Robert S. Mueller III. (Charles Dharapak/Associated Press)

The Post reported that a former top FBI official, Peter Strzok, who had been assigned to and then removed from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation, had “exchanged politically charged texts disparaging [President] Trump and supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton” and that Strzok was “also a key player in the investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server.”
This is a blockbuster revelation, carrying the possibility of shattering public confidence in a number of long-held assumptions about the criminal-justice system generally and the FBI and the Justice Department specifically. The Justice Department should appoint a special counsel to investigate Strzok’s actions as soon as possible.
The Strzok report comes on heels of the widely derided Justice Department investigation into IRS discrimination against conservative groups, including the disposition of allegations against IRS senior official Lois Lerner, and after the wildly erratic behavior of then-FBI Director James B. Comey during 2016. It also follows the vote to hold then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. in contempt of Congress — the first ever against a sitting member of the Cabinet — with 17 Democrats voting in support. Mix into this battering of the Justice Department’s and FBI’s reputations the still-murky charges and counter-charges of abuse of “unmasking” powers during the waning days of the Obama era.

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As a result, a large swath of responsible center-right observers are now demanding a full review of the investigation and prosecution powers wielded by the Obama-era Justice Department and FBI. Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy wrote in the National Review on Saturday that President Trump should call for a second independent counsel to investigate abuse of the counterintelligence authorities under President Barack Obama, abuses he suggests were undertaken to protect the controversial Iran deal on nuclear weapons.

This is an excellent idea. The new special counsel could also review Strzok’s texts and, more crucially, his conduct throughout 2015 and 2016. Strzok may be completely innocent of anything except an off-handed joke that the straight-laced Mueller deemed necessary to punish in a display of a “Caesar’s wife” sort of purity of purpose. But if his texts to FBI lawyer Lisa Page reveal a partisan animus towards Trump or admiration for Clinton, then the bureau and the department have a huge problem on their hands and not just with Strzok and Page.
When FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen was revealed to have committed espionage against the United States, it didn’t mean that even one other member of the bureau was guilty of Hanssen’s sins, but it did require a painstaking review of all of Hanssen’s activities and inputs, as all of them had to be reconsidered in light of his treasonous behavior.
If Strzok’s texts reveal deep animus towards Trump or an operational effort to tilt one or more investigations, then all of his actions have to be reviewed to assure the public’s confidence in the bureau. That one or two agents or officials of the bureau are discovered to have been acting from improper motives would be bad enough. To try and sweep those activities under the rug would be worse. Against the backdrop of other recent controversies, it would be disastrous.
Step one is a quick publication of the questionable texts. All of them. The public has a right to know what the predicate for Mueller’s extraordinary action was. The public also deserves a detailed account of Strzok’s (and Page’s) duties and authorities during the years in question. If an NBA official was discovered to have purposefully thrown even one game, every game in which he had carried a whistle would be under the microscope. That’s how it works.
Unless there’s a coverup.
Nevertheless, just as Hanssen was “one bad apple” who didn’t spoil the bunch, so even an out-of-bounds Strzok doesn’t necessarily mean anything about the FBI beyond him. To get to the truth, and restore confidence in federal law enforcement, better a special counsel to conduct the inquiry, bring any necessary charges and make a report — someone without ties to the president or his opponents.
They do exist, such men and women. Former federal judges make excellent candidates. But we need one appointed right now.

Tucker Carlson Tonight 12/4/17 – Tucker Carlson Tonight December 4, 2017 Fox News

_______________________________
“As a result, a large swath of responsible center-right observers are now demanding a full review of the investigation and prosecution powers wielded by the Obama-era Justice Department and FBI. Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy wrote in the National Review on Saturday that President Trump should call for a second independent counsel to

investigate abuse of the counterintelligence authorities under President Barack Obama,

abuses he suggests were undertaken to protect the controversial Iran deal on nuclear weapons.

