Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Neil Dale, Bedford, MA — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:14:47 GMT

Thank God some of the Bush appointees are going down in flames before the cleanup that the next president will have to do - I am afraid that this is just a few percent, however.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

VA San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:27:28 GMT

Why do we want 4 more years of this?

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Michael Wilson, Sherman, Texas — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:37:19 GMT

The only thing surprising about this is that people find it surprising. Corruption is the status quo at all levels of government and allways has been. The ones who deny it the loudest are usually the ones who have their snouts deepest in the trough.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Jerry McGowan Missoula, Montana — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:38:01 GMT

How very sad that this has become the norm. Although this has obviously been going on since politics began, it is still no less disheartening to keep having to read about it, day in and day out. It seems the only people who are above the laws and above the ethic and moral standards NORMAL people have to abide by, are the politicians (Chaney with Halliburton perfect example), Bush with his Weapons of Mass Destruction, and big business. God Almighty, it makes one want to leave this country forever and yet, it is no better anywhere else in the world. I am finally saddened in a place deep within my heart, that has no chance of healing while the Human Condition is fully engaged.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

flattie74@msn.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:42:03 GMT

it would be significant information to know if these miscreants were recent political hacks or
those long term bureaucrats that are always blamed for government not working

OGbadpenny, Ft Fizzle, MT

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Steve Petite, Redlands, CA. — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:42:11 GMT

Just another appaling story from the Bush Administration that lacked and continues to lack oversight. It seems that those who are supposed to service us, believe that favors in the form of sex and gifts are just part of the perks of being with the Government.... I only hope that we can stop the waste, and get responsible oversight and a new administration, one that is not so much a part of the "Good old Boys" group....

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Adam minneapolis — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:43:48 GMT

Hmm, gives new meaning to the sexual expression "drilling."
We knew all along that the Bush Interior Department was in bed with the Oil Industry.

It's so predictible it would be lame and pathetic if it didn't point to the endemic corruption of this diseased presidency.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

jeff lz; sausalito, ca — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:52:31 GMT

We don't need four more years of a Republican administration to politicize and cripple every federal agency that is supposedly working for the tax payer. They have trashed Justice, EPA, FDA, USDA and now this. Enough is enough!!

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carcher4@adams.net — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:00:17 GMT

TIE THEM TO A TREE AND LET THE BEARS HAVE THEM, THEY WORK FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

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Outraged, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:01:55 GMT

You should be investigating Dirk Kempthorne himself...this guy is VERY dirty.

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MEP001, Baltimore, Maryland eparker8@verizon.net — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:14:05 GMT

Our tax-payers dollars at work. This how the republicans have been keeping watch over their Departments? Throw the bums out--and prosecute the "frat boys" to the fullest degree possible. I am soooo sick of this kind of c--p!

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C. L. Washburn, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:29:06 GMT

Meanwhile, the planet's burning up...

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Steve, NJ — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:34:44 GMT

Impeach Bush!!! The Dick Bush Whitehouse full of scandals, sex, bribe, corruption.

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thomas, jensen beach, fl — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:37:41 GMT

I am stunned and dismayed. Does anyone have the phone number for the D of I employment office. I really want to work there. Thank you.

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S. Smith, Pittsburg, Kansas — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:45:59 GMT

And this surprises whom?

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Robin Russin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:46:54 GMT

Yawn. More typical Republican behavior. I guess the American public just loves it, because they seem about to vote for four more years of the same.

Reminds me of the fall of the Roman Empire, when orgies and circuses distracted the crowds as their government dissolved into a sham of its former self. We keep this crowd in power, and it'll be our turn now.

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rugshaase@hotmail.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:12:54 GMT

Eight years of the Bush administration has brought this country to it’s knees. Corruption scandal over and over again. Eight years the corporate media has closed it’s eyes to what was wrong (afraid of losing revenue and rock star status of it’s anchors) Washington DC and focused on issues having nothing to do with the quality of life for the average American. Do I need to mention Britney Spears and nipples at the Super Bowl.

I am so angry with the corporate media. After watch CNN and NBC gush over Sarah Palin (corruption and exaggeration lies seem to be her mantra) my heart is sick for all my friends who died in Vietnam in the 60’s., and yes the founding fathers must be ashamed of us! Our nations leaders act so stupid they make Dumb and Dumber look like geniuses‘!

