Spy Chief Opposes Creation Of Intelligence Cabinet Post

[Axegrinder]

Acting Director McLaughlin says the post is unnecessary.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5456067/

[PyroGenic]

its like making a new job for a postion that already filled...

[Dexter72]

I think it makes sense; when one government fiefdom has 'functional oversight' over a bunch of equals, it doesn't usually work real well since they don't have power over personnel decisions in the other organizations...A czar would have greater authority as a cabinet member to slap people around.

[Spence]

The CIA opposes the move because it would demote the CIA. They have an institutional interest in opposing a centralized spy chief that would be superior to Langley.

[RedskinsDave]

Originally Posted by Spence

The CIA opposes the move because it would demote the CIA. They have an institutional interest in opposing a centralized spy chief that would be superior to Langley.

Exactly.

[tommahawk]

Some Republicans and Democrats are worried the position would create another layer of bureaucracy and would become too political by giving the normally apolitical intelligence chief a seat at the president's policy-making table. Others questioned whether the intelligence director would conflict with the Pentagon over combat and resource decisions, such as where to send reconnaissance aircraft.

Under a system established with the 1947 National Security Act, the CIA director also oversees the entire intelligence community, under a second title as the director of central intelligence. However, that position doesn't give the director control over money spent outside the CIA, so the vast majority of the intelligence budget _ and, in effect, many of the operational decisions _ are outside his authority, often within the Defense Department.

http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=116&sid=231553

I thought Tom Ridge was supposed to do this. I don't care for his cabinet position either.