above situation is only latest demonstration of how temptation to abuse so-called 'national security' is endemic to modern presidency...
congress or courts may act to identify/address specific scandal/individuals, but circumstances that lead to abuses/corruption remain the same, 'inventiveness' of prez advisors/staff is ceaseless in finding other 'national security' reasons for bypassing constitutional/conventional channels in carrying out their policies...
politicized bureaucracy has, no doubt, always existed to some degree, but condition has become more pervasive since nixon initiated what poli sci guy richard nathan calls 'administrative presidency', while nixon was eventually waylayed by watergate (a 'national security' scandal), reagan was able to go much farther down same path (in part, because of legislation that congressional democratic majority passed during carter years), current bush has exceeded reagan in hammering away at long-time cherished poli sci principle holding that bureaucracy is 'permanent government' insulated from political changes and beyond ability of prez to control...
rare today is prez appointee who has some independent source of power, control of civil/foreign service has become centralized in white house, many more federal personnel are hired as political appointees rather than as civil servants...
eliminate valerie plame's job, abolish the cia, smash the national security state... michael hoover -------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: Due to Florida's very broad public records law, most written communications to or from College employees regarding College business are public records, available to the public and media upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.