Summer at 1978
- Jim McDougal approached the Bill and Hillary Clinton about a
potential real estate investment along the White River in Arkansas.
The McDougals and Clintons purchase 230 acres for $203,000; it
was termed "Whitewater." A bank loan of $200,000 was
taken out.
Fall of 1978 - Mrs. Clinton
invests $1,000 in commodities and rakes in $100,000 in less than
a year. This deal stirred some suspicions because of its return
and because her husband was elected governor of Arkansas that
same year.
Late 70s & early 80s
- Clintons deduct around $10,000 a year on their tax return using
the Whitewater investment as a tax shelter. The amount appears
inflated.
Early 80s - The McDougals
buy a bank and a savings & loan, renaming them Madison Bank
& Trust Co. and Madison Guaranty Savings & Loan, respectively.
In 1989, Jim McDougal was indicted on charges of bank fraud, misappropriation
Of funds and conspiracy. He was acquitted in 1990, hid 80s - The
majority of plots in the Whitewater development had still not
sold, leaving the McDougals and Clintons with a financial lemon.
Miscellaneous loans were taken to paying off interest, accounts
shifted as the McDougals struggled to keep the mortgages from
defaulting. In 1985, 86, 90, & 92, Hillary Clinton refused
to relinquish the Clinton’s interest in Whitewater to the McDougals.
Financial losses totaled $160,000 for the McDougals and $40,000
for the Ciintons.
1986 - Twin City Bank
requested and was denied financial information from the Clintons
for loan renewal.
1987 - Governor Clinton
signs a bill which solely benefited Twin City Bank. Meanwhile,
his loan is approved without proper documentation.
1992 - In the primaries,
Whitewater surfaced as an issue and Was soon drowned out. After
being elected, the Clintons sold their interest to the McDougals
for $1,000.
1993 - Bill Clinton is
inaugurated president. Files on Whitewater are moved from Rose
law firm, where Hillary worked, to Washington. These files are
believed to be the infamous files that were subpoenaed, lost and
miraculously recovered in the White House.
Spring of 1993 - A number
of employees are fired in the travel department of the White House.
These firings were apparently ordered by Hillary to make room
for friends, though she has denied all the charges on "Travelgate."
July of 1993 - Vincent Foster, a friend of Hiliary’s and counsel
to the president, commits suicide. Foster was in charge of Whitewater,
Travelgate and other legal affairs.
1993 - Present - Investigation
into Whitewater begins and is led by Independent Counsel Kenneth
Starr.
Spring of 1996 - Jim
and Susan McDougal are convicted for conspiracy, mail and bank
fraud and other a sundry charges. Bill Clinton was the star witness
for the defense.
Last week - Susan McDougal is ordered
by the grand jury to testify in court in the impending case against
Bill Clinton. She has, as of press time, refused.