May 22, 2013
Lois Lerner told House investigators she didn’t do anything wrong and
she didn’t break any laws, and then she invoked her Fifth Amendment Right to
remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. But then, she’s already told so many
lies, what difference does it really make? Nobody’s believe her, anyway.Following the advice of her attorney, Lois Lerner, the IRS official responsible for granting tax exemptions, decided to plead the Fifth rather than risk entangling and probably incriminating herself in the tangled web of lies surrounding the IRS controversy.
Before clamming up, Lerner said, “I know some people will assume I have done something wrong. I have not,” she said. “I have not broken any laws. I have not violated any IRS rules and regulations, and I have not provided false information to this or any other congressional committee.”
Represtative Trey Gowdy, (R-S.C.) protested Lerner’s action. “You don’t get to tell your side of the story and then not stand for cross examination,” he said. “She waived her right against self-incrimination, she ought to sit here and answer our questions.”
Chairman Darrell Issa, (R-Calif.) said not to worry. Lerner could be recalled if committee lawyers determine whe waived her rights by delivering an opening statement.
However, Jenny Beth Martin, Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder and National Coordinator, was none too happy that Lerner was allowed to plead the Fifth. She says her group was one of those targeted and harassed by the IRS.
“While we respect Ms. Lerner’s use of the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment, we are disturbed she saw fit to trample over our First Amendment rights by harassing us and many other groups for our views.”
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