UPDATE: 8pm ET password removed.
Remember, in this series my goal is more to describe the needs of some critical Executive Branch positions from a very practical, non-pretending, perspective of what happens within specific offices. This outline is going to be a little odd, because almost no one knows what the position of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is about.
The ODNI was created as an outcome of the 9-11 Commission recommendations. In the era shortly after 9/11, the DC national security apparatus was constructed to preserve continuity of government and simultaneously view all Americans as potential threats.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) were created specifically for this purpose.
Washington DC created the modern national security apparatus immediately and hurriedly after 9/11/01. DHS came along in 2002, and within the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 the ODNI was formed.
When Barack Obama and Eric Holder arrived a few years later, those newly formed institutions were viewed as opportunities to create a very specific national security apparatus that would focus almost exclusively against their political opposition.
Here is the weird part. The ODNI was formed in 2004, with the intent for the office to be the pivot point of a national security radar. The DNI was intended to provide information to domestic agencies about foreign terror networks that would prevent something like 9-11 from happening again. However, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has never, not for one day, operated on this intent. This is why they are such a critical position from my perspective.
The office was new, not established yet as a functioning silo, when Barack Obama and Eric Holder arrived in 2009. They quickly dispatched an idiot, James Clapper, into the operation so they could weaponize around the offices’ fulcrum point.
Prior to the DNI office existing, the CIA radar would sweep externally and then report to the Office of the President. The DNI was intended to take external radar sweep (CIA) and make it a full 360° circle, adding a sweep inside the USA that would be handled by the Dept of Homeland Security.
The DHS sweep and the CIA sweep would then be combined into a central collection hub called the ODNI. Everyone with responsibility for “national security” could access the ODNI material. Essentially and presumably, post 9-11 nothing like jihadists practicing to fly airplanes would be missed again; at least that was the intent.
The weird part is that because the DNI was immediately weaponized, the office has never functioned to the purpose of its intent.
No one truly knows what the office possibilities consist of because no one has ever seen anyone try to functionally control the hub. If you think I’m joking about the intent of Obama and John Brennan using the DNI watch this video. This is before Brennan became CIA Director, this is when Brennan was helping Barack Obama put the pillars into place.
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For the intents of this outline the takeaway is how the DNI office has never been used for good. In a strategic way, that can be used to our advantage if you are talking about leveraging silos against each other.
Example: The DNI can assemble material from any silo. Meaning the DNI can reach into any IC silo and extract anything they want. Under the original authorities given to the DNI, this authority exists. So, let’s spread the wings on this office and do exactly what it is permitted to do, only this time extract for the purpose of showing the President what is happening in every silo.
In essence, the DNI *CAN BE* deployed like a super strong cross-silo inspector general’s office. Force the other IC silos to comply with the demands of the DNI. This has never been done. But the DNI has this unique power.
The DNI can make the FBI, DOJ, DOJ-NSD, DoD, DoS and CIA provide anything and everything they demand. Instead of the other silos using blocks and threats against the office of the President, use the authority of the DNI to get them without confrontation. Then use the DNI to declassify the documents (if requested by potus), instead of the originating silo.
Can you see how the DNI office can be repurposed to be a seriously strong weapon in the toolbox of the President, against the schemes of those inside the various IC silos. The DNI becomes much more important than the CIA Director, NSA Director, FBI Director, Attorney General, etc, because the DNI can just show up and say, “give me this.” That’s the whole functional purpose of the DNI office that has never been exerted; let’s flippin’ use it.
Let’s use the office of the DNI as the central information hub that takes information from inside the corrupt silos, then provides that information to the President who puts sunlight upon it. Each corrupt silo penetrated with disinfectant. This could begin a process to pull down the shadow operations and let the American public see what has been happening inside our IC apparatus.
To accomplish this approach the National Security Advisor to the President (NSA), would be the person who tells the DNI exactly what they are looking for.
How does the NSA know what to look for? Because the National Security Advisor is the head of the National Security Council (NSC).
Now you see why I say put the strategic scruffy people like Mike Flynn, Kash Patel, etc etc in a stripped down NSC.
Let the NSC monitor the silos with specific intent, then provide Trump’s NatSec Advisor with details on what appears to be happening and where. With the approval of the President, the NSA then turns to the DNI and says, “POTUS wants this, go get this.”
Raw, unfiltered, unredacted information. The silo administrators end up in a fight with the ODNI, not the office of President Trump. President Trump then uses the power of his office to support the demands of the DNI.
Under this approach the DNI has a lot more power; yet funnily, it’s power they already have – yet have never utilized.
Unfortunately, the DNI needs to be confirmed by the Senate Intelligence Committee – so, this factors into who could achieve the position. [NOTE: Ric Grenell is too valuable in another position.] John Ratcliffe might be a possibility, but I’m not sure he would be strong enough to go up against the system he knows well (and on a character issue he’s bff’s with Trey Gowdy).
Preferably we really want an outsider in this role, yet any true outsider is going to face massive scrutiny getting through the nomination filter. My gut tells me that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey might be a strong candidate, and as DNI he can build on his reputation for confronting DHS manipulation.
AG Andrew Bailey exposed the DHS manipulation of social media and has pushed the envelope against the Deep State/Lawfare attacks against Donald Trump. Bailey has used the power of his office for good purposes, and that provides me with cautious optimism he could do the same at a federal level in the position of Director of National Intelligence.
[The next position to outline be a combination. The Secretary of State and the CIA Director. The U.S State Dept and CIA operation is like a restaurant. The Dept of State is the front of the restaurant, with the Secretary as the Maitre D’. The CIA is the back of the restaurant, the kitchen. The Director is the Chef. The consulates are the wait staff. USAID are the food runners. The Dept of Defense are the bus boys. Ukraine is a big tipper.]
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” because almost no one knows what the position of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is about.”…except for us Treepers, Sundance! Hat tip and many thanks!
Ben Carson, Devin Nunes, John Eastman….Andrew Bailey. So far so good! All people that have shown through actions to be trustworthy.
For me, there is no doubt that PDJT has a good, long list, a “Santas list” of who is good, and who is bad, just as he says.
And, knowing the frustration of having a Republican Senate abuse Advice and Consent to prevent him from properly staffing his admin. …..and 4 yrs out of office to think about it,…I can’t help but think he has come up with something better than getting one Senator to recess, or a series of Temp. appountments.
Knowing how vital it will be to get the right people confirmed (now that he knows who the right people ARE) he HAS to have something more substantial.
Hence, my theory on blackmail material, to keep Congressional leadership “in check”.
And, hence their abject terror at the idea if a second term, their conviction that their control will be lost “end of our Democracy!” is because they know he has this material, and can use it to hamstring them.
What we will see, if I am right, will appear as Republicans “and even Democrats” finally “coming around” because success breeds company.
Which, coincidentally is what PDJT has been predicting,…
11 inches is big league😜
Stop projecting, Patience.
I agree. I think that PDJT in his first term was willing to have these traitorous RINOs get on the MAGA Train. Instead they showed him what scumbags they are. His 4 years out of office has further cemented what he already knew.
He has the dirt on everyone but now he can go scorched earth on the worst of the worst and get them in line. The rest of the weaklings will fall in line.
That is the upside of having the same old corrupt Congress in office. They have years of scumbag, corrupt, filth, and backstabbing behavior. That can be used to control them.
Scorched earth… my I suggest that Raskin be first in that line?
Seriously!
What about Peelosi
I think Schiff goes before Raskin but tough choice for sure.
I’m not saying PDJT is a Hoover, but you might be onto something here.
