I can't wait for you to tell us all what the "political objective" is (concerning the USGC). Do tell. Be extremely and painfully specific. I am waiting.
I do not know what your after, but if you can't see the politics in this latest directive, then your lost. Placing the USCG under another newly appointed political agency is a slap at every coastie who ever served. This newest move was surely to upstage the US Senate. Just like the appointment of Ridge was. 170,000 folk is what? Streamlining?
Let me be simple to you. Its the USCG who should be leading the Homeland Defense of the United States. Not some political jerk. Get it!?