This is an excellent idea. The new special counsel could also review…” 
_____________________________

FBI News Review

fbinewsreview.org 

Investigate the investigators! Save America! Reform the FBI now!

News, Reviews, Analysis, Opinions

_____________________________
“There are many examples of this, but the point is clear,

the FBI is out of control

and not just in the Trump investigation but much more broadly.

An agency charged with enforcing the law clearly considers itself above the law, and that is a threat to you and every American,

no matter who you voted for,” Carlson said Monday.

• Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American | Video

• fbi – Google News: House Intel chairman threatens FBI director, deputy AG with contempt of Congress – USA TODAY

• How Nonpartisan and Independent Was the FBI’s Leadership in 2016? – National Review 

• A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post

Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks

Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks
Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American | Video
fbi – Google News: House Intel chairman threatens FBI director, deputy AG with contempt of Congress – USA TODAY
How Nonpartisan and Independent Was the FBI’s Leadership in 2016? – National Review
fbi – Google News: Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American – RealClearPolitics
3:38 AM 12/5/2017 A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. The Washington Post
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post
FBI director tells staff to ‘expect — and welcome’ tough questions – CNN
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – Washington Post
Trump Has Now Urged Seven Officials to Help End the Russia Probes
Recent Searches December 2017
3:36 AM 12/4/2017 – British security services are vastly outgunned by the Russian counterintelligence…
3:36 AM 12/4/2017 – British security services are vastly outgunned by the Russian counterintelligence…
4:02 AM 12/4/2017 – The FBI’s reputation is “in Tatters worst in History!” New FBI Director Chris …
5:23 AM 12/4/2017 – Et Tu, Brutus?! Met Opera Suspends James Levine After New Sexual Abuse Accusations…
The U.S. and Global Security Review: Behavior and Law: M.N.: FBI, get your hands off the Sciences!!! We d…
M.N.: FBI, get your hands off the Sciences!!! We do need the comprehensive, in-depth, objective investigation…
Personally, besides the FBIs blatant and undue interference in political matters, I am especially concerned…
8:47 AM 12/4/2017 – Dear Mr. Clapper…
Putin, Trump and ISIS ‘main threats to liberal values,’ European deputies say – StopFake.org
Turkey issues warrant for ex-CIA officer over alleged role in 2016 coup
All the signs in the Russia probe point to Jared Kushner. Who next? – The Guardian
Is Vladimir Putin really the evil genius behind Donald Trump? – Toronto Star
Russia edges in as key power broker with North Korea – Nikkei Asian Review
Who’s an Oligarch? Rich Russians Fret Over US Sanctions Label – Bloomberg
Little peace, and our strength is ebbing: A report from the Reagan National Defense Forum. – National Review

Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks
Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American | Video
mikenova shared this story . Tucker Carlson delivers commentary on FBI agent Peter Strzok and an “out of control” FBI on Monday’s broadcast of his FOX News show. Strzok was heavily involved in two politicized cases — the Clinton email investigation and the Russian collusion probe and oversaw interviews with Mike Flynn. “There are many examples of this, but the point is clear, the FBI is out of control and not just in the Trump investigation but much more broadly. An agency charged with enforcing the law clearly considers itself above the law, and that is a threat to you and every American, no matter who you voted for,” Carlson said Monday. Carlson also reported that Strzok had a hand in the wording of then-FBI Director James Comey’s infamous statement clearing Hillary Clinton of wrongdoing in the investigation into her private server. Strzok reportedly prodded Comey to use “extremely careless” instead of “grossly negligent.” Strzok has since been removed from Mueller’s investigative team after it was found out he exchanged anti-Trump text messages with a mistress. CARLSON: Two days ago comment news broke that a key figure in the Mueller investigation, a longtime FBI official named Peter Strzok had been removed from his job for sending highly political text messages to his mistress, whose another FBI official. Apparently, those texts attacked President Trump and expressed affection for Hillary Clinton. Ordinarily, this would not rate a headline. Even career government officials are allowed to have political views. But this is no ordinary moment. Peter Strzok is at the very center of the two most politicized Justice Department cases in a generation. Strzok was first of all deeply involved in the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s private email server last year. At the conclusion of that investigation, it was apparently Strzok who changed the FBI’s description of what Hillary did from “grossly negligent” to “extremely careless.” Now, the first description is a crime, the second is merely a blunder. So in effect, Peter Strzok exonerated Hillary Clinton in the middle of a presidential campaign. Carlson said when Strzok interviewed Flynn, the one that resulted in his guilty plea, the then-National Security Advisor did not have a lawyer present because he had no idea he was being officially interviewed. CARLSON: In effect, Peter Strzok exonerated Hillary Clinton in the middle of a presidential campaign. But then he kept going. Strzok went on to sign the document, the official document that opened an investigation into Russian meddling in an election. The very same investigation the Hillary campaign was calling for at the time. The one that has now completely overwhelmed to the Trump presidency. And if that wasn’t enough, it was also Peter Strzok who, according to news accounts this afternoon oversaw the FBI’s interviews in January with general Mike Flynn at the White House. The ones that resulted in Flynn pleading guilty to felony charges on Friday. Apparently, Flynn had no idea he was being interviewed and that would explain why he didn’t have a lawyer present. If true, that would qualify as trickery, it would be unethical.
fbi – Google News: House Intel chairman threatens FBI director, deputy AG with contempt of Congress – USA TODAY
mikenova shared this story from 1. FBI from mikenova (16 sites). USA TODAY House Intel chairman threatens FBI director, deputy AG with contempt of Congress USA TODAY WASHINGTON House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes has directed his staff to prepare a contempt of Congress resolution against FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for “hiding” a top agent’s alleged … House Republicans Prepare Contempt Action Against FBI, DOJBloomberg House Republicans target FBI, DOJ for contempt over Russia investigation<a href=”http://MassLive.com” rel=”nofollow”>MassLive.com</a> Justice Dept. offers up key witness in Russia probe as House Intel Chair threatens contemptCNN Breitbart News –PJ Media –TheBlaze.com –Washington Examiner all 31 news articles »  fbi – Google News
How Nonpartisan and Independent Was the FBI’s Leadership in 2016? – National Review
mikenova shared this story from fbi criticism – Google News. National Review How Nonpartisan and Independent Was the FBI’s Leadership in 2016? National Review Yes, President Trump doesn’t help himself when he Tweets, After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters worst in History! But criticism of a particular FBI … Russia-Trump: President criticised for attacking FBIBBC News President Trump complains about ‘unfair’ treatment of Michael FlynnChicago Tribune Trump slams DOJ and FBI in weekend tweetstormCNN The Daily Caller –U.S. News & World Report all 3,000 news articles »
fbi – Google News: Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American – RealClearPolitics
mikenova shared this story from 1. FBI from mikenova (16 sites). RealClearPolitics Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American RealClearPolitics Tucker Carlson delivers commentary on FBI agent Peter Strzok and an “out of control” FBI on Monday’s broadcast of his FOX News show. Strzok was heavily involved in two politicized cases — the Clinton email investigation and the Russian collusion probe …  fbi – Google News
3:38 AM 12/5/2017 A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. The Washington Post
mikenova shared this story from FBI News Review. A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post When FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen was revealed to have committed espionage against the United States, it didnt mean that even one other member of the bureau was guilty of Hanssens sins, but it did require a painstaking review of all … Continue reading“3:38 AM 12/5/2017 – A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post”
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post
