The FBI and Social media

For John, BLUF:  I am seeing indications in the fringe media that folks think the FBI and other members of the Intelligence Community are in relations with the media, which are too close.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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"The FBI and other law enforcement organizations treated Twitter as a 'subsidiary,' flagging numerous accounts for purportedly harmful 'misinformation'..."

From Althouse, by Professor Ann Althouse, 17 December 2022, 10:23 AM .

Here is the lede plus two:

"The FBI and other law enforcement organizations treated Twitter as a 'subsidiary,' flagging numerous accounts for purportedly harmful 'misinformation' since January of 2020, according to the sixth installment of the 'Twitter Files' released Friday. Independent journalist Matt Taibbi described the FBI’s relationship with Twitter as having a 'master-canine quality' with 'constant and pervasive' contact between the bureau and the social media giant.... Friday’s Twitter Files also revealed that the company participated in monthly meetings with not only the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, but also with the Justice Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.... Instead of chasing child sex predators or terrorists,' Taibbi summed up in a tweet following the file drop, 'the FBI has agents — lots of them — analyzing and mass-flagging social media posts. Not as part of any criminal investigation, but as a permanent, end-in-itself surveillance operation. People should not be okay with this.' The FBI told the Post on Friday that it... 'regularly engages with private sector entities... [which] independently make decisions about what, if any, action they take on their platforms and for their customers after the FBI has notified them'...."

The NY Post reports.

ALSO: There's this other article in the NY Post: "Twitter’s top ranks riddled with ex-FBI employees" ("More than a dozen former feds flocked to the company in the months and years prior to Elon Musk’s purchase of the social network in October").

I think the new Congress should look into the FBI, and the broader Intelligence Community.  If they can't get witnesses to testify, there is always the power of the purse.  While I think RFK, Jr, may be over the top in claiming his uncle (President John F Kennedy) was killed by the CIA, we have had to much ""trust me" and not enough Congressional Investigations.

We need a more open federal Government.

Hat tip to the Ann Althouse.

Regards  —  Cliff

Can We Let It Go?

For John, BLUF:  We, as a nation, need to find a way to move beyond the RussiaGate/ Crossfire Hurricane imbroglio and get back to trying to be one nation, under the Constitution.  Durham in this case is Feeral Attorney John Durham, who has been assigneed to track down th whole mess of Crossfire Hurricane.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here Are the Senior Biden Officials Entangled in Durham’s Criminal Russiagate Probe

From The Epoch Times, by Reporter Paul Sperry, Updated 24 July 2022 .

Here is the lede plus two:

Several individuals connected to a 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign plot to cast Donald Trump as a covert Kremlin collaborator are working in high-level jobs within the Biden administration—including at least two senior Biden appointees cited by Special Counsel John Durham in his “active (and) ongoing” criminal investigation of the scheme, according to recently filed court documents.

Jake Sullivan, who now serves as Biden’s national security adviser, and Caroline Krass, a top lawyer at the Pentagon, were involved in efforts in 2016 and 2017 to advance the Clinton campaign’s false claims about Trump through the media and the federal government, documents show.  Other evidence shows that two other Biden officials—senior State Department official Dafna Rand and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler—also are entangled in the so-called Russiagate scandal.

It’s not known whether these Biden appointees have been interviewed by Durham’s investigators. But as the probe widens, some government ethics watchdogs anticipate that Biden’s presidency could be pulled into the scandal, which saw the FBI abuse its surveillance powers to spy on a Trump campaign adviser based on Clinton opposition research.

Add to this that FBI Agent Peter Strzok was really a sheep dipped CIA Agent.

Part of me wonders why smart people in our Nation’s Capitol won’t just let this go away quietly, which would be good for the Republic and good for the individuals.

Then I think about the monumental egos involved and I see how they can’t let go.  This ego problem is setting a bad precedent for the lesser politicians to follow.  We would all be better off to just let this mess drop and all shake hands and smile.  My limited experience tells me that proving you were right, especially when you weren’t, usually ends poorly.

What is really surprising is that we are so willing to jettison the history of our nation, an action that will leave us devoid of a basis for who we are, but we hang on to these recent bitter feuds, which fail to inform us as to who we should be.

Regards  —  Cliff

The FBI Stumbles

For John, BLUF:  We all forget that when J Edger Hoover was Director of the FBI, not all the actions were Kosher.  On the other hand, I have always had faith in the FBI as portrayed by Inspector Lewis Erskine.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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FBI Diagnosed With CIA Disease

Here is the sub-headline:

An inspector general’s report underscores how the FBI departed from its tradition of professionalism and honesty in pursuit of domestic political influence.

