Comey's Evidence of a Crime - Impeachment Charges Just Sitting There!

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Tag(s): Impeachment; Justice Department; Politicians Corrupt
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May 17, 2007 at 21:40:12

Comey's Evidence of a Crime - Impeachment Charges Just Sitting There!

by Michael Collins Page 1 of 3 page(s)

http://www.opednews.com

MICHAEL COLLINS: COMEY’S EVIDENCE OF A CRIME
Friday, 18 May 2007, 12:56 pm
Opinion: Michael Collins

Bush, Gonzales, Card Clearly Implicated

Michael Collins
“Scoop” Independent News
Washington, DC

Tuesday was a remarkable day at the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearings. The exchange between Sen. Charles Schumer, R, NY and former Deputy Attorney General James Comey provides clear evidence pointing to criminal activity by the president, U.S Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and former presidential advisor, Andrew Card. If Comey’s testimony is supported by other reliable witnesses, the Bush, Gonzales, and Card crew have some serious questions to answer.

Schumer got right to the point when he asked that Comey confirm “media reports of a dramatic visit by Alberto Gonzales and Chief of Staff Andrew Card” to the hospital room of an ailing and stricken John Ashcroft in early March, 2004

Why were they visiting Ashcroft in the hospital? Ashcroft, then the U.S. Attorney General, was gravely ill and had designated his deputy James Comey as acting attorney general. Previously, they had reviewed and rejected modifications to an unspecified federal program requiring a Department of Justice (DOJ) signature “…attesting as to its legality” Comey testified.

Shortly before the deadline for DOJ approval, Comey and the Attorney General met concerning strategy to deal with the legal problems included in the White House program. Just hours later, Ashcroft was admitted to the George Washington Hospital in Washington, D.C. due to of complications from “a severe case of Gallstone Pancreatitis.” At that point, Comey became Acting U.S. Attorney General.

The White House was very displeased with the acting Attorney General Comey’s rejection of its pet project. This program was just identified as “an extension of the secret NSA warrantless eavesdropping program.” The White House representatives were at the hospital to get the ailing Ashcroft to overrule the man he’d named Acting Attorney General.

The Schumer-Comey exchange is densely packed with material that will appall just about everyone from average citizens to legal experts.

Forced call to a very ill man. Ashcroft’s wife ordered that no calls come through to the sick and disoriented Ashcroft. Only one caller was able to override her instructions. Comey testified, “I have some recollection that the call was from the president…” The White House call was reported to Comey by David Ayers, Ashcroft’s chief of staff. Mrs. Ashcroft told Ayers that the caller indicated that then presidential counsel Alberto Gonzalez and Bush advisor Andrew Card were on their way to the hospital.

Don’t throw him out! Before the White House duo arrived, the tipped off Comey diverted a trip home to rush to Ashcroft’s hospital room. He reported a phone exchange with FBI Director William Mueller: “Director Mueller instructed the FBI agents present not to allow me to be removed from the room under any circumstances.” Comey, Mueller or both anticipated a danger that Comey would be physically barred from Ashcroft’s hospital room. Mueller’s order to agents showed that he wanted Comey present at any meeting with Gonzales and Card in the hospital.

We know you’re very ill but… Gonzales and Card arrived with an envelope and immediately pressed Ashcroft to give DOJ authorization for the program.. A stricken Ashcroft sat up briefly and dispatched the White House representatives with dramatic flair saying “I’m not the attorney general.” The implication was clear. The White House had to deal with Comey.

“I thought I just witnessed an effort to take advantage of a very sick man.”

The courtly Comey went as far as his sense of restraint would allow. Nothing much more needs be said of Gonzalez, Card, and White House caller who announced their impending arrival. Taking advantage of “a very sick man” is about as low as it gets on the ethics scale.

After all this, Comey was ready to resign in protest. There was a follow up call to Comey from Andrew Card after the hospital visit where he and Gonzales totally ignored Comey. There were also meetings at Justice. Comey and other senior attorneys were planning a group resignation as a result of the affair. We were headed for replay of the Nixon Saturday Night Massacre.

In what should be the most studied exchange, Comey indicates that the surveillance law was implemented without DOJ approval.

Schumer: Right. And you stated that the next day, Thursday, was the deadline for reauthorization of the program, is that right?

Comey: Yes, sir.

Schumer: OK. Can you tell us what happened the next day?

Comey: The program was reauthorized without us and without a signature from the Department of Justice attesting as to its legality. And I prepared a letter of resignation, intending to resign the next day, Friday, March the 12th.

