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May 23, 2013

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Letter to the editor:

Scandal could scar Republicans?

The negative publicity surrounding the government gun-running scandal known as Fast and Furious continues to plague Attorney General Eric Holder and the Obama administration. Holder refuses to turn over the preponderance of the documents subpoenaed by Congress, and now President Barack Obama has exercised executive privilege to help his long-time friend defy a lawful and legal request from Congress. The Justice Department refuses to prosecute its boss for contempt.

Democrats have Republicans exactly where they want them. By continuing to bait Republicans into making cover-up accusations, the public becomes more aware of the situation, and the conspiracy theories will only increase. Then, the president and attorney general can wait until the most opportune time (immediately before the November election) to release the documents to Congress. Since there is “nothing to hide” in those documents, Republicans will come up dry, have to admit they were wrong and lose all credibility for their supposed witch hunt. What a perfect plan on the part of the administration.

Unless, of course, there really is something to hide from the American people.

Discussion: 31 comments so far…

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  1. In relation to operation "Fast-n-Furious", without doubt, Eric Holder is the lowliest and most disgusting chief law enforcement officer the United States has ever had in the position of Attorney General.

    It is clearly written, "Any law enforcement officer who withholds information, impedes delays or hinders any official investigation and or inquiry is guilty of a felony." The decision to find Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress was right and completely justified.

    I was not surprised that President Barack Obama invoked executive privilege in protecting Attorney General Eric Holder. It apparently makes no difference to President Obama that a Border Patrol agent was murdered with the same weapons that Attorney General Eric Holder allowed to be put in the hands of the Mexican drug cartels.

    And on the subject of a cover-up, try this out for size;

    In July of 2010 the Los Zetas drug cartel seized two ranches in Texas. This act by the Mexican drug cartels was an action of war against the sovereign borders of the United States.

    When this incident first unfolded the Laredo police notified federal authorities. How ironic is it that officials in the Obama administration ordered a news blackout.

    Yeah, right, no chance of a cover-up by the Obama administration is there?

  2. In reply to Mr. Tanner from the "All Comments" section; a good liberal post, but as usual, not true, and incomplete.

    After 16 days of repeated denials by Laredo law enforcement, it would appear that a police blotter confirms not only that this story was indeed legitimate, but also that multiple agencies responded to the threat.

    Here is the blotter transcript from the Laredo police department;

    "On Friday 7-23-10 Laredo police informed federal authorities that their county SWAT Team is conducting an operation in the Mines Rd. area. According to LT. Garcia with LSO (Laredo Sheriff Office) received a call from a ranch owner stating that the Zetas had taken over his ranch. As per the 17 (reporting person) he informed them that they stated La Compania (area name for Zetas) was taking the ranch and no one was permitted on the ranch without permission. SO (Sheriff Office) will have an unmarked green Ford Taurus with two officers stationed at Los Compadres and a white Chevy Tahoe with two officers stationed at Mineral Rd. The LSO (Laredo Sheriff Office) will maintain surveillance in the area and advise if action is taken. Susp (suspect) Veh (vehicle) are described as a gray or silver Audi, a BLK (black) Escalade or Navigator and a van truck with a logo of a car wash spot free on the side. Border Patrol also has their response team on scene. Also known info of BMW's and Corvettes entering and leaving the area. Auth LT Lichtenberger if assistance is requested LPD (Laredo Police Department) will secure the outer perimeter. (07/24/10 07:42:10 NR1873)"

    Pay attention Mr. Tanner. It's obvious that there is a media blackout in place on many subjects, and violence on the border certainly seems to be one of them. Mexican drug cartels invade the borders of our sovereign states, seize control of private property owned by American citizens and the result is a media blackout of the events?

  3. "Unless, of course, there really is something to hide from the American people."

    Exactly right letter writer. Hence, the reason for the Oversight Committee's investigation of the DOJ and AG Holder. And 25 House Dems voting to hold Holder in contempt either directly [17] or indirectly by voting present [8]. Are those Dems doomed to scandal too, along with the Reps? Many if not all are up for reelection. Would they risk it?

