Talking Points Memo | Dean on Mukasey

John Dean has a few thoughts on the pending approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee of Judge Mukasey 's AG appointment.  I agree with him:

Since Judge Mukasey’s situation is not unlike that facing Elliot Richardson when he was appointed Attorney General during Watergate, why should not the Senate Judiciary Committee similarly make it a quid pro quo for his confirmation that he appoint a special prosecutor to investigate war crimes? Richardson was only confirmed when he agreed to appoint a special prosecutor, which, of course, he did. And when Nixon fired that prosecutor, Archibald Cox, it lead to his impeachment.

Before the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee completely cave-in to Bush, at minimum they should demand that Judge Mukasey appoint a special prosecutor to investigate if war crimes have been committed. If Mukasey refuses he should be rejected. This, indeed, should be a pre-condition to anyone filling the post of Attorney General under Bush.

If the Democrats in the Senate refuse to demand any such requirement, it will be act that should send chills down the spine of every thinking American.

Talking Points Memo | Dean on Mukasey

This is a sad time in American history.  And, unfortunately, congressional Democrats have to take much of the blame.  We all know and are saddened by what has happened in the Bush Administration.  But the fact that it is being ignored by our duly elected representatives is sadder still.