Posted on 01/21/2006 8:34:25 AM PST by harpu
The last of the Clinton-era independent counsels, David Barrett, was finally allowed to release his report this week. And while the revelations aren't earth-shattering, the report reminds us why we don't miss the 1990s.
The Barrett probe began because former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros lied to the FBI during a background check about alleged hush payments to a mistress. Mr. Cisneros pleaded guilty to that offense in 1999, and President Clinton eventually pardoned him. But Mr. Barrett also gathered evidence that Mr. Cisneros didn't report the money for those payments as taxable income. Mr. Barrett alleges that his attempts to investigate tax evasion were obstructed by officials at the Justice Department and IRS.
Some of the most interesting details in the Barrett Report were rumored to concern former IRS Commissioner Peggy Richardson. But they have been redacted. What was deemed fit for public viewing is troubling enough, however, and includes characters familiar to anyone who followed the other Clinton scandals. They include Lee Radek and Jo Ann Farrington of the Justice Department's Public Integrity section, as well as their boss, former Attorney General Janet Reno.
- HUGE SNIP -
Mr. Barrett didn't plan it this way, but it is somehow fitting his report should appear the week Mr. Clinton is entitled to reclaim the law license he forfeited for lying under oath in the Lewinsky case. His report is one piece of a larger story of ethical corner-cutting and a willingness to misuse the institutions of government. With much of the same crowd now preparing for another run at power in 2008, it's fair to ask, what would be different this time?
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Carson did indeed distort the facts; this is just how Ms. Clinton would run her administration if she had one. Had Cisneros been a Republican, you can bet he and those he did business with would be under the jail house! Democrats are in many ways, above the law – Janet Reno should be indicted, she aided and abetted cover-ups for the Clintons and their machine. She should have been removed after Waco and after Ruby Ridge….what were right thinking politicians thinking by not going after her hide....I know, the FBI and IRS would go after them........and so it goes.
Its tempting to blame Clinton for everything, but Ruby Ridge took place in August 1992 when Bush was still president.
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