Lincoln Chafee: “we have learned that an extraordinary number of highly confidential FBI files were improperly obtained by the White…”

“we have learned that an extraordinary number of highly confidential FBI files were improperly obtained by the White House. I do not know what I find more appalling: the fact that the White House requested, received and kept the confidential files of more than 300 Reagan and Bush administration workers--that is appalling enough--but is that more appalling than the fact that the FBI turned them over to the White House these files without an apparent second thought? This latest White House mishap, or snafu, or outrageous abuse of power raises serious questions about the White House, the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Department of Justice. I cannot help wondering if anyone is in charge. I have no doubt that if this kind of misadventure occurred on the watch of a Republican President, it would create a tremendous furor. The irony is that it was discovered during an investigation into the Travel Office affair which also involved the admitted misuse of the FBI by the White House. It seems as though this White House views the FBI as its own personal private investigator. This is the kind of arrogant abuse of power that led to the fall of the Nixon White House. Mr. President, this is what Watergate was all about. FBI files on individuals should be the most private and confidential of all documents. They are not compiled for political purposes, and they should never be used for political reasons.”