As HUD Chief Quits, a Look at Close Ties
HILTON HEAD, SC -— ...an Atlanta developer, received a $127 million contract last year as part of a joint venture to rebuild a New Orleans public housing project. That developer’s company has paid Mr. Jackson more than $250,000 in fees since Mr. Jackson joined the Bush administration in 2001, for work done before Mr. Jackson joined government, the developer’s lawyer said.
Mr. Jackson, who announced his resignation in March, leaves office on Friday as federal authorities continue to investigate whether he enriched himself and friends with lucrative contracts. The inquiry has also laid bare the connections between Mr. Jackson, who was determined to expand opportunities for minority contractors, and the ambitious men who benefited from those opportunities. MORE
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Unbelievable but not a surprise
It's clear that this is not an issue of corruption, but one of favoritism being shown by someone who is not supposed to do as the Romans do just because he got a pass to Rome. This kind of favoritism is the backbone of the Bush administration--George W. calls his best fundraisers Rangers and gives them diplomatic posts. But if you are new to the club, the message is, don't try to change the system, don't do as we do, and don't let the money get away. It's blatant and sickening.