Recent Accountability Commentaries

Featured image for “Those Clinton Emails – Part II”
Those Clinton Emails – Part II
In Monday’s commentary (Those Clinton Emails), I began looking at the continuing issue regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. The fallout from inconsistent information from the Democratic candidate has caused her poll numbers to drop and led to a loss of trustworthiness among potential voters. But what’s the genesis of this controversy? Wikipedia...
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September 23, 2015
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Those Clinton Emails
The political fallout from Hillary Clinton’s email mess has only picked up speed since the beginning of this year. On March 10, Clinton offered the most comprehensive statement on the issue, essentially saying: “I opted for convenience to use my personal email account, which was allowed by the State Department, because I thought it would be easier to carry just...
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September 21, 2015
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The Ethical Take
This month, The Take examines the Good, the Bad and the Very Ugly. The Good – It’s gone! What has stood for decades flying on the grounds of South Carolina’s state house, the Confederate battle flag, long seen as a symbol by many of hate and oppression was officially removed last Friday. In less than a month, after the deaths...
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July 23, 2015
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Sweet Deal
You would think that after being appointed a United States Supreme Court justice – a position held for life, mind you – that you would be fairly comfortable, even content. However, it might surprise you to learn that along with having a lifetime job, a parking space, invitations to things like special dinners, the State of the Union address, there...
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July 8, 2015
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It’s the Law
Holding a protest sign which read: “My Child, My Choice,” Sarah Mazerik was one of many individuals protesting outside the California State Capitol after the Assembly approved a measure requiring all children going to both public and private school to get the required health vaccines before attending. “Adopting one of the most far-reaching vaccination laws in the nation,” The Los...
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July 2, 2015
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After the Fall
Should we forgive Brian Williams? After four months, we now know what will happen to former NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams after being suspended for lying about his “war time” experience: He will not be returning to the anchor desk. The very able Lester Holt, who’s been filling in for Williams, will become the permanent anchor, a position well...
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June 22, 2015
Featured image for “Deflategate Redux”
Deflategate Redux
Since the ignominy of Richard Nixon’s attempt to bug Democratic headquarters at the Watergate hotel in 1972, the media likes to christen any high-profile scandal with the suffix “gate.” The simple fact is that the deflation of footballs can’t compare to the pervasive illegality of President Nixon’s actions that led to his resignation. Nevertheless, Steve Ambra’s ethics class was tasked...
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June 17, 2015
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The Liebermann and the Caveat
On June 24, Sotheby’s, London will be asking one exceptional buyer to spend more than $500,000 for an exceptional painting that has been hidden from the public for decades. German painter Max Liebermann’s Two Riders on a Beach is one of only two recovered works of art returned to their original heirs after it was discovered hanging in the Munich...
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June 8, 2015
Featured image for “Who is Wendell Potter and Why Should We Believe What He’s Says About Our Health Care System?”
Who is Wendell Potter and Why Should We Believe What He’s Says About Our Health Care System?
Which of the following statements is true? “Health insurance is one of the biggest rackets in America today.” “Health Insurance is a legalized version of the mafia?” Answer: Both. The first statement comes from a hospital administrator I used to know. The second comes from my own internist. Health care has become so politicized that it is virtually impossible for...
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June 3, 2015
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Доверяй, но проверяй
Susanne Massie, a writer on Russia, counseled President Ronald Reagan regarding his relations with the Soviet Union. “The Russians like to talk in proverbs,” Massie told him. “It would be nice of you to know a few.” Consequently, the Russian proverb “Доверяй, но проверяй,” (trust but verify) became a signature line used by Reagan. It’s a phrase that’s been used...
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May 20, 2015

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