Absolute must read:

"Frist's claim that he wants to block the NSA hearings in order to ensure that the Committee can engage in meaningful oversight is as Orwellian an example of up-is-downism as you will find." - Glenn Greenwald

Another attempt by Republicans to change the rules, justified by Frist's claims that

"the Senate Intelligence Committee is unable to its critically important oversight and threat assessment responsibilities due to stifling partisanship that is exhibited by repeated calls by Democrats on the Committee to conduct politically-motivated investigations"

Of course, anybody can say at any time that an investication is "politically motivated" - whatever that's supposed to mean. Frist is echoing the Bush defense that all criticism is "playing politics"; that holding up policies to scrutiny is out of bounds.

In any event, go read Greenwald.

Other commentary on this mess can be found at Kos. Meanwhile, ReddHedd at firedoglake writes:

Bill Frist is nothing but a cheater, who is trying to rig the Committee -- a majority of whose members WANT to provide oversight and actually DO their jobs. This is the single most craven, pathetic and weak move -- the fact that the interests of the nation would be served by an oversight hearing takes a back-seat to Karl Rove's marching orders that George Bush's authority not be questioned. Ever.

And asks:

What, exactly, does Bill Frist and the rest of the Republican leadership think their job is as Senators? I mean, honestly: what is your purpose as a separate branch of government, if not to provide checks and balances through meaningful oversight, on important issues like violations of law and an end-run of Constitutional principles on top in addition to your legislative duties? Why are my tax dollars paying your salary, funding your cushy health insurance, paying your substantial retirement plan -- if you aren't going to bother to do your whole job?

The fact that Frist is pulling this stunt makes it look very likely that he's working hand-in-glove with the White House to cover up eavesdropping that is not connected in any way with fighting terrorism.

This blog tends to be analytical and not much inclined to activism. But this threat by Frist warrants contacting your Senator about this - even if it's only an email.


posted by Quiddity at 3/04/2006 11:32:00 AM