Fall guy
The Punjab minister who became a victim of a sting operation recently, is in double jeopardy. Readers will recall that a scam artist who touched the public for tens of millions, visited the minister in his office and secretly recorded their exchange. He then gave the recording to a TV anchor and the rest as they say is history. In the meeting, the minister revealed that he was taking cash for “onward delivery” to high functionaries. He also made derogatory remarks about members of La Familia. The inevitable happened and the minister fell from grace. They say the min complained to The Man of Steel, protested his innocence and asked for an opportunity to clear his name. The Man set up an impartial commission to apportion blame. That body hasn’t turned up anything, although the “disgraced” min clamours for a conclusion. We hear the min’s also been invited to various TV shows to present his point of view and although he seems keen to participate, in the end he doesn’t show up. Our mole reports that he’s been stopped from appearing on TV shows to try and clear his name. Is he the fall guy?
DC’s golden rules
Now that Gen Bobby’s on his way to Washington, an old hand has sent the following alert to him on DC rules:
1. An honest answer can get you into a lot of trouble.
2. The facts, although interesting, are irrelevant.
3. “No” is only an interim response.
4. In DC, they don’t lie, cheat or steal … unnecessarily.
5. If it’s worth fighting for, it’s worth fighting dirty for.
6. A porcupine with his quills down is just another fat rodent.
7. A promise is not a guarantee.
8. If you can’t counter the argument, leave the meeting.