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Title: National Security Whistle Blowers: The ‘Undead’?
Source:
Congressional Quarterly Homeland Security
URL Source: http://public.cq.com/docs/hs/hsnews110-000002438709.html#
Published: Jan 26, 2007
Author: By Jeff Stein, CQ National Security Edit
Post Date: 2007-01-27 19:27:45 by palo verde
Keywords: Sibel Edmonds, whistleblowers, courageous patriots
Views: 372
Comments: 41
Congressional Quarterly HOMELAND SECURITY – SpyTalk National Security Whistle Blowers: The ‘Undead’? You’d think a guy who helped bring down a corrupt congressman would get the thanks of a grateful government. But you, of course, would be wrong. Like so many other disillusioned ex-CIA, FBI and other erstwhile spooks, Haig Melkessetian’s career was derailed for telling the truth. Today, he’s another casualty of Iraq, one of the growing number of national security “undead” in Washington’s intelligence demimonde, “entities that are deceased yet behave as if alive,” according to Wikipedia’s take on the horror flick creatures—“animated corpses,” bureaucratically speaking. Melkessetian, a former security aide and Arabic translator to Jerry Bremer, the first American proconsul in Iraq, now works in a far lesser job for a U.S. government contractor in the Virginia suburbs. His first sin: Telling Pentagon officials how screwed up things were in Iraq. A Beirut-raised former Special Forces operative, Melkessetian told Pentagon officials early in the war that the contractor he worked for had sent unqualified personnel to Baghdad. It was typical of the war’s mismanagement, he said. Half the linguists he worked with did not speak fluent Arabic, he reported. One was a Russian linguist who spoke no Arabic at all. That contractor he was working for was the now-notorious MZM, whose president, Mitchell Wade, had an unusually close relationship with then-Rep. Randall “Duke” Cunningham, R-Calif., a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and other high-level politicians with national security connections. When Wade tried to involve Melkessetian in an MZM scheme to put together a congressional delegation to Saudi Arabia, led by Cunningham, to brush up the kingdom’s post-9/11 image, the former soldier balked: There were too many Saudi connections to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Eventually, of course, Cunningham went to jail for steering contracts to MZM in exchange for $2.4 million. Wade, too, will almost certainly go to jail, after he finishes telling federal investigators about every palm he greased on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and perhaps the CIA, as part of his plea agreement. Meanwhile, a federal prosecutor in San Diego has given the House Appropriations, Armed Services and Intelligence committees a Jan. 31 deadline for turning over records related to Cunningham and contractor earmarks. Sibel Edmonds Melkessetian’s story is all too typical. Take John M. Cole, a veteran FBI counterintelligence agent whose 18-year career took a nosedive when he came to the rescue of Sibel Edmonds. Edmonds is the former FBI language specialist who surfaced in June 2002 with a strange tale of how she had been fired by the Bureau after telling supervisors that a foreign intelligence ring had penetrated the translators’ unit where she worked, among other sensitive issues. Now why would they do that? You can’t find out much, because then-Attorney General John D. Ashcroft invoked a “state secrets privilege” to stop her suit against the FBI for wrongful dismissal. A gag order prevents her from adding details to another of her sensational charges, that government eavesdroppers had intercepted the Sept. 11 hijackers plans. Edmonds, born in Iran of Turkish origins, also claims she discovered unsavory links between U.S. defense and intelligence officials, weapons makers, Israel, and Ankara. “I wanted to meet her because I wanted to help her,” says Cole, who resigned from the FBI after years of writing unanswered reports about lax security and mismanagement of the translations unit, which handles electronic intercepts of foreign spies, among other materials. “I thought that I could be of some assistance to her,” Cole says in “Kill the Messenger,” a new documentary film about her case, “because I knew she was doing the right thing. I knew because she was right.” Cole tells how he had “talked to people who had read her file, who had read the investigative report, and they were telling me a totally different story” than FBI officials, who had only perfunctorily investigated her allegations. “They were telling me that Sibel Edmonds was a 100 percent accurate, that management knew that she was correct.” But they buried it. In 2004, after months of harassment by superiors for his defense of Edmonds, Cole resigned. A year later, the Justice Department’s Inspector General concluded: “the evidence clearly corroborated Edmonds’ allegations.” In response, the FBI said it was taking another look at the Edmonds case. “That investigation is continuing,” it said on Jan. 14, 2005. In response to a query on Friday afternoon, the FBI produced a 2005 press release on improvements in the translation unit. It was not able to provide further clarification by the end of the day. Many More Edmonds, meanwhile, had gone on to create something uniquely Washingtonian: a home for the national security undead. Launched in 2004, her National Security Whistle Blowers Coalition now has over 60 members, disillusioned former CIA, FBI, National Security Agency, Pentagon, Homeland Security and State Department officials. People like ex-FBI agents John Vincent and Robert Wright, who saw their careers go south after they blew the whistle on problems in the Bureau’s counterterrorism cases. And Kevin Cleary, a U.S. Customs investigator whose nearly three decades in law enforcement went off the rails after he “uncovered and reported drug-related public corruption,” including “the compromise of a federal drug interdiction program,” according to his biography on the whistle blower Web site. There’s Shawn Carpenter, the Sandia National Laboratory employee who was fired after telling the FBI that “hundreds of computer networks at major US defense contractors, military installations and government agencies were being systematically compromised, and sensitive information was being stolen by hackers.” Edmonds is not the easiest person to get along with, say some whistleblowers who have resigned from or declined to join her organization. So a number of important whistle blowers remain outside the organization. People like Mike German, whose forthcoming book, “Thinking Like a Terrorist” covers some of his 16 years as an undercover FBI agent, which ended when he blew the whistle on the corrupt management of a counterterrorism case. And John Roberts, a 13-year FBI veteran whose career ended after he described alleged favoritism and cover-ups within the bureau on “60 Minutes.” Roberts told the program he witnessed things “just disappear,” “vaporize” or be “glossed over” in internal investigations that ended without anyone being disciplined. And then there’s the whistleblowers who suffer in silence, especially at the CIA, where going public is often impossible because of security restrictions. Occasionally, one busts out, like Gary Berntsen, who led the agency’s first paramilitary team into Afghanistan after 9/11. In 2005, Berntsen filed suit against the CIA for holding up and over-classifying his book, “Jawbreaker,” which refuted the claims of U.S. officials that Osama bin Laden was able to escape from Tora Bora in 2001 because they didn’t know he was holed up there. “He was there,” Berntsen says, “and could have been caught.” With the help of Pakistani agents, it is believed, bin Laden escaped. Kill the Messenger During the Vietnam war, a single national security whistle blower, like Daniel Ellsberg, the Pentagon official who leaked a classified, sordid history of U.S. machinations in Vietnam, could cause an uproar, even play a role in bringing down an administration. Today, with so many of them walking around Washington, they’re almost ho-hum. And nothing seems to happen despite their airing their hair-raising tales. None have had Ellsberg’s impact or notoriety. Most Americans have never heard of any of them. “Once you start hearing these names, it’s going to become more real to you, the concept of national security whistleblowers,” Edmonds said at the 2004 press conference announcing the formation of her group. The idea, she said, “was to have a strong group, and go at it collectively and together, not one, not two, not three, but together.” Army of the Undead. In the 2005 movie, terrified residents of a small town in Australia only belatedly realize that “you have to shoot a zombie through the head to stop it,” Washington Post film critic Desson Thomson said in his review. In 1973, Nixon administration operatives proposed to “‘incapacitate” Ellsberg “ totally” to prevent him from giving an antiwar speech, murder the investigative columnist Jack Anderson, and fire-bomb the liberal Brookings Institution. War can really make people do crazy things. Jeff Stein can be reached at jstein@cq.com. Source: CQ Homeland Security 2007 Congressional Quarterly Inc.
Jan. 26, 2007 – 7:29 p.m.
By Jeff Stein, CQ National Security Editor
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#1. To: All (#0)
Without someone to blow the whistle on corruption we would be lost
I am on Sibel Edmonds' email list
Crypto-fascist clown sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
Well said - bump it
Hello Palo, hope you are having a good Winter down there, good to see you. - ferret
Launched in 2004, her National Security Whistle Blowers Coalition now has over 60 members, disillusioned former CIA, FBI, National Security Agency, Pentagon, Homeland Security and State Department officials. good for sibel and the 60+ other gutsy members
“I wanted to meet her because I wanted to help her,” says Cole, who resigned from the FBI after years of writing unanswered reports about lax security and mismanagement of the translations unit, which handles electronic intercepts of foreign spies, among other materials. Thanks for posting.
The moral and constitutional obligations of our representatives in Washington are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world, precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people. ~Ron Paul
O Loddy I pray Ron Paul wins the Presidency
The moral and constitutional obligations of our representatives in Washington you are welcome, Robin thank you for the great quote by Ron Paul
I just posted this to you, but I must have posted it in wrong place thank you for supporting Sibel and the whistle-blowers Christine
Hi Mike
who passionately want what is best for our country Beyond this, we want what is best for our world. The end to American hegemony, hubris, and the desire to rule all other nations either by military might, fiat currency, or installed rulers of our choosing; or any combination thereof. Peace, Jim
(Palo) All we have is whistle-blowers and internet (lodwick) Well said - bump it thank you Loddy
The end to American hegemony, hubris, and the desire to rule all other nations Peace, Jim you wrote a great post Jim, because it is true
The cold can be good. It purifies. I noticed in Panama how insects and all other lifeforms were very advanced and formitable challengers to human culture's preservation in the tropics. Being from a temporate climate I never appreciated the positives to living in a place where the cold killed fleas and other small pests during the darker months. Hope the cold brings good things in the Spring as the light and warmth returns; even if it's only a renewed appreciation for it.
