28 March 2008

Bush Aide Resigns . . . Check Your Wallet

On March 1st Felipe Sixto was promoted to Special Assistant To The President For Intergovernmental Affairs. On March 20th Felipe Sixto resigned as Special Assistant To The President For Intergovernmental Affairs.

According to an Associated Press report:

[White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said Sixto resigned] after learning that his former employer, the Center for a Free Cuba, was prepared to bring legal action against him. Stanzel said the alleged wrongdoing involved the misuse of money when Sixto was an official at the center. The matter has been turned over to the Justice Department for investigation, Stanzel said. He said Bush was briefed on the case and felt that the appropriate action was being taken. The Center for a Free Cuba describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan institution dedicated to promoting human rights and a transition to democracy and the rule of law in Cuba. Sixto joined the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in July 2007 and was assigned to deal with state legislators, Native American groups and Hispanic officials on issues such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, health, labor, transportation, the environment and energy, Stanzel said.

"Mr. Sixto allegedly had a conflict of interest with the use of USAID funds by his former employer," Stanzel said. He said he did not know how much money was involved or the particulars of the allegations.

While the specifics of Mr. Sixto's misuse of Grant money has yet to be released, one thing is clear: another U.S. President is leaving office so it might be time to nail down the White House furniture. Doesn't it seem that when it's time for a President to bid farewell his aides suddenly think it's a swapmeet in D.C., pocketing funds and collectables like '77 F-150 owners on trash collection day? In the case of the Clinton's, even the first lady/senator/presidential candidate got into the act. Check your wallets, America, there's about to be changing of the guards in the Oval Office.

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