Are Members of Congress Above the Law?
Ever since the FBI went into the offices of William Jefferson (Democrat-La.), Congress has been howling about the separation of powers, how the executive branch is intruding on the legislative branch, how the separation of the branches forbids the FBI from intimidating Congress. Even Dennis Hastert is intruding into the fray complaining to President Bush about the abuse of power.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert complained directly to President Bush about the FBI’s unprecedented raid on Rep. William Jefferson’s office on Tuesday…
Let’s look at what is at issue. Congressman Jefferson was videotaped taking a bribe of $100,000 from the FBI in a sting operation. Then they searched the Congressman’s home finding $90 thousand in his freezer. They guy is dirty; there is not question about that fact even though he denies any wrong doing. (Whispering…Congressman…The FBI has a videotape of you taking a bribe so the party is over.) The problem stems from when the FBI searched his office at the Capitol committing the unspeakable offense of intruding on Congress’ power. What was the FBI supposed to do, call the Capitol Hill Police and let them tip Jefferson off about the raid. Law Hawk in A Blog for All notes that members of Congress “do not want to go down this path. None are above the law.” Yep, but many members of Congress think they are above the law. Just look at Cynthia McKinney.
Now I wonder about the separation of powers defense. The government is forbidden from entering into private business because of ‘unfair competition.” So does this mean if I commit some crime, the FBI can search my home but not my business. We do have to maintain that wall separating government and business and FBI intrusions into my business could have the effect of intimidating a private business owner.
This line of reasoning is as stupid as it is specious. The FBI did not go into Jefferson’s office for the purpose of intimidation, but for the intention of solving a crime. Pam M. at Blogmeister USA notes correctly that Jefferson “refused to cooperate with a valid subpoena. How else was the FBI supposed to carry on with their investigation? Consult the Magic 8 ball?”
Give it up Congressman. That goes for Hastert as well. If the American public figures out that members of Congress think they are above the law, you can kiss your plush jobs in Washington good-bye.
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[…] Rightly so. I stated here, that using this same idea, I could conduct an illegal activity at my business, and since the federal government can not be involved in private enterprise, they should not be allowed to search my place of business, right? This is pure nonsense. No one is above the law, not even the privileged members of Congress. […]