Dutch, I don’t know if Pres Trump has any dirt on Senators or Representatives but it is possible. That could well be why the Mara Lago raid happened.
But even if he doesn’t, his 4 years out of office and the education he has received has given him the equivalent of a PhD in government operations. Combined with the Supreme Court ruling , I have complete faith we will see a totally different Trump in round 2.
This is the biggest reason they want him deceased.
PJDT… please do not ‘Soften’ after your Win.
I love Ben Carson but he is too naive for intelligence work. He still believes in Mike Pompeo.
Sundance believes he would be great as the emissary position, someone our President Trump could trust implicitly. You might want to read up on that — at the end of this article.
I do not understand why the “Emissary” has to be a tough guy. Their safety is guaranteed by the President and the requirement is to be honest and have a photographic memory. Taking and receiving messages.
I like this choice. He’s a tough guy without fear it seems. As you describe the duties it also makes me feel more comfortable with your Devin Nunes recommendation.
Excellent. Many Thanks.
I truly do not understand how you do this fine analysis, Sundance. Thank you so VERY much for all you do for the people. Particularly, I want to again thank you and the elves for trying to educate.
Thank you sundance.
is this supposed to be a protected post though?
Same thoughts here.
It is. I think there is a mechanism where once you use the password once, you are automatically in for subsequent protected posts, as I recall that earlier there were protected posts where I didn’t have to use the password.
ah yes, that could be!
thanks!
I agree – but I should add that circumstances in your browser beyond your control can sometimes knock out your password access after an undetermined time.
I use Brave to come here but my iPad sometimes dumps all the tabs for no reason I can see – that might be it but not sure.
So my advice is to make sure you know the password at all times.
Just (re)watched Red Dawn…will Always remember the password!!!
This is my understanding too; once used, then future protected posts will show, unless one clears their cache or cookies then the password does need to be re-entered.
Thanks, Bessie2003.
a kind of cookie …that doesn’t crumble.
Same here, and this must be new. Because ALL other protected posts required me to enter the PW – just not this one ???
Outside the box but, I’d love to see Harriett Hageman as PDJT’s Director of National Intelligence. She’s not part of the swamp, she’s highly principaled, extremely intelligent and tenacious. There is no BS’ing this woman. Appoint her and watch the Dem fur fly! Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide!
She is indeed everything you say.
And I suspect sundance will bring her up for a future article in this series – because he already mentioned her as his second choice after Dr. Carson for V.P.
I love this woman’s no nonsense disposition. Just as an aside, the Hageman Family lost their 100+yo homestead over the weekend due to a wildfire in WY. She described the loss of her childhood home as “devastating.” Prayers up for that true pioneer family. 🙏
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. I’m sure they will rebuild, but the history of that home and the pioneers who built it is a tragic loss.
Secretary of the Interior for Harriet Hageman…..or the EPA of which she is an expert.
She’s a Wyoming girl and understands what’s at stake from Communist Climate Cultists. And those who have no love of the rich heritage and lands of our nation which are her passion.
On a tragic note her homestead has just been swallowed up by wildfires in her state. Heartbreaking.
😥
Yep, Bets
I think Harriet Hageman is a great choice for both those positions (perhaps we can consolidate some of those cabinet duties.)
I especially like Secretary of the Interior – and, while we’re at it let’s move the administration of said department to Wyoming.
I kind of would like to place as DNI- Steve Bannon. Just to hear the wailing and lamentations of the Democrats, would be gold lol. Although, NSA could suit him too 🙂
That would definitely make for a fun (potentially explosive) nomination approval process and hold a few news cycles. While that is going on, think of all of the other good stuff we could jam through unnoticed. 🥸
As long as WY can refill her House seat with someone just as great…that goes for senators too
This article came up on my screen, without my entering the password. Is that normal? Additionally, will your “Password/Protected articles make their way to “the opposition”? We don’t want to give them more ways to stimie PJDT’s people.
Me too… I think my Brave browser on my android phone remembered the password and populated it, and, voila, I was in.
Brave’s control panel allows you to select or deselect password memory.
It also allows you to automatically clear browsing history upon exit.
Same here.
Sundance explained, back when he started using this latest password protection , that it was NOT like the old “pancakes” which WAS to try to keep from prying eyes.
This one, was specifically, as I recall and in my own words, to thwart the ‘content crawlers’; algorythms, ‘search engines’ that have now gone beyond just searching articles, and are now searching and perhaps even attempting to manipulate comments sections of MAGA media sites.
The ‘opposition’ is going to read this, there is no way they are not. But, preventing short term interference, SO THE CONVERSATION CAN BE HAD, is the goal.
As I understand it.
Thanks, Dutch.
Seems to be working! Great thread.
Well, someone a week or so ago who didn’t know the password got snarky and said he/she would just google it. I did that to see if it was possible and it did, indeed, show up on the page. ☹️
Andrew Baily is my AG in Missouri, and he is a fighter for sure. Don’t know if he would want this job, but it would be OK with me
Is he loyal to Trump? The DNI absolutely must be loyal to Trump.
He is MAGA all day long
Yes he is!
I suspect MOST of the electorate have been largely ignorant of what a powerful and important position the State A.G. is.
$0r0$’s buying up of State A.G.’s demonstrates clearly the negative aspect, and Missouri and Louisianna’s recent efforts show the positive.
Court cases cost time, money and effort to pursue and there are a lot of cases out there, languishing that on a strictly legal basis are “winners” but there is no pot of gold (deep pocket) at the end, and so they aren’t pursued.
A State A.G. has State funds, to bank a legal effort, and as we see with the case brought originally by Jim Hoft and private citisens, when two State A.G.’s joined, it made a big difference.
Also very heartening; the two individuals that were the A G.’s for Missouri and Louisianna, were (politically) rewarded for their efforts, one being elected to the Senate, and one elected as Governor.
Behavior you reward, you get more of, and these two promotions, by the electorate sent a clear message.
State A.G.’s will play THE pivotal role, in using aggressive FEDERALISM to push back against the Fed.
We need to spend a lot more time scrutinising candidates for State A.G., and not just voting based on the sound of their name.
I agree, that is why I back Andrew Baily 100%
Colorado is the Perfect Example of the power of a ruthless AG, Jenna Griswold.
Not an AG, she is Secretary of State. She runs the elections. Phil Weiser is AG. A soy boy who prefers to down play real crime and who approves payouts to those that commit them.
Close enough – check out Michigan for a state where you can’t remember the SOS from the AG from the governor because they’re all so evil and intertwined.
Easy to remember when you think the 3 Witches of Eastwick…Fraus Whitmer, Nessel and Benson. The personification of feminine evil is alive and well in MI. You have my sympathies and the mid western nice people of MI need to get a mean streak and boot them out.
dutchman, I’ma gonna call you Sundance Sidekick from here on. Your analyses are always solid, thoughtful, worthy of a careful reading.
And full of hope. That’s been a big deal, these four years.
Mine too booger 👍
Voted for him in the primary this morning!
Me too
Bailey was suing New York for prosecuting President Trump and interfering in the election, depriving the people of Missouri their choice. I don’t think the Supreme Court took it up though.
They didn’t because of course we have no standing.
We didn’t realize then, they were saying we were slaves who have no say in the government of our own country.
Now – we’ve got a lot to say!
I think Alito said it has to run through the State courts first and then Trump can appeal.
And, when you have a totally corrupt Dem state — we’re basically SOL.
You have good people in MO…My suggestion was put Hawley as ODNI and get Bailey to fill his Senate seat. Bailey is great but Hawley is a flamethrower in those Senate hearings. He is out for blood and takes no prisoners.
