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Judge rules FBI search of Rep. William Jefferson's Capitol Hill office was constitutional
CNN ^ | 7/10/2006 | CNN

Posted on 07/10/2006 1:38:58 PM PDT by eraser2005

BREAKING NEWS:Judge rules FBI search of Rep. William Jefferson's Capitol Hill office was constitutional

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Government; US: Louisiana
KEYWORDS: 109th; dubai; fbi; netlink; norefugescoundrels; ruling; shareasale; verichip; williamjefferson
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breaking on CNN....

My thoughts? No sh**, Sherlock... :)

1 posted on 07/10/2006 1:38:59 PM PDT by eraser2005
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To: eraser2005

No justice, no peace... (long hot summer of corruption)


2 posted on 07/10/2006 1:40:43 PM PDT by epluribus_2
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To: eraser2005
Socialist crook congressmen are not above the law?

Unbelievable!!!!!!

3 posted on 07/10/2006 1:40:48 PM PDT by Rome2000 (Peace is not an option)
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To: eraser2005

Damned activist court


4 posted on 07/10/2006 1:40:55 PM PDT by guido911 (Murtha, Kerry, and other cowards cut and run)
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To: eraser2005

Good. Fire him; Except he's a democrat - he'd NEVER resign.


5 posted on 07/10/2006 1:41:47 PM PDT by Robert A. Cook, PE (I can only donate monthly, but Hillary's ABBCNNBCBS continue to lie every day!)
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To: eraser2005

more on this.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RAID_ON_CONGRESS?SITE=7219&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-07-10-16-33-19


6 posted on 07/10/2006 1:41:49 PM PDT by rocksblues (Liberals will stop at nothing.)
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To: eraser2005

Was there ever ANY DOUBT?............


7 posted on 07/10/2006 1:42:54 PM PDT by Red Badger (Follow an IROC long enough and sooner or later you will wind up in a trailer park..........)
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To: eraser2005
"Hey Hillary!! How 'bout a little help with those FBI files?"


8 posted on 07/10/2006 1:43:12 PM PDT by TexasCajun
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To: TexasCajun

I was doing my own investigation into corruption when they did this. I just played along to catch them later.

9 posted on 07/10/2006 1:48:44 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)
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To: eraser2005

10 posted on 07/10/2006 1:53:05 PM PDT by george76 (Ward Churchill : Fake Indian, Fake Scholarship, and Fake Art)
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To: eraser2005
This decision was no surprise to me. When I was in high school, the step-father of a classmate was indicted, tried and convicted of bribery. He was Senator Daniel Brewster from Maryland.

Brewster took his case to the Supreme Court. And they turned away his challenge, based on the Speech and Debate Clause of the Constitution. The reasoning was rock solid. The freedom to speak and debate does not include the freedom to take bribes in return for corrupt acts as a Member of Congress.

The Brewster case is still good law. Rep. Jefferson is toast.

P.S. Interested in a Freeper in Congress? Keep in touch with me.

Congressman Billybob

Latest article: "The Lesson of the African Queen"

11 posted on 07/10/2006 1:54:56 PM PDT by Congressman Billybob (http://www.ArmorforCongress.com)
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To: eraser2005
And Hastert just had to get himself on the wrong side of this issue when it began...

When he joined Pelosi in attacking the Bush administration saying it was unconstitutional, that somehow they were above the law, he burned his bridge with me.
12 posted on 07/10/2006 1:55:32 PM PDT by DB (©)
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To: Congressman Billybob
Hastert was my biggest disappointment through this whole affair. Incredibly stupid OpEd he wrote basically demanding they were above the law.
13 posted on 07/10/2006 1:57:49 PM PDT by DB (©)
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To: eraser2005

Amazing ruling, that a congressional office is not a foreign embassy.


14 posted on 07/10/2006 2:06:51 PM PDT by Taliesan
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To: DB

I became even more convinced when Hastert did that that the vast majority of both parties and all of their leadership in Congress are corrupt.... why else would Hastert be so adamant about preventing warranted searches?


15 posted on 07/10/2006 2:18:15 PM PDT by eraser2005
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To: eraser2005

We already went round about this.

I hope Congress Smacks the Judicial and Executive Branch hard on this. They have the power to outlaw such an action and I hope they do.

I could care less about Jefferson.

The folks that think he is the issue are being decieved.

It is almost inevitable another corrupt administration like the Clintoonistas will gain control over the executive at some point. Then watch in the middle of an Impeachment Proceeding or during the prep phase the offices of those elected officials gathering evidence and preparing the impeachment will be raided. The names of the witnesses and any informats will be exposed and the impeachment will be
spiked or severely compromised.

I wish the powerful in this world were worthy of your trust on this but they are not. At least with the Congress we have 300 Little Dictators all squabling,hopefully they will leave
us alone. The other way we will have but one.

W


16 posted on 07/10/2006 2:19:09 PM PDT by WLR ("fugit impius nemine persequente iustus autem quasi leo confidens absque terrore erit")
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To: eraser2005

it says more that this has to be news in the first place


17 posted on 07/10/2006 2:19:16 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch (No.... wire .... hangers!)
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To: InvisibleChurch

I suspect a lot of politicians in La. are on pins and needles about right now. All that evidence, that can be used.


