DistrictDeacon
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So what makes it playing politics in this case?
its' huh?
Townie, it is possible that our intelligence community has stepped up influence in domestic politics as foreign actors have stepped up their influence in domestic politics?
A democracy always has to keep a strong oversight eye on its intelligence and law enforcement agencies, as they are potential threats to democratic rule and accountability. There is certainly plenty of reason to be concerned about the growing reach of intel agencies in the modern digital age, deepfakes, social media disinformation etc.
That said, let's look at how the last two presidents have been treated.
There are plenty of Republicans working in intel and law enforcement, and probably a lot of them were not big fans of Obama. But Obama operated a clean ship and there was no intel uprising to undercut or get rid of him. One could also of course make the argument that Obama gave them plenty of free rein to do what they wanted and they liked him for that, but that's pretty speculative. What is factually observable is the Obama administration was not into committing high crimes and misdemeanors on the reg, and the intel and law enforcement agencies didn't make any noticeable attempt to interfere in the government.
Trump, on the other hand, does commit high crimes and misdemeanors on the reg, and is also generally incompetent at intel, foreign policy, and everything else. He does seem to like torture and war crimes, and he wants to "take the gloves off", but maybe that stuff has gone out of fashion with most of the intel types, at least the leadership. So we have lifelong career intel and law enforcement and military types stepping up to say "hey, this stuff isn't right" and doing so through proper channels and chain of command.
I just don't think this record supports a narrative of the intel community meddling in the democratic process.
If Townie's a Greenwaldy, we've lost him.
Townie, it is possible that our intelligence community has stepped up influence in domestic politics as foreign actors have stepped up their influence in domestic politics?
A democracy always has to keep a strong oversight eye on its intelligence and law enforcement agencies, as they are potential threats to democratic rule and accountability. There is certainly plenty of reason to be concerned about the growing reach of intel agencies in the modern digital age, deepfakes, social media disinformation etc.
That said, let's look at how the last two presidents have been treated.
There are plenty of Republicans working in intel and law enforcement, and probably a lot of them were not big fans of Obama. But Obama operated a clean ship and there was no intel uprising to undercut or get rid of him. One could also of course make the argument that Obama gave them plenty of free rein to do what they wanted and they liked him for that, but that's pretty speculative. What is factually observable is the Obama administration was not into committing high crimes and misdemeanors on the reg, and the intel and law enforcement agencies didn't make any noticeable attempt to interfere in the government.
Trump, on the other hand, does commit high crimes and misdemeanors on the reg, and is also generally incompetent at intel, foreign policy, and everything else. He does seem to like torture and war crimes, and he wants to "take the gloves off", but maybe that stuff has gone out of fashion with most of the intel types, at least the leadership. So we have lifelong career intel and law enforcement and military types stepping up to say "hey, this stuff isn't right" and doing so through proper channels and chain of command.
I just don't think this record supports a narrative of the intel community meddling in the democratic process.
Ok last three responses.
Greenwald is doing really important reporting in Brazil. He's risking his life and the life of his family there. That major outlets aren't publishing his work anymore and his reputation has been tarnished is largely because of his politics, which I can understand. But you can't really fault his reporting.
Yes, and well said. Very good point.
Obama was buddy-buddy with the intelligence community and expanded the reach of their influence across traditional party or ideological lines, from drones to surveillance to silencing whistleblowers. Of course they treated him well. And of course the intelligence community is unhappy with Trump, who has derided them since before his time in office and has pushed this dumb narrative about the deep state.
Republican's main goal is trying to out the whistleblower, I see.
Republican's main goal is trying to out the whistleblower, I see.