    CarmineD

  4. This witch hunt isn't the first time or the last that Republican paranoia burned the party. They were embarrassed with the impeachment of Clinton. They used a water treatment system as an example of WMD's found in Iraq. Joe McCarthy destroyed his and the parties credibility. Alliances with groups such as the John Birch Society fractured the GOP, and a score of other incidents cost them votes.

    Not one witness from the originators of Fast and Furious under Bush was allowed to testify, and it's quite possible the program didn't exist at all. There is also the amazing stunt Issa tried to pull by having Holder turn over papers from Grand Jury testimony which is completely illegal if disclosed.

    "A Fortune investigation reveals that the ATF never intentionally allowed guns to fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. How the world came to believe just the opposite is a tale of rivalry, murder, and political bloodlust."

    http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/20...

  5. Mr. Branco;

    You forgot the lesson of Watergate. It's not the crime that is the shame of the party and persons involved, it's the cover up. However unlike Watergate, FAST & FURIOUS also has a body count.

    CarmineD

  6. Enjoyed the letter, J.J., but it should be pointed out that in right wing leaning media, especially Fox PORNO (Political Organization-Republican News Only) News, they started reporting on Fast and Furious just about 18 months ago. Suffice it to say, their reporting was flawed and based on suppositions, with a clear cut off date that only tried to point out this had a "Year Zero" start date of only during the President Obama administration.

    Their reporting contained fiery rumor, using that tried and true Fox News method of "we report, you better damn well repeat what we say."

    When the whole thing was picked apart and didn't pass the sniff test, they KEPT reporting on it. And I get the impression it made them mad that other media didn't hold much credence to what Fox News was saying.

    Then here comes loyal attack dog Grand Theft ISSAuto. He starts hearings that are only meant for purely political purposes.

    If you don't believe me, watch the one segment where Holder was interviewed and the Congressman (I forget his name) brought up the Justice Department's efforts to fight against the different States' clear attempts at voter suppression. What does this have to do with Fast and Furious and the matter at hand? I'll answer that. NOTHING.

    From the get go, this was driven by Fox News and right wing media outlets. This confirms that the heart and mind (and butt) of the Tea/Republican Party is Mr. Rush Limbaugh. HE'S in charge. Boehner, Cantor, McConnell, McCain and all others WILL fall in line and participate wholeheartedly in nothing but right wing propaganda.

    I am very sure the American people are sick and tired of this. Because all efforts to work with the Tea/Republican Party, on even the most normal day-to-day maintenance issue, runs into obstacles.

    THEY are the problem. All fingers point at their stupid political party doing nothing but acting childish, falling on the floor all the time, screaming and wailing, beating their fists and feet on the ground, I want to be in charge, I want to be in charge, I WANT TO BE IN CHARGE!

    It's time to crush them on November 6, 2012. I know I will be voting with pure unadulterated hate and anger for what they have done to this nation. Straight Democratic Party up and down the ballot. I want them DESTROYED. I will relish the opportunity to contribute to their disintegration too.

  7. The linked article explains why the letter writer is completely uninformed and most likely listening to call in radio gossip and watching Fox News:
    http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/20...

    "Indeed, a six-month Fortune investigation reveals that the public case alleging that Voth and his colleagues walked guns is replete with distortions, errors, partial truths, and even some outright lies. Fortune reviewed more than 2,000 pages of confidential ATF documents and interviewed 39 people, including seven law-enforcement agents with direct knowledge of the case. Several, including Voth, are speaking out for the first time."

  8. "Holder refuses to turn over the preponderance of the documents subpoenaed by Congress....."

    Schrader -- it's more like DOJ and the White House refuse outright to obey the presumably lawful subpoena.

    "...without doubt, Eric Holder is the lowliest and most disgusting chief law enforcement officer the United States has ever had in the position of Attorney General."

    BChap -- hardly. I don't recall him sending federal agents to put American families under siege in their own homes then killing them. I knew our country was lost when Waco and Ruby Ridge happened, and the same president was re-elected, with AG Reno keeping her job.

    "The linked article explains why the letter writer is completely uninformed..."

    mschaffer -- do you not know how this republic works? The purpose of the subpoenaed docs was to get all the facts before the investigators. The executive branch -- the President and AG are part of it -- is not superior in power or authority to the legislative, of which the House is a part.

