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Cheney Smackdown

Dick Cheney has claimed that his office is not subject to National Security Archives oversight of its handling of classified information because the vice president, as president of the Senate, is not part of the executive branch. Yet, to avoid public scrutiny of his meetings with energy industry leaders, Cheney declared that going public "would unconstitutionally interfere with the functioning of the executive branch." Question 1: Does this contempt for the constitution violate Cheney's promise to uphold the same document?

Cheney apparently considers himself his own special branch of government, outside the requirements of democracy—and perversely, he may just have a point. The report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (more here) reveals that outsourcing of government responsibilities to private contractors is "the fastest growing component of federal discretionary spending." And Halliburton, the company Cheney once led and from which he continues to receive payment, has taken the lion's share of the growing business. Halliburton saw a six-fold increase in its income from government contracts under the VP—err, Senate President's watch. Question 2: Is this ethical?

So maybe the Dark Lord's ultimate agenda is simply personal greed. ThinkProgress points out that Cheney's stock options are worth more than 300 times more now than they were at the start of his second term. By contrast, the taxpayers have not profited from the arrangement. The House report concludes that 118 contracts—worth $745.5 billion—"experienced significant overcharges, wasteful spending, or mismanagement." Question 3: How is this not impeachable?

Comments

Cheney's actions are impeachable. Unfortunately, neither Reid, Pelosi nor Conyers have the gumption to act. These members of Congress swear the same oath to "protect and defend the Constitution...from all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC." All in government - legislative, executive and most especially the judiciary - especially the Supreme Court Jesters - have failed to uphold their oaths.

We should impeach them all and send them to jail forever.

Peace,
Byrdman

Posted by: Byrdman on 06/27/07 at 1:12 PM

The Democrats control Congress. They have the power to bring him down but they don't because: A. They are cowards. B. Cheny did not break the law. C. The Democrats are part of the conspiracy. Which one is it? Do you respect the Democrats?

Posted by: Sid C. on 06/27/07 at 1:49 PM

Little Dennis K is the only Dem in the entire country with a pair of balls. His motion to impeach happened before all the hubbub in the WaPo. Alone in the forrest is he. One man in a wilderness of mice. Cheney has effectivly destroyed America single handedly. Bravo! Someone had to do it.

Posted by: David on 06/28/07 at 8:28 AM

Remember Bush jr. remark about the US constitution?
"IT'S JUST A GODDAM PIECE OF PAPER!!!" need I say more?

Posted by: Starlady on 06/28/07 at 8:39 AM

Staralady,

He too, like the rest of us will have their day of judgement between our creator, and will have to explain this comment.

"It is the Spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing." John 6:63

Pray for Peace, God Bless Each of You.

Posted by: VictoriaRum on 06/28/07 at 7:06 PM

When are liberals going to quit stooging around? They fiddle fart around trying to apply the ethics of the past. They accept the sold out media and its talking empty heads. They think Congress is going to exert its constitutional oversight responsibities.

Here's the nitty gritty! We are now in a fascist dictatorship, with the Ulimate Leader and his gauleiters doing what they god damned please,and "Screw those disorganized clowns down Pennsylvania Ave. Stonewall them!"

High crimes and misdemeanors have been committed for 6 years and we have to impeach them, before they destroy this wonderful country of laws & checks and balances, the last best hope of mankind.

The results of the 2008 election may simply extend this tyranny and oppression!

Posted by: Jack McNulty on 07/02/07 at 2:37 PM