How about a stimulus cop to start with?

Here’s an idea I’d like to see added to the stimulus package and any subsequent Wall Street rescues: the creation of an independent inspector general with sufficient staff to police the massive spending (which, including spending, tax cuts and guarantees, will dwarf the budget of the entire government several times over). This individual should report ...

Here's an idea I'd like to see added to the stimulus package and any subsequent Wall Street rescues: the creation of an independent inspector general with sufficient staff to police the massive spending (which, including spending, tax cuts and guarantees, will dwarf the budget of the entire government several times over).

Here’s an idea I’d like to see added to the stimulus package and any subsequent Wall Street rescues: the creation of an independent inspector general with sufficient staff to police the massive spending (which, including spending, tax cuts and guarantees, will dwarf the budget of the entire government several times over).

This individual should report to Congress, have subpoena power and be separate from all other agencies and interest groups inside the government. The message needs to be sent to all who benefit from their largesse of U.S. taxpayers, this money is a public trust, honor it or go directly to jail.

David Rothkopf is visiting professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His latest book is The Great Questions of Tomorrow. He has been a longtime contributor to Foreign Policy and was CEO and editor of the FP Group from 2012 to May 2017. Twitter: @djrothkopf

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