    "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." -- George Orwell's "Animal Farm" (1945)

  9. In reply to Mr. Tanner from the "All Comments" section; pretty difficult for any news reporter to reveal a conspiracy when there is a total government ordered "news blackout" and President Obama utilizing executive privilege in protecting Attorney General Eric Holder.

  10. @ Colin...

    "Fox PORNO (Political Organization-Republican News Only)"

    Truer words...never spoken.

    TeaNuts that think Mittens Howell-Romney is 'mainstream'...
    TOO FUNNY!!!
    "Rasmussen reports..."
    See Brad Garrett...he can use you!

  11. Have any of you actually bothered to look at the Laredo Morning Times for the time period in question just to see if anyone in and around Webb County where these supposed "events" took place actually talked about them.

    Hard to believe that such a juicy story went completely unreported locally where it would have been a hot topic.

  12. Memo to LasVegasSun.com readers regarding Bill Whittle:

    He is affiliated with pajamas media (Re-branding In October 2011 Pajamas Media changed its name to PJ Media. In a press release announcing the name change PJ Media CEO Roger L. Simon said, "This evolution of our brand ushers PJ Media into a new era. We saw that people were worried that their rights and freedoms were deteriorating, and the next generation was going to be shackled with massive government debt. We heard people's concerns about how the country was moving away from its founding principles and watched as Tea Party activists and others protested these changes. It was clear that the time had come to shed our pajamas, change our name to PJ Media, and renew our commitment to the issues of freedom and liberty.") who in turn is in bed with news provacatuers Breitbart.com. Both sites showcase the RSS feeds from the other. Andrew Breitbart said, "Some call them bloggers, but to me Pajamas Media are reliable and compelling first-responders to real time world events as they occur. I am proud to now be featuring PJM's exceptional news content at Breitbart.com."

    In other words he is little Mawkee Twaeguhrs TEAnut brainwasher in chief.

    Anything endorsed by the dead slimeball Breitbart is sure to fail every reliability test on the planet. Avoid his (Whittle's) wimpy video's at all costs unless you are an insomniac. They will put you to...

    ...I need a nap after that...

  13. Why yes I do know how our government functions "killerB". Executive privilege is well established and was used several times under the incompetent Bush administration for truly egregious actions. I can guarantee that "killerB" has not read the Fortune article because it would challenge his cognitive dissonance.

  14. "I can guarantee that "killerB" has not read the Fortune article because it would challenge his cognitive dissonance."

    mschaffer -- no, I haven't read that article because it's irrelevant. I find the executive branch -- the law enforcers -- flouting the exercise of law they don't like under color of privilege to be supremely hypocritical. For sure it's up to the judicial branch to sort this one out.

    "In a government of laws, existence of the government will be imperiled if it fails to observe the law scrupulously. Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example. Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy." -- Olmstead v. United States, 277 U.S. 438 (1928), Justice Brandeis dissenting

  15. KillerB:

    You should be more concerned with Issa than Holder:

    "The 'We will do anything, yes anything, to bring down Barack Obama' GOP movement is not only still running strong but apparently gaining momentum. Fortune magazine calls California Republican congressman Darrell Issa's investigation of Fast and Furious a conspiracy. Katherine Eban of Fortune says the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives operation was nothing like U.S. Rep. Issa has claimed." She has even more doubts about Issa.

    Eban surmised that the Fast and Furious event was so different than has been portrayed by Issa that it would be near impossible for him to be so thoroughly misinformed. The author thinks he is lying. And apparently the same applies to ATF "whistle-blower" John Dodson who may have perjured himself by claiming under oath all 2,000 guns Issa proclaims went to Mexico came from ATF. The actual number has been established as five, all under Dodson's purview.

    Eban comes to the conclusion that the "problem" is Arizona with its loose gun laws making it almost impossible to prosecute those responsible for buying the guns, according to ATF Agent Dave Voth. Gun runners can do their thing easily in Arizona without fear of prosecution. As an example, a transient bought 10 AK-47 type rifles, was reported by the gun store to ATF, but because Arizona gun laws are so sloppy, it was impossible to convict the transient.

