This is a cowardly, bone-spur administration whose only interests seem to be in money and size. Even one of the vaunted Generals turns out to have been a traitor.
4
More snaring gnats and letting camels pass through...
$45,000? That's chump change.
When Hillary was Sec of State, Bill Clinton "received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin..." --NYTimes APRIL 23, 2015
And, oh, Madam Secretary didn't reveal the list of contributions, in the millions, made to the Clinton Foundation while she was busy approving the Russian atomic energy agency, Rosatom, purchase of US uranium rights. The deal gave the Russians control of one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States and as reported in NYTimes, "brought Mr. Putin closer to his goal of controlling much of the global uranium supply chain."
$45,000? That's chump change.
When Hillary was Sec of State, Bill Clinton "received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin..." --NYTimes APRIL 23, 2015
And, oh, Madam Secretary didn't reveal the list of contributions, in the millions, made to the Clinton Foundation while she was busy approving the Russian atomic energy agency, Rosatom, purchase of US uranium rights. The deal gave the Russians control of one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States and as reported in NYTimes, "brought Mr. Putin closer to his goal of controlling much of the global uranium supply chain."
Remember fellow citizens of the US, this is/was/may again be one of Trump's closest sidekicks.
Flynn went off the rails several years ago. Be frightened of a President who chooses a man like Flynn.
Read
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/27/michael-flynn-general-chaos
Flynn went off the rails several years ago. Be frightened of a President who chooses a man like Flynn.
Read
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/27/michael-flynn-general-chaos
6
Flynn wouldn't have talked to the Russian ambassador about getting rid of the Obama sanctions without first discussing this with Trump, or at Trump's outright direction. They both knew that they shouldn't be conducting foreign policy before they were in office. That's why Trump didn't fire Flynn until after the Post article about Yates' discussion with Trump. Flynn took the fall for Trump. Maybe that's the "story" that Flynn wants to use to bargain for immunity.
6
As of 2014, a three star general earned somewhere between $15,125.10 and $17,436.90 a month. That's pretty good money. If General Flynn, who retired from the Army in 2014, had been earing such a decent salary why was he still so desperate for money that he would engage in shady deals such as working as a paid agent for foreign governments? I'm assuming he wasn't earning minimum wage working in the Trump administration.
2
I served on the Historic Preservation Commission in my Chicago suburb - a volunteer position with no pay and no power. Yet every year, I had to file a two-page financial disclosure form to insure that I was not profiting from any business that dealt with our local government. I find it ironic that someone being considered for a far more important and sensitive job did not have to go throughout the same vetting.
6
There doesn't seem to be any nuance or ambiguity in the guilt of Michael Flynn.
Obviously, legally, he should be arrested, charged and brought to trial. During discovery for that trial many documents will be subpoenaed, and new information brought to light, from the White House and elsewhere. Discussions about "immunity" have no place here except as an element of a plea deal to lighten his inevitable criminal sentence.
Obviously, legally, he should be arrested, charged and brought to trial. During discovery for that trial many documents will be subpoenaed, and new information brought to light, from the White House and elsewhere. Discussions about "immunity" have no place here except as an element of a plea deal to lighten his inevitable criminal sentence.
Why doesn't anyone report it like it is? Flynn is a SPY for Putin. He still has a contact in the NSC. When McMaster tried to fire Flynn's mole, TRUMP HIMSELF INTERVENED to retain him. Manafort is another SPY. The right wing of this country is Putin's tool. Just like in France with Le Pen. Putin has given her millions of Euros to finance her campaign.
7
Another criminal the Republicans will never prosecute because he is one of their own. The GOP "law and order" nonsense that they are always spouting reeks of hypocrisy, as does the entire Party.
11
If Mr Flynn is guilty as charged string him up, but please no double standard.
Shine the same light on members of Congress and Administration officials before that knot is tied.
Shine the same light on members of Congress and Administration officials before that knot is tied.
3
So there you have it folks: Jason Chaffetz and his slinky spine give this administration another pass, egregiously so, given that Flynn led the RNC audience in a round of "lock her (Clinton) up" and proclaimed he would be imprisoned if he had done a tenth of what he asserted Clinton had done.
Checking the scorecard, we see the FBI-investigated Clinton faced no charges as a result, while a dashboard read of Gen. Flynn shows he lied to the administration, kept company with the Russians, who meddled in the 2016 election, and worked as an unregistered lobbyist, failing to disclose that when he was obligated to. Seems like Flynn has done 10 times more actual lawbreaking than what he thinks Clinton did.
Meanwhile, Chaffetz is committed to playing Trump-administration toady on his way out the door, once again putting a GOP-hypocrisy stamp on everything. And let's not think the attorney general will step in, because he lied to Congress about his involvement with the Russians as well.
Checking the scorecard, we see the FBI-investigated Clinton faced no charges as a result, while a dashboard read of Gen. Flynn shows he lied to the administration, kept company with the Russians, who meddled in the 2016 election, and worked as an unregistered lobbyist, failing to disclose that when he was obligated to. Seems like Flynn has done 10 times more actual lawbreaking than what he thinks Clinton did.
Meanwhile, Chaffetz is committed to playing Trump-administration toady on his way out the door, once again putting a GOP-hypocrisy stamp on everything. And let's not think the attorney general will step in, because he lied to Congress about his involvement with the Russians as well.
6
Flynn should be reactivated and court marshaled as a traitor.
7
While serving as National Security Advisor, sitting in on classified briefings, Flynn was a $paid agent for Turkey.
Apparently, Trump and other high ranking republicans are ok with it.
#LockHimUp
Apparently, Trump and other high ranking republicans are ok with it.
#LockHimUp
8
Flynn is a traitor and needs to be indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced to prison.
However, the current AG, Sessions, will probably give him a medal! (if Flynn was a darker shade, he would have already been locked up by the devout racist Sessions)
However, the current AG, Sessions, will probably give him a medal! (if Flynn was a darker shade, he would have already been locked up by the devout racist Sessions)
7
Lock her up?
3
Wondrous how Watergate seems like petty larceny along side the wholesale cashing in on America's coffers by this corrupt president. Even Nixon, in his own, twisted way, was a patriot. Trump is part of the international cartel, a cancer on the earth; profit is its symptomology; any country is ripe for rape - including his own.
Only a matter of time before he's impeached for any number of improper, treasonous and illegal activities. The Mar-a-Lago membership fee will drop from $200K to $10,000, with a 47% discount offered to his deplorables. And the GOP will shout from the mountaintops that he was really a Democrat they only pretended to support.
3
Flynn,a retired US army general, is paid to speak on RT a Russian propaganda station,parties with,Putin an ex KGB president of a country under US economic sanctions while under contract to Turkey for lobbying work to undermine US interests................and is rewarded by appointment as chief US SECURITY ADVISOR by the Donald,POTUS......................is then fired by POTUS,purpotedly for lying to VP Pence.......who was instructed, by SOMEONE ?, to interrogate a national security adviser only and in retrospect ,DISCOVERS that Flynn lied!............only the tip of an iceberg of treasonous corruption,greed and flagrant violations of US laws ,constitution,and principles of American Democracy.........by the Trump regime AND THE members of Congress ,blocking the obvious path to impeachment.
The weight of evidence of financial and political collusion seems overwhelming,yet the congressional inquiries are stalled and the people are, as usual, are not represented..................Orwellian doublespeak rules!
The weight of evidence of financial and political collusion seems overwhelming,yet the congressional inquiries are stalled and the people are, as usual, are not represented..................Orwellian doublespeak rules!
It is no surprise that the Trump administration is still busy covering up it's ties to Mr. Putin and Russia and that the Trump administration continues to feel that it is above the law. Mr. Trump demonstrates daily the qualities that we abhor in any 'leader': Ignorance, manipulation of truth, the pursuit of personal fame over the greater good, bad solutions to real problems and fear mongering to feed his base supporters their daily ration of jingoistic 'solutions' to problems that do not exist.. as defined by Mr. Trump.
Why would anyone expect the Trump administration to cooperate in a search for the truth about anything? His financial bankruptcies mirror his moral bankruptcies. I'll never understand how so many 'value voters' still feel that this man if fit to be the President of the United States.
Why would anyone expect the Trump administration to cooperate in a search for the truth about anything? His financial bankruptcies mirror his moral bankruptcies. I'll never understand how so many 'value voters' still feel that this man if fit to be the President of the United States.
8
Does anyone think the Trump admin broke the law by sharing classified info with an un-vetted foreign agent named Flynn?
6
And what with the GOP do about this?
Crickets......I hear crickets.
Crickets......I hear crickets.
7
Spicer: “...to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.” Trump: "Hilliary must release all 30,000 of her emails...."
15
Shocking!
2
Funny that the article doesn't mention Israel. Yet this Turkish connection was about possible gas supplies from Israel to Turkey.
But then, of course, few American politicians would stay behind if receiving money from Israeli lobbyists becomes a problem.
But then, of course, few American politicians would stay behind if receiving money from Israeli lobbyists becomes a problem.
3
Politico has a thorough report on Flynn's involvement with Turkey and it appears his Turkish contacts were actually Russians as well. Dirty stuff from Dirty Donald, our first foreign mole in the Oval Office. Sad. Fail.
So what (sorry but I know nothing will happen to this man). It's all smokescreen and distraction.
2
I'm wondering, after reading so much about this, that possibly Chaffetz was aware of something illegal that had required him to relay and he didn't. If so, he is toast
3
This sort of thing definitely gets people in trouble. I followed the case of C. Gregory Turner of Chicago who was made to languish behind bars for 15 months just for lobbying on behalf of the Zimbabwean government against sanctions that have partly contributed to the destitution of helpless Zimbabweans. The big question is how did Flynn, an agent of Russia and Turkey, go through vetting to get the important position of security advisor for the Trump WH? Did they forget to institute extre-e-e-e-me vetting?
3
In 1973 I received a Top Secret Clearance for my position in the USN. Had I done what Lt. General Flynn did I'd still be writing letters to family members from Leavenworth. Obama fired him for good reason and the Trump team picked him up knowing this. This entire administration is corrupt and probably treasonous. Not taking responsibility for the transition team and their activity is obstruction of justice. Flynn's activity is a breach of National Security. Americans and especially Republicans and Trump supporters need to wake up. You've been sold a bill of goods. Since the election we've seen nothing but scandal and spin so who really thinks Donald Trump will make America Great again?
The United States has been hijacked. It's not certain if we can ever recover from this past election and Trump and his minions.
We're doomed.
The United States has been hijacked. It's not certain if we can ever recover from this past election and Trump and his minions.
We're doomed.
10
"Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that “to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.”
Yet Republicans had no hesitation in doing exactly that in their own "investigations".
Yet Republicans had no hesitation in doing exactly that in their own "investigations".
6
More of a witch hunt than anything. And this is what our Congress has to do - look at forms and decide if someone that is no longer around (once found that he may have acted inappropriately) might have done something 2 years ago that would force him out - but he's gone, so what is the point?
And this accusation and investigation is being conducted by Elijah E. Cummings?! The man that should actually be in jail for intimidation, fraud, and tax cheats?!!!
And this accusation and investigation is being conducted by Elijah E. Cummings?! The man that should actually be in jail for intimidation, fraud, and tax cheats?!!!
Got any links to back up these claims?? Please, share them. We investigate so we can prevent it from happening again.
3
The White House not releasing information to the investigation is rather telling. The telling part to me is this appears to be a coverup by the administration. This is not acceptable! #RESIST #IMPEACH
4
For a three-star general to commit a felony would call into question the process of vetting stars. This may be what we get for eliminating the draft--a cult of militarists that includes amoral opportunists. Perhaps we need uniformed national service to qualify for the franchise, and serious training in morality and honor to qualify for promotion in the officers' corps.
5
They say if you want to feel young, surround yourself with old people. Trump seems to feel the same way about incompetence: a (now-former) National Security Advisor with ties to Russia, a staggeringly inarticulate press secretary, an anti-EPA head of the EPA, an anti-education Secretary of Education... the list goes on and on. Did he also name Pig Pen as his Chief of Cleaning Staff?
2
Gen. Michael Flynn is "the whole catastrophe" as Zorba the Greek said. Not until Flynn confesses the secrets of Donald Trump's possibly concupiscent trip to Russia a few years ago, not until Flynn (Trump's first and very brief and totally unqualified National Security Adviser) comes clean with the low-down - and may he not be granted immunity - will we the people have the ammo (not bullets, not guns, no NRA and lobbyists here) to impeach our 45th President. Flynn's Russian dealings will be disclosed or leaked big league sooner or later. Don't forget Flynn's dorky son who accused Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton of running a paedophilic ring in a pizza parlor before the 2017 Election. Lord have mercy on all of us who didn't want Donald Trump - con man, carney-barker, king of Tweets and mendacity -as our 45th President. Time will disclose the Flynn/Trump/Russian connection.
1
Flynn's Turkey's Islamist government connections under Erdogan via his nephew should not be overlooked!
There is much more evidence than Russian ties to get Flynn and Trump in Flynn business deals with Turkey's government!
Get a subpoena!
There is much more evidence than Russian ties to get Flynn and Trump in Flynn business deals with Turkey's government!
Get a subpoena!
1
"May have broken the Law." Seriously?
This was figured out by people with passing legal knowlege, and a basic knowledge of the facts *weeks to months ago!* There is nothing new here, not even a little bit.
The only news here is why Congress is taking so very long to figure this out. If this was a Democrat, the President would be impeached already, with most of his campaign staff and followers quickly following...
Why the delay? Do they think we will forget?!
This was figured out by people with passing legal knowlege, and a basic knowledge of the facts *weeks to months ago!* There is nothing new here, not even a little bit.
The only news here is why Congress is taking so very long to figure this out. If this was a Democrat, the President would be impeached already, with most of his campaign staff and followers quickly following...
Why the delay? Do they think we will forget?!
2
Precisely. Dragging it out as slowly as possible, bit by bit. The news here is the White House's lack of cooperation (dragging it out bit by bit).
RT is an overt offensive propaganda arm of Russia. It is not just a "we will present our country in the best possible light" PR institution. It spreads deliberately disinformation against the US. This is what it was created for.
It simply blows my mind that Mr Flynn could accept money from them for anything.
It simply blows my mind that Mr Flynn could accept money from them for anything.
6
Michael Flynn was out there to deceive the public. As a former three-star general, surely he must have known the conflict of loyalty or interest when he received payments from Russia and Turkey for doing them "favours."
It's outrageous that the White House refused to hand over "internal documents" that can shed light on Flynn's employment. Sean Spicer has once again shown how unprofessional he is: “to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.” This is serious. Flynn is under investigation and the public has the right to know about his machinations.
It's outrageous that the White House refused to hand over "internal documents" that can shed light on Flynn's employment. Sean Spicer has once again shown how unprofessional he is: “to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.” This is serious. Flynn is under investigation and the public has the right to know about his machinations.
3
And perhaps Spicer should be added to the list.
2
Did he ever actually get the security clearance? If he did was it legitimate? If he got it while withholding info that would have quashed it...there's your crime. I have no doubt the White House knows the answers to ALL OF THE QUESTIONS and sanctioned any and all of what went down.
1
"Mr. Flynn has offered to be interviewed by House and Senate investigators in exchange for immunity from prosecution." Doesn't that actually say, "I'm guilty of some prosecutable offense and I don't want to be held accountable"? Subpoena this criminal like any other suspect in a crime and bring him to justice. Are you kidding me?
If it takes a Chaffetz removing himself from running again to get ANY of the GOP to see what we all can, then
thank you Mr. Chaffetz from the majority of America.
Your career will go farther for doing the exceptional thing, taking off the partisan blindfold and putting country first.
thank you Mr. Chaffetz from the majority of America.
Your career will go farther for doing the exceptional thing, taking off the partisan blindfold and putting country first.
4
Here's what we know: Russia interfered to help Trump. Carter Page became a Russian asset. Many other Trump people had numerous contacts with various Russian officials. Flynn was a paid foreign agent of Turkey. He sat next to Putin at a state dinner for which state-controlled Russian media paid him.
Of course, Flynn broke the law. As this onion peels, always revealing new details and new connections, the stink on Michael Flynn gets stronger and harder to deny or explain away.
He is the center of the scandal. He was with Trump from the beginning. He knows all and has seen it all. The FBI has him cold on these lesser charges, which are still felonies and will cost Flynn his pension. In the fullness of time, Flynn will tell all, and it will be end of Trump.
Of course, Flynn broke the law. As this onion peels, always revealing new details and new connections, the stink on Michael Flynn gets stronger and harder to deny or explain away.
He is the center of the scandal. He was with Trump from the beginning. He knows all and has seen it all. The FBI has him cold on these lesser charges, which are still felonies and will cost Flynn his pension. In the fullness of time, Flynn will tell all, and it will be end of Trump.
5
I guess we can hope.
1
So Flynn won't testify without immunity.
It reminds me of Colonel Oliver North, a member of the National Security Council in 1985. He was convicted of accepting an illegal gratuity, obstruction of a congressional inquiry and destruction of documents as part of the direct role he played in the Iran-Contra affair that seriously tainted the legacy of the Regan administration. But that conviction was overturned since he had been granted immunity by the congress.
In later years, he would gleefully prance around proclaiming that he was declared innocent and that he had done nothing wrong. But in those days, even his fellow Republicans would have none of it. They sabotaged his 1994 run for the U.S. Senate in Virginia by running another Republican as an independent. This allowed Democrat Charles Robb to be re-elected, but barely.
If these people are going to be held accountable then Investigators will be well advised to avoid any immunity deal with any person.
It reminds me of Colonel Oliver North, a member of the National Security Council in 1985. He was convicted of accepting an illegal gratuity, obstruction of a congressional inquiry and destruction of documents as part of the direct role he played in the Iran-Contra affair that seriously tainted the legacy of the Regan administration. But that conviction was overturned since he had been granted immunity by the congress.
In later years, he would gleefully prance around proclaiming that he was declared innocent and that he had done nothing wrong. But in those days, even his fellow Republicans would have none of it. They sabotaged his 1994 run for the U.S. Senate in Virginia by running another Republican as an independent. This allowed Democrat Charles Robb to be re-elected, but barely.
If these people are going to be held accountable then Investigators will be well advised to avoid any immunity deal with any person.
5
He broke the law by accepting money from a foreign entity, period. Not whether he disclosed it. As an American Military Officer it is against the law to accept money from any foreign government. Flynn knew this, did it anyway, first law broken, Second law broken was when he failed to disclose his representation of a foreign power as their lobbyist. Get it right.
4
I wonder how well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and under whose untoward influence he might have been operating while in that position?
The answer to those questions should make for interesting reading. Remember, Flynn never held power under a Trump Administration. Trusting that the Obama Administration had done its job, President Trump accepted a government-vetted Army General as a trusted member of his campaign.
The answer to those questions should make for interesting reading. Remember, Flynn never held power under a Trump Administration. Trusting that the Obama Administration had done its job, President Trump accepted a government-vetted Army General as a trusted member of his campaign.
look at the timing. Flynn's illegal activities happened AFTER he left the Obama administration. Unless you think the Obama Administration had a crystal ball to predict Flynn's illegal acts...
2
General Flynn was in office 3 weeks before being fired, after being fired by Obama, they knew that.
1
The Obama administration DID do its job... they fired him!!
2
Funny, I think you meant to say, "...may be prosecuted." Flynn's action WERE illegal.
If I cheated on my taxes or burned down my neighbor's house, I guarantee that the news headline would not say, "...his actions MAY have been illegal..." They'd read, "He was arrested."
If I cheated on my taxes or burned down my neighbor's house, I guarantee that the news headline would not say, "...his actions MAY have been illegal..." They'd read, "He was arrested."
22
All you people asking 'What about "drain the swamp"?' Well you don't really want Io start with a man like Flynn. It would just clog the drain. Remember Hilary's emails? What an innocent time; seems like only yesterday but it was 100 days ago, a lifetime. Of course we were all so much younger then. Time has lost all meaning. Like words and promises.
18
Let's not be distracted by Fall Guy Flynn. This is important and so is whatever story he has to tell...but there is a lot more to know from Trump and his minions on the Russia connection. The Flynn piece seems to be just the tip of the iceberg (insert Titanic metaphor of your choice). It's up to us to demand from our elected officials that the whole story come out in a timely fashion.
18
Nothing will happen to Flynn. The Republicans will protect him, while paying lip service to an "investigation." Nothing ever happens to Republicans who commit fraud or even war crimes. Cheney should be in jail. He's a free man. The bankers and mortgage giants who caused the recession/depression in 2007 are all back making millions/billions of dollars and not one of them paid. If you're rich, Republican and a white man, you can get away with anything...including shooting up 5th Avenue, as Donald Trump himself said. Interesting that Chaffetz who wasted millions of dollars of our tax dollars on multiple investigations into Benghazi has decided to resign...just when there is a legitimate need for a real investigation. Either he's afraid to go after fellow Republicans or there's something in his "closet" he's afraid will come out.
33
Watch the loyal soldier fall on his sword for his commander.
But too many are falling. One of them will have to speak up.
But too many are falling. One of them will have to speak up.
8
"Questions persist about why the white house did not vet Mr. Flynn more carefully...": really? Is ANYONE surprised by this -- or naive enough to be wondering why it didn't take such steps?
For goodness' sake, America: look at the man running the show. What else do you expect from someone whose linguistic skills at age 70 are on par with a fifth-grade reading level...
For goodness' sake, America: look at the man running the show. What else do you expect from someone whose linguistic skills at age 70 are on par with a fifth-grade reading level...
21
Is he a traitor to his country?
10
Yes and so is Trump. Impeach!
4
Flynn was fired for lying to Pence? C'mon NYTimes, don't insult your readers. He was fired because the press learned about his sanctions discussions with the Russian ambassador. Had that not happened, he would still be the National Security Advisor.
25
@Sandra: "Flynn was fired for lying to Pence? C'mon NYTimes, don't insult your readers."
It says he was "forced out ... after revelations that" etc, not "fired for lying".
Let's not feel insulted when we weren't.
It says he was "forced out ... after revelations that" etc, not "fired for lying".
Let's not feel insulted when we weren't.
3
Drip drip drip: WHEN will we get put out of our misery and have an independent commission to investigate Flynn, Mannefort, Page, and everyone else (Trump???) who turns up with Russia connections? Thank God the New York Times and other press are unwavering in their courage and efforts to uncover all these covert twists and turns. Ultimately, though we crucially need one official entity to research all of this to its depths and issue a comprehensive report that hopefully leads to indictments.
33
The president may not be able to remember that Speaker Ryan's first name is Paul, not Ron. But someone at the White House out right refused a legitimate request by a House committee to turn over Flynn's personnel file. This stalling tactic leaves time to shred whatever the White House wants to hide while Sean Spicer sputters excuses. Flynn has a story to tell, according to his attorney, Robert Kelner. I for one would love to hear it.
25
This is a cover up, pure and simple. The question is, of what? It is not simply Flynn's misdeeds and lying that are at issue, but
Either the Trump transition team failed to do due diligence or any serious vetting, and/or they are now obstructing justice by refusing to turn over any documents that Flynn submitted. Either the Trump team approved Flynn and granted him top security clearance without fully vetting him, or they did so knowing he was unworthy of selection but appointed him anyway, simply out of hubris and arrogance, because all they were concerned about was pleading their boss and giving Trump what he wanted.
Either the Trump transition team failed to do due diligence or any serious vetting, and/or they are now obstructing justice by refusing to turn over any documents that Flynn submitted. Either the Trump team approved Flynn and granted him top security clearance without fully vetting him, or they did so knowing he was unworthy of selection but appointed him anyway, simply out of hubris and arrogance, because all they were concerned about was pleading their boss and giving Trump what he wanted.
23
Sorry, Flynn was a 3-star. He had over 30 years of service. He was an MI officer. He was the DIA. He knew very well what he was doing with his SF-86. He didn't 'forget' anything. He's lying and so is the White House. Lock him up.
50
Rep.Chaffetz gave me a pleasent surprise. Finally one Republican congressman put the interest of his country above the interest of his party which is very rare in Washington DC. The investigative journalists are fin ding out so many crimes committed by Flynn and Carter Page. Why FBI and CIA are unaware of their collusion or may be treasonous activities involving Russia? Why IRS has no idea of these illegal and under the table financial transaction? I can not forget his slogan against Hillary ----lock her up. Poetic justice. People do not have that much trust on FBI that they will do real investigation against Trump Team. People have very little faith on Senate or House investigation headed by Republican Chairmen in this hyper partisan era.
9
Perhaps you are not fully in touch with the fact that we have not had a functioning government for over 8 years.
3
Well, for most of 8 years, and all due to the Rs in congress.
16
Chaffetz is not running for reelection. Hmmmmm. I wonder why?
Everyone please cut Flynn and Trump some slack. Remember they are rich white guys so this is not like they are black or a woman. This is different.
19
This is the same man, who was chanting “Lock her up, lock her up” during the election campaign, when he knew that he was an unregistered, paid foreign agent in violation of the law? The chutzpah of Mike Flynn is beyond the pale.
