I am left wondering largely what I wondered yesterday: Why does a high officer of the government line his pockets in ways that stink; and why, if he must do so, does the Justice Department take issue with it only now, as the official has become a political thorn in its side -- timing that also stinks.The facts alleged in the indictment may to a great extent make out what former Wall Street Journal reporter Brooks Jackson denominated "honest graft." Much of the indictment is devoted to a recitation of activities that must be business as usual in Washington, or close to it.
The activities itemized in the indictment go back as far as 2006. It is certainly fair to wonder why the indictment has been handed up now and to doubt that Senator Menendez's leading role criticizing the foreign policy of the Obama administration is merely a big coincidence.
In part, the indictment vaguely charges Senator Menendez with quid-pro-quo corruption in paragraph 9(b). When one looks for specific "quids" given in exchange for specific "quos," the indictment is evasive...
One damning set of facts goes to Senator Menendez's acceptance of "gifts" (flights and vacation accommodations) worth thousands of dollars together with their omission on the reports Senator Menendez was required to file with the Senate (paragraphs 64-69). The New Jersey Star-Ledger comments: "Regardless of the outcome, it is hard to fathom Menendez's lack of judgment after a long career in a state that has been cursed by so much corruption. Why would he even dance close to this line?"
As I said in the comments section of another entry, it is the prerogative, and in this instance the duty, of the political branches to give us some transparency about this indictment. We had Congressional hearings about Benghazi, and we could use some here as well.
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