    And the other "problem" in this matter is the National Rifle Assn. (NRA), which threatened to withhold support from congressional leaders that didn't vote to hold AG Eric Holder in contempt for not releasing privileged documents. This resulted in 17 wimp Democrats voting for contempt which succeeded in passing. The NRA charges that Fast and Furious is Obama's way of instigating gun control because of the required reporting of sales by 9,000 border gun stores.

    http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/opinion/re...

  16. Thanks for the info on Bill Whittle and Rasmussen, JeffFromVegas.

    I've always known a lot of the ultra-right wing commenters on the LV Sun site follow Breitbart, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and others.

    The thing that really gets me is that on not only this issue of Fast and Furious, but a multitude of others where they are desperately searching for mud to sling at President Obama, they alway point at polls that are in their favor...where the people polled are all people who are completely and utterly snowed by the right wing propaganda. It's like, okay, you just got the informed opinion of a hundred other right wingnuts, and because they believe this, then they are supposedly in the majority, don't believe those OTHER people, they use the truth, we KNOW, because we heard it somewhere. It's all stupid and predictable.

    The simple fact of the matter is they keep trying this that or the other. It goes from ACORN this, to voter fraud that, to Solyndra this, to Shirley Sherrod that, blah blah blah, now let's try this Fast and Furious crap that has been having its pot stirred for EIGHTEEN MONTHS. Wasn't true when it first started and still isn't true.

    It all boils down to this. And pay attention, ultra-righties: You simply CANNOT stand that a member of the Democratic Party is President of this great country. And an African American to boot. YOU WILL DO ANYTHING AND SAY ANYTHING TO TAKE HIM OUT OF OFFICE. That's the bottom line.

    And it's simply not gonna happen. This President is wildly popular, has done a great job so far, and the American people, the average everyday middle class American, knows he is on their side.

    On the other side of the coin, you're stuck with Romney and he's an idiot. Today he came out that he don't like Chief Justice Roberts because of the decision on the Affordable Care Act. He was for him before he was against him, I guess. He flip flops and wants the entirety of American voters out here be susceptible to being etch-a-sketched and start over and believe his dumbness. Romney has no position on pretty much everything...except the fact that he wants to get in power and take care of his rich/filthy rich buddies...and that includes him too...to hell with everyone else. He gets in as President, it'll make a zombie apocalypse look promising.

    Face it, righties. He's all you got. And he's gonna get crushed in November.

    Obama/Biden 2012 AND a Democrat majority in both the House and the Senate. To Heck with Heller and to Heller with Heck.

  17. Conspiracy theorists (BChap, TEA, et al) can be mildly amusing--ala the UFO folks--but are usually just attention-seeking nut jobs.

  18. Mark; Excellent posts above. Well done.

    In reply to David Stovall; another post of, "No foundation of experience, no substance of material written."

  19. Yo Marky Mark and the Not So Funky Bunch:

    We know that Grandma Pelosi is really the big bad wolf, she is coming to get you.HAHAHAHAHAHA...

    ...You are becoming a great resource for me with your links. It will be easy to come up with a TEAbagger of the day award VERY soon.

    Carry on Marky Mark, don't want to slow your one man army down (Well, Bradley is your buddy too, maybe a 2 man army).

  20. Hey Marcia ; Republicans lose big time come November !

  21. In this on-going fiery debate of whether or not the "Fast-n-Furious scandal will scar the Republicans, ha; "JeffFromVegas" writes; "Carry on Marky Mark, don't want to slow your one man army down (Well, Bradley is your buddy too, maybe a 2 man army)."

    Look at past debate room arguments, Jeff. Even just one of us (meaning Mark or me alone in a discussion) is way too much for all the pretentious and pompous minded socialists to handle.

  22. BChap---Conspiracy theories have no substance.

  23. Both parties are equally culpable, it just seems the Obamites want to consistently divide along political lines. For all who are voting strictly Repub or Dem, just remember, a divided nation has NO POWER. We have been professionally spun to lack unity and organization. Just the way the politicians (BOTH PARTIES) want it.

  24. In reply to David Stovall; you wrote, "Conspiracy theories have no substance."

    Yeah, tell that to the family of the slain U.S. Border Patrol officer. However, I expected no less from your statement. You have a history in your posts of backing criminals. Now, can you guess what my theory on you is?

