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Return to Article: White House urged to punish GSA chief to 'fullest extent'

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  As a retired GSA employee I recall that all GSA employees had to striclty adhere to the Hatch Act and sign acknowledgements that we fully understand the Hatch Act and the consequences of violating it.

  GSA employees are also required to disclose all assets over and above their salaries and bonuses, if any. That means land, common stock, investments, etc. This is said to protect them from allegations of contractor kickback or allegations of wrong doing while involved with contractors. It is said. GSA employees are held to a high standard and GSA employees are morally high standard employees.

  I have been on the dark side of a lengthy investigation of being investigated by GSA-OIG and cleared of the charges stemming from a co-worker's mere assertion to an investigator. But the investigation began on nothing more than word of mouth, no credible witnesses, and the process was ugly. Even when an innocent employee is charged of a "crime" and then legally cleared the career damage is done. It's a double edged sword though. The GSA-OIG that spear-headed the investigation ended up getting sued in court (and lost) for finally getting caught twisting the truth and embellishing testimony in at least two cases.

  I am not defending Ms. Doan. She certainly hasn't provided anything to make me believe she is totally innocent. Nor have I seen anything to make me believe she is totally guilty. I see lots of gray, but nothing black or white.

  Scott Posted June 18, 2007 4:24 PM
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  I have to agree with Don. There are sufficient reasons to point fingers at both parties but it IS this administration's time in the barrel and there's been a lot of justification based on "Well, they did it first!" But his point of taking the art of corruption to a fine science truly strikes home for me. I can't help but feeling that Dick's affiliation with Halliburton and the subsequent allocation of billions of dollars in unbid, sole-source contracts took the "Spoils System" to an all-time high. Doan seems to have merely tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to follow in her mentor's foot steps.

  My biggest problems with the current administration hinges on the changing reason for our current deployment (WMD vs. defense of Democracy vs. the elimination of world-wide terrorism) and the negation of the Bill of Rights; which Doan also seems to have tried in her attempt to discredit her tattle-tale subordinates. I've never heard her accused of trying to negate the Whistle blower protections, but the block criticizing of the performance of those bringing her activities to light, deeming them in need for retraining and re-education, seems to violate those protections.

  Every time I've heard someone question the draconian security measures enabled by the Patriot's Act, it seems they were labeled un-American. It is our Constitution and the Bill of Rights that make us different from all other governments. Perhaps the judiciary, that Dubya attempts to stack in his favor, will be strong enough to hold out for times more conducive to upholding our individual freedoms.

  One can only hope.

  Tip off Posted June 18, 2007 9:39 AM
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  DON, if you don't want to debate the issue that fine....but the fact remains that corruption occurs with in both parties at every level of both state and federal GOV. What's currently happening with the GSA official and the Dem. Congressman from the state of Louisiana is the norm not the exception. I completely agree that, as a Vet, a Taxpayer and as a GOV employee, I am embarrassed by the level of corruption with in our GOV. The only point that I am making is that from a historical perspective....it's not unusual.

  VET Posted June 14, 2007 3:02 PM
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  Vet, I agree with you that the Bush administration did not invent govt. corruption, but they seem to have refined it to a science...in other words - they are learning from their mistakes and perfecting their technique. Also, theft of documents and improper conduct are NOT generally considered corruption, though might be crimes or bad behavior. The Bush administration might be the worst ever or not depending on your point of view. I do not care to debate. However, the Bush administration IS the current administration - which means to me that they deserve both the respect of office AND the scrutiny of tax-payers. It is their "turn in the barrel". Americans are tired of the constant political spin which tries to justify current corruption on the behavior of past administrations. Most of us simply want the govt we pay for to get the job done as honestly as possible. This administration still have almost two years to improve on mistakes (FEMA,handling of wars, admin problems-DOJ/VA/GSA), build future accomplishments and make America stronger. Let's see how it goes - they need to stop spinning and get the job done.

  Don Posted June 14, 2007 8:38 AM
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  To those who comment that this is the Bush Administration being exposed......GIVE ME A BREAK. OK...are we to believe that until Bush came to office there was no or less GOV. corruption! Please...I seem to remember Clinton having corruption issues galore. (Aids stealing documents from a federal Facility...improper relationships with interns...and many more) GOV corruption has and will always exist regardless of who is in office. It's a simple by-product of having extreme power.

  I hope Ms. Doan is fired and gets whatever else is coming to her....but to say this is the Bush Administration being exposed and somehow we have lost some of our "Democratic glory" as a result of him being in office, is a complete misunderstanding of this nation's history. Check out the history of the US Gov.....corruption is one of the US Gov defining characteristics (same is true for most Governments). Let's have some perspective.

  VET Posted June 13, 2007 12:24 PM
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  I wasn't going to comment on this story until I read three comments by others as noted below 1. "and his thinly veiled disdain for women in powerful positions" 2. "But why is it that when a woman does something wrong Leadership screams for punishment. But with all the theft and corruption in the government offices by the male leadership the item just passes by quietly once announced."

  Why is it when a minority or in this case a woman is caught doing something wrong someone always plays the it's because they're a woman or it's because they are a minority. From now on I'm going to respond to all stories with "If it wasn't for him being a white man ...."

  Then one person says 3. "yes and yes but being a bad person and not to bright is not yet illegal." Well to that I say maybe not but it sure isn't a qualification for one of the highest jobs in this country. As to Doan, I may agree she isn't a good or law abiding citizen but from what I've read she is very smart. Business smart that is. I believe she like Scooter and some of the other corrupt government employees and politicians think they won't be caught and/or are above the law. I know if most of my fellow government employees were caught doing the same we would lose our jobs. I hope if they let her slide, that the next time a low level GOV employee gets caught and they try to take their job that the emplooyee will get a good lawyer and using Doan's case will sue the GOV for discrimination and win a couple of millions.

