TT#22 | 13 Unresolved Issues from 2007
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The Grand Canal, Venice (ca. 1835)
Joseph M. W. Turner (1775-1851)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Photo by D. Cupples
In 2007, we learned of numerous governmental issues and scandals, 13 of which are listed below in no particular order. As yet, they are unresolved. [The painting has nothing to do with the topic, I just didn't want my photo to go to waste.]
1. The 190,000 U.S. Weapons lost in Iraq. About 190,000 AK-47s and pistols from the U.S. were lost in Iraq in 2004-05. General David Petraeus, who was in charge of arming Iraqi security forces then, chalked it up to clerical errors. I'd like to know where those weapons ended up and who took them there.
2. President Bush's hyping the Iran-nuclear threat despite the NIE. President Bush spent the better part of 2007 insisting that Iran was an immediate threat because it has nuclear weapons. A National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) released in August states that Iran abandoned its nuclear weapons program in 2003. Media coverage flared up for a few days in December, then ceased. I'd like to know what the president knew about the NIE and when.
3. The Siegelman prosecution. The U.S. Justice Department prosecuted former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman for corruption, dropped the case (partly due to non-credible witnesses and evidence), then re-opened the case. Some believe the prosecution was improper, including 44 former state attorneys general (Republicans and Democrats). I'd like to see the results of a thorough investigation.
4. Immigration Clampdown. Despite an announced "clampdown" on corporations that hire illegal immigrants, the Bush administration seems to have been able to arrest only 100 or so of the people who did the hiring, and only a "tiny fraction" end up with criminal charges filed against them. I'd like to find out why the "clampdown" seems to be going so poorly.
5. CIA's Destruction of Torture Tapes. Last month, we learned that the CIA destroyed video tapes of detainees being tortured, despite a court's and the 9/11 Commission's request to see all evidence relating to detainee interrogations. I'd like to know whether the tape destruction was illegal.
6. Iraq war progress. We get so many different reports on our progress in Iraq. Some say that violence is down, yet the statistical methods for measuring violence are still debated. Some say the war is a success, but we can't send troops home. In fact, we need more troops (and money). It's no wonder most of us Americans are confused about Iraq. I'd like to know how we're really doing.
7. U.S. Embassy in Iraq. We taxpayers have committed $592 million to building an embassy in Iraq, our largest embassy in the world. The work was shoddy (e.g., bad wiring that caused fires). It was supposed to open in September. Now, it's scheduled to open in 2009 -- and the costs have increased by $144 million. I'd like to know who was responsible for this expensive mess.
8. Blackwater. Government contractor Blackwater came under fire for allegedly 1) shooting Iraqi civilians, 2) charging us taxpayers high prices, 3) smuggling weapons, and 4) trying to steal an Iraqi military plane. Former State Department inspector general Howard Krongard was accused of blocking investigations into Blackwater's alleged misconduct. I'd like to know if those allegations are true.
9. The U.S. Attorney firings. Despite good performance reviews, nine U.S. Attorneys were fired in December 2006. At first, White House spokesperson Tony Snow said the firings were performance based; months later, he denied having said that. Congress interviewed dozens of Justice Department staff, and evidence suggests that the firings may have been based on political agendas (a no-no in law enforcement). I'd like to know who was involved in firing the prosecutors and the real reasons for the firings.
10. White House executive privilege claims. Congress subpoenaed information from several White House staffers regarding the fired U.S. Attorney scandal, and the White House ordered them to ignore the subpoenas, claiming executive privilege. the Senate Judiciary Committee has taken steps to cite those staffers with contempt of Congress. I'd like to see whether that happens.
11. Gonzales misconduct investigation. former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified before Congress over the fired U.S. Attorneys. He said some variation of "I don't recall" more than 50 times during testimony. The Senate Judiciary Committee requested investigations into whether Gonzales had committee perjury or other misconduct while AG. I'd like to see results of those investigations.
12. The Deflating Housing Bubble. Our nation's hyper-inflated housing market has been declining. In October, home prices fell 6.7 percent, compared with a year earlier. It was the largest drop recorded since1987 and marked the tenth month of price declines. I'd like to know when the bubble will be fully popped.
13. Hidden 401-K fees. In November 2006 and 2007, the Government Accounting Office reported that many 401-(k) managers make it difficult for investors to figure out what their fees will be. I'd like to see Congress, or the appropriate U.S. authority, force 401-k managers to openly disclose what they will ultimately charge investors.
