We have become inured to White House officials and Cabinet secretaries shrugging off, with impunity and even contempt, their Constitutional subordination to "We, the people, in Congress assembled." The subpoena power granted to Congress, derived from the Magna Carta and other historic instruments and precedents, is fundamental to the Western system of government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." That this seldom-used "last argument of the law" has had to be invoked against the administration's chief law enforcement officer is almost awesome in its significance. If the White House , or these two officers individually, defy the subpoena and if, God forbid, there is resistance to their subsequently being charged with a felony and haled into court, then it is time for us to heed Thomas Jefferson's advice on the people's right to resist tyranny, the concurrent advice on how the tree of Liberty must be watered, and the reminders we see daily in the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the "Don't Tread On Me" flag. Please share this to the Public.
Barr and Ross deserve to be held in contempt of Congress, but it's symbolic, because there is no way the Justice Department will bring either of them to trial or even arrest them.
Please let this be the opening notes of a crescendo of fighting back against Trump & Co.’s flagrant disrespect for the rule of law and the separation of powers.
2
No brainer. They are contemptible, and that's me being very kind.
Now they'd better immediately open the impeachment inquiry, not just for a narrowly defined "racism" scope, (not that he isn't a racist, of course he is) but for his high crimes and misdeamenors -- it's plain as day that Congress must impeach based on the Mueller report.... which by the way is an "investigation" not a "prosecution," as much as I disagree and it angers me. That's Mueller's position. Since they can't prove willfulness, and intent, as ridiculous as that sounds, it kind of makes the report 448 pages of garbage. However, he does basically say, "Congress, begin the impeachment inquiry."
They simply MUST. The reprehensible republican senate will not convict, but let's get them all on the record. Nancy, it's time to do it. Stop listening to KGB-TV (Fox) and the "polls" -- If you build it (the impeachment case), we will come (to the voting booth) and support Democrats in 2020. If you don't, I know many people will stay home, having given up.
Just. Do. It.
A couple days ago 4 house members held a press meeting about how awful the president is while vowing not to take the bait (while they took the bait). Yesterday they held a vote to impeach the president. Today they are attempting to hold Barr in contempt.
I’m sure the average American voter enjoys what the house spends their time on. They are really helping us average Americans put food on our table, oh wait I think that’s actually the robust economy.
@Moe
The robust economy that started long before Mr. Trump took office. Don't forget that.
And the rule of law is vital to any country. The House is pursuing matters of law. That is their job.
3
Democrats in the House. Not in history has a body of representatives acted in such disinterest of those they were elected to represent. What are you doing?! Enacting policies that improve the cost of healthcare, working to cut budgets to afford to pay back social security, enacting legislation (or reforming existing legislation) that mandates foreign ownership be responsible for meeting environmental laws and paying taxes, providing common sense gun legislation, etc. etc. etc.?
Or will you continue to waste your time and the tax payers money on constant committees, investigations, threats, and censorship? Your behavior is mind-boggling. We have a country to run, stop fighting in the sandbox.
what a gesture. At the end of the day that is all it will be. Our legislative branch has become a feckless as Ivanka. we are losing our way as a legal system and as a society. The new depths we plumb lately indicate little hope for us as a country.
It's all very clear. Already in 1964-65, when the Democratic Party moved to abandon its bigotry/segregationism and the Republican Party adopted it with alacrity (The "Southern Strategy" of Nixon's dirty tricks team Atwater, Manifort, et al.) the Republican Party has been bent upon keeping all but their good old white people from voting. With the help of millions of Evangelical "Christians" they have been very successful. It's probably the only way they can win, but, then, now having a Supreme Court subject to them, complete with two male woman abusers, who knows what they might be able to get by with? For them, no customs, no rules, not even any laws govern in these sad US anymore.
3
“Last week, he [Trump] announced HIS GOVERNMENT [emphasis added] would give up the effort [to include a citizenship question] in light of the court’s decision.”
I don’t know if the choice of the words “his government” was intentional v. a Freudian slip. Either way, they more accurately reflect Trump’s frighteningly twisted, narcissistic “reality” than would references to “his administration” or the “executive branch”.
3
Barr , as a member of the bar, should be disbarred from the practice of law, for flagrantly and knowingly violating the law.
Period.
11
@r mackinnon: If lawyers were disbarred for exacerbating contempt for US courts, the profession could be decimated.
Another 'lawless' attempt? The House is doing its job, how is that 'lawless'? It looks like Grisham is going to parrot Sanders and Conway. Has she actually shown her face yet or does she just issue communiques? Shameful politics? Pot calling the kettle black.
How do Barr and Ross get to claim there are 'institutional integrities' to preserve while ignoring the 'institutional integrities' that the House needs to preserve?
2
Two of the most contemptible alligators in this mega swamp Trump has created. How can people not see the corruption, completely independent of the differences between right and left. The left find it easily because they're looking for it.
Tut tut, looks like rain!
2
Barr is Trump’s new pardon mechanism. Get out of jail before there is even an indictment or trial. Especially if your name is Trump.
2
Stephanie Grisham called the action a “ridiculous and yet another lawless attempt to harass the president and his administration.” Well Stephanie, if it's lawless, then sue them, file a criminal complaint against them, or shut up. With a little luck maybe they will sue you for defamation. You have your ringmaster, we have our circus, everybody sing - Send in the cloooowns. All this administration knows how to do is put on a show. They're certainly not doing anything about immigration, health care, infrastructure, nuclear proliferation, or anything else. Oh, I'm sorry, they are making peace with the Taliban. Maybe next they'll apologize for WW II and try to make peace with the Nazis.
2
AG Barr's citing for contempt seems - to a degree - akin to the notorious Mr Capone's conviction for tax evasion. May it mark ultimately the starting point for a thorough examination of what will have been his second tenure as AG.
5
I don’t see why counting illegals is so terrible. States get federal funding based on population. That money comes from taxes paid by hard-working US citizens. There are so many ways that money should be spent for US citizens. Our senior citizens, our veterans, the disabled. We need to improve our educational system, our mental health care system.
If the countries they flee are so horrific perhaps they need to make some attempts to fix the situation there, rather than leave those countries to become strongholds of corruption and violence.
Perhaps it’s time for some other nations to step in and ‘correct’ the situation. Perhaps it’s time for a colonialism to return.
1
Colonialism!? Does that mean Great Britain takes back the currently dysfunctional United States?
4
@ Steve Cohen. Great point! And while Great Britain is at it, they can go back in and re-appropriate great swathes of Africa, India and China too. The term Post Colonialism, like Post Modernism, may be a tad out of "style" in academic circles these days, but there was ALOT to be said for the changes in framing history that were proposed. ( See Edward Said, a personal favorite.) So much was about framing how the "other" is seen, usually in a derogatory and stereotypical way. trump could learn a thing or two, but he won't. He's too wrapped up in that protective blanket of white superiority.
@Seadog: "Banana republics" were once de-facto US colonies.
2
Someone should remind Trump supporters that we've had great economies before he ever came along and that we can still have a one without all the fear, embarrassment and cruelty that this "anti-President" causes. In other words, yes, everyone loves a great economy but at THIS cost? It's physically impossible for the economy to continue to thrive with all the alienation of our allies who are our best customers. Why would other nations wish to continue buying Boeing, Apple, and Coca Cola with a president who insults their leaders like a schoolyard bully? I wouldn't blame these countries if they decided to buy more from China and Airbus and less from the U.S. Whoever the Democrat nominee is they need to ask Americans this: "Since our country began, we were considered a shining beacon of goodwill which is just as important as a strong military and economy. Tell me, my fellow Americans, do you think that this administration shows even a hint of the goodwill that elevated this nation?"
6
@Carl Rosen: The "Trump economy" is just being faked with $1 trillion annually charged to the national debt and a tax law revision that has many corporations buying back their own stock to reduce the supply, which makes the price rise.
2
I sincerely wish that the house would do something worth while for a change. Stop with their hate and run our country by doing things that need done. The democrat party has lost it's collective mind,
4
“Its”, possessive, like “his”, no apostrophe. And it’s the Democratic Party: it’s entitled to be called by its chosen name. Anything else is name-calling.
What exactly would you have the house do? What action on healthcare or climate change would not be DOA on Mitch McConnell’s desk?
Trump invites investigation by acting illegally and corruptly. No untruth goes untold, whether the Voting Rights Act charade or the lie that asylum seekers don’t show up for their hearings or the insult that Democrats hate the country and seek its destruction.
There is more corruption in this White House than in your philosophy, Horatio. It’s up to the house to ferret it out.
6
I look at Trump as weak and desperate. He has 30 or so percent of the Country with him and over 50% against him. I really want to understand exactly why the Republicans in both of our bodies in Congress consistently support this man. He lies, is consistently wrong and has to redo his first instinct (Thus he is the kind of mulligans), he whines and complains, he has run up the national debt with their complicit approval, he enabled a foreign hostile power to spread propaganda in his favor during an election, his tariffs are a tax on the citizens of our Country and he talks about himself incessantly. Then only thing I can think of is he was willing to sign onto the long desired tax cut plan which has run up our debt even more and he appoints conservative judges with one plan to eliminate abortion and enable corporate greed. Is that enough to blindly follow him over a cliff like a bunch of lemmings; or has he spent his money getting dirt on each member and hold them in check via blackmail? I really want to know why.
7
Great points, thanks!
I also have contempt for Congress. Please include my vote as well.
KAG2020!!
Republicans need to read the Constitution because the Democrats position is valid and theirs is not.
6
The House could get to the heart of the matter if they summoned Common Cause to give them a copy of the Documents and hard drives that were given to them by the daughter of the dead Republican strategist who designed the maps for the GOP in the first place.
3
Investigate whether Barr stopped the So. District of NY investigation into the Trump Organization? Has Barr OBSTRUCTED JUSTICE???
