Smithsonian Puts Hold on $5 Million Donation From American Petroleum Institute

Executive committee chair Roger W. Sant, a former energy industry executive, and Sen. Patrick J. Leahy raised objections to the proposed sponsorship over concerns that the oil-and-gas money could compromise the institution's showcase Ocean Initiative....

by roxy317 on Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 10:53:48 AM EST

Yesterday, according to the account by Nick Juliano Republicans supported Dennis Kuchinich's resolution calling for the impeachment of Dick Cheney. Supposedly this was a ploy by Republicans to embarrass the Dems, but they well be "Hoist by their own Petard," to steal a line from Shakespeare. Judiciary Committee chairman, John Conyers has an opportunity now to go after Cheney. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Here are some quotes from his story, Backstory: An impeachment vote turnaround stuns Washington

What was supposed to be a relatively simple -- and largely symbolic -- vote meant to allow a handful of lawmakers to formally level their displeasure with Vice President Dick Cheney turned into a full-blown fracas as Republicans used some last-minute maneuvers to help keep impeachment alive. ...

What was supposed to be a relatively simple -- and largely symbolic -- vote meant to allow a handful of lawmakers to formally level their displeasure with Vice President Dick Cheney turned into a full-blown fracas as Republicans used some last-minute maneuvers to help keep impeachment alive. ...

As expected, the resolution was immediately met with a motion to table that would've effectively scuttled any further impeachment discussion. That move came from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who like most rank-and-file Democrats opposes attempts to impeach Cheney or President Bush. ...

What happened next came as a surprise to virtually everyone. Instead of taking the opportunity to kill impeachment, Republicans saw an opportunity to embarrass Democrats and force them to spend several hours on a resolution that most believe has essentially no chance of passage.

It will be interesting to see how John Conyers handles Kuchinich's resolution to impeach Cheney. It could be that the Republicans who supposedly supported the resolution in order to "embarrass" the Dem will be in the words of Shakespeare, "Hoisted by their own petard." Something to keep a watch on.

Here are two interesting links on it.

by carol white on Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 12:32:20 PM EST

Now this is a weird story......I ran head on into Judge Mukasey's son..Marc.  I guess I need to reread it again.... It seems to have taken forever to indict Kerik...
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10222007/news/regionalnews/giuliani_bern_shield.htm
excerpt:

October 22, 2007 -- Rudy Giuliani's law partner has been told to monitor the criminal probe of disgraced ex-NYPD boss Bernard Kerik, which threatens to muddy up the former mayor's bid to become president.

As part of his sensitive assignment, Marc Mukasey has thwarted Kerik's lawyer from interviewing witnesses who might help his defense, sources told The Post yesterday.

Mukasey is the son of former federal Judge Michael Mukasey, a longtime Giuliani friend nominated by President Bush to become the next U.S. attorney general. Michael Mukasey is awaiting Senate confirmation.

Marc Mukasey's task to keep an eye on Kerik's criminal investigation shows Giuliani's concern with how the legal fate of his former NYPD and correction commissioner could affect his presidential campaign, sources said.

by avahome on Wed Nov 07, 2007 at 01:05:24 PM EST