The people of MO surely know how to pick good politicians. They are more like true American Statesmen than politicians. Visited SW Missouri last fall and fell in love with the natural beauty and the vibe. People are genuine and down to earth, hence the Show Me mentality, which embodies rational, common sense values. With the likes of Bailey and Hawley, MO is helping to get this country back on track to its core values.
You must have been eavesdropping on a discussion I was having with a buddy last night. Same role, same name.
Very strange in a cool kind of way. 🙂
Great choice! I also agree with all previous comments.
Tom Homan, Elon Musk, Dan Bongino, Devin Nunes, Mike Benz, Josh Hawley, Ken Paxton
You can’t possibly think Elon Musk would be appropriate.
I’m kinda “wait and see” on Elon.
No offense meant, Val, but we already saw Elon. Early in office, PDJT reached out to business leaders of America to come together as sort of a ‘think tank’ to strategize and reverse the malaise of the previous 8 Obama years.
Elon was one of those ‘leaders’ until he ran afoul of the SEC for comments made that could’ve affected the stock price of a certain car company he owned. Also, Elon had made public pronouncements/promises on expected production levels and timing (once again, drawing the attention of the SEC) for said car company.
The screws were being turned and Elon bailed citing ‘comments made by PDJT that weren’t comfortable for Elon’.
The reality? The Deep State turned up the heat on Elon for daring to participate in PDJT’s blue ribbon commission. Elon needed to hit car sales targets and those sales were overwhelmingly going to come from CA. He made the choice to bail on PDJT. I understand why he did what he did, but now everyone knows where he stands.
Musk should not be in the mix with potential officials in a PDJT presidency. He is way too busy with his government-subsidized companies, along with running “X.”
“Where he stands,” or stood, as the case may be.
Public information: He “lost” his son to the trans “enablers,” and now has a piercing wound that compels him forward in a new direction.
Some odd/unpalatable stances, but I believe he is trying.
Just by making certain that the ‘British Believers’ are having a voice, places him on ‘the good side.’.
Tom Homan to replace Majorkas
Dan Bongino to replace Ron Rowe
Devin Nunes already spoken for by sundance
Ken Paxton to replace DeMerit Garland (Texas needs to step up someone else in my very humble opinion – Paxton wouldbe the best and PDJT needs the best)
Mike Benz to replace William Burns (current see eye aye Director about whom I realize I have never heard anything – those spooks do know how to hide in basements don’t they)
not sure about Josh Hawley
Elon some unofficial advisory role with no power whatsoever – but PDJT enjoys listening to him so that should work.
I would argue that Paxton is more valuable to Maga as a state power pushing state independence as a part of the total movement back to the constitution.
Paxton for AG only if he has a good back-up person to continue in his footsteps in TX.
He is almost irreplaceable, kind of a Trumpster at the state level in that he is unique. He just won TX state’s rights to protect the border from the invaders not just for TX but for the country. This is more than valuable and not discussed at all in the lamestream press because it was a big fail for the Feds., who are not enforcing the border. I understand why TX wants to keep him and they should, however sometimes they get that higher calling to DC and then you have to fill his shoes, or in this case boots with a worthy replacement.
SD mentioned people who have wealth and cannot be corrupted is crucial. Also may need to come from outside the usual stable of names. Could be someone who is not even on the radar but will win senate approval.
Dan Bongino would be great in this role!
Elon has said recently that he’s spoken to PDJT about a “Government Efficiency Commission”, and that would be something he would be interested in participating in. That he would enjoy going up against the matrix which would surely fight back.
Would be nice to have 75 percent staff reduction as a target, and have whole divisions attempt to justify their roles.
Can you imagine the waste, fraud and corruption Musk will find? He will save us billions of dollars as he cuts thru agencies with Argentine Milei chainsaw precision. He cut 90% of Twitter positions and it still runs smoothly plus think of his business acumen in all of his companies. Trump was blown away at Space X rockets returning back to earth and landing upright. He is impressive and can’t think of a better choice for an efficiency czar.
YES, I absolutely can imagine. Lived “inside the beltway” for 30 some years on and off. 🤬
Bongino for Director of Secret Service.
But you have a point, because Bongino knows the Russia Collusion hoax and cannot be bamboozled by similar tricks (e.g. parallel construction of phoney intel) in the future.
How about Dan B. replaces the fired (and hopefully prosecuted) Ron Rowe, fixes the USSS (he probably could do that in a few weeks because he knows everybody), and then PDJT can think about placing him in some other useful role.
Thank you for your analysis Sundance. I’m confident that your efforts will produce positive outcomes.
Everyday I marvel at the wisdom here with Sundance and fellow Treepers.
The gift of Free Speech that keeps on giving.
I know I am going to get blasted. But, I am here to learn and welcome suggestions for how to overcome this concern.
Sundance wrote: “Can you see how the DNI office can be repurposed to be a seriously strong weapon in the toolbox of the President, against the schemes of those inside the various IC silos.”
This point made me think of Milton Friedman’s “fallacy of good intentions,” which emphasizes that good intentions do not guarantee good outcomes, particularly when involving institutions with a history of inefficiency or misuse.
Sundance’s suggestion about repurposing the DNI (Director of National Intelligence) office as a powerful tool for the President highlights the potential risks of expanding the power of an already flawed institution. Friedman’s theory would caution against assuming that simply redirecting the office’s purpose would overcome its inherent failures and previous misuses. Instead, it is likely that the same systemic issues and potential for abuse would persist, possibly even exacerbating the problems.
Given the DNI’s historical challenges in effectively coordinating the various intelligence community silos, repurposing it with broader powers could lead to increased risks of civil rights infringements and misuse of authority. Friedman’s argument suggests that enhancing the power of such an institution under the guise of good intentions can lead to negative consequences, regardless of the noble aims behind the changes.
Thus, rather than trying to repurpose or expand the powers of a problematic agency, should we advocate for reducing its ability to infringe on civil rights and addressing its core inefficiencies?
This approach would align more closely with ensuring that the intentions behind any reform lead to genuinely positive and effective outcomes, without the unintended negative consequences that often accompany the fallacy of good intentions.
Sorry in advance if I upset anyone.
Thanks for this point. Valid point, but it appears the office has already been politicized and re-purposed and this is not “new powers” but a re-direction to the original legislative intent.
Yes, I suggest Joe S, that you re-read Sundances post.
The ODNI ALREADY has the full authority to walk into FBI, CIA, etc. and say “GIVE me this intel” and they MUST COMPLY.
But, other than that your comment was thoughtful, well composed and I strongly encourage you to continue contributing to the discussion, with perhaps a tad less concern as to blow back.
Thank for the response. I understand this is not a new authorization. But, redirecting the mission.
My overall point is retrofitting new missions within any government agency that has been demonstrated to be able to be corrupted with the change of administration should not be a goal. Rather, the complete removal of the agency from our form of government would be a better solution.
It is just a the Earnest T Bass and Barney Fife philosophical approach.
Fool me once shame on you
Fool me twice shame on me.
and that is why I ask if we should “nip it in the bud”?
Fully Agree! Eliminate the office Oct. 2028, after our work is done.
Now that is thunking!
Almost all burraucratic govt role eliminations are good ones. Might create one new one: office of useless bureaucrat job eradication.
Nice call.
Together with all the three letter agencies.
ODNI has effectual OIG authority over all IC agencies. Removing ODNI would remove their ability to demand information from the very outfit destroying America, the Deep State.
And you think removing the only office with authority over the entire DS intelligence apparatus is the way to restore America?
What agency do YOU work for?
