WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee wants the Homeland Security Department to provide documents about a policy requiring political appointees to review many Freedom of Information Act requests before releasing them.
The request for e-mails and other documents is in a letter obtained Sunday by The Associated Press.
The request comes from the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Republican congressman Darrell Issa of California. It is one of the earliest moves by House Republicans who have vowed to launch numerous probes of President Barack Obama’s administration.
The Freedom of Information Act is supposed to ensure the quick public release of government documents without political consideration.
Oversight panel spokesman Frederick Hill says that documents the panel already has received seem inconsistent with comments by Homeland Security officials.
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Comments (160)
randy
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:50pmSorry, Just can’t seem to get my hopes up about Issa. Anyone here remember how Lindsey Graham went after Clinton? We all thought Lindsey was a pit bull also, but we all know what he turned out to be.
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taebaggranny
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:48pm@RANDY Yes we certainly have seen what L. Graham is..A RIHNO…..There are a bunch of thenm still in office..2012 here we come…I hope I’m still around for that!!
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Showtime
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:50pmYou remind me of a Randy at another site. I told him I wish he’d been my brother so I could have gained some of his wisdom while growing up!
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exdem
Jan. 17, 2011 at 12:28amI have higher hopes for Issa than Graham and I think Obama administration’s crimes are bigger than Clintons.
I hope he is looking into DOJ, Acorn , czars, the Fed – the list is endless
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The Libertarian Atheist
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:46pmFall where they stand is a metaphor for being booted from office. we don’t need more liberal retards trying to figure out what “metaphor” means.
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OlefromMN
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:18pmDoesn’t it suck that we must defend a metaphor before we make it? The world is insane.
(Am I safe to say that?)
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The Libertarian Atheist
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:45pmFinally.. Accountability. let them fall where they stand if (as we suspect) they are guilty of undermining our constitution, betraying our security, and/or pandering to our enemies.
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bs2722
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:44pmIssa ****** off the progressives, liberals and the corrupt. I like him.
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OlefromMN
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:39pmIssa is a pit bull! I like this guy.
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Showtime
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:52pmYou SAID it!!!
Wonder who will be the WH Swearing Czar! I’ll bet it’s been all of three minutes since Obama cursed!
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Sledgehammer
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:36pmFirst you must call them by their proper name, IT’S THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SURRENDER! Then you back up all request by reminding them who controls the purse strings!
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GeorgieJo
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:33pmMaybe NOW the DRAINING of the DC SWAMP………..
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SlimnRanger
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:28pmYes Obama and his adm. has plenty to hide,rather we all get to see it will be another story
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dealer@678
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:28pmGo get em Issa. Stop this crap that everything is rainbows and lollipops
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CaptainSpaulding
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:27pmAnd suddenly the media runs 10k stories on the evils of FOIA (an act they’ve praised up until now….)
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338lapua
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:47pmHow fast can you write a letter to an editor in favor of their past support of FOIA??
My local RAG just got one!!!!
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psst
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:27pmWhat documents?
When der Kommisar/s finished proof reading them for grammatical errors, they were sent to the the National Archive for safe-keeping.
Rep. Issa better check to see if Sandy Burglar was still in the bidnez of socks (NO, not bilLIE’s *****-cat Socks) and briefs or boxers stuffing.
Course Issa should realize that Burglar is just so messy. Just so messy,messy.
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123gone
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:26pmThis is one of the reason we voted them into office – OUTSTANDING !!
Demand their transparency and accountability, and clean house if necessary.
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BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:25pmInconsistency…..How in the world could this be? I would have never guessed that. I’m not sure, but I would bet pretty much anything the oversight committee decides to look at would be peppered with inconsistencies.
“Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.”- Thomas Jefferson 1814
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AzDebi
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:38pmLike I’ve said before, THEY aren’t smart, THEY aren’t well organized…THEY have simply been dismantling our system…a kid can take ANYTHING apart…it’s the RECONSTRUCTION that is going to be VERY tricky! We have to keep ALL the FEET of ALL our Reps to the fire FROM NOW ON!
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ThoreauHD
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:24pmFor being the richest man in the Senate, this guy is surprisingly attentive. Money isn’t usually very conducive to having principles. Very interesting.