What needs to be done it take this nations news corporation and restrict profit and force them to act like journalists instead of carnival side show of the American dysfunctional entertainment industry..

Archie Haase Lubec Maine

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anthony deluca,saunderstown,r.i. — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:20:07 GMT

and this race is about lipstick on a pig?we know who the pigs are:bush/cheney/my cane...and the hockey mom...let's see,acccroding to the bush team,we are in a war of cultures,civilization hangs in the balance...so,folks,should My Cane die in office,Palin is ready to take up this battle...are you kidding me?...how dumbed down have we become?

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John Inman, South Carolina — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:29:08 GMT

Democrat or Republican, it is a political football that is passed from one administration to the next regardless of party. Those of you who espouse party lines and blame it all on one party or another crack me up. Politicians as a whole pay off their supporters and cronies with government appointed positions at all levels of government. Corruption is a sad fact of life for political appointees. The only way to mitigate this is to limit terms for all elected and appointed officials.

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Derrick Smith — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:30:56 GMT

The question were was the Special Agent in Charge of the Denver OIG office when this disgraceful activity going on right under his nose. Well Mr. G. Mitchell the OIG SAC was spending his time decorating his office. He was removed from his SAC position because of this and his overall incompetent performance of duty, and placed in a make work job. He was asleep at the switch.

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John W. Herstead, Orangevale, CA — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:46:08 GMT

People, please: Let's not politicize everything. This is a case of some mid and low level bureocrats on the take, most of them hired more than 10 years ago. This is not Bush, this is not Cheney. Just some low level crooked bureaucrats. With God knows how many employees on the federal payroll, Bush and Cheney can not be responsible for the day to day activities of all of them. On the one hand, you accuse Bush/Cheney of being dumber than rocks and on the other hand you accuse him of masterminding everything that goes on in the government. The inspector general for the Dept. of Interior,
EARL E. DEVANEY, was nominated by President Clinton on July 1, 1999 to be the seventh Inspector General for the Department of the Interior. Mr. Devaney was confirmed by the full Senate on August 3, 1999. As head of the Office of Inspector General, he is responsible for overseeing the administration of a nation wide, independent program of audits, evaluations, and investigations involving the Department of the Interiors programs and operations. Let's just be thankful that some of the crooks were caught.

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joanna — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:58:22 GMT

i don't know why everyone has to say that it figures with bush as president! have you all forgotten bill clinton and monica whats her butt???? geez!!! it an happen anywhere, anytime, no matter who's in office.

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Marko — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:04:45 GMT

House Republicans called for this investigation in 2006. Why the democrats in charge of oversight have prevented it for this long is a mystery to me, but not for much longer.

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Jen F. Usher, Dillwyn, VA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:06:06 GMT

Inspector General Earl E. Devaney's Investgation and comments in/and of The Denver Office of The Department of The Interior must not be construed to Include All The Dept. of Interior State Offices...!!!

Though A Chink in The DOI Chain-results from The IG's Investigation of The Denver: Dept. of The Interior Office.

How can this be caused by or Linked To The Bush Administration...???

This story coming out now with 8 weeks to go before American Citizens' select a New President-In My Mind Is Very, Very Suspect...and amounts to nothing more than an attempt to Smear The GOP McCain-Palin Ticket...!!!

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neves777@sbcglobal.net — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:15:54 GMT

Those damned republicans are the most excellent punching bags. Anything that goes wrong, we get to blame the republicans. word is that they invented prostittion AND bribery. Any time a democrat gets caught doing anything wrong- we can just say they are really a democrat. You got to admit, the republicans have made solving problems so easy. We don't even have to think any more. Just say " a republican did it ( or made them do it)! Gene neves, Houston texas

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neves777@sbcglobal.net — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:18:20 GMT

If the republicans are the problem behind EVERYTHING, how do they keep getting elected! Wait ! No whinning! Just think about it.. Please no whinning... G Neves

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Grandpa John Welden, Dallas Texas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:30:29 GMT

I am 83 and never stepped out on my wife.
Men should realize that having sex with anyone other than wife will come out sometime. Then their job will go down. Shame on the men, The women also has some of the shame.
When will people learn that when they have sex outside of marriage it will come out.