More distressingly, President Trump promised us extreme vetting of visitors, immigrants and refugees trying to enter this country, but he couldn’t perform a perfunctory screening of a person entering the White House in one of the most highly sensitive roles as national security adviser?
The Republicans conducted seven different investigations into Benghazi and are dragging their feet on what could possibly be a case of treason involving collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Flynn is just the tip of the iceberg but at least he will get what is coming to him. It’s high time the Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of the entire sordid Russia scandal.
More distressingly, President Trump promised us extreme vetting of visitors, immigrants and refugees trying to enter this country, but he couldn’t perform a perfunctory screening of a person entering the White House in one of the most highly sensitive roles as national security adviser?
The Republicans conducted seven different investigations into Benghazi and are dragging their feet on what could possibly be a case of treason involving collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Flynn is just the tip of the iceberg but at least he will get what is coming to him. It’s high time the Justice Department appointed a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of the entire sordid Russia scandal.
35
No chance of that with the corrupt attorney general in place.
1
Of all the talk of extreme vetting of refugees and immigrants, the Trump administration certainly didn't apply that to itself. Where was the extreme vetting of Gen. Flynn? Where was the concern for our national security then?
21
Not disclosing money from Russia, not releasing tax returns, not providing information requested, constant lying and stalling.
Does that sound like an administration that has nothing to hide? It's practically an admission of colluding with Russia.
Start the impeachment process.
Does that sound like an administration that has nothing to hide? It's practically an admission of colluding with Russia.
Start the impeachment process.
42
Chaffetz: "Ugh. Too much evidence. Nunes down. My best bet will be to get out now, look like an upstanding family man then run for Governor after this blows over or he's impeached."
17
Whatever his motives there is something to admire even if it's just his cleverness.
3
Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.
General Douglas MacArthur
10
Will Democrats persue this issue in their 2018 campaigns?
I sure hope they will.
I sure hope they will.
20
Why should they wait?
7
In the 90's a Republican-controlled House of Representatives, aggressively investigated alleged misconduct by the Clinton administration and logged 140 hours of sworn testimony into whether former president Bill Clinton had used the White House Christmas card list.
Trump is suspected of colluding with the Russians and what is the Republican Congress really doing? Nothing. Biding their time in total obfuscation.
The hypocrisy of the Republican Party is clear, but how can they aid and abet potential acts of treason and stand idly by merely spinning their wheels? If Trump is guilty of treason, then so are the Republican leaders who cover it over.
Trump is suspected of colluding with the Russians and what is the Republican Congress really doing? Nothing. Biding their time in total obfuscation.
The hypocrisy of the Republican Party is clear, but how can they aid and abet potential acts of treason and stand idly by merely spinning their wheels? If Trump is guilty of treason, then so are the Republican leaders who cover it over.
53
Its not the party Chris, it's General Flynn.
3
Remember when Michael Flynn said he had a story to tell and would happily tell his tale in exchange for immunity from prosecution? Well it looks like the government won't need his testimony in order to convict him of a serious federal crime. Thereafter, Flynn had better have a very good story to tell, or he'll be the one getting locked up.
18
Just another alligator in the swamp trying to devour the American people and their great country. Are any of these obnoxious swamp rats going to be charged with malfeasance, treason, perjury, or whatever else they're doing? Any double agents anywhere? Anyone competent to speak for the American people?
Are you yet displaying your flag at half staff or upside down?
Are you yet displaying your flag at half staff or upside down?
13
What great country??? You surely aren't referring to the USA?
3
So Hillary and her private email server was potentially impeachable if she had been elected?
No, No, what we have here, 45 POTUS and his crew, is, or, will be a textbook in how a president gets impeached. This will take a while, as FBI director, James Comey had said, 2-3 yrs.
No, No, what we have here, 45 POTUS and his crew, is, or, will be a textbook in how a president gets impeached. This will take a while, as FBI director, James Comey had said, 2-3 yrs.
20
This feels likea setup. Of course there's a perfectly poised foil guy. As Trump decries all things Russia, we have a modern-day Oliver North poised to testify and be the fall guy for an utterly culpable administration.
9
Totally. And a bunch of hysterical liberals acting like he's the big kahuna. Not.
I wonder if, during the vetting process, anyone bothered to look at Mr. Flynn's tax returns. I would assume that a $500,000 payment from Turkey would have been recorded as a line item source of income. You would think that if it was, it might stand out. It is, after all, a rather large number. I wonder how this incriminating income was referred to on the forms he submitted? We may never know. This administration is not big on sharing tax returns. Too bad, tax fraud is a charge that can bring down a regime. Just ask Al Capone.
29
“As a former military officer, you simply cannot take money from Russia, Turkey or anybody else,” Mr. Chaffetz said.
Let’s assume that Mr. Chaffetz is not attacking the time-honored practice of top Pentagon brass double dipping after retirement, but that he’s targeting brass working for a foreign power.
The Constitution’s emolument clause seems to refer to officials in the employ of the government, not those who are retired. We readers need more background here. Would a government pension disallow Mr. Flynn’s work for a foreign nation? Are there Pentagon rules that we don’t know about? If so, has the constitutionality of these rules ever been tested?
Let’s assume that Mr. Chaffetz is not attacking the time-honored practice of top Pentagon brass double dipping after retirement, but that he’s targeting brass working for a foreign power.
The Constitution’s emolument clause seems to refer to officials in the employ of the government, not those who are retired. We readers need more background here. Would a government pension disallow Mr. Flynn’s work for a foreign nation? Are there Pentagon rules that we don’t know about? If so, has the constitutionality of these rules ever been tested?
5
Trump blinded the federal government from investigating him and his circle.
This is why Trump fired all the deputy attorneys general and AG Jeff Sessions hasn't replaced them.
This is why Trump fired all the deputy attorneys general and AG Jeff Sessions hasn't replaced them.
10
"May have broken the law." May have??
How is lying to Congress, and the American people NOT breaking the law?
Prosecute.
Consider prosecuting Sessions,, he lied also.
Lots of selective memories, a pattern.
How is lying to Congress, and the American people NOT breaking the law?
Prosecute.
Consider prosecuting Sessions,, he lied also.
Lots of selective memories, a pattern.
20
Excuse me, but we have a President who discloses NOTHING.
11
He's required to report such dealings in his security clearance SF86. Knowingly omitting such information is illegal. Period.
14
I listened to Sean Spicer's presser today. He was asked about l'affaire Flynn. His reply was basically, this whole Flynn thing was the Obama administrations fault. Sad, bad,
14
Let's make sure we don't forget that Mike Pence covered it up and then lied about it on national TV.
32
$10 says the buck on this matter stops elsewhere than Trump. He'll undoubtedly make sure of it.
4
A three star general should know better than take Russian money compromising himself from that foreign entity and then deliberately withhold that information which amounts to lying to obtain the position of the National Security Adviser making this country vulnerable for potential compromise bringing such shame to the uniform. Should we not shout loudly LOCK HIM UP?
25
As an American, I am appalled that a former military person of high regard can make such mistakes in judgement, not to mention, in the Whitehouse. This says everything about the current Trump administration. This country is flying by the seat of its pants. The damage is beyond belief.
19
To call them mistakes is wrong. They were intentional. You can't forget to report 500K.
3
One must question just how impartial and aggressive Nunez will be in pursuing the House investigation into the administration's ties to Russia and Trump's allegation that Obama wiretapped him now that we have definitive proof of misconduct. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
3
Unsurprisingly, this administration is being driven by greed; pure and simple.
13
OK, if they find he's broken the law, what are they going to do about it? Will he be arrested or tried?
9
Nothing will happen. Trump will create a distraction and the herd will bolt in another direction.
7
Flynn was a misjudgment from Trump.. this guy is a crook like his son. I stongly dislike and do not trust the Clinton but the pizza gate Flynn's so crated and his father vowed for was lower than the Clinton's themselves . which I think are capable of anything.
1
Any legislators stalling the investigation, and stonewalling the appointment of an independent prosecutor should be held liable. It is NO SECRET that serious crimes against our democracy have been committed.
No one who truly loves our country will rest until justice is served. And if anyone believes that We the People will let this slide, THINK AGAIN!
No one who truly loves our country will rest until justice is served. And if anyone believes that We the People will let this slide, THINK AGAIN!
24
corruption rampant in the home of the brave and.....
6
So much for Trump's bellowing of EXTREME VETTING during his campaign.
Flynn is extra despicable when I recall his ranting "lock her up" at campaign rallies.
I look forward to him (and others in the administration) being appropriately tried & punished. I can't think of a more deserving group to be held accountable for their actions.
Flynn is extra despicable when I recall his ranting "lock her up" at campaign rallies.
I look forward to him (and others in the administration) being appropriately tried & punished. I can't think of a more deserving group to be held accountable for their actions.
31
What about Kushner omissions?
22
Calamity better describes what happened to the Democratic party last November.
3
If this investigation keeps opening up that may start ringing a little hollow, Alan
2
Calamity happened to the average American.
3
I sense another set of cruise missiles will be launched soon...
22
When is receiving $500,000 from a foreign government to lobby federal officials, including the president, and purposely not disclosing it as required by law an ok thing to do. This is ridiculous. Flynn should be embarrassed about this and should not consider himself a patriot. He traded his military position and reputation that he had the privilege to earn in the US military for forty pieces of silver from a foreign government. So sad.
66
From remembering Flynn's behavior during the campaign, I can't believe an adult would behave like he did with the chants. Now, he first ought to be called on to testify; afterward, he ought to be informed about his immunity.
9
Two different rulebooks here.
4
I wonder how well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and under whose untoward influence he might have been operating while in that position?
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
What is outlandish is Spicer's statement. If he is the voice of the President I hope he gets indicted with Trump. I can't believe how ignorant they show the American public to be. The reason the NSA contacts, all of them, should be documented, and tracked, by other independent government agencies, is so someone like Flynn does not do what Flynn has done, or greater acts of treason. I know Spicer knows this, and it is a simple enough concept that even Trump could grasp it, with some explaining. But, the disgust they have for the American public, and the confidence they have that the will never go to prison for their treason is sickening. The FBI is compromised. The DOJ is compromised. The Supreme Court is compromised. The American Public realizes this. Pray economics for the masses don't rapidly decline. That will be a spark, then bang!
19
RICO, anyone? I understand Preet Bharara may be available to be special prosecutor and lead the investigation.
One wit said, "Once is an anomaly, twice coincidence, but three times is conspiracy."
One wit said, "Once is an anomaly, twice coincidence, but three times is conspiracy."
37
Something tells me Trump will simply pardon him. Sad
8
PERP WALK
"We do not need a reckless president who believes she is above the law." - Flynn at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Well Mr. Flynn, we don't need a reckless National Security Adviser who thinks he is above the law. Treason/tax evasion/money laundering...take your pick.....YOU, MY FRIEND, ARE GOING TO JAIL.
You may get a lighter sentence if you cooperate and help us take down some more corrupt bigger fish in this embattled administration. And what about your covert talks with Turkey? You are going to get a hold and deliver Gulen for his role in the failed coup - despite no supporting evidence and sepitethe fact he is here legally in our country. WOW!
I can't wait to watch The Perp Walk as they parade you in handcuffs into a waiting police car. WHO'S NEXT?
"We do not need a reckless president who believes she is above the law." - Flynn at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Well Mr. Flynn, we don't need a reckless National Security Adviser who thinks he is above the law. Treason/tax evasion/money laundering...take your pick.....YOU, MY FRIEND, ARE GOING TO JAIL.
You may get a lighter sentence if you cooperate and help us take down some more corrupt bigger fish in this embattled administration. And what about your covert talks with Turkey? You are going to get a hold and deliver Gulen for his role in the failed coup - despite no supporting evidence and sepitethe fact he is here legally in our country. WOW!
I can't wait to watch The Perp Walk as they parade you in handcuffs into a waiting police car. WHO'S NEXT?
39
Asking an official to produce call and contact records isn't "outlandish."
It's normal for upper management to keep such records in business and government. Producing them is simple, if legally painful.
It's normal for upper management to keep such records in business and government. Producing them is simple, if legally painful.
17
Waiting for those Congressional investigations. Investigations coming any minute now, right away, real soon now. Right after they finish up investigation #8 or #9 on Hillary's email server. Trump and his cronies (perhaps accomplices is a better term), and the Republicans in Congress may be the most hypocritically corrupt politicians of the modern era. How much will it take before we get action from this Congress of 'see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil' self servers or they are swept out in a general House cleaning?
34
May be?
3
This is serious because Flynn would know the rules better than the rest of us. As an officer, he should not have accepted these payments, because he could be recalled to active duty at anytime. His clearance level suggests that he and others around him were compromised.
74
For those who may not know...Flynn was McCystal's intell guy in Iraq under the operational name of "Relentless Strike"..located at Balad (sometimes also called LSA Anaconda). Their combined efforts at intel "fusion" was very successful with the first tier kill as Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The mission grew with the inclusion of the Nightstalkers (TF 160), Rangers, Delta and SEAL teams. Their efficiency was just outstanding...at both targeting and executing virtually hundreds of raids.
That said, Flynn now is looking at a serious UCMJ violation and a criminal conviction which no doubt will lead to jail time..assuming Trump does not "set him free". What a total disgrace to the men who looked up and followed in his example..and some are dead today...
I and many others only hope that justice does prevail and the sanctions are appropriate for the crime. So it goes...that money and or power can corrupt just about anyone. RH/Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Sudan, Uganda..US Army/05..nothing follows.
That said, Flynn now is looking at a serious UCMJ violation and a criminal conviction which no doubt will lead to jail time..assuming Trump does not "set him free". What a total disgrace to the men who looked up and followed in his example..and some are dead today...
I and many others only hope that justice does prevail and the sanctions are appropriate for the crime. So it goes...that money and or power can corrupt just about anyone. RH/Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Sudan, Uganda..US Army/05..nothing follows.
16
From admirable newsman Dan Rather, parts of which were on his Facebook page.
What did Mr. Trump know + when did he know it about Russian efforts to influence the U.S. Presidential election? The President + those around him are engaged in a furious fight to prevent the American people from knowing. What are they hiding? If, as they say, there’s nothing to hide, why are they working so hard to conceal what they know?
Republican led House and Senate investigations are–purposely or not– bogged down. While the FBI investigation (also led by a Republican) is said to be rigorous and far-reaching, who can say with certainty? We do know that the FBI was slow/unsteady at the start.
A truly independent, bi-partisan investigative special commission (with maybe a special prosecutor?) would seem to be a must, but so far there is no significant movement to establish one.
Given indications so far, the President appears to have plenty to hide in his tax returns. Again, if he has nothing to hide why is he fighting so hard to keep them secret? How much taxes he has paid (if any) is not the most important part of this. More important is finding out how much he owes–how much he is in debt to–other people, who they are and where they are (foreigners, foreign powers?)
What did Mr. Trump know + when did he know it about Russian efforts to influence the U.S. Presidential election? The President + those around him are engaged in a furious fight to prevent the American people from knowing. What are they hiding? If, as they say, there’s nothing to hide, why are they working so hard to conceal what they know?
Republican led House and Senate investigations are–purposely or not– bogged down. While the FBI investigation (also led by a Republican) is said to be rigorous and far-reaching, who can say with certainty? We do know that the FBI was slow/unsteady at the start.
A truly independent, bi-partisan investigative special commission (with maybe a special prosecutor?) would seem to be a must, but so far there is no significant movement to establish one.
Given indications so far, the President appears to have plenty to hide in his tax returns. Again, if he has nothing to hide why is he fighting so hard to keep them secret? How much taxes he has paid (if any) is not the most important part of this. More important is finding out how much he owes–how much he is in debt to–other people, who they are and where they are (foreigners, foreign powers?)
23
If there is any justice the video of Mr. Flynn chanting "Lock her up" will be shown at his sentencing hearing ... and out of his own mouth, as sauce for the gander, he'll get locked up.
33
Flynn reminds me of Oliver North...he as the same scrubbed hard looks, and dead eyes.
28
The continual contempt for traditions, transparency, treaties and treasured partnerships of this administration has been trying at best, but the total contempt of its laws is not acceptable, especially if you expect our citizens to respect and uphold our laws. Do oaths/vows mean anything? What would happen if all of us were to so flagrantly disobey traffic laws, let alone laws protecting our democracy from foreign entanglements and possible black mail? How can anyone trust this "so-called" president and administration about anything? They have only followed through for their big donors in deregulating for them to profit. Everything else has been a sham. Grace is definitely needed for all of us to await justice to be won.
23
And all this earned income from foreign sources were dutifully reported to the IRS, yes?
26
Okay, so what are the sanctions? A law - any law - is totally meaningless unless there are SANCTIONS (penalties, fines, prison)
12
In Managing Scandal 101, scandlers are taught to hoodwink scandlees by apologizing, hiring a legal firm to perform an investigation, tossing a scapegoat or two under the bus and if necessary getting Kenneth Feinberg to administer a restitution fund. Then the scandlers move on, even talking about moving on, maybe about reinventing themselves.
The Trump Administration and the GOP are operating at graduate level Managing Scandals - it is a 400 level course at the very least. It involves bold, bald face lying rather than simple spin, a Congressional investigation, no apology, and no restitution fund. But the scapegoat part stays. Flynn wins the goat award, and he
has the tire treads to show for it. No one feels really bad for him, because he earned it, but he is hardly the only person involved or the principal person involved. Yet he has will get the Golden Tread award on this one.
Oh, the hope-filled desire to just move on, hope the public forgets about it or is distracted by something else soon? That part remains.
The Trump Administration and the GOP are operating at graduate level Managing Scandals - it is a 400 level course at the very least. It involves bold, bald face lying rather than simple spin, a Congressional investigation, no apology, and no restitution fund. But the scapegoat part stays. Flynn wins the goat award, and he
has the tire treads to show for it. No one feels really bad for him, because he earned it, but he is hardly the only person involved or the principal person involved. Yet he has will get the Golden Tread award on this one.
Oh, the hope-filled desire to just move on, hope the public forgets about it or is distracted by something else soon? That part remains.
15
We need a running list or a wiki, or....something tht accurately lists all the failures, the mendacity, corruption and obstructions of the Trump administration. A Tumblr, perhaps.
History will eventually have an inventory Why wait ? Might lose track or skip over things. Don't want tht to happen.
History will eventually have an inventory Why wait ? Might lose track or skip over things. Don't want tht to happen.
13
I feel that I am living in a lawless country right now. More and more lies, conflicts of interest, nepotism and insider deals are showing up every day. While the House Benghazi committee had more than 40 investigators, the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating the Russian influence, apparently has no paid staff or investigators right now. We keep being told that there is a lot going on behind the scenes, but if there is nobody investigating, where are the results supposed to be coming from? Sitting on a committee does not an investigator make.
42
It's hard to believe that the man who was closest to Donald Trump through the whole campaign, and was by his side virtually more than anyone other than Trump's children, that Trump was completely unaware of Flynn complicity with Russia, Turkey and other foreign countries.
What Trump needs to do rather than stonewall the House oversight committee is turn over all of the documents requested or else this may need to go to a prosecutor of select committee that has judicial subpoena power.
The Trump Whitehouse is starting to remind me a lot of the Nixon Whitehouse hunkering down during Watergate.
It's not much different when Nixon said during Watergate, "People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got." and now, it seems history is repeating itself.
Let's hear Mike Flynn say: "Lock Me Up!". you what they say about Karma.....it can really come back to bite you.
What Trump needs to do rather than stonewall the House oversight committee is turn over all of the documents requested or else this may need to go to a prosecutor of select committee that has judicial subpoena power.
The Trump Whitehouse is starting to remind me a lot of the Nixon Whitehouse hunkering down during Watergate.
It's not much different when Nixon said during Watergate, "People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got." and now, it seems history is repeating itself.
Let's hear Mike Flynn say: "Lock Me Up!". you what they say about Karma.....it can really come back to bite you.
20
The article should explain why Chaffetz and Cummings do not feel it is necessary to have Flynn testify before the Oversight Committee. Is it enough to have him investigated by the Pentagon - can the Pentagon be impartial? Is the House Intelligence Committee up to the task? We already know they've suffered from a pathetic lack of leadership. Who decides if Flynn broke the law? If it is determined he broke the law, who sentences him?
45
Many are assuming that immunity is the only way he would testify. If they have him dead to rights, they may not wish to grant him immunity. They can get the same testimony with a plea deal--10 years instead of life.
2
You would think that, if you were paid $500,000 to work for Turkey, you'd have remembered it on the form! Then again, didn't Steve Mnuchin forget to report $95 million on his financial disclosure return for Secretary of the Treasury? Oh yes, and Jared Kushner forgot the meeting he had with Russian bankers, especially that one that the US has sanctions against. Too busy off skiing with Ivanka to deal with those tedious forms probably. Anyway, who's going to enforce the rules from within the White House? They're not into records-keeping or disclosure - what's all the fuss about, anyway? As long as it keeps up Spicey's ratings, keep 'em guessing! Amazing ratings!
25
Flynn’s illegal dealings with the Russians Sessions perjury about Russian contacts- these are just the tip of the iceberg. Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Roy Tillerson, Wilbur Ross...it is no coincidence that so many of Trump's chosen inner circle have such strong links to Russia. The Russian investors, likely under Putin's orders, bailed Trump out when no other investors would touch him.
We must continue to investigate Trump's financial ties to the Russian's and Putin via the Bank of Cyprus, Deutsche Bank, Russian investors in his property. Not only is conflict of interest a key issue with respect to Trump’s personal finances and his tax proposals, but our national security is also at stake. Trump’s adamant refusal to release his tax returns is potentially admitting that he is guilty of treason by collusion with foreign powers for political purposes.
Since the cowardly, self-serving Republican Congress will never touch Trump, we must depend on latter day Woodward/Bernstein investigative journalists to follow the money..it is the pheromone that has always guided Trump's behavior.
We must continue to investigate Trump's financial ties to the Russian's and Putin via the Bank of Cyprus, Deutsche Bank, Russian investors in his property. Not only is conflict of interest a key issue with respect to Trump’s personal finances and his tax proposals, but our national security is also at stake. Trump’s adamant refusal to release his tax returns is potentially admitting that he is guilty of treason by collusion with foreign powers for political purposes.
Since the cowardly, self-serving Republican Congress will never touch Trump, we must depend on latter day Woodward/Bernstein investigative journalists to follow the money..it is the pheromone that has always guided Trump's behavior.
24
No funding for the wall
A judge has blocked the latest DJT EO on sanctuary cites
There is a government budget and possible shutdown looming
And flynn is in (very) possible violation of federal law
And that is just this week....and it's Tuesday!
This administration is corrupt and incompetent. C'mon 2018 midterms!
The GOP simply cannot govern this nation. Time to elect grownups
A judge has blocked the latest DJT EO on sanctuary cites
There is a government budget and possible shutdown looming
And flynn is in (very) possible violation of federal law
And that is just this week....and it's Tuesday!
This administration is corrupt and incompetent. C'mon 2018 midterms!
The GOP simply cannot govern this nation. Time to elect grownups
24
The Trump Whitehouse is starting to remind me a lot of the Nixon Whitehouse hunkering down during Watergate.
It's not much different when Nixon said during Watergate, "People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got." and now, it seems history is repeating itself.
In Trump's case, not only do the people need to know whether this President is a crook or not, but they also need to know if he's been compromised by the Russians.
Instead of Trump being forthright, by releasing all of his tax returns and investment records for the last 25 years to show he has no ties, conflicts of interest or indebtedness to Russian Oligarchs or Chinese banks, and prove he has nothing to hide, he's been acting like a sleazy guilty man with everything to hide.
Something smells in Washington and it's not coming from the swamp, this time the smell is coming from the Trump Whitehouse
It's not much different when Nixon said during Watergate, "People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got." and now, it seems history is repeating itself.
In Trump's case, not only do the people need to know whether this President is a crook or not, but they also need to know if he's been compromised by the Russians.
Instead of Trump being forthright, by releasing all of his tax returns and investment records for the last 25 years to show he has no ties, conflicts of interest or indebtedness to Russian Oligarchs or Chinese banks, and prove he has nothing to hide, he's been acting like a sleazy guilty man with everything to hide.
Something smells in Washington and it's not coming from the swamp, this time the smell is coming from the Trump Whitehouse
19
The reason the WH isn't going to turn over the information they have on the hiring of Mike Flynn as NSA is probably because they know that information would show they were aware of his shady deals, and the WH doesn't want to look like they knowingly hired a security risk.
If Congress wants those records, they are probably going to have to subpoena them. Let's see if Chaffetz, with no voters to worry about, will be just as diligent in this case as he was unreasonable about Clinton's emails and Benghazi.
That is the real test...can he serve the people, or will he continue as a partisan hack?
If Congress wants those records, they are probably going to have to subpoena them. Let's see if Chaffetz, with no voters to worry about, will be just as diligent in this case as he was unreasonable about Clinton's emails and Benghazi.
That is the real test...can he serve the people, or will he continue as a partisan hack?
22
The Federal government funds the presidential transition with at least $7 million.
Therefore, the records of the transition are Federal records.
