BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Felipe Sixto became special assistant on intergovernmental affairs to the president on March 1, 2008.  On March 20, 2008 he resigned after revelations came to light. 

“Mr. Sixto allegedly had a conflict of interest with the use of U.S. AID funds by his former employer,” Stanzel [White House spokesman] said. He said he did not know how much money was involved or the particulars of the allegations.

Mr. 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.

His previous employer was the Center for a Free Cuba, which describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan institution dedicated to promoting human rights and a transition to democracy and the rule of law in Cuba.

Of course, you can’t it right all the time but it seems more and more as if anyone can get a job in Washington.  Of course, there are plenty of jobs that wouldn’t require security clearance, but I would expect a background check or some sort of screening beyond name and address.

Felipe Sixto had worked since 2007 with various elements of the government and until he confessed his sins, he went without so much as a second glance… to the point where he became an assistant to the President.  I’m sure the “assistant” part of the job title was more for glamour than actual contact with President Bush, but still….

Anyway, the case has been turned over the Department of Justice.  We will have to wait and see, but we will be watching.