Do you support "Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington"???

[marions ghost]

Today on C-span's Washington Journal, one of the guests discussing the Mark Foley case was Melanie Sloan representing Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. http://www.citizensforethics.org/

Ms. Sloan was articulate and fairly impressive in discussing the Foley case. The video may be up on C-span's website soon but it isn't there yet.

I am wondering if any DUers have opinions about Ms. Sloan and this organization, which was founded in 2001 to use litigation to combat government sleeze, as I understand it. Is this something we should support? Is this a reputable watchdog group? It certainly seems like a worthwhile idea.

Any opinions or experience with this group?

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About CREW

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington targets government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests. We will help Americans use litigation to shine a light on those who betray the public trust:

If a public official misuses his position to demand campaign contributions, CREW will find creative ways to seek civil remedies.

If a witness is threatened or punished because she reported official misconduct, CREW will fight back on behalf of the witness — including representing that individual in court if necessary.

If a government agency withholds information to which the public is entitled, CREW will go to court to enforce legal rules regarding disclosure.

If a group libels an honest public servant, CREW will help the victim defend his reputation.

CREW will seize opportunities like these, bringing high-impact legal actions. The majority of our cases will focus on real people and their stories about the lack of government integrity. Not only do these people need and deserve our support, their stories can serve as powerful tools to seize public attention and move public opinion. CREW will work with the press, government investigators, and other public interest groups to make sure that these peoples' stories are heard. In the process, CREW will build a non-partisan investigative alliance that transcends specific issues. Our aim is to encourage officials to be open about their values and to act based upon their honest and best assessment of the public interest.
http://www.citizensforethics.org/about/index.php

[montanacowboy]

1. I was very impressed by her

She put forth the case clearly and factually - I was most surprised that CREW had reported this to the FBI and the FBI did NOTHING!!!! now the FBI is scrambling to do something.

She is very articulate and knows her material. She is a former prosecuter I believe.

[Mabus]

2. She's a regular on Franken's show

and CREW investigates everyone regardless of political affiliation. I can support that. We need to get rid of corruption in government no matter what letter (R or D) is behind the politican's name. :thumbsup:

[marions ghost]

3. thanks

I think we need more of these citizen advocacy groups going after corruption in all levels of govt. Clearly govt is not able to do anything about it from within. There's all kinds of corruption...but only sexual misconduct can bring a rogue gov't to heel apparently. That's just not good enough.

[SeattleGirl]

4. I like Melanie Sloan. She was great on Franken today, as she

usually is. And I do like CREW, because they DO focus on wrongdoing, regardless of party affiliation. While I admit to anything from cringing to deep anger when a Dem screws up, I am not going to make excuses for them, or demand that it be overlooked, just because I am also a Democrat. If you're wrong, you're wrong, and you need to clean up your act, or get the hell out.

[Mabus]

6. I know what you mean

but, as you say, we don't need corrupted pols calling themselves Dems especially with such a biased media. If there is a dirty Dem we don't need them in the party tainting (and distracting) from the rest of us.

[ncteechur]

5. She was "Bad to the Bone"

That is her intro song on Franken

I like her
Smart and articulate.
She has nailed the FBI on this Foley thing since they gave the emails to them in July and then they did not investigate until now.