If anyone needed a clear example of the height of crass arrogance to which our bureaucratic leadership in Washington aspires these days; look no further than the hubris on full display at the
2013 Cyber Security Summit held in Minneapolis last month, attended by former NSA director
Michael Hayden and current House Intelligence Committee chairman Republican
Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan. The subject of Edward Snowden was a popular discussion topic.
But before we continue, let us not lose sight of the fact that the POTUS's so-called "Kill List" is, on its face, intended to enumerate enemies of the state or anyone else posing a substantive threat to U.S. national security. (whether that threat is imminent or...)
Trash-talking by government officials (past or present) is at its least - unprofessional. But former NSA director and current gadfly wannabe, Michael Hayden, and surveillance state sycophant, House Intel Committee chairman Rep. Mike Rogers R-Michigan have taken it to a whole new level in a discussion at the summit.
Edward Snowden should be put on kill list, joke US intelligence chiefs
Speaking at a panel discussion on Thursday, the NSA director made it clear that he’s aware of Snowden's nomination for a European Human Rights Award.
But Hayden revealed that he’d rather see the NSA whistleblower on a kill list than a short-list:
"I must admit, in my darker moment over the past several months, I'd also thought of nominating Mr. Snowden, but it was for a different list," Hayden said during a panel discussion on cybersecurity hosted by The Washington Post.
Roger's reply was no less provocative.
The audience laughed, and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who was also on the panel, responded, "I can help you with that."
Mr. Hayden later elaborated on his comments on Thursday via email to
RT's Marina Portnaya.
"The quote is correct," writes Hayden. "I was intentionally broad and undefined and it was never a proposal."
"I never suggested he be put on any list. I simply reflected ruminations in my darker moments," he adds.
Yeah right...
This is not acceptable behavior for government officials at anytime. And it's highly unprofessional. These people don't even know the concept of carrying out your job with humility and respect for others.
These days, I don't think some of our government's enemies are actually enemies of the American People.
But that's just me.