FOCUS: Bob Bauer | Trump and Barr Are Out of Control

19 February 20

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19 February 20

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SHOCKED BY THE LACK OF SUPPORT - I just want you to know that, as a monthly contributor who thinks the work you are doing is hugely important, I am shocked by the lack of support of other readers. Rest assured that rsn is deeply appreciated and I count on it/you to keep informed. If we want a “free” and independent press in today’s world of corporate news, you are essential and I, for one, am deeply grateful to you and want to express my thanks. I’m sorry that your fundraising efforts are not bringing faster and more abundant results. In deep appreciation. / Marilyn, RSN Reader-Supporter

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FOCUS: Bob Bauer | Trump and Barr Are Out of Control

Bob Bauer, The New York Times
Bauer writes: "The prosecutor who quit over the Roger Stone sentencing is sending a powerful message about political weaponization."

The prosecutor, Jonathan Kravis, apparently concluded that he could not, in good conscience, remain in his post if the department leadership appeared to buckle under White House pressure to abandon a sentencing recommendation in the case of Mr. Stone, the associate of President Trump who was convicted of obstructing a congressional inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Three of his colleagues quit the Stone case but remain with the department: Mr. Kravis left altogether. Even though the president for years has derided federal law enforcement officials, accusing them variously of conflicts of interest and criminality and weakness in not pursuing prosecution of his political opposition, Mr. Kravis’s is the first resignation in the face of these assaults.

Dramatically forceful responses to Mr. Trump’s assaults on rule-of-law norms have been all too rare. A resignation can set off an alarm bell for an institution whose failings an official might be unable to bring to light in no other way, or as effectively. It upholds rule of law norms in the very act of signaling that they are failing. It makes its point with power and transparency, and stands a chance of rallying support from those who remain in place and compelling other institutions like the press and Congress to take close notice.

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