From American Greatness, by Prof Angelo Codevilla, 28 November 2019.

Here is the lede plus one:

The Justice Department’s inspector general this month reprimanded the FBI for the manner in which it recruits and supervises its “confidential human sources.”  To the layman, this seems about technicalities.  In fact, it shows that one of the CIA’s deadliest dysfunctions now infects the FBI as well.

This disease consists of choosing and rejecting sources for the purpose of indulging the agencies’ and their leaders’ private agendas rather than to further intelligence work on the public’s behalf.

Necessarily, the language of the inspector general’s November 19 report is vague:  “Ineffective management and oversight of confidential sources.”  This means the FBI has failed to use “adequate controls” in its validation of human sources, which has resulted in “jeopardizing FBI operations, and placing FBI agents, sources, subjects of investigation, and the public in harm’s way.”

The inspector general’s concern with the FBI’s source management stems from the investigation into the FBI’s involvement in the 2016 presidential campaign, including by taking seriously the infamous Steele dossier that it knew was a fabrication as well as, likely, some Russian communication intercepts that also should have been rejected on strictly professional grounds.  In short, the FBI departed from its tradition of professionalism and honesty in pursuit of domestic political influence.

Angelo M. Codevilla is a senior fellow of the Claremont Institute, professor emeritus of international relations at Boston University and the author of To Make And Keep Peace (Hoover Institution Press, 2014).  Mr Codeville's experience includes Service on the Senate Intelligence Committee staff.

Here is the Report.  Footnote 10, or what it is footnoting, is quite interesting.

At least it isn't as bad as China.  Mr Zak Doffman, in Forbes writes "China Has Weaponized The Smartphone:  Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned".  Yes, Bureaaucrats can believe their mission justifies the abrogation of human rights, because the Bureaucrats are doing what is right, what is best for the People.

Once upon a time the Democrats were sensitive to these kinds of shenanigans, but apparently no more.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Whistleblower?

For John, BLUF:  The hunt for a crime becomes murkier and murkier.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Alleged ‘Whistleblower’ Worked Closely with Anti-Trump Dossier Hoaxer

From The Geller Report, by Ms Pamela Geller, 7 November 2019.

Here is the lede plus two:

When the the first conspiracy (Russia) exposed the Democrat coup, the party of treason merely moved on to the next big lie.  When do we get justice?

Eric Ciaramella is a CIA analyst and former National Security Council staffer who has served in the Obama and Trump administrations as a career intelligence officer.  President Trump should have purged all the Obama America destroyers from the ranks.

“The establishment’s attempted coup against the sitting president is now entering its end game.  The stakes are high.  Either Trump is impeached and removed from office or the establishment ends up exposed as corrupt and duplicitous elitists willing to go to any lengths to overturn an election result they have never accepted.”  (more here)

Ms Geller thinks it is pretty swampy out there.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Russiagate Slowly Eroding

For John, BLUF:  There is a breakdown in the self-discipline of our Civil Servants and a breakdown in the wall between the Free Press and the Civil Service.  This likely won't end well.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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SCOOP:  CIA, FBI Informant Was Washington Post Source For Russiagate Smears

Here is the sub-headline:

These close connections between the Washington Post’s David Ignatius and people connected to U.S. and U.K. intelligence raise grave concerns about the deep state using media to push propaganda.

From The Federalist, by Ms Margot Cleveland, 4 November 2019.

Here is the lede plus one:

The Federalist has learned that the now-outed CIA and FBI informant Stefan Halper served as a source for Washington Post reporter David Ignatius, providing more evidence that the intelligence community has co-opted the press to push anti-Trump conspiracy theories.  In addition, an email recently obtained by The Federalist from the MI5-connected Christopher Andrew bragging that his long-time friend Ignatius has the “‘inside track’ on Flynn” adds further confirmation of this conclusion.

Svetlana Lokhova, the Russian-born English citizen and Soviet-era scholar, told The Federalist that she only realized the significance of her communications with and about Ignatius following the filing of attorney Sidney Powell’s reply brief in the Michael Flynn case.

It is beginning to look like the Press was the stooges of Government Officials trying to hobble, if not overthrow, the Presidency of Donald Trump.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Diogenes Out There?

