetera. FINEMAN: Yes. MATTHEWS: But is Andy Card saying now, here‘s his chance to prove the war was wrong? Is that what this—it‘s a shadow fight over that? FINEMAN: I think it‘s possible. I think it‘s possible. Look, when you are up, you‘re up big time. Karl Rove was the boy genius. MATTHEWS: Right. FINEMAN: Karl Rove could do no wrong. But now Karl Rove seems to have been caught overstepping on this. MATTHEWS: Right. FINEMAN: And now people are questioning everything about it. And it goes back. If you have to have an organizing principle, it‘s the war in Iraq. That‘s what it is. There is much more in the transcript including remarks by James Moore, co-author of , “Bush‘s Brain”, describing the way KKKarl operates: Well, there‘s a bunch of people in this state who will tell you he can play tough, because he‘s ruined their careers, Chris. Every part of his entire career has been about vengeance, going after people who somehow crossed him or his candidates and destroying them from the battlefield. So, the fact that he‘s accused of this surprises nobody down here who has watched him forever and ever. What surprise me, though, is this whole notion of bad memory on the part of Karl. You‘re talking about a guy who can still recall precinct results from 1890 elections. And to tell the grand jury or Fitzgerald or anyone that he doesn‘t recall meeting with Matt Cooper is just beyond the pale in terms of believability. MORE....

Judy's New Found Notes - Libby Lied

Murray Waas, in a special article for the National Journal tells us: In two appearances before the federal grand jury investigating the leak of a covert CIA operative's name, Lewis (Scooter) Libby, the chief of staff to Vice President Cheney, did not disclose a crucial conversation that he had with New York Times reporter Judith Miller in June 2003 about the operative, Valerie Plame, according to sources with firsthand knowledge of his sworn testimony. Libby also did not disclose the June 23 conversation when he was twice interviewed by FBI agents working on the Plame leak investigation, the sources said. Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald apparently learned about the June 23 conversation for the first time just days ago, after attorneys for Miller and The New York Times informed prosecutors that Miller had discovered a set of notes on the conversation. As Waas pointed out in his article, even in the absence of hard evidence of an obstruction, "a prosecutor is going to want to know why a subject of (the) investigation did not want a witness to co-operate, and why they would allow someone to linger in jail for more than eighty days, unless they had something to hide. That is going to lead many prosecutors to redouble his efforts."

What A Suck Up!!!

Now we know why Harriet Miers was chosen by Dear Leader King George as his nominee to SCOTUS. From The New York Times: "You are the best governor ever - deserving of great respect," Harriet E. Miers wrote to George W. Bush days after his 51st birthday in July 1997. She also found him "cool," said he and his wife, Laura, were "the greatest!" and told him: "Keep up the great work. Texas is blessed." For heavens' sake she sounds like a damn "teeny-bopper" or a "valley girl". Here are some more gushing, over the top remarks "Texas has a very popular governor and first lady!" ---- "Hopefully Jenna and Barbara recognize that their parents are 'cool' - as do the rest of us." ---- "All I hear is how great you and Laura are doing, Texas is blessed." And this woman who talks like a valley girl, whose greatest claim to fame is a Dallas City Council member, and wow!...let's not forget the Texas Lottery Commision, is going to rule on the civil rights of American citizens? Give me a break!! Grow up Harriet, time to wake-up and get a real life.

NY Terror Alert Hoax - UPDATE

This definitely does not surprise me. It seemed awfully suspicious to say the least, that the very day King George gave his speech about terror and the war in Iraq conveniently linking the two, that a terror alert would be given. The only thing was, officials in Washington Homeland Security and the FBI said the information was not credible, yet NY officials said it was. My take on this? Washington set up the Mayor of NY to release the alert while keeping its' distance from the story. Now that King George and his band of merry men see that the public didn't give them the usual response it is now released that it was a hoax. CNN reports: Information that led to heightened security for the New York City transit system was a hoax, government sources said Tuesday. The sources said an informant in Iraq who provided the tip had told investigators there was a terrorist plot involving New York's subway system. That informant admitted he gave false information, the sources said. It looks like we have all realized that the politics of fear so overused by the Administration in the form of "terror alerts" is now going to be ignored. Get a clue George, you have cried wolf too often and we are on to you. The bad and dangerous thing about this state of affairs, is that if there is a legitimate alert it will also be ignored. More from CNN HERE....

