events. i will refer back to what i have written previously >> i'm just asking you do you read the paper? do you watch television? the special counsel statute in question doesn't exist anymore, does it? >> the independent counsel statute -- >> independent counsel statute. >> -- does not exist anymore since 1999. traditional counsel system i've written about is the ordinary way that outside investigations -- >> is that an executive branch function? >> that is ordinarily appointed by the attorney general and is -- >> who's a member of what? >> the executive branch. >> so last time i checked that's not a separation of powers issue. >> that traditionally is as i've written is an executive branch -- >> now, the question is, if someone's appointed a special counsel by department of justice regulations who has authority overseeing those regulations,