This ain't Hell, but you can see it from here

Category: “The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves”

  • More IRS IT Data “Issues”

    To paraphrase a great man: “Well, there they go again.” And this time, while it indeed involves the IRS and their IT operations it doesn’t involve screwing with conservative nonprofit groups.

    Some time ago, the IRS entered into a questionable $2.2 million contract with a law firm. The law firm was to assist with IRS audit activities – but had little experience in handling IRS audit data, and was very expensive ($1000/hour billing rate). The contract was bad enough to draw Congressional interest – and could well have been both unnecessary and contrary to Federal law, which appears to restrict performance of IRS audit functions to government employees.

    The matter apparently became the subject of some form of litigation or investigation. As a result, a Federal judge ordered the IRS to preserve the hard drive used on the personal PC of the IRS’s former director of transfer pricing operations at the IRS Large Business and International Division– and individual named Samuel Maruca. Mr. Maruca (or one of his subordinates) apparently oversaw or influenced the contract in question.

    Do I really need to tell you what happened?

    Yeah, you guessed it. Contrary to the judge’s order, the IRS wiped the drive – last April, well after the judge had ordered it preserved.

    To me, it seems this means either the IRS’s IT folks are spectacularly incompetent – or someone is deliberately trying to hide something.  I can’t see any other plausible explanation for a drive ordered preserved by a Federal judge being wiped after it had been ordered preserved.

    But maybe that’s just me.  Feel free to draw your own conclusions regarding why the IRS did this.

    Oh, did I mention that this had happened before?  In March 2014, the IRS deleted “hundreds” of backup tapes containing an estimated 24,000 emails from Lois Lerner – after they’d been subpoenaed by Congress.

    But remember: this is the “most transparent Administration in history”.  So we’ll shortly be getting a simple, straightforward explanation regarding what happened here  – right?

    Yeah, right.  If you believe that . . . please come talk to me about buying this bridge.  I’ll make ya a great deal on it.

  • DoD Creates the R(EMF) Device

    As TAH reader D indicated in his comments to a recent article, DoD has completed a comprehensive review of military awards and decorations policies.   A summary listing all the changes to be made as a result of the review can be found here..

    Most of them seem to make at least some sense.  However, one of them rather “jumped out” at me when I saw that summary.  Check out this change, which apparently will be implemented PDQ (emphasis added):

    Remote Operations

    19. As the impact of remote operations on combat continues to increase, the necessity of ensuring those actions are distinctly recognized grows. Accordingly,the Department will create a “R” device that may be affixed to non-combat performance awards to specifically recognize remote but direct impact on combat operations.

    20. The Department will adopt a common definition of “Direct Impact on Combat Operations” for purposes of recognizing remote impacts on combat operations through award of the “R” device.

    If you’re thinking that sounds kinda familiar . . . well, if you’re a longtime TAH reader it should.  Take a look at this article from somewhat over 2 1/2 years ago.

    Yep.  Looks like DoD is implementing my recommendation, whether they realize it or not.

    The 5-sided asylum can give the “R” device whatever formal title they like.  But whatever they call it, I claim the vernacular/common slang “naming rights” to it.  It’s the REMF device.

  • So . . . We’re Screening Refugees “Thoroughly”, Eh?

    So the       gang of feckless fools and clueless tools running the show in DC today      current Administration tells us. Well, then, “Riddle me this, Batman – how did this happen””?

    Yep, you guessed it:  both of those “fine fellows” were reportedly admitted to the US as “refugees” from the Middle East.  In fact, one of them came via Syria – in 2012.  Hell, one of the two reportedly went back to the ME and fought for ISIS after coming to the US as a “refugee” – then freaking returned to the US after doing so.

    Both are now currently facing Federal charges related to supporting terrorism.

    But don’t worry.  We’re screening those Syrian refugees coming here today “thoroughly”.   According to the      mouthpiece for the clown krewe in charge      current Administration’s spokesman, Josh Earnest, “No one’s allowed to short-circuit this system.”