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ssandall — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:43:19 GMT

To say that this kind of attitude only exists in the Bush administration is ridiculous! Let us not forget that Mr. Bill Clinton took his own romps in the hay with corruption and scandal. This sort of thing has nothing to with party. It has everything to do with abuse of power. When will we make all of our employees (You know, those who are paid with taxpayer money) accountable?

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Tom Brosz, California — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:52:14 GMT

Most, if not all, of the people listed in the reports had careers that started with this organization long before Bush was elected, some beginning back in the 80s. Let's not make more political hash of this than it calls for.

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neves777@sbcglobal.net — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:11:29 GMT

If the republicans are the problem behind EVERYTHING, how do they keep getting elected! Wait ! No whinning! Just think about it.. Please no whinning... G Neves

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Paul, Fosston MN — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:36:32 GMT

Interesting comment from the guy from Texas as to why should it surprise anyone, and that corruption is the status quo at all levels of government. Maybe in Texas, but how many times do you read about lower level gov workers doing things like this? Its absolutely not the status quo. Except for the politicians that run the agencies, maybe, but the grunt workers ...no! If you so much as play Solitaire on your computer at work during a break, you get written up. Can the private sector say the same?

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Ruth A KIng Dallas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:47:43 GMT

I guarantee Pres. Bush does not approve of this behavior and will not tolerate it. Wait and see. You all may not like the Pres. or approve of the war in Iraq, but Pres. Bush is a moral man. He sees the war as necessary for the survival of our country as it presently exists. He could be right.

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Mari, Westchester, NY — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:48:47 GMT

It is a disgrace to the memory of the founders of this great country. This administration has created shameful appalling acts for which all Americans will have to deal with for years to come. I really don't know if they know the meaning of the phrase "Country First".

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Ted Trybus, Rochester, New York — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:10:57 GMT

While it may be easy to point fingers at the current administration, it is all parties that have been guilty of said ethics violations. The Clinton scandals, and yes there are more than just a few, Monica, Travel Agency, firings, emails vanishing, etc. Anyone that truly does unbiased research into politics these days can dig up something on EVERY administration. Pointing fingers is not the answer. ELECTING and holding accountable ALL OFFICIALS and employees is far more important than discerning current blame. And yes, it is important to hold those responsible to the fire as was the case for the recent dismissal of DOD personnel...top agency officials. This was not just a decision by the Secertary of Defense, but an Administration decision. To hold those accountable to the best interest of the People. People who point fingers and find it easy to judge the current administration without first looking into their own backyards are no better. Clean up all of government, elect and remove as needed (Impeachment is there for a reason) and remove the waste that has been our government for more than just the past eight years.

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Jake A, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:45:23 GMT

Sounds like the people involved are getting off the hook with barely a slap on the wrist. NBC should highlight this story and the people involved on Dateline.

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will heaton, Sealy, Texas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:04:06 GMT

"Country (club) First!"

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Stone916, boulder, co — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:26:03 GMT

LOL...how simple minded are you people to believe this is a republican party problem. It's the norm for politics, Democrat or Republican...seems you all are forgetting the Clinton and Kennedy sexual perverness. Remember folks...power is a corrupting facter to all mankind, period.

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Bob, Wichita, Kansas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:58:30 GMT

You Bush haters are pathetic. These people are not "appointees" but are inbred beuracrats that suckle on the government teet and always have. Yes, this is what is wrong with government ... it is too big and not responsible nor accountable.

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Ed Ellis, Adel, Iowa — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:13:47 GMT

You people have short memories. They are obviously students of Clinton and his administration. 13 employees out of 200 have been implicated. I would say that is about average for all industry.

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Jim Hayes, Fallbrook, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:05:18 GMT

This news was obviously timed to be released on a week the Daily Show is taking the week off!
Like the Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac announcement - over a weekend when OJ goes on trial Monday.
Timing, for the Bush Administration, is everything!

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S.Rutledge — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:23:36 GMT

Stop pointing we are just as guilty as they We are responsible for what happens in our country We The People.The folks in government are still there because you have allowed it..

