THE DAY THEY KILLED THE RULE OF LAW (Pg.1)

By Franklin D. Lopez
May 20, 2017

“The biggest threat to democracy is the triumph of men or women with power, committing crimes with total impunity and no consequences!” –FDL

2017 - PRESIDENT TRUMP, JAMES COMEY & ROBERT MUELLER

The struggle of Donald J. Trump trying to derail the FBI’s investigation into Russia’s alleged intervention in the 2016 presidential election has become the battle royal of raw power against the rule of law. Trump has been known as a “tough” negotiator using intimidation to achieve business and political objectives.
He has used it in his dealings with Congress and in his political discourse. Trump has been a fervent student of Robert J. Ringer’s book “Winning through Intimidation.”


But Ringer’s book did not address how to choose your battles and opponents!

2004 – PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH, JAMES COMEY, ROBERT MUELLER, JOHN ASHCROFT, ANDREW CARD, & ALBERTO GONZALEZ 

James Comey, the former FBI Director, whom Trump fired because he rejected the request of the new president to ignore the Russian involvement with Lieutenant General Michael Flynn and his campaign staffers, is a formidable opponent. Comey was deputy Attorney General under John Ashcroft’s tenure at the U.S. Department of Justice. 

While Ashcroft was hospitalized, Andrew Card, George W. Bush’s chief of staff and Alberto González, his presidential counsel, wanted to extend the “Stellar Wind” National Security Agency’s “”terrorist” surveillance program” which Comey refused to approve because he strongly believed was unconstitutional. Card and González had a frame of mind of being loyal to the President and Comey’s loyalty was to the Constitution and the rule of law! Card and González decided to go to the hospital to obtain

Ashcroft’s signature to extend the life of the “Stellar Winds” espionage program.

Comey had obtained advance notice from the White House duo’s intentions and asked his driver to take him urgently to the hospital. On the way to George Washington University Hospital, Comey called FBI Director Robert Mueller and requested that they meet at the hospital and to deploy FBI agents to prevent the entrance of Card and González to Ashcroft’s room. Mueller was known in Washington as “being decisive without being impulsive.” He agreed with Comey.

Mueller sent several agents and the two very powerful Bush’s assistants failed in extending the life of a highly questionable surveillance program. When asked about the reasons he did it, putting his job on the line, Comey responded “I swore to defend the Constitution and the rule of law when I accepted to be Deputy A.G.” Mueller and Comey are two extraordinary public servants known for their integrity and both enjoy working more for the government than for the private sector. These two human beings are what Trump will be facing in the investigation of the Russian affair! Be careful what you wish for!

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Franklin D. Lopez is a Journalist, Writer, Entrepreneur
Former United Press International & Associated Press Writer
@trueblue51 - www.franklindelanolopez.com

FULL ARTICLE: https://franklindelanolopez.com/2017/05/20/the-day-they-killed-the-rule-of-law/