Probe launched in suspicious firing of inspector general

[Revmitchell]

In the wake of the White House's highly controversial firing of an independent inspector general, one U.S. senator is demanding answers and justification, requesting records that extend even to the Office of the First Lady.

As WND reported, President Obama fired Gerald Walpin, the inspector general in charge of rooting out corruption in the AmeriCorps program, shortly after Walpin called for action against a prominent Obama supporter, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who had misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants.

Walpin told WND he didn't think the timing of his firing was a coincidence, and indeed, he said, "I was fired for doing my job."

Radio host Rush Limbaugh accused the administration of breaking the law by firing Walpin, attributing it to "political cronyism" and declaring, "Alberto Gonzales as attorney general fired a couple of U.S. attorneys. He took hell for it. This is bigger. Inspectors general are supposed to be completely above politics."


More Here

 

[OldRegular]

In the wake of the White House's highly controversial firing of an independent inspector general, one U.S. senator is demanding answers and justification, requesting records that extend even to the Office of the First Lady.

As WND reported, President Obama fired Gerald Walpin, the inspector general in charge of rooting out corruption in the AmeriCorps program, shortly after Walpin called for action against a prominent Obama supporter, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who had misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants.

Walpin told WND he didn't think the timing of his firing was a coincidence, and indeed, he said, "I was fired for doing my job."

Radio host Rush Limbaugh accused the administration of breaking the law by firing Walpin, attributing it to "political cronyism" and declaring, "Alberto Gonzales as attorney general fired a couple of U.S. attorneys. He took hell for it. This is bigger. Inspectors general are supposed to be completely above politics."


More Here

"bo' broke the law he co-sponsored: 30 days notice and a reason given to Congress for the firing is required. This is an example of "bo"s third world ethics or even worse the actions of an angry dictator.

 

[windcatcher]

WND reported, independent federal inspectors general are supposed to be granted special protection from political interference – thanks in part to a law co-sponsored by then-Sen. Barack Obama – to ensure they are free to investigate waste and fraud uninfluenced by political cronyism.

Included in those protections is a requirement that the president submit to Congress, in writing, his reasons for dismissing any inspector general.

President Obama's initial explanation, however, was merely, "It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general. That is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general."

"That's a conclusion, not a reason," Walpin told Fox News television host Glenn Beck today. "This is shocking. I know of no other I.G. who has been terminated like this."

The White House then clarified two issues, explaining that Walpin was not immediately fired, but suspended for 30 days of paid leave as a countdown to his official release, and that his dismissal, indeed, was related to the Johnson investigation.

In a written response to Sen. Grassley, White House counsel Gregory Craig cited an ethics complaint filed against Walpin by the acting U.S. attorney in Sacramento, Lawrence Brown.

Brown had declined to file criminal charges against Johnson, whose organization was found to have used AmeriCorps funds to pay for school board political activities, personal errands and even the washing of Johnson's car. Brown did reach a settlement, however, requiring the organization to pay back over $400,000 of $850,000 in grants it was given through the AmeriCorps program.

Walpin, in turn, filed an objection with Congress over the favorable settlement, an objection some are speculating, led to his firing.

Brown's ethics complaint against Walpin, meanwhile, which contends Walpin was too aggressive and overstepped his authority in the investigation of Johnson, awaits judgment by an integrity committee.

Looks like politics and dirty tricks to me! Interesting that Obama sponsored the very law he is now resisting: Unless he has connections with the Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, which he has reason to hide, he would have been wise to cut his losses with the IG and let him do his work and complete his report and recommendations, instead of rushing to nix this. Perhaps there's a question that some of the mis appropriated funds went to the support of his own Presidential campaign? Certainly, without more light on the issue.... that question is left in the minds of some to speculate on.

Almost 50% of grant money misused.... or questionably so... enough for a settlement to be agreed upon?...... I agree with the Inspector General...... something should be brought to light before the Congress before settling the matter in some covert way. That's what investigations are for! Futhermore, it serves as notice to others who may have similar schemes for misuse of public funds that a day of confrontation may apply to them as well. Unfortunately, with or without any light being shed.... for many, their day of reckoning may amount to little more than a slapped wrist.

 

[Aaron]

That senator better look out. Usurper Obama may have him knocked off.

 

[OldRegular]

Unless he has connections with the Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, which he has reason to hide, .

My guess is there is somebody in the wood pile.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Seems like this story is getting legs....and Michelle Obama may be the center of the investigation...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hR-c9qK-DfN8zbpd-kWamzFIZU-wD98S4PMG0

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124511811033017539.html

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fe...r_inspector_general_f.html?hpid=news-col-blog

 

[carpro]

When will Obama's arrogance catch upith him?

Is this type of activity to be overlooked as "expected" behavior by a Chicago politician?

Was race a factor, as well?

Obama is corrupt to the core. I have known it for a long time, but this story will kick up a little dust and then be buried by the press.

 

[windcatcher]

I really like the way the Washington Post documents with links to source material. I read particularly and with interest through that of Brown's accusation and of Walpin's rebuttal.

Trying to stay neutral when reading material.... Brown really had me convinced except for an error in chronology which I think I caught.... until I read the IG's statement. The former speaks of politics as usual and manages the question as though that is all there is.... but the latter is fortified with professional detachment and objectivity and thus is more credible. I'm impressed with Inspector General Walpin's presentation.

I suspect there is a skunk in this wood pile. I'm not sure that the Congress is courageous and credible enough to remove the stench.