Formerly The Outspoken Sportsman

What's behind Obama's sudden attempt to fire the AmeriCorps inspector general? By: Byron York Chief Political Correspondent 06/11/09 New info: See updates below for Walpin's "one-hour deadline" e-mail to the White House. There are a number of unanswered questions today about President Obama's abrupt decision to fire the inspector general of the AmeriCorps program, Gerald Walpin. Obama sent letters to House and Senate leaders yesterday informing them that he was firing Walpin, effective 30 days from the date of the letters. "It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General," the president wrote. "That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General." The 30 day requirement is important because last year Congress passed the Inspectors General Reform Act, which was designed to strengthen protections for IGs, who have the responsibility of investigating allegations of waste, fraud and abuse within federal agencies, against interference by political appointees or the White House. Part of the Act was a requirement that the president give Congress 30 days' notice before dismissing an IG. One of the co-sponsors of the Act was then-Sen. Barack Obama. The Act also requires the president to outline the cause for his decision to remove an IG. Beyond saying that he did not have the "fullest confidence" in Walpin, Obama gave no reason for his action. There are two big questions about the president's actions........ Follow this lin to read more: http://www.theoutspokensportsman.net/bosczars.htm#401401577

Posted by Nanette White, The Outspoken Sportsman's Webmaster on Jun 16, 2009

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