Congress should subpoena all records relating to Flynn, including his vetting records, and any records he generated.
Therefore, the records of the transition are Federal records.
Congress should subpoena all records relating to Flynn, including his vetting records, and any records he generated.
11
Sadly, it seems to be par for the Trumpian Crony Course. All we can hope for is that there will be enough people in the House and Senate who remember that part of their job is vigilance.
6
This is ridiculous!
Per Sunday's NYT article on Comey, Republicans
were calling for a "Special Prosecutor" to find
out why Bill Clinton spoke to Loretta Lynch
aboard her plane in Phoenix?
Russian interference in our election struck
at the heart of our democracy, and is more of
a reason than this nation has ever had to
appoint "Special Prosecutor" and yet we still
don't have one.
Republicans have been obfuscating and wasting
time at every turn, instead of finding out exactly
what happened, and how to prevent it from
happening again before our 2018 elections.
Per Sunday's NYT article on Comey, Republicans
were calling for a "Special Prosecutor" to find
out why Bill Clinton spoke to Loretta Lynch
aboard her plane in Phoenix?
Russian interference in our election struck
at the heart of our democracy, and is more of
a reason than this nation has ever had to
appoint "Special Prosecutor" and yet we still
don't have one.
Republicans have been obfuscating and wasting
time at every turn, instead of finding out exactly
what happened, and how to prevent it from
happening again before our 2018 elections.
31
As a retired military officer who still holds clearances for my post-DoD work, I know that I'm obligated to report to the USG through my employer even the most casual contact with persons who represent the governments of other countries, and without fail any/all travel abroad (even to Canada) or continuing contact with citizens of a foreign country (even old family friends in Switzerland or Germany). Much as I admire LTG Flynn for his accomplishments while on active duty, it would be a high hurdle for me to accept any excuse that "he did not know" what he was required to do as a recent retiree from active service.
33
what accomplishments? two decade long stale mate wars are nothing to be proud of. Lock him up.
So it appears we now have a US Government that is unable to offer itself to the open scrutiny that democracy requires. As always, transparency offers no danger to those with nothing to fear. The ties (perceived or otherwise) between the Trump administration and foreign powers will continue to erode America's global standing until they are either dis-proven (but that won't happen if facts (alternative or otherwise)) are with-held, or the links are outed (fake or otherwise), and those who have played in the wrong sand pit are sent to the naughty corner. Little wonder that Orwell's 1984 has made a revival into the US curricular system. The impeachment sharks will be circling in earnest, as they democratically should be.
14
So Flynn seems to be actually a spy or at least an agent for Russia. Who became National Security Advisor and passed a clearance investigation. He sat next to Putin in the Kremlin in Dec 2015 at a state dinner. Also in attendance, Jill Stein. Later, the current AG met at the Republican Convention with the Russian Ambassador and later with him privately. Of course he is now the FBI Director's boss, And lets not fail to mention the Russian Ambassador's visit to Trump Tower in Dec. 2016. I openly hope that the US military brass aren't fooled by Trump's proposal to increase the Defense Budget. They may be the last line of defense against an administration of traitors. Now we can see why Chaffetz is bailing.
This is not Watergate. It's a grave national emergency.
This is not Watergate. It's a grave national emergency.
21
Good grief. The Emoluments Clause again.
http://ogc.osd.mil/defense_ethics/resource_library/pgser_senior.pdf
RULE: The Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits retired military personnel and reservists from receiving pay from Foreign Governments without Congressional authorization. This may extend to receipt of pay from a U.S. contractor or subcontractor for providing services to a Foreign Government and profit sharing at any commercial firm or business. In 37 U.S.C. § 908, Congress authorizes the Secretary of State and Secretary of the appropriate Military Department to approve such receipt of pay. Each Military Service has implementing procedures for the approval process. The penalty for violating the Emoluments Clause is suspension of retired military pay during the period of the violation.
Foreign Governments may include educational and commercial entities that are substantially owned or controlled by foreign governments.
http://ogc.osd.mil/defense_ethics/resource_library/pgser_senior.pdf
RULE: The Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits retired military personnel and reservists from receiving pay from Foreign Governments without Congressional authorization. This may extend to receipt of pay from a U.S. contractor or subcontractor for providing services to a Foreign Government and profit sharing at any commercial firm or business. In 37 U.S.C. § 908, Congress authorizes the Secretary of State and Secretary of the appropriate Military Department to approve such receipt of pay. Each Military Service has implementing procedures for the approval process. The penalty for violating the Emoluments Clause is suspension of retired military pay during the period of the violation.
Foreign Governments may include educational and commercial entities that are substantially owned or controlled by foreign governments.
12
There's still an awful lot of smoke surrounding the entire Trump administration regarding Russia connections. The missile attack on Syria kind of took the story off the headlines, but it's nice to see that investigations continue. I think there's still a lot to this story that has not been told, and if Trump and his cohorts have anything to do with it, may never be told.
7
It's our own Jason Chaffetz, vacillating from one side to the other. We have no idea whose side he's going to take when criminal activity is suspected. There's a lot of talk about investigation of wrongdoing but no one is doing anything except people at the grass roots level.
3
During today's White House press conference, Scott Spicer was asked about whether Mr Flynn had been properly vetted prior to his appointment by the Trump administration. Mr. Spicer answered that Flynn had filled out the forms.
Every time Mr. Spicer claims that the President or members of his administration have been "very clear" I yearn for some member of the White House Press Corps, or perhaps all of them to say...not That Again.
Every time Mr. Spicer claims that the President or members of his administration have been "very clear" I yearn for some member of the White House Press Corps, or perhaps all of them to say...not That Again.
6
Chaffetz, who tormented Hillary over Benghazi, isn't running again. Now he wants to rejoin Mormon civil society by doing his job. Maybe it's like canvas underwear, uncomfortable and humbling.
7
Sweet. It's like a glacier, painfully slow, and carving up everything in front of it.
10
I just heard on the CBS evening news that Flynn could end up in prison for this. I hope that if that happens Hillary will pay him a very nice, long visit.
17
As a country, we are better than all of this. Impeach.
16
Flynn will be the sacrificial lamb. The WH will pile the blame on him for everything, but he already has immunity so the GOP will not suffer any remorse. Watch Flynn take responsibility for the whole Russian debacle. He'll probably earn a nice retirement castle as payment. Taking one for the team will be well rewarded.
6
Lynne
He ASKED for immunity.
Nobody gave him immunity yet. Not the House, not the Senate, and not the FBI.
He ASKED for immunity.
Nobody gave him immunity yet. Not the House, not the Senate, and not the FBI.
2
Look to history. They cannot burn all the books, can they?
5
If Flynn committed a felony, then send a subpoena to the White House. Make haste!
16
“In short, the White House has refused to provide this committee with a single piece of paper in response to our bipartisan request, and that is unacceptable,” Mr. Cummings said.
Mr. Chaffetz said he did not think it would be necessary to subpoena the documents, calling the administration “cooperative” so far.
Cooperative??? Alternative facts just keep getting better and better.
Mr. Chaffetz said he did not think it would be necessary to subpoena the documents, calling the administration “cooperative” so far.
Cooperative??? Alternative facts just keep getting better and better.
17
So they are throwing Flynn under the bus. Apparently this cabal (executive plus republican congress) thinks they can deflect and blame by making this human sacrifice. I wonder what Flynn gets.
NY Times, keep your eye on investigation in Russia electing trump government.
NY Times, keep your eye on investigation in Russia electing trump government.
15
We're closing in on the first 100 days.
No matter how much they hate owning up, it's their deal. All three branches. Look what they've done.
Can't make this stuff up!
No matter how much they hate owning up, it's their deal. All three branches. Look what they've done.
Can't make this stuff up!
10
Ironically, Bill Clinton received $500,000 in speaking fees in Moscow in 2015. He is shown in the Times on Ap. 23 laughing with Putin.
We couldn't have gotten any president without Russian connections.
We couldn't have gotten any president without Russian connections.
There is no law against a former President doing such things. There is a law against retired generals doing such things.
Apparently, even a sitting President can own a hotel across the street from the White House, where foreign dignitaries can stay and give the President money.
Apparently, even a sitting President can own a hotel across the street from the White House, where foreign dignitaries can stay and give the President money.
5
Flynn belongs in the jail. With his former boss in the adjacent cell. They can sing love duets for the object of their affection, Putin!
10
Flynn "belatedly" filed the appropriate forms AFTER his short incumbancy as national security adviser.
On my Saturday morning golf games we often have a couple of side games/bets. If one of the players, or teams, find they are behind...they may "PRESS".
Any golfers wonder what would happen if you tried a "retroactive press"? You'd be run off the course.
On my Saturday morning golf games we often have a couple of side games/bets. If one of the players, or teams, find they are behind...they may "PRESS".
Any golfers wonder what would happen if you tried a "retroactive press"? You'd be run off the course.
3
So people dont cheat at golf? Just last Friday I observed the "winner" of a tournament move his ball in the rough.....
This one needs to be arrested immediately. Schumer and Pelosi need to call out the entire den of thieves for what they are. These people, including the head worm, have not completed the legal requirements for their positions.
The Dems and Bernie need to begin calling for their removal and internment awaiting trial.
The Dems and Bernie need to begin calling for their removal and internment awaiting trial.
13
The crime the administration is trying to cover up is called treason, and the treason doesn't stop with Flynn.
12
Talk about a bad couple of months, first he gets evicted from the Trump swamp now he may be on his way to prison. Maybe before all is said and done some of his swamp neighbors might be in line for prosecution also. Time to round up all the Trump thugs and put them somewhere that they can't harm humanity.
6
What does it take, for the media and for democrats, to boldly ever say that the Republicans 'BROKE LAW' instead o 'may have broken'? How much more clarity and information does one need?
And, when is the country going to speak of the 150 odd men killed in recent Afghanistan attack, asking for enquiries and commissions, yelling at the top of their voices... considering they did so for the 6 killed in Benghazi!
Republicans, where is your sense of shame and national outrage? Or do you just reserve that for Hillary Clinton?
And, when is the country going to speak of the 150 odd men killed in recent Afghanistan attack, asking for enquiries and commissions, yelling at the top of their voices... considering they did so for the 6 killed in Benghazi!
Republicans, where is your sense of shame and national outrage? Or do you just reserve that for Hillary Clinton?
7
Flynn didn't "mislead" VP Pence, he "lied" to VP Pence. Why are NYT columnists dismissive in using the correct verb. It's "lie" not "mislead".
9
What goes around ... Comes around. Remember Lock Her Up!
8
If Chaffetz and the rest of the committee don't hold Flynn accountable for this, they might as well just announce that national security advisers don't need to be vetted. The form and the interviews are useless if there are no consequences for lying. And yes, "not fully disclosing" is lying when everyone knows full disclosure is the point of the process.
8
The Trump administration is in the midst of a cover up and is obstructing justice right now. For this alone Trump should be impeached. They have lied about virtually everything at every juncture and opportunity and it is incumbent on every elected official to call them on it for our democracy's sake.
13
Why is "illegal" hardly even a speedbump these days?
We had a man in one of the most sensitive positions in the government who had taken money from a government that has not been a recent friend. What sort of precedent does this set if the White House shrugs and Flynn walks?
We had a man in one of the most sensitive positions in the government who had taken money from a government that has not been a recent friend. What sort of precedent does this set if the White House shrugs and Flynn walks?
22
Ah ... karma's a bitch, isn't it, Mr. Flynn?
I think it's time to lock you up.
I think it's time to lock you up.
8
First Trump parrots Reagan's trickle down tax plans; now he stonewalls an investigation like Nixon. I only hope he doesn't reach back to Hoover for his other economic inspirations.
4
Wasn't Mike Pence in charge of vetting Flynn? It's time to get serious and serve up some subpoenas before all evidence is compromised.
15
Does anyone actually care - Flynn is history. Just another example of the idiots who are in charge of our intelligence (because he was).
1
Yes, everybody cares, he most likely committed a horrible crime.
3
Horrible crime - like what? the guy is just another Washington sleaze trying to make a buck off his contacts. I doubt he gave Russia the atomic bomb or anything like that.
How come everyone is walking on eggshells with guy? A former three star general taking a massive amount of money from the Russian government? And then hides this fact? That's outright creepy.
Some how this is no big deal to the right but a harmless email server is crime of the century!
Some how this is no big deal to the right but a harmless email server is crime of the century!
15
To everybody saying "give him immunity so that....."
Nobody is ever given a deal, unless they've got a bargaining chip. That means ratting out somebody you want to convict more than them. In this case there's only one possibility: Trump.
It's really simple here folks. Does Flynn have something that will take Trump down? If so ... he gets a deal.
If not, it's do the time.
Nobody is ever given a deal, unless they've got a bargaining chip. That means ratting out somebody you want to convict more than them. In this case there's only one possibility: Trump.
It's really simple here folks. Does Flynn have something that will take Trump down? If so ... he gets a deal.
If not, it's do the time.
11
Does Spicer ever pass anything he says by anyone else before he speaks to the public? So requests to see all of Flynn's calls and contacts during the 3 1/2 weeks he was Nat Sec Adviser is "pretty outlandish," but analyzing everything Clinton did and said for years during the Benghazi and email investigations, just short of copies of her colonoscopies and pap smears is totally within reason in comparison. Even if you despise Clinton, you would have to admit that the hypocrisy here has taken on epic and blatant proportions. And it makes it seem as if there must be some awful skeletons the Trump Administration and the GOP are desperate to keep from falling out of the closet.
If there isn't, cooperate with the investigation and lets move on. There would have to be blatant misconduct or criminal activity to warrant impeachment, so at the very least we are stuck with Trump and the GOP in charge at least until the midterm elections. The federal government needs to operate, and the people's business needs to be prioritized. If each side spends the majority of it time, energy, and political capital investigating the other side to no end, we all lose.
If there isn't, cooperate with the investigation and lets move on. There would have to be blatant misconduct or criminal activity to warrant impeachment, so at the very least we are stuck with Trump and the GOP in charge at least until the midterm elections. The federal government needs to operate, and the people's business needs to be prioritized. If each side spends the majority of it time, energy, and political capital investigating the other side to no end, we all lose.
10
Are these documents paper or electronic? With Watergate, it was tapes. If these are paper documents, it feels like we're going backwards in time.
1
Documents? This story has nothing to do with documents. Are you reading the same story?
@ Southern Boy:
Maybe you missed the second paragraph:
"The troubling finding came after Representative Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah and chairman of the House oversight committee, and other lawmakers on the panel reviewed classified documents related to Mr. Flynn, including the form he filled out in January 2016 to renew his security clearance, known as a SF-86".
Maybe you missed the second paragraph:
"The troubling finding came after Representative Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah and chairman of the House oversight committee, and other lawmakers on the panel reviewed classified documents related to Mr. Flynn, including the form he filled out in January 2016 to renew his security clearance, known as a SF-86".
5
Electronic documents can be printed out.
1
It's obvious that Mr Flynn has no regard for government oversight,being part of it, or under its direction.
There is no part of me that can say " That's an honest mistake"
This seems to be a case of if you can't beat them join them.
Not the Russians but the Ruling Class.
There is no part of me that can say " That's an honest mistake"
This seems to be a case of if you can't beat them join them.
Not the Russians but the Ruling Class.
General Flynn broke the law by taking money from other governments and not disclosing that he had done so. The House Oversight Committee is investigating Flynn, as are the Pentagon and the House Intelligence Committee.
The House Oversight Committee has, in line with its own responsibilities and prerogatives, asked the White House to give it the pertinent information. If needed, the committee may issue a subpoena. White House Press Secretary Spicer has called the request "outlandish." The White House has refused to give the committee anything.
The White House believes it does not have to follow the law, uphold the Constitution, put the country first, or defer to the legislative branch. And the Russia cover-up continues.
The House Oversight Committee has, in line with its own responsibilities and prerogatives, asked the White House to give it the pertinent information. If needed, the committee may issue a subpoena. White House Press Secretary Spicer has called the request "outlandish." The White House has refused to give the committee anything.
The White House believes it does not have to follow the law, uphold the Constitution, put the country first, or defer to the legislative branch. And the Russia cover-up continues.
24
Robert
Flynn broke the law by taking money without authorization.
Then Flynn broke the law AGAIN by failing to 'fess up on his SF-86.
There are multiple violations here.
Flynn broke the law by taking money without authorization.
Then Flynn broke the law AGAIN by failing to 'fess up on his SF-86.
There are multiple violations here.
1
Flynn "may have" broken the law-no kidding. I'm only left wondering how many others in the new regime were/are on the Russian payroll--including Trump himself.
23
I find it hard to believe that Trump was not aware of Flynn's dealings when he was brought in to the fold .
Isn't it a little suspicious that so many of Trump's " advisors " or whatever you call them are Russian related ? Come on . Not a coincidence if you ask me.
Trump is not stupid and has a reputation for being in total control . I believe he knew everything . Whether or not we will find out the truth about Trump is another story entirely . I very much hope we do . A traitor being our President , if indeed he is , is a disgrace if he remains in the White House .
As Trump would say " Let's see what happens ".
Isn't it a little suspicious that so many of Trump's " advisors " or whatever you call them are Russian related ? Come on . Not a coincidence if you ask me.
Trump is not stupid and has a reputation for being in total control . I believe he knew everything . Whether or not we will find out the truth about Trump is another story entirely . I very much hope we do . A traitor being our President , if indeed he is , is a disgrace if he remains in the White House .
As Trump would say " Let's see what happens ".
30
Just how much does/did owe Russian oligarchs?
1
Democrats should focus on getting a majority in the US House of Representatives, which means a Democrat as Speaker of the House - second in line to the presidency after the vice president. Then impeach both Trump and Pence and get these traitors out of the White House.
25
It was pretty obvious that Flynn "might" have broken the law the minute he was appointed if not before. I am glad the investigators are coming to agree with the reporters and the rest of us.
As for the "Lock her up" chants and his son's spreading the rumor that Hillary had a child sex ring in a pizza restaurant -- it probably isn't illegal, but it certainly is immoral e.g. "Thou shalt not bear false witness". I bet he claims to be a Christian. Guess that particular behavior will have to be between him and his maker and everyone else who meets him for the rest of his life. Who could ever trust the truth of what he says after that egregious piece of false witnessing.
As for the "Lock her up" chants and his son's spreading the rumor that Hillary had a child sex ring in a pizza restaurant -- it probably isn't illegal, but it certainly is immoral e.g. "Thou shalt not bear false witness". I bet he claims to be a Christian. Guess that particular behavior will have to be between him and his maker and everyone else who meets him for the rest of his life. Who could ever trust the truth of what he says after that egregious piece of false witnessing.
16
So, by refusing to provide documents to Congress, Trump apparently is content to make himself an accessory after-the-fact to Flynn's treasonous behaviour? Why do I suspect responsive documents might reveal a great deal more about Trump's foreign dealings, which in turn would lead to yet broader requests by committees investigating Russian involvement in the election?
33
Give him immunity; we want to take this all the way to the top -- where the buck stops.
12
Someone definitely has to flip him.
2
I'm an atheist but God, help us! We're on the verge of a nuclear incident, environmental disaster, and moral collapse. His daughter's out there telling the world he's a family man. He sons are beyond reclamation to standard mental health. I can't blame the daughter for not seeing her father's serious mental illness. I can't blame any of them for that matter. Personality disorders, unlike other mental illnesses, are easily masked by money. No one is going to call a rich guy crazy if they stand to benefit from both his craziness and wealth. Delusions can also be shared by family members. It is called Folie à deux and has other manifestations. We are really in a very very bad time because the media coverage of this patient-in-waiting is like he's actually the President. He should be resisted in every thing he does, even the good, because it will only reinforce his delusion that he's president, as well as everyone around him. I'm very sad for all of us that a sociopath made it this far. Sad for the suffering of the poor people who voted for him that their voices were not heard by HRC. Bernie heard them. It was supposed to be Bernie's time but people were afraid--of what? universal college education and healthcare. Clean water and air. Human rights for all regardless of sexual preference, race, color creed. I hate to say it but what it boils down to is religion, especially this bible-beating christianity in this country but all of it. It's too tribal, violent
25
The moral collapse has already occurred.
1
The key words again as in so many articles are "May have broken the law" with the emphasis on May. Either he did or he didn't. When will we know if he did? And, if he did, what will be the punishment? I'm afraid that Lou Holtz's maxim will apply again: "When all is said and done, more is said than done."
7
Impeach the executive; lock up the others. That is, unless tax returns and other documents are released to show transparency and the others stop their own obfuscation and lying.
Flynn needs to pay the price of hypocrisy and blatant breaking of federal laws.
Flynn needs to pay the price of hypocrisy and blatant breaking of federal laws.
18
Fine, but many Americans are even more concerned with the President's failures to comply with laws and procedures related to taking that high office and keeping it above reproach. We want to see those tax returns, business divestiture and/or true blind trusts, etc. We can't know what the USA is at risk for without full disclosure. Even the visitor's registry to the WH an Mar-a-Lago are secret. And the Republicans just sit on their hands and look the other way.
27
@Mary Ann, Trump is under no legal oboigation to release his tax returns. He has broken no laws. Thank you.
@Southern Boy:
"If I decide to run for office, I'll produce my tax returns, absolutely. I would love to do that." - Donald Trump, May 20th, 2014.
You can't trust anything Trump says.
"If I decide to run for office, I'll produce my tax returns, absolutely. I would love to do that." - Donald Trump, May 20th, 2014.
You can't trust anything Trump says.
7
Southern Boy: Trump agreed to pay a 1 M$ fine to New York State, for breaking its laws.
When you voluntarily pay a speeding ticket or even a parking ticket, you plead guilty. The state does not collect fines unless you plead guilty or are convicted.
So yes, Trump has broken laws. And any reasonable person sees that despite the persiflage of "no admission of guilt" the payment of something like 60 cents on the dollar to those defrauded by "Trump University" was not something Trump would do if he thought he had any chance in court. You do remember Mr. Trump's claims to the effect that he never settles lawsuits?
You are right however, that at the moment, there is no legal obligation to release his tax returns.
But the fact that he won't, given his scammy (and scummy) business practices and his perpetual lying ... draws everyone with a brain to the conclusion he has a lot to hide.
When you voluntarily pay a speeding ticket or even a parking ticket, you plead guilty. The state does not collect fines unless you plead guilty or are convicted.
So yes, Trump has broken laws. And any reasonable person sees that despite the persiflage of "no admission of guilt" the payment of something like 60 cents on the dollar to those defrauded by "Trump University" was not something Trump would do if he thought he had any chance in court. You do remember Mr. Trump's claims to the effect that he never settles lawsuits?
You are right however, that at the moment, there is no legal obligation to release his tax returns.
But the fact that he won't, given his scammy (and scummy) business practices and his perpetual lying ... draws everyone with a brain to the conclusion he has a lot to hide.
5
The White House is desperately trying to block the Russia probes from completing their investigations thoroughly. It's called obstruction of justice. Total hypocrisy from Republicans who keep trying to shield Team Trump from any meaningful inquiries.,,
"May have broken the law". That translates to "we haven't found anything yet". If a team of lawyers studying in detail what you did and can't say for certain a law was broke, I don't really know how Flynn was suppose to know it was illegal.
For as long as Jefferson Sessions is Attorney General, we can expect an utter disregard for the rule of law in the US.
The Alabamian was appointed based on his fealty to Trump -two broken legs of a broken stool (Gorsuch completes the triad.) Nothing good, nothing just will come out of this.
The Alabamian was appointed based on his fealty to Trump -two broken legs of a broken stool (Gorsuch completes the triad.) Nothing good, nothing just will come out of this.
20
We wondered why Pence was called back to DC early, disrespecting the servicemen who might have expected to meet him at the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. Now I guess we know - so 45*'s failed administration can use Pence and his alleged leaking of Flynn's involvement with Russia as a scapegoat. I think we have learned enough about how Putin "rules" a nation, time to indict, arrest and charge all his minions who are pretending to run the federal government but are really just doing his bidding.
10
I just listened to Spicer's press conference -- they, the President and the WH know nothing, heard nothing, Flynn was a minor player -- the National Security Director -- he was a consultant, they were not in the WH when this transpired -- doesn't matter that they were in transition -- they were not in the WH, so it doesn't count. These people are shocking really -- complete and utter liars. I hope Flynn -- the Mr. Lock Her Up and purveyor of lies about Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Podesta running a child sex slave operation running out the pizza shop in DC -- goes to jail - -he really does deserve to be locked up as does, likely, Mr. Trump, but America will forgive him because he got elected, which also may not be true.
13
Remember Sgt. Schulz? "I know nothing... nothing!"
3
What a great patriot!
5
A man in Cherokee county Georgia is on trial fro "faking" a purple heart. A felony. I am wondering why Trump and minions are not on trial?
23
Another "Flynn Fact" only this time the fact is possibly criminal.
Never in my life did I imagine the US Executive Branch could be brought lower than Nixon and his plumbers, or H Hoover and his black book of blackmail. Never. It hurts.