  SATOTS Posted June 13, 2007 7:36 AM
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  gary, you are right-on. What we are seeing now is the Bush administration is unfolding. Now that Congress and the House is not under Rep. control; they cannot cover up all the coruption and "loyaties." We will see more and more of Bush's true colors in the years to come. We may never recover our once Democratic glory we one had. Bush is a true ugly American.

  Joe Posted June 12, 2007 6:28 PM
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  Bloch's motives are not germane. The facts found on Doan's actions speak for themselves.

  Just because it's self-serving doesn't mean it's wrong.

  Dean Posted June 12, 2007 5:58 PM
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  Bloch (appointed by President Bush) is looking for an act of contrition from a political appointee whose continued employment (not that she needs it) is based on the party that confirmed her appointment regaining power. Doan's subordinates in the room were appointed by her so they too have a vested interest in the GOP regaining a majority in congress and retaining the White House. I am surprised by the zeal with which Bloch (under investigation himself) has pursued this terrifically unimportant event. Maybe he's trying to shine a positive light on himself with the hope that he will be able to spin a favorable outcome from the investigation into his outrageous abuse of power, mistreatment and exploitation of the OSC staff. Bloch's condescending letter to the President and his thinly veiled disdain for women in powerful positions should be proof enough for any thinking person to conclude that Scott Bloch can not be taken seriously. He is using Doan to curry favor with the Democrats, (for another appointment) shield himself from ongoing scrutiny, and setting himself up to write the most boring book in America. Is Doan a backstabbing manipulator for crucifying her own appointees and in a very ham-fisted way trying to obfuscate responsibility for her misstatements by saying she was on her Black Berry during the presentation at GSA headquarters; yes and yes but being a bad person and not to bright is not yet illegal. Lastly, 30 appointed GSA officials packed into a conference room to glad hand KRoves minion and watch a PowerPoint presentation does not an election scandal make.

  Hans N. Weiffenbach Posted June 12, 2007 3:25 PM
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  Libby, Gonzales, Doan...the fabric of the "leader of the free world's" robe seems to be severely frayed. Perhaps we are seeing the emperior's new clothes.

  gary Posted June 12, 2007 11:49 AM
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  Ms. Doan should be reprimanded. But why is it that when a woman does something wrong Leadership screams for punishment. But with all the theft and corruption in the government offices by the male leadership the item just passes by quietly once announced. I never hear of any severe punishment for the billions of dollars that have been reported missing over the last few years in all the agencies and IRAQ. Always hear "poor bookkeeping" but we know that is not true.

  Mary Posted June 12, 2007 10:13 AM
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  "Your doing a heck of a job, Doany!"

  iggy Posted June 12, 2007 9:48 AM
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  This is a very sad time for GSA and the Government. Ms. Doan needs to be removed immediately. Her dealing with the issue, selective memory, and outright arrogance towards those who investigate her actions should not be tolerated. GSA is a good agency and has survived inspite of the poor leadership the President has provided in appointing Ms. Doan. PLEASE Do the Right Thing President Bush.

  Chas Angioni Posted June 12, 2007 8:55 AM
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  As a career civil service employee, I find it appalling that this issue is taking so long to resolve. The first thing that any new government employee is told is that partisan politics are forbidden. If I held a meeting expressing my support for a political party with my subordinates, and urging their support, I have no doubt that I would be out the door.

  Bob Esper Posted June 12, 2007 8:48 AM
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  Just curious as to what actions Special Counsel Scott Bloch expects to be taken by an Administration that has shown a clear disregard for the laws of the land. In light of the suspension of habeas corpus, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution, all undertaken due to a perceived mandate from the people in response to a national tragedy, this misuse of power and position seems almost sophomoric. GSA chief Doan's lack of understanding the impact seems representative of this Administration's overall lack of understanding of law in general and Constitutional law specifically.

  Yesterday's court determination that the Administration could not evoke war powers in the absence of a declared war, i.e. could not suspend the constitutional rights of American citizens without due process, was yet another shining light that may dispel the lack of vision shown over the past 6 years.

  Some time ago, I used to ask the question "Is security or freedom more important?" To be honest, I must consider perhaps time is making the difference; time's distancing from that onerous incident which changes one's perspective. Still, I'm beginning to feel that what al Qaeda did not manage to do to our citizenry in New York, our elected representatives have tried.

  IMHO, it will take more than 100 days to correct the mistakes of the past; "Haste makes waste." Unfortunately, if we can not correct our path soon, we may end up on that slippery slope unable to catch our fall until the damage is irreparable.

  Dubya, please prove me wrong. Please stand up for our system of separation of powers, separation of church and state; heck, stand up for what's right: the law. Folks, somehow I just don't see it coming. Do you? Heck, to be quite honest, sometimes I worry if my comments in this forum may earn me a spot on some list in some dank subterranean office. Is that the freedom we espouse so loudly? Is this what we wish for our children's' children?

  Tip off Posted June 12, 2007 8:42 AM
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  Well, the world is watching now...not as intently as they are watching to see if the President will pardon Scooter libby. However, there is a lot riding on this Doan issues also. Governments around the globe send teams to the U.S. to learn from our example. More important than any headlines, we must exercise integrity and fight corruption - because we still lead the way. I hope the President does the right thing. When we place our political friends above the law...America and the entire free world lose.

  Don Posted June 12, 2007 7:42 AM