Here’s another fundamental change for the worse brought to us by the Obama administration.
Until very recently refusing to answer questions before a House or Senate investigating committee by pleading the 5th Amendment — “I refuse to answer on the grounds that the answer would tend to incriminate me” — has gone from the judicial equivalent of the mark of Cain to a Get Out of Jail Free card.
It’s the legal dodge IRS enforcer Lois Lerner took to avoid answering questions during her brief appearance before an investigating committee, and to date it’s had no discernible impact on her enjoyment of retirement as she collects her federal pension in full.
Now we learn the information technology specialist who set up Hillary Clinton’s “home brew” private e-mail server is following in Lerner’s footsteps by announcing he intends to take the Fifth, too.
In a letter obtained by MSNBC his lawyer explains, “While we understand that Mr. Pagliano's response to this subpoena may be controversial in the current political environment, we hope that the members of the Select Committee will respect our client's right.”
While it would probably be easier to ask the Chinese for copies of Hillary’s e-mail that they no doubt obtained by hacking this poorly secured server that was literally located in a restroom; there is the principle of the people’s right to know involved.
I for one would like to know why Hillary didn’t just call the Geek Squad to set up her private server. At a minimum it would have been more professional than what she received.
In Hillaryland the significance of the controversy continues to perplex her entourage. To them it’s so much dispute about angels on the head of a pin and distracts from Hillary’s pursuit of a nomination she’s deserved for going on 12 years.
The Hillaryburo issued a statement: “We have been confident from the beginning that Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email was allowed and that she did not send or receive anything marked classified, facts confirmed by the State Department and the Inspector General.
"She has made every effort to answer questions and be as helpful as possible, and has encouraged her aides, current and former, to do the same, including Bryan Pagliano."
Unfortunately for Hillary, e-mail has already been found containing discussions with the heads of foreign governments that is automatically considered classified with or without the red “Classified” stamp. Plus the server wasn’t really “wiped” and all her e-mail may be recoverable.
It looks like we are fast approaching the time when Hillary, like Nixon before her, learns it’s the cover–up that is politically fatal.
Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan. He is president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation and chairman of the League of American Voters. Mike is an in-demand speaker with Premiere. Read more reports from Michael Reagan — Go Here Now.