6
Who voted for and against? I can not find this information.
Can Democrats also hold Mitch McConnell in contempt for refusing to bring votes on immigration reform, infrastructure, expanding Medicare, and environmental protection to the floor? Oh, right, Republicans want to end Medicare and Social Security. Rich people don't need those programs. What have Republicans done for Americans except redistribute and misuse their tax dollars primarily to support executive edicts. I feel like the Democrats are trying to follow established law and precedent and the Republicans are a bunch of anarchists burning down the house. They could care less if their actions are illegal. Worse come to worse, Barr and Ross and whatever temp will resign and Trump will stick in another power-struck toady. Why bother?
4
The question is, if this administration has been acting in a lawful manner and in good faith, what have they got to hide? We, the people, would like to know!
6
Mr.Barr and Mr.Ross said that there are “ institutional integrities to uphold” - that is exactly the point.The Congress has the institutional duty to direct the census-Barr and Ross and Trump all decided to parachute into the census process and design a census form which would provide them with information they wanted to use for their own political purposes.Fortunately the Supreme Court saw through that charade but now Barr and Ross are determined to perpetuate their lie.They deserve to be held in criminal contempt.
6
@JANET MICHAEL writes, "Fortunately the Supreme Court saw through that charade." Yes, but the justices left open the possibility that the administration, or any future administration, could try again with a rationalization less politically self-serving, i.e., less transparently designed to support gerrymandering to nullify votes cast for the out-of-power party. In effect, the high court has turned a blind eye to gerrymandering in the states.
Wirh regard to the numbers of party-affiliated registered voters, the Republican party is on life suppor, and the Supreme Court is guarding the respirator.
1
As usual, there is a lot of foot stamping and shouting which the Trump administration will ignore while they grouse about the Democrats' unfair tactics. The key words here are "as usual."
As has become the common case, democracy will continue to be denied.
What is the proper and effective course of action?
1
It’s about time they did something. Anything. Pelosi and Nadler have acted like doormats. They need to impeach.
1
@Kurt
We'd all love to see an impeachment and conviction by the senate, but it will never happen. Do as Speaker Pelosi says: investigate, hold hearings, bring the enablers and co-conspirators before the public and make the case for a resounding defeat at the polls.
2
He said this, she said that. She condemns, he condemns. Vote to hold in contempt and nothing is done about it. Honestly just throw the whole corrupt two party system away. Its exhausting.
2
@D.aug
And replace it with what? Autocracy? Plutocracy? Monarchy? Anarchy?
1
This would normally be the top issue and rightly so, but presently it feels like fiddling while Rome burns.
5
Good. Now hold them in inherent contempt and go arrest them.
Most people go to jail for defying one subpoena. These guys have defied over 80. Either we have rule of law or not.
44
Please let us know when the Democratic Party will be capable of discerning the difference between the American Citizenry and the citizens of other countries....particularly as the distinction impacts our congressional districting and electoral votes.
Democrats led us to believe that they were vehemently against foreign influence in our elections. But apparently they’re all for it...so long as it benefits them.
6
@Susanna
You're missing the point. The administrations census ploy would result in under-counting actual citizens in certain communities, which will result in voter suppression by redistricting. Including all persons in calculations of need for schooling, safety, health, etc. is a separate issue that needn't have to do with citizenship. After all, even undocumented persons pay taxes and contribute their skills and labor to the communjty. We certainly don't want their children on the streets all day; we don't want them denied medical services; we don't want to underestimate the need for police and firefighters. Think it through.
1
This is a real winner for the DNC Politburo 2020--citizenship doesn't matter. Punish anyone who believes it does.
Unfortunately, they--the left--don't get it: Stalinist Grand Collective hasn't happened yet. Need the White House with someone like Bernie, Buttigieg, Warren, or Harris running the show.
5
@Alice's Restaurant. Did you miss that day in Civics where we covered the Constitution? Re:: The part where it demands a Census every 10 years to count RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES? Nothing is said about counting only citizens. I guess you ALSO missed that whole day on how Congress is a co-equal branch, and is to compel the other branches to produce what they need to do their due diligence? I guess on one of those.days you missed you also buzzed out of your English class, not learning what the word "Shall" means. It's not too late; I am sure there are remedial classes, or you could just google.
Interesting that your screen name celebrates civil disobedience, but both you and Arlo turned out to be Trumpers. Woody must be spinning in his grave.
19
Then why wasn’t there a furor all the other times we have asked the citizenship question. Nothing should be asked but the numbers in a household. Look to the 1790 census for your guide.
1
I don't think the democrats will actually follow up with punishment. Remember, these guys are white and at least one is rich, but then Barr is probably loyal enough to the rich to get their same protection. So, this is meaningless and just a show for the media. The moderate democrats would never let there be a punishment.
2
Shouldn't someone, anyone, held in contempt of Congress lose his/her professional license(s) and, in the case of a lawyer who is so held, shouldn't the person immediately be disbarred? And wouldn't disbarment / loss of valid and current license to practice law immediately disqualify someone from holding any lawyer position (or any position at all?) in the Department of Justice -- let alone that of Attorney General??
And wouldn't/couldn't a President's utter failure to replace a disbarred AG with one who is qualified to hold the office be valid grounds for impeachment?
It certainly is and should be grounds for losing both the popular and electoral college vote!
16
The House could send the sergeant at arms to arrest these two, try them, and imprison them . McGrain v. Daugherty, 273 US 1315 (1927); Jurney v. MacCracken, 294 US 125 (1935). Going to court will take forever, though, of course, it makes the Democrats look reasonable.
16
The Democrats are caught up handwringing over whether to impeach trump or not. Why don't they impeach Barr? (or evem McConnell?)
7
Remember that it was proven to the Supreme Court that the motivation for including the citizenship question is racism, pure and simple. Racism, and a power grab. It was a way to steal resources from people of color. After the Republican leader's racist tweets, we must stop calling it the Republican Party, and instead address it as the Racist Party. It would make their leader grin with glee!
9
Uh-oh. I bet Barr and Ross are really frightened now being held in contempt. end sarcasm.
The Democrats are synonymous with the "United Nations" at doling out "severe and career ending" damage to confirmed criminals. Trump and the GOP backing him 100% continue to destroy America unabated.
The Trump American nightmare continues and the millions that are his base are happier than ever as his racist and bigoted statements are now in your face.
Tensions continue to rise with everyone I speak with and want Trump out yesterday.
9
Ridiculous! Have you all been listening to people who would like Congress to get some work done? The citizenship won’t be on the Census but you’ll spend time investigating the original rational for the request to include the question? Alice in the looking glass.
3
Bill Barr will, of course, recuse himself from any involvement in the court case CONcerning the actions of the Attorney General, BILL BARR!
Shakespeare put it nicely in Julius Caesar, when Anthony said "O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts
And men have lost their reason"
8
Stephanie Grisham, the White House press secretary, added..."their shameful and cynical politics know no bounds." Was she looking in the mirror. A perfect replacement for the lying enabler Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
I hope to see Barr and Ross in orange jumpsuits for their refusal to produce the documents and for their lying. Actions do have consequences. And how is their legal privilege? Is Barr saying he is Trump's personal lawyer?
9
Republicans know that they are so unpopular that they cannot win an honest election. But, they don't want that to stand in their way.
22
@buck cameron
That has been true since Hoover. They are a minority party representing special interests, so they can only win by deceit and subterfuge. They know that and are open about their dream of rewriting the constitution to have state legislatures appoint senators and anything else to keep governments from being run by the majority in the insterest of the majority.
1
Not only are the Dems holding them in contempt, they are going to issue a strong warning.
5
All this talk of "contempt of Congress" makes me consider our president's contempt for the American taxpayer. For instance, these rallies he holds so often--he is holding one tonight in North Carolina at which the crowds are chanting "Lock them up" in reference to the four Congresswomen--who exactly is paying for the lovefests?
It's a rhetorical question, of course. We taxpayers are footing the bill, just as we have paid millions since January 2017 for his golfing weekends. But what is the purpose for the rallies? Are they pre-election gatherings for the 2020 election? If so, then the RNC should pay the costs. If the rallies are just to stoke the president's ego, which is what they seem to be, shouldn't DJT himself pay? Has any other president in our history held such events while in office?
And speaking about the American taxpayers, can DJT be counted as one of that crowd? We can't know the answer to that, because he won't release his tax returns. Oh, and his Treasury Secretary risks contempt of Congress for failing to order their release.
America--where money and power shield you from having to obey the law.
17
@TinyBlueDot. They are chanting "Send them back".
He is ginning up terroristic attacks on these women, and other persons of color. Who will hold him responsible for inciting riots when they happen??
11
Democracy, justice, hope.
Who knows what 2020 will bring?
2
AG Barr was problematic from the beginning but I never saw him as a direct threat to the Republic.
He has turned out to be one of the most dangerous people we've ever faced, enabling lawlessness from his position as head of the Justice Department.
That is terrifying. And I don't understand his motives, unless he, like Trump, is truly committed to destroying this democracy and installing a fascist dictatorship in its stead.
21
AG Barr has a bigger problem than the congressional contempt vote. As the chief law enforcement office of the country he had his lawyers go to court and knowingly make false statements.
There's a difference between a colorable legal argument on an issue and willfully misleading a court.
If the GOP political operatives notes had not surfaced this charade may never have been discovered. But they did and it was.
The primary motive for the citizenship question was political advantage. To argue as they did that they only wanted to more effectively enforce the Voting Rights Act was absurd on its face. But absent evidence to the contrary one could argue that this was at least a possible motive.
But that evidence did show up and was withheld from the court and the plaintiffs attorneys and for that the DOJ lawyers should be disciplined and so should the AG.
