Posted on 03/12/2004 10:31:20 AM PST by Liz
EXCERPT With the end of the Cold War, some in the Clinton White House and the Democrat-controlled Congress saw the opportunity in the 1990s to sharply curtail spending on … the Central Intelligence Agency. …
Overseas intelligence operations were canceled and about 40 percent of those recruited to spy for America's interests were let go. Officers in the clandestine service - the core of our overseas intelligence operations - declined by about 25 percent. Approximately one-third of overseas offices watching America's enemies were shut down. Little effort was made to upgrade desperately needed language and regional expertise to confront emerging threats in the Middle East.
In short, the United States lost its eyes and ears in many parts of the world. …
Where was the junior senator from Massachusetts? Serving as a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee … Did he fight the cuts in intelligence spending or the restraints on U.S. intelligence operatives?
Far from it. In fact, he was leading the way to make deep and devastating cuts. …
Tragically, while Kerry was leading efforts in Congress to dismantle the nation's intelligence capabilities, the world was getting more dangerous. …
Kerry, like many other Democrats, now complains that U.S. intelligence has been inadequate to meet the challenges of the war on terrorism and Iraq. … [I]f John Kerry wants to criticize those shortcomings, he should first account for his own record.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Bush administration has made the most sweeping reforms in intelligence in decades. Budgets are up, recruitment of key capabilities is up, morale is up and U.S. intelligence operatives are leading in new and innovative ways to try to keep America safe from terrorism. ...
[B]ecause of President Bush's leadership, we are certainly safer as a result of his support for a revitalized, well-funded and more effective U.S. intelligence community. And, as the record shows, all without the support of the junior senator from Massachusetts.
C.W. Bill Young, R-Largo, chairs the House Appropriations Committee. Porter Goss, R-Sanibel, chairs the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
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Entire Article: http://www.tampatribune.com/News/MGACLZFNNRD.html
(Excerpt) Read more at tampatribune.com ...
They don't call waffler Kerry "Eggo" for nothing.
"Need Intelligence...Don't Ask John Kerry" has a nice bumper sticker feel to it, too! ;^)
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