For John, BLUF:  People are just going wacko over this whole Trump issue.  So, will we ever learn the truth?  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Intel Chair:  FBI, DOJ Obstructing Trump Probe in Hope of Dem Takeover in Congress

Here is the sub-headline:

Nunes says DOJ, FBI betting on Dems killing probe

From The Washington Free Beacon, by Reporter Adam Kredo, 17 July 2018.

Here is the lede:

The chair of the House Intelligence Committee accused the FBI and Department of Justice of stonewalling a sprawling investigation into claims the Trump campaign colluded with Russia with the hope of running out the clock until the November elections, when they anticipate Democrats will regain control of the House and dissolve an ongoing probe that has uncovered evidence U.S. officials sought to cripple Trump's campaign.

While I am doubtful of the Democrats winning either House in November, absent the Special Counsel dropping some unethical "October Surprise".  At the same time, I don't see the value in accusing the Democratic Party Leadership higher level Civil Servants of playing fast and loose with US security and the integrity of our electoral process.  I would expect better of Representative Nunes.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Out of His Lane?

For John, BLUF:  I think Mr Brennon protests too much.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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John Brennan Fires Warning Shot

Here is the sub-headline:

Former CIA Director-turned-Twitter troll, John Brennan lashed out at Trump on Sunday evening after the President ordered the DOJ to investigate the FBI’s infiltration of his campaign.

From The Gateway Pundit, by Ms Cristina Laila, 20 May 2018.

Here is the Tweet from Mr Brennan:

Senator McConnell & Speaker Ryan: If Mr. Trump continues along this disastrous path, you will bear major responsibility for the harm done to our democracy. You do a great disservice to our Nation & the Republican Party if you continue to enable Mr. Trump’s self-serving actions. a href="https://t.co/uAhgL6wfIC">https://t.co/uAhgL6wfIC

— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) May 20, 2018

The link in the Text Message goes here:

I hereby demand, and will do so officially tomorrow, that the Department of Justice look into whether or not the FBI/DOJ infiltrated or surveilled the Trump Campaign for Political Purposes - and if any such demands or requests were made by people within the Obama Administration!

1:37 PM · May 20, 2018

What is M Brennan asking for?  Impeachment and Conviction?

One of the leaders of the Intel Community trying to muscle the Legislative Leadership seems askew.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Coming Clean in the IC

For John, BLUF:  What does she know and when did she know it.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Rand Paul:  I Want To Know What Haspel Knows About The Surveillance Of The Trump Campaign, If CIA Was Involved

Posted on Real Clear Politics, by Mr Ian Schwartz, 15 May 2018.

Here is Senator Rand Paul, quoted in the article:

This is a big deal.  Now, some are saying, oh, it was just incidentally collected.  It`s still a big deal.  And there is a question.  There are some accusations it was actually ordered by President Obama`s administration, either through John Brennan or others.  Gina Haspel is the acting director of the CIA.  She is high enough up in the CIA.  I think we should know what she knows about whether the Trump campaign was surveilled upon.  We do know that John Brennan, since he has left government, has become an outspoken partisan against the president in very defamatory terms.  So, yes, I`m concerned about Gina Haspel being a close acolyte of John Brennan.  I also would like to know from her before she is appointed, if she is indeed appointed, I would like to know, what does she know about the surveillance of the Trump campaign and why was the CIA involved?

Seems a fair question, and more germaine than about water boarding.

UPDATE:  To late.  Already Confirmed by the US Senate.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

Proposed CIA Director to be Grilled Today

For John, BLUF:  This is a very important issue, because it is about accountability in our secret services, which in turn reflects on accountability in the Deep State.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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This is about the nomination of Ms Gina Haspel to be the next Director of the CIA.  She is an Intel Progressional, who has worked her way up to be the Deputy Director (and Acting Director).

Gina Haspel and the Elusive Shadow of CIA Torture:  A Response to Ben Wittes

From Just Security, by Professor Steve Vladeck, 9 May 2018.  Mr Vladeck is Co-Editor-in-Chief of Just Security and Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law.

Here is the lede:

At Lawfare, Ben Wittes has a long post up titled “Why I Support Gina Haspel—Despite a Big Reservation.”  It’s worth reading in full, because it makes about as strong a case as can be made for Haspel’s confirmation for folks who are, to put it precisely, less than enthusiastic about the wisdom, morality, or legality of the CIA’s Rendition, Detention, and Interrogation (RDI) program—in which Haspel played a major role.  (For those, like President Trump, who see her role in CIA torture as a feature, not a bug, well, that’s another matter.)

