Who Will Guard the Guardians?
Posted by MEC on November 15, 2007
The State Department’s inspector general, Howard Krongard, has recused himself from investigations into Blackwater USA because his brother, Alvin Krongard, is connected with Blackwater.
He only recused himself after Democratic members of Congress brought up this connection during a Congressional hearing.
Howard testified that his brother “assured” him he did not have a “financial interest” in Blackwater even though Alvin is a member of the advisory board; but Alvin has contradicted this testimony.
Howard Krongard has been accused of interfering with investigations into fraud and mismanagement by State Department contractors — i.e., doing exactly the opposite of what an inspector general is supposed to do. Considering that he’s a Bush appointee, I have no difficulty believing the accusations. Wouldn’t that be why Bush gave him the job?
