Rumsfeld Cautions on New Intel Director

[Nambe]

WASHINGTON (AP)

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld struck a cautious tone Tuesday on the need for a national intelligence director, saying any changes should not create new barriers between war fighters and agencies that collect intelligence. ..

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Tuesday that President Bush has ruled nothing out, including budget power. "It's important for the national intelligence director to have the authority he or she needs to do the job," McClellan said.

But the Pentagon currently controls most of the large intelligence agencies: the National Security Agency, which intercepts electronic communications; the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates spy satellites; and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which analyzes satellite pictures.

The Defense Department also controls 80 percent of the money spent on intelligence, estimated at $40 billion annually. ..

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[LittleApple81]

1. I don't need to read this. If Rumsfeld opposes it, then it is good for the

USA and we should do it.

[stickdog]

2. Rummy: Don't be messin' with MY spooks! (nt)

[chuck555]

3. Oh No!

They might take Rummies money! You are toast Rummy. Make plans for after 1/21/05.

[llmart]

4. Who gives a rat's ass about what Rummy the Dummy wants?

He'll be a has-been shortly. Maybe he can go back to private life and die a slow death. That would be justice.