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This page contains all of the posts and discussion on MemeStreams referencing the following web page: Honorable Commission, Toothless Report. You can find discussions on MemeStreams as you surf the web, even if you aren't a MemeStreams member, using the Threads Bookmarklet.

Honorable Commission, Toothless Report
by noteworthy at 4:19 pm EDT, Jul 24, 2004

So what now? News coverage of the commission's recommendations has focused on the organizational improvements.
There are other changes that would help more.
First, we need not only a more powerful person at the top of the intelligence community, but also more capable people throughout the agencies.
Second, the analysts need real independence.
Even more important than any bureaucratic suggestions is the report's cogent discussion of who the enemy is and what strategies we need in the fight.

Unanimity has its value, but so do debate and dissent in a democracy facing a crisis.

Richard Clarke offers his commentary on the 9/11 report.

RE: Honorable Commission, Toothless Report
by Decius at 5:58 pm EDT, Jul 24, 2004

noteworthy wrote:

] First, we need not only a more powerful person at the
] top of the intelligence community, but also more capable
] people throughout the agencies.

In other words:

Dear Mr. Kerry,

My name is Richard Clarke and I'm applying for the newly created intelligence czar position on your cabinet, should you be elected to the Presidency. Although most of my career has dealt primarily with keeping 14 year olds out of federal computer systems I think I'm ready for something more important, and as my resume demonstrates I've been generating a lot of political drama in the past few years.
I think I'm a good choice for this position because my name appears frequently in print. Many Americans will vaugly recollect hearing about me and politics is all about branding anyway. They will think you made a good choice in choosing me because they've heard of me before, and then they will go back to watching the Simpsons while the planet burns around them.
I'll be sure to continue to make press appearances after I'm hired, promoting both my own name and yours, as we work together to figure out how to hire somebody who can convince millions of violent religious fundamentalists to chill the fuck out.

Sincerely,
Mr. Clarke