It seems that my point of doing away with ALL OF THEM is not coming through in my post.
Now for your comment M1928A1
“What agency do YOU work for?”
I will direct you to the link below to help you remember we are here to learn from each other. Not to insult or belittle me for asserting my desire to do away with ALL OF THESE monstrosities should be discounted as seen in YOUR BACKHANDED assertion that I work for an agency and should not ask counterintuitive questions.
Thank you and good night.
‘13.) NO PERSONAL ATTACKS – Ever. The fastest way to lose commenting privileges is to ridicule, bully or personally attack another person’s opinion or comment. Unfortunately, people, often good people, let their passion interfere with good manners and personal judgement. If you cannot be polite or respectful, pause – and – do not comment.’
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/08/02/guidelines-for-comments-8/
Agree, if for no other reason than the fact that administrations change leadership and political objectives with frequency.
Exactly!
I remember when Rush Limbaugh told the story of the funeral for Ron Brown (Clinton Secretary of Commerce) and one of the people at the funeral became angry that the military did a fly over and asked why the military would show their faces. Rush shared that another person told the angry person not to worry. Those are their planes now.
That was Ron Silver. Democrat and CFR member. He had an epiphany after 9-11 and left the Democrat party over their response to the terrorist attacks.
I saw him speak at a public rally in D.C. post 9/11. He really fired up the crowd.
That! was when billyboy went from ‘dislike’ to ‘disgusting’ for me. (the walk, the jollity, the quick solemnity)
You can’t keep turning the other cheek. You’ll end up punch drunk.
As a punch drunk former boxer with a glass jaw I can confirm this statement.
That is why I don’t want to turn the other cheek. I want to eliminate the opportunity for the organization to throw punches in the future.
Hey JoeS, how about this possibility. First, the gruberment is too big and corrupt. To that, I think you will agree (along with a ton of other patriots). How about use the position of the ODNI to depopulate, defang, castrate, then kick in the crotch, the Derp State. All of it. Then, as a parting shot, note that the office and position isn’t Constitutionally called for or required, and close up shop.
DS is disinfected, government gets a bit smaller and the original deficiency, since known, is corrected by the Executive Branch via written language. No person needed. Department Heads talk to each other…a novel idea.
…jumps off soapbox, twist ankle, bangs knee falling to ground, mutters something about getting old, stands up, dusts self off, hobbles off…grumbling…
Agreed and makes sense. Your dismount is hysterical.
Yes, in reading about the power in the position, the saying came to mind about what absolute power does. And how in Lord fo the Rings the One Ring was called Isildur’s Bane, because Isildur was going to destroy it, but thought what a great tool it would be for good….
If you have taken possession of a weapon that has been used with devastating effect against you what do you do? You are still in the battle where this weapon was used. You could destroy it for fear of it being used against you again. Or you could use it to destroy your enemies. Add the knowledge that your enemies would use the weapon to erase you. Without the weapon your chances of winning and keeping your life are not good. This is where we are. I would chose the path that gives me the best chance of surviving. This would be use the DNI’s full power for your cause.
I Don’t see the need to apoligize for making a point that likely should be brought to the fore. Without this, many would miss out on the thought process necessary to come to a ‘conclusion’ in their mind.
Is JoeS’ post intended to sow doubt about SD’s article?
Having referenced Friedman, JoeS knows something of economics, government, capitalism, and the markets. So he’s educated. Is he an Ivy League progressive trying to suppress SD’s excellent understanding of ODNI and his suggestions to enable ODNI to ‘clean house’? Is he trying to preserve ODNI and it’s nefarious agenda? You decide.
FIRST, however, Friedman’s “fallacy of good intentions” is a two sentence quote attributed to him:
“When government — in pursuit of good intentions — tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the cost come in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.”
Friedman also said:
“Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.”
Lastly, nowhere did I find Friedman directed the above quotes to “institutions with a history of inefficiency or misuse” as JoeS claims Friedman did.
————————————————-
JoeS said:
“Sundance’s suggestion about repurposing the DNI (Director of National Intelligence) office as a powerful tool for the President highlights the potential risks of expanding the power (1) of an already flawed institution. Friedman’s theory would caution against assuming that simply redirecting the office’s purpose (2) would overcome its inherent failures and previous misuses. Instead, it is likely that the same systemic issues and potential for abuse would persist, possibly even exacerbating the problems. (3)“
(1) Misquote and misdirection. Nowhere did SD propose “expanding the power” of ODNI. Instead, he correctly noted the office has never been used to fulfil it’s mission. He then proposed using the office to it’s full potential within it’s operational authorities.
(2) Misquote and misdirection. SD didn’t propose to “redirect the office’s purpose”. He proposed the office be use to fulfil it’s original purpose.
(3) Deliberate fear mongering intended to sow doubt as to SD’s observations and on SD’s own credibility.
———————————
“Given the DNI’s historical challenges in effectively coordinating (1) the various intelligence community silos, repurposing it with broader powers could lead to increased risks of civil rights infringements and misuse of authority.(2)“
(1) Misinformation and misdirection. ODNI has never been “challenged in effectively coordinating the varioius intelligence agencies.” What SD noted was ODNI has never fully used the full extent of their authority. That’s not being challenged. That’s dereliction of duty and/or willful blindness and/or deliberate sabotage. But it’s NOT being “challenged in effectively coordinating anything” except maybe the right pizza for Friday lunch.
(2) Intentional fear mongering: “If we try to make them follow law and do their job, they might ‘do something’ to us”
————————————————————
“Thus, rather than trying to repurpose or expand the powers (1) of a problematic agency, should we advocate for (2) reducing its ability to infringe on civil rights and addressing its core inefficiencies?”
(1) Misdirection. SD never advocated repurposing or expanding ODNI powers. He advocates using ODNI powers to their full authority.
(2) Desperately throwning cold water on SD’s suggestion. IOW: “Let’s not be hasty. Let’s peaceably redress government for a resolution”
——————————————–
Very thorough analysis, friend.
Even if the OP [JoeS] you referenced was just being naive or misunderstanding, you’ve clearly and irrefutably demonstrated that said OP didn’t read and comprehend what Sundance wrote, therefore his comments on this matter are invalid.
What is your point? Is it to stifle conversation? Is your goal to warn others here that if they do not fall into your line of thinking you will attempt to insult their intelligence. Insinuate they aren’t welcome to exchange idea.
Sundance travels the world and probably doesn’t need you to defend his ideas or his honor.
You really need to revisit guidelines for comments.
“Lastly, and most importantly, this Treehouse is a conversation. A place to connect and realize you are not alone.
There really are more intellectually honest, kind and pragmatic problem solvers, than people who choose to be angry and comfortable with perpetual conflict.
Hopefully, a visit to this little corner of the internet is just like sitting on a porch with friends. And because the “conversation” is the reason we are here, this means YOU are important; do not diminish yourself.’
Please refrain from commenting on my comments unless you can add value in the future.
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2024/08/02/guidelines-for-comments-8/
Sundance is my favorite dispenser of subversive sunlight!
Furthermore, I consider that the Derp State must be destroyed!
“Ukraine is a big tipper”
You made me laugh out loud.
And the American people? We’re the chuckleads eating the chowder made with the three-day-old fish.
Ukraine is a big tipper because it’s on an expense account from Uncle Sam.
Whoever it is, the person MUST be loyal to Trump. 100% loyal. This position is far too sensitive to risk. Same with AG.
SoS is also mega important and requires loyalty.
