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The New York Times breaks a big story and reports that Dick Cheney ordered the CIA to break the law by withholding information from Congress about Bush’s secret spying programs:
The Central Intelligence Agency withheld information about a secret counterterrorism program from Congress for eight years on direct orders from former Vice President Dick Cheney, the agency’s director, Leon E. Panetta, has told the Senate and House intelligence committees, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said Saturday.The report that Mr. Cheney was behind the decision to conceal the still-unidentified program from Congress deepened the mystery surrounding it, suggesting that the Bush administration had put a high priority on the program and its secrecy.
Mr. Panetta, who ended the program when he first learned of its existence from subordinates on June 23, briefed the two intelligence committees about it in separate closed sessions the next day.
Efforts to reach Mr. Cheney through relatives and associates were unsuccessful.
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Fast Food
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DOWN THE VINE
Syndication
We caught the CIA (back in the 70's) doing bad shit, so we made it a law that they had to report their activity to Congress. I wonder wtf they were doing this time and why they were ordered to hide it?
Cheney needs to go to jail. So does the former Director of Central Intelligence for that matter. "I was just following orders" is a defense that stopped working a long time ago. The former DCI should have reported all of this to Congress the moment it happened.
I thought people who said things like this were paranoid conspiracy nuts but I'm starting to wonder if we really did have a coup de tat in this country for eight years.
i forget who said it but his point was that for many intents and purposes, we were living under a dictatorship for 8 years (if, by dictatorship, you mean a complete and utter disregard for the law)
Lawmaker won’t deny secret CIA program was ‘Cheney assassination ring’
I'm just saying…
They can do no wrong; if you do not believe me ask them. For they are the current examples of the old saw Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. After taking the intelligence gathers off the terrorists to manufacture premises to invade Iraq they had to do something to cover their asses. And Cheney really wants all this uncovered? I really hope that they call his bluff for all our sakes.
AG Eric Holder is seriously considering an independent investigator, and possible prosecutions. Public outrage and pressure DOES make a difference in these situations. SALON and NEWSWEEK have great articles, must reads. The secrets, the torture, the gross illegalities; treating the Constitution as an inconvenience, or suggestion during good times….it's outrageous. You know it. I know it. Obama knows it. Rahm knows it. We need to stand up and DEMAND that those responsible be held accountable. Holder is holding the key…speak up wherever you can and support him. No excuses.
Yes we need a independent investigation into all the cover up, but do not expect the president to lead it. It does not have as much to do with what he promised, or what he thinks is right. It has everything to do with inheriting a rapidly sinking economy and not being able to totally alienate the other side of the isle. By virtually pardoning the underlines he has made it impossible for the Republicans to scapegoat and underline, like they did over the Iraq prison cover up. You will remember that no Military or Civilian interrogator or officer was prosecuted, only grunts at the bottom of the chain. This time they will have to sacrifice a big name person.