Short insect repellent futures and flyswaters here in Colorado. We're starting to think 20 degrees is mild.
awww Mike you are sweet to write me such an encouraging post Yes I think it will be a glorious Spring for all of us Let all things be made new again and let peace come swiftly to our Planet Love, Palo
beautiful pic of peace dove over our planet did not show up so here is "Spring is Poppin' in Portland"
You have no idea how disappointed I am, that this article really isn't about zombies.
I don't know where whistleblowers get their courage
God bless them for working on behalf of citizens
They are the light in the darkness
Love, Palo
#2. To: All (#0)
she sent me the link to this article this morning
I appreciate it and am joyous to post it
Whistle-blowers are God's gift to citizens
there was a time when the press performed the function of letting citizens know abuses of power by those in power
and bringing corruption out into the open
that is the purpose of the press
however now they cover up for power
All we have is whistle-blowers
and internet
God bless all citizens who love truth
Love, Palo
#3. To: palo verde (#2)
#4. To: palo verde (#2)
All we have is whistle-blowers and internet God bless all citizens who love truth
#5. To: palo verde (#1)
#6. To: palo verde (#0)
Edmonds, meanwhile, had gone on to create something uniquely Washingtonian: a home for the national security undead.
#7. To: palo verde, SKYDRIFTER, MUDDOG, ..., Eoghan, scrapper2, aristeides, swarthyguy, lodwick, Esso, leveller (#0)
Edmonds, born in Iran of Turkish origins, also claims she discovered unsavory links between U.S. defense and intelligence officials, weapons makers, Israel, and Ankara.
#8. To: lodwick (#4)
Dr. Ron Paul for President
it is only way to save our country
I think he will win
because I don't believe God will let our country go down the tubes
Love, Palo
#9. To: robin (#7)
Thanks for posting.
are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world,
precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people.
~Ron Paul
I am convinced he will be our President in '08
because he is the right man for the right job at the right time
Love, Palo
#10. To: christine (#6)
good for sibel and the 60+ other gutsy members
all they have is citizens like us
who passionately want what is best for our country
Love, Palo
#11. To: Ferret Mike (#5)
Hello Palo, hope you are having a good Winter down there, good to see you.
I am happy to see you too
Thank you for the warm greeting
Honey, we are freezing our asses off, we are not used to this cold on the desert
but Spring started in Tucson yesterday
I saw the tree branches reach up to the sky
That is how it always starts
The sleep of winter is over
The birds are singing new songs, they are singing in the Spring
Other than the unusual weather (an ice storm, a snow storm, and lots of cold rain)
it's been peaceful happy winter for me
Mazel tov!
I hope you are having nice winter too
Love, Palo
#12. To: palo verde. everyone here (#10)
all they have is citizens like us
#13. To: lodwick (#4)
God bless all citizens who love truth
Love, Palo
#14. To: lodwick (#12)
we want what is best for our world.
either by military might, fiat currency, or installed rulers of our choosing;
or any combination thereof.
thank you
Love, Palo
#15. To: palo verde (#11)
#16. To: Ferret Mike (#15)
#17. To: Ferret Mike (#15)
Hope the cold brings good things in the Spring as the light and warmth returns;
even if it's only a renewed appreciation for it.
I appreciate it
Renewal is in the air
filled with love and peace 
#18. To: Ferret Mike, ALL (#15)
#19. To: palo verde (#0)
 | This country's priorities are all fucked up. |
#20. To: palo verde (#18)
Nice pic, thanks. I was in Portland this last week and it was nice on the 11 mile dirt road through Forest Park, the largest city park in the U.S. It was full of growing green and flowering deciduous trees. Many of the spring flowing plants are to the almost blossoming point, but most are still stalks of different lenghts growing as fast as they can to get to the point when the beauty of spring will return. The pussy willows at the Delta Ponds in Eugene, Oregon are out though. I enjoyed seeing that earlier today when I was out there looking at the next areas we will be working to remove invasive plants as we try to get that place looking more like it once did.
#21. To: Ferret Mike (#20)
O Mike, thank you for this wonderful post
I love it
you area is cool green garden, flowers are happy to grow there
I don't know how anything can grow here on the desert
Our light is way too hot and bright in summer
and so little moisture
I guess everything which grows here is a miracle
Love, Palo
#22. To: TommyTheMadArtist, palo verde (#19)
Must Be Emo Hollywood Undead, legit emo fag status, gay emo
sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
#23. To: palo verde (#21)
Well, fancy seeing you here. So, you've decided to let bygones be go-bys have you?
