If Harriet Miers and Josh Bolton have nothing to hide, why won't they testify under oath in front of Congress?

Question

I've heard many neocons defend Bush's illegal wiretapping program using the excuse that if you have nothing to hide, then there is no reason to be worried.

So what are Miers and Bolton (or Bush) worried about that they have put themselves in contempt of Congress?

Answer 1

You answered your own question. Obviously, there is plenty for them to hide.

Answer 2

Even an innocent lamb won't walk through a pack of ravenous wolves.

Congress doesn't have any intention of listening to anything these two have to say. Once they decide what the "facts" are they don't really want to hear any evidence or testimony. The
Gonzales hearings are a perfect example. How many times does he have to go before Congress under oath and testify. Congress keeps asking the same questions over and over hoping someone will give enough of a different response that they can then claim perjury.

Answer 3

The federal courts of appeals have held that the privilege applies to communications between the president and his advisers on "official government matters." Which this is so.... doesn't that make Congress in contempt of Court....Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Polk, Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Truman, Eisenhower (whose administration invented the phrase "executive privilege") Kennedy and Reagan, among others, have kept executive deliberations secret from congressional inquiries, usually over matters of diplomacy, national security and law enforcement. Courts have recognized that discussions among their senior advisers, not just meetings when presidents are in the room, also receive protection.There is nothing criminal about a president's changing law-enforcement priorities, or replacing his political appointees.This is nothing but the Democrats intent to keep the scandal machine running and not having to face real issues prior to elections..... Due to their inadequacies, they know they would lose.

Answer 4

Because it's a waste of their time. Congress has no constitutional right or responsibility to be 'investigating' the firings of these attorneys. The president can do so completely at his pleasure for what ever reason he wants, politcal or not. Period.

By ordering Miers and Bolton not to testify is Bush's way of telling congress to kiss his butt. And I completely support him in doing so. This is just another in a constant string of pointless political stunts by this congress, which may explain why congress' approval rating is down to about 14%.

Answer 5

Testify about what? What crime has been committed?

Answer 6

exactly