NY Terror Alert A Hoax

-- Informant in Iraq admits information about a terror plot against New York subway was a hoax, sources tell CNN. Details soon. More when available

Carole Coleman: "I Wanted To Slap Him"

George W Bush was so upset by Carole Coleman’s White House interview that an official complaint was lodged with the Irish embassy. The RTE journalist explains why the president made her blood boil: The Times On Line London, UK., gives us this account of how arrogant and condescending the Preznit and his ass kissing staff really are: With just minutes to go to my interview with George W Bush, I was escorted to the White House library, where a staff member gave instructions on how to greet the president: "He'll be coming in the door behind you, just stand up, turn around and extend your hand." I placed my notes on the coffee table, someone attached a microphone to my lapel, and I waited. The two chairs by the fireplace where the president and I would sit were at least six feet apart; clearly I would not be getting too close to him. The room was well-lit, providing the kind of warm background conducive to a fireside chat. Several people had crowded in behind me. I counted five members of the White House film crew, there was a stenographer sitting in the corner and three or four security staff. I was still counting them when someone spoke. "He's coming." I stood up, turned around to face the door and seconds later the president strode towards me. Bush appeared shorter than on camera and he looked stern and rather grey that day. "Thanks for comin', Mr President" I said, sticking out my hand. I had borrowed this greeting directly from him. When Bush made a speech at a rally or town hall, he always began by saying "Thanks for comin'" in his man-of-the-people manner. If he detected the humour in my greeting, he didn't let on. He took my hand with a firm grip and, bringing his face right up close to mine, stared me straight in the eyes for several seconds, as though drinking in every detail of my face. He sat down and an aide attached a microphone to his jacket. Nobody said a word. "We don't address the president unless he speaks first," a member of the film crew had told me earlier. You can read the entire article HERE. Some of the more infuriating comments from King George: “Let me finish, let me finish. May I finish?” Remember you must ALWAYS defer to King George (in the short time you are allowed to be in Dear Leaders' presence) and let him spout his long line of bullshit. “I think we have a spunky one here.” -- Referring to the female reporter. Obviously the King is not used to answering questions that are DIRECT and TO THE POINT - especially from a female. “Is that how you do it in Ireland — interrupting people all the time?” Yes your highness. You see they aren't co-opted like the U.S. media is. And I might mention, THEY HAVE A SPINE! “Oh, she wants the photograph now.” Yes she does you arrogant little pissant. The lady is NOT your SUBJECT she is a very fine reporter doing her job. As if this wasn't bad enough, here are some of the more infuriating comments from his butt licking staff: “You were given an opportunity to interview the leader of the free world and you blew it." “You were more vicious than any of the White House press corps or even some of them up on Capitol Hill . . .The president leads the interview.” “And, it goes without saying, you can forget about the interview with Laura Bush.” This entire episode reads like something out of the middle ages when there were Kings and Surfs, and never the same shall meet. Maybe King George should be reminded that this is NOT the middle ages and the people are NOT his subjects. Unfortunately, this seems to be how the American people view their relationship with the jerk. And worse yet, the MSM in their dealings with him, seem to always bend over and say "thank you sir may I have another". He is a politician and that is all. He serves the people NOT the other way around.

Happy Thanksgiving Canada

In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike the American tradition of remembering Pilgrims and settling in the New World, Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest. The harvest season falls earlier in Canada compared to the United States due to the simple fact that Canada is further north. The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. He did not succeed but he did establish a settlement in Northern America. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now called Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. This is considered the first Canadian Thanksgiving. Other settlers arrived and continued these ceremonies. He was later knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him - Frobisher Bay.

Libby Was Pushed For Waiver

According to The Washington Post "Scooter" Libby the top aide to VP Cheney was "prodded" in a letter leaked to Reuters which shows Prosecutor Fitzgerald "encouraging" Libby for a waiver for Judy Miller allowing her to testify. A top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney got a push from a prosecutor before telling New York Times reporter Judith Miller that he wanted her to testify in a probe into the outing of a CIA operative whose diplomat husband was an Iraq-war critic. ----- Some lawyers in the case called the letter a thinly veiled threat seeking Libby's cooperation, and said it raised questions about whether Libby's waiver was as voluntary as Miller and her lawyers had described. Others said it was not coercive. "Is that pressure? Absolutely," said Richard Sauber, a Washington lawyer who represents Time magazine's Matt Cooper, who has also testified to the grand jury. But he added, "It is not unfair and it is not unduly coercive." Hmmm and now we have reports that Ms. Judy is to meet with Fitzgerald in Washington as I posted here. This causes one to look once again at the reported letter Libby sent to Miller shortly before her release from prison. Was this prose by Libby "turn in clusters, because their roots connect them" supposedly referring to the leaves in Aspen really code? I wonder if it really means witnesses before the GJ have "turned" showing all of them interconnected in some sort of conspiracy. Could he have been actually telling her to co-operate or he and her would both be indicted if she doesn't? It seems to me this would make sense if Fitzgerald is going after the "bigger fish" who are higher in the administration.

