Follow the Money

by Michael Cutler

9-11FSA Families and Friends:

The news article I have attached below appears in today's edition of the Washington Times and is worth considering as we listen to the candidates spew their usual rhetoric. It is important to consider what motivates those who would lead our nation.

In the movie, "All The President's Men" in a conversation between the source known as "Deep Throat" and Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, Woodward was told to "Follow the money."

As it turned out, that precise conversation never took place in that fashion and so that advice was never provided to Woodward. However, whenever an investigation is conducted and whenever you want to try to understand motivation, following the money is, of course, great advice! My dad had summed this up succinctly when he told me that "Money is the root of all evil!"

The issue of campaign finance is extremely disturbing. Law enforcement officers are not allowed to accept gifts from people when they are acting in an official capacity. If a cop who is directing traffic on a cold winter day accepted a cup of hot coffee from a considerate store keeper, in many communities that police officer would come under scrutiny by internal affairs. This is truly insulting because the implication is that the cop would be "bought" for the price of a cup of coffee.

I recall that shortly after I had begun my career with the INS I was having lunch in a diner near my office and spotted an attorney sitting at a nearby table. We knew each because of our respective professions. He and I exchanged pleasantries and he asked me to join him at his table. I brought my food over to where he was sitting and we discussed a number of things, none of which related to immigration, law or anything even remotely connected to our jobs.

Suddenly my supervisor walked by the restaurant and spotted me sitting with this well-known attorney and walked into the restaurant. He sidled up to me and in a very quiet voice he whispered in my ear, "Stop by my desk after lunch." He left and I had the feeling that this would not be a pleasant conversation.

The waiter brought our checks and we each paid for our meals.

I headed upstairs and approached my boss. He told me to sit down and without raising his voice he managed to convey his annoyance at what he perceived was a bit of really poor judgment on my part. He told me that I should never, ever have lunch with an attorney because it is entirely possible that I might wind up dealing with the clients of an attorney. I told my boss that I had paid for my lunch and the attorney had paid for his. I felt that this made the situation acceptable. I was wrong. I was told that simply sitting with that lawyer might present an illusion of wrong-doing. This would create a slew of potential problems. I apologized for my faux pas and assured him I would never do that sort of thing again.

Several weeks later, Frank Johnson, the then chief of the Frauds Unit where I was assigned at that time, conducted a staff meeting of all employees of that investigative unit as he did every two weeks when we got paid. He ended that meeting with the admonition that, "As federal agents it was not enough to not engage in wrongdoing; we must never even give the illusion of doing wrong!" He set an extremely high standard for all of us and I found that he was even tougher on himself then he was on those of us under his command. He ultimately became the chief of the Investigations Branch in New York, meaning that all 200 odd special agents were under his command. He was one of the best bosses I ever had the privilege of working for. He passed away several weeks ago but his lessons and his concerns remained with me for the balance of my career. He was a gentleman and a true leader!

Now we come to the politicians and the nonsense that goes on with the issue of campaign finance.

If there is concern that a police officer might lose objectivity in dealing with the people on his beat if he accepted coffee or some other token of appreciation, what do you suppose thousands of dollars might do to influence politicians? Conversely, why would someone be moved to contribute major amounts of money to a political campaign? Ideology goes just so far! Furthermore, the idea of "bundlers" consolidating lots of money from different people can help to shield the people, companies and/or organizations that make these massive campaign contributions.

When lobbying firms represent foreign governments and companies based in foreign countries, it is easy to see how, at the minimum, an illusion of wrongdoing might well be created! I fear that much more than a mere illusion of wrongdoing is involved, however!

What is in Mexico's best interests, such as the issue of illegal immigration would undoubtedly not be in America's best interests! When politicians refuse to secure our nation's borders and create a secure immigration system, it would be worthwhile to "Follow the Money!"

Several days ago I wrote a commentary about the diversion of high tech shipments that were showing up in the hands of insurgents in Iraq to help them construct IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices). Several years ago the administration exerted incredible pressure on Congress to turn over control of American ports to Dubai Ports World. Would this have truly been in the best interests of the United States especially in light of the on-going "War on Terror?"

Meanwhile consider how much money is poured into political campaigns by people in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, China, Colombia and many other countries.

If you wonder why all too many politicians appear to not be representing the best interests of their constituents and our nation, perhaps the answer can be found in the simple fact that these politicians know where their bread is buttered!

The additional problem we now face is the apathy of all too many Americans who don't vote and don't contact their elected representatives. This apathy makes the politicians believe that success depends on getting enough money to pay for their ever more expensive political campaigns.

Simply stated, the major campaign contributors are apparently getting, "The best government money can buy!"

We the people must stop sitting on the sidelines but must become involved in the political process. That is the only way to make our democracy truly represent our citizens.

Democracy is not a spectator sport!

Lead, follow or get out of the way!

Michael Cutler