IRS cover-up is worse than the misdeed

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That was a bold statement, considering that the investigation is ongoing, and there has been no determination as to whether there will be criminal charges. But if you thoroughly examine the so-called “investigation,” you can see why Obama can make such a forceful claim. Even though there is insurmountable evidence bolstering the claims of the 41 witnesses who were targeted and who continue to be targeted, not one of them has been interviewed by the Justice Department. The President also pointed a finger at Fox News for keeping the issue in the news.

This investigation screams “Cover-up!” In fact, as is often the case, it is becoming more apparent that the cover-up is worse than the deed. Why does the Justice Department show no intention of getting to the bottom of the IRS corruption case? Clearly, an abuse of power has taken place, and it must be exposed.

Where is the transparency that Obama promised to bring to Washington? I applaud those in Congress who are dedicated to bringing the issue to justice.

In the past, I have stated that this investigation needs a special prosecutor so that politics do not get in the way. I would also advise my colleagues to go ahead and offer the embattled Lois Lerner immunity in exchange for her testimony. Lerner is important to this case, and I believe that if she fully and truthfully testifies before Congress, her testimony could open up the investigation.

In my Fox appearance, we did touch on the fact that CVS, the country’s largest drugstore chain in overall sales, announced that it planned to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products by October. The company estimated that this decision would result in an estimated $2 billion loss in annual sales.

CVS should be commended. It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes can lead to cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, just to name a few. CVS realized that providing cigarettes and providing health care just don’t go together.

I don’t know if other drug chains will follow CVS’s lead, but I applaud their bold stance. I’m anxious to hear what you think, too.

Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.

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