Tag: National Intelligence Estimate

Uncle Cheney: ‘I don’t recall.’ ‘I don’t remember.’ ‘I dont know.’

Why the fawning Media runs to cover, every ranting statement that Dick Cheney, mumbles — I’ll never understand?   When really they should be bringing him a Blanket, a Rocking Chair, and maybe a super-hero comic book.

Dick Cheney’s FBI Interview Notes on Valerie Plame Leak

Oct 30, 2009,  TalkLeft

Cheney could not recall 22 things, including, whether he had ever told Scooter Libby about Valerie Plame. Via Mother Jones, A list is below

It seems the old man, may be suffering from Amnesia, Dementia, or perhaps even Unchecked-Power-withdrawals?  

But don’t take my word for it, you be the judge.  Are these the actions of a rational, stable man…

Iran NIE and the Hall of Mirrors

Crossposted at Invictus

More than one author has described writing about the intelligence world as akin to walking into a hall of mirrors. It’s difficult to know what’s what, who to believe, or even know where you stand. Truths are fungible. Lies are opaque versions of tomorrow’s news.

When the U.S. released its limited version of the latest National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, the revelation that Iran does not have a working nuclear arms program landed with a thud upon the collective heads of the D.C. pundits. Bush’s pugnacious news conference which followed, wherein he repeated ad nauseaum his intention that Iran never get the “knowledge” to construct a nuclear weapon, signalled no real change in direction from the administration that was only weeks before dangling World War III before the glazed eyes of a fearful electorate.

In discussions with colleagues, I was struck by the fact that the authorship of the new NIE was from the same man who wrote the previous NIE, and the same man who assured the administration that there was a nuclear weapons program in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, CIA stalwart, Robert Walpole, who was (if he in fact is still), according to the Washington Post, “chief CIA officer for nuclear programs”. In other words, I smelled a rat.  

Bright And Shiny Objects

“Psychology 101 ain’t working. It’s just not working. I understand the issues, I clearly see the problems, and I’m going to use the NIE to continue to rally the international community for the sake of peace.”

And with that he gave an unconvincing little jump and stalked off.

I recognize that speech having given it many times myself.  It’s the Ghostbuster speech-

Venkman: Egon.  You said crossing the streams was bad.

Spengler: There’s definitely a very slim chance we’ll survive.

Venkman: I like this plan.  I’m excited to be a part of it.  Let’s do it.

See you on the other side Ray.

Kucinich: NIE Shows Bush Administration Tried Again to Lie Us into War, This Time with Iran w/poll

While others have bought into the Bush administration Meme on Iran, including not taking anything off the table for their supposed going going after nuclear weapons, Dennis Kucinich has been proven to be right the first time again!