Democrats seem to have a blind spot when establishing policies, procedures, laws and “departments” that are instituted to further their leftist goals. They fail to realize that those can also be used against them when the wind blows to the right. But, of course, their ultimate goal is to retain and expand their power FOREVER! We cannot let that happen. Their machinations must be exposed!
I really think the blind fear, extreme TDS that some of them exhibit, is from the fear that PDJT will use the whole NSA Database that they have weoponised, against them.
Think of all of the material that is just sitting in that database: e-mails, text messages, phone calls etc. detailing discussions for setting up Russia, Russia and the Ukraine Impeachment hoax, the Covid plandemic, and the 2020 steal, and ALL IN THEIR OWN WORDS.
And, since THEY have used it, they would fully expect PDJT to use it, as why wouldn’t he?
Imagine the stuff
on all the rotten ba$turds -to be found!
Don’t forget the child porn. All those photos and texts are in those databases as well.
That’s the 1000 pound gorilla hiding in the basement.
Unless PJDT has REALLY changed to a ‘no holds barred’ state of mind, I don’t believe he will. (which will be a mistake)
Hopeful he’s learned and internalized that they really aren’t “good people” after he beats their cheat this time, not “good people” at all…
If the Leftists and their cabal would lay off the attacks on PDJT, he would likely lay off any attacks on them. He will be too busy securing the border, cutting spending to rein in inflation, and working with world leaders to restore peace.
But, if he has to fight off these jackals again, this inhibits his work on the real issues. Which, I assume is their malevolent plan; to continue to hamstring him.
Wondering what role Space Force will play regarding any incriminating evidence that has been collected. When the NSA database was infiltrated by FBI and contractors, I always felt that Adm. Rogers and others advised Trump to establish Space Force. This was done in order to circumvent the corrupt IC and act as an umbrella intelligence agency over the ODNI. The Godfather so to speak of our entire government and foreign ones too.
The Democrats are in cahoots with the Republican establishment.
Why should they fear their Uniparty comrades?
Yes. Until PDJT came along the uniparty bird was happy with the system.
That’s why the Uniparty works so hard on the splitter strategies during elections. Only club members allowed.
Thanks Sundance for clearing up about John Ratcliffe. I have followed him carefully during time in Congress and in the Trump Administration. He was a frequent guest on Maria Bartiromo’s show and I always found him to be a straight shooter. But I don’t know if he has the fire it will take to tackle the job. Good on defense but don’t think so much on offense.
I think Andrew Bailey has that fire to go after them. Just don’t know his history enough to say that they can’t get to him if the right leverage was used. So far he has stood strong and taking it to them.
He’s too timid, they either have something on him, or he is scared.
Not sure he would have stood still in Butler, rather than running, you know?
Wasn’t Ratcliffe in that position for a short period of time during President Trump’s first term? And didn’t the evil ones ignore his requests and just step around him? I may have Ratcliffe’s position confused with something else.
Yes, The evil ones fought like hell to keep Ratcliffe off so Trump made Grenell acting, then they relented and approved Ratcliffe.
Which to me means that Grennell needs to be re-hired to the Trump team. I think the DS understood Ric’s loyalty to PDJT and his job at ODNI.
Whoever is chosen, he’d better be squeaky clean or they’ll flip’em. Again, Jeff Sessions broke my heart.
Sessions was a scared man
I think Sessions was clean. Just the wrong person for the job. A rube about 20 years past his sell-by date.
McConnell maneuvered him into the AG nomination for the purpose of getting him to recuse himself.
Once Franken did his job, they got rid of him. Last I heard of him, he’s thinking of running for office again.
Sessions was a good man, but not a good fit for the no holds barred street fight.
He was scared schiffless.
Sessions was the possum. laid down right away. He also helped get rid of General Flynn. He was an idiot at a minimum and possibly a traitor.
Sessions was a nice guy, but way, way out of his league. Once they got him in a room with and got him to recuse himself from the Russia Hoax investigation, he was never again in a position to help the president or do anything useful with the DOJ. Next AG needs to fire the top three levels of the DOJ (beneath the AG) without talking to anyone about anything. Then start firing the rest of them.
Sundance;
You say “this has never been done” with “this” being USING the inherent authority the ODNI has, to order the various silos ti give up raw intel material,…CLASSSIFIED intel.
Is this not exactly what Ric Grennell did, during his ‘stint’ at ODNI?
We all saw him hand carrying a thick satchel, and it is presumed this is the “11 binder” that PDJT has, and that they were trying to recover in the MAL raid.
IF it includes the “Comey memos to self” allegedly written as contemporaneous notes, WHILE Comey was carrying out Crossfire Hurricane, and if we can reasonably assume he wrote and then classified these as a CYA ‘Insurance policy’ against him being thrown under the bus (like Cheatle just was, for instance) or Arkanicided,..they Must Point the finger “higher up” as blaming your inferiors doesn’t work.
As the Head of the FBI, he only had the AG, POTUS and VPOTUS above him in the Executive.
But, in order to carry out the attempted coup against PDJT, he HAD to have airtight assurances that Congressional Republicans would cover for him, rather than investigate and expose, should the “operation go South”, it went South, and we all watched Ryan, McConnell and Graham provide cover.
Point being, Comey must have named them, too.
So, perhaps getting his nominations approved in this term, will not be nearly as challenging as it was in his first term?
😈
Great question dutch! I was trying to remember whether ODNI was the role briefly held by Grennell (got his role confused with that of John Radcliffe).
And simply love this idea:
So, perhaps getting his nominations approved in this term, will not be nearly as challenging as it was in his first term?
Excellent
It really explains Ryan’s actions while Speaker of the House — and today, how much hatred he has for President Trump. I would love to know what dirty actions he has hidden over the years with that “squeaky” clean “look.”
Sundance is always so far ahead. ☺️
I heard Andrew Bailey for the first time a couple/few months ago (or was it merely weeks?) on our dear departed Lou Dobbs’ show. I was very impressed – have mentioned Bailey a couple times on this forum.
Obviously sundance must have been considering him for this role before that.
“Nice woik!”
Read an article (National Security in a Second Trump Administration) from Politico by Dan Greenwood deputy assistant/Trump and deputy director of the WH Office of Legislative Affairs from 2017-2019. senior director for Legislative Affairs at the National Security Council. a principal at the BGR Group, D.C.–based lobbying and communications firm where he leads the Defense and Critical Technologies practice.
In short he highlights nat security in 2nd Trump admin as expanded form of the 1st term. He mentions growth of military and restrictive practices to protect intellectual property and land purchases. Greenwood is the Head of BGR’s Defense and Critical Technologies Practice where he advises clients and advocates on national security, homeland security, space, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. On his bio he never mentions Trump’s name. I mention this article because the military apparatus and those who profit from enhanced military modernization are ramping up rhetoric and in my humble opinion, positioning themselves to be the “guiding” voices for the new Trump administration. Sometimes we need to know the guys/gals who may be trying to influence Trump’s inner circle.
I thought the ODNI was close to the president. Ratcliffe appear to be solid, but then lately he appears to be that “trey gowdy” type. Squishy. If he is in fact close with trey, then I will have deep issues with him being strong and loyal.
The MO AG is tough! Bailey does not appear to have baggage. He also is unafraid to go after the govt.
Boy, finding strong, people who understand the issues, depth, and seriousness of this fight seems hard. Will we have to settle for some softies? Worrisome.
However, all is in God’s hands. Thank you Sundance.
“Boy, finding strong people who understand the issues,….seems hard.”
Actually, I disagree. Continue to follow this series as Sundance pursues it, and I think you will see we actually DO have an ARMY of tough sunsabritches (actually a # of whom are women!) for our MAGA FORCE.
