The Real Story of the CIA

I can't stand it no more. Because I know some facts about how different intelligence agencies work, I find it important to set the record as straight as I can.

There is an old fable about the scorpion and the turtle. One day there was a horrible flood and a scorpion and turtle found themselves marooned on a rock. The turtle, being a kind creature, told the scorpion that he could swim to the shore and the scorpion could ride on his back. Normally the scorpion is not a friend of the turtle and the scorpion would sooner sting (and kill) a turtle than look at him. However, in this case the scorpion was very happy to accept the offer and leave the rock so he would not drown. About halfway across the stream, for no reason whatsoever, the scorpion stung the turtle. As the turtle could feel the life slipping out of his body, he turned his head as asked the scorpion why he did that as they both now would surely die. The scorpion replied, "I can't help it - it is in my nature".

What does this fable have to do with the current controversy between the Speaker of the House and the CIA? Everything. Nancy Pelosi is a hard core leftist (maybe Socialist), and as such she can't resist the opportunity to besmirch an honorable institution like the CIA in order to further blacken the Bush Administration. In short, like the scorpion, she can't help herself.

Now lets have some facts to cut through the fog of misreporting by the lap dog media:

• Obtaining the clearance I had in the Navy was very similar to the process of qualifying for a clearance with the CIA. The number one question the FBI, DIS or whomever is doing the background check asks is veracity. How trustworthy and truthful is this person. If you are someone who is at odds with the truth, you are wished good luck on your next profession and shown the door.
• Only the very top people of any government organizations change when the administration changes. The "worker bees" stay the same and are very apolitical. I served under four administrations and the work I did stayed the same for each.
• After being sucker punched on 9/11, President George W. Bush used the left over Clinton Administration CIA chief (George Tenant) and reconstituted the CIA. In a very short period of time, the CIA, along with the NSA and FBI were able to get valuable Intel which was instrumental in keeping us safe for the remainder of the two Bush (43) terms.
• Lying to congress not only would violate the terms of having a security clearance - it is also against the law. You can go to prison for it. There would be absolutely nothing to gain by lying to congress and everything to loose.
• The current head of the CIA is a political appointee. His background is Chief of Staff in the Clinton Administration and a few terms in the House of Representatives (he represented the same state as the Speaker of the House....hmmm)

To really get to the truth, declassify the meetings that took place between the CIA and congress immediately following 9/11. For decades the men and women of the CIA put themselves in situations that we can only imagine. The real work that they do will probably never see the light of day. It is important to understand that the CIA, NSA, FBI and the myriad of other classified organizations within our country keep us all safe and free. They should be commended, not castigated.

The truth shall set us free. Madam Speaker, put up or shut up. Like the scorpion, you have stung the organization that serves you the best. And like the scorpion, your ultimate fate might be the same - failure to make it to shore (re-election).