9/11 Commission

Base10 caught the President's comments about the 9/11 Commission's Report and the press conference that followed its release. Base10 had his doubts about it, especially given the shabby and blatantly political treatment it gave to members of the administration. But after listening to Gov. Kean this morning, I'm starting to think that maybe it was a good idea. Perhaps this can provide some level of closure to the country.

UPDATE:  Base10 was in work Friday downloading and copying the Commissioner Report.  Base10 also started reading his personal copy.  Certainly a hefty tome, Base10 understands why reporters are having a slow go of it in reporting on detailed contents.  (Base10 himself is not an "Executive Summary" kind of guy.  He also realizes that if he does not read this over this weekend, he will not read it at all.  Opening impressions, the Report was prepared in a very thorough and professional manner.   A couple of observations:

• This document will at least serve as the definitive history of the 9/11 attack.  In that sense the Commissioner hearings produced a worthwhile document, if for no other reason than that it provides an "official" version of events.  Any wild eyed bizzarro statements that may be made about 9/11 (i.e. Israeli hijackers, Jews told to call in sick, etc) will have to contend with this book which lays out all the known facts.
• Base10 is less convinced about the efficacy of the Report's recommendations.  The key proposal is the establishment of a Cabinet level intelligence "Csar."  We all remember how well the concept of the drug "csar" went in the 80's.  Base10 works in a large beaurocratic organization.  (And he means beaurocracy in its original positive sense).  Having all intelligence agencies report to one person will basically increase speciallization but decrease competition.  Sometimes it's better to have smaller units involved in competitive operations and analysis.  The successes rise to the top and the ability to catch things inreases exponentially.  As for the other recommendations, Base10 will reserve judgment until he finishes reading the report. 
• Base10 is a little more concerned that the media is beginning to make views on the report a make-or-break campaign issue.  A large-scale restructuring of the intelligence community would take years to implement.  Big media at least is trying to make acceptance of the report some litmus test--and it should not be.  The 9/11 Commissioners are not elected officials.  Will Kerry announce that he is accepting and implementing the Report without qualification?  And ultimately will this be seen as a cop out because he's ceeded all responsibility for managing intelligence services?  Time will tell.

- posted by Base10 @ 1:53 PM