Congressional Raid

southpark460 · 05-24-2006, 1:15 PM

Can someone please explain to me why Congress is so upset with the raid of Jefferson's office? I really don't understand it... Some are claiming "abuse of power" and "separation of power" arguments. But I just don't get it... I understand the trouble Jeffereson is in, and it seems fairly cut and dry ($100k bribe, etc...) I just don't understand why members of Congress think that they shouldn't be succeptible to the same laws as others, and more importantly subject to searches if probable cause exists.

luvtolean · 05-24-2006, 1:18 PM

It's OK to tap our phones and violate so many of the rights we've enjoyed as citizens...but when it happens to one of them, who happens to be a criminal....that's a different story!

BDA116 · 05-24-2006, 1:29 PM

One of the biggest problems with the government. The political class thinks they are above the law, and not subject to the same laws and processes as "ordinary citizens". Same reason they won't pass legislation that removes power they have stolen and put it back in the hands of the American people, like H.R. 25 for one example of many.

sheepofblue · 05-24-2006, 2:29 PM

Watch who cries the loudest, they are likely crooked also.

jaim · 05-31-2006, 5:35 AM

I heard on some news show that the congress has an agreement or unwritten rule that their offices have immunity from search and seizures. The reason given is because there could be some very sensitive or classified information in their offices. So what better place to keep and conduct illegal activities.
What should happen is if they have to search one office then all offices should be searched.

sheepofblue · 06-05-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaim

I heard on some news show that the congress has an agreement or unwritten rule that their offices have immunity from search and seizures. The reason given is because there could be some very sensitive or classified information in their offices. So what better place to keep and conduct illegal activities.
What should happen is if they have to search one office then all offices should be searched.

Generally yes they do. However the Supreme Court has properly ruled in the past that it does not apply in cases like this. It only applies to things that are of thier duty (sometimes it might appear that stealing and lying are duties of congress). All members that whine on this are wrong and should be ashamed. This is an old case and he has received zero grief from his colleagues despite the strong evidence. Clearly the self enforcement is not working in this case (my guess is the disaster in New Orleans contributed some to the neglect)