CNN (the conduit for most leaks) is reporting that Mr. Mueller is wrapping things
up and will deliver his report to new Attorney General William Barr very soon. An
intriguing coincidence that this would happen within weeks of William Barr
assuming the job.
Mr. Barr has a big job ahead of him. Never before has the reputation of DOJ and
FBI been so sullied. The soft coup plotted by people at the highest levels of the
Department look like a poisonous brew of treason and sedition. Both offenses
carry the potential of long prison sentences. For treason, it can be death.
The new A.G. has been outspoken concerning the way the investigation of Hillary
Clinton was handled as well as aspects of the Mueller investigation. He criticized
the investigation, raising questions about potential conflicts among members of
Mueller’s team who have made political donations to Democratic campaigns.
Saying, “In my view, prosecutors who make political contributions are identifying
fairly strongly with a political party,” Barr told the Washington Post in July 2017. “I
would have liked to see him have more balance on this group.”
General Barr may have sent word to Mueller that it was time to show his cards or
give a good reason to continue the probe. It was clear that the days of unchecked
power and unlimited budgets were numbered. We assume that Barr has been
following this melodrama closely. Justice demands that investigators should be
unbiased while searching for evidence of real crimes, not conducting obnoxious,
abusive expeditions. It’s hard to imagine that 5:00 AM raids by agents in full
commando gear squares with Mr. Barr’s view of equal justice under the law.
General Barr hasn’t been shy in sharing his opinions concerning the President’s
right to request investigations either. Even an investigation of a former political
adversary.
In an interview with the New York Times, he said “there is nothing inherently
wrong about a president calling for an investigation.” Mr. Barr went on to say that
he saw more basis for an investigation of the Clinton uranium deal than one over
any connection between the Trump campaign and Russia. Concluding, “To the extent it is not pursuing these matters, the department is abdicating its responsibility.” Interesting.
Already Mr. Barr is giving every indication that he will not be cowed by the media.
Democrats showed begrudging respect during his confirmation hearings. Though
the Dems circled and growled, like a genuine lion tamer he showed no fear. He
gives the impression of a man who understands the stakes and what must be
done to restore trust and credibility to the agency he now leads.
Unless he gets to the bottom of the soft coup that was plotted in Andy McCabe’s
office, this stinking scandal will hang over his head like a rotting carp. He has to
find out what really triggered the far-fetched investigation in the first place?
People who intentionally misled the FISA Court in order to spy on the Trump
campaign must be held to account. This cannot be whitewashed or simply swept
under the rug.
William Barr is a very smart guy. He has to know that his every move will be
dissected and critiqued by people who are not friendly. The Left is shameless.
They have invested heavily in the Russian Ruse. Like junkyard dogs, they will not
give up their bone without a fight. Their pet parrots in the media can be counted
on to repeat their objections loudly, with little objectivity. Only the facts and the
law will be his friends.
The stakes are huge. Two great institutions have been compromised. Our entire
legal system rests on the rule of law and the respect that we Americans have for
it. If high ranking Justice officials can undermine that bedrock to advance their
personal political agendas, the whole system is imperiled. Without serious
consequences, it will surely happen again.
Our new Attorney General Barr has a big job ahead of him. Early indications
suggest that he is more than up to the challenge.
Gil Gutknecht served six terms each in the Minnesota and the U.S. House of
Representatives. He writes about healthcare and political issues of the day.
Gil Gutknecht
Gil Gutknecht is a former Republican congressman from Minnesota.