17
@Drspock It also looks like Barr has cracked the NY Southern District. Those prosecutors are now asking the judge not to release court documents in the Michael Cohen case that probably implicates Trump. Barr is a traitor to the country.
20
I’m sure Boss Pelosi will squash the subpoenas and any real effort of a House investigation. That’s her way of leadership and of heading the “unfaithful” opposition.
Right. Because having accurate data about the people living in the US, for which trillions of dollars of tax payer funds are proportionally allocated based on population, is only political if it is collected according to the law, but somehow is non poltical if it serves some vague social justice imperative that always seems to put more taxpayer money, and more power, in the hands of Democratic politicians, their media allies (like the NYT) and their ever expanding base of recipients of various government transfer payment programs.
The relentless lying hypocrisy (and pretended moral superiority) of the left is something to behold.
2
@Fred Rick The reasoning for the question was to game districting numbers, as to give the Republicans an advantage. The Republicans got caught cheating, as announced by John Roberts.
13
Have you actually tried reading the relevant section of the constitution? All we want is that the law be obeyed, and persons (as opposed to citizens) counted, as specified in the constitution.
8
If the Times is so much in the Democrats' corner, why do they report so much on Trump and fifty-to-seventy-five percent less on Democrats? By the way, the NYT seems to be the epitome of the old saw, "Just the facts, Ma'am," in its reporting. Their "opinions," known as OpEds, are their own and they are entitled to them as much as you are. OBTW, did you even notice they published your opinion of the NYT? Strange that someone who is so biased is so equanimous to people who hate them. I bet they will get no equal treatment from Trump.
4
What a joke. They already dropped the question anyhow. Typical of Democrats, a show trial for yesterday's fight already won.
3
@Mkm They didn't drop the question, they were caught cheating, so were forced to give up the question. Typical Republicans.
11
I believe a lawyer held in contempt is liable to lose his license to practice law in D.C. if the local bar association has the courage to do so.
9
I hope they can find out the thinking behind the White House’s push to add the citizenship question to the census. What they may find is that it was just another anti-illegal immigrant effort, with favorable redistributing as a side benefit. Anti-illegal immigration is a core value, which they seek to institute, promote, etc through all means.
4
They got caught lying. Just like their boss does all the time. Without consequence. We need to decide if we are to be a nation of laws or not. It would be helpful if Congress could do that before there are people fighting in the streets.
16
Very unfortunate cycle that the Democratic Party - my party for my entire life - is getting into.
Do no useful work...attack Trump with contrived charge...do no useful work...attack Trump with contrived charge...
Democrats must do better than this. Otherwise Trump will crush us in 2020. We must have a plan for change, a plan for improving life in our country. Endlessly knocking Trump (which, admittedly, can be a lot of fun) is not a good strategy.
3
Enforcing the law against criminals in office, who never even won their office, IS useful work, and against all sense Pelosi is helping McConnell keep Congress from doing more of it!
1
Good. Now send the Capitol Police to arrest, jail and hold them incarcerated until they comply. Congress has its own police department, use it!
15
The House is protected by the Capital Police force which has its own incarceration cells. What is the point of this vote if it’s only symbolic? What if you or I chose to ignore lawful orders? Would our punishment be a symbolic slap on the wrist?
3
So they are held in contempt. So what? It’s not like Barr will send his US Marshalls after himself.
2
Ross will care little for the contempt vote, but for thin-skinned Barr, it will matter a little more. He cares about his reputation and has previously done what he can in order to avoid the scarlet "C" letter. The sad thing for Barr is that his reputation is already tarnished as a Trump toady and the never-ending comparisons to the odious Roy Cohn. He has little to lose now, especially with the weak-willed Democrats refusing to wield the power they were given. Absent of impeachment investigations against Barr, he will likely do little to change his ways.
8
@Clive Christy
Barr has already said that he doesn't care about what his legacy will be.
It seems as though Congress - or anyone for that matter - is incapable of stopping this juggernaut that is Trump and his cronies. If, G-d forbid, he is re-elected I am convinced our country will become an autocracy.
7
One error. Heads of household answer the census, not everybody. The target for under-counting is Hispanic households including citizens.
5
You have to wonder the kind of upbringing these individuals had that they have no qualms about breaking laws and exhibiting behavior that will shame anyone with a conscience. Normal people who grow up learning good values do not act this way. Whenever I see individuals committing despicable acts, I blame the parents. At this point, about half the America is the result of failed parenting. It would be generations before we will be able to get back on track. In the meantime, feel free to live your lives out under dictatorship and rampant racism, sexism and xenophobia. Until the United States reaches the bottom of the barrel in economic terms, Trump voters will not realize the true importance of science, technology, healthcare and peace.
6
William Barr's father, Donald, hired Jeffrey Epstein while headmaster at Dalton. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
12
Barr should be impeached. He was confirmed to be the Attorney General of the United States of American not the Donald Trump “FIXER”. If Barr’s goal was to strengthen the presidency for future generations, than he should have picked someone who wanted to improve our country, not someone running a reality show from the White House. I would think Barr and his family would be embarrassed to be linked to someone like Trump who appears to be a blatant racist and misogynist.
17
Why are you playing in republican talking points and ending on that paragraph? Are you trying to spread false information NY Times.
Our system is setup such that it is based on democracy and total population. You don't want large aspects of society falling into categories that you can deny them representation.
We also know that republicans want to use this data for computer algorithms to draw up districts and deny representation to the population and only allow republican victories even if the majority of the population are the opposition.
There is no question of that based on the information we have. Stop acting like Republicans might do this. They are doing this and are doing it.
Republicans also have outsized representation per population count because of the senate. And such counting will hurt red states as well because undercounting will reduce their representation as well.
And the other question is why is the immigrant vote so one sided? Why aren't republicans actually more diverse? Why aren't they instead of trying to rig the system actually going after those voters?
South American and Mexican immigrants are in general typically more religious and in line with republican ideals yet the party rejects them. Why? We know why. We see it daily now.
Their bigotry in the republican party is bringing us this. Instead of embracing immigrants of color they have done the exact opposite and choose to rig the system instead. That's the problem.
8
The real stunt, Mr. Ross, is in refusing to comply with legitimate Congressional subpoenas in a TIMELY manner.
8
Our government doesn't work anymore, so let's change
it. The British Parliamentary system works for me.
8
The House should impeach Barr now, and schedule hearings about impeaching other cabinet members. Enough of them have earned it. My preference would be for Congress to impeach another Trump appointee every month up to the election, and then impeach Trump by the end of November.
It won't help much now. But it will be a historic record for future generations to understand what happened. And it will be an indelible mark of shame for the descendants of those who are impeached. Barr would be just the second cabinet member impeached in US history, and forever remembered (if at all) for it.
10
Jeff Sessions has to be getting a good laugh out of this.
12
Is anyone else amazed how much the Republicans (especially the nominal leadership) are embracing the part of the movie villains? Ignoring and often defending obviously impeachable actions by the Orange one (Muller Report and beyond), continuing to press for painfully clear gerrymandering, i.e. subverting the will of the people, or staying mute when he offers up his offensive and divisive verbal diarrhea?
Basically the only ones who stand up for anything are not up for reelection. The rest are completely cowed into obedience. Truly pitiful stuff.
How are they getting away with this? The press secretary said it best (about a different group), “their shameful and cynical politics know no bounds." I want to say that they'll face what they deserve when Trump is gone and some sanity returns, but the more i think about it, no one even knows what reason and sanity are anymore. We've been reduced to ingroup/outgroup thinking, and us against them. American politics are in really bad shape.
7
Oh mr. Barr. You were at one tone a well respected constitutional lawyer. You may have been on the right but you still were admired by many. What happened? Was all this worth your reputation? Was it worth being remembered in history as the lawyer who protected the tyrant who ended America’s democracy? As your boss says so frequently: so sad.
8
Stop playing nice and take the gloves off. They took them off years ago.
9
How about this question appeared on the 2000, 1990 and before?
Now everyone is so angry about it but I never heard anything back then.
Of course, the times hasn't mentioned this anywhere in its journalism.
1
The last time the census contained the citizenship question was 1950z
7
@Scott. The article quite clearly states that the last time the question was used was in 1950, right after WWII. Do ypur homework.
1
@Scott
Yes, it has. It's been regularly noted that the question was included on the long form. What's different now is wanting to include it for everyone.
Unless this contempt has real teeth, it's worthless. We have a lawless administration.
102
@Character Counts And it starts at the very top of the food chain. In all my many decades of life never have I seen so much rot set in so quickly and involve so many people and spread so far.
49
I'm glad that they did this. Itdemonstrates that even the Attorney General isn't above the law; he's accountable to it.
206
@Paul-A Ha Ha - We'll see. The criminal contempt vote was for Eric Holder, how'd that work out?
4
The Attorney General? Whatever happened to the rule of law? When the good guys become bad guys the bad guys have won.
43
@Bob, I do remember that once upon a time an Attorney General names John Mitchell ran into a bit of bother.
6
@Frances
As well as a Eric Holder!
2
Well, there's no doubt that they're contemptible. The same can be said about the rest of this administration.
48
This means nothing as long as Donald Trump remains in office.
126
Nobody is above the law.
Our democracy is headed over the cliff when the Congress is prevented from investigating the Executive or Judicial branches of government.
This is not the government me and my ancestors served in the military to defend.
Shameful. All areas of government must be subject to review.
85
Go to Court and the treasonous Trumpies lose.
18
Kellyanne Conway thought she was the census taker when she asked what ethnicity the reporter who asked her a question was.
170
@Robert Roth
See WaPo Ann T.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/07/17/kellyanne-conway-takes-after-president/?utm_term=.7efbf720db7a
4
@Robert Roth
The reporter should have asked her what swamp she was from.
17
@Steve
Admitting that some of her ancestors probably crawled out of a bog says a lot.
