A Columbian article about the congressional probe of Hunter Biden details significant revelations surrounding the committee chairman’s own questionable financial activities (“The Republican leading the probe of Hunter Biden has his own shell company and complicated friends,” Associated Press, Dec. 16). This, I believe, directly relates to efforts to keep the hearings behind closed doors. Mr. Biden has not objected to appearing for questioning, but to having the hearings in secret.
And, thunderbolt, now we know why. Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., one of the largest landowners in Kentucky, transferred part of the real estate that he co-owns with a longtime campaign contributor to a shell company. One need only expend small effort exploring why individuals create shell companies. The goal is opaqueness, financial subterfuge and hiding relationships. Mr. Comer denies wrongdoing, saying that those who question his shell company activities are “only dumb, financially illiterate people.” Let us recall the Panama Papers revelations of just a few years ago.
Biden’s suspect dealings should be investigated. As also should Comer’s. There’s certainly no need, though, to hold secret hearings. These are not high-stakes military or national intelligence activities, after all, but instead grungy personal grifting by those who supposedly represent us. Expand the probe to include Comer.
