Thursday, July 26, 2007

Privatization of U.S. intelligence

According to R. J. Hillhouse, PhD (thespywhobilledme.com) many of the functions of national intelligence are conducted by private companies contracted to the government. She reports that all levels of the intelligence community are populated by private contractors. Field level intelligence gathering, data analysis, management and even preparation of the President's daily intelligence briefing are conducted in part by professionals from such companies as Raytheon, Lockheed, and Booz Allen Hamilton.

The infestation of the intelligence community by companies whose major business is armaments and war implements is very dangerous to the American people. The prime allegiance of those contractors is to the companies that employ them, not the U.S. government or the American people. Naturally, employees of defense industry companies will always suggest to the President that America be at war. How is this different from 1984? How is this different from facism? It is no different.

Just as privatization of military functions is an incredibly bad idea (see earlier posts) so is privatization of intelligence. Control of intelligence and military functions must be returned to the United States Government.

1 comment:

big buddha cheese said...

The privatization of intelligence gathering, thanks to GOP and DINO administrations, has become a dangerous reality.

However, putting the cart before the horse has been a consistent MO of government, especially of conservative and right wing GOP administrations and triangulating DINO administrations.

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