WATCH

WATER COOLER GOSSIP
by Ed Magnuson

There are two bypes of DEA gossip; the kind at the office "water cooler" and the type at the office "watering hole," The only real difference between them being that certain profoundness which goes along with making little wet circles on a bar with frosty glass. However, since Administrator Thomas Constantine is publicly dead-set against "watering holes," although Frank White has alleged that he does not always practice what he preaches, this report will make no distinction.

After 23 years in the DEA social circle, my very lovable and astute wife Diane is of the opinion that DEA agents are magnificent at the fine art of gossip. In fact, they are probably much better at it then their mates who are by no means slouches in that department. As I have tried to explain, it is not that agents are endowed with any special skill, it is just that DEA Headquarters gives them so much to think and talk about!

Take for instance the current hot topic at the "water cooler" (watering hole?). Was Deputy Administrator Stephen Greene's surprising retirement as clean and honorable as DEA management would like everyone to helieve? Or was it a "recommendation" caused by what went on during his reign as Deputy Administrator, Acting Administrator and Career Board Chairman. The allegations of unairness, injustice, discrimination, and untrue testimony under both have made him a legendary figure in the annals of DEA history. An embarrassment not only to himself but also to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice.

A 1994GAO Report to the Congress of the United States castigates DEA for its non-cooperation during the investigation of agency improprieties from 1989 thru 1993, Greene's heyday. It lays out case after case of discrimination, unfairness and injustice. It paints a morbid picture of fear and retaliation. And it was provided to DEA although few have heard about it.

A recent letter aired by DEA Watch also clearly illustrates what went on. When SAC Johnny Phelps reqested a transfer because his son had been arrested and needed the support and assistance of his family, Mr. Greene granted it. On the other hand, when I requested relocation due to the serious illness of my wife and family, Mr. Greene denied my pleas for three years, only capitulating when DEA's own clinician expressed his fears for my wife's life if not moved. And even then I had to give him a "pound of flesh" to save my wife's life... the "voluntary" surrender of my supervisory grade.

Why the great chasm in our treatment? The answer is simple, Johnny Phelps was a senior executive and a member of Mr. Greene's inner circle while I was only a mere field supervisor who was raising "hell" because Mr, Greene's 'loyal' Career Board was allowing my wife's health to fade away to the point where she may never be the same again.

And it is also not a big secret that Mr. Greene was interviewed by the Office of the Inspector-General concerniny my very provable allegation of perjury and that the results of the investigation were turned over to Administrator Constantine. As a DEA senior executive later commented, "Guys like Greene can't take the heat of an investigation."

Consldering the totality of the situation and the fact that it is not unusual in our nation's capitol to let senior government officials retire with "honor" rather then face embarrassing censure, internal discipline or the courts, the gossip that is boiling the water in the cooler may have some substance. However, the only person who can set the record straight is Administrator Thomas Constantine.

Mr. Constantine give everyone a break and tell us the truth about why Mr. Greene so suddenly retired!... If you don't, DEA Watch will.