With thanks to Drudge for the link, there’s a very interesting report from CNN, which reveals that yet another military man (that makes 12 now) is under investigation in connection with the extra-curricular activities that recently came to light in Columbia during the President’s visit. This particular military service member is with the White House Communications Agency, which provides secure communications for the CIC when he travels. Click on the link for written narrative and video coverage. Listen carefully to the various comments.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/23/us/secret-service/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
There is relief, expressed by Senator Susan Collins (R) of Maine, that no evidence has turned up yet indicating that any of the hookers was an “underage” girl. Well, that’s just wonderful. She is, however, concerned that two supervisors were involved.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D) of New York assures us that the Secret Service Director, Mark Sullivan, is leading a thorough investigation; further, he is quite confident that neither the President’s nor any other national leader’s security was compromised in any way. Really? He can determine that already?
Congressman Elijah Cummings (D), of Maryland, says the Secret Service is doing a very good job of investigating itself. Really?
There is now a total of 24 combined subjects in this little escapade. Twelve Secret Service Agents and twelve unidentified members of the military service are under scrutiny of one kind or another.
This was not a small potatoes one night sex and booze operation, folks. I agree with Senator Joe Lieberman, when he says this Cartagena hearty party did not happen just one time. And I doubt seriously that Cartagena is the only spot in the world where it’s occurred. This is huge. I think there’s a lot more to this than what we’ve been told. It’s an election year. All of this calm, reassuring confidence in the investigative process does not reassure me in the least that everything is okay in D.C. or in Columbia.
From twenty years in police work, I can tell you that there are three ways to compromise men in positions of trust and gain access to vital information:
1) Sex
2) Money
3) Alcohol or drugs
If you read the CNN narrative, you will notice that White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was quick to distance the White House from the White House Communications Agency:
“Nevertheless, out of due diligence, the White House counsel’s office has conducted a review of the White House advance team, and in concluding that review, came to the conclusion that there’s no indication that any member of the White House advance team engaged in any improper conduct or behavior.”
Really? That was quick.
However, Senate Judiciary Committee member Republican Charles Grassley sent a letter to Secret Service Director Sullivan, asking 14 specific questions about how the White House review was conducted and whether any member of the White House advance staff was “involved” in the scandal. As of the date that CNN posted its report, Grassley did not have a response to his letter.
That is very interesting. We shall see if Mr. Grassley gets a straight answer from Mr. Sullivan.
Twenty-four men so far are in the soup. This whole thing stinks to high Heaven. And I’m not buying all of this soothing, premature speculation that no one’s security has been compromised. It’s far too early in the investigation to make that determination. So, why is everyone, especially the CNN team, so tranquil about the situation?
Photo above from Gateway Pundit.
