06-22-2012, 03:28 PM
A few new articles and opinion pieces have been published over the last couple of days.
Snipped:
the executive branch has articulated a strong and highly specific reason for withholding the documents at issue: Forced disclosure to Congress of internal deliberations concerning how best to interact with Congress would undermine the executive's capacity to function as a co-equal branch. It would undermine the prospects for future candid deliberations about interactions with the other institutions of government.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/opinion/sh...index.html
I understand that the documents being requested by Issa and the Oversight Committee are not related to the actual F&F operation (they already have those docs). The additional docs being requested are those that deal with the Executive Branch's strategies on how to most effectively interface with Congress on the matter. It's "deliberate privilege". IF it is confirmed that all of the F&F operational documentation requested has been handed over, I believe the privilege is valid and the contempt allegations will not be supported unless Issa and team can show some criminal activity or breach by Holder and Obama as operatives in F&F. I don't think that will happen.
Imo, one branch of government should not be required to turn over its internal strategy notes to another. That would inhibit brainstorming, strategizing, and open communication. It could also result in lack of minutes/record keeping within departments and promote miscommunication (and possibly serious errors) between those working together on large teams. If there were any allegations that Holder had instructed the F&F team members to perform illegal activities (as was the case with Nixon and Watergate), I could see the contempt charges being supported and moving towards Holder's resignation or impeachment. I don't see that as the case here based on the latest reports. JMO.
Still watching...
Snipped:
the executive branch has articulated a strong and highly specific reason for withholding the documents at issue: Forced disclosure to Congress of internal deliberations concerning how best to interact with Congress would undermine the executive's capacity to function as a co-equal branch. It would undermine the prospects for future candid deliberations about interactions with the other institutions of government.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/opinion/sh...index.html
I understand that the documents being requested by Issa and the Oversight Committee are not related to the actual F&F operation (they already have those docs). The additional docs being requested are those that deal with the Executive Branch's strategies on how to most effectively interface with Congress on the matter. It's "deliberate privilege". IF it is confirmed that all of the F&F operational documentation requested has been handed over, I believe the privilege is valid and the contempt allegations will not be supported unless Issa and team can show some criminal activity or breach by Holder and Obama as operatives in F&F. I don't think that will happen.
Imo, one branch of government should not be required to turn over its internal strategy notes to another. That would inhibit brainstorming, strategizing, and open communication. It could also result in lack of minutes/record keeping within departments and promote miscommunication (and possibly serious errors) between those working together on large teams. If there were any allegations that Holder had instructed the F&F team members to perform illegal activities (as was the case with Nixon and Watergate), I could see the contempt charges being supported and moving towards Holder's resignation or impeachment. I don't see that as the case here based on the latest reports. JMO.
Still watching...