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This is fantastic! You should be interviewed on a talk show.
Posted by: susiej | January 02, 2008 at 05:22 PM
No. 1 gets me. Clerical errors. Hah. Always the secretary gets the blame. This is a great list. I hope you repost later in the year to keep us on the ball.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | January 02, 2008 at 05:54 PM
This just in! I believe I heard that a special prosecutor will be named in the destruction of the torture videotapes! It's a sad and sorry list, isn't it? Here's hoping that 2008 and the candidates bring about the change they promise.
Posted by: The Gal Herself | January 02, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Yeah, those clerical errors in number 1 are going to cause a lot of innocent people to end up dead I suspect.
Posted by: Robin | January 02, 2008 at 06:05 PM
The reason for #4, and maybe many others too, is perhaps that people are being lobbied (paid off!) aggressively.
Posted by: Nicholas | January 02, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Interesting list. As far as #9, I do know if the NM US Attorney was any example, they all needed to hit the showers. Here in NM, a huge corruption investigation was being stalled. The moment there was a change in US Attorneys, indictments started flying like confetti, including some very highly placed officials and former officials here in the state.
SJ Reidhead
The Pink Flamingo
Posted by: SJ Reidhead | January 02, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Interesting list. As far as #9, I do know if the NM US Attorney was any example, they all needed to hit the showers. Here in NM, a huge corruption investigation was being stalled. The moment there was a change in US Attorneys, indictments started flying like confetti, including some very highly placed officials and former officials here in the state.
SJ Reidhead
The Pink Flamingo
Posted by: SJ Reidhead | January 02, 2008 at 06:22 PM
It all just makes me sick. I for one am so tired of the corruption on both sides of the aisle, Clerical errors that cost millions of dollars and maybe lives. I hope 2008 is better for all of us.
Posted by: greatfullivin | January 02, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Wow. Just, wow.
And here's me, applying for citizenship in this most interesting of years.
I started a new blog on January 1st, and my TT this week is about biting off more than I can chew. ;)
Posted by: Linda R. Moore | January 02, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I'm glad to see you back. :)
What a great/interesting entry!!!!
Posted by: No nonsense girl | January 02, 2008 at 08:05 PM
too many things...too many things.
Posted by: Janet | January 02, 2008 at 09:05 PM
That's why I hate politics! Can't resist discussing it with friends though, hehe!
Posted by: Candy | January 02, 2008 at 09:10 PM
And here in NH, we have Rudy telling us that this is a war on terror, excuse me, I thought it was about weapons of mass destruction.. Meanwhile the White house and dubya have been quiet, too quiet about everything you listed.
Here's to an interesting election year. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Jenny McB | January 02, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Yep...those sound like some definite unresolved issues:) May 2008 bring our soliders home and lower the deficit a couple trillion. Happy TT.
Posted by: Lori | January 02, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Ew, ouch!! If I was a politician, I would be beet red right now! Lots of embarassing things happenin' in WashDC, and perhaps, in governor's mansions around our nation, too.
Great TT! Keep us thinking!
Posted by: RittyRats | January 02, 2008 at 10:29 PM
sadly, none of this seems very surprising. somedays i think we've sunk to a new low, but really, i think its just that we've forgotten how low the old low was.
fun list though
happy TT
Posted by: armywife | January 02, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Intersting slant on 2007. I don't think anyone else has such an innovative review approach.
Thanks for visiting my T13 #63 13 Celebrity Births in 2007
Posted by: Dane Bramage | January 03, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Hmm.. I don't even think the weapons got over there... it was probably "paper filler" so that when it appears on the streets in some inner city in the hands of some drug king pin, it can be blamed on the Iraqis or "clerical error".
I mean.. how do gang members get semi-automatics in the first place?
Posted by: Yuriko | January 03, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Very interesting what you wrote ! What we hear (in Europe) about the war in Iraq is that it is a catastrophe and a completely crazy and stupid war for nothing, the only reason why your troups are still there is because Bush doesn't want to loose his face, but to what price ! The other countries are withdrawing their troups now.
Posted by: Gattina | January 03, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Very interesting what you wrote ! What we hear (in Europe) about the war in Iraq is that it is a catastrophe and a completely crazy and stupid war for nothing, the only reason why your troups are still there is because Bush doesn't want to loose his face, but to what price ! The other countries are withdrawing their troups now.
Posted by: Gattina | January 03, 2008 at 12:23 AM
#1 always makes me snicker. That's one hell of a clerical error.
