In his statement, which was, of course, never forwarded to this newspaper, the governor announced that Munson “has brought resolution” to this scandal. And that is why the governor “is very pleased.” “I have always believed that the truth shall always prevail,” he was quoted as saying. His AG was just as delighted. He, too, claims that “the judgment of Judge Munson…puts an end to this matter.”
The governor’s newest BBF, my pal Rep. Stanley T. Torres, also believes that “Munson’s decision should now put a stop to the controversy.”
“I guess the governor’s side has proven itself; that’s it’s not a violation of law. We need to move on. What happened had already happened,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying. “Torres said his message to others who may want the controversy to continue: ‘Swallow your pride, bite the bullet.’ ”
Really, Floor? Do you believe that? Would you say that to me, off the record, to my face? Although most of the people no longer recall how you once stood up against the garment industry and the politicians you called the “RepubliTans,” I still know you as the outspoken critic of special interests and government corruption, and you’re definitely way better than the press releases you’ve been releasing to the media since November.
Here’s the rest of the governor’s curious take on the judge’s order:
“Fitial said ‘while our detractors were consumed on this issue, the administration never shifted its focus from addressing the more pressing matters of the commonwealth. We hope that the community can now move ahead together with the administration in our efforts to continue working toward the common goal of restoring economic prosperity for our islands.’ The Fitial administration is also hopeful that the court decision will help ease the concerns of the community and bring clarity to all the confusion that has arisen from the matter. ‘My administration looks ahead as we continue working to ensure that every resident is afforded a sustainable and reliable standard of living,’ said Fitial.”
Now here’s what the judge really said:
The U.S. government “has sufficient investigatory resources at its disposal and sufficient processes and procedures to conduct its own inquiry into the facts surrounding this unprecedented event.”
Munson also said that he could entertain a new motion should the U.S. Attorney’s Office “be able to offer some evidence in support of its concerns.” In his order, the judge noted that “all subpoenaed participants [i.e, the governor, his designated fall guy — the unfortunate corrections commissioner, and her three officers] face at least some possibility of being deemed criminally culpable.” (My italics.)
Meantime, the judge said, the court “concludes that it is inappropriate at this juncture to inject itself into [the] proceedings.” (My italics again.)
Asked to comment regarding Munson’s ruling, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said: “The [U.S.] government has closely read the order and understands its meaning and rationale. Going forward, our office will continue its mission to aggressively investigate and, if warranted, prosecute any violation of federal law.”
That’s legalese for “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
Now compare all that to the administration’s spin — for it is nothing else but spin, lame and feeble spin — and you’ll realize how far this scandal is from a resolution.
It is interesting, however, that the governor thinks we are “consumed” by this, this “matter.” So he, a public official, abused his authority but it’s the public’s fault for taking offense. He “requested” his political crony to bring a federal detainee — held without bail — to his house so the lady, escorted by four corrections officers, could massage him. But this is “not a violation” of the law and so we should “move on.” To where? la-la land? Aren’t we there already?
Amazing. Proven leadership. But he cannot take responsibility for his action. Proven experience. Well, yes, but only because “experience” is what politicians call their mistakes. And Floor, pride we can swallow but not lies.
Send feedback to [email protected]