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newspapertaxis
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:23pmI hear the sound of feet dragging already…
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lylee
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:05pmThat’s not the feet dragging. It’s a slow considered intellectual response, the way government officials should respond. This is not an emergency like tarp, the healthcare bill, the stimulus bill, the financial overhaul bill, and the end of the year spending bill disguised as “extending the Bush tax cuts”.
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eldeeko
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:23pmHomeland Security? I am sure there are enough government employees on the payroll of this department to come up with “The whole truth and nothing but the truth”. So, who is it that makes the final decision as to releasing any documents? If there is any Stonewalling of information, then maybe the funding should be cut or even eliminated until the People get the truth.
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Its Gonna Getcha
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:22pmA huge majority of Americans would love to see a focused effort to investigate this POTUS’ administration. Every last bit of it. We don’t quit either.
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chuck
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:21pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty3_UJSGt3c – watch it
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JohnK144
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:00pmA lot of terrifying truth in that cute little video.
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NJartificer
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:08pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U71-KsDArFM
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lcam67
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:21pmtime to put on gloves, call them out Issa !!!!!
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82dAirborne
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:35pmI’d rather they take the gloves off. Time for some bare knuckle action in support of the Republic.
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MPS
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:21pmA hallmark of the ruling elite (communists): the rules apply to all but themselves
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sbleve
Jan. 17, 2011 at 9:57amAs in China of today, the big ‘C’ word that explains the progress of Marxism’s perpetual outcome, California is the picture of what not to do within governance. China of today no longer utters the word ‘communism’ to define anything. There are true believers, left overs of the Mao days, that are dinosaurs of slow witted potential.
All rulling elite, if allowed, become god-like in intelligence.
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KeithOlberdink
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:20pmGive ‘em Hell ISSA.
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GeorgieJo
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:32pmAMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go ISSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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diesel71dan
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:17pmAmen…. Go Issa. The guy is from California too….. who would have thunk it???? lol
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drhunt
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:46pmDieselDan-we’re not all looneys out here in California…this used to be a GREAT State. I know, I know…things have changed. But there was once a time, when California was the 5th largest economy in the world, and many of our federal tax dollars went to build-up other, less fortunate States. But also remember that California has had THE most illegal immigrants, THE most plush welfare benefits, and that other States used to send their illegal immigrants to california with a one-way bus ticket from their States. The Gov. Pete Wilson sued the Clinton administration for not protecting our southern border and everyone laughed at him…they’re not laughing now. This State has attracted WAY too many nutjob Dems, like Boxer and Pelosi, and the State Assembly has run now the 8th leargest economy in the world into a ditch. This is ground zero for progressivism…I just wish mega-bullhorns like Beck would see the opportunity to expose this States’ economic crisis for what it is…Progressivism’s last stand.
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DeltaHawk
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:18pmObama doesn’t have anything to hide does he? Surely not LOL
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CatB
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:13pmMost “transparent” administration … LOL >>>ROFL!
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goodforbeck
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:17pmHopefully the Tucson experience will carry over to this – we don’t care what the left and MSM scream hysterically about this, just STFU and hand it over. In the past, they may have shut this down with a massive media campaign against it….hopefully that’s not happening anymore.
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82dAirborne
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:32pmIt won’t/can’t happen if WE keep watching every move any of them make! That goes for the freshmen as well.
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taebaggranny
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:40pm@GOODFORBECK E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL Each and every one of YOUR Representives. I just found out that if you send a letter to ANY of the Reps or Senators that do not represent YOUR district/state they throw it in the trash!!! I have been E-Mailing my Rep and Senators and they have been responding by letter to the specific topics I contact them about…I also write to Speaker Boehner as the Speaker of the House…I wasted lots of postage on sending letters to all of the 535 in office until I found out not to do that..Hold YOUR Rep/Senators feet to the fire and keep them there!!!
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Ironmaan
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:10pmDoes anyone really think the Obama administration would not pre-screen documents before releasing them? The man makes up his own rules.
http://guerillatics.com
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Hefsmaster
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:22pmOf course security is everything. They are still pre-screening his birth records.
