Marcy Wheeler, who writes about national security, makes an interesting point here. This is good to be reminded of.
The Coffee Boy was arrested 4 days short of the 1 year opening of the Russian investigation–the equivalent of … today.
It did not become public that he had been arrested until he pled guilty two months later.
— emptywheel (@emptywheel) January 2, 2022
In September, a judge ordered Special Master to conduct a privilege review of Rudy's phones from 1/1/18 (which is when Rudy first started helping Trump obstruct justice) thru seizure, so 4/28/21 (meaning it would include anything Rudy did to help the coup)https://t.co/FtlwTb9EQQ
— emptywheel (@emptywheel) January 2, 2022
This is good to consider. Also, the wheels of justice do not move at soap opera speed. Merrick Garland has received a lot of criticism, particularly with respect to Steve Bannon, as I’m sure you recall. People were wailing, “Where’s the indictment?” We got the indictment, we just didn’t get it as soon as we wanted it.
In fairness, people are concerned about time because the January 6 Committee’s work must be concluded by the midterms. That makes sense. But it also makes sense for Garland to tie up everything cleanly and put a bow on it, rather than sloppy work which can be legally undone.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “When you strike at the King, you must kill him.” That’s the governing principle here. Garland has to be precise and thorough.
AG Garland is an institutionslist. That being said, listen to him speak and tear. Up at his confirmation hearings. In March. He’s a Patriot. Slow vs doing nothing? It’s hard for me to believe that he isn’t investigating all of these criminals. All Pro-Democracy people go on DOJ website. You can write to Garland there. Millions matter
I think he’s being exacting in his job. Yes, it would play to the gallery better if he moved things faster. I would rather have slower and solid than quick and dirty, myself.
His people are doing their work without media attention, when makes it easier for them, but harder for everyone who wants really visible results. Mueller ran his investigation that way, also.
Plus the fact yhat Republicans are gumming up the works by not confirming, and at best slow-walking, his staff. Bannon’s indictment came one day after the choice for head prosecutor in the DC district was confirmed. But we are still waiting on confirmation for his senior deputy. These things affect the pace of an investigation. Republicans know that. We should too.
If someone deserves to end up in Gitmo it’s these coup guys.