Choosing a Special Prosecutor
While it is likely too early to consider this seriously, it’s worth thinking about how a Special Prosecutor might be chosen to investigate and prosecute Putin’s interference in our elections (an Act of War) as well as possible collusion, criminal conspiracy and even treason by Americans — including members of the Trump campaign, transition and administration. This choice is critically important as We, the People, need to be sure we can trust this person to be dogged and fully impartial. They must not kowtow to the demands of the Trump administration or the Republicans in congress bent on giving cover — I’m looking at you, Devin Gerald Nunes.
Let’s look at the obvious candidates we have so far.
Sally Q. Yates
Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, a former U.S. Attorney appointed by Obama and confirmed 84–12 by the Senate, made news when she was unceremoniously fired by Trump, ostensibly for following her oath of office and doing her duty by instructing her department not to defend Trump’s unconstitutional Muslim Ban in court. I qualify that because Yates seems to have been the one who notified the Trump administration of Gen. Flynn’s communications with Russian diplomat and “top spy” Sergey Kislyak and warned them he might be at risk for blackmail — three weeks before it became public knowledge and led to Trump asking for Flynn’s resignation. Yates is imminently qualified and has a history of investigating and prosecuting public corruption. Obviously, standing up to Trump so publicly ensures many people are aware she wont bow to pressure.
Preet Bharara
Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara also made news when he was asked to resign along with 45 other U.S. Attorneys appointed by previous administrations. Instead of submitting, he forced Trump to fire him a day later leading many to make comparisons to Nixon’s Saturday Night Massacre. Bharara has a long history of fighting very public corruption of politicians and officials on both sides of the aisle in the highest profile (and arguably most important) district in the country. He is well respected by both Democrats and many Republicans for his fairness and had previously been asked to stay on by Trump, himself. At the time he was fired, he’s said to have been investigating Trump’s HHS Secretary Tom Price for possible violations of the STOCK Act. In the past he has also prosecuted Russian real estate fraud and money laundering operations in the US and was barred from entering Russia as part of their retaliation for the Magnitsky Act. Again, another imminently qualified individual who has proven himself capable of standing up to the Trump administration as well as Russia.
Either would be a good choice if Democrats can find a way to influence the selection. It might be wise to submit them both for consideration. Bharara may be considered too dangerous by Republicans hoping to shield the Trump administration and that might lead them to underestimate Yates.
If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.
