Cheney and Conyers Share Same Sheet of Music Over Alleged Illegal Activity

Conyers, unlike the NY Comptroller who resigned, has stuck to his tune, echoing Cheney's 1987 absurdity.

* * *

Conyers is blaming his [paraphrasing] "lack of clear guidance," and not taking responsibility by resigning.

Recall Cheney's denial about the President's responsibility for the Iran-Contra Affair in his May 5, 1987 opening statement at the Iran-Contra Hearings:

"One important question to be asked is to what extent did the lack of a clear cut policy by the Congress contribute to the events we will be exploring in the weeks ahead."

Cheney blamed Congress for the President's failures Ref; Conyers is blaming is lack of policy for his leadership failures.

The common problem deserves attention. The issue isn't the lack of a Congressional policy, but the failure of the leadership to credibly lead, enforce standards, and effectively oversee those they were charged to manage and justify compensation. But with Conyers this isn't simply management, but alleged complicity with illegal activity.

* * *

Using public monies for private, non-official purposes is serious business.

[NY State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi's] decision to step down came as Albany prosecutors were preparing to ask a grand jury on Friday to indict him on charges of defrauding the government and on other felonies stemming from his use of state employees as chauffeurs and aides to his wifeRef

Conyers allegedly used federal government employees for non official purposes including babysitting duties. As with the Iran-Contra affair, these are not issues of unclear policies, but alleged fraud.

Conyers cannot credibly lead the House Judiciary Committee and provide oversight of similar alleged illegal activity in the Executive Branch. Conyers should resign.