Why Would Condi Rice, Bush & Co Resist Congress Subpoenas?

Question

If they've done nothing wrong why not clear the air by testifying and the government and America can move on?
Why continue the contentious situation of anger & gridlock?

When Clinton was President the GOP congress served, and had honored, over 1,000 subpoenas.
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Answer 1

They know they're in trouble and they're stalling so they can finish flushing the toilets before the cops bang down the front door.

Answer 2

While this is probably not the answer you desire, I suspect it is the correct one.

There is a separation of powers outlined in the government. Most younger Americans really do not understand the government but listen to or believe what they are told by other no so informed people. So I will try for a concise civics 101 class for you here.

The executive branch and president make decisions about what should go on in a limited scope of things. They are the deciders to use the current presidents word. This scope is limited by both the constitution, and existing law. The congress (normally called the legislative branch)is the law making body within the United States (they legislate). They determine what the will of the people is and make or revoke laws to support this will. We also have the judicial branch which is to keep both the executive and legislative branches in check.

All three of these branches are somewhat autonomous but are given specific powers to keep each other in check. Now, since I have explained the roles, rights, and responsibilities concisely, I will give an example of how the roles work.

The executive branch supposedly outed a cia agent. Congress in their powers did an investigation on the situation (which is entirely within their scope). They decided that there had been some wrongdoing and asked for an independent prosecutor from the judicial branch (who is not supposed to be in either of the other branches interest). After much to-do, the judicial system issued a finding.

Regardless of how you feel about the specifics of the case above, all the branches did what they were supposed to do. There is really no issue there. The issue becomes somewhat cloudy when you throw politics into the mix. And this is what takes me to the answer to the current question.

Most of the executive branch resist congressional subpoenas because there is a partisan agenda. Without the rhetoric I will try to explain it and you will then see what went on with the recent attorney generals case. When you go before the committee, you swear to tell the truth. Lots of “background” questions are asked about seemingly inconsequential things. Any thing you say during this testimony is now on the record and can be used against you. So to make a wild example I could say “have you stopped beating your wife yet?” Your answer of yes or no which are the only two true answers are both punishable. If you say I never beat my wife then we get more subpoenas for your wife etc….. so as was done with the attorney general the only good answer is “I don’t recall”.

If the question was "did you talk to such and such" on a specific day it would be a completely different story and could really be done quite quickly. The problem is that subpoenas lead to fishing expeditions like “tell me about who all you discussed this with on the 17th”. If you forgot that you called your wife and said “I won’t be home for supper because I have a meeting with joe about the new softdrinks”. You have now lied to congress and culpable for a justice branch investigation. Again the best answer is “I don’t recall”.

I know lots of you will think this is partisan, but it is not meant to be – it is a realistic view of the events of the day and an attempt to explain why I would say “I don’t recall” and I was never even there.

Answer 3

Bush and company has a lot to hide, but even if they didn't they still would not comply because they rule under the rule of
" It's Good To Be King ". From the start of this administration they have has a free ride with a lap dog congress. And this late in the game they see no reason to change. The saddest part is the Dem's are no match for them and it's just a waiting game

Answer 4

Well, regardless if the political situations, you are right. If they have nothing to hide, they should appear before them. Clearing the air is a lot easier than just resisting.

Only the President & V.P. have Executive Privilege. Everybody else is required to show up if a subpoena shows up in the mail. It's the same as if they were summoned to court.

Answer 5

Maybe because there is a political rather than patriotic agenda being used, and these representatives hold the whole of our national secrets in their trust?
Maybe because if they give in, we are in for a couple of decades of such nonsense, as each political party tries to undermine the other in an attempt to force the President and staff into constant defensive mode (its been going on and off for centuries, but Former President Clinton had to deal with a new high, and it got topped again with President Bush).

The seditious behavior of people claiming to belong to either side has reached a recent high, and it's our duty to face it down. I'm a democrat. It's wrong. Let our President do his job.

Answer 6

The only way to clear the air is fumigate the Defeatocrat's caucus. These questions have been asked and answered, repeatedly. Taking these hard working people away from their duties and subjecting them to more of the same ol', same ol' from members of the party of no answers and no courage isn't going to get the job done.

I blame President Bush for this because he's sat there and behaved like a punching bag for so long that the Defeatocrats think that they can get away wither their disengenuous behavior forever. He needs to start giving them their own crap back, shovelfull by shovelfull, starting with Gonzales. Gonzales should stay in place, the defeatocrats don't like it, TOUGH!

Answer 7

Because they are a waste of time and obviously are only political moves.

BTW--President Clinton resisted those subpoenas too...

Answer 8

Because congress has no authority to subpoena presidential appointees that that it does not get a say so in accepting.

Answer 9

Condisleeza and the rest of the King Moron's court do not know what the truth is. They have politicked with lies and hidden agendas for so long, they have no concept of the truth.
We want the truth.
They can't handle the truth.

Answer 10

I don't think they believe they are accountable for their actions. Also they are afraid the truth about what this administration has done over the past 6 years will come to light.