Henry Waxman and the Politics of Intimidation
Is this desperation or is it simply abuse of power beyond what we have seen on this scale since. . . . Watergate? Politico has done a powerful piece on the tactics of intimidation, which are legally questionable and which Henry Waxman and Bart Stupak used this week against 52 health insurance companies about compensation and other matters. Specifically, according to Politico, Waxman “asked for the individual names of those who made more than $500,000 between 2003 and 2008 and a list of company events held outside the office. The committee also sought dividend payments, net income and premium revenue numbers as well as claims payments, expenses and insurance product profits.”
Has anyone asked how such correspondence is lawful and by what authority such demands are being made?
The head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tom Donoghue, has apparently cried foul at the use of such tactics.
The abuse of power on the part of Congress is clear and its escalating. And I believe it is a sign of desperation and ethical turpitude beyond what we have witnessed for a very long time.