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Michael Collins is a writer who focuses on clean elections and voting rights. See this summary of his articles plus Election 2004: The Urban Legend and groundbreaking research and commentary in "" His web site, Election Fraud News & The Money Party, offers a collection of resources and commentary on critical issues facing the country.

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14 comments

Professor Bagnolo is a Renaissance man: Cultural Anthropologist, Architectural designer, painter, writer, novelist, theologian. As a child prodigy, abed with polio for almost two years, with an off the charts IQ, reading at the graduate level by 5th grade, offered an opportunity to skip three grades at age 8.Later He was a recipient of an Art Institute scholarship at age 11, a Ford Foundation Fellowship in Anthropology and in Painting and a merit scholarship in art, and was appointed a Graduate ...

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Professor Emeritus Peter BagnoloProfessor Bagnolo is a Renaissance man: Cultural Anthropologist, Architectural designer, painter, writer, novelist, theologian. As a child prodigy, abed with polio for almost two years, with an off the charts IQ, reading at the graduate level by 5th grade, offered an opportunity to skip three grades at age 8.Later He was a recipient of an Art Institute scholarship at age 11, a Ford Foundation Fellowship in Anthropology and in Painting and a merit scholarship in art, and was appointed a Graduate ...

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Michael Collins

Nice work Michael. Now if only someone can get Nancy Pelosi out from under the hypnotic stupidty of her "advisors" the same ones which blew the 2000-2004 elections, we might have a Special Prosecutor begin the Investigatory process.

by Professor Emeritus Peter Bagnolo (144 articles, 1 quicklinks, 94 diaries, 1190 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 7:09:47 AM

Wanna be member of the anti-word police, author, columnist, activist and muckraker extraordinaire. Author of:Land, Legacy and Lynching: Building the Future for Black AmericaUrban Asylum: Politics, Lunatics and the Refrigerator Woman Contributing editor: (works in progress)Red, Black, Brown & Green: Ethnic People and the Move to Economic Self-Suficiency Screaming Doors (novel) Screaming Doors
M. DavisWanna be member of the anti-word police, author, columnist, activist and muckraker extraordinaire. Author of:Land, Legacy and Lynching: Building the Future for Black AmericaUrban Asylum: Politics, Lunatics and the Refrigerator Woman Contributing editor: (works in progress)Red, Black, Brown & Green: Ethnic People and the Move to Economic Self-Suficiency Screaming Doors (novel) Screaming Doors

Still sitting on its laurels--congress and krew

I hate to accuse an obviously learned, literate individual of an alleged intimate relationship with a hooka pipe or recreational pharmaceuticals, but it will take a reversal of lunar orbit, the walking of dinosaurs on the earth and the infusion of a rat braincell transplant in certain high level gubmint officials before Pelosi develops that much intestinal fortitude. The blinders are stll working, the repubs and dems are still makin' out behind closed doors and the 'public' is too busy playing with its pubes and shortcircuiting its few remaining braincells with an addiction to Amerikan Idol to rise up and demand justice.

by M. Davis (37 articles, 1 quicklinks, 11 diaries, 131 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 7:22:26 AM

Michael Collins is a writer who focuses on clean elections and voting rights. See this summary of his articles plus Election 2004: The Urban Legend and groundbreaking research and commentary in "" His web site, Election Fraud News & The Money Party, offers a collection of resources and commentary on critical issues facing the country.
Michael CollinsMichael Collins is a writer who focuses on clean elections and voting rights. See this summary of his articles plus Election 2004: The Urban Legend and groundbreaking research and commentary in "" His web site, Election Fraud News & The Money Party, offers a collection of resources and commentary on critical issues facing the country.

Nominated ..."still makin' out behind closed doors "

You said it first...and it's so true. The Sirota article on the trade bill proves this point to a tee! They were not elected to make out with the Republicans. They were eleted to tell the truth...we live in a tyranical state, not a democracy; one that exploits citizens regardless of race, religion or national original It's not at all reflective of the good people of this country who used their right to vote to cast enough votes to keep the election fraud perps at bay and elect a congress that the people intended to act. We need Webb to step forward again as he did in the State of the Union response and crack some heeads. Let's get a move on congress. They probably think that their huge drop in approval is just temporary, that they can make it back up there by Republican scandals Folly!

