Bush Administration's view of executive privilege most broad since Watergate

[ck4829]

President Bush's refusal to let two confidants provide information to Congress about fired federal prosecutors represents the most expansive view of executive privilege since Watergate, the House Judiciary Committee told a federal judge Thursday.

Lawyers for the Democratic-led panel argued in court documents that Bush's chief of staff, Josh Bolten, and former White House counsel Harriet Miers are not protected from subpoenas last year that sought information about the dismissals.

The legal filing came in lawsuit that pits the legislative branch against the executive in a fight over a president's powers.

The committee is seeking the testimony as it tries to make a case that the White House directed the firing of nine U.S. attorneys because they were not supportive enough of Republicans' political agenda.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080410/ap_on_go_co/congress_contempt

[Faygo Kid]

1. Nixon was a piker compared to W.

Our Constitution has been shredded with the acquiescence of the Dems and the active, enthusiastic support of the GOP.

That wasn't true in 1974. We are in deep squat here.

[jody]

2. IMO it's not "executive privilege", it's "executive dictatorship". n/t

[stellanoir]

3. Under the guise of executive privilege and national security they presume complete impunity.

I miss the Magna Carta so.

[teamster633]

4. Watergate?

The chimperor's view of executive privilege is the most broad since George III...