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Elaine, New London, WI — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:13:10 GMT

This type of behavior is indicitive of the entire Bush administration. GW and Dick have had a testosterone party since first taking the Oval Office and only, recently, have toned down for the sake of the American people. (GW doesn't want to be run out of town on a rail after the election...)
I have a feeling McCain and Palin will do much to clean up the frat house attitude that goes hand in hand with the established administration.

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Teri, Susanville, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:47:37 GMT

Those posting need to first read the report before jumping to conclusions. First: The report is addressed to Kempthorne and seems to indicate he has been pushing for this investigation to be completfor some time, which is the way it is done in civil service. Civil Service investigations take a LONG time. Second: This has nothing to do with political affiliation. It is just a SMALL group of civil servants that allegedly misbehaved or broke civil service rules.

Third: The report indicated the gifts and gratuities were small and totaled less than $1000 per person investigated. Included was participation in a golf tournament and its associated meals, for one of them. They weren't getting rich by any means.

Fourth: My experience in civil service leads me to the more likely conclusion that these people were ignorant of the civil service rules.

I'm not defending the behaviors but some of this story is blown way out of proportion.

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Bill, Dallas, Texas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:21:30 GMT

Why don't you "Bush Bashing idiots" know that most these perverts worked for Clinton too????? Just another excuse to further your narrow minded thinking. In fact, your last President was impeached for the same thing, did you forget?

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T. Dyer, Erwin, TN — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:50:52 GMT

More bias by the media....let's get beyond politics and send all of those who violate public trust to jail. Most companies today have an ethics standard...let's get one for government employees and enforce it...and oh yes, let's include the media as well...

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R H in Memphis — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:36:18 GMT

Interestingly, I also have been thinking of the Roman Empire's demise lately. If the McCain/Palin (what a joke) ticket gets elected by the same ignorance that voted in the Bush administration TWICE, I really see that as the future of America. "For we live so well so long".........to quote an old Simon/Garfunkel song.

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Ken Steinbrook Martinsville, In — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:44:02 GMT

It seems the liberals have forgotten who started the last sex scandal. Here's a hint: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". Bill Clinton!

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pat j Morgantown,In — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:53:13 GMT

Wow,
Typical behavior, absolute power corrupts absolutley. The demise of the rebuplic is sad to watch. McCain/Palin in 08!

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Rock, Miami, FL — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:08:32 GMT

...and Clinton never had any type of sexual inappropriateness? Anybody who thinks this is related to one party or another is extremely naive. This has gone on for decades and will continue.

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Ken Steinbrook Martinsville, In — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:18:57 GMT

It seems like only yesterday. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". That was the sex scandal liberals would like to forget!

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C. Fortman — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:22:51 GMT

Oh, sure. You all think that Obama will know exactly what's going on in the Denver Minerals Management Services office. And, of course, he will be directly responsible for whatever happens there. He could hire the former Mayor of Detroit to run it, huh?

You cry for the sins of the government, but only want to make it bigger! Your naivete would be amusing if it weren't so damned frightening.

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Carol Ann, St. Charles IL — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:31:19 GMT

What will the Republicans say in response to this?
One word - Clinton.

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Ken, Visalia, California — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:35:27 GMT

None of this is comparable to a President who lied to a grand jury and avoided impeachment for those lies. How soon some people forget!

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An Observer of Life — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:35:54 GMT

To all of you hypocritical Democrats: Do you really think that this is endemic to Republicans only? St. Bill Clinton could have taught this kind of behavior himself. Remember: Government IS organized crime, from top to bottom, no matter the party in power. Example given: Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and company in Detroit.

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anonymous — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:43:05 GMT

be sure of party affiliations before we point fingers and place blame. there's been enough of that over the past forty years. if memory serves, Denver is a democrat stronghold. corruption exists on all levels and in all parties.

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Juanita Jacks-Hunter Young, Cary, NC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:43:28 GMT

When will it end? I am so saddened by all this "stuff". I worked at the RNC, on Capitol Hill, and at the Department of the Interior from the 60's to the 80's. I was a young Black woman exposed to the dignity of Rogers Morton, Elly Peterson, Ed Brooke and Lenore and George Romney. ...leaders of the Republican Party...where did the sense of morality and fair play go? My country is burning! Don't you care?