    In reply to "VidiVeritas"; I have tons of experience and wisdom. However, there is nothing I can do to help an individual like you. For, you do not possess the guts to stand up alone from your clique and declare your own freedom. I'm quite sure you would be terrified if your clique set you free. I know you well. You hold on to your socialist political shackles for dear life. You fight and condemn anyone who attempts to give you the knowledge to break those restraints. But, I do understand. This is your security. You don't really want to be free. I understand.

  25. What Republicans want to hide most is where Mitt Romney's $250 million fortune is hiding. Is it Grand Cayman? the British Virgin islands? Or a combination of 10 other locations, including Switzerland, the home of Nazi Treasures.

    Switzerland was never invaded by Nazi Germany because it was the home of the German Elite's wealth and not because of anti-war philosophies. The German Elite may have been loyal to the Nazi Party, but there were entirely loyal to their own fortunes, just as the American Elite are loyal to THEIR own fortunes, kept offshore.

    The fact is that nearly ALL of Romneys FORTUNE is offshore, outside of US Territorial boundaries.

    If the offshore banking Islands have a Republican President, they are virtually assured that the Dept. of Justice will NEVER find any campaign destined money transfers because their GOP President will change the priorities of investigations, thereby eliminating funds for the investigations. The Cayman bankers would have unlimited access to American campaign financing thanks to Citizens United and NO investigations will ever be made.

  26. BChap:

    Hate versus careful consideration is basic whole life psychology. The person in every relationship who loves and cares the least always controls the relationship. But they don't control right and wrong and most times are wrong, and they know this, and don't care. Jim Jones in Guyana is an extreme, but valid example of your sides mindset.

    What you seem to not understand though is that it is your side that will lose everything ultimately. So yes, your intrusions have an effect, but it makes all of us losers doing it your way.

    Look around, you've clogged the system. Unless you change your ways China will become your landlord.

  27. BChap---A history of backing criminals? Man, are you ever misguided!

  28. In reply to David Stovall; how soon you forget your past posts of false allegations. But, aside that, here is the bottom line from my initial post on this discussion in relation to you backing criminals; and this refers to the topic here of Attorney General Eric Holder;" It is clearly written, "Any law enforcement officer who withholds information, impedes delays or hinders any official investigation and or inquiry is guilty of a felony."

    In reply to "JeffFromVegas"; it is ironic that you brought up the Reverend Jim Jones. His socialist political views, as many of the commentators in this discussion room are, used the church to teach, "If you are born in capitalistic America, then you are born in sin. But, if you are born in socialism, you're not born in sin."

    You have quite an irrational thought process to compare me to this maniac. Didn't you read my post to "VitaVetitas"? I advocate breaking away from the mind controlling cliques and giving your mind freedom of choice while still living within the laws of the land.

    You can continue to say about me whatever you choose. When you write about losers, your words are truly highlighting those in your image and thoughts.

  29. BChap---I have not forgotten my past posts and I certainly have not made any false allegations.

  30. BChap:

    I used Jones as an extreme example, didn't say you were a murderer. As far as your suggestion that Vidi and I should look to you for Fatherly advice on lifestyle beliefs?

    I will respectfully pass.

    You aren't my cup of TEA...

  31. chuck 333 - "Hey colin and branco: Fast and Furious was a botched attempt by the DOJ. Simple as that. If you think that they did anything wrong why don't you tell the Terry family that thier son died but that it was OK because Holder and his cronies did nothing wrong."

    CarmineD - "You forgot the lesson of Watergate. It's not the crime that is the shame of the party and persons involved, it's the cover up."

    Then Bush should be charged because the so-called program started under his administration and Holder ended the program, if it existed at all. You Fox viewers crack me up, you are so easily swayed by your bias, forgetting there was an administration prior to President Obama. How many times do we hear people ranting about Obama when it was Bush and his people who were responsible for initiating programs leading to these conclusions. Why did Darrell Issa deny Democrats calling witnesses that were associated with the Bush admin? Want a cover up conspiracy? Darrell Issa just presented you with one, under his watch.

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