18 posted on 07/10/2006 2:20:28 PM PDT by mware (Americans in armchairs doing the job of the media.)
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To: eraser2005

"The president's 45-day "cooling off period" ended Sunday with no compromise worked out but with assurances from the Justice Department that it would not seek to regain custody of the materials until Hogan ruled on Jefferson's request."

It's time for the WH to stop coddling thugs like WJ.
Tom Delay gets smeared over nothing and WJ is caught red-handed guilty. We the people DEMAND that Govt. officials get held accountable for criminal actions.


19 posted on 07/10/2006 2:20:34 PM PDT by tflabo (Take authority that's ours)
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To: eraser2005

This is not a STATE SECRET!

So, do not expect the NYTimes to report on it!


20 posted on 07/10/2006 2:22:50 PM PDT by Prost1 (We can build a wall, we can evict - "Si, se puede!")
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To: epluribus_2
Now if only we had some sitting judges willing to issue search warrants. Hmmm.
21 posted on 07/10/2006 2:31:13 PM PDT by thiscouldbemoreconfusing
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To: eraser2005
My thoughts? No sh**, Sherlock... :)

LOL. I'll second that :)

22 posted on 07/10/2006 2:32:55 PM PDT by mewzilla (Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist. John Adams)
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To: eraser2005

Both interesting and sad how many of the people we've sent to Washington thought it important and right to interfere with this legal investigation. Food for thought...


23 posted on 07/10/2006 3:29:30 PM PDT by Continental Soldier
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To: epluribus_2

Let's be clear about something, he's a crook who got caught and just like any other crook he has to pay the price.


24 posted on 07/10/2006 4:46:28 PM PDT by chiefqc
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To: chiefqc
Congress will regret allowing this to go to the courts. As long as it hadn't been ruled on, they were on stronger ground on refusing the DOJ access to their offices....because there was some doubt as to the legality of entering. Well, now we KNOW that the DOJ can go in and snuffle through the freezer any time they feel like they have probable cause. Frozen pizza with a side of cash, anyone?
25 posted on 07/10/2006 4:58:42 PM PDT by lOKKI (You can ignore reality until it bites you in the ass)
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To: DB

and hastert has been silent on this ruling today; I bet he heard from a lot of us about his outrageous position on this in the early days. Good decision by the Judge.


26 posted on 07/10/2006 5:01:53 PM PDT by Laverne
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To: tflabo
Don't you see or hear the difference: This news on ABC, CNN and others conveniently neglecting to inform about Rep. Jefferson's political party, the 'D' word.

When Delay was smeared, he was the 'REPUBLICAN majority leader' 24/7. Listening and watching today , it's 'Congressman Jefferson' no 'Democrat', not even 'from Louisiana'.

Next we'll hear from the MSM how this ruling smacks of latent racism and that this judge was appointed by Coolidge, a known conservative right winger.

27 posted on 07/10/2006 5:02:14 PM PDT by masadaman
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To: eraser2005

Put the corrupt SOB behind bars. Now!


28 posted on 07/10/2006 5:03:39 PM PDT by blam
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To: WLR

nonsense. the constitution does protect congrespersons with regards to their duties within the context of their role as legislators. that role does not include bribery and general crimes, and that's what this case is about.


29 posted on 07/10/2006 5:10:45 PM PDT by oceanview
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To: Red Badger
Yeah, there was a lot of doubt. In fact, the judge is wrong as he will shortly discover when he finds out GSA has no funds to heat his office this winter.

Congress long ago put their various office buildings, as well as the Capitol, OFFLIMITS TO THE COPS ~ that's why there are Capitol Police.

30 posted on 07/10/2006 5:31:13 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: Congressman Billybob
Billybob, as Billybob 9 might even note, the Senator Brewster case was fundamentally different from this particular case.

Whether or not the other Congress-critter takes bribes really doesn't have beans to do with the prerogative of the King's men to ransack the Congressional compound, and you know that.

Otherwise, you'd had Billzo's boys in there searching your offices for all those guns you keep stuffed into drawers and safes and slapping you down with the DC anti-gun law.

31 posted on 07/10/2006 5:33:57 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: Laverne
Hastert's initial position was Constitutionally and historically correct. Freeper opposition to that position was based on a lack of historic perspective.

That's putting it charitably.

32 posted on 07/10/2006 5:36:04 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: eraser2005
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., makes a statement at Washington's National Airport on his way to Switzerland. (AP Photo)

" This is total racism. I am innocent. "

" Look, I had 90 large ones in my freezer because, as a compassionate and tolerant Democrat, I was helping out a distinguished foreign dignitary."

"What happened was I got an email from Nigerian General Kachinga Cheatchusuckah, who had a problem."

" When Gen Cheatchusuckah transfers Idi Amin's secret Ugandan gold reserves
from a Swiss bank vault to a refrigerated truck I leased, it will all make sense."