Never in my life did I imagine the US Executive Branch could be brought lower than Nixon and his plumbers, or H Hoover and his black book of blackmail. Never. It hurts.
16
J Edgar notHerbert.
Every request made of this White House has been, and will continue to be denied, by invoking "national security interests"....fascism in the making by any other name.
14
This is only news because the leftist main stream media needs to bash this administration at every opportunity.
Flynn's mistakes are no wotse than mistakes made by other appointees in both parties in various administrations
Flynn's mistakes are no wotse than mistakes made by other appointees in both parties in various administrations
Well it was "In like Flynn", then it was "Out like Flynn" we can only hope - for Donny Golf-Hole- it will be "Done in by Flynn". Mr Flynn should be plea bargaining away the Trumpster and others ASAP.
10
When Michael Flynn can lie on his SF-86 on dealings with Russia and become a national security advisor yet my friends who maybe smoked weed once cannot become entry-level analysts? I don't understand 2017.
25
It defies logic. Don't go there you'll get distrssed:(
2
I still haven't heard any Republicans shouting "lock him up, lock him up"
How long we will have to wait?
How long we will have to wait?
28
Standards are standards. He violated those. So lock him up.
13
Eight years of investigation of Hillary Clinton - nothing.
Less than a year of investigation of Flynn, and he's likely guilty of a felony that even Republicans recognize.
Maybe Trump will try and deflect requests for Flynn's paperwork by demanding Obama's birth certificate some more...
Less than a year of investigation of Flynn, and he's likely guilty of a felony that even Republicans recognize.
Maybe Trump will try and deflect requests for Flynn's paperwork by demanding Obama's birth certificate some more...
17
Mr. Trump. One of your predecessors tried what you are trying to do by withholding requested documents. His name was Richard Nixon. We all know what happened to "Tricky Dick". Are you smart enough to see the similarities? You could save a lot of time and money by just resigning now. Save yourself the ultimate humiliation of being kicked out.
8
Gosh, no wonder Chaffetz has declared he won't seek re-election. Being forced to go after his own side must be incredibly traumatic for him.
10
And that's the biggest difference between Dems and republicans. Most Dems I have read about over the past 8 years behave like sheep.....nodding their heads behind the likes of Clinton, Obama and Warren.
1
Keep digging. Haven't hit pay dirt yet.
I would not assume that apparent White House cooperation and Republican Congressional participation here has any broader implications. Flynn has already been burnt off by the Administration, and this matter has no bearing on the legitimacy of the Trump Presidency nor on any personnel still in the White House.
That is not the case with matters relating to Russian involvement in the campaign, nor with any possible dossier or prior relationship that Moscow has with Trump. I would look for the same kind of intransigence on those matters, in both the House and the Senate.
That is not the case with matters relating to Russian involvement in the campaign, nor with any possible dossier or prior relationship that Moscow has with Trump. I would look for the same kind of intransigence on those matters, in both the House and the Senate.
2
In my mind it shows that Trump has poor judgment.
4
Especially if Flynn has information he can use against the Administration.
4
I am no Hillary supporter by any means- but to watch Flynn campaigning for Trump chanting, "Lock her up!" that's fine for anyone else- but a retired 3 Star General? It was shocking and upsetting. Generals above all are supposed to be above the political fray not wallowing in the trenches slinging political mud. The man has no class and evidently no sense. Lock HIM up- for subverting our Democracy and the very constitution he swore an oath to uphold and defend.
22
And, apparently, he was also fine with his son helping spread the Hillary-DNC-Pizza-child prostitution story, since he subsequently wanted to hire him. Class act and a true patriot, with a price.
3
Flynn is/was such a loose cannon that it's not at all improbable that he was doing "coordination" chats with Russians during the campaign. So, was he doing this with Trump's knowledge? I would have to guess Yes. He already let the cat out of the bag when he said he would be the "scapegoat" in the affair. Are we just a step away from the beans being spilled? Yates testimony on what's known about Flynn. Flynn's facing jail time. Flynn telling on Trump. Trump denying. More people including Russians come forward. Trump caught lying. Trump impeached.
12
It's time for some prosecutions if we are serious about upholding the law.
17
Anyone with an understanding of how this works will see that Flynn is starting to be left hanging (or is it swinging) in the wind.
He's a number one candidate for being given immunity so that he can sing.
We all know that in love and war there's precious little loyalty. When Flynn is told that he is going down, will he agree to insinuate that Trump & Co. led him to believe that he should court Russia and, wink wink, let them know that if they would sway the election in favor of Trump, Russia would be rewarded with a lifting of sanctions?
I've been around the block many times, and I do believe that Trump & Co. played footsie with Russia and was naive enough to believe that Putin is not a wolf in sheep's clothing. I also believe that the Trump campaign played fast and loose with the fact of Russian hacking. But I know that only when it suits the Republicans to bring Trump down for this, will they bring him down.
Long ago there were Republicans in Congress willing to torpedo Nixon for no political reward whatsoever, except for being able to wash his stink off their conscience.
In today's political world, Republicans will only unseat Trump when they realize that his incompetence is terminal and they think Pence will give them more of what they pretend the electorate wants from them. Flynn is being set up. He's a loaded pistol. Will the Republicans pull the trigger? Only if he's a useful fall guy. Otherwise they'll let him twist.
He's a number one candidate for being given immunity so that he can sing.
We all know that in love and war there's precious little loyalty. When Flynn is told that he is going down, will he agree to insinuate that Trump & Co. led him to believe that he should court Russia and, wink wink, let them know that if they would sway the election in favor of Trump, Russia would be rewarded with a lifting of sanctions?
I've been around the block many times, and I do believe that Trump & Co. played footsie with Russia and was naive enough to believe that Putin is not a wolf in sheep's clothing. I also believe that the Trump campaign played fast and loose with the fact of Russian hacking. But I know that only when it suits the Republicans to bring Trump down for this, will they bring him down.
Long ago there were Republicans in Congress willing to torpedo Nixon for no political reward whatsoever, except for being able to wash his stink off their conscience.
In today's political world, Republicans will only unseat Trump when they realize that his incompetence is terminal and they think Pence will give them more of what they pretend the electorate wants from them. Flynn is being set up. He's a loaded pistol. Will the Republicans pull the trigger? Only if he's a useful fall guy. Otherwise they'll let him twist.
12
...when his incompetence is terminal for them in 2018, and when they think that incompetence is obvious enough to convince the Trump true believers, so that the GOP can act without losing their support.
They have no other use for Trump.
They have no other use for Trump.
8
Anyone at his level and with the security clearances Flynn was given must fill out a full financial disclosure form and be subject to all of regulations and statutes required of those who hold the subject clearances. As the former DIA Director and 30+ years as an Intel Officer, he should have known this and at the very least, should be required to pay back all of the money provided to him by foreign governments which he did not get a wavier for or disclose. In addition, his security clearances should be lifted for an appropriate period of time.
3
"Mr. Chaffetz and Mr. Cummings also said White House officials refused their request to turn over other internal documents related to the hiring and firing of Mr. Flynn."
"Mr. Chaffetz said he did not think it would be necessary to subpoena the documents, calling the administration “cooperative” so far."
Apparently cooperative has a second definition that I'm unfamiliar with.
"Mr. Chaffetz said he did not think it would be necessary to subpoena the documents, calling the administration “cooperative” so far."
Apparently cooperative has a second definition that I'm unfamiliar with.
26
Lock him up. But first give him a fair trial. The job now belongs to a federal prosecutor, not to investigative committees.
12
Anything you do for a foreign entity, private or public, paid or unpaid, you must inform the state department and get written state department permission. An extensive briefing to DIA is neither necessary nor sufficient. The State department ruling on commodity jurisdiction will either require you get the clearance from State department or doesn't. Flynn briefing to DIA is meaning less because he was head of that agency and perhaps a friendly environment. He knows the rules and regulations and deliberately tried to hide the truth.
6
Friendly with Russia and a $500,000/year agent of Turkey's strongman, who is rapidly replacing a secular democracy with an Islamic dictatorship, it makes you wonder what standards the DIA and DOD use for hiring and promotion. Clearly, the background investigations checking credit, convictions, etc. fail utterly at detecting grave character and allegiance defects.
10
If Flynn is discovered to have committed a crime, it would then fall upon the justice system to investigate those who sought to protect Flynn from being investigated. Obstruction of justice. That is a crime too.
12
General Flynn is pulling in retirement pay from the military, thus is subject to recall to active duty. A quick court martial and a few years in a cell at Fort Leavenworth might help teach him a lesson or two.
10
Not shocking but disturbing that an intelligence officer, and former head of DIA, would submit an incomplete and or inaccurate SF86. The leadership sets the example. Intelligence violations by the boss, colluding with our enemy, taking payment from our enemy; not a good example.
He is hypocritical for alluding to a higher standard of integrity for others to adhere to, and for him, to live to a much lesser standard of integrity, as a Lieutenant General. Poor leadership and he should be held accountable.
He is hypocritical for alluding to a higher standard of integrity for others to adhere to, and for him, to live to a much lesser standard of integrity, as a Lieutenant General. Poor leadership and he should be held accountable.
144
Not to mention dumb. Did he really think nobody would notice him on Russian TV? It almost sounds like some sort of mental illness or disability.
4
It was evident that Flynn was somewhat unhinged in his irrational rants. Sometimes they just get too big for their britches, a legend and untouchable in their own minds.
3
Simply one of many, but he is now the "point guard or fall guy".
And by focusing on him, perhaps the others will get lost in the media and congressional fog that will result from myopic focus.
And by focusing on him, perhaps the others will get lost in the media and congressional fog that will result from myopic focus.
6
Richard F. You mean like Benghazi?
3
Security clearance holders are required to report all foreign contacts to the security department - including attendance at embassy social events, since foreign embassies are considered foreign territory. We are required to complete annual security training classes. Anyone who disregards the rules does so willfully, and not even forgetfully. Flynn violated the principles that DoD workers swear to uphold. He is an embarrassment to the Intelligence Community.
46
This is all getting to be just one big joke. We need an independent prosecutor! Nothing else will work - period! The Trump Administration is doing everything in its power to keep that from happening and to keep everything hidden from the public.
17
He is guilty ....just look at the expression on his face in the lead photo.
3
Do you read palms too?
That's good enough for me!
the first card finally fallen.... hurry up 2nd, 3rd, 4th.....
10
Wait, isn't this the same loser who once said, you only seek immunity if you're guilty?? Et tu, Flynn.
16
"Mr. Flynn’s short time as Mr. Trump’s national security adviser continues to be a distraction for the White House ...."
Yeah, it's a distraction because it's NOT just him. It's:
1. Why does Trump insult everyone from Meryl Streep to the Pope and only praises Putin?
2. Why is former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on a Ukraine ledger of cash payments and why did a member of the Ukrainian Parliament release docs showing Manafort tried to hide payments?
3. Why did the FBI obtain a FISA warrant based on Trump adviser Carter Page potentially being a Russian operative?
4. How did Trump advisor Roger Stone know about the Russian/Wikileak hacks of HRC's campaign before the fact?
5. We don't know whether the Christopher Steele dossier is true, do we? Hookers in a Moscow hotel??
6. Why did Junior at a real estate conference in 2008 in New York say “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets.” Donald Trump Jr. added, “we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
7. Why is 45 the only President in modern times not to release his tax returns?
It's not just Flynn....
Yeah, it's a distraction because it's NOT just him. It's:
1. Why does Trump insult everyone from Meryl Streep to the Pope and only praises Putin?
2. Why is former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on a Ukraine ledger of cash payments and why did a member of the Ukrainian Parliament release docs showing Manafort tried to hide payments?
3. Why did the FBI obtain a FISA warrant based on Trump adviser Carter Page potentially being a Russian operative?
4. How did Trump advisor Roger Stone know about the Russian/Wikileak hacks of HRC's campaign before the fact?
5. We don't know whether the Christopher Steele dossier is true, do we? Hookers in a Moscow hotel??
6. Why did Junior at a real estate conference in 2008 in New York say “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets.” Donald Trump Jr. added, “we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”
7. Why is 45 the only President in modern times not to release his tax returns?
It's not just Flynn....
47
I'm sure we'll hear the Trump supporters screaming "lock him up" any minute now.
Not.
Not.
19
Is this really a surprise to anyone?
11
General Fltnn's behavior pales in comparisoon to Hollary Clinton, who as Secretary of State openly took money from foreign governments as socalled contributions to Clinton Foundation for acess to her office. I see absolutely no difference brtween the two. However in my eye Clinton is worse. At least Flynn served with distintion in the military. Clinton did not, in fact, she has never served anywhere with distnction Thank you..
3
Clinton was investigated for eight years with NO concrete evidence of wrongdoing. Cry all you rant about her foundations accepting money-the FACT is that uncovering Flynn's guilt so quickly is a strong indication that Clinton did nothing illegal regarding those donations; they had EIGHT YEARS to prove it, more than eight times what it took for Flynn to get caught.
Either you're admitting that Clinton is a criminal genius, or you're breakpoint at straws.
Either you're admitting that Clinton is a criminal genius, or you're breakpoint at straws.
7
I don't believe Trump served in the military either. Wasn't he a draft dodger? If you look at the numbers the foreign officials who gave money to the Clinton foundation got a meeting with Hillary in about the same numbers as those who didn't. Furthermore, unlike Trump's scam, the Clinton foundation actually is a functioning charity. The money was given to the charity not to her personal account, unlike Flynn. So I'm confused as to how what she did is worse.
17
So nice to see the troller back at work. We were all wondering where you were. Hillary really gets up your nose, doesn't she? So much hate is bad for a person. Chill out. Seriously.
11
Whether there is a viable criminal case against Flynn is a technical legal matter. Virtually all the Democrats here say yes. Virtually all the Republicans here say no. The lack of objectivity mirrors Supreme Court decisions, which are likewise outcome determinative. And, as a result, justice is indeed a rare commodity. It would serve us all well if party affiliation didn't blind us all to fairness. Objectivity and intelligence go together. There is precious little of either.
12
I'm curious as to why Chaffetz thinks it isn't necessary to subpoena the documents being sought, especially since Spicer's justification for holding them back is worthless. The usual term for this type of refusal is "stonewalling", and a subpoena is a stronger counter to such a response than is a mere request to a White House that, like Nixon's before it, is acting increasingly as though it is not bound by the laws of the Republic it is there to serve. It might be time for an extension of the U.S. v. Nixon decision.
15
Time for impeachment. Trump is scared, as proven by refusal to turn over the documents. They lead to other problems Congress, do yur job.
29
No surprise here. Now which other advisers broke the law by failing to disclose dealings, meetings and phone calls? How about looking into dear Jared's activities during the transition period? The closer we get to Trump, the easiest it will be to find out what the President knew and when he knew it.
14
Mr. Flynn is neither a gentleman nor an officer. He is a plain Crook. His military pension should be cut and he should be demoted to 2nd Lieutenant plus spent sometime in jail. The evidence is there for all to see.
13
Flynn will take the fall for Trump and Pence. I don't for one minute think that they did not know what was going on with the Russians. Trump, during his campaign, was practically quoting from the Putin think tank "U.S. Election 2017 Sabotage" playbook.
17
You really think that Flynn is a Scooter Libby?
So is he going to Jail, lose his General Retirement Pension? This is a good time to make an example, instead of the Oliver North treatment, who also miss-handling Classified Docs., Money Exchanges, and meeting incognito with foreign agents, then becoming a Fox News Advisors.
I would be in Leavenworth eating 3-squares a day, if I lied on a DIS/DoD form or shared info. and received cash with a foreign agent. Remember Russia is just like China, no companies are independent from the government!!
I would be in Leavenworth eating 3-squares a day, if I lied on a DIS/DoD form or shared info. and received cash with a foreign agent. Remember Russia is just like China, no companies are independent from the government!!
20
This Flynn gentlemen needs to be stripped of his retired rank and pension, spend time in Fort Levenworth behind bars and be make to watch reruns of the DNC 2016 Convention every day for the remainder of his life. Then we might get Brad Pitt to carve a hammer and sickle into his forehead just to make a point about his traitor status and Benedict Arnold future. Why bother, Trump will just pardon the scoundrel in a New York minute.
19
Trump's response that his administration won't disclose any documents to the Intel Committee because this is 'none of your business' is rich coming from a guy eager to overturn all consumer privacy protections on the internet. Trump apparently thinks this is CHINA.
Trump thinks he's clever because he's never used email and sends all correspondence by private courier. But only a stupid man would have hired and befriended (and probably more) so many people in league with Russian oligarchs and the Russian government. He even made one of them his National Security Adviser. How stupid was that?
Intel Committees: please find out everything you can about Trump's cronies Mike Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Carter Page and the various oiigarchs we think have loaned Trump money or used him for money laundering (like Russian billionaire
Dmitry Rybolovlev - who overpaid Trump for a dump in Palm Beach by $40 million. The faucets had been sprayed gold with gold paint. Talk to that guy!!!)
Trump should be in jail
Trump thinks he's clever because he's never used email and sends all correspondence by private courier. But only a stupid man would have hired and befriended (and probably more) so many people in league with Russian oligarchs and the Russian government. He even made one of them his National Security Adviser. How stupid was that?
Intel Committees: please find out everything you can about Trump's cronies Mike Flynn, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Carter Page and the various oiigarchs we think have loaned Trump money or used him for money laundering (like Russian billionaire
Dmitry Rybolovlev - who overpaid Trump for a dump in Palm Beach by $40 million. The faucets had been sprayed gold with gold paint. Talk to that guy!!!)
Trump should be in jail
30
Where was the "extreme vetting" for a DIA flunk out and a guy who attended galas with Putin? The rules never apply to Trump who continues to con his supporters
13
Was Flynn hired and then fired by the Obama administration? I wonder if he was fully vetted then
1
"Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that “to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.”
Really? But asking for, and getting, tens of thousands of emails relating to Hillary Clinton's time as Secretary of State was perfectly reasonable? For the Times to let this egregious double standard go unchallenged demonstrates the depths of its Clinton Derangement Syndrome.
Really? But asking for, and getting, tens of thousands of emails relating to Hillary Clinton's time as Secretary of State was perfectly reasonable? For the Times to let this egregious double standard go unchallenged demonstrates the depths of its Clinton Derangement Syndrome.
33
Does this news even remotely shock or surprise anyone any more?
11
"Mr. Chaffetz said he did not think it would be necessary to subpoena the documents, calling the administration “cooperative” so far.
At the very least, Mr. Chaffetz said, any inappropriate payments to Mr. Flynn should be recovered."
It looks like to me that Bucky Beaver has no interest in doing anything real about this. You have leverage on Flynn and you don't "think" you will need to subpoena the docs.. Translation: I have no plans to leverage the threat of jail time to get Flynn to spill his guts and I am in no way going to upset the 45 by forcing the issue with a subpoena. When will someone actually do something about this!!! I understand that the Dems are in the minority but can it be that we will seriously not have anyone do anything about the so many actionable activities that these corrupters of our OUR Democracy participated in??? Infuriating. The longer this gets delayed, the higher the chances nothing happens and everyone skates. Where does this leave us? With a corrupt government and the loss of our Democracy if nothing is done. Bucky should be ashamed of himself. Maybe he can't look himself in the mirror any more and he is leaving to ease his guilt. He should be charged with obstruction of justice. It will be interesting to see where he lands for dragging this out. I am sure there is a pay day at the end of this for him and his kind...
At the very least, Mr. Chaffetz said, any inappropriate payments to Mr. Flynn should be recovered."
It looks like to me that Bucky Beaver has no interest in doing anything real about this. You have leverage on Flynn and you don't "think" you will need to subpoena the docs.. Translation: I have no plans to leverage the threat of jail time to get Flynn to spill his guts and I am in no way going to upset the 45 by forcing the issue with a subpoena. When will someone actually do something about this!!! I understand that the Dems are in the minority but can it be that we will seriously not have anyone do anything about the so many actionable activities that these corrupters of our OUR Democracy participated in??? Infuriating. The longer this gets delayed, the higher the chances nothing happens and everyone skates. Where does this leave us? With a corrupt government and the loss of our Democracy if nothing is done. Bucky should be ashamed of himself. Maybe he can't look himself in the mirror any more and he is leaving to ease his guilt. He should be charged with obstruction of justice. It will be interesting to see where he lands for dragging this out. I am sure there is a pay day at the end of this for him and his kind...
9
Lock him up... and force the lying hypocrite - Trump's pick - to hear ad nauseum at maximum volume his own shouted words at the GOP Convention. Heck. Throw in a TV but with only the repeated clip of him on that stage.
10
It is easy now to understand Flynn's "LOCK HER UP": people often suspect others of behave g the way they do themselves.
Just deserts ?
Just deserts ?
10
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
Article III, Section 3, Clause 1
5
How did a man like Flynn rise so far in the US army?
11
The issue is only an issue because Flynn is a former soldier. The Constitution prohibits retired military personnel and reservists from receiving pay from foreign governments without Congressional authorization. However, Flynn didn't received pay from a foreign government. He received payments from foreign businesses that receive funding from foreign governments. It's unclear whether the prohibition applies to these firms. It is clear that the Trump administration was not involved. Flynn was paid fees for speeches he made before he joined the administration.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/31/politics/white-house-financial-disclosures...
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/31/politics/white-house-financial-disclosures...
I believe the prohibition is for Officers, permission must be granted in advance. It is seldom granted. Not so many years ago the FBI would visit you if you received a post card from Russia.
8
here we go..... a full time, big money, partially privatized, endless war making army? is an irresistible source for profiteers. we are one short step away from having an all mercenary force instead of an army accountable to the people. if the republicans do not want to hold flynn accountable? then they should vote to take the laws off the books. cowards.
9
Spice and Trump: "This is silly. Besides, we don't have them. And if we had them, we wouldn't release them. And if we did release them, it wouldn't show anything wrong. And if it did look wrong, it's just Fake News interpretation. So move along, folks - nothing to see here."
12
It doesn't matter. On the slim chance that Flynn emerges from the congressional whitewashing with a conviction, Emperor Trump will just pardon him. Such is life in our Banana republic.
12
It's been clear since Trump entered the Republican Primary he was seeking to make money running for, and now "serving" as, President. His cabinet is comprised of criminals like Flynn and multi-millionaire robber-barons. Unsurprisingly, he's doing it in plain view with the aid & comfort of the entire Republican Party. Is anyone in the Trump Administration going to punished for colluding with the Russians to sabotage the U.S. Presidential election? The investigations are obviously being stalled by the White House and the entire Congress.
38
scott24: So true, trump told the world at the first repub debate that he was going to show us how he could make the greatest profit ever from the office he now holds.
He told us!
Just like his son told us the taxes will never be released because of the monies pouring (his word) in from russia while his sister vacations with putin's girlfriend.
Tip of the iceberg with regard to flynn and all who are complicit in their refusal to release pertinent info that belongs to the people and in their silence while we devolve
more and more each day since the repub coup.
He told us!
Just like his son told us the taxes will never be released because of the monies pouring (his word) in from russia while his sister vacations with putin's girlfriend.
Tip of the iceberg with regard to flynn and all who are complicit in their refusal to release pertinent info that belongs to the people and in their silence while we devolve
more and more each day since the repub coup.
4
it would be funny if it were happening in another country. all of congress is trying to figure out how to deal with the "trumpster" without turning over too many rocks.
12
The Republican leadership assume that if someone as ignorant and vulgar as Trump could be elected to the Oval Office by an uninformed voting minority then they can continue to spout lies and dismiss the Russia connection with no real consequences. The Emperor has no clothes and the Republican Congress has no scruples. If Trump has committed treason by collusion with the Russians, then the Republican leadership are complicit in their efforts to cover it up.
23
So Hillary used a private email server as all prior SoS had done and her email was the only one NOT hacked and republicans demand 14 separate inquisitions, wasting millions of tax payer money witch hunting before the election and now Chaffetz said oh don't worry, about Micheal Flynn a known Russian operative who lied in order to get security clearance???
59
Chaffetz is auditioning for his NEXT " job" : Senator or Governor. Seriously.
12
He should be tormented with 'Lock Him Up' everywhere he goes.
25
Can the NYT please stop repeating the claim he was fired for deceiving Mike Pence. Instead it should read something like... "The administration claims Flynn was fired after VP Mike Pence discovered Flynn deceived him about his contacts with Russia. However this reasoning doesn't line up with the timeline of events, defies logic, and has been put forth by an administration that has a long record of misleading statements and outright lies."
80
I agree. Who can believe he was fired for that? Ludicrous.
That place cannot possibly have any secrets. It's a scam. Probably did it that way in case pence is prez, god forbid, he looks squeaky clean.
If DJT gets removed we should have another election not fair we'd have to deal with those who came With the DJT package.
That place cannot possibly have any secrets. It's a scam. Probably did it that way in case pence is prez, god forbid, he looks squeaky clean.
If DJT gets removed we should have another election not fair we'd have to deal with those who came With the DJT package.
2
The rich get away with breaking federal law. But if a young black man pulled 20 bucks out of a cash register, he would face a judge. What kind of flaccid investigation is going on with Congress and the Senate? What's happening with the so called impartial Russian connection investigation? The swamp is getting deeper, not leaner.
