While the world is reacting to leaks indicating that Saudi Arabia is funding Al Qaeda and Clinton ordered diplomats to engage in espionage, Sens. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have called for the prosecution of those responsible for the leaks.
The leaks also show the Saudis pressuring the United States to attack Iran — once again having the United States do the dirty work for regional interests. Then there is the revelation that Iran smuggled weapons in ambulances to Hezbollah.
Graham insists that the matter is clear “we’re at war . . . If you can prosecute them, let’s try.” McCaskill agreed, stressing “I hope we can find out where this is coming from and go after them with the force of law.”
As with the disclosures of the torture program, some of these disclosures are likely not new information for Senators. Members of the intelligence committees have often been criticized for knowledge of abuses or even crimes in our government without making them public or taking significant action. Thus far, there has not been a single suggestion of public hearings on these allegations — only a demand to prosecute the person responsible for making them public. The problem is that some of this information shows that the public has been given false or misleading information on major policies. I guess this is an example of what Senator Rockefeller said was the harm of media coverage denying the public of its sense of happiness and contentment in their government.
I am a firm believer in the need to maintain secrecy in areas of national security, but some of these leaks raise (again) a growing lack of confidence in Congress in serving as a true check and balance on abuses.
Swarthmore mom,
I read about that earlier today. I’m wondering if centerfold Brownie will get re-elected in 2012. I don’t think he’s the brighest bulb on the string of Christmas lights. He won the Senate election because the Democrat who ran against him was such a poor campaigner.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/12/02/2010-12-02_gop_senator_scott_brown_channels_scrooge_blocks_unemployment_benefits_then_throw.html Here is one or you Elaine. Your newly elected republican senator blocks unemployment benefits and throws a party.
bdaman,
I’ve been in touch with Slarti. He’ll be returning. He’s simply bogged down at work right now.
Jill,
Both Buddha and I posted a link to that article last night– Buddha on another thread. Many of us liberals and progressives believe that President Obama has made many poor/bad decisions. We don’t condone or excuse such things.
Thanks Pete, This whole thing just reeks of a set-up. The only relevant question is what are the Swiss getting for their collaboration in this matter? Which banks more specifically; no-interest loans, direct payments or payments through cut-outs, guarantees against the coming second wave of worthless credit purchases which are set to start imploding in 3, 2, 1, …
Here’s bipartisanship for you: “Obama and GOPers Worked Together to Kill Bush Torture Probe
A WikiLeaks cable shows that when Spain considered a criminal case against ex-Bush officials, the Obama White House and Republicans got really bipartisan.
— By David Corn” (In Mother Jones Magazine)
Statements that Obama would not prosecute Bush or Cheney for torture and other war crimes were showing up even before the election. There has been complete continuity of criminality (aka, govt.) between Bush and Obama. When people claim Obama was left a mess and doesn’t have time to clean everything up, they must reconsider this excuse for his wrongdoing. Obama has found the time to thwart justice for torture victims on multiple counts from the beginning of his administration. He found time to cut deals with financial criminals, appointing them to run US economic policy. He found time to cut secret deals with Big Pharma and corrupt insurance lobbyists. He has found time to prosecute any whistle blower he can get his hands on. Look carefully at who he can find time to help and who he can find time to hurt. Look carefully at the alliances in Congress with the Executive. There you will find truth. Oppose wrongdoing because it is wrong.
In case it isn’t getting any coverage in the USofA, Assange’s Australian lawyer has commented today on the Swedish ‘rape’ charges;
http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/12/02/when-it-comes-to-assange-r-pe-case-the-swedes-are-making-it-up-as-they-go-along/
http://regulations.justia.com/view/208878/
If something doesn’t happen by 12/30, DOD plans to keep permanent files on
Categories of individuals covered by the system:
Individuals identified in foreign intelligence,
counterintelligence, or information system security reports and
supportive materials, including individuals involved in matters of foreign intelligence interest, information systems security interest, the compromise of classified information, or terrorism.
including
“Records include individual’s name, Social Security Number (SSN); employee identification number; administrative information; biographic information; intelligence requirements, analysis and reporting; information, systems security analysis and reporting; operational records; articles; public-source data; and other published information on individuals and events of interest to NSA/CSS; actual or purported compromises of classified intelligence; countermeasures in connection therewith; and identification of classified source documents and distribution thereof.”
Elaine,
Aren’t those the same banks that were the reason we had to bail out ADP … they had insured their swaps with ADP and if we didn’t bail out ADP so that they could pay off the claims the banks had then all of Europe would fall? At least that’s the way I remember it. Now we find out we were also lending those same banks free money.
Graham and McCaskill, the perfect poster children for bad government.
Bdaman: I have not seen Slarti since the election.