[marron]

When accused of targeting Menendez for criticizing Obama, their defense was that he had been under investigation for several years.

Which only proves the point. They knew about him for years. As long as he stayed in line, he was teflon. The moment he spoke out of turn, though, the hammer fell.

[ClearCase_guy]

"We're after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you'd better get wise to it. There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them...you create a nation of lawbreakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Rearden." -- Dr Floyd Ferris, "Atlas Shrugged".

It's especially useful when the men are not so innocent. The dirty politician is allowed to be dirty as long as he works for the team. But, if he steps out of line, you can crush him. Everyone can be crushed at any time. Everyone is a law-breaker. That's the goal. Then everyone lives in fear.