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L. Denning, Lake Eufaula, OK — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:44:10 GMT

You should ALL look in your own closets, I've heard of far more of this stuff about Liberals! Government is too big, too corrupt, and cannot police itself!

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Lauretta Phillips, Stephens City, VA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:46:48 GMT

How utterly predictable that the corruption being exposed is being characterized by bloggers as belonging (only) to the Bush administration. Do they not recall President Clinton's sexual fiasco with Monica Lewinsky? Oh, that's right, ex President Clinton did not consider his escapades to be "sexual", since, according to him, if there is no penetration, just oral fellatio, it is not sex. People, open your eyes. The Clintons were basically given a home in White Plains, NY, a very affluent area of New York by a "friend". Look into the backgrounds of each and every one of our representatives and see how many "gifts" they receive, and from whom those gifts originate. I would be hard-pressed to come up with a standing Senator, Congressman, State Delegate, Mayor, Governor, or anyone in a position of authority within our great country, who does not have some ill-gotten gains padding their bank accounts or furnishing one of their many homes. As a taxpayer, one who is struggling each month to stay afloat, it sickens me to not only hear about the free vacations and gifts that our elected officials receive, but also to have the political pundits try to apply this phenomena to just one of the two political parties which operate our country. I am a proud American. I pay my taxes. I donate my hard-earned money to charities. I struggle daily as a divorced mother of two trying desperately to hang on to the home I raised my children in for over twenty years. It sickens me to know that in my great country, being an honest, decent, hard-working citizen can more than likely land you in the poorhouse, while being an elected official who is supposed to be a "peer" of those who elected him, feel they are due these spoils of political life. God Bless America, God Bless us all.

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Terry P, White Bear, MN — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:47:55 GMT

Sex and drugs - I'm guessing these must be Democrats

Seriously, you actually think the president or any of his appointees have anything to do with these life-long bureaucrats?

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Jim St Charles, MO — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:05:28 GMT

Once again the Republicans have to get all bent out of shape because people are smoking dope and having sex. Why do they think they are the moral police and have to stop normal activity all the time. They lambasted Clinton for this and impeached him, now these poor people are loosing thier jobs. Nancy Pelosi had to fight like crazy to keep the gay bathhouses in San Fransisco open and now she is speaker of the house. The Liberals will win this election and keep the majority in the congress and fight all these "moral do-gooders" who want to criminalize sex and drugs. LIVE FREE OR DIE!

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The Eagle Spirit — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:07:25 GMT

No matter who is in Government positions this kind of corruption goes on. We have laws upon laws regarding these things, but no one seems to want to enforce them. This story tells why.

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Mike PA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:18:59 GMT

Wow, you libs sure know how to read between the lines, I didnt see one thing about Bush in that article. Thank God you can be the toadies and sheep that the Democrats created, otherwise all of the worthless public services would be for nothing.

If you do a little research, Devaney was nominted by Clinton on July 1, 1999. So I guess that was a plot by Bush too.

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Chirs, Florida — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:37:08 GMT

Why is this a surprise? Everything the Bush Administration has anything to do with is corrupt!!! If you think McCain is any different, God help you; God help us!! McCain/Palin scare the crap out of me!! If you think its bad now, just wait if these two get into office. Our government needs to be treated like children; keep a close eye on them and if they go directions other than what is going to help the American people, they need to be ousted immediately!! When is government going to be working for the taxpayer instead of the other way around? I'm sick of all of it!!

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Chitta Nirmel — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:39:19 GMT

Americans are enjoying the Government they deserve. They chose Resident Dumbush in 2004 with their eyes open to his dishonesty and stupidity, and now they have a choice.

Even so, the good Christian soldiers of the Republican party are excited at the thought of electing another dishonest and incompetent administration that soothes their prejudices.

If there is a God in heaven He must be crying.

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J. Preston, Lansing, Michigan — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:46:08 GMT

It's obvious that most people did not read the report. These people worked for the government way before Bush got into office; their employment spans presidents of both parties. But, it is far easier to place blame where it doesn't belong, isn't it? The people who commited these acts are the ones responsible for them, not the president of either party. I didn't see where they were identified by party affiliation, either, but that doesn't matter! What they did was wrong and they need to be prosecuted, fired or whatever! Stop blaming the people who didn't do it and start blaming those who did!

