Senate Chairman says he’d investigate Democrats who backed Bush policies
Raw Story- John Byrne
Published: Monday February 23, 2009
In little noticed one-line remark on Sunday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) endorsed the investigation of Democrats who approved of President George W. Bush’s policies as president that he aims to review as part of a “truth commission.”
The veteran Democrat has floated the idea of a “truth commission” to probe and put to rest alleged Bush Administration constitutional abuses, in areas such as wiretapping and harsh interrogation. Those who participated would likely be granted immunity from prosecution so long as their testimony is truthful, mirroring similar venues of public catharsis as were practiced in South Africa and Chile in previous decades.
Speaking to the New York Times’ Scott Shane, “Mr. Leahy said he has learned that the temptation to abuse powers in a crisis is bipartisan and the commission’s review should include the role of Democrats in Congress in approving the Bush policies. The work should be done in one year, he added, to avert accusations that it was being dragged out for political gain.”
Leahy’s commission has attracted unusual followers. While receiving a tepid response from President Barack Obama — who said he was “more interested in looking forward than I am in looking backwards” — former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said he would cooperate if calling to speak.
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