Our CIA "problem" is generational AND political

[SoCalDem]

The CIA morphed from a WWII organization, into a Cold War organization, and into what we have now.

A career lasts about 30 years, and for people who were recruited during WWII ( probably as 20-30-somethings) , those careers pretty much ended in the 70's. Throughout the 70's & 80's the people who came to the CIA had a very different worldview than the ones who came before.

Republicans have been very interested in wars & the military for a very long time now, and when one's job depends on this sort of thing, and the people in charge are republicans, is it any surprise that it's turned out the way ot has?

The last strong democratic presidency we had was Roosevelt.
Kennedy's started out ok, but he had such a short time, and Johnson was hamstrung by Viet Nam. Johnson was successful in social policy, but foreign policy was another thing entirely, and many of the ones in charge at the CIA were nearing the end of their careers.

Once Nixon came along, it would not surprise me a bit, if the recruiting took a decidedly republican "turn". Since Nixon, we have had mostly republican administrations, and loyalties die hard.

Carter's term was awash with turmoil, and he was never considered to be "of" DC. The CIA is the ultimate DC organization.

George H W Bush used to RUN the CIA, and you can bet your last dollar that during the 12 years he "ran" the White House, he also "stocked the pond" at the CIA. Those people are still there, and by now they have risen through the ranks, to positions of power.

Clinton was also not "of" DC, and with the media's war on him with the "draft dodger" sign they hung 'round his neck, it's likely that the upper echelon of the CIA in his time, did not respect him all that much.

It would not surprise me a bit, if we eventually find out that there are people inside the CIA, who routinely "brief" Cheney, and will do so until he checks out.

If they see their own organization facing challenges from the "new" crew, they will circle the wagons, and hunker down until the next republican administration, when they can have a freer rein.

An administration that sees the State Department as the pivotal agency, regarding foreign policy, the CIA may see their own power lessened. No agency ever wants less power, and will do whatever it takes to get it back, or to hold onto it.

[havocmom]

1. Had a wonderful teacher who was old-school OSS. He was there for the morph to CIA

but not for long. He was NOT pleased with the direction it was taking.

He decided to write and teach. History & Sociology. His sad, sad words to us one day when he told us to put our pens down, as we were taking a turn away from the regular course curriculum, "If you learn nothing else from me, learn this: The Government is NOT your friend." The rest of that day was a real eye opener. It was 1970.

My heart and head thanks him regularly for his candor and lessons.

Big Ben, if you're still out there, lesson learned and I keep trying to pass it on.

[bobthedrummer]

2. "Good CIA, bad CIA and the root cause of the 'intelligence failure'" (started 5-31-04)

this is worth reviewing today, as always
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1695779

[SoCalDem]

3. Wow, thanks.. I missed that one..Lots of great links

:hi:

[bobthedrummer]

4. Thank you for starting this thread SoCalDem

:fistbump:

[Raster]

5. Both Carter and Clinton endured a CIA "mutiny" designed to feed them bad information and advice.

The CIA answers to the shadow government, as well does *most* of the Pentagon.

I guarantee you Darth Cheney* is still ACTIVELY accorded rank and privilege as he did when he was pResident...ooops, I guess I mean Vice pResident.