mikenova shared this story . Robert S. Mueller III. (Charles Dharapak/Associated Press) By Hugh Hewitt By Hugh Hewitt Opinions December 4 at 6:11 PM The Post reported that a former top FBI official, Peter Strzok, who had been assigned to and then removed from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation, had “exchanged politically charged texts disparaging [President] Trump and supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton” and that Strzok was “also a key player in the investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server.” This is a blockbuster revelation, carrying the possibility of shattering public confidence in a number of long-held assumptions about the criminal-justice system generally and the FBI and the Justice Department specifically. The Justice Department should appoint a special counsel to investigate Strzok’s actions as soon as possible. The Strzok report comes on heels of the widely derided Justice Department investigation into IRS discrimination against conservative groups, including the disposition of allegations against IRS senior official Lois Lerner, and after the wildly erratic behavior of then-FBI Director James B. Comey during 2016. It also follows the vote to hold then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. in contempt of Congress — the first ever against a sitting member of the Cabinet — with 17 Democrats voting in support. Mix into this battering of the Justice Department’s and FBI’s reputations the still-murky charges and counter-charges of abuse of “unmasking” powers during the waning days of the Obama era. opinions Orlando Shooting Updates News and analysis on the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. post_newsletter348 follow-orlando true after3th false Read These Comments The best conversations on The Washington Post You’re all set! See all newsletters true The story must be told. Your subscription supports journalism that matters. Try 1 month for $1 As a result, a large swath of responsible center-right observers are now demanding a full review of the investigation and prosecution powers wielded by the Obama-era Justice Department and FBI. Former federal prosecutor Andrew C. McCarthy wrote in the National Review on Saturday that President Trump should call for a second independent counsel to investigate abuse of the counterintelligence authorities under President Barack Obama, abuses he suggests were undertaken to protect the controversial Iran deal on nuclear weapons. This is an excellent idea. The new special counsel could also review Strzok’s texts and, more crucially, his conduct throughout 2015 and 2016. Strzok may be completely innocent of anything except an off-handed joke that the straight-laced Mueller deemed necessary to punish in a display of a “Caesar’s wife” sort of purity of purpose. But if his texts to FBI lawyer Lisa Page reveal a partisan animus towards Trump or admiration for Clinton, then the bureau and the department have a huge problem on their hands and not just with Strzok and Page. When FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen was revealed to have committed espionage against the United States, it didn’t mean that even one other member of the bureau was guilty of Hanssen’s sins, but it did require a painstaking review of all of Hanssen’s activities and inputs, as all of them had to be reconsidered in light of his treasonous behavior. If Strzok’s texts reveal deep animus towards Trump or an operational effort to tilt one or more investigations, then all of his actions have to be reviewed to assure the public’s confidence in the bureau. That one or two agents or officials of the bureau are discovered to have been acting from improper motives would be bad enough. To try and sweep those activities under the rug would be worse. Against the backdrop of other recent controversies, it would be disastrous. Step one is a quick publication of the questionable texts. All of them. The public has a right to know what the predicate for Mueller’s extraordinary action was. The public also deserves a detailed account of Strzok’s (and Page’s) duties and authorities during the years in question. If an NBA official was discovered to have purposefully thrown even one game, every game in which he had carried a whistle would be under the microscope. That’s how it works. Unless there’s a coverup. Nevertheless, just as Hanssen was “one bad apple” who didn’t spoil the bunch, so even an out-of-bounds Strzok doesn’t necessarily mean anything about the FBI beyond him. To get to the truth, and restore confidence in federal law enforcement, better a special counsel to conduct the inquiry, bring any necessary charges and make a report — someone without ties to the president or his opponents. They do exist, such men and women. Former federal judges make excellent candidates. But we need one appointed right now.
FBI director tells staff to ‘expect — and welcome’ tough questions – CNN
mikenova shared this story from Peter Strzok – Google News. CNN FBI director tells staff to ‘expect — and welcome’ tough questions CNN Read More. Wray also did not mention the case of Peter Strzok, the bureau official who was removed by special counsel Robert Mueller from his team of investigators over the summer after an internal investigation found messages he sent that could be …and more »
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – Washington Post
mikenova shared this story from Peter Strzok – Google News. The Rebel A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. Washington Post The Post reported that a former top FBI official, Peter Strzok, who had been assigned to and then removed from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation, had exchanged politically charged texts disparaging [President] Trump and supporting … FBI’s Disgraced Strzok interveiwed both Flynn and HillaryThe Rebel Conway on Allegedly ‘Tainted’ FBI Agent: Americans Frustrated by Clinton Double StandardFox News Insiderall 4 news articles »
Trump Has Now Urged Seven Officials to Help End the Russia Probes
mikenova shared this story from Newsweek. President Donald Trump has pushed at least seven officials to put an end to investigations at various levels of government into whether his campaign helped Russia meddle in the 2016 presidential election.