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82dAirborne
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:28pmRules? Rules & “laws” are for the common folk!!!!! Our President is way, way above all of that. Where have you been?
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MiketheTrucker
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:31pmAt some point someone has to expose this communist wannabe dictator. I sat go for it!!!
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TRUTHSEEKINGAL
Jan. 17, 2011 at 5:48amObama and his massive legal team; essentially the entire justice dept,have been circumventing, the legislative branch since inauguration.Also remember that most of the dem/socialist party are elistist ruling class lawyers,without a whim of concern for the unwashed masses.I too love the “bulldog” Darrell Issa,and believe he is sincere in his determination . But I fear just owning the House isn’t enough to get past the stonewalling of Holder, Big Sis,ACLU,Czars galore(without congressional oversight) and various recess appts. BTW,when does Maxine”If I had my way I’d socialize uh,uh I mean take over the oil cos” Waters ethic trial to begin. Maybe she’ll see a bit more justice then good ole Charlie…or maybe not, won’t hold my breath.
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beebacksoon
Jan. 17, 2011 at 7:46amIronmaan
My thought exactly! Even if they do release them, they’ll have lots of blacked out lines. Or maybe, the prez will “decree” no more freedom of information act.
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fastfwd
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:06pmmy my this could get very exciting !
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cnsrvtvj
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:11pmIt will be interesting to see how the administration will deal will the investigation panels now that the Republicans control the house. This is obviously the first of many rounds by Darrell Issa and the oversight panel.
http://www.donsmithshow.com – Conservative news and political humor.
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lbsm
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:12pmcan’t wait to see how it plays out…
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DashRipRock
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:14pmISSA is my new hero.
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TruthTalker
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:17pmLet’s see.
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chuck
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:17pmGo Issa, yep, that is the best place to start, then turn on the spiggot! Eye openers to follow…
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cnsrvtvj
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:19pmMine too Dash.
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click4cheapandeasyweb
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:21pmThe left is going to scream how the right is trying to promote hatred and provoke nut-cases to violence. Any bets?
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NickDeringer
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:27pmI hope this will get at the problem and not just be more political theater. The people are watching you , Mr. Issa.
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broker0101
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:44pmThese are exactly the kinds of non-events that Mercury Radio Arts plans to market as earth-shattering “This Will Change Everything” moments that Glenn keeps promising. A good number of you will eat it up every time. Some of you, surely, still keep repeating, “We Surround Them”.
G.W. Dobbs
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:45pmNOBODY does as instructed anymore IF IT WILL HURT THEM. They refuse to send documents or send the wrong ones after lengthy delays; they refuse to appear before Congressional Committies,
then, when they do, they LIE. This game is played by both parties. In the end, don’t expect much because all you will ever get is a chance to WATCH THIS GAME being “played”.
TikeSissy
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:51pmHaving faith in either party is misguided hope. Change you can’t count on.
Showtime
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:54pmIssa is going to leave the birth certificate alone–seems he has even bigger plans up his sleeve!
And, Obama has lost 30 pounds from all this about his eligibility…..
Yep, FASTFWD, it’s gonna get REALLY interesting!
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click4cheapandeasyweb
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:58pmbroker0101, once again you prove your psotings are worthless.
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Cobra Blue
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:01pmFine…just be ready to do whatever is necessary when you obtain the information and if there are any findings. Not just review and then write a memo. Be prepared to go all the way if any abuse is found. Otherwise…why bother…
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drhunt
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:26pmNick Deringer-LMAO! No…we’re NOT watching Issa, Issa is watching the ObamaBoys. Obviously, Issa knows that this administration has stonewalled the efforts to retrieve valuable information…so he’s circumventing other investigations by exposing corruption at the level of Napolitano’s office. They have now been put on notice, and once he adequately exposes corruption at this level, it will bring other investigations more clearly into focus. Issa’s a bull dog…and I certainly wouldn’t want him on my heels. Like I predicted back in March 2009, the GOP would win back the house in 2010, and then the fun would REALLY begin…as it is now. And the House Oversight Cmte is just one of several investigative arms…the House Ethics and Judiciary will also be running their investigations into what REALLY happened. The plot thickens…
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P C BE DAMNED
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:30pmYES this is called for. You know when your pissy president came in he went around scaring opposition politicians with off handed threats to prosecute some. It seemed to shut down any debate against him. Well we need to look in to everything. I gurantee there is plenty of undesired truth to find. As this administration is insane with P C crap. Enough to hang a man for Treason. We will not lynch men like they did to Europeans in Rhodesia and South Africa. We will try this trash enemies of America and when found lawfully guilty well they can just kiss out ****. No we will not wear your chains. God I love America and the smell of Freedom!
