Embattled NASA Inspector General Steps Down Finally

[babylonsister]

NASA's beleaguered watchdog steps aside

NASA's beleaguered watchdog steps aside

NASA's inspector general, under fire from senators, watchdog agencies, calls it quits

SETH BORENSTEIN
AP News


Two weeks after three senators called for his ouster, the beleaguered NASA inspector general who came under fire from two watchdog agencies gave notice.

Robert "Moose" Cobb resigned Thursday, effective April 11, but did not say why.

Two Democrats and a Republican had urged President Barack Obama to oust Cobb, saying the inspector general "has been repeatedly accused of stifling investigations, retaliating against whistleblowers and prioritizing social relationships with top NASA officials over proper federal oversight."

In February, House Science Committee Chairman Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., urged Obama to get rid of Cobb as the watchdog over the $17 billion in NASA spending, saying: "NASA cannot afford another four years with an ineffective inspector general."

A federal audit this year found Cobb saved taxpayers only 36 cents for every dollar he spent on investigations. The average for other inspectors general was $9.49. The Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative and auditing arm, found that Cobb's office "has generally not focused on audits with recommendations for improving the economy and efficiency of NASA's programs ... with potential monetary savings."

more...

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/04/nasas_beleaguered_watchdog_steps_aside.php

[BobRossi]

1. Now if we can just shut NASA down.

And save taxpayers a bundle of money.

[Bill McBlueState]

2. I'd be out of a job

I encourage other DUers who would be similarly affected to respond here.

[tridim]

5. I wouldn't be out of a job, but I'd be extremely bummed if NASA were shut down

[w4rma]

4. That is singlehandedly the stupidest, dumbest idea I've heard just about anywhere, BobRossi.

Especially since, unlike our bloated military, NASA actually makes our country money.

[Kalyke]

6. Why would you want NASA to shut down?

Oh - and I'd be out of a job, too. They run the GWAC that the company I work for holds a contract too - and I administer this program for us and our sub-contractors.

[Xipe Totec]

7. NASA represents 0.58% of the total federal budget

That's about 6/10ths of one cent out of every federal dollar.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_United_States_federal_budget

[Odin2005]

8. Anti-science, anti-progess BS.

[NeedleCast]

9. Yeah! Back to the Caves!

[aquart]

10. Seriously, are they handing out stupid pills for free?

I can't believe the garbage wandering around this board today.

[johnnie]

13. I'd be out of a job too

You obviously have no idea what you are talking about.

[Warren DeMontague]

14. *farts*

I'm sorry, I couldn't think of a more appropriate response to such a goofy fucking idea.

[barbtries]

3. another agency fucked by gw

Cobb was appointed to the job in 2002 by President George W. Bush. Before that, he was an associate counsel to the president in the Bush White House, handling ethics issues. NASA referred questions to the White House.

[babylonsister]

11. Ha! Ethics. Imagine that. I think the guy needs to be investigated,

not just able to leave.

[edbermac]

12. A guy nicknamed 'Moose' is running NASA?

Good nickname for a football coach, but a NASA VIP??? :wtf: