If these were normal times the sizzle of these missions would be quickly render itself in and out of the news cycle.
Not so Benghazi kept alive by the essentially rogue House leadership, Guess what, fate stepped in to prolong the agony. Seems it was the CIA was behind the script that Susan Rice got the blame for. This complicates the game to destroy the president. It doesn’t matter who appoints the director, the CIA is independent and also rogue. It is who they are and why they do their job so well, or not so well.
The fact that we are in a domestic quandary with the very premise of our country threatened by aggressive, divisive social engineering forays. One such ploy is casting a critical spotlight on every flaw in wartime diplomatic missions. That would be without concern for generations of embedded operational tactics before Benghazi that became standard at the State Department. But this time a failed mission has a political payoff.
These missions are complicated, not at all cut and dry like the conquest of Grenada. Libya is/was unstable; in that environment any ploys or plans that overtly address the landscape in the context of international treaties and precedents, is an excursion in quicksand. Dangerous gambits at best performed by CIA, and hostile to normal diplomacy. But joint missions are the rule and performed at extreme but routine risk, since the CIA appeared in post WWII geopolitics. So maybe in hindsight it is unsafe to set up diplomatic shop in a tinderbox but this is not the first time that happened.
In a previous Op Ed, Major General Douglas O’Dell’s mission comments, at their root, actually struck a positive chord about mission premise planning and logic. The timing was off and his target very selective by some standards but he is the general.
Fault line risk tactics are the norm in war zones or the aftermath, Combining CIA missions with close-knit diplomacy is inherently dangerous but, does Obama own the failure or is it all Russian roulette?
There are people operating domestically who have a mission too; to make Obama fail by whatever means. Their methods are dangerous to the country and they are making hay. Witness statements from the Rogue House Committee are altered and deleted, and an army of propagandists impregnates media and communities with rancor.
Even this forum is subject to planned discord. By that I refer to the previous misuse of Hatch Act tenets as a false talking points.
These are not normal times. The reality we know, balances on a mighty thin reed.
Fletcher R.Hall says
Balderdash!
What is the premise regarding Bengazi? I cannot connect the dots.
Kathi Donegan says
‘Balderdash’ is hardly kind when one has taken pains to offer an opinion. I believe, Mr. Hall, your response is because you see exactly how the writer is connecting the dots and you don’t like it. And that does not Mr. Sonn wrong.
Michael Hildebrand says
This is a great example as to why this country is where it is at today. If Obama beat a nun to death with a puppy, his supporters would defend him no matter what. Obama is responsible for his administration and its actions under his watch, no matter what. This is true for any president, past and future. Contrary to Mr. Sonn’s comment ” the CIA is independent and also rogue”, the CIA operates under the direction of the President and his policies. He is updated daily as to the operations that every agency takes, especially a mission like Benghazi. Now, was it Obama’s fault for the attack, no. Where the talking points changed to suit his political agenda, absolutely! Was this his responsibility, sure it was. These things are done by all presidents but in this instance, Obama got caught. Instead of jumping out there with statements, his administration should have just waited and told the TRUTH! This would have solved this matter before it even got started. This was a tragic mistake that could have been avoided but was not. The real issue here is why no one in government is held accountable! As I listen to the hearings, there hasn’t been a soul that knew anything about anything that was going on. REALLY?!?!? Who is running this operation called the US Government? Obama knew nothing, Hillary knew nothing, Holder never knows nothing and the list goes on and on! The only thing that happens is people turn in their resignation, admit no guilt, and collect their retirement, no questions asked. This government is totally corrupt and right now it is Obama’s corrupt government, just like it was Bush’s corrupt government before Obama, and it will be someone else’s corrupt government when Obama is gone. The next question is why the American people continue to tolerate the same stupid, childish games, over and over again from our government? Instead, we have die hards like Mr. Sonn that would rather defend the government because it is blue at this moment instead of red. We should demand more, we deserve more but will never get it because of this way of thinking. The decline of this nation lies at the feet of all the voters who continue to ignore these issues and vote based on a color, not the truth!
Stephan Sonn says
Now sir, take everything you just said to yourself and blame it on amnesia. I would be willing to bet that I have voted for more Republicans in my time than you have Democrats simply because at different times one party has a better plan. I doubt if you can make that fair minded distinction.
Michael Hildebrand says
You sir would lose the farm on that bet. It is nice to see you continue to vote the status quo no matter which party you chose. You continue to vote the same so you continue to get the same. Amnesia? I don’t forget those things each time I enter a voting booth. If everyone wants change so bad, then vote for change, but if you are going to defend your choices using the “I voted Democrat and Republican”, then you have no leg on which to stand. Real change will only come when the American people unite and vote out the same song and dance we see every two years. So before you doubt my ability to make that “fair minded distinction”, you may want to take some time and examine your voting record because you just explained your inability to realize that both parties are the same!