Tucker Carlson Tonight 12/4/17 | Fox News Today December 4, 2017

Tucker Carlson – YTS – YouTube Search

A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post

When FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen was revealed to have committed espionage against the United States, it didn’t mean that even one other member of the bureau was guilty of Hanssen’s sins, but it did require a painstaking review of all of Hanssen’s activities and inputs, as all of them had to be reconsidered in light of his treasonous behavior.

Tucker Carlson: “Out Of Control” FBI Considers Itself Above The Law, Threat To Every American

RealClearPolitics
Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks

Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post
FBI director tells staff to ‘expect — and welcome’ tough questions – CNN
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – Washington Post
Trump Has Now Urged Seven Officials to Help End the Russia Probes
Recent Searches December 2017
3:36 AM 12/4/2017 – British security services are vastly outgunned by the Russian counterintelligence…
3:36 AM 12/4/2017 – British security services are vastly outgunned by the Russian counterintelligence…
4:02 AM 12/4/2017 – The FBI’s reputation is “in Tatters worst in History!” New FBI Director Chris …
5:23 AM 12/4/2017 – Et Tu, Brutus?! Met Opera Suspends James Levine After New Sexual Abuse Accusations…
The U.S. and Global Security Review: Behavior and Law: M.N.: FBI, get your hands off the Sciences!!! We d…
M.N.: FBI, get your hands off the Sciences!!! We do need the comprehensive, in-depth, objective investigation…
Personally, besides the FBIs blatant and undue interference in political matters, I am especially concerned…
8:47 AM 12/4/2017 – Dear Mr. Clapper…
Putin, Trump and ISIS ‘main threats to liberal values,’ European deputies say – StopFake.org
Turkey issues warrant for ex-CIA officer over alleged role in 2016 coup
All the signs in the Russia probe point to Jared Kushner. Who next? – The Guardian
Is Vladimir Putin really the evil genius behind Donald Trump? – Toronto Star
Russia edges in as key power broker with North Korea – Nikkei Asian Review
Who’s an Oligarch? Rich Russians Fret Over US Sanctions Label – Bloomberg
Little peace, and our strength is ebbing: A report from the Reagan National Defense Forum. – National Review
James Comey, Sally Yates and Eric Holder defend FBI after Trump’s Twitter attack – Washington Post
Michael Flynn Investigation Sparks Concern About a Politicized FBI – LifeZette
Michael Flynn shouldn’t have lied about doing the right thing
If Michael Flynn’s ‘crime’ is all Robert Mueller has, it is time to move on – USA TODAY
Russia-Trump: President criticised for attacking FBI – BBC News

Mike Nova’s Shared NewsLinks
A special counsel needs to investigate the FBI and Justice Department. Now. – The Washington Post
mikenova shared this story . Robert S. Mueller III. (Charles Dharapak/Associated Press) By Hugh Hewitt By Hugh Hewitt Opinions December 4 at 6:11 PM The Post reported that a former top FBI official, Peter Strzok, who had been assigned to and then removed from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation, had “exchanged politically charged texts disparaging [President] Trump and supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton” and that Strzok was “also a key player in the investigation into Clinton’s use of a private email server.”