"She needs a crash course in constitutional law." - Specter On Miers

It looks like King George is growing increasingly concerned over the mounting criticism of Harriet Miers as his nomination to the Supreme Court. He even used his Saturday address to try and shore up support for her for an unprecedented 3rd time since the announcement . The NYT reports that it even looks like Arlen Specter the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee has his doubts. After a blistering week, the White House is scrambling to control a conservative uprising over the nomination of Harriet E. Miers to the Supreme Court, with President Bush pitching his choice directly to the public on Saturday as his Republican allies plotted strategy to shore up support. "Harriet Miers will be the type of judge I said I would nominate: a good conservative judge," Mr. Bush said in his weekly radio address. He added, "When she goes before the Senate, I am confident that all Americans will see what I see every day: Harriet Miers is a woman of intelligence, strength and conviction." It was the third time since he picked Ms. Miers on Monday that the president has come to her defense. His remarks came as the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee - who will preside over the Miers confirmation hearings and who has called her "intellectually able" - offered a blunt assessment that was yet another sign that the nomination was in trouble on Capitol Hill. "She needs more than murder boards," the chairman, Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, said in an interview, referring to the mock question-and-answer sessions most nominees use to prepare for their confirmation hearings. "She needs a crash course in constitutional law." Add to this news that even Robert Bork, himself a failed nominee, has "borked her" and Miers is really in trouble. Other critics have expressed concern about her lack of experience grappling with constitutional reasoning. Robert Bork - whose nomination to the high court was rejected by the Senate in 1987 - called the choice of Miers "a disaster on every level." "It's a little late to develop a constitutional philosophy or begin to work it out when you're on the court already," Bork said Friday on MSNBC's "The Situation with Tucker Carlson." "It's kind of a slap in the face to the conservatives who've been building up a conservative legal movement for the last 20 years." Come on Harriet, withdraw yourself from the appointment. Your friend who you say you admire so much is making a fool of himself (nothing really unusual there I suppose) and you.

Miller To Meet With Prosecutor Again - Is Fitzgerald Gearing Up For Conspiracy Charges?

CNN is reporting that Judy Miller's Attorney Floyd Abrams has revealed that she is to meet with CIA leak investigator Patrick Fitzgerald again, this time in Washington and not in front of the GJ. However, Abrams said, Fitzgerald could decide after the interview to have Miller make another grand jury appearance. Yesterday it was reported by Reuters that Miller had (conveniently?) discovered additional notes that she overlooked before her GJ appearance and turned them over to Fitzgerald. Put this together with the fourth appearance before the GJ by KKKarl Rove, and one has to wonder if Fitzgerald is gathering up the final pieces of the puzzle which will result in conspiracy indictments against some top officials in King George's administration and others. It seems to me that if we hear next week that Miller is to make another appearance before the GJ, this will mean the prosecutorial net has definitely caught up some pretty big fish.

Gannon/Guckert Re-surfaces In Plame Investigation

Now if this is true, not only will the Plame investigation become even more interesting, but there is a strong possibility that KKKarl better have dotted all his I's and crossed all T's before he made his last visit to the GJ yesterday. Salon's Joe Conason brings us news that: Another intriguing possibility in the leaks case brings back the baroque personality of right-wing pressroom denizen Jeff Gannon, born James Guckert. The New York Times reported Friday that in addition to possible charges directly involving the revelation of Valerie Wilson's identity and related perjury or conspiracy charges, Fitzgerald is exploring other possible crimes. Specifically, according to the Times, the special counsel is seeking to determine whether anyone transmitted classified material or information to persons who were not cleared to receive it -- which could be a felony under the 1917 Espionage Act. One such classified item might be the still-classified State Department document, written by an official of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, concerning the CIA's decision to send former ambassador Joseph Wilson to look into allegations that Iraq had tried to purchase uranium from Niger. Someone leaked that INR document -- which inaccurately indicated that Wilson's assignment was the result of lobbying within CIA by his wife, Valerie -- to right-wing media outlets, notably including Gannon's former employers at Talon News. On Oct. 28, 2003, Gannon posted an interview with Joseph Wilson on the Talon Web site, in which he posed the following question: "An internal government memo prepared by U.S. intelligence personnel details a meeting in early 2002 where your wife, a member of the agency for clandestine service working on Iraqi weapons issues, suggested that you could be sent to investigate the reports. Do you dispute that?" Gannon later hinted, rather coyly, that he had learned about the INR memo from an article in the Wall Street Journal. He also told reporters last February that FBI agents working for Fitzgerald had questioned him about where he got the memo. At the very least, that can be interpreted as confirming today's Times report about the direction of the case. Well now, how neat is that? What poetic justice would that be to see the administrations' own plant in the Press Corps be the one to bring them down. As for KKKarl himself, the article states: If Rove told the FBI agents the same story that he and McClellan were telling the press, then he might have set himself up for a felony charge of lying to a federal law enforcement official. And if he lied, then he need not have been under oath to have committed a crime. You will have to watch an ad to read the entire article in Salon, but it is painless and well worth it for the read. The article is available HERE....

