Bad Fix for CIA's Defects (only White House realism can fix)

[papau]

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-intel14jun14.story
EDITORIAL
Bad Fix for CIA's Defects (only White House realism can fix)

June 14, 2004

Proposals for sweeping reform of the CIA are circulating through the Capitol in advance of next month's release of the 9/11 commission's report and its excruciating details of intelligence failures. The cures, unfortunately, are almost certainly worse than the disease.

Chief among them is creating a new director of national intelligence, urged by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft. There's no proof that such a post would improve intelligence flows, but it would definitely add a new layer of bureaucracy.

In theory, an intelligence czar with budgetary authority, independent of the CIA, could shake up agencies stuck in a Cold War mind-set of one big enemy rather than autonomous terrorist threats. But although Congress could create a new intelligence head, who would obey him or her? Consider the Department of Homeland Security, which has yet to play a serious role in threat assessments. Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft has simply ignored it in issuing terror attack warnings. The Pentagon jealously guards its multiple intelligence programs, which receive an estimated $11 billion annually, while the CIA receives a little more than $3 billion. <snip>

The ills assailing the intelligence agencies from within and without can be fixed. But though proclamations about overhauling intelligence are appealing in an election year, only White House realism and patient on-the-ground reform will make it possible for CIA chief George J. Tenet's successor to compile a better record.

[FreakinDJ]

1. Not a fix at all

The problem that exist with our military and intelligence communities is they becoming politicized. When in fact it has been widely accepted they should remain A-political as they are not voted in and out of office.

This politicizing of our military and intelligence communities has been destroying their effectiveness and the security of this country. I believe they should routinely purge those who can not serve the country as they have sworn to do.

An intelligence Zar would merely be another fall guy for yet another intelligence failure

[papau]

2. I agree - the guy in the White House is the Key - w/Clinton no major

problem -

yet with Bush - they just did not shake the trees - I think that means they went political and did not care as much about US security.

[FreakinDJ]

3. I think with the Bush administration it is more of

Selective listening. They didn't want to hear about the truth. They didn't want to be bothered by any thing Bill Clinton felt was of major importance. Thus we have 911

That or you start to realize LIHOP has it merits.

We witnessed how they filtered the intel on Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction to get the results they wanted. I have even heard reports Chalabi's spies were coached on what to say. That means they creatively created the phony intel

Kinda gives credence to MIHOP doesn't it.

None the less this has been the Bushco Method of Operation during their entire tenure. Why more intelligence officials have not spoke up blown the whistle or resign rather then be a part of it give credence to my belief they have serious problems inside the community.

They should become A-political or get out now. Because believe you me, when we retake the White house in November many and I mean MANY of us are going to demand it