Mostly based on a report, this piece lacks a response from the Interior Department, and a better sense of the role of the administration in allowing these kinds of things to happen.

Mainly sourced from government reports, but also has congressional and non-profit viewpoints. Contains important information. No viewpoint from the accused, but it is no surprise that they did not respond. The unfortunate failure of balance is that there is no Republican viewpoint at all, unless the internal report was produced by some Republicans.

McClatchy provides links to some of the results of the investigation that took two years, interviewed 233 witnesses and covered 470,000 pages of documents and emails. (http://www.doioig.gov/) for the Office of Inspector General to read 3 reports on the investigation. The findings are embarrassing and since employees may still be dismissed it would be difficult to get an opinion from the MMS. A follow up story on what other government departments work with energy companies and if they may be under investigation would be interesting.

It is good journalism from the standpoit that it is reporting "facts" gathered by an investigatiing committe, most likly the key members of which were appointed by the administration in power. Balance can only be presented by stating attempts to obtain input from the other side, who in this case do not politically "defend" the actions nor wish to amplify public awareness in the political year. Accuracy falls on the report contents being reported as a breaking news item. More than one report is cited. Corporate spokespersons were contacted regarding their participation (gifts etc.). The fact that most comments are from Democrats speaks to the "Hot Potato" syndrome. Neither Republicans nor complicit corporation Reps are going to ... More »

This is a one-sided presentation of the story, with little to no 'defense' or rebuttal from the other side. That said the evidence compiled over two years into the report is pretty damning. This should be on the front page of every newspaper and the top story of every news broadcast in the country. America should be outraged. In keeping with tradition, this will probably amount to a blip or less on the press-coverage radar.

Party time! Broads, bosoms, and fun in the mile-high city! Quoting the article: "The reports said that the RIK unit's former Denver office director, Gregory Smith, encouraged his staff to develop close relationships with oil company officials so they could learn techniques for marketing the oil." Given the fact that RIK personnel were also selling for the industry they're supposed to regulate, they really needed those marketing skills. The really sad part about this scandal is that again there are no consequencies for corruption, which is why most RIK miscreants have not a shred of remorse about what they did.