Richard Clarke and Rand Beers.

[Robin Hood]

This morning I had heard Scott(lying through my *%#)McClellan make the connection between Rand Beers and Richard Clarke as if it were an incestuous relationship. After further research I have come to the conclusion that the fact that Rand Beers is is working to elect Kerry is not damning towards Clarke, Beers or Kerry but rather to Bush.

Why? Because Clarke and Beers have been involved in counter terrorism in Government for a combined period of over sixty years under numerous presidents of varying stripes. Here are some info that I found on the professional relationship between beers and Clarke.

Class schedule and description from Harvard.
http://ksgnotes1.harvard.edu/degreeprog/courses.nsf/0/4548cb72b5f5d6c985256e06000afe33?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=1
Between them Rand Beers and Richard Clarke spent over 20 years in the White House on the National Security Council and over 60 years in national security departments and agencies. They helped to shape the transition from Cold War security issues to the challenges of terrorism, international crime, and failed states. This course is more than a retrospective on that transition, it focuses also on continuing institutional and analytical problems facing governments addressing these security issues today. Case studies will include Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Iraq, Colombia, and Afghanistan. Challenges of counter-terrorism and homeland security will also be addressed.

<Snip>

A little info about Rand Beers.
Former Bush Intelligence Insider Assails Counter terrorism Tactics
Beers says enemy is underestimated
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0616-01.htm
"The administration wasn't matching its deeds to its words in the war on terrorism. They're making us less secure, not more secure," said Beers, who until now has remained largely silent about leaving his National Security Council job as special assistant to the president for combating terrorism. "As an insider, I saw the things that weren't being done. And the longer I sat and watched, the more concerned I became, until I got up and walked out."

No single issue has defined the Bush presidency more than fighting terrorism. And no issue has both animated and intimidated Democrats. Into this tricky intersection of terrorism, policy and politics steps Beers, a lifelong bureaucrat, unassuming and tight-lipped until now. He is an unlikely insurgent. He served on the NSC under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and the current Bush. The oath of office hangs on the wall by his bed; he tears up when he watches "The West Wing." Yet Beers decided that he wanted out, and he is offering a rare glimpse in.

<Snip>

Beers is a Democrat and Clarke is a republican but these guys are pretty much a political with interest in only protecting the country. I think that it is damning to the Bush admin that both of these anti-terrorism pros with all of this experience were ignored and forced to leave government and thus putting this country in a even more vulnerable position.

For the Admin to even paint these guys as partisan hacks is outrageous and should be held accountable.

[illini]

1. Rethuglicans dont let the facts bother them.

Lying doesnt bother them either. Clarke has some guts.

[Robin Hood]

2. He sure does.

Guts down to his knees. But, these guys are just doing their jobs as patriots that have been defending this country.