These figures underscore the extent to which the Obama administration represents, not merely the extension of the Bush administration's war on democratic rights, but an acceleration and intensification of it.
Obama has reneged on promises like his pledge to close the Guantanamo Bay torture and detention camp, and is now making the successful operation to kill Osama bin Laden a centerpiece in his reelection campaign.
Last week the White House announced that it would seek legislation from Congress to extend the term in office of FBI Director Robert Mueller by an additional two years, on top of the ten-year term that expires in September, in order to provide "continuity" in the counterterrorism operations of the federal government.
Congressional Republicans immediately responded favorably to the proposal, which would have the effect of deferring a decision on Mueller's successor to 2013, when it would be made by a Republican president if Obama is defeated for reelection.
Congressman Lamar Smith (Republican-Texas), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a statement declaring, "I support the president's decision to extend Director Mueller's term for an additional two years and agree that it is important to maintain continuity for our intelligence community during this transition period."
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