Archive of paywalled Atlantic article

Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington, was recalled Thursday after the extent of his friendship with the disgraced financier became impossible to deny. In a 10-page message in the now-infamous 2003 scrapbook, he called Epstein his “best pal” and included several photos of himself. Describing the financier as “mysterious,” Mandelson said that he would often be left alone with Epstein’s “interesting” friends—an assertion that appeared over a picture of an unknown young woman in her underwear.

[…]

Americans might be tempted to look at the situation in Britain and think: Consequences for misguided actions—remember them? That’s the right impulse. In the United States, the Epstein scandal has devolved into a mere political soap opera, in which the victims are largely forgotten and Trump is so far unscathed. British voters who are angry with their government might find some small consolation in the fact that on their side of the Atlantic Ocean, ethical lapses can still carry a serious political price.

  • 01011@monero.town
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    1 day ago

    The Brits are very good at hanging fringe elements out to dry. Show me when they held someone to account who had real power and not an over-the-hill/failed politico.

      • 01011@monero.town
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        1 day ago

        Losing your job is unfortunate but a mild response for what many of these people did. Show me when they put one of these cretins in prison.

          • 01011@monero.town
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            12 hours ago

            People go to prison for tax evasion, at least in civilized countries they do.

            • Womble@piefed.world
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              54 minutes ago

              Even calling it tax evasion is a stretch, she had a complicated situation involving a trust set up for the house she had with her ex to insure her severely disabled son would be taken care of, then she claimed her new flat was her primary residence leading to a lower rate of stamp duty. She got some advice that said it was ok but was then told she should seek specialist legal advice to check that which she didnt and now has to pay back 40k.

              Its not good, and she was right to step down, especially as housing minister, but its hardly a grievous sin.