I can't believe what I just heard! On CBS News from Tony Snow:
The Legislative Branch has no oversight responsibility over the White House.
This is the argument he uses to defend the administration's "offer" to have Karl Rove come in for a private, off-the-record "chat."
This is my first diary. I am fuming, and fed up with the lawlessness of this Administration. We need to ask our legislators what they think about this assertion, especially the Republican ones. At least, every Congressperson needs to hear this arrogance, and we need to hear what they intend to do about it.
I am behind my Senator Leahy's demand for public testimony from Karl Rove and Harriet Miers, under oath, regarding the politicized prosecutor purge. I hope he sticks to his guns and sticks up for Congress, for the people, once and for all.
How can this go on? I want my democracy back! The Bush regime is spitting on my Constitution!
This is finally the point at which we find out whether we have a true democracy which allows checks and balances. This administration is now asserting, per the Press Secretary that "The Legislative branch has no oversight responsibility over the White House." This is a ridiculous statement. How can there be no talk of impeachment if the White House has declared that they are above the law, above the Congress' ability to scrutinize their actions?
I declare:
Senators and Representatives, Right here is where you must stand up for democracy. Now is when you must preserve the right for the people to oversee it's own government. When the Executive Branch is declaring straight out that it is unaccountable to Congress, it is also saying it is unaccountable to the people.
We The People are not serfs who have no voice! We are Americans!
Senators and Representatives, Do you agree with the White House declaration that "The Legislative Branch has no oversight responsibility over the White House?"
I want all of the People's Representatives in Washington to voice their opinion on this matter, and explain what action they will take in defense of our democracy.
I believe the Congress should serve subpoenas to Rove and Miers. If these are rejected, with the argument that Congress has no oversight power over the White House, there is no other option but impeachment. It's in the Constitution. If not now, WHEN?
***UPDATE***
Thank you for your interest and input. Some interesting points from the comments:
- This is the new White House Line. Snow is using similar language on CNN, ABC News, etc. They are leading with this, making their stand. The fight must be joined by Congress.
- What does the constitution say?
Congressional Research Service
Wikipedia on oversight (thanks LithiumCola)
C-Span discussion
Conservative economic website(thanks NewDeal democrat)
House of Reps (thanks Todd32873)
And see mommyof3's comment below, where the federal government's website explains oversight to our kids!
- Looks like Kos has front-paged this issue, though I think the CBS quote above is more audacious and to the point!
- Has anyone gotten ahold of a Republican in Congress?