Cheney

Posted: Friday, June 22, 2007 9:01 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: White House, Republicans

Mike Viqueira reports that the vice president’s office claims that as far as document security guidelines set forth by law are concerned, it’s not an "entity within the executive branch." So says Rep. Henry Waxman (D), who in the course of an investigation into government record keeping has found that Cheney's office has stiffed the National Archives when it comes around to inspect record-keeping procedures.

The Los Angeles Times: "For the last four years, Vice President Dick Cheney has made the controversial claim that his office is not fully part of the Bush administration in order to exempt it from a presidential order regulating federal agencies' handling of classified national security information, officials said Thursday… Some legal scholars and government secrecy experts noted the irony in Cheney's stance that his office is not fully part of the executive branch, given his claims of executive privilege when refusing to provide information requested by Congress."

The New York Times adds that when the National Archives unit that monitors classification in the executive branch objected [to Cheney’s resistance of oversight], the vice president’s office suggested abolishing the oversight unit, according to documents released yesterday by” Waxman.

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Comments

If my memory serves me correctly, we went to war with IRAQ in March 2003. Sounds fishy doesn't it? The same year we go to war is the same year Cheney believes he is above the law. I personally believe there is some "classified" info on the oil grounds in IRAQ and possible places where Haliburton could take over and make their headquarters. I swear this man is really our president. He's got Bush on a string.
Those who want Bush impeached....don't do it for the sake of having the real hitler in charge. We'd rather deal with Bush for a few years then deal with Cheney. After both of them are out of office...we will find out the real story behind this war. We just have to wait it out unfortunately.

Michelle, TR, NJ (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:19 AM)

What a blinding glimpse of the obvious! Does this story come as any surprise to anybody who has not be comatose for the last couple of years?

Dave, Matteson, IL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:24 AM)

"The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it comes stronger than their democratic state itself.That, in its essence, is fascism-the ownership of government by an individual, by a group"-FDR

Desmond (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:26 AM)

So cheney is runnig a shadow gov't not connected to the whitehouse no suprise here. cheney runs the bush puppet from his secret non-governmental office which means the US Consitution was overthrown in a silent secret coup years ago.

mikeeg,abdn,wa (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:35 AM)

Given the arrogance and blatant disregard for law and the Constitution, why is Cheney, Bush, Gonzales and all of the rest of that incompetent pack still in office?

Charles, Evanston IL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:51 AM)

And this is news? Cheney, who probably yields more power the Bush, has shown time and again he's going to do whatever he wants to do, because... well... he's entitled for some reason (known only to him). Doesn't care about the law, doesn't care about our national traditions of governance. He's like the spoiled little kid who just is always used to getting his way, and can't imagine things not working like that.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:56 AM)

Who needs the Sopranos when a story like this is in the news? Cheney is a sociopath. Bush is just his front man. Congress needs to investigate the Vice President's office. We, the People, need to push our lawmakers to shut down the Vice's operation.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 9:59 AM)

desmond, we have lived in a fascist state for sometime now, are issues in this country addressed according to the will of it's citizen's or buy a handfull of wealty elite?

MK,MO (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:04 AM)

"Laws - what stinkin' laws?' Cheney appears to be above the laws of our country. Since when is the VP not part of the executive branch of our government?

Must be nice to follow the law if it is to your benefit and ignore the laws you don't like.

Of course, that is the name of the game in D.C. Even illegal aliens think they are above the law.

Utahreb, Veyo, UT (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:07 AM)

The scope of DARTH VADER'S arrogance, meglomania, hubris and criminality is beyond belief. If we as a nation do not hold accountable this despicable individual; we are not only ignoring separation of powers but we Americans are becoming enablers.

juan, ft lauderdale, fl (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:18 AM)

That picture of Cheney is perfect. I wonder what his mug shot would look like. Hopefully I will get to see that someday.

Ken, Seattle WA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:20 AM)

song for cheney-"I've seen the wicked fruit of your vine Destroy the man who lacks a strong mind Human pride sings a vengeful song Inspired by the times you've been walked on My stage is shared by millions Who lift their hands up high because they feel this we are one we are strong the more you hold us down the more we press on"
"What if you did? What if you lied? What if I avenge? What if eye for an eye?

"I know I cant hold the hate inside my mind cause what consumes your thoughts controls your life So I'll just ask a question"

"What if? what if your words could be judged like a crime?
What If"-Creed

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:28 AM)

He's as crooked as a dog's hind leg. Surely the republican Senate and House majorities from 2000 through 2006 knew all this, so what does it say about their toleration of this abomination? As for bush and them over at the White House, they may not have been smart enough to figure it out. Either that or Cheney's usurpation of power is OK with them.