    Yeah, right.  You believe that BS, and I’ll make you a great deal on a bridge.

  • This Just Doesn’t Seem Right

    During the early part of World War II, the US Army Air Forces had a pilot shortage.  A relatively small group of women helped mitigate that shortage through various programs.  The first two such programs were the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS).  In 1943, these two programs and organizations were merged to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs.

    The WASP program, like the US Merchant Marine, at the time was technically a form of civilian wartime service – a paramilitary organization vice uniformed military service.  Congress did consider making the WASPs a formal part of the Army Air Forces, but ultimately declined to do so.  Later in the war, sufficient USAF male pilots had been trained to eliminate the pilot shortfall.  The WASP program was then terminated and its members were released.

    Both WASPs and US Merchant Marine personnel serving during World War II were later granted military veteran status by Congress with the passage of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 – though it took a Federal court decision in 1988 before US Merchant Mariners were recognized as veterans under that act.  And since 2002 each group has been deemed eligible for inurnment (the placement of cremated remains in a cemetery storage area, often above ground) in Arlington National Cemetery as a military veteran.

    Until last year, that is.

    Sometime last year the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, determined that WASPs and World War II Merchant Mariners were no longer eligible for inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery.  Curiously enough, both groups apparently remain eligible for both inurnment and in-ground burial at National Cemeteries run by the VA.  (The Army operates Arlington National Cemetery and the US Soldiers’ & Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in DC; the VA operates all other US National Cemeteries.)

    You know, this seems just plain wrong to me.  One can legitimately debate whether or not Congress should have granted members of the WASPs or World War II US Merchant Mariners veteran status.  However, the fact remains that Federal law did exactly that in 1977.  Both groups performed hazardous duty in support of the national war effort under the direction and control of military officials.  Both groups suffered a substantial rate (3.5+%) of fatalities.  And for the last 38+ years, members of both groups have been, by law, World War II veterans.

    Under Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 553, section 15a, any former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty (other than for training) and whose last service terminated honorably is eligible for inurnment at Arlington..  It seems to me that people declared by Congress to be military veterans due to service as WASPs or Merchant Mariners during World War II who served honorably deserve the same.  If all other vets whose service ended honorably are eligible for inurnment in Arlington, I can’t see any good reason why members of these two groups should be excluded.

    But maybe that’s just me.

  • Even More “Good News”

    Remember a few days ago when we found out that Da’esh had captured a Syrian passport machine and a stock of blank Syrian passports?  Well, guess what?

    It’s apparently not only Syrian passports that Da’esh can counterfeit.

    German newspaper Welt am Sonntag recently reported that Western intelligence sources believe Da’esh also has acquired the ability to counterfeit Libyan and Iraqi passports.  They further believe that Da’esh has acquired “tens of thousands” of such blank passport forms.

    Welt am Sonntag also reported that Da’esh has already begun using counterfeit passports to raise funds.  They’re reportedly selling them for 1500 Euros each.

    The two unidentified terrorists involved in the Stade de France attacks in Paris had fake Syrian passports – though it’s unclear if they obtained them from Da’esh or not.  They used them to enter Europe.

    But don’t worry.  Even though we plan to admit thousands of Syrian “refugees” to the US, we’re completely safe.  We’re subjecting everyone claiming to be Syrian refugees to a “thorough screening”.  And we know our screening process for refugees and other visa applicants is so good that we couldn’t possibly ever admit a terrorist – right?

    Yeah – it certainly is.

  • “Red Line”, Eh?

    Former SECDEF Hagel is in the news again.  And this time, it looks like he’s talking about his former boss.

    In a recent interview, Hagel claims that he gave the OK in 2013 to plans for a strike on Syria – on Damascus, specifically.  Hagel indicates he OKed those plans on 30 August 2013, after Assad’s forces had apparently used chemical weapons. The POTUS had very publicly previously indicated that use of chemical weapons by Assad was a “red line” that would result in US action.

