Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has been denied clearance to examine the White House’s plan for operating the government in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.
The Oregonian reports that DeFazio requested to see the classified plans after being contacted by constituents who expressed concern that the plans contained a conspiracy.
De Fazio is puzzled by the White House’s denial of his request:
I just can’t believe they’re going to deny a member of Congress the right of reviewing how they plan to conduct the government of the United States after a significant terrorist attack.
De Fazio has never been denied access to classified documents before.
Trey Bohn, White House spokesman, says that it’s nobody’s business why DeFazio was denied access to the plans:
We do not comment through the press on the process that this access entails. It is important to keep in mind that much of the information related to the continuity of government is highly sensitive.
Norm Ornstein a conservative legal scholar at the American Enterprise think tank , says he can’t think of any reason why a member of Congress would be denied the right to review the plans.
Maybe the people who think there’s a conspiracy out there are right. – Congressman Peter DeFazio
Lord Voldemort – Dick Cheney was trying to get his hands on Godric Gryffindor’s sword and unavailable for comment….
Categories: scholars and rogues
Progressive Culture | Scholars & Rogues 
‘sabit strange that the headline had no mention of “White House,” “government” or “Congressman”, isn’t it? That, with this headline, somebody searching for information on Laverne & Shirley was more likely to find this story than anyone else?
As the glove covers the beer bottle, will it also cover our eyes?
It’s time to impeach before these bastards declare Bush Dictator for Life.
It’s time to establish a watch list called DC-10. We should identify the 10 moderate republican senators most likely to switch sides and vote for impeachment. I’m under the impression that an impeachment vote must gain a simple majority in the house but at least 60 in the Senate. If this is correct, we as citizens must put the heat squarely on those most likely to do the right thing … to make sure they do. As it stands now, I think there is still too much partisan sentiment for the Senate to convict on impeachment. I think the Democrats sense this and realize there’s no point cornering the rats as long as there are holes in the trap.
This report is the most blatant proof yet that the administration plans to concoct an emergency prior to the election to permanently take control of the nation.
The reason he can’t access these plans is because THEY ARE IN EFFECT.
The US Shadow Government (Continuity of Government Plans) have been activated, September 12th 2001, and they have not been de-activated. Which is to say, DeFazio is not qualified to see the plans, BECAUSE HE IS NOT PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.
There’s also the point to make that DeFazio is a Democrat. Really, it’s just that simple.
In the nakedly and avowedly partisan Bush regime, where Karl Rove draws a paycheck with our tax money just to help more Republicans get into office, and where crony hacks like Lurita Doan and Monica Goodling use government resources to shape their agencies into arms of the Republican party, is it any shock that the White House would consider a Democrat “unworthy” of seeing their plans?
Agreed, Martin. I thought exactly that when I initially read the article. And the article acknowledges that point, at least in passing by denoting DeFazio’s party affiliation.
But that doesn’t change the fact that denying a member of Congress who’s also a member of a legislative oversight committee access to documents clearly related to that committee’s work – a Congress member who is asking for that access on behalf of concerned constituents – is unconscionable and bordering on illegal.
Partisanship be damned – the people have a right to know. And the Busheviks should be made to tell them. That’s the problem now. The people don’t seem to be able to get their representatives to hold these guys accountable. And it’s always explained away as partisanship. And that’s a damned sorry excuse for ceding power to a bunch of criminals.
Impeachment – it’s what should be for dinner…. 😉
Jim,
Of course it’s wrong and of course it’s inexcusable. 😉 But that is the simple truth of the Bush junta–these people DO NOT CARE about what is right, what is legal, what is morally or ethically correct. They care about nothing but their own power.
And they will not give up that power–not even an inch–unless we take it from them. If that means impeachment, so be it.
BBC4 had a report on Monday night of a high level 1930’s era fascist coup plot. It was researched by a Congressional Committee at the time, but the high level rich and famous weren’t named because Roosevelt wanted to pass The New Deal. Not suprisingly, all of the leaders were right-wingers who hated FDR, and also not suprising Prescott Bush was a leader.
After reading the article about De Fazio being denied, then watching Gonzo smirk and lie to the SJC I thought sheesh that’s a man who knows he has nothing to fear, they’re plotting another damned coup. And then a bit latter listening to the BBC report…………