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Adam Guidry, Baton Rouge, LA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:19:52 GMT

I assure you, Republicans do not have a monopoly bad behavior. Has anyone ever heard of the Clinton/Lewinski scandal? Gary Rice and his Monkey Business boat? Was any president more corrupt than LBJ? How about the Kennedy "boys" and Marilyn Monroe? I am certain the 9/11 attack was planned during the Clinton administration due to his lack of action during the bombing of the USS Cole, attack on Marine barracks in Africa, followed by other terrorist actions outside our country directed toward Americans. If our President is to be Commander-in-Chief, shouldn't he also be a veteran? How can he lead our milita

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JAY SCHWARTZ MIAMI FLORIDA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:31:47 GMT

SO GLAD YOU DEMOCRATS ARE GETTING THE STEW KICKED OUT OF YOU. HOPE THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS YOU HAVE SPENT ON THIS ELECTION WILL CAUSE HARDSHIP FOR MANY OF YOU.

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monique Clark, Kent WA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:33:58 GMT

Oh yes, lets have 4 more years of this, is'nt what the american people seem to want? A feeble old man who may not make it 4 years and what will we have? A woman whose claim to fame is a two-year stint as a governor for a big drilling for oil state.

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M. Stevens, Lexington, TN — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:44:51 GMT

Is there no end to the constant and consistent pilfering, embezzlement and the downright thievery by the Bush administration? This Bush debaucle eclipses any other before it and brings nothing but shame to the American people.

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Matt, California — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:59:11 GMT

Pretty sure that employees from a Denver field office are not political appointees. And even if they are, I dont think that this is truly a biproduct of the Bush administration. This is a biproduct of the culture of bureaucratic empowerment that both parties are responsible for propegating. Get rid of big government agencies who seem systemically incapable of controlling their subordinates. If i were the secretary of the interior id fire everyone at that field office, above them, and resign myself. People need to take responsibilities for the actions of their subordinates.

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IMPEACH BUSH, Omaha, NE — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:17:37 GMT

Another reason why America hates Washington. But seriously people have known this all along. The ones that need to read articles like this are to busy being lied to FIXED NEWS.

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Portia, Dover, DE — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:28:50 GMT

Impeach Bush, Cheney, and the whole republican party. This is a disgrace. And it makes you wonder, McCain and Obama are in a dead heat presidency race. Republicans need to wake up.

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Roberta Cooper, Mesa, Az. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:50:04 GMT

It does not surprise me.It smells like a Bush thing. I cannot believe that they have not impeached him long ago. Do they need another republican in the white house? Absoughtly not. Mccain will only follow in Bushes footsteps. He has been a yesman all along.

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shirin — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:14 GMT

Rebublican, Democrat, Independent...all parties have scandals. Bribes, sex, back door dealing. It's not good, but that's what happens when you give the people with the most money the most power.

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John Thornell, Leesburg, VA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:01:07 GMT

I guess none of those who wrote comments bothered to read the reports by the IG. These are government employees (not part of any one administration) who have been on the job since 1983,1986, 1987, 1993, 1997 and 1999, respectively. Let's take out the politics and get back to the real problem: unethical behavior by civil servants. They have also disgraced the many good folks who do serve the nation and the taxpayers with quality performance and standards.

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Glenn Coterill, Dallas Texas — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:07:51 GMT

and I suppose that commercial enterprises never engage in this behavior. Let the criminals pay just as any other common criminal. The government should take over the companies that engaged in this behavior and disperse them to the wind to protect the american public from further criminal activity. We put people in prison to segregate them from perpetuating further criminal acts, why not criminal corporations? and further, Government employees are paid by the taxpayers and therefore have an "enhaced" obligation of public trust. There should be "enhanced penalties" for Any and All government employees that committ crimes against that "public trust".
That is true deterrence.

