The other day news flashed across the radio, television and newspapers that former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno of the Clinton years had died. In somber tones, the story of her accomplishments were retold, generally in a manner that painted her as a tough, no-nonsense advocate of justice. According to CNN, “former President Bill Clinton said that he and his wife, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, were ‘deeply saddened’ by the passing of Reno, calling her ‘an extraordinary public servant who dedicated her life to advancing justice, equality, and innovations in criminal justice that would save and lift lives.’ Following the Oklahoma City bombing of the Federal building, Reno demanded that Americans “Speak out against the hatred, the bigotry and the violence in this land. Most haters are cowards. When confronted, they back down. When we remain silent, they flourish,”
“Hatred, bigotry and violence in the land?” This from America’s first female Attorney General! How ironic. It was she, after all, who ordered the attack on the Branch Davidian complex near Waco, Texas in 1993 that led to the execution of some eighty Americans, victims of machine gun fire and an inferno caused by federal “law enforcement” agents. Later Reno admitted the folly of the attack, saying “The buck stops with me.” Later she told Larry King that what she did was “obviously wrong.”
Such a trite act of contrition. It’s easy to say “I made a mistake,” quite another to recommend that you be punished for your actions. Reminds me of Mrs. Clinton’s taking “full responsibility” for what happened in Benghazi, Libya and then walking away without consequences. When a major corporate official screws up, he or she is expected to lose their job or take jail time. When government officials mess up, they say a few meaningless words and walk free courtesy of Sovereign immunity
Anyone wishing another perspective on Reno and Waco would do well to read a recent Counter Punch article by Michael Leon
Reno’s death reminded me of another incident, this at Ruby Ridge in Idaho in which out-of-control federal “law enforcement” agencies murdered 14-year-old Sammy Weaver and his mother Vicki. Read more about Ruby Ridge
Both Waco and Ruby Ridge can serve as dark reminders of what an arrogant, powerful “democratic” government can and will do. Perhaps Janet Reno’s death can refresh our memories. She’s dead but the government she worked for remains.
Until later . . .
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