Unfortunately, my list is not quite as serious: Life is sexually transmitted and other thoughts to ponder.
Posted by: Ann Bruce | January 03, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Great TT--while it's good to look ahead, we can't get too ahead of ourselves and let past issues slide.
Great post and have a happy 2008!
Posted by: Lara | January 03, 2008 at 12:53 AM
These just make me so sad. But the countdown continues. Only 382 days left.
Posted by: zenmomma | January 03, 2008 at 01:10 AM
This makes me shake my head in shame at our government. Sigh...
Posted by: Natalie | January 03, 2008 at 01:24 AM
*Sigh*
I know what I'm going to get when I come here, and yet I can't help but want to know. *Headshake*
Thanks for helping us not to lose focus and to take a good hard look at the things the next person in office is going to have to clean up. (Yeah, cuz that's going to happen)
~X
Posted by: Xakara | January 03, 2008 at 02:03 AM
Very interesting TT...there is a lot we do not know unfortunately...politics..
Posted by: melanie | January 03, 2008 at 02:12 AM
Followed from your post on another Thursday Thirteen. No real comment, I don't know much about US politics. Just came to visit.
Posted by: That Grrl | January 03, 2008 at 02:14 AM
Re #12, so would I. Happy TT. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: pussreboots | January 03, 2008 at 02:28 AM
Unresolved and will probably stay that way unfortunately. Something to think about with the coming elections.
Get to know me a little better this week with my Freaks and Geeks from I Read Banned Books edition.
Happy TT!
Posted by: cajunvegan | January 03, 2008 at 04:20 AM
And to think ... this county elected Bush for a 2nd term after his dubious victory and blundering errors in his 1st term. One wonders if American voters have learned anything and if this time we'll do any better.
Hugs and blessings,
Posted by: storyteller | January 03, 2008 at 06:59 AM
that was an outstanding list!!! and...an exceptionally worthwhile read!
gave an awesome tt!
Posted by: melissa | January 03, 2008 at 07:19 AM
I would like to know the answers to #3 and 4 myself. I had forgotten about a lot of these since they didn't stay in the limelight long. Thanks for the list.
Posted by: Hi-Tech Momma | January 03, 2008 at 07:36 AM
This is the kind of list that makes you furious and breaks your heart. Thanks for pushing it to the fore front.
Posted by: Lori | January 03, 2008 at 08:08 AM
interesting list as always! Happy New Year!
Posted by: MamaArcher | January 03, 2008 at 08:58 AM
What a list. Clerical error...right. I hate to imagine where all those weapons are.
Posted by: Nicole Austin | January 03, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Really great critique of things left to resolve in our political life...
Posted by: maryt/theteach | January 03, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Interesting list. #1 worries me.
Happy TT.
Posted by: Morgan | January 03, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Again with the deep sighing...
Just don't know what to say about all of this anymore. Except that whomever we elect this year had better have their shite together to fix it or it's going to get even worse...
Posted by: Melissa | January 03, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Great list. Not sure how much resolution you're likely to get on any of them until after the elections.
Posted by: Lisa | January 03, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Phew! That sure is a lot of unresolved jobs to do for your government. Hope they resolved them for this year 2008.
Thanks for passing by.
Posted by: Cheerio | January 03, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Phew! That sure is a lot of unresolved jobs to do for your government. Hope they resolved them for this year 2008.
Thanks for passing by.
Posted by: Cheerio | January 03, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Wow, your list gives me a lot to think/worry about.
Posted by: Brenda ND | January 03, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Good list, as always.
Posted by: Wacky Mommy | January 03, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I appreciate the fact that you keep up with all this sfuff that makes my head spin around! And I appreciate your comment on my blog about Ben Franklin. I'm sure, too, he broke most of his resolutions just like the rest of us....
Posted by: ellen b | January 03, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I never fail to learn something new when I visit your TTs. Happy Thursday!
Posted by: tommie | January 03, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Which explains, in part, why the presidency in 2009 and beyond will be such a thankless, tedious and dangerous job. I just hope the person who wins it will be up to the task...
Happy TT and Happy 2008!
Posted by: Michelle | January 03, 2008 at 11:59 AM
great list!
And I too, am curious, how one goes about misplacing nearly a 1/4 million weapons...
Blessings,
K
Posted by: Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven | January 03, 2008 at 12:04 PM
What a great list. I wish we'd find resolution to all of these things, but I fear we'll be lucky to get only a few resolved.
