Friday, June 02, 2006

See if This Rings A Bell

So I'm browsing the news this morning, and I see the following headline: "Raid Controversy Has Roots in US Constitution," and I think: "you know, I think I've heard about this 'Constitution.'" It turns out that it's like some laws and stuff made up by guys a couple hundred years ago. It turns out it's super important that we never ever do anything contrary to what it says. Unless, it turns out, you're Alberto Gonzalez, who is technically above the law. Interesting, huh?
A controversy over federal agents raiding the office of a congressman has its roots in the formation of the U.S. Constitution more than 200 years ago.

4 comments:

MT said...

I'm having trouble seeing a Constitutional issue in warranted searches. The judicial branch has to sign on to the warrant, so it's not just the Executive acting, at least in principle. One Senator is believed to have shot dead another, the body is missing, and we don't search the suspect's office or abode for the year he remains in office, including succeeding terms? Corruption in our representatives is dire. I doubt there's ever been a Congress so unconcerned with the Constitution. They're balancing and checking their corrupt asses, more likely. If the Republican leadership doesn't trust this President not to abuse his discretion even toward them, fuck 'em. I don't want them to have any option but to impeach the guy if they, those most in the know, don't trust him.

barba de chiva said...

Those are all good points. Maybe some of them will take the time to review the actual document, at this point? While you're right about their unconcern--or maybe because you're right about it--I'm just thrilled to hear the word. Hell, I'm happy to hear any national Post-patriot act discussion of the constitution.

And, yeah, what's most compelling about the whole thing is 1) the reaction of House Republican leadership; and 2) the reaction (we've been told) of Gonzalez, who threatened to resign over the issue. I mean, those things together suggest to me some other story about the search we're not quite on to (perhaps because everyone is so thrilled about the sexy aisle-cross-dressing going on?).

'Twould be nice if some serious searching were authorized in the other direction, if congress had the balls to get into Cheney's files. Just imagine that.

MT said...

Just imagine that.

OMG you have a dirty mind.

helmut said...

I agree, MT. Icky trope, Barba.