So, they’ve been held in contempt? That’s nice, dear...so what?
8
This could mean something. The House needs to follow up with an arrest warrant, now. Then offer a bounty, say $10 million, for delivery to the sergeant-at-arms. The bounty should only be paid if Barr is delivered alive.
33
If anyone knows the answer to this, let me know. If a lawyer is held in Contempt of Congress, could he be called before Bar of his State on ethics or related charges. It would seem to me that such behavior would be an ethics violation for a lawyer.
7
There is a lot of proof coming out that Trump's lap dog William Barr has been quietly closing down the Southern District of New York's investigation of Trump's illegal use of campaign funds. There are only criminals and sycophants on the Trump Cabinet. Why would any ethical person ruin their reputation by being in the same room with Donald Trump?
9
Totally despicable pair. Go after both weasels and make America great again (haha; couldn't resist!).
6
I read a lot of comments here on putting Attorney General Barr and Commerce Secretary Ross in Prison....Barr is the Attorney General who reports to the President ..We have a President who pardons all and Sundry.. Who gives the order for his imprisonment and sign-off…What is the Process?..and wouldn’t it take years for anything to happen?
1
Finally! It is called consequences for Barr and Ross's flagrantly abusive behavior in stonewalling and thumbing their collective Trump noses at Congress's right to hold these 2 lying, contemptuous leaders in the executive branch accountable for their disregard for the duties of their respective offices.
Now, how about contempt charges for Trump's refusal to release his tax returns to Congress!
President Warren Harding resisted such congressional requests for his tax returns during the heat of the scandals in his administration, but he had to comply. As a result, there is a law and precedent for demanding a president's tax returns due to congressional investigations.
Ergo, Trump's claim of executive privilege is bogus, but, as usual, he always thinks lying to the public is well worth the try.
10
Good! Without reading the article this is how it should be!
2
Districting is the root of democracy.
Here in Queensland, after seeking public submissions, as by law it must, the Queensland Electoral Commission (QEC) redraws each local government (local authority, aka local council) electoral district leading up to every local government election to try to ensure that every local government electorate has roughly the same number of electors.
Every time there is a redrawing or local redistricting, Cairns Regional Council (CRC) makes its formal submission to the QEC on the new electoral boundaries for CRC.
And every single time, for the last quarter of a century, the QEC has rejected CRC's formal submission.
Instead, the QEC has accepted every time the detailed redistricting submissions made by a private citizen, whom I shall not name here.
This person has no official capacity, but he alone seems to understand properly how the redistricting or redrawing system works in Queensland for local authorities.
I've studied at length this person's submissions to the QEC. Clearly, he know what he is talking about whereas CRC hasn't a clue.
But what will happen when this extraordinary individual, this private citizen, is no longer around to uphold the rule of democratic values in Far North Queensland?
3
How is it even possible that Barr, supposed to be the guardian of justice in these United States, has become a complicit thug in Trump's corrupt enterprise, shielding him from Mueller's clear documentation of 'obstruction of justice'?
11
What do Michael Cohen and William Barr have in common? The both broke the law trying to protect their leading client Donald Trump. Cohen is already in jail. William, you are next!
15
Two of my favorites, finally held in contempt of Congress. Perhaps the second and third individuals ever so held. Their names will go down in our history as blemished traitors to our country and to the people!
Ross is an empty suit with his very own manufactured pair of house slippers for his highness, as cabinet secretary of the Department of Congress. Even better, he lied to Congress during the census hearings.
And Barr, who violated the oath he swore as Attorney General to represent the government and the people of the United States. In fact, he has represented solely represented called President of the United States, and in doing so, he has violated his oath as to the country and to all of the rest of us.
It is my fervent hope that they ultimately receive their just deserts.
15
@Quandry
Yes, their just desserts, and the political desert.
4
I offer an analogy:
"Last week, Trump announced his government would give up the effort in light of the court’s decision." "Democrats said Wednesday that their investigation would continue regardless".
Everyone knows the current dysfunctional un-democratic Senate is unlikely to convict Trump if he is impeached by the House. But Speaker Pelosi and the House have a Constitutional duty regardless.
It is indeed "about protecting the integrity of the Congress", and our only check on this rogue president while he's in office.
8
What are the possible consequences for Barr and Ross? Can they be fined? Can they be thrown into jail? Can they be disbarred? If not, these contempt of court citations will have no real effect? Barr and Ross will continue to refuse to provide the information that the committee has ordered them to provide.
4
@Paul
Nothing will happen to them. Barr basically owns the JD.
These guys make government itself held in contempt by the public.
1
The citizenship question, per se, is not the problem. The problem is that in the political climate created by Trump and the disturbed individuals that idolize him the citizenship question is just one more step in the direction of a very dangerous state of affairs.
The parallels with the past are so very striking, and so very many citizens wish to remain ignorant of the obvious indicators.
RIP
4
The Trump lackeys William Barr and Wilbur Ross need to be brought to justice for failing to obey the law. William Barr is employed by the people of the United States as so-called Attorney General but he acts only as Trump's personal attorney. Wilbur Ross was part of a major conduit of Russian mafia laundered money via the Bank of Cyprus where he was a leading director and shareholder. Trump rewarded him by handing over a Cabinet post for which Ross is totally unqualified. sound familiar? Citation for contempt can result in fines and imprisonment. Lock these people up!
8
Whoever is advising these two erstwhile advocates of racist policies should be sued for malpractice or put in jail for fraud for impersonating an attorney
4
"States rely on raw population data, rather than eligible voters, to draw House districts and to determine access to federal social welfare programs. Democrats were fearful that a significant undercount could reduce their representation and affect how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal spending were distributed."
In other words, Democrats want their illegal immigrant constituents to have a share of the Federal public welfare funds. That's illegal, unfair, and insulting to American taxpayers who expect their taxes to support American citizens.
2
Green card holders, not yet citizens, work and pay taxes, and deserve representation and benefits. You apparently don’t distinguish between legal immigrants that are not yet citizens, and illegal immigrants. There are more green card holders than illegal immigrants. Do you want them to disappear?
It is not a census taker’s job to evaluate people’s immigration status, it is to count them.
4
The Democrats should stop issuing subpoenas unless they are willing to play hardball. A long line of criminal contempt without legal consequences has only emboldened the Republicans to ignore responding to Congressional subpoenas.
The subpoena power of Congress is impotent unless the Democrats make William Barr and Wilbur Ross face the consequence of their criminal contempt. This is the time to "lock them up" (and all the others) for breaking the law.
5
Ross and Barr don't work for the people, they are taxpayer paid lackeys for trump. Lock Them Up!
12
The assumption is that Secretary Ross also wanted the citizenship question asked so states could use the data to draw voting districts bases on number of citizens and so states in danger of loosing congressional seats and Electoral College votes could argue representation should be based on the number of citizens.
These are good reasons the citizenship question should appear on the census, but the reason given was also a good reason. The federal courts have ruled states must use voting-age citizenship data when drawing set-aside Hispanic districts. How are states to comply and how is the DOJ to ensure they comply if there is no citizenship data?
Lock. Them. Up.
Along with Trump and all the rest of his crooked family and administration.
9
Criminal contempt means jail time, right?
Enforcing the law is the duty of the Sergeant at Arms of the House.
If we're going to hold the Trump administration to account for breaking the law, we need to bring their people to jail when they are charged and found guilty of contempt.
6
@Alex
You obviously have no clue about how this works. The House can ask the DOJ to press charges against Barr and Ross. Seeing as Barr is the head of the DOJ that is not going to happen. Just as Holder did not bring charges against himself when he was AG.
Do keep up with reality. The Sergeant at Arms cannot arrest Barr or Ross when no indictments have been filed.
1
It is time to lock up Barr and Ross until they can testify about their motives for the question. There should be no bail until they testify. If it turns out their testimony is false they both need to spend a significant amount of time in a medium security prison just like everyone else they would be happy to send to jail.
9
A stinging rebuke. Big whoop. We need more force than that to repel this evil. The voters are watching...
2
Don't forget how Kavanaugh was installed onto, what was once, our Supreme court. An alleged attempted rapist, Kavanaugh was not investigated for those accusations, Just a sham to get another Molester crony, to back the illegitimate one.
And how about the stolen seat ? Merrick Garland and the American people were robbed by McConnell and the "illegitimate one" for that too !
What criminals, these be. Poor, poor America. We once had a government of the People.
7
Oh good. Now they'll send the contempt police over to take these two away.
What will happen next is that a numb public and attention-deficit press corps will move onto the next scandal, which will shock just a little less...
Stay on target, Democrats.
5
From the hyperbolic and bare knuckle comments quoted in this article, spewing forth from the new White House Press Secretary, it seems that we have a clone of Huckster Sanders firmly in place. Good grief.
5
"There is no information to hide; there
are institutional integrities to preserve."
so disarming an argument.
and utterly CON_vincing, isn't it?
while both men bend their heads in
- shame?
- contempt?
- defiance?
- indifference?
2
Here is Barr’s statement in a Q/A period after he gave his “summary statement” before the report was released. It is a complete opposite of Mueller’s brief statement recently. This needs to be clarified.
Reporter: "Mr. Attorney General, we don't have the report in hand. So could you explain for us the special counsel's articulated reason for not reaching a decision on obstruction of justice and if it had anything to do with the department's long-standing guidance on not indicting a sitting president? And you say you disagree with some of his legal theories. What did you disagree with and why?"
