Witnessing the Meltdown

A letter to the Editor in the Austin American-Statesman, Sunday, April 18, 2004 (link expires 4/24/04):

Although I read reports about the contents of the presidential daily briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, I did not experience the full impact through those articles. It was not until I heard the memo read on a radio news program that I could really sense that impact.

I listened from the perspective of a senior executive and a Marine in Vietnam.

My reaction was unequivocal:

“I want a full report on the findings of those 70 investigations. I want that report in five days. I expect to be notified of any obstacles to progress on those investigations and the resources required for removing those obstacles. Mr. Tenet, I expect to see a full report on this topic from you, specifying the best thinking of your office on likely targets, timetables and interdiction opportunities. I want interim updates daily. Until we confirm or reject the seriousness of this information, it is our single greatest security threat. Ms. Rice, I want to talk to you and Mr. Clarke. Now.”

DAVE COLLINS

Johnson City




	Witnessing the Meltdown Home Get Email Updates What I Do for a Living Email Me Admin Password Remember Me 13458 Curiosities served Share on Facebook				2004-04-19 10:41 AM A former Marine's view of Briefing's impact Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) A letter to the Editor in the Austin American-Statesman, Sunday, April 18, 2004 (link expires 4/24/04): Although I read reports about the contents of the presidential daily briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, I did not experience the full impact through those articles. It was not until I heard the memo read on a radio news program that I could really sense that impact. I listened from the perspective of a senior executive and a Marine in Vietnam. My reaction was unequivocal: “I want a full report on the findings of those 70 investigations. I want that report in five days. I expect to be notified of any obstacles to progress on those investigations and the resources required for removing those obstacles. Mr. Tenet, I expect to see a full report on this topic from you, specifying the best thinking of your office on likely targets, timetables and interdiction opportunities. I want interim updates daily. Until we confirm or reject the seriousness of this information, it is our single greatest security threat. Ms. Rice, I want to talk to you and Mr. Clarke. Now.” DAVE COLLINS Johnson City Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top