CIA Outed by a Congress in Denial
Saturday, August 25th, 2007
A classified report , known as the Joint Inquiry Report (JI), from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on the agency’s accountability leading up to the September 11, 2001 attacks was made public on Tuesday. Blame for the Agency’s shortcomings is placed squarely on the shoulders of CIA director George Tenet. The declassification was brought about when congress passed a bill last month implementing elements of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations despite of the objections of current CIA Director Michael V. Hayden. Though limited in it’s scope the report paints a disturbing picture of a massive bureaucracy unable to identify and complete objectives necessary to secure the nation. What’s more disturbing is the report, produced pursuant to congressional request, comes up short when identifying the political culture developing within the agency in the years leading up to Tenet’s tenure as CIA chief. (more…)
The political mania surrounding biofuels has overshadowed it’s short comings and some of the hidden costs which have already shown up at the dinner table. In addition to the increased commodity prices paid for by consumers, tax payers cover the government subsidies, currently 51 cents per gallon, paid to ethanol producers. Though there is no question drastic measures are required to secure the nations future energy supply there are a great many questions as to weather current policies are in the best interest of consumers and taxpayers or the world community in general. 
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama seems to be mounting an offensive against his own candidacy by carpet bombing the campaign trail striking friend, foe and occasionally his own foot in the process. While those attending the highly anticipated “YouTube Debate” thought Obama won the day it was here the groundwork for a succession of miss-statements was laid. What seemed an innocuous question allowing Barack to reaffirm his “not responsible for Iraq” credentials blossomed to not responsible at all.