Yesterday I expressed understanding for AG Bill Barr's complaint about, at the least, the timing of President Trump's tweet re the sentencing memo in the Roger Stone case. At the same time, I noted the unreasonability of Barr failing to recognize that cases like the Stone case arose in a political environment to serve a political purpose. I maintained that the solution to these systemic problems with our "justice" system will not come about without political input--which is what President Trump brings to the table. Certainly we don't want the POTUS and the AG stepping on each others toes, but a blanket request or demand that the POTUS stop tweeting about problems affecting DoJ simply isn't reasonable. Barr needed to say something in the circumstances, but he should have made his complaint more specific and should also have addressed the problem of prosecutorial misconduct.
We can all appreciate the dedication Bill Barr has brought to the Herculean job he has taken on--and I have no doubt whatsoever that Donald Trump appreciates it just as much as he says he does. We can also understand that overnight results aren't in the cards and that Barr can't do it on his own--he was let down in a shameful way by Tim Shea, his handpicked USA in DC. But Barr probably needs to learn a bit from Trump, and be far more open about the systemic abuses that have continued on his watch, albeit despite his best efforts.
With that, I offer a stimulating discussion that touches on some of the above points in a passionate but informed way--Tom Fitton: "The Justice Dept. Is in Crisis. It's Not Because of Donald Trump Complaining About It":
The Democrat/Deep State playbook has become in my own view all to obvious. They attack preemptively. That has been their modus operandi. Putting out an extremely harsh sentencing recommendation as they did, Stone's prosecutors provoked exactly the response they were looking for. Their resignations were something they already knew they were going to do when they hatched this plan. This has all been scripted for the benefit of a narrative.
ReplyDeleteSo all we have to ask is cui bono? Well, this narrative is specifically targeted and directed at taking out Barr more than anyone else. There are already murmurings of outrage from Democrats about Barr. The calls for Barr's recusal from anything Russia/Ukraine and even potential impeachment of Barr will only grow louder as time goes on.
THIS is why, in my opinion, Barr was genuinely upset. Trump played into this setup. Barr going out to do this interview is only damage control, and Trump gets that.
I agree--damage control. Best damage control is preemptive. We've criticized Trump's terrible appointments, now Barr gets to feel that pain with Shea's shameful conduct, after being put in a position of great trust.
DeleteIf the judge of the Stone case is compelled to order a retrial because of juror misconduct, then there will be a huge problem:
ReplyDeleteAll the prosecutors have quit the case!
Good point, Mike. That'll put Barr on the spot a bit. Shea, of course, is the one who would have to make the decision to retry the case, but most of the conservative world--with some justification--will say it's Barr's decision. And Barr can thank Shea--his own appointment--for that. Can't put that on Trump.
DeleteI don't think it's a real thing. Only when Trump goes negative will it be a real thing. Trump lets you work and, at times, be contrarian, however when it spills over into your job, Trump will let you go.
ReplyDeleteTo assert the DoJ or any Executive agency is non-political is denying the facts from our history, recent and long ago.
To assert the President has no right to assert authority over his own agency is purposely ignoring what Obama did in his presidency.
For now, this is a non-thing.
Probably true. The real thing is Shea--has he grown a pair?
DeleteI agree maybe Barr has overreacted. But Trump needs to chill. He's always an inch away from an unforced error. I really do wish he'd shut up. Yes, I like the honesty. But I could do without the childishness.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, and off-topic, to a degree (Barr is still in charge, right?), but Politico is reporting that DOJ has dropped charges against McCabe.
If they couldn't find a grand jury to indict McCabe, how in the world can anyone expect anyone else, with one exception, the dope who penciled in "not," to be indicted.
I'm trying to keep an open mind, but to tell the truth, nothing I see and hear breeds confidence.
So, very interested in your more sensible take.
Just got back, haven't read about that. It depends on what charges we're talking about. I assume these charges are the purely disciplinary ones re whether he had authority to leak to the media. Nothing really to do with the Durham investigation. That'll come later. Don't sweat this.
DeleteYes, that's about 'lack of candor' re leaking. Not a big deal. Durham investigation is continuing. Those indictments, per Barr, shouldn't be expected before late spring.
DeleteI also cannot help but notice the McCabe news drops the same day we learn Barr has appointed an outside review of the Flynn case. If the MCCabe prosecution decision here really is a non-decision on McCabe considering bigger issues being looked into by Durahm, what better use of the release of this story than to provide cover for the Flynn announcement.
DeleteThank you. The media, left and right, are really misrepresenting this.
DeleteThe clear impression, or perhaps, in some cases, the desired impression, is that McCabe is getting off scott free. There is no mention of his still being investigated by Durham.
A pox on them all. You can't believe a thing you read. I should know this by now. Everything has to be analyzed and run through the proper filter or decoding ring.
"If the MCCabe prosecution decision here really is a non-decision on McCabe considering bigger issues being looked into by Durahm"
DeleteBut it's not.
Or by allowing McCabe off on the lying issue - which there is probably zero chance a DC Jury would find him guilty on, since everyone seemed to be doing it, Barr is showing the hypocrisy of the decisions on Flynn and Stone.
ReplyDeleteIt may also be a way to show the bias of whomever in the Justice Department arrived at this decision.
My guess is Barr had a lot of political calculations that went into his decision.
The Justice Department is deeply politicized and biased, and there seems to be two tracks of justice. One for Trump Supporters, and another for anti Trumpers. And Barr seems to be trying to clean up this mess, which is why he took on this thankless task.
My hope, is Barr is focused on the real opportunities to clean up the corruption in the Justice Department, and ignoring lower priority stuff that won't make a real difference.
I like Trump's tweets. I feel he needs to continue and do more.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but there are not many avenues save for rallies that him to go above the press and to the people directly.
At this point, it does not matter if Trump hurts any investigation. I do not think much will happen as a result except for policy and procedural changes. Even Trump has signaled this several times all the whie lamenting by Tweet and by rally people should be in jail.
The corruption is soo vast and deep, I do not think it will be corrected. The GOP made sure of this while Trump was in the primary. The GOP made it acceptable to challenge Trump and this thinking combined with Obama's shadow government has concreted the non-result we are going through.
I hope I am wrong, but nothing to date suggests orherwise.
He certainly must continue. Treason is a political crime and can only be defeated by political means. Democracy dies in darkness is not just a catchy nPR phrase. Barr, the lawyer, will not (or cannot) speak plainly to the gut level justice or travesty, that is Trump's, the politician's, job and if he doesn't speak plainly (childishly as some would style it) many people will inevitably accept (not necessarily agree with, but in politics acceptance is enough) the "narrative" that is aired. The uni-publicans are as much an enemy of the Republic as the uni-crats; which is to say mortal enemies.
DeleteTom S.