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I don't expect the Congress to do anything. This is just an effort to document the complicity of the Bush administration for history. The House is not going to send anyone to jail and force Bush to pardon then (or commute sentences like Scooter).

But it will be more testimony to way in which the Bush administration has used the Constitution like toilet paper. It will help to cement his place in history as one of the worst Presidents in history.

He and Chaney should be impeached. But they've put this country and the world in such a mess that I think I would do us great harm as a nation.

The sad thing is that they know that and continue to thumb their noses at us. Chaney has already said "So" to what the American people think and believe.

The Bush Administration is a disgrace and they are getting away with it. That judge should be FIRED. Why is everyone afraid to go against a President who has broken laws and should have been impeached years ago? Executive privilege my butt. I am sick and tired of hearing that comment as an excuse.

This judge is like most. Trying to protect his hide by not having to piss off either side. Guess what? That's the j.O.B. of a judge. Sure they should have compromised, but your job wouldn't exist if that happened every time.

What a joke? We can guess the answer.

This judge must be one of the family; you The Bush Crime Family1

Look how many people still support Bush and this Bush crime family.

This judge is obviously a Republican. He should be dismissed and replaced with someone who isn't biased.

I say yes - ARREST HARRIET!! Arrest anyone that has anything to do with the most corrupt administration in our nation's history. If she' s the only one we can reach at this moment - bring her in!

And then don't stop until Bush and Cheney are sitting in the Hague!

the chickens are going to come home to roost for the Bush administration...look forward to watching the new Fox reality show...Presidential Pardons, live from the white house. for to long they have been beyond the law, now we suffer... and people want to vote for Mr. Mccain? 4 more years? no way

These democrats have no other job. They just want to spend time and our money to go after George Bush. Some of the federal judges are also in link with these democrats.

Every time I hear a Bushie claim "executive privilege," I say "Impeach the bums."

What a waste Congress is!!!!!!! Get ready for 60% tax people. lmao
Get ready for crappy hospitaL care!!

Run Mr. President!! Run!!! We gotta run!!!!

I am willing to bet this judge is a Bush appointee to the bench.

sounds like the judge doesnt want to do his job.how much does he earn?this administration should be on a road-trip, in orange jumpsuits,on an old gray bus.one way trip to leavenworth.

I guess everyone else wishes they had the luxury of being reluctant to do our jobs – in the real world you would probably be fired.

Judge, in case you don't get it, you are part of the government and we are pissed!

It will never happen says King Bush

The Democrats have turned even more disgusting than usual. They claim the Repubs are the divisive, hate-mongers, but this tribunal is all about getting press coverage. The supposed CIA leak was a non-issue. There were NO LAWS broken. Check the facts. That's why there were no charges other than a trumped up obstruction charge.

I was hopeful when the dems took control that things would change. I was right, except not for the better.

Wait a minute, What the hell does he mean he didn't ask for this. FIRE THIS IDIOT!!!! AND REPLACE HIM WITH SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO THEIR JOB.
I'm not concerned about his feelings or opinion (reluctancy). It is the law that he is suppose to be enforcing. Maybe he needs to be reminded of that.

It would take a pretty stupid person not to realize that Bush has trounced on the Constitution of the United States time and again. And the way he has been able to do this is to fire lawyers with a conscience and get judges with none to hem and haw about how just or injust this was. slight of hand, folks. WSe don't need a judge to tell us whether Bush is a crook or not. We need one to punish him. But since Bush stacked the deck in his own favor, it will never happen.

Look, I support Obama, but I understand where this judge is coming from – this is a politically motivated investigation and a no-win situation.

Also, for everyone who says federal judges are lazy – there are lazy people in every profession, but most federal judges are very highly educated and do a really excellent job.

Shut up and do your job.....................and start throwing members of the Bush Crime Family into jail!

I did not sign on for this WAR.Judge Bates is a disgrace.By tipping his hand about running out the clock he should take a job on TV.God save us with people like Bates in command of a court.

Stand up like a man Bates.Hes scared the neocons will get him next.Do your duty and dont be a chickenlittle.

sO? tHROW HER BUTT IN JAIL UNTIL SHE DECIDES TO COMPLY WITH THE SUBPOENA!!

