Diving In: Gonzales, Cheney, political deviltry, and … apathy?

‘Tis a strange inner conflict. Staring at a blank screen, wondering where to begin, the trouble seems to be a conflict about the writer’s relationship to the readers. One part of me wants to simply dive in, pick an issue, and run with it. Prior dabblings in the blogosphere (no longer extant) worked well enough on that route. But there is another approach including introductions and mission statements that seems on the one hand appropriate, and arrogant to the other. Do I really get to set the terms of engagement with my audience? I can certainly try, but wisdom suggests that the democratic and even anarchic aspects of internet communities and audiences do not appreciate such an outlook; furthermore, the people will clearly have the last say in the virtual world.

Another challenge, I suppose, is deprivation. Though I’ve much appreciation for those who have supported my network needs over the last period, it’s been something like eighteen months since I last had a regular connection to the internet. Habits must be reestablished, confidence needs rebuilding. Starting in media res is a necessity, but as with storytelling, the point of advent is strongest when it is significant. Indeed, ’tis tempting to grab hold of the continuing debacle surrounding Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the row ‘twixt FOX News and DailyKos, or perhaps Dick Cheney (where to start on that?). However, with my old habits in shambles, the necessary catch-up and backstory for establishing context is a daunting proposition.

Oh, hey … here’s a starting point. See? If you’re just patient, life will certainly provide. Michael Roston writes for Alternet:

He then pointed to a May 4, 2006 memorandum signed by Gonzales which showed that the Office of the Vice President had been granted parallel privileges with the Executive Office of the President on communicating directly with the Justice Department’s staff on criminal and civil matters.

“What — on earth — business does the Office of the Vice President have in the internal workings of the Department of Justice with respect to criminal investigations, civil investigations, and ongoing matters?” the Senator asked.

Gonzales was stumped, “As a general matter, I would say that’s a good question.”

Whitehouse then pointed out that in the same memo, the Chief of Staff and Counsel of the Vice President were also explicitly granted the same authority.

“On its face — I must say — sitting here, I’m troubled by this,” Gonzales added.

Now, isn’t the Department of Justice part of the Executive Branch? And isn’t one of the arguments put forth by the Bush administration in the ongoing Gonzales debacle that Congress shouldn’t meddle in the affairs of the Executive Branch? And isn’t this during the time that the Vice President claimed he was not part of the Executive Branch, but part of the Legislative?

So … why, exactly, should the Legislative Branch (e.g. Cheney), have such authority in the Executive Branch?

Is anyone else confused? Disgusted? Wondering if they’re alone among their neighbors in being furious?

Well, obviously, you’re not alone. We are not alone. Again, this is obvious. But a question arises, and I haven’t yet anything resembling a useful answer: What shall we do about this?

Even I admit, “Not much.”

What? I said it wasn’t a useful answer.

I mean, it’s not like we need to go smashing out the windows of local Federal Buildings, or setting things on fire. But we, the People, aren’t doing much to assert our authority or defend our stake in society and government. I’m guilty, too. Obviously. But it’s getting so frustrating that it’s too easy to throw up our hands and say, “I don’t care anymore.”

So let’s shake it off, cuss ourselves out in the mirror for a couple minutes, and then figure out what we can do. Waiting for the ‘08 election is both risky and irresponsible. And on that last note, how long can we bleed our consciences by simply waiting and hoping?