So, in what way does the revocation actually hurt Brennan?

[dameatball]

Other than maybe just piss him off. In my mind he is simply a retired CIA Director who speaks his mind. Was he still receiving security reports in retirement? Who knows?

This makes Trump look like the petty a-hole that he is, but I don't think Brennan is harmed that much. This is more of a warning to other people, IMHO.

[lapfog_1]

1. It harms the United States

by removing a source of institutional memory... in this case institutional memory with a security clearance.

So when a meeting with Putin or Kim or someone comes up... the current DNI can't call up Brennan and ask about the meeting that happened a few years ago where X said Y.

[Phoenix61]

2. That depends on what he wants to do work wise

If he was planning to do consulting or contract work he might need a security clearance.

[dameatball]

3. Good point.

[exboyfil]

10. I wonder if his employer filed the paperwork

if he would actually have any difficulty. Interference with that process could be viewed as an impeachable offense. Right now it is free floating security clearance without a specific job in place. Of course most contractors are probably running scared now and would not take him on even with a security clearance.

[RandySF]

4. It doesn't

It’s something the government maintained for past national security officials in the event they’re needed. The White House is just hurting itself.

[justhanginon]

14. They would be only hurting themselves if they cared about the country.

They do not! The White House has become an insular community driven only by greed and lust for power. The country, unfortunately, does not even enter into it.

[Thomas Hurt]

5. It does show the Pig is using his office to punish or censor his political opponents...

but I an not sure that it will impact Brennan. AFAIK he can get another clearance....probably not while the Pig is in office of course.

[GusBob]

6. In what way does it harm democracy? Or freedom of speech?

How does it hamper diplomacy? Or governance? Or ones willing to do what's right for the country? OR THE VERY CONCEPT OF FREEDOM?

Good lord wake up

[handmade34]

15. ?

revoking a critics security clearance (merely because he is a critic) seriously harms democracy, freedom of speech, etc... if only indirectly and when done insidiously

[PJMcK]

17. Two concepts to answer your questions

First, the people who have held top jobs in the Intelligence Community, the Military and the State Department have great knowledge and experience. When they leave those positions, their successors can contact them for background and historical information and advice. The retirees' experiences are called institutional memory and their input is important to maintaining consistency of government and protecting the safety of the country. With our clearances, the retirees cannot participate in this function.

Second, Trump's actions are clearly targeted at his political opponents. His action against Mr. Brennan is not only spiteful and petty, but it reveals that he wants to use his powers to strong arm the nation. This is deeply un-democratic behavior. He's obviously sending a message to others that they shouldn't criticize him or he'll target them next. The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech whereas Trump is trying to stifle it. Surely you see that?

Incidentally, the order Trump signed revoking Mr. Brennan's clearance was dated several weeks ago. Why did he announce it today? Did he revoke others' clearances as well? Spokesperson Sanders said they were looking at a list of former officials, all Democrats, to determine if their clearances should be revoked as well. I'd bet he already signed those orders.

[C_U_L8R]

7. It deprives OUR government

Of a darn smart asset. And ensures no honest person will see the ‘top secret’ criminal shit Trump has lined up next. Hold on.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. It doesn't hurt Brennan as much as it hurts the United States because he can no longer consult

and share his extensive knowledge with current IC agents. But Trump is a petty bastard who doesn't care - he just wants to lash out. Since he can't fire Brennan, the only thing he can take from him is his security clearance.

[chillfactor]

9. The orange one's action....

doesn't hurt Brennan, he can still speak his mind. What the a**hole did was hurt our country's security as Brennan cannot be consulted by the intelligence community to take advantage of Brennan's intelligence expertise.

[Freethinker65]

11. If Brennan's expertise was needed and he was consulted by current national security employees

There would be limits to what information Brennan could be given to use his expertise.

This effectively could make our country less safe. Brennan is unhurt, but the US may be at a disadvantage in the future. All of this because Trump got his feeling hurt and is desperately trying to appear powerful and in control.

[PoliticAverse]

12. It reduces his marketability. People pay big for people...

they think have inside secret knowledge.

[Progressive dog]

13. Brennan is not personally harmed

The psychopath in charge will use all the weapons he can find to silence his critics.
Brennan would not disclose classified information. Unlike Trump, he has proven that he can be trusted with it.

[Ponietz]

16. Director Brennan replied that it is part of a broader effort

[link:http://

Link to tweet

?s=21|

[TomSlick]

18. I think this is an important question.

Unless Brennan can show that he was harmed by having his security clearance revoked, he would not have a cause of action for what appears an improper act.

I get how the US is harmed by the action but Brennan would need to show he was personally damaged in order to mount a court challenge.