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VTPatriot44
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:42pmThis will likely result in some sort of executive privilege claim. It’s a start, but this is going to be an uphill battle.
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*************************
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:43pmDerr Department Aus Homeländ Security vill nicht implicate herr Fuhrer! Oh, sorry Mr. President.
“Y’know … Nietzsche says, ‘Out of chaos comes order.’ ” -Howard Johnson, Blazing Saddles
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rubintheartist
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:48pmIssa is a tuff man who knows we’ve been lied to by progressives and thieves who lie and whine to get your vote. He knows they have hidden agendas to get money. He is the progressives’ worst nightmare. Get ready to see the lame press attack him. And. get ready for America to cheer him on. My dad always said, “Don’t get mad get even and remain law biding.” My supportive attack on the left on behalf of honest American politicians is an animated comedy web movie I released on Christmas. It is so offensive to the left that YouTube refused to allow it. BLIP.TV is happy to host it and you can watch it my site…. here’s the link to laughter that gives strength, http://www.marcrubin.com/Hairmerica.ivnu
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SLEUTH
Jan. 16, 2011 at 10:50pmseems like its gonna be a very interesting year for sure. i say, go all the way, let the cards fall where they may. the good will prevail.
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RECOVERING-LIBERAL-IN-WOODSIDE-CA
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:02pmThis is the tip of the iceberg.
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KICKILLEGALSOUT
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:13pmThe instant you discover hard proof that the law has been broken THROW THE TRAITORS IN JAIL! Socialists or Republicans!
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AzDebi
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:27pm@Cobra Blue: I’m with you on this one!
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bullcrapbuster
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:29pmOh yes,we do surround them. And our numbers are growing. They are in panic mode,braying like jackass’.
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AzDebi
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:33pm@rubintheartist: I love your animated video! It really packed a wallop! Made me laugh…we need a lot of that these days, huh? Interesting to hear that youtube pulled it…But NOT surprising, huh? Hey, love your work and your website! God Bless You and God Bless America!
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tbabe
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:42pmMore theatre. After a sacrificial offering of the JDL zealot Issa should be appeased. Sorry no more hero’s. It’s nice to dream though. Sorry to be so cynical but that’s the price one pays for seeing through the bull.
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Xcori8r
Jan. 16, 2011 at 11:57pmIt’s probably just me, but I think that maybe whole new heights of stonewalling will be will be on display. Nah, couldn’t be. After all, we were promised a transparent administration.
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Max jones
Jan. 17, 2011 at 1:02amthese are the kind of docs that I was hoping wikileaks was going to release before they castrated assange. will they try to castrate ISSA?
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Max jones
Jan. 17, 2011 at 1:06amLet’s put broker 0101 in charge of getting these docs out in the open. That would get him to believe he’s important to someone. i know he would turn on anybody to get a little bit of attention, Probably kill for a little repect.
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Jackers
Jan. 17, 2011 at 7:03amApparently, the DHS received 103,000 FOIA requests in the past year and only responded to under 500… Whatever happened to an honest and open Administration?
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tifosa
Jan. 17, 2011 at 8:22amHow many $billions and how many jobs are created?
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SgtHenick
Jan. 17, 2011 at 10:12amYeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssss we shall see (wrings hands…menacingly).
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getalong
Jan. 17, 2011 at 4:47pmYeah….no more CZARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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My Sacred Honor
Jan. 17, 2011 at 9:02pmlet us NOT forget Issa has tabled the investigation of the administration for campaign “bribery” to dissuade canidates from running for office, by offering instead cabinate posts. A felony and impeachable offense. I won’t hold my breath, but I hope the tabling was due to the fact that there are bigger fish to fry.
However, Capone WAS convicted on income tax evasion…..
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