Tom Homan, to Kari Lake, Hagelman to Bailey, the last 8 years have exposed the phonies, the weaklings and backstabbers, but it has also highlighted the “true warriors” by putting them thru a test by fire, and they are MANY.
There are a lot more of us, than of them,…
Yes, I agree there are strong patriots, and agree with those you name. However, for a very specific task(s) at the level mentioned, NOT all those on the bantered list will fit. When narrowing the job to specifics for specifics, the list is reduced.
I agree. There are a lot more of us than there are of them…EXCEPT we are not qualified. We have not been battle tested as: Trump, or Bailey, or Ric, or Carson. Each of the positions are exceptional requiring exceptional persons. Those are few and far between.
Agree, Hagelman has been put through the fire–her homestead burned to ground. But she has not been deep state tested yet. Kari needs to be in the senate. Homan needs to be in homeland. He is emotional, hot head. What needs to happen with this position is cool, FIRM, loyal, unafraid, strength. Not all “true warriors” could actually stand up to the wickedness of the left. As far as numbers: the left, the silos have MANY more of their ilk than we have Samson’s and Paul. The proof is in the puddin’. Lots of bad guys being pushed into the fray.
Too many 4 star generals have destroyed the military. There are few who can meet the jobs’ descriptions in this exercise. In my humble opinion.
I hope that Harriet Hageman is in here somewhere because she is the type that digs and processes and THEN presents.
It’s good to think of the boomerang of neg PR when the swamp puppets oppose a person like Hageman. In fact, every pick by PDT will be demonized by the swamp. Of course all that might go unnoticed with the leftist riots sweeping the nation as part of their temper tantrums.
Yes, Kinzinger has stated that there will be a civil war if PDJT wins the election, and that there is no way – paraphrasing here- “they” will let him back into the WH.
So much for democracy….
It’s “their” democracy (as they often say “our” democracy) — they don’t want to share it, and don’t think we have any right to “their” democracy! So Kinzinger is saying exactly what the jerk Raskin said the other day. Yes, they are showing us their so-called hand and want to scare us into not putting our President Trump back where he belongs. Sundance said that this year would get dicey, and he is absolutely correct. Pray and prepare!
People such as Harriet Hageman need to remain in the Congress, they will be the ones to shuttle the votes into the direction where the programs and initiatives of a 2nd term PDJT can become law, get funded, or added to existing programs.
Surely there are people who are not politicians by nature that can fill the spots in the 2nd Administration, people who have experience accomplishing things in the private sector, that know how to get things done without needing to fall back on the weak positions of considering if the moves they make will cost them political capital in the future.
In essence, the DNI *CAN BE* deployed like a super strong cross-silo inspector general’s office. Force the other IC silos to comply with the demands of the DNI. This has never been done. But the DNI has this unique power. – Sundance
A power never used eventually loses its power. What happens when Lawfare files suit the first time this power is exercised by President Trump’s DNI and a corrupt obama DC District Court Judge will of course side with Lawfare and issues a stay of execution (?). How long will that take to override? Hopefully not 4 years? Just wondering Lawfare has not gone away?
The recent SCOTUS decision on the complete power of the POTUS as supreme executive over the executive branch applies here.
It trumps (grin) anything launched against it. PDJT can simply ignore any LawFare suits concerning the executive branch. They don’t apply.
Aaghh… but nobody can mess with “National Security” (they said so.) & the SCOTUS has ruled… that the Executive Branch is invested in 1 person. The President.
You have to go quickly to the SCOTUS.
Nice granular look, Sundance.
Please tell me that President Trump has access to this information via a trusted and confidential source. I may have missed confirmation of it, but I pray he does.
I respect and support all of these choices. Thank you for the intense scrutiny and impeccable research you always do, Sundance. This is my only source of true news, and I feel like there are many who would agree.
We must Save America for our children and grandchildren🙏🏻🇺🇸.
Being what may be termed ‘selfish’, I kinda’ want it saved for me, too.
Thank you Sundance. Since you obviously heard ‘the people sing” the song of Ric Grennell, my curiosity has peaked to learn what role would be of higher value for him to fill than ODNI.
Should not be surprised that little was done to implement the ODNI role from April 2005 when GW Bush appointed/Senate confirmed John Negroponte until Obama appointed Clapper. If Negroponte had at least started with the ODNI role being the ONLY role that had 360 degree intel access, the 180 degree scope sweeps (CIA external USA/Homeland Security internal USA), would have remained intact with hard stop boundaries so as to not violate Americans’ 4th Amendment rights that have been trampled since Obama appointed Clapper with the agencies having 360 views. Bush owns part of this mess.
A plus for Grennell would have been that he already worked in the ODNI role, but as you have redefined the workflow for the ODNI role, that becomes moot as anyone would be new to the new workflow.
That said, I know more about AG Andrew Bailey than I did a few days back with Sundance’s detail of work ethic and this recent SCOTUS news about Bailey trying to get POTUS Trump’s gag order removed, a creative, gutsy, patriotic effort.
https://www.scotusblog.com/2024/08/supreme-court-rejects-missouris-request-to-block-trumps-new-york-gag-order-sentencing/
Sounds like the ODNI role would be a very good fit for Bailey.
I vaguely recall some issues with Grennell’s health that were interfering with his ability to commit to further involvement. Anyone remember?
That was a couple years back – I hope he’s back to full health by now and would consider such a role in 2025.
He is a cancer survivor; apparently an aggressive lymphoma. So a survivor, but only he and hid physicians would know the details and what he is, or is not, capable of doing stamina-wise.
Thanks Bessie! I would only add that Amb Grenell’s diagnosis and treatment was in 2013 so he actually worked as the temp ODNI after that and remains very active politically.
That’s good to know; really like him and the work he was able to accomplish, behind the scenes for Serbia and Kosovo was huge.
Yes Indeed! He recently got a group of Log Cabin Republicans together for a fundraiser hosted by Melania Trump at their NYC penthouse. 🙂
I like it!
I would like to see the Office of Director of National Intelligence disappeared.
It is more capable of harm than good.
I say let’s give sundance’s plan a try first.
After all, as PDJT famously said to a group on the DementoRat plantation – what have we got to lose?
I would not want to see that done unless it was part of a complete reversal of the creation of the Dept. of Homeland Security. I would like to see that legislation completely reversed, the Orwellianly named “Department of Homeland Security” abolished, and have everyone go back where they came from, including having the Secret Service go back to Treasury.
I agree 100%. It seems the Treepers are all in with round 2 of playing by the rules…and losing most of the time. President Trump must return the USA to a Pre- 911 status. There must be no ODNI. No DHS, no TSA etc. These are not goals, but necessary changes on Day 1. OK.Day 2. Trump cannot and will not be able to govern with the enemy still in place. If he tries that, he will lose. Again. (they hurled him out of office via coup d’etat) I don’t have the image handy, but the one when Trump came out to speak briefly not long before he left office, iirc. That look on his face was devastating. His eyes especially. He was crushed. A look we have never seen before or since. It was heartbreaking. I never, EVER, want to see that look again!
I love AG Bailey for the actions he filed against DHS & social media. He would be great as ODNI.
Also what about AG Ken Paxton of TX?
Here in Texas, we’ve been glad to see the efforts of Bailey to also challenge federal overreach and censorship, to take some of the pressure off of Paxton, who just last week won a favorable $1.4 billion settlement from Meta/FB for violating Texans privacy by unauthorized use of facial recognition. Both are outstanding fighters.
