Negroponte Ousted?

Last week amongst the barrage of personnel moves within the Bush admin perhaps the most vexing was the move to John Negroponte from National Director of Intelligence to Assistant Secretary of State. The Administration spin was that Negroponte is first and foremost a diplomat, true indeed. But upon reflection why does someone voluntarily give up a position that reports directly to President, in fact, regularly and often daily, for a position, under Sec of State Rice. Odd to say the least.

Reports are now emerging that Mr. Negroponte might have run afoul of VP Cheney and Darth Vader (David Addington). Two specific areas are mentioned - the soon to be issued National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq and domestic surveillance activities. Both make some sense. Negroponte two months back angered Administration zealots (the usual suspects) regarding Iran's current nuclear capabilities. With regard to domestic intelligence activities, longtime CIA, NSA and FBI professionals have frequently (yet carefully) expressed strong reservations with the broad scope the Administration advocates.

The objection is more about how such activities are conducted. The Administration remains steadfast in its intention to broaden presidential authority. What perplexes me is why such power is required for the "War on Terror" (an entanglement that is definitionally interminable) yet we as a republic did not see the need to provide clear legal basis for the executive with regard to these matters. One is sort of forced to conclude that the real reason is a pure and simple power play. I, for one, am a strenuous believer in the balance of powers between the federal branches of government, although considering the dottering dickheads that fill the House and Senate worthy of such a heay position is frightening.

The Enemy - Redefined

Based upon the President's news conference this morning it appears that GWOT, The Global War on Terror, has gone the way of "Stay the Course" and least for the moment.

The terminology was imprecise and not particularly additive to discussion or debate. Moreover, definitionally, the "war" was interminable and thus, unwinable. The enemy (at least in Iraq) are now described as "extremists." Is this change in nomenclature a positive sign? Perhaps.

Uh oh, btw switchgrass is back (GWB mentioned it again today). I for one can't wait to go cruisin' in my switchgrass powered Hundai.