I am a little worried by your shock that she was “allowed” to use her Fifth Ammendment Rights- and your comment that she should be “forced” to answer...
I'm no lawyer, but I believe that if a witness is given immunity from prosecution, then she can be forced to answer.
Of course I agree with the fifth amendment, just not Ms Lerner abusing it.
She could say ‘five’ to each question. Also, she could be asked about her abuses as a FEC official asking about the content of Oliver North’s prayers as reported by the weekly standard.
Bravo Gowdy!
The point of contention seems to be over whether she waived her right to invoke her 5th Amendment rights by giving a prepared statement. If you are on trial in court, you are not allowed to get up on the stand and tell your side, then refuse to answer questions on cross-examination by invoking the 5th. Once you start to testify on the matter in hand, you can't stop any time you want.