Think Progress

Scott Bloch’s deputy resigns.

By Amanda Terkel on Jul 11th, 2008 at 9:50 am

James Byrnes, the second in command at the Office of Special Counsel, announced his resignation yesterday. NPR reports that Byrnes allegedly quit “in protest over the way the office has been run under Special Counsel Scott Bloch.” The Office of Personnel Management has been “looking into claims that Mr. Bloch improperly retaliated against employees” who disagreed with his policies. He has also allegedly pursued prosecutions for political reasons, and in May, federal agents raided his home and office in an obstruction of justice investigation. Bloch, however, “has given no indication that he plans to leave his job.”

Comments
15

13 Responses to “Scott Bloch’s deputy resigns.”

Zimzone says:

Bloch may have no choice but to leave his job.

The Bush cabal is like a cancer, quietly spreading through layers and layers of our governmental infrastructure. We can’t use radiation or chemicals to rid us of this disease. The only tool we have is the Justice Dept. and truth.

That leaves only truth left in our toolbox, eh?
July 11th, 2008 at 10:03 am
raynman says:

And, unfortunately, truth doesn’t have subpoena powers…. damnit
July 11th, 2008 at 10:10 am
unbelievable says:

I admire James Byrnes for being honest about why he quit rather than making up some polite BS excuse like too many people do, which ultimately protects these bully bosses.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am
barfly says:

The only tool we have is the Justice Dept. and truth.

That leaves only truth left in our toolbox, eh?

And a lot of pissed-off career Justice employees. The selective leaking of politically damaging materials will now commence.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Zimzone says:

I’m hearing Dorgan is holding a hearing on KBR today.

He’s bringing two parents of soldiers electrocuted in the showers, plus two ‘whistle blowers’ that are former KBR employees.

No bid.
No liability.
No accountability.
…..No problem.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:20 am
misshusseinmolly says:

Methinks the wrong person is leaving the Office of Special Counsel. What a pity.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

Bloch, however, “has given no indication that he plans to leave his job.”

Why should he. He is bucking for that medal of honor that Bush bestows on his good sycophants.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Bilbo Hussein Baggins says:

barfly Says:
The only tool we have is the Justice Dept. and truth.
That leaves only truth left in our toolbox, eh?
And a lot of pissed-off career Justice employees. The selective leaking of politically damaging materials will now commence.

Can you imagine what is going to happen when Obama takes office. Right now I believe a lot of government workers are keeping quiet because they fear for their jobs and maybe even for their lives. Once Obama takes office, they will be free to tell their tales without fear of retribution.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Paul W says:

The Office of Personnel Management has been “looking into claims that Mr. Bloch improperly retaliated against employees” who disagreed with his policies. He has also allegedly pursued prosecutions for political reasons, and in May, federal agents raided his home and office in an obstruction of justice investigation. Bloch, however, “has given no indication that he plans to leave his job.”

All just par for the course in the Bush administration.

http://progressiveworldreview.com
July 11th, 2008 at 11:00 am
IgnoranceIsNotBliss says:

I honestly don’t think Obama is going to do anything to hold the present administration accountable Bilbo. I personally believe that it will be a “we need to move forward and put the past behind us” type of comment that Obama will say.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Doc Rock says:

Another cog in an enormous criminal conspiracy! Yet the loyal opposition continues to give the criminals every piece of llegislation they want. What do you make of that? The corrupting power of unchecked rule?
July 11th, 2008 at 11:40 am
MapleStreet says:

let us hope that Mr. Byrnes is also using this as an opportunity to speak to the appropriate authorites.

And ZimZone #5 – despite how egregious it is to connect a live wire to a shower drain – 1) Bush has diminished whistle-blower protection to SOL and 2) The work was done in Iraq where KBR has immunity and 3) even if 2 didn’t exist, the Iraqis are probably more concerned about their families getting blown away by egregious USA actions so that their concern about electric showers isn’t the highest priority.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
SP Biloxi says:

And that is hint for Bloch to bail soon if his deputy knew to jump ship before another shoe drops. Just like in the OJJDP scandal where the chief of staff Michele DeKonty was fired and her boss J. Robert Flores is under criminal investigation, it is just a matter of time when Bloch will leave from his job as OSC. Both Bloch and Flores are clinging on to their DOJ positions on a thread.
July 11th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Scott Bloch’s deputy resigns.

Scott Bloch’s deputy resigns.

13 Responses to “Scott Bloch’s deputy resigns.”

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