AM Feed - June 30: Bush Administration Rebuked
Hot Topics
- The Bush administration has made a constant, conscious effort to use the War on Terror to expand executive branch powers, but yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a crushing philosophical blow to the Bush team’s view of its powers. In the case of Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, the court ruled that the administration overstepped its powers when it ordered detainees to stand trial before military tribunals. The court ruled 5-3 in the case, with Chief Justice John Roberts recusing himself. This court decision is just the latest rebuke for the manner in which the Bush administration has conducted the War on Terror – and major operational changes could be the result. [link]
- The conservative-controlled House of Representatives has been in disarray lately: Any sense of momentum was lost long ago as parts of the right-wing agenda were snuffed out and internal squabbles grew. But yesterday, conservatives in the House banded together long enough to pass one of their pet projects – a bill that sacrifices the environment in favor of giving increased privileges to oil and gas companies. Led by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA), the House voted to lift the ban on offshore drilling. The ban, which had been present for 25 years, had covered 85 percent of the country’s waters. [link]
- The House Lobbying Scandal continues to creep ever-closer to Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH). Now Matthew Parker, an aide to Ney in his district office, has been subpoenaed by a federal magistrate in connection with the scandal. Meanwhile, three members of Ney’s staff, including spokesman Brian Walsh, are departing to take positions elsewhere. Ney has not been formally charged, but his name has routinely popped up in connection with the Abramoff scandal, and federal prosecutors have said that he received trips, gifts and other favors from Abramoff and his team. [link]
Quote of the Day
“It’s sincere, it’s heartfelt, but after today, it’s wrong.” – Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC), on the Bush administration’s governing philosophy.
Morning Snark
- When the Supreme Court was trying to explain the whole “separation of powers” thing to the Bush team, did they include a fifth-grade social studies textbook as part of the ruling?
Comment
- The Three Stooges,
‘Scalito, Alito. and Thomas are still with him. Lets hope he doesn’t get another appointment.
— Rosalie Stern Jun 30, 13:01 # - The congressional repubs aren’t going to let a little thing like a supreme court decision get in the way of giving GWB what he wants. None of the lap dogs were in agreement with the decision, so it won’t count in the long run anyway.
— Doyal Davis Jun 30, 14:02 # - When have these criminals ever let a little thing like the law stand in the way of what they wanted to do anyway?
The answer is…NEVER!
This ruling means Nothing…
Nada…
Zip!
— Beelzebub... Jul 1, 08:12 # - Supreme Court. Three Stooges vote against the seperation of powers: Scalia, Thomas, Alito.
Soon to appear RATS:
Roberts. Alito, Thomas, Scalia
Or STAR if you feel more kindly.
— David Jul 1, 10:33 # - I think RATS is more fitting. Since the word stern in german means star do not tar me with that group . Thanks.
— Rosalie Stern Jul 1, 13:21 #
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