It's a simple concept, really: The executive, judiciary and legislative branches of our government are fundamental to democracy — a structure that is meant to ensure checks and balances. Under this system, each branch has the authority to investigate another if any wrongdoing is suspected.

So when the unusual mass firings of federal prosecutors by the Bush administration seemed suspect, Congress was well within its right to launch an investigation. President Bush, however, showed complete disregard for that process when he ordered key aides Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolten to defy the Senate Judiciary Committee's subpoenas.

The White House invoked the executive privilege to block the subpoenas for their testimony — a move that appears to have become more of a stonewalling tactic than a constitutional privilege. Let's face it, this administration can't afford to place even more doubt in the minds of the American people when it comes to government.

Refusing to testify only heightens suspicion that the prosecutors were dismissed for refusing to go after Democrats who were accused of corruption.

It's a shame that a House panel had to issue contempt of Congress citations to both Miers and Bolten, but it was a necessary move in a political stalemate. The citations send a clear message that the authority of Congress and its role in government must be respected.

More importantly, it shows that secrecy and the appearance of an abuse of executive power that has shrouded this administration cannot be tolerated.