In traditional Chinese political philosophy the “mandate of heaven” was what gave the ruler the right to rule. It was thought to be based and conditional on virtue but the ability to take and retain power was seen as indicative of the presence of the mandate of heaven. We might call it “legitimacy” or “authority”.
Attorney General Eric Holder has lost the mandate of heaven. In the Rosen case he has, apparently, been caught committing perjury. Either he perjured himself in his signed statements to the judge to gain search warrants or in his sworn statements to Congress in which he denied any involvement in the matter.
It’s time for him to go. Organizations on all sides of the political spectrum are calling for his resignation or firing. He has lost the mandate of heaven. His continued presence brings discredit on the administration he’s supposed to serve. Primum non nocere is not just the cardinal rule for physicians. It’s also the minimum requirement for political appointees. It’s time for him to go.
His continued presence brings discredit on the administration he’s supposed to serve.
People neither believe Holder nor trust him to carry out justice. It has rapidly become a joke that Obama has given the head of the DOJ, Holder, the job of looking into any impropriety by the head of DOJ, Holder.
To be honest, jan, I think that some people don’t believe him or trust him but most don’t care one way or another. However, when the Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal or the Daily Kos and Red State link arms in opposition to his continuing, it’s pretty clear that something is seriously wrong.
I have to reluctantly agree with you Dave, about most people not caring. Actually such controversies present opportunities to make government better, if people would only get behind real transparency in these investigations, and real change dealing tax reforms. However, if people continue to turn a blind eye, considering this only in partisan tones, then it’s the same as condoning the mistakes or abuses of whatever party heads the government. And, as Jake Tapper, pointed out, what flies by as “Ok” in this administration only will act as a precedent for future times when “your guy” isn’t in power. It’s called giving nourishment for misdeeds to continue, rather than being stemmed….
If Attorney General Holder is forced out, this will probably be the beginning of the end for magic of President Obama. I think they will toss him to make all these scandals go away, but it will backfire. I doubt keeping him will be any better. He will eventually go, but it will be a bigger event as it drags out.
Tasty,
I think the president will attempt to have Holder’s problems drag out for as long as possible, in hopes that people will forgive and forget, perhaps even having the help of more current events pushing these scandalous ones out of the way. They have done that with both the F & F, and Benghazi debacles, being fairly successful with such calculated ploys, especially in tandem with the short attention span of their public audience.
Dave Schuler: In the Rosen case he has, apparently, been caught committing perjury.
Oh? Has he been charged? What perjury exactly?
Under oath Mr. Holder denied knowledge of or involvement in the investigation of Mr. Rosen in testimony before Congress. He signed the representations to the judge that secured the warrant. That’s a prima facie case for perjury. These are now both matters of public record.
Dave Schuler: Under oath Mr. Holder denied knowledge of or involvement in the investigation of Mr. Rosen in testimony before Congress. He signed the representations to the judge that secured the warrant.
We’re probably just not up to speed. Please provide documentation that Holder denied specific knowledge of the investigation of Rosen.
He gave a blanket denial.
Video of testimony
Relevant portion:
We now know that Mr. Holder personally approved the representations to the judge respecting Mr. Rosen and that those representations included allegations that Mr. Rosen was a possible co-conspirator.
Those two statements are in direct conflict.
Dave Schuler: In regard to potential prosecution of the press for the disclosure of material. This is not something I’ve ever been involved in, heard of, or would think would be wise policy.
According to your link, Rosen isn’t accused of publication, but solicitation. Holder was aware of the investigation of Rosen for solicitation, but that doesn’t translate into potential prosecution for disclosure. Holder may be pursuing an unwise policy, you may consider it a mealy-mouthed distinction, but it is hardly perjury.
“It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”
Hmmm, saying one thing and doing another is an”unwise policy.” Funny how he holds himself blameless for every problem in his department. Bravo Foxtrot, Blue Falcon, yada, yada, yada….