33 posted on 07/10/2006 5:37:51 PM PDT by Liz (The US Constitution is intended to protect the people from the government.)
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To: blam

The idea that congressmen would threaten to with hold funding for the FBI or DOJ over this is what gets me!


34 posted on 07/10/2006 5:39:30 PM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: tet68
"The idea that congressmen would threaten to with hold funding for the FBI or DOJ over this is what gets me!"

Yup, me too. I immediately thought of Mugabe.

35 posted on 07/10/2006 5:41:54 PM PDT by blam
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To: Liz
"...on his way to Switzerland."

Going to make a deposit or a withdrawal?

36 posted on 07/10/2006 5:45:52 PM PDT by TommyDale (Stop the Nifongery!)
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To: eraser2005

Greeeeeaaaaattttt!!!! I will still get to listen to my a-hole Congressman, Sensenbrenner try to argue this is un-Constitutional.


37 posted on 07/10/2006 5:51:21 PM PDT by irish guard
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To: eraser2005
Judge rules FBI search of Rep. William Jefferson's Capitol Hill office was constitutional

The only ones who thought otherwise were US Congressmen who thought that they were about the law.

38 posted on 07/10/2006 5:53:21 PM PDT by RJL
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To: WLR
"They have the power to outlaw such an action and I hope they do. "

But you can see that it would be politically risky to do so. The mob loves this ruling.

Hopefully the Constitution will be upheld on appeal.

39 posted on 07/10/2006 5:59:59 PM PDT by mrsmith
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To: TommyDale

He's going to meet Gen Kachinga Cheatchusuckah to checkout Idi Amin's secret Swiss gold stash.


40 posted on 07/10/2006 6:08:49 PM PDT by Liz (The US Constitution is intended to protect the people from the government.)
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To: muawiyah
Hastert's initial position was Constitutionally and historically correct. Freeper opposition to that position was based on a lack of historic perspective.

That's putting it charitably.

Ah yes, all through history corruption by government leaders has been a winning ideal.

Some FReepers just can't see that "historic perspective".

/S

41 posted on 07/10/2006 6:08:58 PM PDT by RJL
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To: RJL
The issue really isn't "corruption". The issue is whether or not the the Parliament's official premises is offlimits to unbidden visits by jackbooted agents of the Crown.

The tradition of keeping the federales out of the Houses of Congress, their offices that directly support Capitol Hill, etc. dates back a long, long way, even before the founding of the Republic.

Besides, any FBI worth it's salt could find all they need on this Jefferson character without breaking into one of the House office buildings.

We should not sacrifice our Constitution simply because the FBI no longer attracts first-class analysts and investigators.

42 posted on 07/10/2006 6:15:33 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: eraser2005
breaking on CNN....

Breaking hearts, undoubtedly.

43 posted on 07/10/2006 6:26:38 PM PDT by Begin (Mister, we could use a man like Ronald Reagan again.)
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To: muawiyah
The tradition of keeping the federales out of the Houses of Congress, their offices that directly support Capitol Hill, etc. dates back a long, long way, even before the founding of the Republic.

United States citizens have long had the right to be secure in our homes and belongings too. I don't see Congress too upset with "no knock" raids and other intrusions into citizens lives.

Prosecutors asked Congress for help 10 months ago with no response. When one act irresponsibly other steps are taken. Congress acted irresponsibly, they are getting what they deserve.

44 posted on 07/10/2006 6:32:30 PM PDT by RJL
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To: RJL
A coup? ~ that's your answer to this?

I think we should rake FBI over the coals and totally reform them. It's been pretty obvious for some time now that they are not pulling in first-class minds who are able to take down a crook like Jefferson without violating Congress' Constitutional prerogatives.

45 posted on 07/10/2006 6:36:31 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: RJL
BTW, the Constitution requires a warrant, not that the cops politely stop and knock on your door so you can flush your MJ down the toilet.

For most of the history of the Republic there was no "no knock" rule.

46 posted on 07/10/2006 6:37:54 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: muawiyah
A coup? ~ that's your answer to this?

Congress not being above the law is a coup? That's quite a jump.

You and I disagree.

47 posted on 07/10/2006 6:40:20 PM PDT by RJL
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To: RJL

Congress is not "above the law", but then again, neither is the Executive nor the Judiciary.


48 posted on 07/10/2006 6:44:48 PM PDT by muawiyah (-)
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To: Liz
"He's going to meet Gen Kachinga Cheatchusuckah to checkout Idi Amin's secret Swiss gold stash.?

LOL! I heard he is represented by the law firm "Dewey, Cheatham & Howe"...

49 posted on 07/10/2006 6:59:53 PM PDT by TommyDale (Stop the Nifongery!)
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To: WLR; mrsmith

I disagree completely with your reasoning.

We are a nation of laws, not men.

There are 3 branches of government. None of the members of any of these 3 branches are above the law.

As regards future corrupt administrations, the Clinton adminstration violated so many laws with impunity in order to get political enemies, it is laughable that one would consider the manner of Jefferson's downfall to be opening any flood gate to future crooked administrations.


50 posted on 07/10/2006 7:09:46 PM PDT by ChildOfThe60s (If you can remember the 60s...you weren't really there.)
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