Inspector General Agita

It's been an ugly couple of days for the Obama administration when it comes to Inspectors General. He fired the AmeriCorps Inspector General without, it appears, giving the man the proper notice required in a bill passed by Congress last year--which he co-sponsored. Not to mention suspicion that the firing was politically motivated. Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Ed Towns said in a statement yesterday that "Based on the information provided at the briefing and my review of other information, it appears that there was cause to remove Mr. Walpin based on misconduct. However, due to the importance of preserving the independence of Inspectors General, I am continuing to review this matter."

The Treasury Department is trying to assert legal authority over the Special Inspector General in charge of overseeing the bailout, who has asked the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel to intervene to settle the question. But it would be extremely odd--and seemingly counterproductive--to jeapordize the independence of the SIGTARP by forcing him to report to the man whose work he is attempting to oversee. And given the importance that's been placed on stimulus and bailout oversight, this decision seems extremely politically shortsighted. And Chuck Grassley is calling for investigations into the firing of the International Trade Commission IG as well.

It's possible these are a series of unrelated, but equally boneheaded moves. Sure, the Inspectors General may need some better performance measures, and they certainly could use more resources. Sure, the Obama administration may want to make some changes of the guard. But if you're in office as an advocate of transparency, accountability, sweetness, and light, it seems like at minimum you should follow the rules you've set up for yourself, no? And avoid appearing heavy-handed and evasive? Just a thought...