53
Don the Con is going to "Oliver North" Michael Flynn.
No way. This administration breaking laws for not disclosing financial information? Who'd have thunk it, except the 65,844,610 people who voted against this nonsense?
25
Whoa! A GOP lawmaker says Flynn may have broken the law? I must be hallucinating, in a good way.
19
Pardon the pun.....but with regards to an upcoming scandal involving Trump, I do believe the check is in the mail.
8
Everyday that passes it becomes more and more obvious the White House, the Republicans and the FBI have absolutely no intention of getting to the bottom of the Russian intervention in our Election. Our once vibrant democracy, the Congress and the Presidency, look, from where I stand,
to have been commandeered by an oligarchic Russian Cabal. What's going
to be the remedy??? A modern day tea party with the citizenry throwing goods in the sea ??? I would never for a moment have fathomed that in my lifetime I would be entertaining such a drastic notion. That's how bad our predicament appears to me in the year 2017.
to have been commandeered by an oligarchic Russian Cabal. What's going
to be the remedy??? A modern day tea party with the citizenry throwing goods in the sea ??? I would never for a moment have fathomed that in my lifetime I would be entertaining such a drastic notion. That's how bad our predicament appears to me in the year 2017.
24
What's going
to be the remedy???
these folks found a remedy
only they had something modern americans are sorely lacking -- courage
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
to be the remedy???
these folks found a remedy
only they had something modern americans are sorely lacking -- courage
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
9
OK...... this is very simple and I wonder why the media has not aggressively pursued this line of questioning. Any clearance holder is bound by the following requirement: ANY contact with a foreign person, company or agent is duty bound to report the incident or risk loosing access to classified information and or being prosecuted/punished. There is a standard govt. form that is filled out. SO..... the white house security officer should have a copy or copies of previous contact with foreign entities while he worked in the white house. They should have them......
14
Michael T. Flynn (MTF), a name that will soon replace the iconic, Benedict Arnold's, when one speaks of traitorous conduct---interesting in how both Flynn and Arnold were US Army generals. Go Air Force!
The truth is, during MTF's military career, he was briefed annually on ethics, and he especially received an exit brief on what his duties and responsibilities were prior to retirement---every military member receives an exit briefing specifically on post employment responsibilities. The arrogance of MTF to ignore these core ethics regulations makes one wonder what else MTF got away with during his military career. The new insult inside the military is to label someone a MTF.
The truth is, during MTF's military career, he was briefed annually on ethics, and he especially received an exit brief on what his duties and responsibilities were prior to retirement---every military member receives an exit briefing specifically on post employment responsibilities. The arrogance of MTF to ignore these core ethics regulations makes one wonder what else MTF got away with during his military career. The new insult inside the military is to label someone a MTF.
23
If America is MTF's mother, then I guess we know what MTF stands for!
1
This is the person chanting "Lock her up...." during RNC meeting last year. Now after investigation if he is found guilty, FEDS should lock him up.
31
"As a former military officer, you simply cannot take money from Russia, Turkey or anybody else,” Mr. Chaffetz said. “And it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate, and there are repercussions for a violation of law.”"
Mr.Chaffetz's turning on a new leaf is most interesting. If there any connection between his stand on Kelly and recently announced decision of not running for re-election.
Mr.Chaffetz's turning on a new leaf is most interesting. If there any connection between his stand on Kelly and recently announced decision of not running for re-election.
7
I suspect Flynn is just the tip of the iceberg. Remember all that law and order, tough on crime talk during the campaigns? Let's do that and let's start with the White House.
26
And let's start with those tax returns...any ties to Russia there?
3
"Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that 'to ask for every call or contact that a national security adviser made is pretty outlandish, if you will.'"
No, it's not outlandish. We're talking about America's security. For the President's press secretary to talk so dismissively about such an issue is absurd.
No, it's not outlandish. We're talking about America's security. For the President's press secretary to talk so dismissively about such an issue is absurd.
63
GOP changing their tune after they made a huge, expensive (taxpayer paid) fuss over getting 'every email, every contact' of Hilary's.
What's good for the gander should be good for the goose!
Lock him up! Lock him up!
What's good for the gander should be good for the goose!
Lock him up! Lock him up!
4
Nobody is held accountable for anything any more. "may have broken law" means what, exactly? Is this just going to fade away? The president's son-in-law lied on his forms. Nothing happened. The president lied about Obama wiretapping him and Susan Rice committing criminal acts and nothing happens. The media isn't doing its job. NPR has become a willing enabler of the administration with its gentle and kind reporting. Only Amy Goodman is reliable anymore. Nobody cares that the White House is helping Flynn avoid prosecution. Oh wait, Twitter cares!
79
I agree about PBS. Judy Woodward is just awful now. And what a weak bunch of reporters they are there. I once admired this program. But it's so mush, kissy, lovey-dovey about this truly horrid monster in the White House. Judy should retire.
11
I Agree NPR looks like it's more concerned about its funding than reporting the news. They are soft on the out right lies and false equivalencies and rarely call Republicans out or correct after with fact checks. It's eerie to hear them acquiesce like they've already given in to his presidency and the end of Democracy. Very Vichy Regime. Amy Goodman is great at keeping the heat on, and Rachel Maddow has been impressive as well. But John Oliver hits it out of the park! His take on Jared and Ivanka cannot be missed - funny and so, so true.
3
Iran Contra all over again. Trump advisors will be found colluding with Russians, taking illegal bribes, etc. A few will get fines/jail time. Trump will deny he knew anything. Unless FBI/CIA has Trump on tape, his aides will take the hit and Trump will carry on his destruction of America.
56
What about Flynn's boss who directed him? So, republicans hope that Flynn will be the sacrificial lamb? The smell of treason lingers in the air.
44
Flynn did the work before becoming part of the Trump administration. He owned his own consulting firm and was his own boss. No one is alleging treason is involved.
The Republicans are on record as having said they want to shrink government to the size that they could "drown in a bathtub." Treason is, indeed, the name of their game.
3
Au contraire, Mr. Case. I am alleging that he committed treason as well as tens of thousands of people. That number is growing with each day by the way.
2
Flynn and most of the rest of this administration. The question is whether anyone cares. Laws are only for Democrats. Maybe.
24
NO, we have Watergate. We can do this and restore our Democracy!
2
Chaffetz's hue and cry over Mike Flynn's crimes is the beginning of the Republican effort to damage Flynn's credibility, in case he were to give testimony against our so-called president. Democrats, please be on your guard—unless of course you're the ones who've got the dirt on Chaffetz.
12
Does anyone expect that Flynn will be charged with crimes? Probably not. There will come a point, however, when he or some other Trump campaign operative asserts their Fifth Amendment rights to a Congressional committee. That will be the point at which the dominoes begin to fall.
8
Respectfully to all those commenting pro or con regarding Flynn getting immunity, Flynn needs to have a private discussion with the appropriate prosecutor in which he advises them off the record what he has to say/offer and if it warrants immunity.
Only in this way will the relevant facts be heard and the proper decision be made.
Only in this way will the relevant facts be heard and the proper decision be made.
21
The FBI may very well not need Flynn in order to get the information they want. Flynn is gambling that they need him, and they may gamble that they don't. It's a game of chicken, but it's one man against the FBI and ordinarily that one man loses. Remember that this entire time they are investigating him, and it's very likely they can find out what they want to know from somewhere/someone else, in which case Flynn is screwed. As he probably should be.
3
I wonder how well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency?
The buck stops on the current president's desk. How in the world did the administration fail to vet Flynn, who held one of the most important positions in the White House? Who else in a cabinet-level position wasn't vetted properly, other than Sessions, Carson, DeVos and Perry. Scary.
15
The White House is trying to block investigation into this matter by withholding documents.
16
Flynn received $30,000 for a speech he made to Russian TV which apparently was paid to him by his speakers bureau. He publicly disclosed the payment about a year ago while denying that it came from the Russian government. The non-disclosure at issue was on a security clearance application that Flynn was required to complete..
Flynn's prior public disclosure of his payment is difficult to reconcile with his security form omission. He couldn't possibly have expected to conceal a matter that he had previously disclosed. He can only be prosecuted if he acted with criminal intent. Omitting information that you previously disclosed is an extremely weak criminal case. Do not expect Mr. Flynn to go to prison.
Flynn's prior public disclosure of his payment is difficult to reconcile with his security form omission. He couldn't possibly have expected to conceal a matter that he had previously disclosed. He can only be prosecuted if he acted with criminal intent. Omitting information that you previously disclosed is an extremely weak criminal case. Do not expect Mr. Flynn to go to prison.
2
No simple omission - it was for extremely high level security clearance, the colonoscopy of all inquiries. 100% perfection should be the one and only acceptable level of response. But I agree with other comments that it's effectively throwing him into low credibility orbit, perhaps making anything he says later that could hurt humpty-trumpty that much less damaging.
1
We need an independent counsel - a special prosecutor - to investigate. Everyone else involved is compromised one way or another and stalling has gone on long enough.
I suggest Preet Bharara and I thought of him for this even before he got fired by Trump - someone who managed to take down two of the most powerful but fully corrupt New York politicians in Sheldon Silver (D) and Dean Skelos (R) and about a dozen others for abuse of office is certainly up to the task. It's time to move forward on this.
I suggest Preet Bharara and I thought of him for this even before he got fired by Trump - someone who managed to take down two of the most powerful but fully corrupt New York politicians in Sheldon Silver (D) and Dean Skelos (R) and about a dozen others for abuse of office is certainly up to the task. It's time to move forward on this.
15
Trump's son-in-law also did not list his dealings with the Russians when he was applying for a Top Secret clearance. He neither listed any money he directly received or any of their business dealings.
10
He recently registered as a foreign agent. But, for a month or so he was the nation's national security advisor and privy to all of our security secrets and information. Thus, he must be banned from acting as a foreign agent and must be regularly monitored by the FBI
54
Yes. I'd like to know what secrets he learned and can sell while he was in the WH.
I recommend an ankle bracelet and microphone, at the very least. There is always Leavenworth. Easy to keep track of his doings there.
It raises the question: For how long has Flynn been either corrupt or acting as a foreign agent? Remember, Flynn had no actual power under Trump. He was fired before the inaugural. On the other hand, he was the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency under Obama.
Stay tuned. I always said Democrats were going to regret pulling on the bogus Russia thread. Not even Stephen Cohen, Russia studies professor at Princeton and husband to The Nation editor, Katrina vanden Heveul, buys a whole load of Russia/Trump collusion crapola.
Stay tuned. I always said Democrats were going to regret pulling on the bogus Russia thread. Not even Stephen Cohen, Russia studies professor at Princeton and husband to The Nation editor, Katrina vanden Heveul, buys a whole load of Russia/Trump collusion crapola.
Our President's unpredictability is becoming quite predictable. On Saturday, as soon as I read about the big tax announcement that surprised the Treasury Department, I thought "something is coming out about Russia this week".
This is getting old.
This is getting old.
Does this reporting offer us an insight about the reason for Congressman Chaffetz's deciding not to seek re-election? If so, does his decision reflect his devotion to family or a fear of retaliation for performing his oversight duties properly? If the latter, what can we expect when a new chair of the oversight committee is appointed? Politics might be played by people with sharp elbows but we the people deserve assurances that corruption, when suspected, will be investigated thoroughly and fairly, that when corruption, when proven, will be punished, and that foreign interference with our elections will never be tolerated. The Flynn situation and similar matters in the Trump administration require complete investigation and impartial prosecution when supported by evidence. At this time the Congressional practices of investigation and jurisprudence should leave Americans feeling frightened the fairness of our President's administration and about the security of our democracy.
43
In hindsight,..maybe they were chanting, "Lock Us Up, Lock Us Up,...!!!"?
18
swamp is what they are fully in the swap and getting drenched in the swamp
trump and his cronies along russian insiders. Rules only matter to Dems and Benghazi like sub peona and hearings for hundreds of man hours for the rest it is business as usual, i-ran contra yada yada...
trump and his cronies along russian insiders. Rules only matter to Dems and Benghazi like sub peona and hearings for hundreds of man hours for the rest it is business as usual, i-ran contra yada yada...
1
What does the IRS have to say? Did Flynn report the earnings from Russia in his taxes?
I can't tell if he is a Russian mole or just simply toxic political mold. Only the light of day can disinfect this diseased swamp.
I can't tell if he is a Russian mole or just simply toxic political mold. Only the light of day can disinfect this diseased swamp.
24
Hey if you can't take the swamp, don't go in it! You might get some terrible diseases too. Whoops the swamp is US!
1
do the russians have videos of him in hotel rooms as well
15
I am sure they do on him and Trump.
Funny its the same guy who led chants of 'Lock her up' during the RNC convention.
24
To quote the perp: "Lock 'em up."
15
Thinking about his repeated "lock her up" chants, I can only go back to third grade and say, "the one who smelled it, dealt it".
29
He really should be tried by our Justice System and jailed if he is guilty!!!!!!!!!!
14
Mr. Trump, I am one of your employers, a tax paying American citizen. I want you to release those documents that congress has requested because it's a legal request and you have an obligation to obey the law. Remember that oath you took less than one hundred days ago? Have a spare minute or two, you might want to refresh your memory. Just a thought.
I find it amazing that you have already overstayed your welcome in our house, you know, the White House, the people's house. Don't get too comfortable, Mr. President, more and more of your bosses are seriously considering asking to move out. Have a nice day.
I find it amazing that you have already overstayed your welcome in our house, you know, the White House, the people's house. Don't get too comfortable, Mr. President, more and more of your bosses are seriously considering asking to move out. Have a nice day.
50
He's not so comfortable in the White House actually. That's why we, his employers, also pay for his trips to Palm Beach, and all the golfing trips that will ensue this spring and summer at his other clubs. Massive amounts of leisure time for him, along with massive costs for security, motorcades, highway closures, airport closures, etc etc.
2
Flynn MAY have broken the law?
Are you kidding me? How is this *news*?
The only question is how soon before trump "pardons" his Russia Mole?
Are you kidding me? How is this *news*?
The only question is how soon before trump "pardons" his Russia Mole?
14
Flynn is a traitor. And, it certainly appears that Trump and his whole team may very well be too. We need an independent prosecutor now. They are all likely to be revealed as criminals, thugs0, and low-life's
23
May? He did broke the law!
9
Maria,
I wonder if he let the IRS know about the money the Russians and Turks paid him?
I wonder if he let the IRS know about the money the Russians and Turks paid him?
2
Let's not forget all the money he took from Turkey and didn't report while lobbying on there behalf
This clown should have already lost his security clearance
If he was a democrat their would have been a 1/2 dozen hearing.
HYPOCRITE REPUBLICAN
This clown should have already lost his security clearance
If he was a democrat their would have been a 1/2 dozen hearing.
HYPOCRITE REPUBLICAN
14
May have? What is this "may have". This administration, and many of the folks no longer associated with it, is rife with unconstitutionalities and broken law.
11
Prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. You know, the same as Hillary Clinton.
He was the chief security officer for the United States and he lied on his security forms about taking money from a hostile foreign power. Why are we even discussing this? LOCK HIM UP.
46
Tip of the iceberg.
Will it be the beginning of a giant rip in the hull of Trump's luxury liner? There is certainly much more corruption and cronyism to be uncovered, but I doubt the Republican-led Congress will expose it. It's up to the Fourth Estate to do its job and force the cabal to do its job.
Will it be the beginning of a giant rip in the hull of Trump's luxury liner? There is certainly much more corruption and cronyism to be uncovered, but I doubt the Republican-led Congress will expose it. It's up to the Fourth Estate to do its job and force the cabal to do its job.
14
Presumably the White House, upon examining the documents and information requested, has concluded that it is preferable to take heat over their refusal versus dealing with the consequences of those documents seeing the light of day. It is not for the White House counsel to decide what is relevant and what is not; they are not the body charged with investigating this matter. Given Flynn's behavior and actions throughout the past year, and the degree to which they are at the very least legally dubious, perhaps it's no surprise the WH has decided that stalling and blocking are better than exposure.
But I do wish I could ask every GOP member: If we replaced Trump with Clinton, what then would the GOP be doing? Impeachment hearings? It's not unlikely.
But I do wish I could ask every GOP member: If we replaced Trump with Clinton, what then would the GOP be doing? Impeachment hearings? It's not unlikely.
24
We.Need. A. Special. Prosecutor. We the People deserve this, and this needs to be a main priority not for Democrats alone, but for all Americans. Trump is damaging our country apart day by day in ways that are of great benefit to Russia--why? All coincidence?
All the republicans who love to speak about the sacrifices of their ancestors to build this amazing county--how silent they are while one of their own has sold it out to a foreign advisory. How is this possible? This is not a partisan issue--it shouldn't be--this is an American issue.
All the republicans who love to speak about the sacrifices of their ancestors to build this amazing county--how silent they are while one of their own has sold it out to a foreign advisory. How is this possible? This is not a partisan issue--it shouldn't be--this is an American issue.
20
The disclosed timing of Flynn's resignation and then admission of being on a foreign government payroll sure looks like the breaking of a law. And that came out months ago. My only hope is that this rather slow moving of the judicial process is only due to careful mindful people making sure this is done right and thoroughly. And it may help usher in greater visibility into the dealings of Trump's staff, as well as himself... because they have been woefully and suspiciously opaque in this and other key matters of state.
9
Wow, the right-wingers are coming out of the woodwork defending someone who basically perjured himself during the vetting process for one of the highest offices in this nation. And remember, that hole in the information he submitted to the government was his not admitting he did business with a foreign power that is being proven to have tampered with our election.
So -- WHAT ELSE DOES HE LIE ABOUT?
Because the bottom line issue is INTEGRITY. And if you're defending someone who has proven all by himself -- not through rumors, but through admission -- to not have integrity, why is that okay?
Because you do it too?
So -- WHAT ELSE DOES HE LIE ABOUT?
Because the bottom line issue is INTEGRITY. And if you're defending someone who has proven all by himself -- not through rumors, but through admission -- to not have integrity, why is that okay?
Because you do it too?
13
For the hundred time, do over the election and rescind all, including Gorsuch, Trump's executive orders. This admin is a travesty.
12
There's no constitutional provision for this. However, the time may be coming when we must acknowledge that the founders, intelligent and far-sighted as they were, couldn't foresee everything. The checks & balances were supposed to prevent this, and our last line of defense, the Electoral College, was supposed to prevent this, *should* have prevented this, was *begged* via numerous petitions to prevent this. And it failed us. So the time may have come for another amendment, providing for a new election when we are faced with incontrovertible evidence that our electoral process has been corrupted and usurped by a foreign power. In the meantime, we still have the upcoming midterm elections. This may be our last, best hope to save our republic. And if every eligible voter gets to the polls, we can. We can do it. Let's just hope we're not involved in WWIII by the, or vaporized in a mushroom cloud.
1
The con man in the WH has brought the third world level of corruptions into the US and Trumpkins: 40% of the voters are cheer on with it.
34
Lock him up!!
Work up the food chain
Manafort.
Trump.
I'm surprised that Chaffetz hasn't announced his intent to investigate Hillary's role in the murder of Aaron Hernandez.
Work up the food chain
Manafort.
Trump.
I'm surprised that Chaffetz hasn't announced his intent to investigate Hillary's role in the murder of Aaron Hernandez.
19
What we DO know for certain is that whoever the Obama holdover was that publicly disclosed Flynn's name is destined to go to prison for ten years unless the judge finds a reason for leniency.
Flynn is a better man and truer patriot than any of the Democrats chosen for the previous administration. Oh, if ONLY the same felons had found ANYTHING on Bannon, eh?
Flynn is a better man and truer patriot than any of the Democrats chosen for the previous administration. Oh, if ONLY the same felons had found ANYTHING on Bannon, eh?
3
The water's rising in fair Verona...
10
I think we've found the manager of the Flynn for President campaign...
3
It bothers me that can't tell if this comment is heavy-handed sarcasm or crazy, rabid partisanship.
1
How many times can you read about someone breaking a law at this level without any repercussions? Are we just imagining we have a republic, or do we just take it for granted that police, politicians, bankers, corporate people are just behind the law? I think it's just a mirage.
How about the Volkswagen diesel debacle? I would bet 95% of people housed in American prisons don't cumulatively add up to the financial damage done by that one corporation. Any jail time? Not likely.
Wells Fargo with their ongoing organized criminal operation...any jail time? Not bloody likely either.
I think this is the same thing that pissed off the French in 1789.
How about the Volkswagen diesel debacle? I would bet 95% of people housed in American prisons don't cumulatively add up to the financial damage done by that one corporation. Any jail time? Not likely.
Wells Fargo with their ongoing organized criminal operation...any jail time? Not bloody likely either.
I think this is the same thing that pissed off the French in 1789.
92
Anybody remember where we stored the guillotines? They must be around here somewhere.
3
Maybe a replica of a guillotine, should be set up at the bottom of the steps at the U.S. Capital building. It might send a subtle message to all that walk past it.
2
I'm with your thought process, but I think you're off on VW. I believe 6 people have already been arrested and are pending criminal trial in the US. Also, they didn't damage anything but the EPA's ego; the cars were more efficient in their illegal form by several percent, the difference in emissions was negligible, and the buy-back was extraordinarily generous, far above market value. Those of us lucky enough to have owned one of these cars were treated more than fairly by VW.
Trump appointed Flynn to one of the most prominent positions in the security of our country. He should be humiliated either because he 1) named a dishonest, incompetent, corrupt, and self-promoting person without having vetted his background or 2) named a dishonest, incompetent, corrupt, and self- promoting person knowing his background. Lose, lose. So much for Trump's claims that he is "really smart" and a winner.
23
A dishonest, incompetent, corrupt, and self-promoting person appointed a mirror image of himself to a high office. Is this a surprise to anyone?
4
This could start getting good.
5
I just found out that Trump eats fried chicken with a knife and fork. That seem suspicious to me - perhaps we should have an investigation on that.
I think President Jefferson was the first president that regularly used a fork. He was criticized for that as many in his day thought that was to sophpishated. Forks for the common man did not come into use until after the civil war. Maybe it just took another 150 years for them to be used for fried chicken.
We do like to criticize our presidents and that seems one constant in an every changing world.
I think President Jefferson was the first president that regularly used a fork. He was criticized for that as many in his day thought that was to sophpishated. Forks for the common man did not come into use until after the civil war. Maybe it just took another 150 years for them to be used for fried chicken.
We do like to criticize our presidents and that seems one constant in an every changing world.
1
No, we would rather not criticize our presidents. But this a democracy in which we are free to criticize when it is warranted, And boy is it warranted in the case of Trump who is ,among other things, a predator on women, one who lies serially , a midget mind, a predator against small businesses that contracted with him and it now appears someone who played footsie with the Russians. . Your analogy to forks is trivial and misplaced.
15
When Trump is criticized for eating fried chicken with a knife and fork I do think it is a trivial complaint.
He many be guilty. But the bottom line is that Hillary Clinton lost the election because she was a terrible candidate. Taking money from Russia and Turkey had nothing to do with her failing to campaign in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania 25 miles west of Philadelphia.
4
What does that have to do with anything that's happening now?
15
No Joe... She lost the election because FOX "news" SAID she was a terrible candidate. In reality, she was a marvelous candidate.
11
What in the world does this article have to do with Clinton or the election?
13
I served with fellow US Army officers whose personalities resembled Flynn's: arrogant, egotistical and imperious. When the three vectors finally merge--5, 10, 25-years after first being identified, corruption, payola and arrogance-on-steroids emerge. I may be wrong, but I envisage Flim-flam Flynn breaking rocks at a certain Fort in Kansas within a few years.
8
He who ran the transition owns it. Way to go ,Pency.
7
Conspicuously lacking in this article is any reference to the statute in question. It would certainly help if the law Flynn supposedly violated were referenced, so the reader can decide for himself.
5
What I don't understand about the "Russians made Hillary lose" thing, is that even if they did (and they didn't), there was no need to confer with Donald Trump, or his aids, or anyone in the Republican Party. All they had to do was hack a server that a bright 9th grader could have prevented from happening.
Unfortunately, the DNC did not hire that bright 9th grader.
Unfortunately, the DNC did not hire that bright 9th grader.
4
Does it matter whether (in your humble opinion) Trump's staffers had a "need" to collude with the Russians, when they actually did collude?
2
Democrats must shutdown the government until a Special Prosecutor is appointed. There can be no "business as usual" when the air of illegitimacy hangs over the President.
17
In honor of Flynn's gargantuan level of hypocrisy, repeat after me:
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!
18
Where is congressman Gowdy of Benghazi notoriety? The recent Yemen and Syrian incidents are just another case of bungled US military action that the GOP went after with a vengeance with seven separate Benghazi investigations ultimately going nowhere. Has the GOP lost its penchant for wasting millions in taxpayer dollars on such misadventures? Is the spectacle of trump enduring 11 hours of gruelling Gowdy questioning not alluring enough?
48
John, you won't get much from Gowdy. Gowdy represents the lying, hypocritical GOP. Truth and justice- don't kid yourself. Unbridled power- now you are talking their language.