Barr: "I would leave it to his description in the report, the special counsel's own articulation of why he did not want to make a determination as to whether or not there was an obstruction offense. But I will say that when we met with him, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein and I met with him, along with Ed o'Callaghan, who is the principal associate deputy, on March 5th. We specifically asked him about the OLC opinion and whether or not he was taking a position that he would have found a crime but for the existence of the OLC opinion. And he made it very clear several times that that was not his position. He was not saying that but for the OLC opinion, he would have found a crime. He made it clear that he had not made the determination that there was a crime."
https://www.axios.com/bill-barr-transcript-mueller-report-press-conference-42a9fb6a-741b-4af8-adb1-0693b8f15c25.html
3
William Barr is the by far the worst villain among the Trump gang, worse than all the villains who have left the Trump administration, worse than Mick Mulvaney, the other remaining villain. It was unfortunate to pair him with Wilbur Ross, who is a saint compared with Barr. Barr's villainy is more than that of the rest put together. He emasculated the Mueller report.
21
@A.G.
Let's stop placing people on pedestals prematurely. Mueller emasculated the Mueller report; what a wash-out that boy scout revealed himself to be. Would anything be different right now had there been no Mueller and no report?
@stan continople
Justin Amash, one of the hardline Republicans wanted to impeach the president after reading the Mueller report. It is an exhaustive report people say (I haven't read it as most people who are interested in this matter haven't) and if read & judged without prejudice, the Senate is likely to convict Mr. Trump, if he were to be impeached. But this Senate may not, but several Rep. Senators would still vote to convict.
Now because of Barr's clever twisting, the public felt Trump wasn't culpable enough to be impeached. That's a huge event, providing cover for Republicans to side with the president.
1
Isn't this the second time that Barr has been held in contempt?
7
How rich that The White House labels the democrat actions as "lawless." Their lawlessness knows no bounds. This is surely the most corrupt, immoral and lawless administration in our history. I have nothing but praise for the democrats. They have been patient beyond all reasonable expectations. Eventually, the rule of law will win and trumpism will be consigned to the halls of failure where it had been destined from the start.
8
@East End - - In addition, there is every reason to believe that Trump and his entire cabal will be consigned to the halls of Federal prisons. Hopefully ad infinitum . Their actions and severe punishment can set excellent parameters and unambiguous examples for those who follow. Cordially, Don L.
2
the only little people who take the dive for politicians this frequently are those who have been swayed by populist authoritarian tyrants. History will not be kind.
8
Watch out for AG Barr. He's very smooth and will make it look like Republicans want the citizenship question for non-political reasons. Wheras Trump will simply lie, Barr is a very sharp guy who knows how to spin it.
11
@JR
Having sold himself to Trump, Barr does not look to me like a very sharp guy.
5
@Paul. One can be smart and completely unethical.
1
Perhaps motivated by the fizzle of Russigate and the deflation of Mueller. Will he even testify? It will only further weaken th case.
https://consortiumnews.com/2019/07/16/ray-mcgovern-sic-transit-gloria-mueller/
Hello America. Are you awake?
Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross refused to allow Congress to view documents that educate us on how and why the Trump administration attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.
When the Congress is kept in the dark about how the Executive branch is carrying out the work of the American people our democracy is in extremis.
32
@Richard. Our country “is in extremis” because we have a whimpy Congress, and a Speaker who is confused.
"House Holds Barr and Ross in Contempt."
Neat. Keep up the good work, Democrats. The president is not a king who is above the rule of law. Trump, Barr, Ross, et al. all swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the duties described therein.
7
“There is no information to hide; there are institutional integrities to preserve.”
Translation: We want to destroy the institutional integrity of congress and the census.
6
Didn't Ross out and out lie to Congress when under oath? And Barr direct government lawyers to do so in court? Seems like that might be some kind of actual crime. You know the kind that if you or I did them, there would be handcuffs and jail cells involved. Or at the very least, loss of professional credentials (the American Bar Association is A-OK with all this?).
16
If this afternoon’s nearly simultaneous article about the impeachment resolution can be headlined to highlight the “Dems in disarray” meme, why can’t this one point out the unity? Likewise re yesterday’s vote to condemn Trump’s racist remarks.
8
Big deal, they were held in contempt. But nothing changed.
Our Congress has shown itself as weak, timid, and incapable of checks and balances. Trump learned this early on.
KellyAnne Conway failed to show up to testify before Congress after being subpoenaed. What happened? Elijah Cummings read a short speech about giving her another week. What? Cummings should have held her in contempt the moment she did not show and have the bailiffs go get her and drag her in front of Congress. But, the Democrats are weak at every level and have done more to help Trump than hinder.
Pelosi has given every excuse under the sun for not doing her job and impeaching Donald Trump. She would not impeach him if he shot AOC in the halls of Congress. We are supposed to patiently trust her and ride out another year in hopes that Obi-Biden can save us in an election. If she is so politically savvy then explain to me how the Dems lost both the House and Senate in 2010 and the White House in 2016? If she can't impeach Trump based on what he has done she clearly does not belong in power. Meanwhile, she wanders her wine cellar looking for a nice bottle to give to Trudeau along with some chocolates. She can't even come up with a cohesive platform for her own party.
Oh, vote blue so we can get rid of Trump. Well, America did vote blue in the last election and no action. Trump has gotten even more brazen.
I'm not going to vote for a Democrat at this point. Do your job today.
2
@ Tom oh your not going to vote for a democrat because of all of this? That will really help! Brilliant
5
@Sean Casey junior
There is no Democrat worth voting as POTUS from the current challengers to Trump.
This is why Trump will be re-elected and the Dems will most likely lose the house and the GOP increase seats held in the Senate.
This stopped being about the citizenship question itself once the Supreme Court ruled the rationale was contrived.
Any fake shock shown by republican congressmen at this point is designed to distract from this fact.
8
Bill Barr made it harder to come to a just conclusion about the Trump Presidency. By distorting the findings of the Mueller Report he confused the American public and created the fiction of "no collusion, no obstruction." Hopefully, Mr. Mueller will be able to shed some daylight on what exactly happened. Wilbur Ross's activities, if successful, would have distorted a procedure which actually outlined in the Constitution. Ross is just wealthy man who seems ready to do who whatever Trump-wants. Barr is the AG of the United States. In response to his judgments thus far, 9,000+ prosecutors have said "incorrect." He shames the office he holds. When the history of this tawdry administration is written Barr will be pointed to as someone who tossed away a reputation of a lifetime in the service of a corrupt President. It is indeed sad that this is where we are in America.
8
If Jim Jordan thinks it’s a ridiculous political stunt, then it likely has merit. He’s consistently wrong and has been proven to lie when it suits his interests.
6
A corrupt Attorney General is very dangerous to the rule of law in this country. Add to that a corrupt senate and executive branch and you have a crisis in America that is beyond just constitutional. I hope the house decides to impeach after Mueller's testimony, or at least open an inquiry. Regardless of what the corrupt senate does, it would put the spot light on Trump's crimes from now until election day and that is where the spot light should be.
7
It's about time. Now follow that up with some jail time.
23
So the Democrats may have finally grown a spine--- probably too little, too late. The Republicans have been playing hard ball for decades while the Democrats have been wandering into little delis in the Bronx asking where the ball field is. When they had a chance to eliminate the Electoral College they did nothing, to get D.C. voting representation in the House and Senate--- nothing, to hold the Bush II administration accountable for its crimes--- nothing, to hold Wall Street accountable for its crimes-- nothing, to keep state legislatures in Democratic hands to prevent gerrymandering--- nothing. And on and on. It took this level of insanity for them to finally show some actual fighting spirit. I fear it will come to--- nothing.
9
Is Jeff Sessions' time in office classed as "the good old days" yet?
10
The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies. (US House web site.) When the legislative branch issues a citation for contempt for not discharging the duty to to appear before it on summons, it is lawful per se.
"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." Section One, Article One, U.S. Constitution.
Another statement Ms. Grisham makes is that the contempt is an "...attempt to harass the President and his Administration."
NOPE! Flunked again.
"The executive branch consists of the President, his or her advisers and various departments and agencies. This branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land." The advisers of the Executive Branch are legally required to follow the law , which is what the House subpoenas. (US House web site) "...he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States." Section Three, Article Two. the U.S. Constitution.
It seems the party who is violating the law is the Attorney General, if he were a true law man, he would arrest himself and his buddy Wilbur too.
Then jail Ms. Grisham, the POTUS liar-person, too for telling lies about constitutional duties.
5
Because this is what matters most. I am so sick of this petty vindictiveness. I can't wait for the Republicans to take back the house in 2020. We need a new Democrat party.
1
The long term impact of the refusal of Barr, Ross, Conway, etc to honor Congressional subpoenas worries me deeply. That Justice personnel, Cabinet members and Presidential Advisors can pick and choose the laws with which they comply sets a precedent that all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, should find dangerous and troubling .
8
Hallelujah!
2
William Barr, a lawyer, is refusing to comply with the law. Where is the bar, pun intended, bar association?
19
@Kathy Barr cannot legally give to the Democrats the documents that they ask for.
Barr is in fact upholding the law.
@Mr Chang Shih An
You guys are so good at sounding like you know what you're saying. Its kind of impressive.
But you don't.
There is no law being broken. There are clear and recent precedents for what the Democrats have asked.
Barr himself has made similar requests.
A usual, you're making this up as you go.
7
@Mr Chang Shih An. You would have to clarify that one.
First and ten, do it again! We'll get there.
2
'It also leveled a stinging personal rebuke to Mr. Barr and Mr. Ross by formally referring them to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. There is no real risk the department will pursue the case — Mr. Barr is the head of the Justice Department ... .'
To which Barr responded: "Woooo! I'm shakin'!"
Maybe he'll punch himself in the face like relief pitcher Ken Giles, but I wouldn't count on it.
6
Seventeen years ago in the Times, conservative columnist William Safire referred to AG William Barr as “Coverup-General Barr.” This has not changed in the 21st Century. Barr is still covering up the illegal, unethical, and duplicitous conduct of his bosses.
"Contempt" is a good word for what he and Ross have displayed for our Constitution, and an even better one for what they deserve. They have earned our contempt.