Michael Hildebrand says
I am fair minded enough to know their isn’t a difference between the Democrats and the Republicans, hence the reason why all things stay the same. You continue to vote the status quo, so before you worry about my ability to make distinctions, you may want to think about your own. I vote for change, REAL change, because I am tired of all the nonsense that goes on in government. Most of America doesn’t have the balls to vote out the status quo and give these politicians a REAL wake up call. It amazes me to see and read all of the op-ed pieces written by the voters, the same voters that continue to re-elect the same thing over and over. You get the government you elect, so please, stop with all the whining!
Joel Brandes says
Michael:
With a tip of the hat to Megan Kelly who said this is the Sargant Shultz group of witnesses, “I heard nothing, I saw nothing, I know nothing”
Joel Brandes says
Paraphasing Winston Churchill, Truth is the first casualty in seeking political power. Where is Diogonese when he is needed? If as some claim, Republicans are using Benghazi, the IRS and AP wiretaps for solely political gain, the wrath of the voters will fall on them. On the other hand, if the Obama administration is proven to have been lying and abusing power, Democrats will pay a price. Opinions are like butts, everyone has one and are entitled to it. Please consider that opinions are not facts and I have no reason to believe those of us who post here are privy to the facts.
Like it or not, what I see congress doing is asking questions in an attempt to learn the factual truth. So long as amnesia does not inhibit discovering the truth, congress will reveal the Who, Why, When and What, letting the chips fall where they may.
Stephan Sonn says
Interesting that both of you
are subjectively answering
your own reimposed questions
rather than what I actually said.
And you are sadly ill advised.
Joel Brandes says
I doubt if any objective reader could misinterpret the words used by, Mr. Sonn, in his many posts. His dislike for anything Tea Party and by extension anything critical of the Obama administration are quite clear to anyone but the IRS. Just like the Justice Departments attempt to inhibit journalists, Mr. Sonn’s attempts to intimadate people with opposing views is beyond the pale. As I have previously stated, seeking truth is vital to having confidence in our government. Those that wish to stifle truth or present their views or opinions as the unvarnished truth are abhorant to me.
Stephan Sonn says
Praise the lord that transfixed old men can most easily find:
their meds; a park bench; and their own blind redemption.
All that with a uncluttered path to the bold certainty that
the utopia they lack awaits them in a manner most kindly.
Stephan Sonn says
Textbook Mr. Hildebrand but yours is a hard sell coming from a really bad place.
You overestimate the dynamics of modern America. After they have smothered
in the web they spun Koch Tea party will fade away.
Stephan Sonn says
Sorry the comment about Koch Tea Party should have been directed to mr Brandes.
Joel Brandes says
Mr. Sonn:
Thank you for making my point. Perfection is something I would like to see from our elected leaders, not something I expect to see from those who blindly support them. In a perfect world one would respect others even if one disagreed with them. The Koch brothers have every right to spend thier money as they see fit, just as George Soros spends his. FYI, The tea party is not a monolith and calling it a party is foolish. If you took the trouble to examine the many individual groups you would discover a broad spectrum of opinions and goals. The only thing I find they have in common is the hatred of paying taxes to an out of control government whether that government be led by Republicans or Democrats.
I did believe you were serious when you stated you would ignore me. I find myself unable to ignore you, as much as I would like to. You see, even if I disagree with your views, I respect your right to state them without my ridiculeing you.
Stephan Sonn says
You picked the wrong guy.
Joel Brandes says
It does appear you believe it to be perfectly acceptable being critical of others, but if someone has the audacity to criticize you it is out of bounds. Thank you for making it possible for me to ignore you as unworthy of consideration.
Stephan Sonn says
Well, this isn’t exactly ghost hunter but you two older gents certainly have at it, tossing around Tea Party dogma. A lot like Porky dining on the contents of an Okinawa honey bucket. So you are Tea Party supporters. Who cares?
Tea party found the fault line in Social Democracy and do a little war dance on the crack every chance they get. You don’t like Republicans or Democrats both, and you think you have a patent on the formula for utopia. Gentlemen you are not just benched, you are not in the ballpark. How do I know? By your own words, or lack thereof. You have quoted the Tea Party script with gusto from A to Z but never mentioned that you were proud fellow travelers.
Or are you not so proud? Would you rather mutter among yourselves or break civility and call me out personally, by name on forum as if I was Spy’s resident Lib-tard.
It strikes me fellows that Tea Party is a Hollywood style production with lots of hefty backers and you guys are standbys in central casting. For all the corruption you think you see in Social Democracy, your bitter confederate alternative will turn the vice to quantum. Tea party upper level is a paid screen writers, news spinners, lobbyist effort taken to an ancestor worship totally at odds with the Declaration of Independence which rejects power group manipulation by any reasonable inference from modern precedent.
But under your touted new order, nobody will ever hear about any of this, will they?
Stephan Sonn says
i have asked myself why anybody would
invest a substantial amount of their fortune
to re-engineer an entire nation
And the answer is with access to virtually unlimited funds
and an insatiable lust to risk the gambit all things are possible.