Scott in South Texas (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:31 AM)

This reminds me of an another era. A Communist state. This guy is by no means one crazy dude who literally thinks he is above the law. Time for a REGIME Change.

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 10:32 AM)

Amy: Your post sums it up precisely. "We, the People, need to push our lawmakers to shut down the Vice's operation." Can anyone here tell me why this is not happening?

Mark Thieme (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 11:19 AM)

Future psychology textbooks will have that picture of Cheney on the page describing meglomania.

Mel, Illinois (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 11:24 AM)

This is why this election has become so important. The next adminstration is going to have so much to clean up and personnel to replace to get the country back on track.
Start by listining to what these candidates are saying about the Constitution, Separation of Powers, the Courts, and the structure, mission and makeup fo our Military.
Hint: It ain't "Hate Congress"; overturn Roe v Wade; Bigger Military.
It is stewardship of our country, our laws, and our government. Good people pick good people.

OutWest (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 11:49 AM)

This "political capital" is long spent. If Bush had any conscience or sense of decency, he's fire the guy, but that's not likely to happen. Dick Cheney is not the man he once was...maybe dementia, maybe his personality has changed with his health problems, but he's a MAJOR liability in an administration that has no margin for liability. I'd like to hear ANY of the current candidates speak to the issue of repairing the damage to the Constitution that this gang has ravaged. Gonna be tough to stay with the GOP this cycle.

rodeo, ellensburg, wa (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:01 PM)

The basis of Clinton's impeachment was for an event in his personal life. cheney has stated he is does have to abide by the Constitution and our laws. so what do you think is the more serious breach of the laws of the land? he and the shrub need to go.

Mark Y; Westlake Village, CA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:09 PM)

Isn't the possibilty of Schizophrenia in the person who is a 'Heartbeat away from the Presidency', enough to warrant a Psychological Examination of Cheney, if nothing else?

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:14 PM)

As far as why Congress is not shutting down the Bush-Cheney Admin on their actions, which many people believe to be illegal... Congress is still close enough to be tied as being equal, that the sentiment is not present for impeachment. They claim it would damage the country. Our country is already severely damaged since the US Constitution has been compromised by this meglomaniac gang of thugs in the White House. Cheney is a part of the Bush Administration and must adhere to the same rules as the President. No one, not even our highest elected officials nor the Supreme Court can pick and choose which laws or rules to obey and which ones to ignore. I believe the sentiment in Washington is decidedly against Bushco and the only group who could rule in his favor would be the US Supreme Court. The US Congress needs to listen to the people and begin impeachment proceedings ASAP on Bush & Cheney. If they are not wanting to relinquish info or documents and claim "Executive Privledge", someone needs to find out if any coverup of illegal activities is occurring. Oh wait, they'd claim "National Security" as a reason. I say, begin the investigation NOW and let the chips fall where they may. Our rule of law and the US Constitution are at stake. These are troubling and serious times. Write to your representatives in the US House and DEMAND an investigation with the goal being impeachment. God help us to survive this era.

Nick, Ohio (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:20 PM)

Mark Thieme, from my personal experience contacting missouri's congress persons, nobody’s listening, or if they are they are doing a good job of keeping it concealed, seems once they reach d.c. they tend to answer to a different group of constituents if you know what I mean, mr. bond one of the senators from missouri has always been a tow the line repub that ignores the people who elected him, but he's up for re-election in 08, hope we can get him replaced but it will be a tough row to hoe

MK,MO (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:24 PM)

Would be good if Cheney broke a leg...then we could ask ,"HEY WHERE DID YA GET THAT LIMP DICK?"

H P Boston (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:31 PM)

"I've gone to look for America"-"America"-Paul Simon

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:35 PM)

Mr. Cheney is a truly evil man- little conscience and very scarey.

j fl (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:51 PM)

What about his claim to executive privelege during the inquiry into the energy meetings held in his office with the oil execs? I guess you claim whatever you want when it fits. Sounds and smells like a coverup to me.

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 12:53 PM)

Hi, folks! This news should be no surprise to anyone. Terry, Disabled Vet - there will be a regime change in the form of '08 elections. Unfortunately, short of another American Revolution, it won't come sooner. We the people must pay attention to the candidates and select the best person to represent WE THE PEOPLE, not the wealthy elite or we will have a continuation of the same kind of regime.

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 1:08 PM)

Eileen, I don't know how old you are but i do know you have family serving in Iraq. I hope everyone is safe. As for me, I have finally had enough of this nonsense. Grass roots stopped the Vietnam War.Grass roots made sure Nixon was impeached. Grass roots needs to come home again and stop this abuse to our Constitution and to the America I love. I want the President and Vice President impeached soon, should have been yesterday.I do not think there will be the America I love left in 18 months.