"How legitimate is the Onion as a source?"----noone222
#24. To: palo verde (#21)
Palo, welcome! I'd been wondering when you'd show up. Been missing your "glass half-full" sort of optimism for a couple of years now...
The national nightmare has ended... Now begins two years of watching the Congress play "Kick the Gimp".
#25. To: Redheadedstranger (#23)
hi ponchy
sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
#26. To: Redheadedstranger (#23)
lol I was never mad at anyone, I thought everyone was mad at me because I voted for Bush twice Well, fancy seeing you here. So, you've decided to let bygones be go-bys have you?
but now that I am campaigning for Ron Paul 100 percent to be our President in '08
maybe I am kosher again :)
Love, Palo
#27. To: Indrid Cold (#24)
I'd been wondering when you'd show up. Been missing your "glass half-full" sort of optimism for a couple of years now... I love you
Palo, welcome!
#28. To: palo verde (#26)
lol, and I thought maybe you hated me because I am so down on the neocons from AEI. :)
sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
#29. To: Dakmar (#28)
I always loved you Dakmar, I love you now
you are the sweetheart of the western world
your friend, Palo
#30. To: All (#29)
thank you all for being so nice to me
I appreciate it
it is very kind of you
sweet dreams all
Love, Palo
#31. To: palo verde (#29)
The lover has to keep the wish of the Beloved. My wish for my lovers is as follows: Do not shirk your responsibilities. Attend faithfully to your worldly duties, but keep always at the back of your mind that all this is Baba's. When you feel happy, think: "Baba wants me to be happy." When you suffer, think: "Baba wants me to suffer." Be resigned to every situation and think honestly and sincerely: "Baba has placed me in this situation." With the understanding that Baba is in everyone, try to help and serve others. I say with my Divine Authority to each and all that whosoever takes my name at the time of breathing his last comes to me; so do not forget to remember me in your last moments. Unless you start remembering me from now on, it will be difficult to remember me when your end approaches. You should start practising from now on. Even if you take my name only once every day, you will not forget to remember me in your dying moments. There, that seems like a good religion....
MY WISH
Meher Baba
sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
#32. To: palo verde (#29)
We're not going to do circus act? Ok. :)
sometimes there just aren't enough belgians
#33. To: palo verde (#1)
Hi hon. I love you and I'll try to read your post soon.
#34. To: Indrid Cold (#24)
Been missing your "glass half-full" sort of optimism for a couple of years now... I love you Indrid. Where's that high priced Scotch I never could find? Have you leased a Hummer?? - No I bet you Lease Hummers.
'd been wondering when you'd show up.
#35. To: Redheadedstranger (#23) (Edited)
I thought up another tagline to replace the other one I liked from your quote. Here it is! ######################## I am woman, hear me roar, in numbers to large to ignore!--Redheadedstranger
#36. To: christine (#6)
What real whistles have been blown? Where are all the indictments? Who has gone to jail? Who was fired? The only people who lives were destroyed were the employees that came forward and tried to tell the truth. The truth is they were all gagged. The real perps of 911, (elements in our own government), got promotions, book deals, medals, lucrative positions on multi-national corporations. I always read where if our government was involved in 911, someone would leak or speak up. Citizens have tried and look at the result. No wonder others that really know how 911 was carried out don't come forward.
Mark
"I was real close to Building 7 when it fell down... That didn't sound like just a building falling down to me while I was running away from it. There's a lot of eyewitness testimony down there of hearing explosions. [..] and the whole time you're hearing "boom, boom, boom, boom, boom." I think I know an explosion when I hear it... — Former NYC Police Officer and 9/11 Rescue Worker Craig Bartmer
#37. To: tom007 (#34)
Where's that high priced Scotch I never could find? Have you leased a Hummer?? - No I bet you Lease Hummers. ???
I love you Indrid.
The national nightmare has ended... Now begins two years of watching the Congress play "Kick the Gimp".
#38. To: Indrid Cold (#37) (Edited)
Thought I'd get your opinion on leasing a Hummer. With a Palo Verde touch.
#39. To: tom007 (#38)
LOL! I think you know what my opinion of leasing a Hummer would be. You could probably get a mid-70s IH Scout with many of the same features (i.e. steering wheel, radiator) for a reasonable price, though, and it would outperform the Hummer offroad.
Thought I'd get your opinion on leasing a Hummer. With a Palo Verde touch.
The national nightmare has ended... Now begins two years of watching the Congress play "Kick the Gimp".
#40. To: robin (#7)
escaped with the help of Pakistani intelligence. Money quotes.
There were too many Saudi connections to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
#41. To: swarthyguy, honway, *9-11* (#40)
escaped with the help of Pakistani intelligence. Money quotes.
There were too many Saudi connections to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The moral and constitutional obligations of our representatives in Washington are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world, precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people. ~Ron Paul
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