Oliver North, Hayward and MMS

[spotbird]

Hayward cannot be prosecuted if his testimony is compelled. However, his refusal to answer is Contempt of Congress unless he pleads the Fifth. Congress should call his bluff, offer him immunity, and force him to testify.

On the other hand, every time Hayward testify that he doesn't know the answer because he wasn't there, the next question should be to have him give the name of the person who does know the answer.

Also, just because MMS dropped the ball, it doesn't follow that BP had permission to act negligently. MMS has minimal standards, BP still has a duty to drill safely.

[G_j]

1. that is exactly what I was wondering

who does know the answers?

[spotbird]

2. My best guess is that these hearings are only to vent

Not to get any real information.

[G_j]

3. what do they call it? the ritual humiliation?

Lots of sound bites of people acting tough, some real, some not.

[spotbird]

4. Mostly not. nt