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I've been doing some thinking about our government of late -- thinking about exactly how ridiculous it can all be at times, about how easily we can be fooled by ideas that use the right words.
For example, one of the key recommendations from the 9/11 Commission is establish a new Cabinet-level intelligence director in order to centralize our intelligence gathering efforts. This seems like a good idea, especially in light of the failures that led to the 9/11 attacks. But now, let's play with the words for a bit -- we want to establish a new Cabinet-level intelligence director to centralize our intelligence gathering. In other words, a director to centralize all of our intelligence agencies. If I'm not mistaken, we already have one of those... currently it's John E. McLaughlin, Acting Director of Central Intelligence (i.e. head of the CIA).
Here's another one: what is the purpose of the Department of Homeland Security? My understanding is that it is there to provide security for America (i.e. the Homeland?). That is to say: to defend America from anything that threatens its security. In other words, a Department of Defense? I do believe that we have one of those... It's been around since 1947 when the War Department was combined with the Department of the Navy in order to create a new National Military Establishment.
Now, here's an interesting point about the Defense Department that Abby brought to my attention. How many wars of defense has the Defense Department fought since 1947? Hmmm... none. All of the conflicts prosecuted by the DoD have been (thankfully) on foreign soil. All of our truly defensive wars were fought prior to 1947 by the War Department.
Just some food for thought. It pays to pay attention. Hi, I'm from the Department of Redundancy Department.
P.S. - If you haven't yet had a chance, listen to Barack Obama's speech to the Democratic National Convention. Inspiring to say the least.
npr.org (streaming WindowsMedia and RealAudio)
bluestarfolly.com (downloadable mp3)
P.P.S. - news porn, my latest media/news/art project is now live. Check it out!
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| - Lars |
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