Where Are We Going

For John, BLUF:  I am still hoping Mr Robert Mueller is a straight arrow and not some self righteous prig (like Mr Comey).  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Robert Mueller and His 'Vacuum-Activities'

BY ROGER KIMBALL MARCH 6, 2018.

Here is the lede plus one:

Fish got to swim, birds got to fly,

I gotta get one man till I die,

Can't help nabbin’ dat man of mine. — Adapted from Showboat

Anyone who has read the document appointing Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate “any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump” knows how far-reaching and indiscriminate that Bill of Attainder — er, that enabling order is.  Generally, prosecutors -- which manner of beast a special counsel essentially is — are mustered when there is a crime to be investigated.

In this case, however, there was no identifiable crime. There was only suspicion -- and hard feelings, very hard feelings.

So Mr. Mueller — who everyone, from Trey Gowdy on down, has repeatedly assured us is the straightest of straight arrows — was given carte blanche.  He was empowered to investigate not just “any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump” — “links” as in golf courses?  Who knows? — but also “any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation” (my emphasis).  And “any other matters (my emphasis) within the scope of” the relevant statute.

Then, the concluding nudge/incentive:  “If the Special Counsel believes it is necessary and appropriate, the Special Counsel is authorized to prosecute federal crimes arising from the investigation of these matters.”

I love the Showboat reference.  And the 1936 version with Singer Paul Robeson singing "Ol' Man River".

As for the Special Counsel, I sure hope he is a straight shooter, but he may not know when enough is enough.  As Democratic Primary Candidate (Mass 3rd) Alexandra Chandler said on City Life last week, to go for impeachment we have to know that the American People are behind it.  I agree, because otherwise there will be hard feelings for a long time.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff
-, Sat 3.0