Who Do Intelligence Snoops Serve?

*Article republished from 2004 – “True then and even more accurate today.” -SARTRE

“I strongly believe the CIA is ably led by George Tenet,” George W. Bush said in an Oval Office interview to be broadcast Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Well, from the perspective of the Intelligence Community culture, the president is probably correct. However; the essential question that is continuously ignored, asks if those assets serve the American People!

Spying is as old as time. The principal aspect that matters is the purpose of that intelligence gathering. The CIA is only the most visible agency that engages in the practice of counterintelligence. Those that are acknowledged openly are listed on an official government site, Members of the Intelligence Community (IC). The history of success (depending on how one defines such a standard) is mixed at best. Notwithstanding, the public accounts, the real story lies deep within the bowels of “foggy bottom” archive tombs. Those too sensitive to ever risk the light of day, have been buried along with those who knew too much.

So what else is new? The varied fiefdoms often conflict, since they seldom share a common agenda. Only a naive believer accepts that these spooks snoop for the national interest. A sub rosa government needs not to rely upon conspiracy theories or urban legends to be real. All you have to do is simply study the historic record of how events really play themselves out . . . Secret operations and schemes are the precise business the IC conducts. So why would it be silly to dismiss that the world operates upon a lust for power, or that it is abnormal?

Ushering a serious discussion about the motives and intentions of the black bag boys, risks the loss of credibility within polite circles. The extent and degree of their mastery, is demonstrated that inquiry into the secret agent realm, has been deemed a characteristic of paranoia. Even when random patterns or coincidence are implausible, the government instructs the public that only the psychotic believe in conspiracies.

If that was so, how does one explain the sociopathic behavior that routinely comes out of the STATE? Debating or criticizing a specific incident may be entertaining and even informative, but when was the last time folks agreed upon the unique trajectory of that “magic bullet” which did so much damage? Consensus is more than one can hope to achieve. Citizens are too afraid of admitting that they are ruled by other than duly elected representatives and benevolent bureaucrats.  Nonetheless, that is exactly the circumstance of our lives.

The missing ingredient that escapes the discernment of the masses is that intelligence gathering is valid if it serves and protects a way of life, which is based upon individual liberty. When policies, programs and techniques have the very aim of stripping natural rights from the sovereign citizenry, who do these spies serve? A clandestine mindset, causes subversion of legitimate authority. Disinformation is a standard diet that is dished out for public consumption. And hidden elitist interests never justify cryptic genocide, in the name of national security.

Jim Lobe, an accomplished investigative reporter, makes the point well. Inspection of Vice President Dick Cheney’s role and that of arch NeoCon – Lewis “Scooter” Libby – interaction with the CIA has been made public. “And it was also Libby and Cheney who reportedly visited the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) several times in the run-up to the war in Iraq in what was taken as pressure on CIA analysts to take a darker view of Saddam’s alleged ties to al-Qaeda and weapons of mass destruction than what was reflected in the agency’s reports”. Just another turf battle among varying factions! Or the harboring of more sinister forces?

What do you think? When George Bush was asked by Tim Russert about both Senator John Kerry and himself being in the same Skull and Bones secret society, the President replied:  “It was so secret that you can’t talk about it!”  Do you believe he was joking or just admitting the obvious? Just look at George’s face! If looks could kill, Russert would be dead.

This is a transparent example of the visible, but the general public are kept in a darkened room as they are tortured by the plots of the IC. Do they direct themselves and delve in free lance projects, or are they mere tools of more ubiquitous and eternal forces? You don’t need a sermon preached on this topic to understand the workings of political power. Intelligence services are gatekeepers for establishment cabal interests. They may serve occasionally or sit at the same table of the manipulation. But at all times they collaborate when it benefits their own agenda.

Take your pick! Despite clouded information, you can be assured that the Intelligence Community does not salute the flag of the Republic. Their empire is based upon the need to confront foes, real or imaginary. It’s their task to convince you that their enemies are also yours; especially when there is no actual threat to you. If you dispute their program, you just might make their list of suspected dissenters. And, by now, you should know there is a very thin line between protest and being branded as a terrorist.

SARTRE is the pen name of James Hall, a reformed, former political operative. This pundit’s formal instruction in History, Philosophy and Political Science served as training for activism, on the staff of several politicians and in many campaigns. A believer in authentic Public Service, independent business interests were pursued in the private sector. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, several successful ventures expanded opportunities for customers and employees. Speculation in markets, and international business investments, allowed for extensive travel and a world view for commerce. He is retired and lives with his wife in a rural community. “Populism” best describes the approach to SARTRE’s perspective on Politics. Realities, suggest that American Values can be restored with an appreciation of “Pragmatic Anarchism.” Reforms will require an Existential approach. “Ideas Move the World,” and SARTRE’S intent is to stir the conscience of those who desire to bring back a common sense, moral and traditional value culture for America. Not seeking fame nor fortune, SARTRE’s only goal is to ask the questions that few will dare … Having refused the invites of an academic career because of the hypocrisy of elite’s, the search for TRUTH is the challenge that is made to all readers. It starts within yourself and is achieved only with your sincere desire to face Reality. So who is SARTRE? He is really an ordinary man just like you, who invites you to join in on this journey. Visit his website at .