J's Cafe Nette

Archive for June 15th, 2007

A bit of light Friday night reading here, with a shout out to Professor Reynolds for the lead.

Enjoy!

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Respect for any politician on either side of the aisle is becoming increasingly difficult as Washington shows itself to be so partisan and repetitive that those of us on the outside could probably write their dialogue for them.

But in the midst of all the in fighting, name calling and kindergarten atmosphere there is a man whom I have admired for many years. It made no difference to me that he was a Democrat, he was a man of conviction and faith and even when his own party betrayed him he stood tall and came back a winner.

This man is Joseph Lieberman. Some might say, well you like him because he stands on the side of the President in regards to the Iraq war..they would probably be right but that is certainly not the only reason this gentleman would have my vote in a second if he were to run for President. He is believeable..plain and simple.

When I read this article from today’s Opinion Journal, I was once again touched by the sincerity and frankness of the good Senator. You see, I for one find no rhetoric or politics in what he has written and while it is his opinion based on what he has seen or heard, it restores my faith that with reasoned thinking we can see this war through to completion with success.

I recently returned from Iraq and four other countries in the Middle East, my first trip to the region since December. In the intervening five months, almost everything about the American war effort in Baghdad has changed, with a new coalition military commander, Gen. David Petraeus; a new U.S. ambassador, Ryan Crocker; the introduction, at last, of new troops; and most important of all, a bold, new counterinsurgency strategy.

The question of course is–is it working? Here in Washington, advocates of retreat insist with absolute certainty that it is not, seizing upon every suicide bombing and American casualty as proof positive that the U.S. has failed in Iraq, and that it is time to get out.

In Baghdad, however, discussions with the talented Americans responsible for leading this fight are more balanced, more hopeful and, above all, more strategic in their focus–fixated not just on the headline or loss of the day, but on the larger stakes in this struggle, beginning with who our enemies are in Iraq. The officials I met in Baghdad said that 90% of suicide bombings in Iraq today are the work of non-Iraqi, al Qaeda terrorists. In fact, al Qaeda’s leaders have repeatedly said that Iraq is the central front of their global war against us. That is why it is nonsensical for anyone to claim that the war in Iraq can be separated from the war against al Qaeda–and why a U.S. pullout, under fire, would represent an epic victory for al Qaeda, as significant as their attacks on 9/11.

It is a bit of a lengthly read, but I leave you with Senator Liebermans closing paragraph.

And I conclude from my visit that victory is still possible in Iraq–thanks to the Iraqi majority that desperately wants a better life, and because of the courage, compassion and competence of the extraordinary soldiers and statesmen who are carrying the fight there, starting with Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. The question now is, will we politicians in Washington rise to match their leadership, sacrifices and understanding of what is on the line for us in Iraq–or will we betray them, and along with them, America’s future security?

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Why President Bush is so stubborn about keeping Gonzales as AG is a puzzle to me. If he won’t let him go then Gonzales should have the decency to resign, as he is not serving the president very well.

From the Washington Post comes the story that Gonzales is being investigated by the DOJ Inspector General and the counsel of the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Fine has the authority to refer cases for possible criminal prosecution if warranted, and both he and Jarrett can recommend disciplinary action for violations of internal ethics guidelines or other rules of professional conduct.

The revelation further expands the publicly known contours of the Justice Department’s internal investigation, which is examining the removal of the prosecutors and whether any laws or policies were violated in the hiring of career prosecutors, immigration judges and others.

In her May 23 appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, Goodling testified that the backdrop of her conversation with the attorney general was her prospective decision on whether to transfer to another job or leave the department. “Let me tell you what I can remember,” Gonzales said, according to her account. He then asked whether Goodling “had any reaction to his iteration,” she said.

Goodling testified that the conversation made her “a little uncomfortable” because of ongoing investigations into the issue — including one begun several days earlier by the OPR. “I didn’t know that it was maybe appropriate for us to talk about that at that point, and so I just didn’t,” Goodling said. “As far as I can remember, I just didn’t respond.”

Gonzales said in testimony before both the House and Senate judiciary committees that he had not talked to potential witnesses about the events surrounding the firings. “I haven’t wanted to interfere with this investigation and department investigations,” Gonzales said on April 19.

Several legal experts said the federal laws that could apply to wrongdoing such as witness tampering, suborning perjury or obstruction of justice all require evidence of corrupt or improper motives on the part of a potential defendant. Gillers said Goodling’s description of her meeting with Gonzales amounts to a “vague narrative” that would potentially pose difficulties for a prosecutor.

“It really depends on what the person’s intent was, and you can infer intent from words and conduct and tone,” said James A. Cohen, an associate professor at Fordham University Law School and an expert on witness-tampering statutes.

The Congressional investigations will go on, but the possibility of being charged with tampering with witness demands Gonzales must go now.

The presumption is innocent until proven guilty and so far no charges have been brought, but being under the cloud of an investigation does not allow Gonzales to do his job properly and only drags this out.

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If anyone is interested in viewing the memorial to Ruth Bell Graham go here and enjoy the wonderful tribute put together for this wonderful woman who loved her Lord more than anything else.

I feel humbled after reading it. The angels in Heaven are rejoicing and the Lord Himself has hosted her at a table set just for her.

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The leaders of both sides of the Senate have agreed to bring up the immigration bill next week after completion of the energy bill.

Yesterday President Bush threw his support behind a $4.4 billion funding plan for border security which he and Congress have approved but never funded.

This has not won over any Republicans, as they want to see a funding bill and not just a promise as before.

Sources familiar with the talks said the sides are still negotiating which amendments will be allowed, though they have exchanged lists and have agreed to an approximate number.

The amendments matter because the bill strikes a tenuous balance and those who want it to pass will have to fend off attacks from both liberals and conservatives, each with their own set of criticisms.

Sources familiar with the talks said the agreement does not guarantee that the bill will pass, and Republicans did not promise to deliver enough votes, which Mr. Reid said earlier this week must happen.

The bill stalled a week ago when Mr. Reid called for an end to the debate, prompting 50 senators — 38 Republicans, 11 Democrats and one independent — to balk and vote to prolong the debate and offer more amendments. Mr. Reid then pulled the bill from the schedule.

But under pressure from President Bush, Mr. Reid agreed to return to the bill and Mr. McConnell pledged to limit the number of amendments that Republicans will offer. Last night, the White House said it was “encouraged by the announcement.”

The leaders want to finish the bill by the July 4 recess, but there are still plenty of potential pitfalls.

Earlier in the day, Sen. Jeff Sessions, Alabama Republican and a chief opponent of the bill, said he would use whatever procedural tools he can to block the bill from being revived — a powerful threat in a chamber where one member can delay or block action.

“There are a number of senators who will utilize the powers of the Senate to avoid going back to the failed bill,” Mr. Sessions said.

Unless something irresistable is put into the bill, don’t look for it to pass—again.

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