8
Wasn't Gowdy the one who admitted the Benghazi hearings were a sham to smear Hillary?
7
That would be the gentleman from California, Mr. McCarthy (R-CA).
1
He clearly broke the law and lied to the FBI. I hope he is held accountable. This collusion with the Russians is a disgrace and we need to send a clear message to the world that it won't be tolerated. So far the many 'foreign agents' involved with the Trump campaign have gotten away with accepting money from the Russians and failing to report it. I believe he was involved in a kidnapping plot at the behest of the Turkish government. Jeez, get this man off the street.
No one screamed louder than Flynn for Hillary to be 'locked up' for allegations where there was no wrongdoing. Now the table has been turned. As many have said 'lock him up!'
No one screamed louder than Flynn for Hillary to be 'locked up' for allegations where there was no wrongdoing. Now the table has been turned. As many have said 'lock him up!'
16
Jason "Benghazi" Chaffetz, so comfortable on his moral high horse when the target is Hillary Clinton, makes a tepid attempt to restore his standing as anything but a party hack and lackey after announcing he's not going to run for another term and may resign earlier than his current term ends. Imagine if a Democratic administration refused to hand over the documents sought by Congress. Instead of the spine he'd need to do something, Chaffetz is just adding upholstery to his already stuffed office furniture.
39
Is there one (one!) Republican senator or congressman who places country above party?
54
Scott, don't hold your breath.
7
MAY have broken the law? "May have" means we're not gonna do a thing about it. Duh!
12
Has anyone left the country, yet? Tea Pot Dome blew a lot of US gas holes over to Paris where they plotted to make us pay for their Gaul. We forfeited their over leveraged properties for them.
1
Suddenly, seems Mr. Chaffetz wants to wear a white hat.
7
So two simple questions, you decide which is more damaging:
1 - The admitted mistake of having a home server which was discovered to have done no harm?
2- The illegal acceptance of payment from a foreign hostile government for services rendered?
Yet the imbecile of a POTUS has nothing but glowing praise and is now attempting to distance himself and withhold information.
Things that make you go hmmmm...
LOCK HIM UP!!!!
1 - The admitted mistake of having a home server which was discovered to have done no harm?
2- The illegal acceptance of payment from a foreign hostile government for services rendered?
Yet the imbecile of a POTUS has nothing but glowing praise and is now attempting to distance himself and withhold information.
Things that make you go hmmmm...
LOCK HIM UP!!!!
24
Rob, spot on!
4
Trump didn't pick Flynn from a list. Vlad did.
16
If Flynn were a regular citizen he'd be sharing a cell with that other perjurer, Jeff Sessions.
34
You can run and distract and deflect all you want Mr. President, but you can't hide forever. Even your congress is starting to tire of you. Honesty, something you know little about, is the best policy, after all. Enjoy it while you can, but your days are numbered. Your type always goes down in the end.
23
Well, Hillary definitely broke the law by secretly storing classified data on a home server and then withheld the right of Americans to see it under FOIA.
She's a liar and a crook and she was never held accountable for deliberate, willful and egregious lawbreaking.
Flynn will be fine.
She's a liar and a crook and she was never held accountable for deliberate, willful and egregious lawbreaking.
Flynn will be fine.
2
Yep--improperly taking work docs home; that sounds about equivalent to treason.
After all this and you're still harping on Clinton being a crook and a liar???
5
On what planet do Americans have a right to FOIA classified information? And how could someone else "withhold" a right from you? What are you talking about? What's this got to do with Flynn's alleged crimes?
2
How does that chant go? "Lock him up, lock him up, lock him up." Was that it?
25
General Flynn is a traitor. He took an oath to serve the United States. Apparently that oath is cheap and meaningless, as is can obviously be discarded at whim if a foreign nation offers enough cash.
He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Then, we must get to the bottom of how many individuals are equally guilty in this increasingly crooked and corrupt administration.
Keep digging.
He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Then, we must get to the bottom of how many individuals are equally guilty in this increasingly crooked and corrupt administration.
Keep digging.
32
This administration and any previous, to include Wall Street bankers, those who deceived us to enter a war in Iraq, and Hillary Clinton, who undermined the sovereignty of the American people for her own financial gain... they should all be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
1
Flynn has been laundering foreign monies into mostly New York City real estate for years. His ties placed him in deep with Trump and Trump Industries too. He's the tip of a very large iceberg that begs us to investigate all of them with the full might of our legal system. The only way Trump and Flynn can be exposed fully is to use the right remedies. In this case, our RICO statutes would be our best bet. Trump has already pleaded guilty to fraud and racketeering, when he settled the Trump University law suit. So, he qualifies for a RICO frisking.
24
When it comes to Panning for gold, Russia was the untapped mine for folks like Flynn, Trump and the rest. Who knows, there may be business dealings in North Korea we don't (yet) know about.
6
Of course Flynn flaunted the law. Now, what are we going to do? Thus far, he seems he enjoys Immunity, as crooked lying Trump sent him packing regretfully; supposedly 'a good man' whose "pecadillos" were nothing to write about. Among fraudsters, all is fine and dandy, I guess.
6
He did offer to testify in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Seems there was a sliver of truth in that offer...
Judging by the comments here you'd think Flynn had facilitated the transfer of 25% of our uranium reserves to Russia or something. Flynn is gone now, why be concerned about him? I mean, that's the response I get if I mention Hillary Clinton.
4
One good reason to be concerned about Flynn now is that as a member of Trump's transition team and then as Trump's National Security Adviser, while in the pay of hostile foreign governments, including one that aggressively interfered in our elections, beginning with the primaries, Flynn had access to all of our country's top secrets.
Clinton during her term as Secretary of State broke no laws when the Department of State, along with a large number of addition U.S. government agencies approved of the Russian company Rosatom acquiring a 51% interest in the Canada-based UrAsia Engergy. In that deal, "25% of our uranium reserves" were NOT transferred to Russia.
The Rosatom matter has nothing to do with Putin's interference in our elections, or with Flynn's violations of our laws.
If you feel strongly that Rosatom should not have a 51% stake in the Canada-based UrAsia Energy, you should pursue that without using it as deflection from Flynn's illegal activities, as the one thing has nothing to do with the other.
Clinton during her term as Secretary of State broke no laws when the Department of State, along with a large number of addition U.S. government agencies approved of the Russian company Rosatom acquiring a 51% interest in the Canada-based UrAsia Engergy. In that deal, "25% of our uranium reserves" were NOT transferred to Russia.
The Rosatom matter has nothing to do with Putin's interference in our elections, or with Flynn's violations of our laws.
If you feel strongly that Rosatom should not have a 51% stake in the Canada-based UrAsia Energy, you should pursue that without using it as deflection from Flynn's illegal activities, as the one thing has nothing to do with the other.
5
Flynn committed a crime by not disclosing his dealings with Putin.
He may be guilty of an even bigger crime.
Throughout the entire 2016 Presidential Campaign, the Trump Team kept asking "Where's the proof, that Putin's interfering in the election? Where's the proof?"
Finally, all of the Intelligence Agencies sat down with Trump and showed him the proof. Flynn was at that briefing also.
Soon after that briefing, Putin rounded up scores of people that he said were traitors and spies - including Sergei Mikhailov, who was publicly dragged out of a high level meeting in Moscow.
Russian Intelligence is ruthlessly efficient at their work. And especially so, if they get assistance from retired American generals.
He may be guilty of an even bigger crime.
Throughout the entire 2016 Presidential Campaign, the Trump Team kept asking "Where's the proof, that Putin's interfering in the election? Where's the proof?"
Finally, all of the Intelligence Agencies sat down with Trump and showed him the proof. Flynn was at that briefing also.
Soon after that briefing, Putin rounded up scores of people that he said were traitors and spies - including Sergei Mikhailov, who was publicly dragged out of a high level meeting in Moscow.
Russian Intelligence is ruthlessly efficient at their work. And especially so, if they get assistance from retired American generals.
12
Both the President and Vice-President were aware, as then Acting Attorney General Sally Yates warned them about National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, that, "He's compromised." One has to ask: Why did they hire for that most key intelligence position? And then, why did they wait to fire him under the false pretext that he lied to the Vice President (who knew all along)? And finally, why are they refusing to "turn over documents related to [his] hiring and firing"? If you smell cover-up, you're not alone. We absolutely need an independent Special Prosecutor with subpoena power appointed immediately. There has been enough Congressional Republican stalling and obstruction and FBI Director, James Comey, is already politically compromised from his ill-considered intervention in Hillary Clinton campaign that has left us with this historic Constitutional crisis. The very fate of the nation requires the truth.
27
Yes. I'm surprised that the Times and other sources so easily repeat the line that Flynn was fired for lying to Pence. It's obvious that he was fired because he was found out and that he was working at Trump's direction.
FLYNN BROKE THE LAW? Of course! He jogged up to the mic to announce his acceptance of his nomination, his body language and words said it all. He announced that he was going to "do something." Well, the something he did was to lie to Pence about having been in contact with the Russians during the election. I'm sure he did lots of other things that were of questionable legality. Where's Judge John Sirica when we need him. He get ahold of the Watergate criminals and meted out harsh sentences to get them to flip on the higher-ups. That's just what we desperately needs to happen here and now!
7
What makes you think he lied to Pence? Wasn't that just a convenient excuse given by Trump? Don't you think the whole administration simply denies Russian contacts because they don't think they'll be discovered?
3
Obviously a cover up of immense proportions is being perpetrated by trump himself and his henchmen. It's obvious that Putin won trump the election and expects pay back. It's also obvious that trump isn't forthcoming on what he knows and when he knew it. And most troubling is Priebus et al running interference with the FBI to thwart its investigation. Treasonous malfeasance now looms as a real possibility.
16
Perhaps we now all know the reason why Jason Chaffetz announced a couple days back that he was resigning from Congress, and might leave before his term ended.
The White House obviously has to be subpoenaed, if not dragged to the Supreme Court. Chaffetz doesn't wish to sacrifice his promising career for the noble cause of defending Trump. At the same time, he doesn't want to be under the thumb of Ryan and House leaders coercing him to do this, that, or the other thing in support of either the White House or the equally hobbled Ryan.
So he decide to invest his political capital in more promising career moves, and declared himself to be in a Trump-free, Ryan-free zone.
Well played!
The White House obviously has to be subpoenaed, if not dragged to the Supreme Court. Chaffetz doesn't wish to sacrifice his promising career for the noble cause of defending Trump. At the same time, he doesn't want to be under the thumb of Ryan and House leaders coercing him to do this, that, or the other thing in support of either the White House or the equally hobbled Ryan.
So he decide to invest his political capital in more promising career moves, and declared himself to be in a Trump-free, Ryan-free zone.
Well played!
14
Flynn is likely not the first or only one. The White House is chock a block full of pretenders raking off the tax payers dollars. Time to clean house, starting with the head of the house.
16
We mustn't forget that when Flynn was seated at Putin's table in Moscow for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Putin's state propaganda organ, Jill Stein was seated at their table too.
Who paid for Jill Stein to travel to Moscow for that event, what was her interest in attending that event, and who is Jill Stein that she would be seated at Putin's table for an event promoting Putin's propaganda organ?
Remember that during the general election, Jill Stein was telling voters that Clinton would be a worse president than Trump. It simply isn't credible that Stein would have been seated with Flynn and Putin at that table if Putin didn't have some reason for her being seated there.
Who paid for Jill Stein to travel to Moscow for that event, what was her interest in attending that event, and who is Jill Stein that she would be seated at Putin's table for an event promoting Putin's propaganda organ?
Remember that during the general election, Jill Stein was telling voters that Clinton would be a worse president than Trump. It simply isn't credible that Stein would have been seated with Flynn and Putin at that table if Putin didn't have some reason for her being seated there.
I think the RICO statutes against organized crime and racketeering are the appropriate way of going after this gang. Treason and espionage are hard to prove, but surely a prosecutor can assemble all the elements of a criminal gang, money laundering, bribery, official malfeasance, and much more from this Trump administration.
10
Remember General Petraeus, or if you prefer HRC over her email server. Flynn would only get a rap on the knuckles for the offense itself. But it looks as though he systematically covered it up (as in fact Petraeus attempted to do) -- that and the fact it involves money really could put him in jail.
None of this answers any of the really interesting questions here....
None of this answers any of the really interesting questions here....
2
Literally, these scoundrels will get away with murder. When will there be justice?
Sickening double standards!!!
Sickening double standards!!!
19
justice ?
youre a funny guy
really
And thus we see that sucking off Russian gas holes is far more explosive than one might guess when the money is flowing with it. Should have added a retardant.
9
I would give up all my worldly possessions to witness Hillary Clinton visiting Michael Flynn in jail.
25
These are the best of times to see how much worse it can get before the Constitution blows a gasket. Congress is one frozen O ring, no?
Is Chaffetz trying to tell his base he's got to do his job or recuse himself? Otherwise, the Dems get another crack at the cracker barrel of go nowhere leaders? His only other option is to bail.
Is Chaffetz trying to tell his base he's got to do his job or recuse himself? Otherwise, the Dems get another crack at the cracker barrel of go nowhere leaders? His only other option is to bail.
9
What did he say or not say on his security clearance application ????
12
Jason Chaffetz and Elijah Cummings; an odd couple indeed.
13
Oddly, Trump thinks Elijah is praising his presidency when no one but the AP's reporter was able to tell him he's deluding himself, which he then proceeded to do in the face of that knowledge explicitly. Maybe they try, but it takes a village to talk him out of his idiocy?
2
I used to have respect for Cummings!
Mr Flynn needs a pronoun lesson: - It's not lock her up, it's lock HIM up..
How soon before this eventually leads to Trump & Putin....
How soon before this eventually leads to Trump & Putin....
13
I don't think Putin will be locked up anytime soon.
usa
March 4, 1789 -- November 8, 2016
12
Why am I not surprised the White House won't turn over needed documents on Flynn? It's the old cockroach rule -- where there is one bad roach, there are hundreds.
27
Something smells awful fishy and we're not at Sea World. Even as a private citizen, I would know better that transparency would be my duty when doing business with Russia and then going to work for the U.S. government, especially as a former military officer. No excuse. There is something much more sinister going on here. Keep digging, NY Times!
Chaffetz sure picked a convenient time to completely bail on his responsibilities as a Congressman!
10
I've never been a huge fan of Chaffetz, but maybe he announced that he won't run in 2018 as a way to *focus* on his responsibilities as a Congressman?
Granted, there were more straightforward ways for him to phrase that "there's no evidence that Flynn complied with the law"...
Granted, there were more straightforward ways for him to phrase that "there's no evidence that Flynn complied with the law"...
6
According to the Washington Post, the White House refused to deliver documents relating to paperwork that Flynn may have filed with them BEFORE January 20 by arguing that they have no paperwork before that date.
Did they not vet Flynn before he was nominated on November 18, 2016 as reported by CNN? If they did vet him, did they not request a copy of his SF-86? His trip to Russia occurred in 2015, so it should have been listed on such a form. Just for the record, the Federal government provides about $7 million in funds to underwrite the presidential transition costs. So that work should be official government records paid for by the taxpayers.
What are they hiding?
Are they dumb enough (or ARROGANT enough) to think they will get away with withholding evidence?
Did they not vet Flynn before he was nominated on November 18, 2016 as reported by CNN? If they did vet him, did they not request a copy of his SF-86? His trip to Russia occurred in 2015, so it should have been listed on such a form. Just for the record, the Federal government provides about $7 million in funds to underwrite the presidential transition costs. So that work should be official government records paid for by the taxpayers.
What are they hiding?
Are they dumb enough (or ARROGANT enough) to think they will get away with withholding evidence?
41
The Constitution prohibits retired military personnel and reservists from receiving pay from foreign governments without Congressional authorization. It doesn’t prohibit them from receiving pay from foreign organizations or businesses receive funding from foreign government. Flynn was paid speaking fees by Russian and Turkish firms, not by the Russian or Turkish governments. According to CNN, Flynn didn’t disclose submitted these fees when he made the initial disclosures in mid-February, but did include them in disclosure filings he made last week.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/31/politics/white-house-financial-disclosures...
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/31/politics/white-house-financial-disclosures...
2
RT is a broadcaster owned and funded by the Russian government. If he got paid by RT, he got paid by the Russian government. Your argument is specious at best.
11
Its scary that a former general has such poor judgment.
14
"Poor judgement" is not his problem, any more than it was Arnold's. Yes, that Arnold.
So Flynn, technically a Russian agent, was given security clearance to access the most highly classified information while continuing his communication with Putin. Although Trump was forced to remove him as National Security Advisor, Trump has refused to remove people Flynn brought with him. These same people leaked documents to Nunes, leading to Nunes being replaced. The entire Trump administration is corrupt and in bed with Russia, following a bogus election. How much longer will they have access to our top secret information? This is mind-boggling.
46
When both Administration and Lawmakers are the source of such impropriety, it's no wonder such mistrust exists in America today. Add Russia, hacking, ferocious partisanship and an unfathomably irresponsible and ignorant President into the equation, you sense that something, soon, will have to give.
The argument that Democracy spoke in November last year, and must be respected, will only be valid if those who hold Democracy sacred impose a Special Prosecutor to determine who should be condemned or exonerated. Otherwise, as the voice of the People, Democracy will have been completely abused. This is not the American way.
The argument that Democracy spoke in November last year, and must be respected, will only be valid if those who hold Democracy sacred impose a Special Prosecutor to determine who should be condemned or exonerated. Otherwise, as the voice of the People, Democracy will have been completely abused. This is not the American way.
413
The problem with the argument "Democracy spoke in November last year", lies in the fact that it didn't.
There is nothing democratic about the Electoral College system which was essentially established when Slaves and Women were ineligible to vote, and the majority of the population lived in rural areas.
There's also the fact that majority of the American people did not vote for Donald Trump. And as such, he does not represent the will, nor the voice of all the People.
And that's hardly the American way.
There is nothing democratic about the Electoral College system which was essentially established when Slaves and Women were ineligible to vote, and the majority of the population lived in rural areas.
There's also the fact that majority of the American people did not vote for Donald Trump. And as such, he does not represent the will, nor the voice of all the People.
And that's hardly the American way.
7
Democracy wretched last November and up came Trump.
2
Also, what kind of democracy declares the loser President? He lost by millions - millions - of votes. Yet our antiquated Electoral College sees fit to vote him into office because he (apparently) got maybe 75,000 more votes in three critical states than Hillary.
It makes no sense. And even worse, it's the second time in a few years that the Republican Party has stolen an election from the people, who voted for the Democratic candidate - favoring Al Gore by several hundred thousand votes and Hillary Clinton by millions.
It makes no sense. And even worse, it's the second time in a few years that the Republican Party has stolen an election from the people, who voted for the Democratic candidate - favoring Al Gore by several hundred thousand votes and Hillary Clinton by millions.
1
Why did Chaffetz announce one-and-a-half years before the next election that he won't run again?
Because he knows that it is going to get extremely ugly between now and then.
Now he has the freedom to follow his conscience, and not his party.
Because he knows that it is going to get extremely ugly between now and then.
Now he has the freedom to follow his conscience, and not his party.
12
He wants to be Utah's next Governor.
8
I love all the euphemisms misled and inappropriate. if that was a regular citizen it would be the terms used would be lied and Criminal. Different levels of justice for certain citizens.
30
"... inappropriately accepted the funds without permission." Is that like taking the neighbor's cow, selling it (and pocketing the proceeds) without telling him?
9
The proper response is "lock him up." But it wont happen in a Washington where the conflict of interests start with the President, followed by his daughter and his son-in-law. Hope all of those unemployed coal miners, et al are enjoying seeing their boy and his billionaire buddies get even richer.
14
I suppose it's too much to hope that Flynn paid any tax on these foreign earnings since they slipped his mind once already when seeking security clearance.
13
If Donald Trump doesn't pay any taxes, there's no reason to expect that Michael Flynn has.
6
"White House officials refused to turn over documents related to the hiring and firing of Mr. Flynn." The Trump administration
is shrouded in secrecy. Nothing to see here, move along folks.
is shrouded in secrecy. Nothing to see here, move along folks.
10
OMG, less than one hundred days, and the WH is refusing to give Eager to Beaver Chaffetz the evidence to chip away at? Can't trust him to run around the end game and claim it relieves everyone of suspicion but the intelligence officers who obtained it? That breaks Nixon's land speed record. Congratulations, Mr. Resident, like he even appreciates the digs.
8
Dishonest people tend to hire folks in their own image. Flynn will be the thread that will unravel Trump's presidency.
14
I won't be surprised if we learn that Flynn was on the Putin payroll for providing consultation on how Russia could help get Trump elected.
13
We are presently living in one of the most embarrassing countries in the world. And we are the laughing stock of the first world nations for good reason: we've earned it. The Ugly American is back. Only now, it's a frighteningly Stupid Ugly American. It's not just Germany booing. There are boos everyplace this most loathsome family goes. But that is entirely not enough. Flynn needs to go down and start a domino tumble that must not end until the travesty of Trump is gone.
Admit the mistake, republicans. And please try to redeem yourselves.
Admit the mistake, republicans. And please try to redeem yourselves.
28
Thought chafetz was leaving?
Anyway - let Flynn stare at a long federal prison term for a while, then see how loudly he sings a tuneful song of how this Russia conspiracy to steal the election unfolded.
Once the illegitimate POTUS and VP are indicted it will cause a Constitutional crisis. The Framers never in their wildest dreams conceived of an American citizen so depraved, so bereft of dignity and patriotism that he would deal with a hostile foreign nation to aid in committing such a grotesque breach of the public trust. There is not a clear course to chart when it is proved that the election results are not the real results,
Anyway - let Flynn stare at a long federal prison term for a while, then see how loudly he sings a tuneful song of how this Russia conspiracy to steal the election unfolded.
Once the illegitimate POTUS and VP are indicted it will cause a Constitutional crisis. The Framers never in their wildest dreams conceived of an American citizen so depraved, so bereft of dignity and patriotism that he would deal with a hostile foreign nation to aid in committing such a grotesque breach of the public trust. There is not a clear course to chart when it is proved that the election results are not the real results,
12
"White House refuses?"
It appears "checks and balances" now solely applies to Republicans' private bank accounts.
It appears "checks and balances" now solely applies to Republicans' private bank accounts.
660
Something else to charge the President with when the Articles of Impeachment are written -- withholding evidence and obstructing the investigation.
Overdrawn. No more line of credit.
But not the nation's bank account!
Because why?
'Dynamic scoring!'
Lock him up, too!
Because why?
'Dynamic scoring!'
Lock him up, too!
3
He's already admitted his base won't re-elect him, but what if I told you you can get two ice crushers for the price of a snow job? I think he can pivot if his life was dedicated to US. But he's not in it for our posterity, only his own.
5
Lock Him Up! (Chant with me, people) Lock Him Up!
60
And lock up (or at least subpoena) those "White House officials" who are refusing to supply documents requested by the committee. Obstruction of justice! In the (one-syllable, naturally) words of the orange one, "Sad!"
4
How about "Question him under oath WITHOUT immunity!!" Don't want to give the GOP reason to rush to obstruction by exception.
3
He'll take the 5th.
I know some of us think this is just a bad movie, but this one is worth walking out on.
I'm serious. If my Rep and Senators can't see this is nutz, then they are part of this conspiracy to obstruct justice, too! I can play a part in starting a re-distribution of sanity!
Are you gonna cover for crazy Russian salad dressing, or are you MY lobbiest, Congress? If you make me wait until 2019 to impeach this disaster, you are gonna go out with the bad hombre.
Come on, you know you just lay the duty on the Senate, House. You got coverage they only wish they could wear.
I'm serious. If my Rep and Senators can't see this is nutz, then they are part of this conspiracy to obstruct justice, too! I can play a part in starting a re-distribution of sanity!
Are you gonna cover for crazy Russian salad dressing, or are you MY lobbiest, Congress? If you make me wait until 2019 to impeach this disaster, you are gonna go out with the bad hombre.
Come on, you know you just lay the duty on the Senate, House. You got coverage they only wish they could wear.
16
Criteria to work for trump, must have criminal tendencies in your resume.
41
experience preferred
4
"The smoke is the fire."
6
WH won't let them look into the smoker. Trump will declare Sauce Secrecy Order.
When does the WH start firing their lawyers?
When does the WH start firing their lawyers?
1
Time to "LOCK HIM UP' !!!!!!!
21
May have????
18
Trump is hiding things.
What's most glaring... going back to the February Firing of Flynn... is that Trump kept defending Flynn, WHILE he justified his being fired:
* http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/michael-flynn-resignation-trump-re...
* http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-defends-flynn-after-firing-him-he-...
* http://www.voanews.com/a/3726171.html
Trump is hiding things, about what he knew on Flynn.
What's most glaring... going back to the February Firing of Flynn... is that Trump kept defending Flynn, WHILE he justified his being fired:
* http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/michael-flynn-resignation-trump-re...
* http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/trump-defends-flynn-after-firing-him-he-...
* http://www.voanews.com/a/3726171.html
Trump is hiding things, about what he knew on Flynn.
