Posted on 11/18/2004 6:36:45 PM PST by nypokerface
WASHINGTON - A Democratic senator warned CIA Director Porter Goss Thursday that his efforts to make major changes could have "a significant and negative effect on the agency."
In a letter to Goss, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., also said she feared the "politicization of our intelligence services" because of an e-mail Goss sent this week to agency employees telling them to serve the Bush administration.
Goss, former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, took office in September and named some of his former congressional staffers to high-level positions at the agency.
Several senior CIA officials have resigned in recent weeks, an apparent sign of friction between them and Goss' aides.
The changes have raised concerns that agency turmoil could disrupt intelligence efforts at a time of war. But Goss' supporters say he is trying to make urgently needed reforms. Intelligence agencies have been sharply criticized for failing to stop the Sept. 11 attacks and providing inaccurate intelligence on Iraq's weapons programs.
Feinstein, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Goss has the responsibility to minimize the difficulties that come with an overhaul. "I am concerned that recent developments run counter to that goal."
She said Goss' e-mail to employees "is likely to cause confusion at best and mislead agency employees at worst."
In the e-mail, Goss said, "We do not identify with, support or champion opposition to the administration or its policies. We provide the intelligence as we see it — and let the facts alone speak to the policy-maker."
Feinstein wrote: "I hope that what you meant was that agency employees neither support nor oppose administration policies. But that is not what your communication said."
There was no immediate response from the CIA.
Another committee member, Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., offered support for Goss.
"We urged Porter Goss to go in and shake the place up," Lott said in a brief interview. "He's doing it. More than likely it's a good idea."
Hey Feinstein, why don't you get a job as a display in a wax museum.
For heaven's sake, the purpose of an executive agency is to serve the President's administration, not undermine it as Scheuer and the like have been doing. That's not partisanship, but the nature of the executive. Under Clinton, the CIA should be serving the President as much as under Bush.
I wonder how many intelligence reports have passed from Diane Feinswine to the ChiComs.
ahhh - what's SHE doing? That's not political?
That is hilarious considering we had DNC thugs in there. And btw Dianne dear, that isn't what Goss said. The spin must make her dizzy.
Miz Feinstein is trying to keep the CIA from spitting out the left opposition that permeates the agency. It's all part of the reluctance to give up power.
And this e-mail of course upsets a liberal/leftists/communist because it asks/tells the CIA to at least protect your country!
There she stands, saying "Rebuild that Wall, Director Goss!"
I would support Mr. Goss' first act as new director to be a sanction on Mizz Fatstein
The dimocrats want us to leave all the "moles" that have been leaking stuff to the press the last four years
If they say something, America better do the opposite.
what does feinstein (or any democrat) know about intelligence or covert activities.
I will admit that the radical left knows a lot about overthrows of free governments, propaganda techniques, and brainwashing.
If anyone ever had any questions about whether or not Goss was doing the right thing and the resignations were people we didn't really want, this should ease their minds.
On the other hand, his efforts could have a significant and POSITIVE effect on the Agency. Time will tell...
If the dims are upset about this, then it's a good thing and was much needed.
"She feared the 'politicization of our intelligence services' because of an e-mail Goss sent this week to agency employees telling them to serve the Bush administration."
Would she prefer the CIA to serve some other administration instead? Perhaps they should receive a direct line to FORMER President Clinton or maybe Carter or Ford, and instead serve one of them. This is ludicrous...
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