Retired Adm. Dennis Blair has been tapped to become our next director of national intelligence, overseeing 16 agencies. Given the importance of this position to our domestic security and to our relations with the world, Blair is the absolute wrong choice.
Most Americans know little about the brutal fashion in which Indonesia has treated citizens of neighboring East Timor. Nor do they know that Indonesia has committed these atrocities with Washington’s aid and consent. In the forefront of this disgraceful history was none other than Adm. Dennis Blair, who consistently encouraged Indonesian generals to pursue their crimes without fear of U.S. interference.
All of this is detailed by journalist Alan Nairn, who has reported on these matters for years, to little avail in the American press. Recordings and transcripts of his recent interviews on Democracy Now radio are available on the Internet.
Considering these revelations, it would be a terrible mistake to put such a tainted figure as Blair in charge of our nation’s intelligence services.
Kale Baldock
Kansas City, Kan.
"Sorry I don't see the biased reporting you claim. Maybe you could point it out for me."
If you can't look at that site and tell it is a collection of OPINION pieces, and not independent journalism, then I don't see any reason to debate it further.
Just because you may agree with it doesn't make it unbiased.
Posted by: Marctnts | January 13, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Sorry I don't see the biased reporting you claim. Maybe you could point it out for me.
http://www.allannairn.com/
Posted by: putkidsfirst | January 12, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Sounds as if Retired Adm. Dennis Blair has some knowledge and experience that fit him for the post. If so, he will be a welcome contrast to LP, the inexperienced appointee apparent for the head of the CIA.
Posted by: Engineer | January 12, 2009 at 03:05 PM
As is true with almost everything you read that is not current news. Give someone with an agenda 12 hours and they'll turn water to wine or vinegar, whichever suits their purpose.
Posted by: solomon | January 12, 2009 at 08:25 AM
"All of this is detailed by journalist Alan Nairn, who has reported on these matters for years, to little avail in the American press."
A quick read of this guy's blog indicates that he's definitely got an ideology he's pushing. He's an opinion writer, and if you agree with his opinions, fine, but let's not pretend that his reporting is unbiased and independent.
Posted by: Marctnts | January 12, 2009 at 07:31 AM