13
One needs to ask, and explore, whether "there are institutional integrities to preserve” includes:
Ever-present, toxic, infectious, personal unaccountability by policymakers?
These two and myriads more.
At all levels. Elected and selected.
For the implications and outcomes of a range of temporary and more permanent harms to democratic values such as mutual trust.
In a divided nation, United by letters, of diverse complacent and complicit Peoples?
Norms such as mutual respect, increasingly challenged by willful blindness, deafness ignorance and shameless SILENCE about ummenschlichkeit?
By legacies. Traditions. Laws.
Principles such as equitable wellbeing for ALL as semantic surrealism transmutes active "kidnapping" and abusing children by Executive Order from "separating"?
Ethics, such as do no unnecessary harm(S), when institutionalized violence and hatred is enabled. Fostered. Planned and implemented? Daily!
Integrity?
2
Another useless attempt by Democrats who will do anything to attack anyone who works fro Trump. What the Democrats are doing is meaningless and they are just bitter that Eric Holder was the first AG held in contempt. Nothing happened to Holder and nothing will happen to Barr or Ross.
Another nothing burger from the democrats. Ketchup with that?
1
Seriously? Lock Them Up. Right now.
6
Barr and Ross "could be held" in Contempt of Congress ?? How absolutely pathetic. "Our" Attorney General of the United States IS obstructing Justice, right here. And Ross is going right along with him.
Which begs the question: who is working for who ?
Barr, Ross, even Trump are all (supposed to be) Public Servants. Their jobs are to uphold their Constitutional Duties, rather than feather their own nest. That's the Law.
And then, when they do feather their own nests, against U.S.Law, and/or anything ethical, they do a lousy job of hiding their tracks.
By the day (or, is it by the hour ...) American politics from the White House truly stink to high Heaven. I dearly wish the Democratic Party would quit it's infighting, and get a common goal/agreed upon strong Candidates, and a clear intention on how to fight back against this endless toxic and illegal flow from the Oval Office.
2020 is right around the corner. Get it together.
9
Next move, impeachment.
7
Good. GOOD!
Hold these two Trumplican crooks to task like anyone else who would defy the Constitutional mandate of the US House of Representatives.
Barr, as much as Trump, has earned this disgrace. He, as AG, has flagrantly violated our laws when he should be the one upholding them. Even Jeff Sessions knew that.
PUT THEM IN JAIL and/or use every appropriate means to assure compliance with the House subpoenas. What a wonderful legacy to leave for your children, your family and your nation - but that's nothing new under Trump.
7
While Rome burns the AOC Squad of dittzy debutantes are feeding Trump all the ammunition he needs to stay in power.
Hold Barr and Ross IN contempt?
No, they're BENEATH it.
2
I wish that photograph suggested the two men were hanging their heads in shame, having failed to do their job and having let down the American people and their elected representatives.
But I've seen Barr laughing out loud at the threat of subpoenas and contempt citations. To him, at least, it is all part of the game he is playing to ensure that what goes on in the White House stays in the White House.
And as the Democrats have proven once again with their impeachment votes, no one really has any intention of pursuing this further. They are all a bunch of paper tigers, all sound and fury, signifying nothing.
4
Are referrals being made to ethics in each jurisdiction where Barr is admitted? They tend to view contempt with displeasure.
3
How can the House, the legislative body of the United States, be accused by the White House press Secretary are committing a “lawless” attempt? They are the law and create the law. It can’t be a lawless attempt if Congress creates it. By definition it is the law. But authoritarians last be to pull down the opposition (see Venezuela where the Congress was eliminated under Maduro, or Kazakhstan where the Congress always votes 100-0, etc.).
4
In contempt and contemptible. The swamp dwellers are not above the law and are violating their oath to protect and defend the Constitution.
It is a reprehensible pattern in this administration. “Law for thee but not for me.”
6
Let's face it --- if these men were black, Hispanic or Native American, poor and with no "Friends In High Places" and they blew off a subpoena, ANY subpoena from ANY court, then they would be chucked into the clinker and the key thrown away.
Tell me, did Whitman, Barr's predecessor, ignore the subpoena that he got?
My grandmother would have said, "These fools are skating on thin ice."
Enough of this law-breaking.
Jail 'em.
18
Good. Hit 'em hard and make it stick. The crime boss must know that he is not the king.
8
When I saw the photo I thought Ross and Barr were bowing their heads in shame, asking forgiveness. Then, on second thought (?), I said to myself, "Oh, they must be praying. What good souls." Then I swallowed my third Scotch and nodded off.
2
Lock them up. They think they are above the law. They think they cannot be held accountable for their despicable contempt for the American people. Rotten, disgusting men. Would you hire them? Would you let them interact with your customers? I think not.
5
These lowly beings bring disgrace to even the criminal community.
5
Barr will go down in history as the toady who sent Trump an unsolicited legal memo applying for the job of Attorney General … so he could protect Trump from any and all negative findings of the Mueller Report … who got the job and did it.
Peas in a pod, born for each other.
https://www.aclu.org/blog/executive-branch/william-barrs-unsolicited-memo-trump-about-obstruction-justice
10
This Stephanie Grisham is really a piece of work. A real attack dog.
2
This is nonsense. Trump should just pardon them and be done with this aspect of the witch hunt.
1
Coincidentally, these are two contemptible men, whose lies and racist hatred befits the men as much as a citation of Contempt of Congress.
3
This is just the first push back on enforcing the Constitutional "separation of powers" that the Trump adminstration has been blocking and, in itself, should be grounds for impeachment. This is why an impeachment inquiry is essential--to end this charade of obstruction and have the documents and testimony that reveals the criminal behavior by the Executive branch.
9
Let's restore some integrity to the laws of our country, and the accountability of our public officials. This is a good baby step, let's keep going. Lies, refusals to cooperate, obstruction of investigations, etc. need to be punished. Enough with the lawlessness of this administration!
8
A vote of contempt surely befitting contemptible behavior. It is hard to discern whether either of these individuals Barr and Ross, have ever explored the concept of ethics or logic. The court expressed concern that the reasons were contrived. That sounds correct.
4
I suppose it would be asking too much for anyone to recall when the shoe was on the other foot. Hillery was trying to talk to the health care industry and a republican congress was trying to exercise its oversight by requiring a list of who she was talking to, so the republicans could negotiate seperatly to undercut her efforts I would presume. or Travel gate? Now the Roberts Court will have to twist itself into a pretzel to explain why a republican White House has rights that a democratic White House does not. No problem for this court.
2
Congratulations to Mr. Barr and Mr. Ross, for becoming only the second and third Presidential Cabinet members to be declared in criminal contempt of Congress in over two centuries. One hopes whatever benefits your fealty to Trump gains you, alleviates the pain of your ignominious places in American history. Republicans must not believe their policies or their candidates are popular enough to win, without rigging elections in every way possible.
25
It is time to ratify a Constitutional Amendment removing or severely limiting the power of the "Presidential Pardon." It is, in present form, a powerful mechanism for placing any administration above the law.
6
Two cogs in a group of GOP'ers who willingly stepped forward and sold their souls to the lowest bidder. I do not feel sorry for these kinds of people.
History will not treat them kindly. Present day will treat them even worse - but then, they've earned it. It requires no guts to do the wrong thing - it takes no talent to earn the scorn of others.
9
Eric Holder the attorney general of Obama also had been held in contempt by a Republican congress. It is partisanship as usual and that is why I am fiercely independent as to me both parties are the same when given the power.
Gandhi once said: "Everything we do is futile, but we must do it anyway." This applies here. The House must vote to find these rogues in contempt. Barr, Ross, Conway, etc. They need to continue to use the rules of law, the norms, etc., and keep fighting the good fight. That is the only way.
Yes, the Trump monarch/ dictatorship along with the compliant GOP is dragging this country into swamps of the like we've never seen before, and the %40+ base is gushing with 'stick it to the libs/ white power rage and emotion, but it will not last forever. The pendulum will swing back, and when it does it'll swing hard and fast.
At some point, Trump supporters will realize their getting left behind in ways they couldn't even imagine all while being told by their god, Trump, he's doing 'em a solid.
Hang tough people, and keep fighting the good fight. It may feel futile now, but as history has shown, Gandhi got some stuff done when it was all said and done!
4
The House of Representatives hits the executive with a separate and equal branch of government. I wonder how long this will hold up.
No Midas here. Everything, everybody Trump touches loses any kind of good reputation they may have had prior.
Saying "Yes" to a Trump appointment is truly the kiss of "death" wrt to reputation.
For those of you contemplating such appointments, look at the evidence. You will be next, if you say "Yes".
Not a "maybe", a "will".
2
This administration sees Congressional oversight as a joke. And why not? When Sessions was asked if he had any legal justification for refusing to answer, he said that he had none. If Congressional oversight is ever going to be taken seriously, they have to not only hold people in contempt when they refuse to comply with subpoenas, they have to hold them in contempt during oversight hearings when no legal justification warrants the refusal to answer questions. Furthermore, they must be willing to enforce the contempt of Congress with their own inherent powers. Short of this, Congressional oversight will continue to be seen as a joke, because it is.
Note to Trump appointees: stop trying to appease the Child King. Not worth it. Not worth it at all.
7
The fact that "Mr. Barr and Mr. Ross dispatched a last-minute letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California on Wednesday urging her to call off the vote" is evidence that this charge DOES matter. It's in the history books as part of their biographical "permanent records." This is what I voted for in the mid-term.
15
Trump Tax Returns? Congress must Act as well. Trump should not be eligible for a Second Term without disclosure. Period...
14
"...a stinging personal rebuke to Mr. Barr and Mr. Ross by formally referring them to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. There is no real risk the department will pursue the case — Mr. Barr is the head of the Justice Department."