38
And what must the Russians have on Trump, to have caused such bizarre and self-contradictory (even for him) behavior.
Well, the former British spy has **told** us what they have on him!
Well, the former British spy has **told** us what they have on him!
May have.... Really... Oh... Republicans...
Only Democrats and Independents know he DID...
ETHICS don't exist in the Republican world anymore... They are not better than third world countries governments anymore...
Only Democrats and Independents know he DID...
ETHICS don't exist in the Republican world anymore... They are not better than third world countries governments anymore...
25
How much Michael Flynn can you put under the bus? This is Chaffetz trying to look ethical on the way out while throwing a (not so) shiny object in front of the real story, i.e. RUSSIA/TRUMP/TREASON. Stay on it!
20
You can't prove anything bigger unless you start to flip the lower-level.
You can't flip the lower level without leverage.
Flynn has been begging to make a deal to testify for the last month--this is just upping the pressure to make a good deal. Then with Flynn's testimony, they go up the ladder a rung.
Watergate took about a year form the start of the investigation to Nixon's resignation--you can't rush something this important.
You can't flip the lower level without leverage.
Flynn has been begging to make a deal to testify for the last month--this is just upping the pressure to make a good deal. Then with Flynn's testimony, they go up the ladder a rung.
Watergate took about a year form the start of the investigation to Nixon's resignation--you can't rush something this important.
4
I can't help myself.........LOCK HIM UP! LOCK HIM UP! LOCK HIM UP!.....
17
Please, someone assure me.
This is not the General Flynn who led chants to "lock her up" at Don the Con rallies and the GOP convention.l?
This is not the General Flynn who led chants to "lock her up" at Don the Con rallies and the GOP convention.l?
15
Be assured....it is.
4
It is the same guy. Lock him up, that's right, lock him up
Who believes that a retired U. S. Army lieutenant general who was the eighteenth director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the first national security advisor appointed by Trump didn't know the law?
Charge, convict, jail.
Charge, convict, jail.
105
he was absent from ethics class that day
I'm certain he's been looking for any cat hair of a slim chance he can find a rat hole to loop through. Much like Bill O'Really, he should remain silent and meek, like a real snake.
3
Ever notice that the bankers and the politicians are on uneven ground? Their crimes are blatant because they are not severely punished...period. It makes me so MAD!
10
"White House officials have refused to turn over documents related to the hiring and firing of Mr. Flynn, the House’s top oversight lawmakers said Tuesday."
Obviously these papers ended up in the same pile as Trump's IRS tax forms and the cleaning lady by mistake used it all for sandwich wrappers.
Obviously these papers ended up in the same pile as Trump's IRS tax forms and the cleaning lady by mistake used it all for sandwich wrappers.
24
No, Rose Marie Woods (remember her?!) actually stepped on them with her foot, thereby deleting them all.
1
Breaking News; the cleaning lady was found dead from an overdose of poison in her sandwich wrappings...
So, by inference Sessions and the son in law also broke the law by failing to disclose meetings with Russians. They lied in responding to simple, direct questions about their dealings. Lied. Plain and simple.
70
Flynn broke the law by taking the money. That's a little different--and easier to prove--than perjury (which requires proving intent)
4
If the White House continues to withhold documents related to Flynn, would that be obstruction of justice?
25
It is already. But because Republicans refuse to subpoena them he continues to leak on the republic
3
The law breaking goes on & on, from all sides & angles.
When & where does accountability kick in?
When & where does accountability kick in?
So many crimes, so few prosecutions...in fact NONE.
18
I hear you agreed.
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up!
Mr. Flynn remember the similar chant...
Mr. Flynn remember the similar chant...
9
Trump loves walls! Especially stone-walls...
17
I suspect if the media keeps digging into Trump, his family and his goons, they will continue to find dirt and stuff to hide.
14
Earth to New York Times: We've known this for weeks.
20
True. But that's not the point.
It's the fact that the (Republican) House Oversight Committee is finally getting around to admitting it.
It's the fact that the (Republican) House Oversight Committee is finally getting around to admitting it.
18
And the New York Times reported on this issue weeks ago ...
Michael Flynn Resigns as National Security Adviser
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/13/us/politics/donald-trump-national-sec...
Michael Flynn Resigns as National Security Adviser
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/13/us/politics/donald-trump-national-sec...
2
Apparently, now that the Black man is no longer in office there is no such thing as ethics. The Republicans are corrupt to the core - expect nothing from them but more treasonous behavior.
63
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 807; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(2)(J), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148.)
26
Jason Chaffetz showing both some sense and some backbone? What IS in the water in Utah? He needs to bottle it and drop off a bottle on the desk of every member of the GOP and a case at the White House. Lyin' Donald hiding behind "officials" to help obstruct justice? Nothing new there. Jason needs to subpoena Lyin' Donald after, of course, Lyin' Donald takes a course in "truth or lie."
11
And this all rather makes the timing of Jason Chaffetz's imminent departure rather suspect, don't you think?
It's progress when Republicans are willing to admit that a law was broken by the Trump administration.
Republicans should also investigate the fact that "Princess" Ivanka is representing the U.S at a Women's forum in Germany. Last time I checked, America was still a Republic.
Republicans should also investigate the fact that "Princess" Ivanka is representing the U.S at a Women's forum in Germany. Last time I checked, America was still a Republic.
18
shes just hawking her line of shoes and fashion accessories
aLL made in China
9
Keep checking.
3
It is a bad sign when a member of the president's party stops stone-walling an investigation.
I'm guessing (hoping) that subpoenas will be issued to White House personnel very soon, since the administration appears to be less than cooperative. Let’s get these people under oath, see what kind of information Flynn has, what kind of deal he wants to make, and begin thinking about impeachment to end this nightmare.
I'm guessing (hoping) that subpoenas will be issued to White House personnel very soon, since the administration appears to be less than cooperative. Let’s get these people under oath, see what kind of information Flynn has, what kind of deal he wants to make, and begin thinking about impeachment to end this nightmare.
18
He betrayed not only the political process but his military tradition. Throw him in jail, change his discharge to dishonorable, eliminate any retirement pay and throw away the key.
39
I'm sure the GOP will again offer their thoughts and prayers, and nothing else, regarding this crisis.
8
Trump and his Trumpsters simply DON'T play by the rules.
What else is new?
What else is new?
17
Are there any special reasons for Republicans to give Flynn a pass on this?
I don't believe in "locking him up" for minor infractions done without criminal intent. Just as I didn't think Clinton's email server merited lacking her up.
But I'd love to see the contortions that Republicans go through to explain their reluctance to pillory Flynn.
And Flynn's connections with both Russia and Turkey while he was advising Trump on national security need full xploration. And, no, don't give him immunity. Give him a plea bargain.
I don't believe in "locking him up" for minor infractions done without criminal intent. Just as I didn't think Clinton's email server merited lacking her up.
But I'd love to see the contortions that Republicans go through to explain their reluctance to pillory Flynn.
And Flynn's connections with both Russia and Turkey while he was advising Trump on national security need full xploration. And, no, don't give him immunity. Give him a plea bargain.
13
Well, so much for passing the ACA repeal and replace, the wall money, the tax code changes and a lot of other things.
Back to the Russian Connection, with both hands.
Emperor Donnie's first 100 days are going to have a grade of ZERO. Nothing is going to get done this week. Just a CR at most.
Back to the Russian Connection, with both hands.
Emperor Donnie's first 100 days are going to have a grade of ZERO. Nothing is going to get done this week. Just a CR at most.
35
Wait for the "Rick oops Perry" defense. Sickening.
11
flynn learned honor respect and love for his country in the military
that training may need a tad of tweaking
12
Every day I wonder when enough will be enough. I guess that day still hasn't come.
40
and it won't come unless we get off our couch and bring it back in 2018
13
2018 is too late
nuclear war w n korea by summer
mark my words
1
Dear Senator Chaffetz,
You are, by your own admission, a lame duck, and it does not matter whose feathers you ruffle. Your constituents - and voters in general - fully back a thorough and complete investigation into the current Executive branch's ties to Russia. Please do your best.
Sincerely,
Me
You are, by your own admission, a lame duck, and it does not matter whose feathers you ruffle. Your constituents - and voters in general - fully back a thorough and complete investigation into the current Executive branch's ties to Russia. Please do your best.
Sincerely,
Me
59
Why do you think he made himself a lame-duck in the first place? So that he could do just that?
I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being, and see how this plays out. Of the Republicans in the House, he's the one sticking his neck out the farthest so far....
I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being, and see how this plays out. Of the Republicans in the House, he's the one sticking his neck out the farthest so far....
How about Chaffetz mounting a horse and riding into town to rope the Russian gang and then run for higher office in 2020.
Hmmm.
Hmmm.
The last sentence of the article is "White House officials have refused to turn over documents related to the hiring and firing of Mr. Flynn, the House’s top oversight lawmakers said Tuesday." Why? What are they hiding now? And are they allowed to refuse? There is definitely more to this than meets the eye.
78
Lock him up!
20
When this bunch of crooks gets thrown out of office, can Gorsuch be thrown out with him? Isn't he fruit of the poisoned tree?
64
Too bad it was Gorsuch and not Merrick Garland on the SCOTUS that the late Arkansas prisoners appealed to. Merrick Garland might have voted for stays of execution.
1
Please, Times, can you designate several reporters to please tally up a list of all the suspicious events, behaviors, actors connected to this misbegotten "administration" of crisis and nonstop craziness?
We need a continuing list. Of every iota. It's hard keep all this straight. But it's getting to be a long, long, long list.
Please!
We need a continuing list. Of every iota. It's hard keep all this straight. But it's getting to be a long, long, long list.
Please!
106
Seconded.
I need such a list. Maybe other U.S. citizens need such a list. And certainly Congress needs such a list.
I need such a list. Maybe other U.S. citizens need such a list. And certainly Congress needs such a list.
3
So, "crook" is spelled F-L-Y-N-N...
So is "traitor"...
So is "traitor"...
17
This hypocrite led the "lock her up" chant at the GOP convention, and actively promoted the fake story of Hillary leading a child prostitution ring.
55
The immunity deal sought by Mike Flynn makes all the more sense given this new revelation. He must have known that this conclusion was coming and hence sought to mitigate it. The only question now is how much of this was known by Trump and whether hiring him despite such knowledge constitutes, by itself, a violation of a federal law. If the latter case can be made, then Flynn should be given immunity in the hope of being able to fry the bigger fish, i.e. The Donald.
I also wonder if the decision by Mr. Chaffetz to not stand for re-election is in part driven by a disgust of the Republican party given all that he has visibility to. It does not condone his past actions in the least bit, but would give us an inkling about the extent of the chaos.
I also wonder if the decision by Mr. Chaffetz to not stand for re-election is in part driven by a disgust of the Republican party given all that he has visibility to. It does not condone his past actions in the least bit, but would give us an inkling about the extent of the chaos.
88
Chaffetz is not disgusted by this, he is scared of getting the slime on himself. I read that he also has his own troubles about campaign funds. He has ambitions that go further than the House.
5
It seems that if a Republican is going to put country over party, they may as well step down.
"despite such knowledge" or because of such knowledge...we'll find out soon enough
What I find most appalling is the amoral character of these Trump people who willingly strategized with foreign authoritarian powers how to circumvent democracy. Treason is what comes to mind.
The only value system these people have is money. It is the new religion. Trump applauds their actions because he worships the same symbol they do. Perhaps the Treasury should stop putting patriotic symbols on the dollar bills so the Flynn's of the world don't confuse democracy with capitalism.
The only value system these people have is money. It is the new religion. Trump applauds their actions because he worships the same symbol they do. Perhaps the Treasury should stop putting patriotic symbols on the dollar bills so the Flynn's of the world don't confuse democracy with capitalism.
27
So do something about it and stop talking. Do your job!
There is a reason our Founders wanted three separate parts to the government. 'Checks and balances' used to mean something. We will now see if it still does.
73
care to make a small wager on it ?
like, everything you own
Considering that the Republicans are now in control of all three parts of government,any hope of 'Checks and Balances' doesn't seem very likely.
2
"also appeared to have inappropriately accepted the funds without permission." What funds? Is there a paragraph missing from this story?
3
Lock him up! Lock him up! Lock him up! Oh wait...that only applies to Hillary.
8
When you name a likely criminal to be your national security adviser, maybe you're also lying about that plan to defeat terrorists.
17
I can hear chants that sound like "Lock him up! Lock him up!"... or I must be mistaken?
22
im re-watching the sopranos series
the trump admin is more crooked than the soprano family
and they admit to being crims
10
Only a would-be fascist dictator would not turn over important news about Flynn to the Press and the people! Is Trump fashioning himself after his North Korean counterpart. Seems so. Monkey see monkey do!!
17
This is likely just petty legalese stuff that doesn't matter. What matters is that Obama despite promising to end the Iraqi and Afghan wars didn't and also didn't rein in NSA spying on us.
1
This is old news. Chaffetz is just trying to muddy the waters here. I believe that Mike Flynn did disclose his dealings with the Russians to Pence and Trump and they are using him as a scape goat, a very old and practiced diversion, to prevent any other administration official from being investigated.
I am no fan of Michael Flynn, but Congress should give him immunity, so that we, the voters, find out what truly is going on and went on during the campaign.
A special Prosecutor should be appointed.
I am no fan of Michael Flynn, but Congress should give him immunity, so that we, the voters, find out what truly is going on and went on during the campaign.
A special Prosecutor should be appointed.
461
It is official confirmation of what had been leaked.
And you conveniently forgot the time line: Flynn reported his ties AFTER he was appointed head of the NSA.
But I guess he gets a pass because he is a Republican.
And you conveniently forgot the time line: Flynn reported his ties AFTER he was appointed head of the NSA.
But I guess he gets a pass because he is a Republican.
10
The admission from Chaffetz is not old news: "And it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate, and there are repercussions for a violation of law" That's new.
Other than that, I pretty much agree with you.
Other than that, I pretty much agree with you.
2
What if his information is already on file? He gets to walk...
So what usually happens to US citizens when they break the law? Does the law not apply equally to all US citizens?
My guess is that the courts should subpoena Flynn's income tax records or was his business with Russia all done "under the table?"
My guess is that the courts should subpoena Flynn's income tax records or was his business with Russia all done "under the table?"
5
Maybe we should start referring to this debacle as the Trump Badministration. It would be a much more accurate description.
6
Even just "A HINT" of an American General breaking the law is one step too far for whomever the officer happens to be or who he works for. Time to get rid of such a public embarrassment - NOW!
7
They're going to try to make Flynn the fall guy. I hope, like the nasty beasts these Trump associates people are, that Flynn turns and starts to sing like a full throated canary. This explains Flynn wanting immunity.
9
Those of you who have filled out SF 86 know how in-depth in terms of questions..(to include the elementary school attended). Failure to disclose is captioned at the bottom where it states: "I declare under the penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.." This the same as making a false statement to the FBI.
I hope not only is Flynn given the full measure of the law in civilian courts..but, he is tried under the UCMJ for a multitude of offenses with him being "busted" back to private....in total disgrace. But, in the end,,,,Flynn knows the right thing to do...
I hope not only is Flynn given the full measure of the law in civilian courts..but, he is tried under the UCMJ for a multitude of offenses with him being "busted" back to private....in total disgrace. But, in the end,,,,Flynn knows the right thing to do...
4
"White House officials have refused to turn over documents related to the hiring and firing of Michael T. Flynn"
Add obstruction of justice to the charges against Trump.
Add obstruction of justice to the charges against Trump.
13
Obviously, the Trump White House has nothing to hide and sincerely wants to put all this Russian connection distraction to rest just as soon as possible. Trump's supporters know in their heart of hearts that there is nothing to the Donald-Vladimir bromance.
How could The Donald, so honored for his fair-play and honesty throughout his business career, possibly employ any dishonorable tactics as a candidate or president?
What's wrong with draining the swamp and then filling it with sump? Or with importing sump from abroad?
How could The Donald, so honored for his fair-play and honesty throughout his business career, possibly employ any dishonorable tactics as a candidate or president?
What's wrong with draining the swamp and then filling it with sump? Or with importing sump from abroad?
7
People have been saying this for months; finally someone in Congress goes on record.
3
Maybe I don't fully understand the relative importance of the facts of this case, but it seems to me that the White House's refusal to hand over relevant paperwork is bigger news than Flynn's potential criminal dealings. We more or less knew about those, no?
Why is the refusal now at the end of the story rather than the top? Doesn't the White House's refusal to cooperate with a criminal investigation set the stage for a potential Constitutional crisis?
Why is the refusal now at the end of the story rather than the top? Doesn't the White House's refusal to cooperate with a criminal investigation set the stage for a potential Constitutional crisis?
96
Congress is a coequal branch of government. It has no special power - other than the purse - with which to compel the executive to do anything. Congress has one and only one constitutional remedy for 'high crimes and misdemeanors': Impeachment. If that is unattainable, they can go pound sand.
Since Flynn never held office under Trump, a more interesting question to ask is how long has Flynn been either corrupt or compromised and was that his situation when the Obama Administration appointed him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Stay tuned kids; notwithstanding the propaganda to the contrary, you're playing checkers with a 3D chess grand master.
Since Flynn never held office under Trump, a more interesting question to ask is how long has Flynn been either corrupt or compromised and was that his situation when the Obama Administration appointed him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Stay tuned kids; notwithstanding the propaganda to the contrary, you're playing checkers with a 3D chess grand master.
White House officials to refuse to turn over documents related to Flynn's hiring and firing. And the visitor's log. And Trump's tax returns. Is it just me, or does there seem to be a pattern here?
38
Yes, "may have." And Paul Manafort, Carter Page, Roger Stone and D. Trump may have also broken the law. We say "may have" in this country, because unlike mother Russia, you are innocent until, inexorably, inevitably, and undeniably, you are proven guilty.
9
Hillary Clinton failed to comply, over and over again, with State Department regulations, which she agreed to in testimony before Congress, that required her to disclose all sources of income from foreign governments. The NY Times had no problem with that. Democrats in Congress had no problem with that. It is so funny to watch the Times and other left-wing media now cover this Flynn story as "Breaking News."
Oops, I think I meant 40 million for Kenneth Starr, not 70. But since repubs did not have to pay for it, who's counting?
1
So they're revving up to throw Flynn under the bus.
I can't wait to hear that "story he has to tell."
I can't wait to hear that "story he has to tell."
4
Nobody associated with Trump is accustomed to ever worrying about what the law might be.
12
You know if Obama or Hillary did half of this stuff the GOP would have burned them at the stake already
I'm seriously stunned that all of this has been allowed to occur in less than a few months!
I'm seriously stunned that all of this has been allowed to occur in less than a few months!
25
There must be some other means to obtaining those documents from the White House. And Chaffetz and his do-nothings should ask themselves why the White House is blocking them?
Faced with purported "law breaking" by Hillary Clinton, they were so eager, weren't they? By golly, they held hearing after hearing to bombard her with questions. But not in this instance for Lyin' Flynn. No one in this administration will ever have to stand before a judge as long as the Republicans are in power.
Faced with purported "law breaking" by Hillary Clinton, they were so eager, weren't they? By golly, they held hearing after hearing to bombard her with questions. But not in this instance for Lyin' Flynn. No one in this administration will ever have to stand before a judge as long as the Republicans are in power.
5
Why hasn't the Trump Administration been "gated" yet? Trumpgate? Russiagate? Electiongate?
Or perhaps there are too many gates to follow this time?
He's a life-long real estate huckster. The web is elaborate. But it's not impossible to trace.
Or perhaps there are too many gates to follow this time?
He's a life-long real estate huckster. The web is elaborate. But it's not impossible to trace.
5
At last summer’s Republican National Convention, Flynn led “lock her up” chants aimed at Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
well, tsk, tsk, tsk
5
This whole mess is deja vu. A person of my age can not help but think back to the Watergate Era. In fact, this administration needs to actually reflect on what is historical fact, not fake news...that Nixon was brought down by his willful participation in its cover-up. But on many levels Putingate is so much worse, not the least of which is that Nixon had experience in government and politics, whether we agreed with him or not. (I didn't.) The areas which are more ominous re this national scandal start first with a foreign government which has an egomaniacal thug as its leader. This is a far cry from one of our nation's own - the Republican Party - interfering with a presidential election. There is also the need to juxtapose a Congress of 1973 with our present Congress made up of opportunists with greater questionable moral compasses. Last, we can not overlook the role of our FBI then and now. I have never found myself questioning its motives, but I do now. How can we trust, at this point, the only institution capable of investigating the Russia and Trump connection, when it hid the truth of what was going on, while putting the unfair final nail on the proverbial coffin of Hillary Clinton's run for the presidency? Where is that Deep Throat when we need one?
5
It took a while for Deep Throat to come out of the woodwork, but he did, eventually. It will happen again, now, in the course of this investigation. Regardless of the GOP's desire and efforts to minimize and cover this tegime's tracks, I know forca fact that there are still journalists and editors doing the hard investigative work to uncover the extent of the crimes and rot. I know there are Republicans in our government who are as disgusted and furious and worried as Democrats, who actually do love their country and respect the law, who are incensed by what they observe and know. It might not happen in 20 minutes, but someone will blow a whistle, and the gates will crash open.
5
The words we are looking for here are TREASON and COVER-UP. Also: obstruction of justice, lying to the FBI, lying to Congress.
Let' s imagine if it were the 1980's and the fired head of the DIA under a Democratic administration showed up in Moscow to conduct "meetings" and get paid for "speaking" to selected audiences of Soviet officials. Really? I strongly suspect Republicans would call for a firing squad. What is so different about Flynn blabbing to Putin's cronies? Who knows what secrets he sold them? Not to mention promising what Trump would do in exchange for hacking, disinformation, and who knows what other "services" rendered including a few convenient wet ops in which certain persons of interest fell out of a window, or met with a terrible accident, or ran into a bullet or two.
As for Chaffitz, he of the phony baloney Benghazi investigations, that vile Republican hypocrite, liar and partisan lackey is in it up his eyeballs, along with Ayn Rand Ryan, McConnell, KKK Sessions, Nunes, and the rest of the criminal and traitorous GOP leadership. They knew damn well Trump was getting help from the Russians and that he was under investigation by their stooge FBI director, Comey. Only they conveniently forgot to mention that fact to the American public. They need to pay, and pay dearly, for knowingly putting a psychopath into the Presidency, so they could achieve their life long goal of reducing Americans to serfs.
The big question now is: When do these people go to jail?
Let' s imagine if it were the 1980's and the fired head of the DIA under a Democratic administration showed up in Moscow to conduct "meetings" and get paid for "speaking" to selected audiences of Soviet officials. Really? I strongly suspect Republicans would call for a firing squad. What is so different about Flynn blabbing to Putin's cronies? Who knows what secrets he sold them? Not to mention promising what Trump would do in exchange for hacking, disinformation, and who knows what other "services" rendered including a few convenient wet ops in which certain persons of interest fell out of a window, or met with a terrible accident, or ran into a bullet or two.
As for Chaffitz, he of the phony baloney Benghazi investigations, that vile Republican hypocrite, liar and partisan lackey is in it up his eyeballs, along with Ayn Rand Ryan, McConnell, KKK Sessions, Nunes, and the rest of the criminal and traitorous GOP leadership. They knew damn well Trump was getting help from the Russians and that he was under investigation by their stooge FBI director, Comey. Only they conveniently forgot to mention that fact to the American public. They need to pay, and pay dearly, for knowingly putting a psychopath into the Presidency, so they could achieve their life long goal of reducing Americans to serfs.
The big question now is: When do these people go to jail?
10
Lock him up.....and his obnoxious son, too.
9
Why is the front page headline "Flynn may have broken law"? Uh... Duh. Ya think? The real news is "White House Refuses to Turn Over Flynn Documents." Why is that headline not on the front page? It's not news that Flynn is a criminal. What the public needs to know now is who the other crooks are in the Trump circle, how far does it go, and what is the WH trying to conceal?
57
Those headlines are coming, Frannie. Day at time.
Well we need our new Attorney General, Jeff Sessions to step up to the plate on this one, and force the White House to submit the documents pertaining to Flynn. How likely is that going to happen? I would not bet on it. The Party of Patriotism seems to have trouble remembering to which country they have sworn allegiance. They are desperately trying to downplay the blatant contacts with Russia by so many of those associated with Trump and his election. Had this been the Democrats, you can just imagine the foaming at the mouth.
Remember Flynn screaming "Lock her up"? Looks like that table has turned. "Lock him up".
Remember Flynn screaming "Lock her up"? Looks like that table has turned. "Lock him up".
19
I am a social liberal, an effete east-coaster with a graduate degree, a multilingual person with international business experience. Men like Michael Flynn look at people like me as virtual traitors, because I never donned a uniform or 'served' my country (by the way I've done plenty of volunteer work and worked in the public sector on important energy and environmental issues, but that's another story!). Well it's high time that people like me start using the rhetoric of the right, fighting fire with fire:
Michael Flynn, former army general, is a traitor to the constitution and interests of this nation.
