During today’s White House press briefing, there was some confusion as to whether or not the Vice President’s office was part of the Executive Branch of the government. Spokesman Dana Perino indicates that there is some controversy, and it is something for others with a “legal mind” to figure out. Luckily, I have a “legal mind.” At least the state bar where I live thinks so, as it has admitted me to practice law. So, I am ready to post a legal opinion on this matter. I will even stake my law license on it.
The Office of the Vice President of the United States of America, and its members and staff, including the Vice President, fall under the domain, control, and regulation of the Executive Branch of the government of the United States of America.
I hope that clarifies it for Dick. He can take that to court. (Of course if he takes it to the Supreme Court, by the time it reaches there, the members of the bench will have probably proclaimed themselves part of the Executive Branch. And Congress will be the Judicial Branch.)
Regardless, I am just as astonished and outraged at the sheer audacity of Dick, whose actions are pretty much the equivalent of giving the American people the middle finger. Thank you Dick. Back at you. It offends my “legal mind.” It offends the $120,000 I spent on law school. It offends all the time I spent studying for the bar. (How Dick Cheney Broke My Mind by William Rivers Pitt)
Hell, if nothing else, it offends the Constitution. I think Dick needs to go back and read Article II, Section 1 of that document which invests the Vice President “together” with the President. I take that to mean part and parcel. They’re riding in on the same horse.
Interestingly enough, the Constitution – the original copy – is maintained by the National Archives – the exact people asking Dick to comply with rules regarding document security.