They are our employees. All of them.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Jay Day, Sebring FL — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:08:16 GMT

I wish everyone would stop blaming Bush for the problems of the world. He doesn't have eyes and ears in every single department of the Government. He can only rely on the people working for him to be honest. I have 10 employees under me and I can only request that they do their job. If they do something wrong I fire them. I can't be there wispering in their ear everyday to make the right decision. It is impossible for Bush to be held responsible for the million or so employees of the federal government. There are bad guys everywhere. In our government, in our churches and in our schools. Quit bashing one person for the ills of the world. You try and do his job!!!!!

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Matthew, Washington DC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:37:31 GMT

I think what many of the commenters are forgetting is this: the Government is who outed the gulty parties and the Government is who is going to prosecute. There are many dedicated investigators that are ruthlessly pursuing justice within the Bureaus and agencies of the government. It's not a Republican thing. It's not even a party-line thing. This here is a case of people whose power got the best of them. The deserve to be removed and prosecuted. The blame, however, cannot be put on a party or on the government. The blame rests only on the offending individuals. To extend the blame to anyone else is to justifuy and forgive these people.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Husker, Elkhorn, NE — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:59:17 GMT

It seems many of you quickly jump to the conclusion that Bush and his appointees are the cause of this scandal. Perhaps none of you know that only the top managers can be appointed by the President. All of the rest of the employees are civil servants protected by the union and in their jobs for life - normally. Many - if not most - are Democrats because they are union members and tend to be actively disengaged with any goals set for the department by the top managers. This is what civil service has come to.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Onna Green, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:34:52 GMT

No one wins from this type of immoral and unethical behavior. But it gives all people a chance to see light vs. dark in action and choose what kind of future you want to create for yourself and your children.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Tom Proctor, Ft. Morgan, Colorado — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:48:44 GMT

Now you know how Big Oil operates: lies, sex and bribery. Even if they violators are not political appointees, they are the tip of the ice berg. I hope the next president has the guts to expose the whole Big Oil connection to the war in Iraq, the explotation of the American people, and outright thief of this administration. As Harry Truman said the buck stops here. Here being the President- thus this and Republicans are responsible!

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Melvin Skaggs — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:48:10 GMT

Yes, it's true Republicans don't have a Monopoly on bad behavior. But their behavior doesn't cost the American taxpayers $BILLIONS as does Republicans and their transgressions.The Savings and Loans in the 70's, Charles Keating a bit later and now Freddie and Fannie.And while the major stockholders and the C.E.O.s will make millions, we Americans will end up paying.So the Interior Dept. scandel is just more of the same.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Mark S — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:46:05 GMT

Corruption is not at all levels of the government. The lower levels (GS level positions) are not allowed to be corrupt because the corrupt levels (appointed and elected) force the lower levels to be honest. I worked as a GS-14 for the USDA and was not even allowed to accept a cup of coffee. The ironic part is the fact that I had no power to influence any policies, purchases, etc. of any consequence. Hence I was not in a position where bribes were offered, nor was I offered the coffee. I was however, sent to multiple traning classes on ethics and forced to sign agreements that I would not accept bribes etc. In the mean time, all of the high level government personnel were raking in millions. Why not take bribes and steal when you are in these positions - there is no consequnce for your actions. You get to keep the money. The lesson being taught is to accept the bribes, etc. because nothing will happen - you will most likely get more bribes - punish those who have no power for your mistakes and greed then take more bribes.

Not surprising at all. For those who want these jobs - you need to be appointed.

In my non-govt job - I recently got a box of cookies from a vendor. I happily ate them.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Marvin Self kentucky — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:57:37 GMT

why is it always the working man that has to take the shaft.We dont have any one to pass it on to.so we have to do with out.what happens to the older ones.What do thay have to do with out.Think about it.And we call our country a free one. God help us all.

Scandal engulfs Interior Department

Sheree Deal Vero Beach, Florida — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:07:59 GMT

Considering that Bush is an oil guy and that Cheney stepped out of the boardroom of Halliburton, into the White House, should anyone be suprised that BIG OIL is running the country? It was always the plan behind closed doors to get the bans on drilling removed before Bush left office. So, BIG OIL, sleeping with the Dept of the Interior, literally, is the Bush way. Of course the collapse of the economy kind of took the spotlight the is last week. Hey Bush, maybe some one should, "drill baby drill" into the empty corrupt cavity in your head and fill it with crude.