The White House Fires A Watchdog: Wall Street Journal

FirefightnRick · June 17, 2009

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

President Obama swept to office on the promise of a new kind of politics, but then how do you explain last week's dismissal of federal Inspector General Gerald Walpin for the crime of trying to protect taxpayer dollars? This is a case that smells of political favoritism and Chicago rules.

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Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill has become the first Democrat to question the White House over the firing of AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin

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Here is McCaskill's statement:
The White House has failed to follow the proper procedure in notifying Congress as to the removal of the Inspector General for the Corporation for National and Community Service. The legislation which was passed last year requires that the president give a reason for the removal. "Loss of confidence" is not a sufficient reason. I’m hopeful the White House will provide a more substantive rationale, in writing, as quickly as possible.

Hey, even if it's nearly a week old at least someone other than the conservative news outlets is finally covering this now.

Rick

Edited June 17, 2009 by FirefightnRick

hickoryhouse · June 17, 2009

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124511811033017539.html
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Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill has become the first Democrat to question the White House over the firing of AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin
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Hey, even if it's nearly a week old at least someone other than the conservative news outlets is finally covering this now.
Rick

WHen the Bush Administration fired the 8 US Attorneys the media was up in arms and there was a head hunt, rightfully so, NY Times, the raw story.com, Seattle Times, CNN, Las Vegas Review Journal, ANd You can go on ad nauseum (sp).

Where is the outrage over this?

And just for some clarification as to why there should be at least a little concern with what is happening with Gerald Walpin the Inspector General in question ClimateScienceWatch.org tells us that the Inspector General is there to be a "watchdog"

Congress unanimously approved legislation on Saturday that will improve accountability within the federal government by granting agency inspectors general greater independence from officials at the agencies they oversee.

Additionally the requirements to remove the inspector general was also updated to preserve the enhanced role of the Inspector General. Don't forget this bill recieved unamnimous approval through congress, according to ClimateScienceWatch.org. Actual text of the Inspector General Reform act of 2008

[*3] SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF INSPECTORS GENERAL.
(a) Establishments.--Section 3( b ) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking the second sentence and inserting "If an Inspector General is removed from office or is transferred to another position or location within an establishment, the President shall communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to both Houses of Congress, not later than 30 days before the removal or transfer. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a personnel action otherwise authorized by law, other than transfer or removal.".
( b ) Designated Federal Entities.--Section 8G(e) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking "shall promptly communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to both Houses of the Congress." and inserting "shall communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to both Houses of Congress, not later than 30 days before the removal or transfer. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a personnel action otherwise authorized by law, other than transfer or removal.".

Mr. Walpin was not given 30 days, and was not given a good reason.... Something is fishy here

UNTBill · June 17, 2009

WHen the Bush Administration fired the 8 US Attorneys the media was up in arms and there was a head hunt, rightfully so, NY Times, the raw story.com, Seattle Times, CNN, Las Vegas Review Journal, ANd You can go on ad nauseum (sp).
Where is the outrage over this?
And just for some clarification as to why there should be at least a little concern with what is happening with Gerald Walpin the Inspector General in question ClimateScienceWatch.org tells us that the Inspector General is there to be a "watchdog"
Additionally the requirements to remove the inspector general was also updated to preserve the enhanced role of the Inspector General. Don't forget this bill recieved unamnimous approval through congress, according to ClimateScienceWatch.org. Actual text of the Inspector General Reform act of 2008
Mr. Walpin was not given 30 days, and was not given a good reason.... Something is fishy here

Yep. This administration is full of carp!!!!

KRAM1 · June 17, 2009

You are giving carp a bad name!

KRAM1 · June 17, 2009

Outrage you say...why? The Obama Administration did it...don't you see yet? If the Obama Administration does it it has to be OK as opposed to anything...antything...the Bush Administration might have done. Come on...since when did you ever think the liberal folks would want anything approaching equal outrage?????? Oh, ye of dreamland. Maybe he can/will explain this action from the new White House office of ABC.