Reader Comments

Editor: Many thanks for explaining the events in your “Failed CIA Reform.” Being on the outside looking in, as most of us civilians are, the events at the CIA had a Byzantine quality that defied understanding. I long ago despaired of the CIA being of much use after it failed to anticipate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union, the A-bomb tests in India, and too many more nasty surprises. I keep hoping it's doing some good, but I have my fears and doubts. I doubt a super-sized intelligence bureaucracy will do much better. Regards, Alan Caruba (Editor: Mr. Caruba’s most recent book will be published in September, "Right Answers: Short Takes on Big Issues.")

Editor: The article by your editor Donald Devine—“Failed CIA Reform”--could not be more correct not only as it pertains to The CIA but all agencies of government.  Having retired from government in 1989 after 20 years of service, I can attest that partisan bureaucrats thwart the best intentions of the Administration's policies (whether liberal or conservative).  I thought it was bad during my time of service but I believe that it has steadily worsened since '89.  While I worked for DOI and Agriculture, I am confident that the situation at CIA is astronomically more important due to National Security. While I don't have a solution, I'm glad to see that someone at least recognizes THE PROBLEM.  If only Pres. Bush and his administration had/would recognize that they won the election and acted accordingly they could have (still can) make significant strides to get rid of the troublemakers.  I expect that the fact that most bureaucrats are next to impossible to terminate has something to do with the problem. Keep up the pressure, Mr. Devine. Sincerely, Jim Mason, St. George, Utah.

Editor: Regarding “Failed CIA Reform,” I have long wondered what the real story was.  A few months ago my husband and I listened to a speech given by Mr. Negroponte to his alma mater's foreign service school, and were shocked at the degree of fluff in that speech.  Since that point, my opinion of Mr. Negroponte has gone nowhere except down.  I was quite disheartened when I  learned of  Porter Goss' departure, but now I begin to see what happened (sorry,  I don't  live inside the Beltway or I would have known it all along, I  suppose). My questions are:  (1) Where does General Hayden fit in all of this and (2) What is the relationship between Jane Harmon and Kappes? Keep on with the story.  You certainly have intrigued me. Erica L. Labrentz, Ph.D. (psychologist), Branch, LA

Editor: Regarding Mike Pence’s “Real Immigration Reform,” let's run Representative Pence for President in '08. Thanks, Frank Johnson

Editor: Great article on Pence's stand on immigration. Yes, we are a land of immigrants. But, most of those people were legal and lawful citizens. When the English first came here they had to have permission from England and everyone else came through immigration offices. Sometime leaving the whole family behind, families were "broken" for years as some members came first to provide money for the rest. We also didn't have free healthcare and Social Security. The times have changed and we must protect our nation and our rights. If Mexico can keep illegal immigrants out of their country, why can't the USA? Greg Miller

Editor: In regard to Daniel Pipes’ “Should Police Profile,” I can understand a little of why police will lie about profiling. They would no doubt be besieged with law suits, the A.C.L.U., civil rights and other PC groups. I am for profiling 100%. Any tool that enables Law Enforcement to apprehend criminals and terrorists is to be applauded. If an innocent person is detained, they should have no problem if they are truly innocent. Mistakes are made regardless of how many guidelines are written, being the human element is such as it is. Our Law Enforcement people are hamstrung in so many ways now that it is nigh onto impossible for them to perform their job. William Robinson, Spencer, W.Va.

Editor: In regard to the Daniel Pipes article, in a country that has had its share of homegrown terrorists, the concept of making racial profiling makes me a bit nervous.  Let me give you an example:  We are an African-American family who moved to a predominantly white neighborhood 7 years ago.  My son was stopped by police 5 times in one year on his way home from school.  His friend, John (who is white) has never been stopped by police.  This type of profiling is unacceptable and dangerous.  When I found out, I went down to the police station and asked why my son was being stopped and searched on his way home from school.  I was told that he fit "the description of a man for whom they were searching".  To which I replied, "I beg your pardon, but my son fits the description of a boy coming home from school."  He was never stopped again.  As you well know, this could have ended tragically.   Where is my son, now?  He's in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division.  He is 4th generation military.  I did not want this for him, but he did.  As you also know, police sometimes lie.  They sometimes abuse their powers. Unless you have been a target of racial profiling, there is no way for you to understand what a negative effect this has on our young people.  There are lots of other ways to root this out.  Legalizing racial profiling would be a huge mistake, one that would have serious ramifications for this country for years to come. Kathy Davis

Editor: In regard to Daniel Pipes’ piece, if a bank robber escaped in a Chevrolet would the police have to look at all Fords, Dodges and the rest? Profiling makes sense in catching ALL criminals. If a White man kills someone would the police have to look at all dark skinned men and women? Charles

Editor: Boy, is this woman Lisa Fabrizio right on about Al Gore!  What an article!  Poor old Gore.  Why doesn't he just quit while he is ahead?  If, indeed, he is ahead! Nice article, Lisa. Judith Bingham, Odessa, TX

Editor: The article by Thomas Brewton on “Di Vinci Escapism” was excellent, but I think he should have mentioned evolutionism somewhere in his piece. Karl Priest

Editor: Can anyone tell me how I can get permission to reprint Thomas Brewton's DA VINCI ESCAPISM in the newsletter of the Minnesota Association of Scholars?  Any help will be appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Editor: I just read John Goodman's article (http://acuf.org/issues/issue62/060625gov.asp) on the work of the Citizens' Health Care Working Group and wanted to let you know that the group is actively soliciting feedback from the public on these interim recommendations.  It may be helpful for you to encourage your members/readers to provide their comments to the recommendations online at http://www.citizenshealthcare.gov. The group is considering all of the feedback it receives- this would allow your readers to make their opinions heard. Rather than linking to the pdf, could you change the link to the one above, so that your readers will know that they can comment? Thanks so much, Jessica