Another derision to the rule of law, the idea that a person is not prosecutable simply because they command the justice department. Every day we continue to witness a whole lot of people, not just Donald Trump, operate above the law with impunity in this country.
7
The Trump administration and lapdog
Attorney General Barr have been refusing to comply with Congress, a co-equal branch of government with the Constitutional duty to provide oversight.
House Democrats are upholding their Constitutional oaths. It's past time the Republicans join them. History is watching.
258
@L History and voters. Who could ever imagine the inaccurate and biased public communications of a special counsel report as was delivered to the American people by this Attorney General? Will we learn the AG derailed and ended the Mueller Report as well?
43
@M Democrats you are braying, like the symbol of your party. Get rid of Trump and his ilk by offering an agenda that is not crazy left. And, run a candidate that will have appeal to mid America. That will result in a presidential president.
19
@Bian
trump was put in power by Fox News lies, Russian propaganda, racism (backlash to the Obama presidency) and a failed electoral system. Democrats are offering an alternative to the incompetence,heartlessness and anti-Americanism currently in trump road show. Democrats are not braying, they are fighting to keep America alive. Shame on anyone who does not support their cause.
34
Both are contemptuous of the law, of democracy and of the American people (well, at least the non-white ones), so contempt charges are only fitting.
23
This is more than symbolic. And whether any more will come of it is anyone's guess. But it is necessary. This is not a "witch hunt," in fact far from it. History must show that this House under Speaker Pelosi did its job as a legislative body, constitutionally equal to the executive and judicial branches. No one, absolutely no one, is above the law. And this administration is flagrant in its abuse and exploitation of the rule of law. Under Barr, there is no justice to speak of. His role is exclusively to protect and shield his boss at the expense of United States' citizens. Beyond that, Trump's role is to keep himself in power not only for his own insatiable ego but also for greed. Money talks, money controls. money corrupts. Before our eyes there is no debate that this administration, with its Cabinet and McConnell Incorporated, is the most corrupt in recent history. The ignorance of thousands of Americans, MAGA's in particular, defies logic and reason.
79
Fine them. Jail them. It's time to hold these people accountable. Our government has three branches for a reason.
70
Yeah, but Trump controls the branch that could jail them. So it’s an empty exercise.
3
Congress, ARREST them both and put them both in JAIL, NOW! Your inaction is killing our Democracy. When we let Government Officials walk all over the Rule of Law, government officials walk all over the American people. We, the people, have no other recourse to defend ourselves and our country. Except maybe the last resort. Revolution in the streets.
31
"There is no real risk the department will pursue the case — Mr. Barr is the head of the Justice Department "
There you have it.
People unthinkable to The Founders we formerly considered wise run every facet of government. There's no chance they will ever hold one another to account.
With the Senate enthusiastically corrupt, there's no one to exert meaningful pressure.
Pelosi is excellent icing on the Republican cake. She and Mueller are a forlorn duo: refusing to save the nation, on principle.
She needn't impeach, if it troubles her so, and if she (as she does) puts political expedience above the existential crisis she once decried; yet she has tools, she has options, none of which she will consider.
Given our elections are compromised, this is not a hopeful picture.
Much as Republicans have earned a full dose of calumny, its Pelosi who troubles me most.
She's our last bastion against fatal perfidy of the Right, and she has chosen to cease conversation and debate, sequester herself with her thoughts, launch endless attacks against her members.
She abides failure to produce evidence, failure to respond to subpoenas, will not challenge illegal Presidential orders to private citizens.
There's no limit to what she will not do, glibly dismissed with The Famous Pelosi Meme "I don't want to see Trump impeached, I want to see him in jail". As if that might happen.
She is a great disappointment and maybe the worst of this whole tragic show.
9
"House Holds Barr and Ross in Contempt Over Census Dispute"
"July 17, 2019
WASHINGTON — The House voted Wednesday evening to hold Attorney General William P. Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in criminal contempt of Congress for their refusal to turn over key documents related to the Trump administration’s attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census."
Good. I think this action also send a message to Trump that the Rule Of Law is closing in a bit closer to he and his band of liars.
The Federal courts, the District Attorneys in New York and maybe elsewhere, the 6 House Committees and the now 32 civil and criminal cases are adding to the scene Trump and his staff and appointees are facing.
16
What is the consequence of criminal contempt of Congress? There are none and the food fight without retribution is a comedy for the rest of the world to laugh.
8
I'm pretty sure it's up to 12 months in jail and $1000 in fines.
2
@Charles V
We'll see what happens, as Trump likes to say.
And I'm betting that nothing will happen, as is generally the case after Trump says it.
1
It's not a "simple question," Rep. Jordan. It's a sharp-edged weapon, for use against some of the most vulnerable people on Earth.
11
Hooray for the House Dems! This lawless administration led by the Current Occupant, and supported by the Attorney General, must be reined in.
22
@Pat Boice. I see I am not the only one who can’t say or write his name.
2
@Wanda- You've got that right!!
Again the executive branch thinks they are in charge. Sorry but we have 3 branches and each have seperate authorities. This new White House Press lady does not seem to understand that, but then neither does anyone in the entire execxutive branch. This is the most lawless White House in my memory. I am very happy though that Ross and Barr will end their careers on this sad note of congress holding them in criminal contempt. I do not care if they are guilty or not. To me they are guilty of disrespecting democracy. Their epitaph will let everyone know they are/were fools and a danger to democracy. I can not imagine what Trumps will be like!! But it will probably be vulgar and pornographic. Republicans you have all become spineless cretins and a danger to freedom and democracy. You can all follow Donald when he heads home to his friend Putin. You also can leave the country if you want. I will not do anything to stop any of you.
25
YES!!!
7
One question I would like the press to ask every contender for the Presidency in 2020:
Will you commit to prosecuting the criminal acts of the Trump Presidency?
30
@Paul Central CA, age 59
You would not get many straight answers.
4
"Contempt" barely describes what these two men have done. They committed contempt of Congress and against the entire U.S. population. My contempt for them and their boss increases each day.
64
Unless you spineless pontificating windbags can enforce your indignation, and throw these cretins in the slammer, why don't you all just shut up and go home. Words are cheap. So are you.
We haven't got a government or a president. We have a moron that is using all of us and he hates this country. If you can't see that, you're stupid.
DEAL WITH IT OR WE CEASE TO EXIST.
19
The most meaningful comment I’ve read to this article! The talking heads can talk until their tongues fall out and the editorial writers can write until their fingers fall off, but in the end NOTHING HAPPENS. Our so-called government is a joke.
8
I will not be voting for any Democrat next year.
The House's behavior today is one more reason why.
2
@James Stewart
If you’re from New York, a totally blue state, you one republican vote won’t amount to a hill of beans.
5
@James Stewart
Big deal. You weren't going to vote for a Democrat next year anyway.
8
@James Stewart
Well, James, that sure sounds like you meant to say...something.
I'd kind of like to know what it might have been.
This Trumpish locution only works for your President, and only because he can hop on Air Force One and fly away.
Speak up, man.
What's troubling you?
3
"Extra! Extra! Congressional Democrats grow a backbone!"
"Many are seen for the first time walking upright on two legs."
The three branches of government are not co-equal.
Congress can remove a president; a president cannot remove congress in part or in total. (Though many presidents have wished to.)
Congress can remove a Supreme Court justice, SCOTUS cannot remove a congressman.
The US Constitution purposely gives Congress oversight responsibility over the executive and the court. The Trump Administration is exactly what the founders had in mind when they designed it so.
42
Holder was held in contempt over an FBI operation targeting gun traffickers, criminals, law enforcement. The need for confidentiality seems reasonable; considering that the Republicans had already shown no qualms about exposing undercover agents and operatives (Valerie Plame, et al), I can understand Holder's reluctance.
Barr and Ross, in contrast, are held in contempt over an operation concerning American citizens, political representation and allocation of federal funds. No sting operations, no informants or undercover agents to expose. Again, considering that Republicans have shown no qualms over stealing and rigging elections, nor any with using federal laws to "punish" cities and states that disagree with their leader (the tax "reform," Puerto Rican aid, etc.), I can understand their reluctance.
I think I see signs of a spine evolving from that fin on Pelosi's back. But I'll be cautious.
28
@Gustav Aschenbach. Be cautious. I think you’re seeing things-or just hoping.
1
It's not clear that the House's contempt of Mr Barr and Mr Ross will inconvenience either in any meaningful way. Neither has exhibited any respect for the laws that govern their compliance nor for the intelligence of everyday people to believe their lies.
These men, and probably their apologists, may not even care about their place in this chapter of our political history. They are two of a small number of powerful politicians who have been held in contempt by the Congress of their time.
They and their apologists may not care.
That's ok. The next several generations will come to speak of them in the same terms as Boss Tweed, Spiro Agnew, Haldeman & Erlichman, the list goes on. Every generation has their "swamp."
It took Donald Trump and his apologists to transmorgify the puddle that was laughingly referred to as the "swamp" and turn it into an entire eco-system of tawdry lies and self-aggrandizement.
The wrecking crew of Trump's people will be gone from office some day. Their historical record of fealty, hubris and contempt will remain long after.
296
@TDurk If they refuse to comply with the court-ordered subpoena, they could be held in criminal contempt of court and be jailed.
23
@TDurk
I hope someday not to hear wetlands used as a word of opprobrium. I'm o.k. with toxic cyano-bacteria.
12
@TDurk
Excellent analogy: "entire eco-system of tawdry lies and self-aggrandizement." The virus or plague has unfortunately found its way in to the lives of many in all corners of our country that don't think rationally but are always ready to respond emotionally. That is their "bond" with Donald Trump.
16
This Administration and the Republican Party has held American democracy and voting rights in contempt since the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act became law.
It's only proper to reflect that right-wing contempt right back at its Republican root, our fake Attorney General and the corrupt Secretary Commerce who are both as American as Russian rubles and oligarchs are.
