Well, there we have it. The Vice President is not part of the Executive Branch because… Well, nevermind about that. Waxman bringing it up is ridiculous because… Well, it’s because the President said it was okay. Anyway, Dana Perino doesn’t want to talk about it very much…
I’m suggesting Dana for a role as one of the mean, sneering ladies on Desparate Housewives. Meanwhile, Cheney’s records are in some, as yet un-named, branch of the government under lock and key. Of all the reactions to Cheney’s absurd assertions, Steve Soto of the left coaster wins my award for most on point. A sample:
Why Does Cheney Still Have Access To Secrets?
by Steve Soto
With the revelation over the last several days that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has argued that it is not bound by Executive Branch rules on the handling of classified information, and Cheney’s retaliation against the National Archives for requesting an accounting from him on the matter, there are many questions that the media and the Democratic leadership should pursue immediately.
- If the OVP now argues that it is not bound by executive branch rules, then how can the OVP argue that it is covered by executive privilege?
- If the OVP is not entirely an Executive Branch entity, does this not undermine its legal defense in the Cheney Energy Task Force case?
- IF the OVP argues that it is not bound by executive branch rules governing the handling of classified information, then why hasn’t President Bush pulled the security clearances of Cheney and all his staff?
- How can Congress and the American people have confidence that the Bush Administration is protecting our national security and our classified assets and secrets as long as the OVP exempts itself from protecting those secrets and those assets?
- …
Should we be happy that he’s, at least, not claiming to have no recollection of the request from the National Archives? Why do I feel like that is coming?