I suppose it is only a matter of time before others in the administration are discovered to be much the same, possibly including the President. This nefarious regime should not be allowed to hijack our nation. While we await articles of impeachment we should be marshaling the resources needed to remake our governance model so that it is capable of tackling 21st issues, including the massive overhaul of federal elections systems.
There, is that direct enough?
Michael Flynn, former army general, is a traitor to the constitution and interests of this nation.
I suppose it is only a matter of time before others in the administration are discovered to be much the same, possibly including the President. This nefarious regime should not be allowed to hijack our nation. While we await articles of impeachment we should be marshaling the resources needed to remake our governance model so that it is capable of tackling 21st issues, including the massive overhaul of federal elections systems.
There, is that direct enough?
944
Treason, yes! And anyone obstructing the investigation, treason as well.
Sounds good to me, Phil!
The big trouble will be when and if Trump gets impeached. We then get Pence.
Pence doesn't believe in evolution, but does believe humans roamed the earth with dinosaurs. Welcome to the 19th century America
Pence doesn't believe in evolution, but does believe humans roamed the earth with dinosaurs. Welcome to the 19th century America
1
If there is one thing Americans will not tolerate it is to be kept out of the government. Plus we Americans are sick to death of hearing Trump call news he dislikes "fake news." We are proud of the media, proud of our journalists, proud of newspaper coverage. If Trump wants to be respected by the American Public he should dump that kind of hateful baloney talk and start listening to the people.
62
I am liking you today Mr. Chaffez.
9
1) Rep Chaffetz, is still in Congress?
We're all hoping he'd have left by now!
2) In regards to Flynn - "May have?"
He was the Director of the DNI, he essentially was fired from that position, then he shows up in Moscow sitting next to Vlad and was taking money from them and the Turks...
May have?
May have?
We're all hoping he'd have left by now!
2) In regards to Flynn - "May have?"
He was the Director of the DNI, he essentially was fired from that position, then he shows up in Moscow sitting next to Vlad and was taking money from them and the Turks...
May have?
May have?
8
"Flynn May Have Broken Disclosure Laws"
The extent of G.O.P. Denial here is off the charts.
The extent of G.O.P. Denial here is off the charts.
15
Karmic payback for General Flynn.
Donald Trump, his Family, and Staff (Bannon) are surely up next for Karmic Payback for their greed and cruelty. Just look at the Travel Ban alone and the suffering it caused innocent families.
Karma Gods, cue up Jeff Sessions.
Donald Trump, his Family, and Staff (Bannon) are surely up next for Karmic Payback for their greed and cruelty. Just look at the Travel Ban alone and the suffering it caused innocent families.
Karma Gods, cue up Jeff Sessions.
15
"May have broken the law"
"May have ties to Russia"
"May have violated ethics laws"
"May have bombed the country illegally"
May have this, may have that...
Enough of the "may"'s already. Did he break the law or not? Did Trump collude with Russia or not?
GET THE INVESTIGATIONS DONE PLEASE! WE ARE TIRED OF WAITING!
And put these people in jail where they belong. Before Trump starts WWIII.
"May have ties to Russia"
"May have violated ethics laws"
"May have bombed the country illegally"
May have this, may have that...
Enough of the "may"'s already. Did he break the law or not? Did Trump collude with Russia or not?
GET THE INVESTIGATIONS DONE PLEASE! WE ARE TIRED OF WAITING!
And put these people in jail where they belong. Before Trump starts WWIII.
42
The old "Tip of the Iceberg" trick. More to follow...
9
Rep. Chaffetz, let's apply the suppose-Hillary-were-president test to the current state of the Flynn affair. What would your next move be? ... Really? Then do it.
21
The House of Cards has started falling down.
17
It seems with his seeking of immunity that Flynn and his attorneys knew this before anyone else.
19
Are the dominoes starting to fall?
Attorneys, Press, WHISTLE-BLOWERS, investigators: prosecute, leak, reveal the facts on the Trump team's participation with Russia during the presidential/vice presidential election to destroy Hillary Clinton as well as their conflicts of interest and profiteering.
We need a new election that is free and fair.
Attorneys, Press, WHISTLE-BLOWERS, investigators: prosecute, leak, reveal the facts on the Trump team's participation with Russia during the presidential/vice presidential election to destroy Hillary Clinton as well as their conflicts of interest and profiteering.
We need a new election that is free and fair.
16
I simply do not understand General Flynn........He is a daily embarrassment to the Officer Corps ........and I spent over 20 years as an officer in the Air Force. He operates more like a member of the old Russian KGB, and should be demoted and forced to retire at some lesser rank. His endeavor into politics has been a disaster, for himself, the President and for the country. Time to get rid of him!
28
It doesn't matter now, not at all. Trump's in. All that quaint concern for the "rule of law" is out the window and has been for a few months now. The Republicans said Hillary needed to be put in prison for her email server, but since Trump and his associates have been in clear violation of the law, well, now we're just "whiny liberals."
10
May have broken laws? Duh, Chaffetz! I now see why you're not running for re-election.
4
There will be repercussions? Ha ha! He's a Republican! It doesn't matter!
4
Within the first 100 days in this Administration they have hit all sorts of records they are not touting - like past and continuing violations of law, ethics, rules. Those are the straightforward results. Then there are the yet unproven issues but which bear scrutiny and followup. It is the peril of no repercussions, no accounting, no justice that is the greatest threat to our future.
There is your report card Trump. Now turn over the papers.
There is your report card Trump. Now turn over the papers.
9
Newt Gingrich had an affair while leading the impeachment of President Clinton for lying about a sexual encounter.
Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused boys and covered it up while voting against LGBTQ citizens for decades.
General Flynn led wild-eyed chants of "Lock her up!" (for having a secure email system) while he was hiding his payments from, and ties to, foreign governments.
How do these people sleep at night?
Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused boys and covered it up while voting against LGBTQ citizens for decades.
General Flynn led wild-eyed chants of "Lock her up!" (for having a secure email system) while he was hiding his payments from, and ties to, foreign governments.
How do these people sleep at night?
179
A potent sleeping pill comprised of arrogance, hypocrasy and pathological illness.
3
Only people with a conscience have problems sleeping at night, worrying that they did something wrong.
Sociopaths like the ones you mention sleep just fine. To them, there is no such thing as wrong, as long as then get away with it. The only crime is getting caught.
Sociopaths like the ones you mention sleep just fine. To them, there is no such thing as wrong, as long as then get away with it. The only crime is getting caught.
3
They take Republican Sleeping Pills. These pills are especially developed for self-serving hypocrites who believe the government is evil and a waste of money, and to substantiate their beliefs keep electing people like Trump, Ryan and McConnell.
It's just a matter of time before information leaks out about Trump's family business creating major conflicts of interest as well as the connections between Russia and all key players. My prediction: Trump will not complete his first term in office.
14
"it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate, and there are repercussions for a violation of law.”
Yes there are: Lock Him Up!!
Yes there are: Lock Him Up!!
143
Lock them up. Lock them up.
22
Trump's sudden and latest diversionary tactic seems to be to target Canada as a huge international trade villian. In Trumpworld Canada is a bigger threat to the US than China or Russia. Yes, you read that correctly. That's like taking on the Boy Scouts and ignoring ISIS.
77
Rep. Chaffetz says "it was inappropriate'. Gee don't mince words Jason. Just come out and say that as a Republican I in good faithfulness can never chastise or question the integrity of a fellow Republican. Just say that being Chairman of the House Oversight Committee is too much for you now because the only people to harass and find fault with are members of the GOP and they are not named Hillary. Just say that you need to get out of Dodge as quickly as you can because your partisan behavior and hypocritical posing will not work anymore.
Just say it Jason that it is OK for the White House to refuse to give your committee documents. Just say it Jason that you wish you didn't have to deal with this at all and that Flynn would just go away.
Just say it Jason that if your committee really looks into the whole Flynn affair it may lead to other 'problems' with the Trump administration that you could not bear to deal with because party comes before anything else.
Are you ready to go right now Rep. Chaffetz? Make sure you close the door on your way out.
Just say it Jason that it is OK for the White House to refuse to give your committee documents. Just say it Jason that you wish you didn't have to deal with this at all and that Flynn would just go away.
Just say it Jason that if your committee really looks into the whole Flynn affair it may lead to other 'problems' with the Trump administration that you could not bear to deal with because party comes before anything else.
Are you ready to go right now Rep. Chaffetz? Make sure you close the door on your way out.
57
So the guy who gave us the phrase "out like Flynn" apparently broke the law, by concealing his dealings with Russia. No real surprise. And the White House is attempting to cover things up by refusing to release all documents related to his hiring and firing. Again, hardly surprising.
Since Flynn is already out, the questions to focus on now are probably, 1) who else broke the law in this administration, 2) what are the connections between Russia and this administration, 3) in what way did the Trump campaign collude in Russia's subverting our elections, and 4) when can we finally bring Trump up on treason charges.
As for Flynn, he's out, and not important anymore except in what he can tell us about the rest of the Trump gang's criminal and treasonous actions.
Since Flynn is already out, the questions to focus on now are probably, 1) who else broke the law in this administration, 2) what are the connections between Russia and this administration, 3) in what way did the Trump campaign collude in Russia's subverting our elections, and 4) when can we finally bring Trump up on treason charges.
As for Flynn, he's out, and not important anymore except in what he can tell us about the rest of the Trump gang's criminal and treasonous actions.
244
Dan, I agree with you that what Flynn knows about Trump's Russia connections are probably damning, but unless Flynn has documentation to back up his testimony, he is worthless as a witness for any prosecution. His reputation is so damaged that he is no longer a credible witness.
What that means is that Congress and the FBI are highly unlikely to offer him immunity in exchange for testimony, unless he has documents. More likely, Flynn will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
What that means is that Congress and the FBI are highly unlikely to offer him immunity in exchange for testimony, unless he has documents. More likely, Flynn will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Those are good questions. What did the President know and when did he know it. But remember, Flynn has never been a part of any Administration except for Obama's. If the issue is Gen. Flynn possible corrupt or acting as an agent of a foreign power, then it is fair to ask for how long has he been compromised. In turn, that question naturally leads to asking the $64K questions: How well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and under whose influence might he have been operating then.
Except, it appears that he broke the law. He should be indicted and tried.
Oversight investigators also revealed last month that Flynn had received $530,000 for work his lobbying firm did that, according to the committee, likely benefited the Republic of Turkey.
--
"I see no data to support the notion that Gen. Flynn complied with the law," Chaffetz said, referring to whether Flynn received permission from the Pentagon or the State Department or that he disclosed the more than $45,000 he was paid for a speech he gave to RT-TV in Russia.
--
say, lads, are all your generals russian covert agents ?
or just the ones that trump likes ?
--
"I see no data to support the notion that Gen. Flynn complied with the law," Chaffetz said, referring to whether Flynn received permission from the Pentagon or the State Department or that he disclosed the more than $45,000 he was paid for a speech he gave to RT-TV in Russia.
--
say, lads, are all your generals russian covert agents ?
or just the ones that trump likes ?
19
“As a former military officer, you simply cannot take money from Russia, Turkey or anybody else,” said Representative Jason Chaffetz, Republican of Utah and chairman of the House oversight committee. “And it appears as if he did take that money. It was inappropriate, and there are repercussions for a violation of law.”
OK, we start with an absolute prohibition. Criminal, civil? Not clear. And then the hammer comes down. Violating the simple prohibition is "inappropriate." Wow.
Well, it seems that an officer cannot represent on anything he has worked on and otherwise has a 2 yr ban. http://www.military.com/military-transition/employment-and-career-planni...
Thanks for the frightening look into the mind of Rep Chaffetz. No wonder Congress can't get anything done. They are like Trump. They talk meaningless words, stopping only to allow another to do the same.
OK, we start with an absolute prohibition. Criminal, civil? Not clear. And then the hammer comes down. Violating the simple prohibition is "inappropriate." Wow.
Well, it seems that an officer cannot represent on anything he has worked on and otherwise has a 2 yr ban. http://www.military.com/military-transition/employment-and-career-planni...
Thanks for the frightening look into the mind of Rep Chaffetz. No wonder Congress can't get anything done. They are like Trump. They talk meaningless words, stopping only to allow another to do the same.
12
Lock him up.
10
By him, you mean Trump right?
4
When will someone be arrested and carted off to jail? I do not hold my breath - all this talk and hot air - plus a president (I will not capitalize that title for this maniac) who thinks he is above the law, above the constitution, immune to any punishment - and the beat goes on as Trump and his cronies slowly but surely destroy the American democracy, destroy freedom of the press, destroy civil liberties and institute a dictatorship. We are 100 days into this obscenity - 99 too long. The country will not survive another 100.
15
Suddenly the slogan "lock xxx up" sounds prescient.
18
Ringling Brothers had the sense to shut down. When will this circus do the same? Please let it be soon, before calamity strikes us all.
54
you just know it doesn t stop with Flynn. now will he do the right thing and really tell us who knew what and when.
13
should we say "lock him up?"
9
His chant was good enough for Hillary - it should be good enough for him: LOCK HIM UP!
The Flynn documents belong to the Public. The government belongs to the Public. How dare the White House refuse to turn over information that belongs to
Us? Fascism is not Americana. We want that info!! It is ours!
Us? Fascism is not Americana. We want that info!! It is ours!
61
This, from the guy who sternly, self-importantly, led the chant at the convention "Lock Her Up!" Let's change the middle pronoun--and his actual law-breaking makes any indiscretion on HRC's acceptance of funds for a genuinely charitable foundation that does good work in the world pale in comparison.
19
Flynn Facts, the new alternative facts. Bigly.
8
How much longer must Americans endure this flouting of numerous laws by Trump and his crew?
Seriously. How much longer?
Seriously. How much longer?
115
youre well and truly stuffed, yanks
well and truly
3
Krill
We lived through Nixon. We will live through this buffooon as well once we clean out the swamp he has built in the White House and the Executive Department.
We lived through Nixon. We will live through this buffooon as well once we clean out the swamp he has built in the White House and the Executive Department.
4
Yes, we realize this.
1
What did the President know and when did he know it? Certainly Sally Yates will offer bombshell testimony that will be devastating to the White House.
While Trump escalates the cover-up, Chaffetz knows what's coming and wants out before the FBI issues criminal indictments.
While Trump escalates the cover-up, Chaffetz knows what's coming and wants out before the FBI issues criminal indictments.
456
Those are good questions. What did the President know and when did he know it. But remember, Flynn has never been a part of any Administration except for Obama's. If the use is Gen. Flynn being corrupt or an agent of a foreign power, then it is fair to ask for how long has he been compromised, which naturally leads to asking the $64K questions: How well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and under whose influence might he have been operating then.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Do you really think that Comey, who is responsible for trump in the WH, will do ANYTHING to alter the mess he created?
1
Flynn is a relatively small fish. Rather than lock him up, get him to roll on a bigger fish.
35
I agree.....he is covering for somebody in addition to himself!
Why is Trump and the White House obstructing the congressional investigation. Clearly they have something to hide. Lock him up, lock him up, lock him up.
33
It's kind of hilarious that Chaffetez decides that in order to pursue the truth he must announce that he will not run for reelection. It proves how partisan the acceptance of the actual truth is in this current administration and political climate.
44
It appears the new administration intended to drain the swamp in order to install a cesspool.
15
They succeeded!!!
2
Of Course he did get paid and of course he didn't disclose it! He knew it was wrong and that is why he didn't disclose it. That's why he was fired. Does Trump and his idiots think everyone else is a dumb as they are. Remember, it takes a theft to recognize a theft. These are real easy connect the dots.
4
So Trump will be about to succeed with his treason by refusing to hand over the evidence? We need a special prosecutor with full subpoena power right this second. Right now.
34
Sounds good; so, can we get on with impeachment, then? Times a-wasting...
18
And Trump is breaking laws asunder. How about we go after him? Republicans who block such actions should be guilty of a coverup and need proscecution as well. And its probably why Chaffetz is resignining and Sessions ducked being incharge of the Russian campaign interference.
7
Lock him up.
11
yes !!! please!!!! Lock him up !!!!
4
Yes, after he's tried and convicted. Innocent until proven guilty, and besides, who knows what might be uncovered in the course of an investigation. Dig! Dig!
I predict that what will distinguish the Trump presidency decades from now, will be the number of pardons of current and former WH staff.
4
I hope you meant to say indictments!
4
So what if he broke the law? The Attorney General of the United States has recused himself from the investigation, Congress obviously doesn't care, and trump has a golf trip to get ready for. Enough, already, with the teasers. On the slim-to-zero chance that somebody gets indicted, print a real headline then.
10
"So what if he broke the law?" ???
Mark if the National Security advisor was named Susan Rice, would you still say
"So what"?
Mark if the National Security advisor was named Susan Rice, would you still say
"So what"?
4
It is early in the investigation. Watergate took over two years to play out, from the burglary on June 17, 1972 to Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. This is just starting to get rolling. A little dirt here, a little dirt there, ... pretty soon we see who is complicit.
Flynn asked for immunity, remember? He will not get immunity until he sings like a lark. Maybe not even then.
Flynn asked for immunity, remember? He will not get immunity until he sings like a lark. Maybe not even then.
3
oh, THAT money
guess it just skipped my mind
14
rick, im shocked to find russian agents in the w/h
shocked, i tell you
6
"Your winnings, sir."
3
So Flynn took money from Russia and then RETROACTIVELY declared himself an agent of another foreign power (Turkey).
In a sane, accountable government, the latter alone would've been enough to bring federal charges. You know, on account of the fact he was the National Security advisor while actively, knowingly and secretly working as a foreign agent. Something that he admitted, and is consequently not up for debate. This happened.
But now we have to face yet another time he sold-out to a foreign power. One that is actively trying to undermine our nation, having already compromised the current administration.
General Flynn betrayed his country and his uniform at least twice. I see no reason why he shouldn't spend the rest of his life in federal prison. As Private Flynn.
In a sane, accountable government, the latter alone would've been enough to bring federal charges. You know, on account of the fact he was the National Security advisor while actively, knowingly and secretly working as a foreign agent. Something that he admitted, and is consequently not up for debate. This happened.
But now we have to face yet another time he sold-out to a foreign power. One that is actively trying to undermine our nation, having already compromised the current administration.
General Flynn betrayed his country and his uniform at least twice. I see no reason why he shouldn't spend the rest of his life in federal prison. As Private Flynn.
19
As a retired commissioned officer, I find that I like that very much: "PRIVATE FLYNN".
Tick, tick, tick.
7
Flynn knows too much, White House is protecting Trump , no one else
8
Could a new Trump International Resort be named "Mar-A-Lockup"?
24
Just for claiming he doesn't benefit from the exposure. That's profiting from lying.
1
Haven't we seen this movie before, c. 1974?
9
witch hunt against trump continues
1
Why can't they let us see why he got fired? He was a GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, or does he still work for TRUMP, INC?
12
As it should. It's a legitimate inquiry. And must proceed!
8
I hope this guy is being met with chants of LOCK HIM UP! LOCK HIM UP! wherever he goes.
6
Talk about "burying the lede" (in more ways than one, I guess). The current version of the article proclaims that "White House Refuses to Turn Over Flynn Documents" -- a blockbuster revelation in and of itself -- but after a quick mention, that point is completely ignored to talk about Flynn's potential crime.
Which is obviously also noteworthy...but it seems like two huge, separate stories have been conflated and confused in a single article.
Which is obviously also noteworthy...but it seems like two huge, separate stories have been conflated and confused in a single article.
10
As much as I want to believe Trump knows about Russia involvement in the election I tend to believe he really knows nothing. I believe Trump is being played and is being taken advantage of by his closest allies. This is not to excuse Trump for any statements or behaviors but the White House not willing to turn over Flynn documents points to a commander and chief who is clueless about what is going on around him. I liken it to bridgegate. Christie may have never said yes to traffic troubles but he helped create an atmosphere where the thought of blocking the GWB became a reasonable idea.
1
Are you kidding ??? trump does not know. ???? he is the Commander in chief of the mess and unfourtunatley of the US ...
11
Precisely my point. Again not excusing him but it wouldn't surprise me if he gave blind trust to people in his inner circle without proper vetting. I really think Trump is that clueless about what is happening around him.
1
Obstructing justice is yet another crime we can add on to the list for our Fraud In Chief
18
Barbara Jordan cited that cause when advising us Nixon knew who he was covering for and why. CREEPS with CIA creds executing his wishes. Another election committee gone hay wired, but this time with a former intelligence officer and some Russians.
Trump is covering for Flynn and thus his own criminal organization. Que RICO.
Trump is covering for Flynn and thus his own criminal organization. Que RICO.
3
This is likely the tip of a very large iceberg and the United States is being set up to be the Titanic. Why are the House and Senate investigations proceeding at such a glacial pace? And where is the independent, non-partisan investigation committee that would hopefully bring out the facts? Our country needs it more than ever. No democracy can survive this onslaught of lying and violation of the law at the highest levels of government.
20
Folks, remember Flynn leading the Chorus at one of the Trump gatherings to chant "Lock Her Up"? Maybe all of us can now chant, instead, "Lock Flynn Up"!?
From Wikipedia I gather Flynn was not a graduate of West Point so I presume the motto "Honor, Duty, Country" does not apply to him. For him it must be "Money, Money, Money"!
From Wikipedia I gather Flynn was not a graduate of West Point so I presume the motto "Honor, Duty, Country" does not apply to him. For him it must be "Money, Money, Money"!
7
"White House Refuses to Turn Over Flynn Documents to House Inquiry."
Quelle surprise.
Quelle surprise.
13
You darn right he may have broken the law. But what about our sick president. Why haven't we heard more about his Russian doings? What has become of the investigation into his friendship with Putin. Where is the news? We want it!
16
This is obstruction of justice plain and simple. If the White House is going to refuse to comply with requests from congressional investigative committees on anything related to Russia, they will get increased scrutiny from not only Congress but also the press.
I know Donald Trump has no knowledge of history-but surely those around him do. It might be a good idea if they pointed out that nit only are the optics bad, it's against the law. It's called obstruction of justice for a reason.
I heard their argument was that they don't have to comply with requests regarding matters during the transition period, but that's bogus. Trump was president elect and decisions were being made on setting up his team.
In any event the firing took place on administration time.
Trump administration: what are you trying to hide?
I know Donald Trump has no knowledge of history-but surely those around him do. It might be a good idea if they pointed out that nit only are the optics bad, it's against the law. It's called obstruction of justice for a reason.
I heard their argument was that they don't have to comply with requests regarding matters during the transition period, but that's bogus. Trump was president elect and decisions were being made on setting up his team.
In any event the firing took place on administration time.
Trump administration: what are you trying to hide?
477
"...but surely those around him do." You give this cabal too much credit.
1
Don't think those around him know history any better. Let's face it - the Trump administration is an oxymoron - emphasis on the moron, as it is blatantly obvious that they don't know the first thing about administrating anything. Everything is too "complicated"! Now that it is crumbling, the people need be smart, fight back, demand common sense and human decency be upheld, and demand our public hearings.
Before Inauguration, no one in the transition team is occupying an official government position or exercising government power. Remember, he has never been a part of any Administration except for Obama's. How well the Obama Administration vetted Gen. Flynn before naming him Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and under whose influence he might have been operating then, seem like fair questions too.
The answer is very simple, you break the law, you pay the price, LOCK HIM UP!
260
That's not what happened to Hillary. But I agree, if he broke the law he should go to prison - and the same holds true for any politician who willfully and egregiously breaks the law, including but not limited to Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Chaffetz appears to be worried about justifiable criticism of his own record for pursuing Hillary Clinton with righteous fury of a hellhound while ignoring this administration's massive ethical and legal lapses. He's taking the easiest stance possible on what much of the world has already recognized: This administration is corrupt to an unprecedented degree, and Flynn's violations are only the beginning.
So what is the GOP going to do about this threat to democracy beyond expressing "concern" or going after the bottom-feeders? Start at the top, please. (Emoluments violations, anybody? Unprecedented nepotism? Self-dealing? Collusion with Russian election interference?) Then maybe Chaffetz & Co. can prove they're putting the country ahead of their own self-interest. For once.
So what is the GOP going to do about this threat to democracy beyond expressing "concern" or going after the bottom-feeders? Start at the top, please. (Emoluments violations, anybody? Unprecedented nepotism? Self-dealing? Collusion with Russian election interference?) Then maybe Chaffetz & Co. can prove they're putting the country ahead of their own self-interest. For once.
655
I have a different take: now that Chaffetz is lining up to run for governor of UT, where Trump didn't do so well, it finally IS in his self interest to expand his oversight brief beyond Clinton and Benghazi.
Either that, or this statement of the obvious about Flynn is an attempt to draw attention away from the other headlines today about how badly Republicans in the senate investigation are dragging their feet.
Either that, or this statement of the obvious about Flynn is an attempt to draw attention away from the other headlines today about how badly Republicans in the senate investigation are dragging their feet.
13
repubs had a good belly laugh at that "putting the country ahead".
They could not care less.
They could not care less.
2
Unless, of course, Chaffetz met with the Russians, too!
1