Garling Gauge

Dems Threaten Real Accountability

Rahm Emanual
takes on Dick Cheney

It was reported by the Washington Post on Saturday that President Bush’s has determined the National Archives law ensuring the preservation of classified documents pertaining to the Executive Branch does not include the office of the vice president.

The Bush Administration is so accustomed to stretching reality it is now rearranging the composition of the Executive Branch. If they don’t like the rules they change the game.

Reported by Patrick O’Connor on the June 23, 2007 Politico Blog, The Crypt, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel has suggested defunding the vice president’s office if it continues to insist that it is not part of the Executive Branch.

Politico:

“The Vice President has a choice to make,” Emanuel said in a statement. “If he believes his legal case, his office has no business being funded as part of the executive branch. However, if he demands executive branch funding he cannot ignore executive branch rules.”

“This amendment will ensure that the Vice President’s funding is consistent with his legal arguments,” Emanuel said. “I have worked closely with my colleagues on this amendment and will continue to pursue this measure in the coming days.”

This is the type of accountability the Democratic Congress needs to pursue.

After years of wish-wash spin, political balderdash, and lethal arrogance by the Bush Administration, Americans expect Congress to issue results. We’ve waited long enough, and the Democrats need to play (bipartisan) hardball.

The negativity associated with Republican-controlled government appears to be carrying over to Congress according to recent polls.

The Democratic Congress needs to quickly differentiate themselves from President Bush and the previous Republican Congress, not only on policies, but in style and actions.

Full disclosure of all earmarks would be a good way to start.

Democrats need to set clear, achievable goals and deliver if they expect to expand or retain their slim majority. We’re tired of listening to this:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtDxZJIkwUE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edemocraticunderground%2Ecom%2F[/youtube]

Americans want less rhetoric and more action from their representatives.