Letters to the Editor
RJStewart
Published Letters: 2
-
Accuracy
[Read the article: Is airport security futile?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Dear Salon:
As a long-time reader and Premium member, I count on your insightful, up-to-the-minute articles on breaking news. I am usually impressed by the high quality of writing and editing. Today, however, I have to pick on you for one gaffe. In the editorial cartoon/drawing that accompanies this article, you have a mock crest of arms that reads "Transportation Security Administration" at the top, and "US Department of Transportation" at the bottom. I feel obligated to remind you that in 2003 TSA was transferred to the newly formed mega-Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I am sure that the Department of Transportation would appreciate it if you did not perpetuate the myth that the oft-reorganized TSA still belongs to DOT. Keep TSA where it belongs - in DHS.
Sincerely,
Roberta Stewart
-
The law is weak
[Read the article: CNN, the Pentagon's "military analyst program" and Gitmo]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Glenn, the prwatch.org legal analysis was pretty good, but didn't hit the nail on the head when it comes to the legal consequences of conducting an illegal covert propaganda program. Covert propaganda is routinely prohibited by appropriations acts. Under these provisions, there is no money appropriated for the purpose of illegal propaganda. If money is actually spent in this fashion, then the agency violates the Antideficiency Act. Rarely is any action taken against the employees involved. When illegal propaganda is undertaken by the top like by the Secretary of Defense, who is really going to do anything? In order to strengthen the law, I suggest that individuals who knowingly participate in covert propaganda should be "debarred" by the Federal government, meaning making them ineligible to receive government contracts, grants, and other Federal money. Since the generals in this case, and the PR flacks in previous cases under the Bush Administration were actively seeking government contracts, debarment may be an adequate deterrent.