Well done TX…Paxton is a tough act to follow and sets the bar high. It helps that he also has the support of Abbot who seems to give him a long lead. There is another good one in LA but don’t remember his name and a good judge there too. Also Kris Kobach had a big win recently for Kansas. Some of these wins may go to an appeals court but regardless, more AG’s need to jump aboard the Trump train and get stuff done.
Bailey faces another Trump lawyer (Will Scharf) in the MO GOP AG primary today. Especially if Bailey loses, this role would be very promising for him and MAGA. Very aggressive AG for blood-red MO.
Bailey got my early vote. Scharf was my 2nd choice so having both guys working for US in the future is a good thing.
If I’m understanding correctly, what a great position, we would all wish to be in; going to the polls, to decide WHICH true MAGA warrior to vote for, amongst several!
No wonder the possibility of an actual Boss, someone who knows how to direct and delegate to achieve an end, in this case to make America great again, scares the wings of the Uniparty Vulture so much – if anyone knows anything about PDJT – it is that he is the man who knows how to get things done.
Appreciating this insight into how these new offices of our government were meant to work; this puts an entirely new understanding of just how President Trump can use what the deep state thought was their personal toys, to now be used to benefit our nation not only for now, but for the future generations.
I can’t wait for Sundance to tell us where he sees Ric Grenell because so far I could put him in as Emisarry, ODNI, or Nat Sec Advisor. I fear Grenell would be hamstrung in CIA or as Sec’y of State by the silo system.
Very illuminating. Thank you, Sundance.
Just to throw another name out there, what opinions do people have of Kris Kobach?
My reservation about KK is this;
He was a major player “behind the scenes” in advising the Az. Legislature on crafting SB 1070, the controversial law that focused on targeting the companies that employed illegal alians in Az.
In the 11th hour, pressure was exerted to change one word; to include “KNOWINGLY”; that is, in order to prosecute a company for employing illegals, the State had to prove, in Court with admissable evidence, that the company was KNOWINGLY hiring illegals.
So much for”ignorance is no excuse” this one change gutted the law, which otherwuse cleverly circumvented “Federal preemption” because it targeted not the illegal, but the company.
Now, either KK got played, or he knew about this change and allowed it to happen.
I never heard a clear explanation from him.
Thats my only reservation.
I hate to be so anal. I decided I didn’t really know much about John Ratcliffe. I didn’t. Not much info out there. Ratcliffe is a lawyer, of course, from TX. Partnered with Ashcroft, a district acting fed attorney, and worked romney aid in 2012. After the 2020 election fraud, he cautioned the staff NOT to participate in the questioning of the election. House rep(4th district), endorsed by Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. Tea Party endorsed his house run, and club for growth, He did work with Trump will in congress and was considered a conservative (if that really matters these days). Ratcliffe did ruffle the intel communities feathers and even side line some. He did have impact in congress. He turned down offer of AG.
Not sure he is suited for pressure work, and a even more determined Trump.
To me, Ratcliffe already served his main purpose, in shining a spotlight on what McConnell and the Decepticons in the Senate were doing, with dictating to PDJT who his nominees would be.
Tradition was any Senator or Congressman nominated by a POTUS for their cabinet was a ‘sure thing’ because Senators wanted to be confirmed if they were ever nominated.
And, also traditional a POTUS with a Senate majority of his party was supposed to have a pretty easy time of it, with confirmations, with the Majority leader escorting the nominee thru the process.
Ratcliffe had his eyes opened, when his staff called McConnell and Grahams staffs, to set up a meeting to discuss his confirmation.
They were told neither had an opening to meet with him, for at least 6 mos.(or something).
In other words, blowing him off; sending a message he woukd get no help, without which his congmfirmation was doomed.
So, PDJT put Grennel in, because he didn’t need confirmation, Ric did very much what Sundance describes, going to intel and demanding material, and all a sudden McConnell was willing to confirm Ratcliffe.
That whole incident shined a spotlight on what McConnell, Graham and the Decepticons had been doing to PDJT with confirmations all along.
Frankly, once in as ODNI, I don’t know that Ratcliffe did much.
I tend to agree with you. Ratcliffe has had many positions of import, but seems to always be so, so. He is qualified up to a point. But he always stop just short of being “all” in. And that was confirmed by my research into him. He does have good voting scores. But to be that mean machine needed for this position, don’t think he is the man.
I view Ratcliffe as a smooth operator and not a bull in a China shop. But never underestimate the power of a little TX charm to get things done. The only issue may be he has to be somewhat wealthy to avoid being corrupted but his history shows so far he has not fallen into that trap.
He was in charge when they gathered the Intel on the Wuhan virus. He collected all the reports from the IC and stated the virus came from China and confirmed it was from a lab. Press swept that report under the rug but Ratcliffe was front and center on the covid origins and gave Trump the summary.
Sundance, are you seriously saying that we need government to work and function logically and efficiently with accountability?
You are a dreamer aren’t you. We could discuss the how, or process, of getting government to function. It would need to be looked at from cities to the Executive branch. As you describe, confirmation is a stopping block up and down the line.
Many cities use committees appointed by city councils that are basically yes men to the councils. No one with an opposing opinion ever gets on a committee, just like congress. Once these are entrenched they even work to help re-elect their appointers.
Term limits everywhere?
DJT, in his career has a consistent history of showing that what others thought of as “stopping blocks”,….weren’t.
But yes, MAGA IS going to have to be a whole of Government approach,…and in order to get back to our founders vision, we,….WE are going to have to get involved, in a SUSTAINED manner, over many years, and as we need to shift the power away from the Feds, and back “closer to home” it will mean more focus on State and Local Gummint.
Well, the focus is now on Minnesota and dear leader, communist, “Tampon Tim”
“The ODNI was created as an outcome of the 9-11 Commission recommendations.”
That’s all I need to know to conclude that the best person for this position is nobody at all. Anything, and I mean anything that came out of the 9/11 Commission recommendations is automatically suspect in my book. And more likely than not, unsalvageable.
Hard to argue.
Mike Tyson
He’s needed in Paris..
LOL!
In a very small way, I had occasion to offer input in discussions about connection and collections design of what was to become the ODNI and more broadly, DHS. As the blueprint for the post-9/11 linkages of state and local law enforcement intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts unfolded in the months that followed, one glaring fact became clear about the over-arching design of the ODNI. While it had policy authorities and prescriptive power, it did NOT have direct control of the funding streams to the 16 disparate intelligence agencies of the federal government. Consequently, each could directly deal with Congressional sources for projects and practices. Since the Swamp and more broadly, all of the bureaucracies of the federal government are masters of obfuscation, delay, stonewalling and the TS-SCI-Codeword cloaking game, absent the fiscal whip-hand, the ODNI is more sound and fury than actual control. That needs to be corrected if you wish a single, appointed SpyMaster that obeys the President, not the career shell-game of the deep-state.
My take-away from your post is that it is time, now, to dissolve the “16 disparate intelligence agencies.” 16 intelligence agencies????? A lot of dissolution and disbanding of the bloated Federal Government is long overdue.
What’s to prevent the other silos addressed in this article from blocking or resisting requests by the ODNI? I realize that the office has been given a green light to demand this information that no other office has at present. I am not seeing these silos facing any consequences, other than a Presidential directive, to not complying and exhibiting behavior they exercise on an almost daily basis with Congress. With a compliant President, an aggressive ODNI will be a paper tiger.
A carefully selected, hi-vis perp-walk to GITMO might prove motivational. Setting the tone, if you will. Vote for your favorites here…
PDJT will not be a “compliant” President.
There Will Be Firings.
I really like the outsider in Bailey, with a staff of procedural experts who can shine light on the roaches.