Nice GOPeople.
306
@Socrates the Civil Right Act and The Voting Act received a higher percentage of support from the GOP than the Dems. So what’s your point?
2
@Gowand
Every racist Dixiecrat became a Republican by the time 1968 rolled around and the GOP has been the Whites R Us party ever since.
That’s my point.
23
Between 1965-1968 exactly 1 senator flipped parties. Strom Thurmond. But don’t let facts get in the way.
This AG misrepresented the conclusions of the Mueller report for the benefit of the President. Basically you have to be blind, deaf, and dumb to not realize this fact.
Now the AG, through the DOJ, is protecting the Administration with the fact the census question was politically motivated to expand gerrymandering versus supporting the voting rights. The AG is lying once again.
The evidence on Hofeller's hard drive and the fact DOJ memos are taken word for word for how Hofeller said Republican's could mis-represent the census question to the public is the connection. The administration (Ross) and DOJ lawyers knowingly lied to congress.
This is our US AG who has no problem lying to everyone in our country, to protect a lawless president, because he knows the Republican's don't care.
64
This reporter is more "balanced" than the Supreme Court, which ruled that Wilbur Ross' purported reasons were "contrived", i.e., he lied about them.
But in this article, the Republican account is just "more complicated" than what Ross contends.
Who would ever guess we actually do know the truth?
14
These two lied to Congress about the origin and purpose of the citizenship question. If Democrats had lied to a Republican House, they would have demanded the death penalty. But Republicans think they are above the law. They think that the law is what they say it is and they are beholden to nobody. They should be in jail along with their criminal boss. I hope that in 2020 we get back our government and then these crooks in suits can be prosecuted for their crimes. They belong behind bars.
46
If we elect a Democratic President in 2020 then the statute of limitations won't have run out on prosecuting Barr and Ross. Lock 'em up.
82
POTUS uniquely understands how to work the legal system and build support among his constituents. Built a fortune on bankruptcy and now bankrupting our future. Unless the Democrats can agree to disagree among themselves and unite instead of promoting the White House agenda which is circa 1950's it will not be just an electoral re-election win in 2020.
4
@Florence He hasn’t built his support. It’s lower than when he was elected. The House was flipped as a repudiation of Trump. I see no reason to believe these same voters will want Trump as their President. This fight among Democrats is a phony issue for Republicans.
Gerrymandering squared.
4
It's about time. Still waiting to see when Mnuchin will be held in contempt for refusing to provide Donald Trump's tax returns to Congress...
109
What we are seeing here of course is the a process in which the GOP and/or executive branch slinks their way out of yet one more legal impropriety
9
First, nice photo by Doug Mills
I keep saying Barr will rue the day he ever entered Trump’ orbit.
This has further and forever stained his reputation.
Barr is academically brilliant but lacks basic street smarts.
Soon he may find himself in a federal prison cell, and look up to see scratched on the wall:
“John Mitchell was here February 1975 - September 1976”
58
Holding these 2 in contempt is a good move. They know that this is a serious charge. Trump himself really has no idea what a charge of contempt means. Frankly, it seems Trump does not know anything about the law, the government, ethics, contempt...you know, how to behave in general. But these 2 Trump flunkies, they do not want to be held in contempt. So this is a good start! Always good to disrupt the foundation if one wants to raze the building.
367
@BCY123
Holding these two in contempt is far worse than nothing unless there is a meaningful consequence attached.
Failing that, you're confirming for them they can do anything, say anything, ignore the rest of us, proceed as planned.
You believe any one of these criminals cares one whit what you think, what the law supposedly says, what the consequences are for the country?
Then you're as big a fool as Pelosi, almost as big as Mueller.
A little embarrassment, bathetic shows of shame or contrition, suitably, obviously ironic, is worse than nothing.
Pelosi has the ability to impose penalties. She had better.
25
@BCY123 You left out "honor" and honesty." Otherwise OK.
5
@oogada I agree totally. There is whole lot at stake here with the consequences these two will have to face.
The rules of law must be followed by everyone. Our whole way of life under a democracy will become a sham.
2
It's about time the Democratic-controlled House asserted its authority over this authoritarian administration.
Barr should be impeached for refusing to provide the documents subpoenaed by Congress as required by law on the census issue and the Mueller Report, for refusing to answer a Congressional subpoena to testify, for deliberately misleading the American people with regard to the Mueller report and for lying to the US Congress when he said that he did not know if Mueller agreed with his, Barr's, characterization of the Mueller Report. A letter from Mueller to Barr clearly shows that Barr DID know that Mueller objected to the way Barr was misrepresenting the facts! Barr clearly lied under oath and we have all seen him lying to Congress on national TV.
Ross also lied. He lied to the US Supreme Court about the reason for wanting to ask the citizenship question on the 2020 census. The written evidence showing him to be a liar is likewise, indisputable. The court knows very well that Ross lied and the proof has bee seen by everyone at this point. So why isn't Ross being charged with perjury?! He should go to prison... of course so should Caligula, and Barr.
There is no longer a rule of law in America under the current administration. When is someone going to do something about it?!
424
@NY Times Fan
This is getting to the point. The Republican party is openly attacking democracy and the rule of law. We already live under minority rule and without some kind of revolution (nonviolent please) it's unlikely that democracy or the rule of law will ever return to America.
40
@JT
Very well said and right to the point.
Sadly I don't see significant change on the horizon. Barring bloody violence, I'm afraid we'll continue getting more of the same.
The founding fathers designed this nation to be non-democratic. But the substantial increase in population in urban areas (blue states), and with little increase in population in the rural areas (red states), the anti-democratic nature of our system is no longer tolerable (if it ever was.) Population growth and modernization has rendered America's government obsolete and totally unjust. Income and wealth inequality is off the charts. Something must change!
It's just too frustrating to see the "bad guys" (and that's spineless Republicans who support Caligula, beyond all doubt) winning everything. Evil triumphs in America.
I'm told that when the French learn of someone who is very rich, the first question they ask is "how did he get all that money?" Followed by the comment "that must be a nasty man". I submit an example: Caligula. Another: Epstein. Another: Manafort. It's not always true, but so frequently it is the case that great wealth is an indicator of vicious and/or immoral behavior... even criminality. It applies to corporations, too. It's the nature of America's cowboy capitalism (cronyism).
28
Mr. Ross provided sworn testimony to the committee in March 2018 in which he said he had decided to add the question “solely” based on a December 2017 request from the Justice Department asking for data to better enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
If Dems can subpoena to demand to get Trump’s tax returns solely to see if their House audit powers work and no for political ammunition whatsoever, Wilbur should be accorded the same transparent liberty, one would think?
4
@John Doe
No the reason is we think he is bought and paid for by our political enemies, russia and saudi arabia and china.
The reason trump's people didn't want to hand over the documents is because they are racists.
Can you comprehend the difference between the two - one has good intentions while the other has evil ones.
Well that sounds like a good thing; but what does it mean? If anything.
4
And now the Dems, as usual, will fail to close the deal. No arrest, no jail, no public shaming, nothing. Barr and Ross got away with it and the Dems are too wimpy to do anything about it.
10
Well, at least the House now is in agreement with much of the citizenry. We've held these two creatures in contempt from their early days in office!
68
So obvious. So simple. If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to refuse to appear to testify. Could Ross be embarrassed because he was caught in a lie? Oh, no!
It's not much different than asking for tax returns. If there is nothing to hide then why not share them? Why not cooperate?
129
@Bob Bruce Anderson
I believe some of them, e.g., the assistant attorney general, were testifying under oath. In that case, it's called perjury.
8
Barr and Ross...two more exceptions to the principle "no one is above the law."
310
@European American, it's up to the American people to decide whether that exception is permanent.
15
@European American
"Barr and Ross...two more exceptions to the principle "no one is above the law."
IF you're white, male, wealthy and unmoored to principle.
10
@European American the 3rd being those entering and residing in the US illegally
These two men are part of a large conspiracy to conceal information. Shameful.
When you look at them in historical context, you realize how serious this is.
184
@ClydeMallory, dare we suggest that they have their own evil version of the Deep State?
11
The Republican Party has become the enemy of the people
410
@Pete Rogers
Yes, but how do you destroy the enemy of the people when the system is rigged to protect it/them?
4
@Pete Rogers
Eager to see what the Dems will do with their new governing majority, other than reopen the collusion investigation and issue contempt charges every two weeks.
I was hopeful, but they are proving to be a sad bunch caught up in their own race and gender-based charges. Eventually, that whole game becomes a circular firing squad.
The real question that voters will ask, even while holding their nose, is whether the economy would have fared so well under a Democrat. It’s even harder to overhaul your social programs when the economy is in neutral. Ask Europe, our once-great ideal that looks less stellar now.
1
@Stuart- When was Europe "our once-great ideal?"
1
Rat hunting has begun.
50
@Stephan. From your mouth to God’s ears. But I don’t think we should hold our breath. Those rats seem invulnerable.
1
Hooray! They both should be in jail.
37
At this point it like “whatever”. So boring.
3
Fine them, then jail them.
Then force a bankruptcy upon them. Just like you do to us average citizens.
201
@seattleSmarty
"Fine them, then jail them."
And who is going to do that, pray tell? Do you expect Barr to order himself arrested?
1
I just hope it has some impact in this law-breaking administration, though I doubt they'll care much as they demolish this democracy.
24
About time, House.
How about impeachment hearings, please?
GOP crying “Presidenntal harassment” is projection. They know it.
89
The President is harassing everyone. Turnabout is fair play. For every harassment, two back is fair play!
8
@Robert
Not for me, Robert, as much as that "feels good." When they go low, we should go high.
But at least we are operating within the law, in the spirit of the Constitution, and we will prevail.
Trump is Not Normal.
6