Desmond (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 2:38 PM)

Am I the only one to notice that the people that normally defend the Bush Misadministration are not here defending Cheney. Could it be that even jerry and the others dislike him too? Last I saw his approval rating was under 20%. He's part of the Executive Branch when it suits him and not when it doesn't. What a thug!

Peter, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 3:02 PM)

"People of every color Marching side to side marching'cross these fields Where a million fascists dies You're bound to lose you fascists bound to lose!"-"All You Fascists"-Woody Guthrie

Still Crazy After All These Years (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 3:45 PM)

Mark Murray, no posts on my side since 1 are you there?

Desmond (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 4:21 PM)

HP! You're killin' me! Excellent.

Robb, STL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 4:39 PM)

Desmond- A pleasure to talk to you! I'm 54 years old and I'm a veteran as well (Army/Air Force). My husband and nephew are both home right now, thank you for asking. Yes, I remember the Viet Nam era well. I was part of the grass roots for change. And you best believe I'm thoroughly disgusted with this so called administration! It feels like a dictatorship. I think people have become complacent and apathetic. I want Bush and Cheney impeached badly, but I don't think Congress will pursue it. The democrats are a thin majority and the republicans will still support King George. Any suggestions? I'm quietly active in impeachment organizations and have petitioned impeachment procedures, but I've been threatened with reprisals on my husband's career. So I've gone covert.

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 5:50 PM)

Eileen, I don't have to go covert. I will gladly march overtly for you and yours.marine vet has provided me with the "IMPEACH BUSH.ORG site.I will do what I can for you , my sister, and my country.

Desmond (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 6:14 PM)

Desmond, my friend, we will march together! So happens I signed on with IMPEACHBUSH.ORG. No one will scare me from doing what I believe is right! My oath still stands, "To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from her enemies both foreign and DOMESTIC." But I will use every means at my disposal to protect my husband's back as well! Say hi! to ex-marine vet for me. God Bless!

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 8:42 PM)

Eileen, I'm glad to hear your husband and nephew are back home. I understand your disgust with this administration. What have we come to when military families have to go covert to protest?

Desmond, it cheers my heart to know there are folks out there who care about the troops and their families. I'll bring extra cookies for you at the next P.O. Box meeting!

Mel, Illinois (Sent Friday, June 22, 2007 8:58 PM)

I go there too. IMPEACHBUSH.ORG Please everyone GO THERE!

H P Boston (Sent Saturday, June 23, 2007 10:12 AM)

Where's the outrage on conservative talk radio? Where's the outrage from Republicans running for President? Where's the outrage from Republicans in Congress to Cheney's complete disregard for open government and honesty. He'd be perfect in Stalin's government, he has no place in a democracy. He mocks those who question his dissembling of the truth, he scurries to his undisclosed locations while his enablers go to trial, and ultimately to jail. He hides behind faux importance to avoid service in Vietnam. He wears his patriotism on his lapel, a tiny american flag, as if that makes him a patriot. He pontificates on democracy but is contemptious of it's demands when applied to him. He's a disgrace and his conduct of the Office of Vice President is disgraceful. He should resign. Today.

R.Merrell (Sent Saturday, June 23, 2007 11:56 AM)

Mel, bring extra for Eileen.She definetly is part of our group.

Desmond (Sent Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:31 PM)

HE'S AN "IDIOT" TOO.

JOHNNY JUSTICE ANYWHERE USA (Sent Saturday, June 23, 2007 7:32 PM)

Eileen, are you watching your cholesterol? How about Iowa State Fair Oatmeal cookies?

Mel, Illinois (Sent Monday, June 25, 2007 9:59 AM)

Mel, never mind the cholesterol. How about chocolate chunks and chips cookies!? Still a little warm from the oven and gooey! Think Desmond will go for those as well?
R. Merrell, Bush and Cheney will never resign; they will have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of office. They love the power and they have no conscience.

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Monday, June 25, 2007 11:05 AM)

Eileen, I love chocolate chunks and chips cookies.RUTUS members, that's onthe menu for tonight.

Desmond (Sent Monday, June 25, 2007 12:58 PM)

Chocolate chunks it is! And contrary to what Jerry says, there won't be any funny green stuff in them. Hmmm, I may add a liberal amount of rum.

Mel, Illinois (Sent Monday, June 25, 2007 2:19 PM)

Mel, I don't remember you or Desmond on the Cheney blog for today, but Jerry is misbehaving again! Better make it a real liberal amount of rum in those cookies!

Eileen, Navarre, FL (Sent Monday, June 25, 2007 4:00 PM)

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