GOP Abuse Of Power Angers Pelosi

Washington, D.C. - House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer at a news conference this afternoon to condemn the Republican abuse of power that occurred on the floor of the House today. The Republican leadership held a five-minute vote on the energy bill open for 45 minutes to twist arms to get their Members to switch votes. Below are Pelosi's remarks: "What you saw on the House floor this afternoon was a shameless display of the Republican culture of corruption, as it exists in the House of Representatives. It demonstrated once again that the Republican majority will go to any length to satisfy the greed of the energy companies over meeting the needs of the American people. "A vote that was supposed to take five minutes took more than nine times that long because the indicted Republican leader of the House of Representatives needed extra time to twist the arms necessary to pass a bill that is against the interests of the American people, against consumers, against taxpayers, and against the environment. "The fact that the Republicans are handmaidens of the special interests is nothing new. The fact that they would shamelessly display their servitude should come as no surprise. But today's extortion is an especially shameful display - a sad day for democracy. The people spoke and the vote was clearly against this bill. "How long will the Republican caucus condone this behavior? Until the rank-and-file Members break with the culture of corruption, they are all complicit and they all enable. The American people must object. "Our country's democracy is based upon every American having his or her voice heard on the floor of Congress. Republicans have shut down debate here. Now they are shutting down the reasonable outcome of a vote. "Democrats have proposed guidelines for how we think the House of Representatives should operate, a Minority Bill of Rights. Included in this document is the declaration that `No vote shall be held open in order to manipulate the outcome.' When we take back the People's House, we will heed that declaration." MORE....

Lies Begets Lies, Begets Lies, Begets Criminal Conspiracy

KKKarl Rove is taking a risk everytime he opens his mouth and speaks to Fitgerald or the Grand Jury. Murray Waas, a Washington-based journalist, for National Journal has a compelling article in which it is pointed out that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove personally assured President Bush in the early fall of 2003 that he had not disclosed to anyone in the press that Valerie Plame, the wife of an administration critic, was a CIA employee, according to legal sources with firsthand knowledge of the accounts that both Rove and Bush independently provided to federal prosecutors.... In his first interview with FBI agents working on the leak probe, Rove similarly did not disclose that he had spoken to Cooper, according to sources close to the investigation, But in subsequent interviews with federal investigators and in his testimony to the grand jury, Rove changed his account, asserting that when the FBI first questioned him, he had simply forgotten about his phone conversation with Cooper. Rove also told prosecutors that he had forgotten about the Cooper conversation when he talked to the president about the matter in the fall of 2003. This sounds like a very convenient loss of memory to me. Here are some of the thoughts of experts Waas includes in his article. Stephen Gillers, a New York University law professor, says that Rove's being called before the grand jury a fourth time and so late in the inquiry is a strong indication that Fitzgerald is "attempting to tighten up the noose" and is contemplating criminal charges against Rove. Gillers said that if Fitzgerald is "pursuing a potential case for false statements, perjury, or obstruction, every time Rove speaks at this point, he is taking a risk. For better or worse, he is locked into his previous statements and testimony." ***** Randall Eliason, a former chief of the public corruption section for the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and currently an adjunct law professor at American University, said that if Rove purposely misled the president, the FBI, or the White House press secretary, a reasonable prosecutor might construe such acts as "overt acts in furtherance of a criminal plan." Give me a break. There is no way a person known for his almost obsessive attention to detail forgot his meetings or conversations about anything this important to the administration and its' consequences. IMO he is only returning to the GJ this fourth time to try and talk his way out of an indictment. I also find it quite remarkable that on the same day KKKarl returns for another appearance, Miss Judy suddenly comes across missplaced notes that affect her testimony. Ya Right Judy!!! It looks to me like it is scramble time with everyone trying to find a way to cover their ass. I would urge you read the entire Murray Waas article available HERE.