Posted by: Chris | January 03, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Hopefully, they will all get resolved this year. Wishful thinking, I know, but one can only hope and pray, right?
Happy 2008!
Posted by: Chelle Y. | January 03, 2008 at 12:57 PM
In the real world, "clerical errors" equivalent in scope get us fired and imprisoned. Happy TT!
Posted by: Joely | January 03, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Oh my goodness. You are so right. I am disgusted with the government even more than usual. I am also tired of caucuses even though one hasn't happened yet. My idea: no declaring or ads until 60 days before election!!!!We need to make it an amnedment to the constitution. If course, Bush would ignore it too. Thanks for the great info!
Posted by: JaniceNW | January 03, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I am concerned about all of these issues, most especially # 6 and 7. Thanks for visiting me and Have a Happy New Years.
Posted by: pjazzypar | January 03, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Great list! This must have taken a great deal of thought.
Posted by: Pamela Kramer | January 03, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Great list! A good reminder! Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by: Mama Pajama | January 03, 2008 at 04:53 PM
OMG, so much there! I'm ashamed to say that I often want to just stick my head in the sand and not worry about these things. I'm glad there are people like you who do, though!!
Thanks for visiting my T13 post!
Posted by: Leslie Dicken | January 03, 2008 at 04:54 PM
*sigh* This is so discouraging! Thanks for helping to keep us informed!
Posted by: Darla | January 03, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Wow. That's a lot of serious, unresolved issues. I guess we have just as many here in the UK. Governments, eh? Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy TT!
Posted by: Siani | January 03, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Exactly! Excellent list. There needs to be accountability and these are such valid and important queries. Answers would be good, but I am not holding my breath.
Rimbaud may look like an Angel, but a brat indeed! Fur pulling is his only grace. Here's hoping you have no new sutures in the future! Purrs from the Kitty Cats and Peace
Posted by: megan & bad kitty cats | January 04, 2008 at 04:24 PM
That is one heck of a list. It boggles the mind really. I just don't understand how the powers that be can be so completely ineffectual.
Great TT!
And as far as Virtual Assistance (from your comment on my blog) - if your hubby ever seriously considers it, please tell him to come talk to me. There is a lack of the male perspective in the VA industry and I am sure he would compliment the feminine slant nicely. And in any case, it couldn't hurt to explore possible options.
Posted by: Lib | January 04, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Excellent questions, all. Would be nice to get answers in our lifetime, but like others, I'm not holding my breath, either.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 04, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Interesting list. I need to refresh my memory on some of those items. Thanks :)
Posted by: Minkydo | January 04, 2008 at 09:07 PM
That's a great list of questions about some very serious issues. I guess we can never expect the media to follow through on stories and tell us about outcomes and such. They're just interested in covering the hot topic of the moment so they'll get a maximum of viewers and readers. It mustn't be considered a "hot enough" topic to give people progress news after they're done covering the issue and moved on to something else. I'm Canadian so and not what you'd call all that informed about political matters, mostly because all of it inevitably depressed me. It seems like the guys don't take Democracy seriously a all. Even the election system itself can't be trusted, so who can?
Posted by: Smiler | January 04, 2008 at 11:07 PM
sorry about all the typos. I'm hopeless!
Posted by: Smiler | January 04, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Thank you for coming by to visit me!! I hope you return in the future. Very interesting Blog, and will be by to read more on what you share here;-))
Jeannene(Love Conquers All)
Posted by: Jeannene | January 05, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Hi! Very informative.Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gellianne | January 05, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Very interesting list. Most of that I didnt know.
Thanks for stopping by my list!
Posted by: Risky | January 06, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Quite a list! Serious stuff that needs to be solved, if possible...
Thanks for visiting my TT; sorry I'm this late in returning the favour!
Posted by: Tink | January 08, 2008 at 02:00 PM
I've been following every one of these except #13 which is completely new to me. I used to read political blogs for hours every day but had to back off to a few times per week because these stories made me so frustrated, anxious and verging on despair. I admire you for your ability to collect and present the info in easily digestible packages.
i'm visiting this post two weeks late because you haven't put up a TT since and i'm just now getting around to returning visits i've owed since November. Thanx for your visits to Joystory. Sorry i was so lax. it's been manic these past couple months.
major kudos for the work you all do here.
i hope you haven't given up TT as that was when i made my visits to Bucknaked. if so i'll have to move your link into my political blog rotation.
Posted by: Joy Renee | January 19, 2008 at 04:07 AM