Why is DOJ blocking release of Barr memo?

[garybeck]

What the ?

Biden's DOJ moves to block release of memo on why Trump was not prosecuted for obstruction of justice

The Department of Justice under Attorney General Merrick Garland moved on Monday to block the release of a secret memo that then-AG William Barr reportedly relied up in deciding against prosecuting Donald Trump for obstruction of justice.

https://www.rawstory.com/biden-doj-trump-secret-memo/

[DanieRains]

1. Errrr Treason?

Would be my guess.

Lock Barr Up.

[RockRaven]

2. Because they care more about their institution than radical transparency.

Garland isn't a saint and he isn't magic pixie dust. Him being confirmed as AG won't fix everything wrong with what is fundamentally a right-wing authoritarian institution.

Institutions a) have inertia and b) prioritize self-preservation.

The DOJ will almost always justify/defend whatever corrupt and immoral things they have previously done -- even when they change figureheads. It is part of the game the elites run on the non-elites -- they insist they have different values and standards but they rarely apply them to their predecessors, and expect the same "courtesy" from their successors in turn.

[Hamlette]

3. I couldn't live if I thought that was true.

you are saying there is nothing we can do. Susan Sarandon's position.

I believe there are people who think like I do in positions of power and who will do the right thing. since we don't know why he did it, we should wait for an explanation from someone who knows.

[SoCalDavidS]

6. I Believe There Is Little To Nothing We Can Do

I see it everyday. It's why I don't like this country, and wish someday to have the courage to move elsewhere.

When questioned about where, I usually say, Denmark.

Now I don't think Denmark is necessarily "perfect." But I just am getting so discouraged and depressed every day that passes and I see the way this country and many of it's citizens behave. The negatives outweigh the positives. Which is sad, because I do like the positives.

[Hamlette]

10. My sister lived for years in Denmark and then in Switzerland. My parents lived for years in Scotland

They could have easily stayed. They all came back. Happily. And they don't come more liberal in my family.

[SoCalDavidS]

13. I'm Curious What She Felt Denmark Was Lacking

Or did she just miss America?

Denmark consistently polls #1 or #2 worldwide in terms of countries where people say they are happiest. America is something like 18th.

[Hamlette]

14. it is a different culture. It is hard to get used to.

I don't think she ever felt she "belonged". There are strange cultural oddities (to our way of thinking) that she kept running up against. She didn't speak the language although she tired. It didn't matter that much because most people speak English but it still made her a bit of an outsider.

If you are planning on moving there, read The Year of Living Danishly. I was younger when she lived in Denmark (early 20s) and don't remember her specific complaints as well as I remember her years in Switzerland and my parents' years in Scotland. On balance, I would say cultural differences.

In the Danishly book, I wondered how much of the happiness score is because the Danish love and trust their government, country and fellow citizens. It is a country of only 5.5 million people which is tiny. If you thought your government was trying to do its best to look out for you, it would make a difference. Having worked in government for 30 years and witnessing some great public servants, I am always dismayed when people think government workers are lazy or out to get them.

There is lots wrong with this country, and I too have contemplated leaving. Just not there yet, unless I can figure out a way to take my grandbabies with me.

[SoCalDavidS]

15. I've Read Exactly Same Thing About Denmark

The feeling of being an outsider can't be a comfortable feeling.

It's unfortunate that lately, I feel that way here in America, where I actually have been my whole life.

And obviously my happiness score is through the floor here. I certainly don't love nor trust a large segment of my government, and I despise many of my fellow citizens and the numerous things my country does to it's citizens and around the world, on a daily basis.

[Hamlette]

16. The winters are pretty harsh too.

I've dreamed of Netherland in the Summer and Southern Italy in the winter.

I do have a friend who retired to the Black Forest in Germany 3 years ago. So far I think he's enjoying it. I'm just not much of a Germany fan.

Again. I'm not going without my kid and grandkids. Unless we go full Handmaid's Tale.

[Scrivener7]

7. Did you really have to compare that poster to Susan Sarnadon? Can't you disagree without

going there?

How juvenile.

[Demsrule86]

8. Seriously? Susan Sarandon has nothing to do with this...she helped both Bush and Trump

to win elections...she is dead to me. The truth is we don't know why. I trust Biden and his team.

[msfiddlestix]

9. "Radical Transparency"

That just about says it all. Transparency in our government institutions, particularly the Justice Department, seems to me, required to bend over backwards towards transparency. But that's just little ole' radical me.

This smells of corrupt purposes, and that's exactly what is needed to be eliminated within the Justice Department

[LetMyPeopleVote]

4. Here is a partial explanation

Link to tweet

[Calista241]

5. Looks like they're making a deliberative process privilege argument.

They’ve released the first portion which contains most of the info.

[LAS14]

11. My theory is wanting not to set a precedent. There seems to be...

... a reasonable argument that professionals in the justice department can speak their minds without fear of future publication. Sure, I wish I knew what idiot Barr said. But I also want the good people to feel comfortable speaking their minds in private.

[StarfishSaver]

17. This

[backscatter712]

12. Probably what'll happen is we'll see a less-redacted version of the memo.

[Justice matters.]

18. It would lead to nothing significant anyway. McGahn is called to testify next week...

Don McGahn is supposed to testify under oath to the House Judiciary Committee next week about the OOJs allegations in the Mueller Report. Behind closed doors but the transcript of it will be made public shortly after.

Now that *could* lead to something significant... or not.

[scarytomcat]

19. They may be developing a case against barr

[Goodheart]

20. I'm not buying all the candy-coating. I think it's bullshit.

And I'm immensely disappointed in Mr. Garland.