    Hagel claims, point blank, that the POTUS overruled him later that day, while forces were standing by awaiting orders to execute.

    Here’s what the Administration had to say in reply:

    A senior administration official defended the decision to Foreign Policy, saying Obama was not prepared to take military action without consulting Congress first – and the diplomatic deal that had Assad relinquish his weapons resulted in a Syria “free of its chemical weapons program.”

    Pure bullsh!t. The current Occupant, 1600 Penn Ave, Wash DC, and his enablers didn’t give a hoot in hell about Congressional authorization for the use of force when we conducted military operations against the government of Libya in 2011 – nor did they comply with the War Powers Act’s requirements for Congressional notification as the operation dragged on. The Administration’s claim here nothing but a transparently obvious attempt at spin. Nor do I believe for one minute that Syria has given up 100% of their chem weapons, either.

    Fox News has a longish article about Hagel’s claims. Regardless of what you think of Hagel, this one’s probably worth reading.

  • Thank You, Captain Obvious

    Well, even a stopped clock is right twice daily.  From our “good DHS Secretary”, Jeh Johnson:

    “We do have to be concerned about the possibility that a terrorist organization may seek to exploit our refugee resettlement process,” he said Wednesday.

    Johnson further went on to say that the      group of fools and tools screwing things up by the numbers in DC     current Administration “is continuing to reevaluate” screening associated with the US refugee resettlement program.

    Gee, Mr. Secretary – ya think?  Maybe seeing 14 killed and 20+ wounded by a terrorist who should have been refused admission to the US because of a grossly insufficient visa screening process gave him a clue.

    Personally, I think Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois had the proper response: “I mean this respectfully to the secretary, but, duh.”

    I agree, Rep. Kinzinger.  Even Stevie Wonder could see there was a potential problem with refugee screening months ago.  One has to wonder why those in current Administration couldn’t.

    And speaking of screening those seeking to enter the US, here’s another bit or two of “oh so good” news.  A senior official of the Department of State admitted when testifying before Congress the other day that it’s not just so-called “refugees” that pose a security problem.  It seems that the State department has no idea of the whereabouts of literally thousands of persons admitted to the US whose visa was later revoked. Many of those visas were revoked due to later concerns that the individual had ties to terrorism.

    Further, a senior DHS individual also confirmed in later testimony before the same Congressional committee that while pilot projects are have begun to test screening of visa applicants’ social media posts, “such checks aren’t being done in an abundant manner”.  Let me provide a plain English translation of that bit of Bureaucrat-Speak:  “We’re still trying to figure out how to do that.”

    Yep.  It sure sounds to me like the current Administration has this issue “completely under control.”  No need to be concerned!

  • Meanwhile, Back At the State Department . . .

    . . . we have the case of Bryan Pagliano,

    You might remember him. He’s the guy who was the Clintoon campaign’s 2008 IT director. He later set up her “personal email server”.

    He also was hired by the State Department as an IT specialist. He left in Feb 2013, sometime after Clintoon resigned as Secretary of State.

    Well, Senator Chuck Grassley – Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee – asked State to provide his committee copies of the guy’s official emails from when he worked for State.  Seems that ol’ Bryan had been called to testify before Congress this past fall (probably the reason you remember the name) – and refused to answer questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment.  Sen. Grassley is trying to determine whether to grant the fella immunity.

    From the time after Clintoon resigned, apparently State can find Pagliano’s email archives.  But regarding the period while time he worked for State while she was SECSTATE, well . . . do you really need me to tell you what they’re telling Sen. Grassley?

    Yep. Department spokesmen have said that State’s “investigators have not yet located a .pst that covers the time period of Secretary’s Clinton tenure”.

    Are you surprised?  Nah.  Me neither.

    However, the FBI has seized the man’s former government computer.  So if FBI forensic technicians are allowed to do their jobs, there’s a fair chance they might find something.

    Given the track record of this “most transparent administration in history”, however . . . well, I don’t plan to hold my breath waiting.