Birmingham Blues

And it’s not just any document; it’s a 2006 memo from the office of the National Director of Intelligence to then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert.  Gonzales insisted during yesterday’s testimony that emergency meetings held in March 2004, including a briefing for the “Gang of Eight” congress members, were not related to controversy over the Terrorist Surveillance Program [...]

The Committee voted 22-17 to issue contempt citations against Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten.  Now the recommendation goes to the full House, with a vote likely to take place after the August recess.  It was a party-line vote, and I must say I’m disappointed in the Republicans on the Committee, who continue to enable Bush’s efforts to [...]

UPDATE:  The Board and Oxmoor Valley parents have signed off on a settlement, which still must be approved by the federal court. 
Under the terms of an agreement approved by the school board, Oxmoor Valley students who were enrolled in Vestavia Hills schools last year may remain in the district through the 12th grade tuition-free, provided [...]

TPM Muckraker has analysis of AG Alberto Gonzales’ testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday.
Among other things, the Committee members wanted an explanation for Gonzales’ 2006 testimony that there was no disagreement within the White House and Justice Department over the legality of the Terrorist Surveillance Program (TSP), in light of Deputy AG James Comey’s subsequent testimony that he [...]

They’ll vote on whether to cite former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten for refusing to honor congressional subpoenas.  As usual, TPM Muckraker has great coverage.  And you can watch (online or TV) on C-Span 3.  The extensive report prepared by the committee supporting the charges is here [...]

Mac at Thomason’s Tracts has been following the ongoing exploits of the erstwhile city leaders in Lipscomb AL.  Today, the Birmingham News comments on the mess there:
If there’s one good thing to say about Lipscomb, it’s that the city’s politics gives all other cities in our region and state a reason to feel good about [...]

AG Alberto Gonzales is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee again today.  He’s not covering himself with glory — I know you’re surprised.  TPM Muckraker is live-blogging and posting video clips.  Here’s Gonzo’s ever-changing story about his visit to John Ashcroft’s hospital room.
You can watch on C-Span 3 or listen on C-Span Radio.

Fred Thompson, most recently seen burnishing his anti-choice creds at last month’s National Right to Life meeting, finally had to admit that he had indeed lobbied on behalf of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association after initially denying the report.  Let me rephrase: Thompson just said he didn’t recall, the Republican dodge du jour, [...]

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George W. Bush: The Early Days
* The photos Karl Rove doesn’t want you to see! *

I’m sure no one here would believe the Bush administration would bow to pressure from a right-wing anti-environmental group and refuse to abide by an international treaty.  Yeah, right.  But not to worry — it’s only Canadian border security that’s at stake.

SOMETIMES history plays as farce the first time around, which raises the question of [...]