IT'S PRETTY INTERESTING THAT WHEN OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
GET INTO A LITTEL HOT WATER THEY JUST HAVE TO RESIGN THEN EVERYTHING IS OK

I'M TIRED OF THIS CRAP – - -THROW THEIR BUTTS IN JAIL

Reluctantly? Are Judges suppose to express reluctance. Wouldn't this be perceived as a derelict in duty. Nice try Dems but the oil man has probably taken care of this ruling in advance.

Perhaps this man should be something other than a judge. He "didn't volunteer for it."

What's the problem? If you decide according to the rule of law then Cheney and Bush and their criminal administration will ruin your career, judge? Like they did to Valerie Plame, committing treason, I believe, in so doing?

I cannot understand how this administration has been able to destroy our country, enrich themselves, break laws, cause the deaths of thousands, and no one will hold them accountable. Are there no people of values and substance at all involved in our government? To know that the brilliance of the founding fathers has been bequeathed to such an insatiably greedy, venal, and intellectually vapid group breaks my heart.

We have to get some answers from this White House-maybe it does mean arresting some criminals here. They are so afraid to talk....because they know they have been doing illegal things. I sincerely wish Pelosi had been the leader we expected her to be and gone after this administration a year ago! They are arrogant, Fascist in their beliefs, and have hurt this country. They deserve to be tried for war crimes as well. I hope this judge has a conscience and the ability to rule.

This Judge is trying to hender a Federal Investigation and is probably a Republican. Contempt Charges should be filed on Bush aides and they all should be made to testifi under oath including Bush and especially Cheney and Car Rove.

If this Judge does not want to rule and uphold the law, let him be prosecuted for contempt himself.

I think this Judge should be investigate immediatly.

Bush should be brought to justice with mccains lies

A little too late, the cookie jar is open and the contents are gone (our Constitution), but whatever.

It's about time...burn baby burn!

Those nine people were fired and their careers ruined because they disagreed with bush. BTW John MCWar supported their being fired. What does that tell you people? The repubs and mcwar will eliminate those in their way.

John Bates ...

Do your job and rule in a timely manner. We'll be watching you.

We can impeach you if you begin to forget whose interests you are suppose to serve.

Anyone know who appoint Bates to the Federal judiciary?

It seems to me that the Judge should require the Administration to turn over documents and require Administration officials to testify. If he doesn't, what will stop this Administration from repeating their practice of firing Democratic U.S. Attorneys who refuse to participate in the selective prosecution of Democratic public officials? The idea that Republicans can hide their dirty deeds behind executive privilege is outrageous. And it cannot be permitted to go uncheck.

sowhose bush payin off in this investigation???? let the truth be know,,,,, under the bush administration,, theres lot that isnt told to americans,, wonder why.. ummm come on judge,,, have it checked out ...

Why weigh contempt. They're guilty as Hades of giving the CIA Lady's name to the newsman. They along with the newsman who released the Agent's name to the press should be tried as traitors. The newsman, Bush, Cheney are three traitors as large as Patrick Henry.

We need judges with some BACKBONE to stand up to the Bush Administration..... but, it will NOT happen.

Looks like Bush has bought off the Judicial Branch of government.

Executive privilege, my backside. Bush uses this phrase to cover up his mismanagement and out and out lies.

Bush has got to go! We can not wait for the elections, we need impeachment NOW! Where the heck is Congress in all this?

Shut up and do your job judge, I know you didn't volunteer for this you unpatriotic piece, but you do work for me (the tax payer) so get to work you lazy public leach and put everyone in the Bush crime family behind bars. Sorry, but the hand greasing will stop in Novemember....

It's about D@#$#M time!

Paying attention to the REAL issues? No more warmongering Please!

Obama / DeFazio 08
(hey a person can dream, can't they)

Any U.S. District Court judge who laments ""I didn't volunteer for this," from the bench needs to find a different line of work. Federal judges are appointed for life, yet this type of complaint from the bench smacks of one forced to rule against someone they favor. That is not impartial.

Our courts fortunately are the barricade of our country's Constitution and laws. When politicians have trampled rights, liberties and freedoms, failed to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, then the courts are there to ensure the law of the land is upheld.

So to hear a U. S. District Court Judge "lament" about doing his job it alarming.

If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen.

Bravo!!

It's about time this administration (especially top staff–including GWB) were held accountable for skirting the law and the constitution in pursuing their own personal agenda–and not the public trust.

THAT JUDGE SHOULD BE FIRED.

HE DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS?

THAT'S HIS JOB.

IT'S WHAT JUDGES DO, I THOUGHT.