By: Brian Evans

After American’s comb through the massive 600 page IG report, there is one revelation that sheds a great deal of light, on just why there have been hundreds of leaks that have occurred just in the past year. In years past, any government agent who chose to exchange classified information for gifts would be prosecuted and serve time in prison. However, now it appears that the FBI has not only refused to prosecute, or even terminate agents who trade favors for classified information, but they encourage it at the highest ranks.

Although the Inspector General did not release the names of the news organizations or agents involved, one thing is apparent. Corruption has become as rampant and widespread as ever in history. What we do know, is that although the majority of the FBI agents are good and impartial group of federal police officers, many within their top ranks are filled with a plethora of bad cops. Corrupt officers like James Comey, who has blatantly admitted to leaking classified documents, to both friends and journalists. We also know that the Wall Street Journal has been on the receiving end of some classified documents, while the New York Times, and especially the Washington Post has received, accessed and published a treasure trove of leaked information and documents. Other government officials who have recently been taken to court over similar violations includes New Jersey Democrat Senator Bob Menendez, former Virginia GOP Governor Bob McDonnell, of Virginia, and Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was convicted of honest services fraud.

The gifts that were given by the media, to FBI agents include…

“tickets to sporting events, golfing outings, drinks and meals, and admittance to nonpublic social events.” IG Report

The Inspector General’s report goes on to say that…

“We will separately report on those investigations as they are concluded, consistent with the Inspector General Act, other applicable federal statutes, and OIG policy.” IG Report

Interestingly, gifting rules for the executive branch officials, which includes the DOJ and FBI are strict and harsh. The United States Office of Government Ethics states that…

“executive branch employees may not solicit or accept gifts that are given because of their official positions or that come from certain interested sources (‘prohibited sources’).” U.S. Office of Government Ethics

According to the U.S. Code, the rules define a prohibited source as a person who:

Is seeking official action by, is doing business or seeking to do business with, or is regulated by the employee’s agency; or

Has interests that may be substantially affected by performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duties.

It also says that any violations will be sanctioned…

“in accordance with any applicable laws, executive orders, and rules or regulations.” U.S. Code

Although it isn’t clear within the code, as to whether or not journalists would face punishment, it is crystal clear that government officials have to abide by the rules and code of ethics, or face prosecution. Furthermore violations of the federal anti-corruption laws apply to any government official who takes official action in exchange for goods. Therefore, for the good of our FBI and DOJ, for the good of our democracy, and for the good of our Constitutional Republic, we have to DRAIN THE SWAMP! We must purge our government of corruption. We must secure our elections by removing those in government who put personal gain before national security, ideology before democracy, and party before the our Constitutional Republic and ‘We the People’. We must do so to secure our blessings for not only ourselves, but for our posterity, for generations to come.