First and foremost, don't confuse my objection to outrageous claims that some elaborate conspiracy was created by government to fraudulently seize the GSEs with the conclusion that I also, somehow, believe the government is innocent of any wrongdoing. There is plenty of blame to go around the settlement table, if we can ever get the parties to sit down and resolve their differences.
I have detested the document "thing" since virtually day one. We have plaintiffs on one side and government lawyers on the other side, glowering at one another with their best "stanky face" on and refusing to budge in a war of wills that has dragged on for over FOUR YEARS. Meanwhile, of the 11,000-some documents in limbo, there is no way in hell that all of them are needed/relevant or that all of them are strategically protected to preserve our national interests. So let that be the starting point. THE WHOLE THING IS STUPID from either perspective. Both sides positions are lame and moronic.
This isn't about needing 11,000 documents. And it isn't about protecting 11,000 documents. It's about which Alpha Male wins.
I can't buy the theory that "the delays were so "the actors could make an exit after Obama term is up" because the expectation has always been that Clinton would replace Obama. That would have been a"business as usual" outcome for FHFA, UST and the government players. The delays began long before November 8th and what, to many, was a surprise outcome and turn of events.
JMHO.