Yes, this is about the fact that in the wake of the 9/11 Attacks we went with torture to obtain the information we wanted on our enemies.  We have since come to the conclusion that it was illegal and immoral to torture people for information.  There are those who would argue that it was also ineffective.

The Senate hearing on Ms Haspel begins today.

Part of what this is about is sweeping history under the rug.  Another part is if having sinned once, one is forever denied absolution.  That is, is atonement possible?  The way we are pulling down Civil War statues in this country, one wonders.

Regards  —  Cliff

Brennan on Trump and Putin

For John, BLUF:  It would help if Mr Mueller could speed up his investigation and get his report out to DOJ, Congress and the Public.  Focus on the main issue and not on peripheral issues.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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It isn't like I didn't blog about this before (yesterday), based on a month old article from The Cipher Brief.

Ex-CIA officer:  Brennan’s attacks on Trump ‘cringe-worthy,’ put national security at risk

Here is the sub-headline:

Daniel Hoffman says the former intel chief is aiding a Russian plot to deepen America’s partisan divide

From The Washington Times, by Reporter Guy Taylor, 7 May 2018.

The first four paragraphs:

A behind-the-scenes U.S. intelligence community fight over the merits of publicly scorning President Trump has burst into the open recently, with the CIA’s former Moscow station chief accusing Obama-era spymaster John O. Brennan of crossing a red line through incessant Twitter and cable news excoriations of the current commander in chief.

In addition to claiming that Mr. Brennan is aiding a Kremlin plot to deepen America’s partisan divide, former CIA Clandestine Service Officer Daniel Hoffman says the former CIA director has actually jeopardized national security by publicly insinuating that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be blackmailing Mr. Trump.

Mr. Brennan made the insinuation in late-March when he asserted during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that Mr. Trump is “afraid of the president of Russia” and that “one can speculate as to why.”

“The Russians may have something on [Mr. Trump] personally, that they could always roll out and make his life more difficult,” Mr. Brennan said.  “That [Mr. Trump] has had this fawning attitude toward Mr. Putin…say[s] to me that he does have something to fear and something very serious to fear.”

The thing is, if Mr John Brennan is convinced that Mr Putin has the goods on President Trump,♠ and Ms Nancy Pelosi believes Mr Brennan, then it will cause the House Minority Leader to operate in ways different from what she might have done if she felt she was dealing with a President free of Kremlin pressure and acting solely in the interest of these United States (and his political party).  That means that every proposed piece of legislation, every announcement, every tweet, must be viewed through the lens of what is Russia trying to accomplish here, and resisted based on that assumption.♥

So why would President Trump trust the Intelligence Community?

Hat tip to The Drudge Report.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Or just has a visceral reaction to President Trump and acts on that feeling by seeing him as a Kremlin Stooge, whether it is so or not.
♥  It also serves to destroy trust and create an infinity of mirrors.

Who Should Head the CIA

For John, BLUF:  On the other hand, if you think they are all breaking the law, what difference, at this point, does it make?  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Don’t put a torturer in charge of the CIA

From The Boston Globe, by Speech Boy (Mr Michael A. Cohen), 16 MARCH 2018.

Here is the lede plus three:

In August 2002, less than a year after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Abu Zubaydah was waterboarded 83 times n a CIA secret prison in Thailand. Seven months later, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was tortured in the same manner 183 times.

Other suspected terrorists rounded up during the US global war on terrorism were subjected to mock executions and threats to rape and murder family members. They were placed in stress positions, which included being kept in coffin-like boxes for days on end. They were deprived of sleep (some for as many 180 straight hours), physically assaulted, and forced to take ice-cold baths. One prisoner died from hypothermia during an interrogation. Detainees experienced severe psychological and behavioral problems, including hallucinations, paranoia, and suicidal actions.

In the words of the Senate Intelligence Committee report on the CIA’s detention and interrogation program, detainees were subjected to “cruel, inhuman, and degrading” treatment and “the evidence of this is overwhelming and incontrovertible.”

In the 15 years since this happened not one person has even been held responsible for these heinous acts — and this week a key architect of the CIA’s torture program, Gina Haspel, was nominated to become the director of the agency. If she gets the job it will be, in effect, an acknowledgment by the federal government and Congress that those who broke US and international law by torturing prisoners did nothing wrong. If the rule of law means anything in America, that can’t be allowed to happen.

To me the problem is that if Ms Haspel doesn't meet our standards, then who does?  Do we bring in someone from the outside?  Do we recycle a previous office holder?

Regards  —  Cliff