Report: Perle Didn't Violate Ethics Rules

[Khephra]

Report: Perle Didn't Violate Ethics Rules
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: November 15, 2003


Filed at 4:15 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon's inspector general concluded that the former head of an influential civilian advisory group violated no ethics laws by representing companies that had major dealings with the Defense Department while he was the group's chairman.

Richard Perle came under scrutiny earlier this year for his business contacts while chairman of the Defense Policy Board, a bipartisan group that advises Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on policy issues. Perle resigned his chairmanship during the controversy in March, although he remains a member of the advisory board.

The IG's report, which was heavily edited to remove sensitive information, focused on Perle's business relationship with several companies, including bankrupt Global Crossing Ltd. and satellite maker Loral Space & Communications.

``Mr. Perle arguably represented Global Crossing and Loral in a particular matter which is pending in the department or agency of the government in which such employee is serving,'' said the report.

more..............

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Defense-Ethics.html

[bluestateguy]

1. Uh no

That's not an investigation. That's called a whitewash, and that's what the good ole' boys do when they need to take care of each other. Appooint the anti-Ken Starr to investigate: he/she should have close ties to the AFL-CIO, the ACLU, the NAACP and Democratic Party politics. He/she should have an unlimited investigative budget with unlimited powers. If he/she finds nothing, then I'll be prepared to consider Perle innocent.

[dae]

2. WOW, what a big surprise,huh?

[rusty charly]

3. hmmm...

con-veeeeeee-nient

[Judi Lynn]

4. Good to hear from John Conyers on this

From the article:

(snip) After receiving the report, which was dated Nov. 10, Conyers issued a statement saying he will introduce legislation to fix what he called the ``conflict-of-interest loopholes'' identified in the report, such as the 60 days-of-service requirement.

``While the IG concluded this course of behavior did not technically violate the law,'' Conyers said, ``it is clear too that his conduct constitutes a breach of faith with the American people.'' (snip/...)

Bless John Conyers!

[Just Me]

19. It is out of control,...

,...the current web of political and corporate posturing in this country. The failure is not just in pre-political ties to big corporations,...but also the post-political kick backs. The solution would be quite easy by legally requiring a strick separation between the two with significant economic and criminal penalties. But given the scale of existent cronyism, can any of us imagine that any of our representatives would be reduced to the meager responsibility of serving "the people"? I don't think so *LOL*. It would simply be unfathomable for these "masters of the universe" to actually live a somewhat modest lifestyle. They couldn't handle that much sacrifice *LOL*!!!

[54anickel]

5. Figures. Seeing as there are no ethic laws with this misadmin n/t

[papau]

6. Perle's customers include the Clinton China link - Loral !! :-)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGARAMI62ND.html

<snip>Perle's business relationship with several companies, including bankrupt Global Crossing Ltd. and satellite maker Loral Space & Communications. "Mr. Perle arguably represented Global Crossing and Loral in a particular matter which is pending in the department or agency of the government in which such employee is serving," said the report. But since Perle did not serve in his capacity as head of the advisory board for more than 60 days during the year, he did not run afoul of the ethics laws in question, the report said. <snip>

The inspector general also examined Perle's work on behalf of Goldman, Sachs & Co. The Los Angeles Times reported that Perle briefed investors during a Goldman Sachs conference call early this year on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea. Just weeks earlier, he had received a top-secret briefing on the crises.
The IG determined that Perle's contribution "consisted of general commentary on the world situation ... and did not include information acquired by virtue of his position" on the board. <snip>

[pw]

15. "General Commentary" -- ha

This dollop of whitewash is particularly laughable, because it's a long-established principle that someone who has clearances can violate secrecy rules even by saying non-secret things, if the people listening know that there's classified knowledge backing up the statements. If, for example, I say I believe that the president is vulnerable to a particular kind of assassination attempt, that's fine and dandy, but if a secret service agent says the same thing in public, it ain't.

So Perle's "general commentary" is still offering a glimpse of classified information.

[leetrisck]

7. Can't stop laughing but it isn't funny

He's going to be on C-Span tomorrow morning - have at him if you can get through.

[Just Me]

20. Thanks,...

,...for that information. I may very well make it my "crusade" to get through and pin him down with as much discomfort to him as I can possibly muster!!!! Of course, I will be very polite as I pull out each relevant piece of truth-generated ammunition *smile*. Wouldn't it be lovely if we all joined together to not only participate in that "war of ideas" presented by those now in power but also declare our own "war on truth" (and even better "elevating" ourselves than do those arrogant SOBs,...ie Sinners On Board *giggle*).

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Gee what a surprise

It helps when you stick to the edge of the law that your buddies
wrote Richard,

By the way you damn war profiteer, I think we need three more
Black Hawks, are you game for that? Oh and we need to replace
a Chinook too, so will you be telling your pals how to profit
from that too?

[mbperrin]

9. I am surely hoping that

Perle gets absolutely everything he deserves for the life he's lived.

[TheDalaiMama]

12. I hope I am around to watch as he meets himself.....it won't be pretty

dalai

[Benhurst]

10. And God don't make little green apples and it don't rain

in Indianapolis in the summertime. Yeah. Sure. :puke:

[Turbineguy]

11. His resignation

and suicide would not violate my ethics rules either

[grasswire]

13. we need to think of some questions to ask...

....just in case someone gets through on c-span.

?? Ideas, anyone?

[leetrisck]

16. Why are we supposed to believe you now

about the meetings you had (that you said you didn't believe and didn't pass on to higher ups)that Saddam wanted to make a deal (thru the Lebanese businessman) and why are we supposed to believe Fieth now that he is saying Osama & Saddam were connected years ago. Haven't you guys given us enough false information to last a life time. What country have you been hiding out in? Your villa in France or is it Israel now - you made a statement from Germany the other day. Are you really here in the good ole USA?

[susu369]

18. Well, one time Perle was on C-Span

(a year and a half ago or longer - and I think it was his first visit) a caller asked him about The School of Americas. Perle really appeared that he did not know what it was or the first thing about it. Then after sputtering nonsense he got all huffy-puffy and arrogantly told the caller he had not come on C-Span to answer silly questions.

Let's ask him again!



:evilgrin:

[yellowdog]

14. Since there are no ethics rules in this administration,

how could he possibly break any?

[thebigidea]

17. Richard Perle is a wonderful, charming, compassionate man!

this wonderful creature will be on CSPAN in the morning, apparently. Get the speed dialer ready to attest to your love.

[leesa]

21. Perle HAS no ethics rules. Clear cut violation of ethics rules

everywhere except Alice's Wonderland.

[Jack Rabbit]

22. The Bushies idea of anti-trust and conflict of interest

Anti-trust? Why would anyone ever not trust corporate America?

Conflict of interest? How does someone with ties to a major corporation sitting in a position to make government policy that could result in business for that corporation conflict with that man's interests?