And in in this age of computers and behavioral science
the technology is at hand.
And as they say i the movies:
THE END
Michael Hildebrand says
The question, “I have asked myself why anybody would invest a substantial amount of their fortune to re-engineer an entire nation?” This is very easy to answer. Both political parties are investing countless dollars to re-engineer this nation along with every “do-gooder” group that can raise ten bucks! This country was founded on the US Constitution and ever since then, each group and party has done everything in their power to manipulate it to create laws to suppress one right or another. Anyone with a small amount of common sense can read the Constitution and understand it. It only becomes complicated when a person who wants to “re-engineer” its meaning to satisfy their personal agenda. Mr. Sonn, you have written many posts in reference to your personal “reengineering” of this nation based on your personal agenda, so please, quit this drama.
I am in no way a die hard “Tea Party” supporter. I am a supporter of the USA and the REPUBLIC for which it stands! We have lost our way as a nation because people here are more worried about what everyone else is doing instead of minding their own business. It is nobodies business as to what each individual does with their own life as long as they are not hurting anyone else. You can pick any issue, any issue you want, but the bottom line is it’s none of your business! Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness has been completely undermined by selfishness!
As for the Benghazi issue, TRUTH is what Americans deserve, and we are not getting it. I don’t care WHO is president or WHICH party is in control, the TRUTH is expected! The current atmosphere in politics allows all types of BS to be put out there and then they swear its the truth. The US Military has capabilities beyond belief and nobody could have helped, or attempted to help? There were people on the ground that where going to help and were told not too, REALLY? And then to stand up in front of the nation and say “I don’t know” and “I didn’t know” and expect that to be ok? If you had a loved one laying on an operating table and they died, would you except that answer from the head surgeon? With all do respect, I already know the answer. To think that anyone can defend to latest actions of this current government and think it is ok, then, as I stated before, you get what you deserve. I personally have much higher expectations. So if expecting honesty, integrity and ability is “a hard sell coming from a really bad place”, then I’ll stay in my really bad place!
Stephan Sonn says
Stay in your self fashioned republic but know that modern presedent has taken it elsewhere.
Yes for the average citizen of this country, yours is a very bad place, best serving you and your org.
Stephan Sonn says
Amazing how a discussion about Benghazi was turned elsewhere by a Tea Party sore spot.
Michael Hildebrand says
You still can not explain why honesty, integrity and ability is self serving nor can you explain why for the average citizen this is a very bad place. To be honest, I don’t even think you know what a republic is or why the founders set it up that way. I think you are very satisfied with government controlling everything in your life no matter what that is. History will prove that the direction which your modern presedent is taking the country will create one of two things, revolution or collapse of the nation. People are getting tired of over burdening government, a free loading society, and the influx of people who do nothing but drain tax paying resources. Your “presedent” is creating loss of jobs, no accountability and status quo. It ignores laws and by passes the democratic process. All it does is satisfy itself, leaving the rest of the nation behind, including you. It educates our children to be dumber about the real issues while teaching them to rely on government to satisfy their needs. Failure is rewarded, laziness is accepted and illegal activity is not the responsibility of the one who does it. If this is where you feel we need to continue to go, you are sadly mistaken.
Stephan Sonn says
What you do sir is drag up monsters from your dark id to demonize your fellow citizens. Benghazi is a sad commentary on the warring state of mankind, some including yourself, being in a constant state of war with themselves and their neighbors. The questions you raise are self serving but I mostly object on the basis of their intellectual properties. You are going have to have the rest of this conversation with yourself or those of similar take because quite frankly your redundancy bores me.
Michael Hildebrand says
Oh well, when all else fails and the questions can’t be answer, shove your head in the sand and become bored. Status quo my friend, status quo!
Stephan Sonn says
Actually no, you are just limited boring and losing.
Michael Hildebrand says
Limited, I think not. I posed several questions for you to answer, but you can’t. So who is limited? Your excuse for being bored is the lack of ability to debate the facts. Being limited means who have no ability to think past the talking points you hear in TV. So until you can explain why honesty, integrity and ability is self serving to just me and not the rest of the nation, you my friend are the loser!
Stephan Sonn says
The problem with the Koch sponsored Tea party is bluster that will turn on them.
Michael Hildebrand says
Your statement also pertains to George Soros, Roger Ailes and anyone political financier that backs a political group. Your argument, again, is weak and losing.
Stephan Sonn says
None of the above mentioned have financed a de-facto insurgency and named it Tea Party.
Michael Hildebrand says
They still finance political parties and their views. Its all the same. I understand the “Tea Party” doesn’t support the status quo so I am guessing that is your hatred toward them. Bottom line, all parties have their financiers and their supporters and whether you like it or not, they are all the same.
Stephan Sonn says
It is impossible to hate robots they just follow.
I am sure you know that Tea leadership is dangerous to freedom
And from all you have said they suit your political mode’
The instant you employed the word hate you gave it away.