Posted on 03/07/2014 9:10:06 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Here is a primer discussing Congressional inquiry, subpoena, and enforcement powers.
Lois needs to be water boarded a smidgen.
Fine.
Then, why haven't they done it since 1934? That's either party.
As I have pointed out -- on several occasions -- I'm not arguing with your premise that Congress has the authority to arrest and detain contemnors.
Instead, I am questioning whether they any longer have the ability to that, much less the will!
You have yet to address this question. Or even recognize it...
You in post 27:
“I believe the arrest authority of the Sergeant at Arms is now restricted to Capitol Hill, period”
That was properly expressed as an opinion ("believe"). It is you who is being obtuse.
Do you have another opinion why the power has not been employed for eighty friggin' years?
We'd love to hear it...
But you are. Here are your words. I'll highlight the pertinent part for you:
I believe the arrest authority of the Sergeant at Arms is now restricted to Capitol Hill, period. And the Congressional jail is merely a temporary holding tank for any rowdy demonstrators -- and isn't equipped to feed or handle overnight guests.Accordingly, while Congress might have the authority to arrest and confine people under an "inherent contempt" charge, they no longer have the ability to do so (nor the will, evidently).
Don't shoot the messenger...
So, "I believe the arrest authority of the Sergeant at Arms is now restricted to Capitol Hill, period." or "I'm not arguing with your premise that Congress has the authority to arrest and detain contemnors." which is it?
Under a warrant issued by the President of the Senate the Deputy to the Senate Sergeant at Arms arrested at Cincinnati, Ohio, Mally S. Daugherty, who had been twice subpoenaed by the Senate and twice failed to appear. McGrain v. Daugherty, 273 U.S. 135
>> Instead, I am questioning whether they any longer have the ability to that, much less the will! You have yet to address this question. Or even recognize it...
Why speculate?
McGrain vs Daugherty traces to 1927. My assertion that the authority has not been exercised since 1934 remains unchallenged.
Why is it so damn difficult for you to distinguish between "authority" and "ability"?
What’s so damn difficult for you to distinguish between opinion and fact?
You have NEVER produced anything to support your claims. You repeatedly claim that there is some lack of ability yet NEVER have you produced a single thing to support your claim. That makes it OPINION.
You repeatedly carp about dates yet NEVER have you produced anything other than blather.
OPINION is immaterial, FACTS matter. I have facts - historical Commentaries, Congressional Record, Supreme Court rulings, and recent analysis. You have ????? You have not produced a single thing.
Why?
I rest my case.
Hahahaha! You gotta be kidding!
Asking a question does not “make a case”!
Roll again, Champ. This time bring some facts.
I've had my say, made my point.
Time to move on.
But, when you've a chance, give some thought as to why Congress hasn't exercised that authority for 80 years...
Fact is, neither of us know why this is so. And, thus, we're both speculating (though, as yet, you haven't shared your speculation with the rest of us).
Your haven’t made any points whatsoever. You have only made assertions without any supporting facts.
typo:
Your = You
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.