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 2:35:36 AM

Thanks Professor

There is a virtual public acclamation for impeachment now yet the "leaders" are not doing what they should, following the people. We pretend to vote, they pretend to get elected is the axiom of the autocrats. Why should they do anything? They've set themselves up for a nice long stay in our nation's capitol on our nickle. Ii'd say they've earned an "F" for the 3rd quarter;) but I'll defer to your better judgement on grading. We'll prevail, just a bit more heat and the atmosphere will shift.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 2:29:25 AM

Writer/Photographer/Activist. An advocate for clean government, media integrity and civil liberties. Chair of the Progressive Democrats of America S. Jersey Chapter Impeachment Team and co-leader of the New Jersey Impeach Groups. Founder of the Strike08 campaign. Working to end the war in Iraq and prevent one with Iran. Writer and editor for OpEdNews.com. cherylbirenwright.wordpress.com
Cheryl Biren-WrightWriter/Photographer/Activist. An advocate for clean government, media integrity and civil liberties. Chair of the Progressive Democrats of America S. Jersey Chapter Impeachment Team and co-leader of the New Jersey Impeach Groups. Founder of the Strike08 campaign. Working to end the war in Iraq and prevent one with Iran. Writer and editor for OpEdNews.com. cherylbirenwright.wordpress.com

that's it?

that's it? that's all ya got?

Ha - just kidding. It's absolutely insane. What can be more damning that what you've described, what Comey testified about? Those questioning seem to ask a lot of the right questions, some display the appropriate level of disgust, but then what? What difference does damning testimony make if no one does anything about it! I am so angry about the repeated offenses that continue to go on with impunity. God Almighty, Congress do something!

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (15 articles, 11 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 240 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 8:54:24 AM

"Is that all there is?" ....a bit more below

"I feel your pain." How much worse does it have to get. Well, here are two examples:

Jonathan Turley, Law Professor, nails down the surveillancne absurdities in this great article...ties in with what the creepy due was doing.

http://tinyurl.com/28ndsz

And, here's a gem, didn't know about this one. Seems the surveillance program may have provided enough "goods" on the PTB to silence any criticism for fear of said "goods" going public. This one's a real gem.

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/7529#comment

see "A Great Article but You Forgot Something."

My point was to narrow this to simple charges that were manifestly clear by the Comey testimony. The thought is, if they just start there with an investigation, all sorts of good things can happen.

What will it take to get congress to do what we're paying them for. The impeachment clause says "SHALL" bring impeachment for high crimes etc. They don't have a choice. They now have their smoking testimony. Time for IMIPEACHMENT.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 3:01:52 AM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Friday musings

Folks

I assume you all honestly say what you think, demanding actions from Congress and being suprised that nothing happens. But that only means that the illusion about those people at power really deciding something is still prevailing, sorry.

There is a deal between the puppetmasters. That deal presumes that GOP keeps the legislative power while Congress can oscillate as soon as the peak oscillatiors know how to behave. The idea is to ' keep the wheel going' while pretending that all is OK: as if whatever was undone in the last 7 years never happened. What you see is a theater. I guess, those ' staff advisors' get salaries in several places. Yes, they bicker and they look good sometimes but NONE of the EVIL had been reversed. NONE. Iraqi war still kills people, Patriot ACT is still there, TSA is there, the unprecedented Secret Police is there, Gitmo is there, torture is there, Katrina results... you name it.

We better watch Dancing with the Stars. At least those bodies are perfect.

by Mark Sashine (42 articles, 19 quicklinks, 227 diaries, 3219 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 1:08:28 PM

surprised?

"demanding actions from Congress and being suprised that nothing happens"

not sure anyone is expressing surprise here, just anger and disgust. personally, i've indicated in comments on similar pieces and in my own writing that it is beyond the republicans and democrats being in bed together - that it is all a carefully orchestrated conspiracy. so surprise - no. however, you won't catch me watching dancing with the stars anytime soon, i intend to keep at it. i'm not looking for perfection, however, just a little integrity.

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (15 articles, 11 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 240 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 1:54:19 PM

A clarification...we share a jaded perspective.

I said "The Schumer-Comey exchange is densely packed with material that will appall just about everyone from average citizens to legal experts." I was referring specifically to the hospital visit, which is bad taste for even the machinations of Washington, DC and the those who skulk the corridors of power. It's just all so sleazy.

Having said that, I'm of the belief that the firing of federal prosecutors, while not common, is part of a larger scheme where every act of state has to be checked for the almost guaranteed political advantage that act offers. I outlined my theory here. Bit wordy but the process described is a bit complex.