“…leveraging silos against each other.”
Brilliant!
There is also a likely, wonderful synergy amongst team-members who have each others’ backs, with adept, supportive leadership. Much tougher to isolate and manipulate them politically. But this is where the other guy’s personal attacks, temptation/slander/accusations, extortion, etc. come in, attempting to identify, exploit, or develop a weak link. Plan for it.
Dems hate Andrew Bailey. How would he ever get approved?
Do your homework; it wasn’t DEMS that abuse the Constitutional Advice and Consent function of the Senate, during PDJT’s first term, it was Republicants.
Can the ODNI be weaponized the minute someone else wins the Presidency? Remove all the staff they don’t like and be back to where it all began?
Can’t the silos stonewall the DNI as well? There sure will be a fight there but in the end cooperation is when the President can fire and hire himself.
Why not return back to the time the Office of the President overlooked the IC? Who cares they get in a fight with him. The President is the Executive and can fire whomever and ALL.
If the Senate Intelligence Committee doesn’t want to approve a nomination, remove the entire department. Who’s squeeling now? You could also operate the IC with temporary heads the entire time, can’t you?
Of course Trump will be impeached and removed if any of this happens.
It’s why I think we’re past the Republic. We’re at the Empire stage. The Praetorian Guard (IC) can’t be controlled; they’re the one controlling the figurehead Emperor (‘cause there ain’t no elections you can call elections)… until a Caesar shows up.
Sure would be nice to raid Clinton, Inc. and retrieve all those stolen FBI files they took.
Just imagine!
Tulsi Gabbard or Eli Crane?
This is a tough one because Ric Grenell was first to come to mind.
Interesting to see how slowly the comments section has grown on THIS post, which IS pw protected, compared to the last in the series, which wasn’t.
A little test on Sundances part, mayhaps?
Lots of new names yesterday…
People with good sense understand that they were born with 2-ears and 1-mouth for a reason.
Best to hear the man out and take a little time to digest this well-researched analysis before yapping.
AKA – Lurk Moar.
Sidebar: I attribute increased numbers to someone In another recent post that posted the “password” post for all to see. It was flagged. I assume newcomers saw that. Maybe SD will email us individually with a new password? 🤷🏻♀️
I was very disappointed to see some on here give up the password so readily. Then again if hackers want to get in they will.
As I understand it, the pw is not top secret, any HUMAN enemy agent could relatively easily go through the old threads, and figure it out, despite the # of people who can’t.
The bots, the content crawling AI algorythms, however are stumped by it, or so I understand.
I long ago ( pre 2020 “selection/coup” ) had deleted all/any online personas yet out of necessity continue to “lurk” here, out of deference to the quality of Sundance’ threads the info contained therein, along with the quality many of the comments, your included. I posted once in that “staffing” thread and emailed @Sundance for a password as the notion and topic of POTUS’ 2025 “staffing” is of paramount importance. POTUS surely knows this by now. Particularly given the Nation is in for the fight of it’s life.
My nom de guerre may have changed, from a once highly vocal online presence, to one who now sits here with mouth agape, at the extreme actions of those engaged in the current color revolution happening in and to our Nation. I can stay silent no more.
I’m on all the “lists” by now anyway.
Hunker down and Godspeed to all here. This November is “The Big One”.
if you’re not on the list, y’aint doin’ it right.
Sadly, this is so.
Thankfully this forum serves as just one important piece of a counter color revolution puzzle. There are so many fronts of attack against the USA, but millions more are stepping into the arena and that is a good sign. I hope the recent ruling against Google will hopefully reduce online censorship and the manipulation of free speech. Ironically, the internet is proving to be both a bane and a blessing to the information warfare being exercised around the world. Thanks to SD and to everyone who contribute brilliant insight on a multitude of serious topics, it is greatly appreciated.
I agree with you yet have very little faith the “Google Anti-Trust” finding will accrue with any long term actual benefit to “us”. I am reminded of the “Bell” break-up into “Baby Bell’s” and also the dubious activity in which AT&T actively is still engaged in. It’s in fact, their business model to be wholly in league and collusive with the captured Gov’t. As is “Big Tech”.
Ah, the ‘ol “public/private partnership” aegis again!
Remember this?
“CLAIM: AT&T got a contract to do a forensic audit of Dominion Voting Systems machines and those machines were recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee — to the same AT&T building that was damaged in a Christmas morning explosion.
“AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. AT&T did not have a contract to audit Dominion machines and was not holding Dominion machines in its Nashville building, both companies confirmed to The Associated Press. Authorities still don’t know the reason for the Christmas day bombing, but there’s no evidence it was election related.”
Yeah, sure! – OK. AT&T IS the “government” as is Google. I see little if any difference between them. “In-Q-Tel”, tells me so.
Duck and cover and – Godspeed.
True points about Google and the government colluding, but at least the door is now open for more competition as to search engines and other internet highways. This will pave the way to multiple sources (both good and bad) for consumers, which is sorely needed. Google has compromised the search itself, and is definitely involved with nefarious actors but we have to start somewhere.. I sincerely hope that this first step will allow fair competition to thrive.
I’d like to know PW simply so I can read comments. I avoid contributing unless I have unique insight.
I think that, if the fibbies can’t get into here, they will start harassing any of us who don’t have our own firewalls set up. Pretty sure they believe they can shove their way in when they think they need to. So far, we are just a gang of people who think we know too much about the 4th branch. I think we don’t yet. That is why they haven’t been chasing many of us around. I also think they know who all of us are and we need to be careful not to trigger them. Their are always trillions on the line and our Malignant Big Government is very protective of the large share they are pursuing and of what they are already getting. Some of us don’t know enough about the individual actors to offer any opinions about the preferred choices we are reading about.
It’s mostly like a hobby and place to vent following the stupidity called politics. Many hate the GOP just as much as the Dems. Getting hysterical or crazed over politics is foolish and your one vote is important but it’s really a drop in the bucket and not worth being tracked or losing all your friends and family. It’s pretty much in Gods hands at this point so relax a little and never let the news media get ya hyped up…
Has the Web layout for these pages changed?
It’s like the web page “cookies” have gone!
I’m old maybe my memory is doing a Joe Biden?
And the Password requirement has been lifted.
Not many of us can expound on the DC scene beyond what was presented.
The concept of this office is potentially very effective.
My limited experience as a state official interacting with federal agencies demonstrated a need to share information across even more lines ( we worked with federal task forces on gangs and fugitives).
Egos often prevent full sharing, “ you don’t know what we know, and we have way more resources and cooler equipment than you do” type of stuff. You can see this exhibited as recently as Butler, PA.
The potential for shared information across federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to address legitimate threats is a game-winner. It’s going to take some true patriotic intent and some real teeth in the coordinator positions like ODNI to accomplish that goal.
Stock market action may have had people focused elsewhere.
The rate of comments posted also depends on the moderator(s).
(Plus the content / construed “tone” of the comments. This is not a truly open forum, by any means.)
I’ve never remembered a password
am I a bad man?
Strangely, I was not asked for a password….???
Did you by chance read the update posted right up at the top of the text that states the password was removed? In red letters btw.
Well, Will since he commented on the oddity of not being asked to provide a pw upon entry…. You know he didn’t.
I don’t know J Brown perhaps he has earned the veiled slight. Probably not, though.
seems like the kind of thing geared more for the employees than the customers.
Hi DM. Some of us are now just reading and waiting for the inevitable Rebellion.
-before they install the POTUS again?
-after they install the POTUS again for the Jug Eared Kenyan’s 4th term.
FILTHY LIBERALS