Who cares if 8 Presidential appointees are fired? Is this just more liberal firestorming?

Question

Please note the following quote from a person who was testifying before congress over the firings of the 8 US Attorneys:

"Each of us was fully aware that we served at the pleasure of the president and that we could be removed for any, or no, reason," said Carol Lam of San Diego, in a joint statement for herself and other fired US attorneys who appeared before Senate and House Judiciary panels. "

Answer 1

Why is it that libs don't understand that when you become President you get to choose who works for you? I'm sure they will want that to be the case when a Lib President is elected.
Unfortunately President Bush didn't replace enough Libs in the government when he took office. That's why there are so many leaks to the New York Times during his tenure.
Good question though.

Answer 2

It is true that the US Attorneys are Presidential appointees and serve at the will of the President. This means that they can be fired at any time for no reason at all. In this case the allegation has been made that they were fired for an improper reason. That is the difference. The firings are alleged to have been because they did not pursue voter fraud cases against democrats vigorously enough to satisfy the AG. That is a much different case than replacing the US Attorneys appointed under 12 previous years of republican leadership. I do not know if the allegations are true or not, however, the allegation is very serious. The federal justice department has a reputation of being much more professional and less political than are local justice officials. If we politicize the federal justice system in this manner, attempting to micro manage prosecutions through hirings and firings, it is a big step down a very slippery slope. This is a much different case than has ever happened in the past if the allegations are true.

Answer 3

I do not.

The real story is the replacements, though. Think of these eight as a dry run.

The Patriot Act allows the president to appoint an interim US Attorney for and indefinite period of time without the advice and consent of the senate. Previously, US attorneys served an interim basis of 180 days, wherein the Senate rejected of confirmed them.

Personally, I welcome this change as it increases the power and perogative of the executive, as well as removes an unnecessary burden from the Senate. it is one thing if these are the appointment to another branch, say the judiciary, wherein senate oversight acts as a check and balance against executive stacking of the courts, but we are talking about a 4 year job that has always been a political spoil since time immoreal.

Answer 4

The issue is whether the Administration attempted to change the way these INDEPENDENT attorneys were working. The evidence suggests that did happen. When they would not concentrate on convicting just democrats, then this became an issue. The fact is, their job is to fairly prosecute both Democrats and Republicans for wrong-doing. When the President intereferes, and pushes them to prosecute along party political lines, our democracy is in danger. ALthough they are political appointments, they are also considered by both parties to be an independent arm of the judiciary.

The outrage is shared by both parties - this isn't a "liberal" thing - it's an American thing.

Answer 5

Does anyone read beyond the headline?

No one disputes that the president has the right to remove political appointees. The issue is the threats and coercion that the US attorneys faced before being fired. Blackmail.

Answer 6

Liberal or Conservative, justice is an important factor. To be fired and no valid reason is given, can be very traumatic for a person. It is not ethical to disregard the service of eight US Attorneys, maybe there should be a closer look at the leader of the Justice Department and his management style.

Answer 7

Liberals know they can bellyache about anything the Republicans do, and the liberals will get plenty of good press coverage from the willing accomplices in the main stream media.
I am glad you recognize the liberal tactics in this case. When Mr. Clinton took office, his administration got rid of 92 of a possible 93 US Attorneys. How much ink has that fact received lately?

Answer 8

Bubba fired ALL of them at the start of his orgiastic regime. I would be ecstatic if Bush called a press conference and said "Bite me, you libs. Effective immediately, ALL remaining US Attorneys appointed by Bubba are hereby terminated".

Answer 9

No one on the left seemed to care at all in 1993 when Slick Willie fired all 93 US attorneys so he could replace them with his own loyal crew of left wingers. It was barely noticed.

Answer 10

I think something big is going to come out. If they're crooks I want them gone, as they wield a lot of power and influence. So yeah I guess I do care, at least a little anyway.