"Sleep Walking through History." Willing Participants in Our Own Demise 3 April 2007

Why wasn't defunding the war immediately the first priority? Could it be that thos ein power don't care because they don't have to?

Why didn't the repeal of the habeas corpus in that rediculous bill get addressed as #2 with a quick move to #3 save the planet through an emergency eco program. Do these guys have a planetary hideaway?

Amazing isn't it. The stupidity is more refined and disdainful by the day.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 3:12:08 AM

Michael Richardson is a freelance writer based in Boston. Richardson writes about politics, election law, human nutrition, ethics, and music. Richardson is also a political consultant on ballot access.
Michael RichardsonMichael Richardson is a freelance writer based in Boston. Richardson writes about politics, election law, human nutrition, ethics, and music. Richardson is also a political consultant on ballot access.

Connect the dot time

It is connect the dot time. Michael Collins puts out the facts and lets you draw your own picture. Unfortunately an "unindicted co-conspirator" may once again sit in the White House. Or put another way, "What did the President know, and when did he know it?"

by Michael Richardson (74 articles, 15 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 27 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 2:48:54 PM

Oh, thank you for mentioning that!

I answered this very good point elsewhere and I actually liked it so here goes:

Link

Here's proof that they went to the hospital at Bush's orders: if he didn't approve before the fact, they would have been fired immediately, maybe roughed up a bit in the press, and potentially indicted. This would have been the most insubordinate action of any * loyalist ever. Unthinkable that one could do this and survive with this president.

Proof of that is the standards for the rarely, if ever, firings of the US Attorneys. They were shown the door simply on the basis of not prosecuting enough voter fraud cases, that elusive, 8 federal conviction a year so-called crime.

I wish the press had followed up on that by asking,

Q: "You didn't fire either Gonzales or Card. That's a fact. It follows that either a) you allow massive insubordination by your closest aids or b) you approved of the plan before hand. Which is it?"

*: "Well, uh , ah, I'm not gonna answer that question."

Q: "So we can assume that you run a tight ship, have zero tolerance for the commission of illegal acts in your name by misrepresenting your authority, and therefore believe that, by not firing them, you were behind this entire reprehensible scheme."

These are wordy and not such great questions but the logic is there. They could have done their job and a big favor for the country by cornering him on this.

Of course he approved of it. It's implied in the entire affair, explicitly implied by the comments of Comey and by the entire "tough manager, demands total loyalty, nobody screws him" history.

He should be shown the door, soon. Thanks for bringing this up.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 3:20:03 AM

Hello! Do you think that congress can connect the dots.

Maybe some of them have experience with 'paint by numbers' kits. Even without that, most anyone can see that "taking advantage of a very sick man" by having him sign a conract while he's disorientend is fraud and running a program that requires DOJ approval absent that approval is fraud also.

These characters are a pox on the White House. Time for the Doctor to clean house. Which Doctor? I have no idea but someone will step up.

Cheers!

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 3:24:20 AM

I feel there is only one thing left to do - fight forces of ignorance and hate in any manner I am capable. If indeed this life prepares you for next, I want to go out shinning a light of love and to never harm another living thing in any way, outside of protecting innocents and myself from direct harm, I will not use violence, nor because of my life-style have violence perpetrated on others. Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. www.nolevee.com
Mr MI feel there is only one thing left to do - fight forces of ignorance and hate in any manner I am capable. If indeed this life prepares you for next, I want to go out shinning a light of love and to never harm another living thing in any way, outside of protecting innocents and myself from direct harm, I will not use violence, nor because of my life-style have violence perpetrated on others. Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. www.nolevee.com

Add to the list ...

Nothings going to happen. Think about it ... with all the impeachable crimes that they have committed to date and not one serious movement within this political body to impeach, what makes anyone think this will do it?

Face it ... our entire government is corrupt to the core. Our elections are rigged. Our representatives do anything but represent us. Our so-called republic is a joke and former shell of itself. And please don't give me that "give it time" BS. Times up!

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 1024 comments) on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 9:10:25 PM

I have a little theory on that;)

Teardown: The Mainstream Media Turns on Bush Oct 11, 2006

It happened before 2006 and was no accident.

You are very right! The key is, has the decision been made that now is the time. The 911 tragedy was enough for me but I'm a dit demanding of our public officials. I insist that they do their job or do the cakewalk.

Maybe the belle weather is Brian Ross finding some names in that DC Madam's black book that are interesting.

by Michael Collins (79 articles, 11 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 283 comments) on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 3:28:32 AM

14 comments

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