DeJoy and the Nature of Anger
One element that is overlooked in this political swamp is how these politicians treat American citizens.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., went after the postmaster general for his past business dealings with Amazon. However, DeJoy said he did not have any financial interest in the giant online marketplace.
The member of the so-called Squad, a group of progressive Democrats who are female freshmen in the House, said that about 40% of Amazon’s shipments go through the Postal Service. Since DeJoy had an interest in both, this posed a conflict, Tlaib said.
“This appears to be a classic example of conflict of interest and insider trading. Yes or no, will you commit right now to divest any and all financial interests in Amazon to avoid illegal insider trading?”
DeJoy responded: “That was a lot of time on an issue that doesn’t matter. I don’t own any Amazon stock.”
Tlaib shot back: “You have financial interest. You can call it whatever you want.”
DeJoy: “I don’t own anything with Amazon.”
Tlaib: “Your financial interest in Amazon will continue to be problematic, illegal, and a conflict of interest. Regarding this matter, you have a simple choice, Mr. DeJoy. You can either resign or divest that interest.”
The Michigan Democrat didn’t spell out what conflict or financial interest she was talking about.
Tlaib also accused DeJoy of “dismantling the Postal Service,” and appeared to warn that he could end up in jail.
“This impeached president, Mr. DeJoy, you have to realize, has a tendency of employing crooks who end up in a lot of trouble for their illegal activities,” she said, adding: “You are not in good company right now, so do the right thing and resign.”
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Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked the postmaster general: “Why are these guys out to get you? What is it?”
DeJoy diplomatically responded: “I don’t—they have their own concerns. I’m assuming they’re legitimate with them.”
Jordan said: “You assume they’re legitimate. Why are they out to get you?”
The Ohio Republican then said he thought it likely Democrats were not sincere and were looking to use language that might create panic before the 2020 election.
“I mean, Mr. DeJoy, they’ve had people protesting at your house. They’ve been doing it for weeks, 90-some of these people have already called for you to resign,” Jordan said of House Democrats.
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“Am I the only one in this room that understands that we have a $10 billion a year loss?” DeJoy said. “Am I the only one in this room aware of the OIG reports that have stacked up?”
At that point, Cooper referred to Trump’s recent granting of clemency to Roger Stone, a veteran GOP operative charged and convicted of lying in special counsel Robert Mueller’s ultimately fruitless investigation of Trump campaign ties to Russia.
“Mr. DeJoy, is your backup plan to be pardoned like Roger Stone?” Cooper said.
A murmur arose in the rather empty, socially distanced hearing room, as people saying, “Oooh.”
Someone said, “Pitiful.”
DeJoy laughed and said, “Oh, my God.”
Cooper, stone-faced, said: “You have two seconds.”
DeJoy, shaking his head and smiling, said: “I have no comment on that. It’s not worth it.”
Anger, regardless of its source, will accept any outlet.
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