Obama’s DHS pick is a major Democratic donor, senators question credentials. | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1274109 United States 10/18/2013 12:18 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 12:18 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | He supports the use of drones to attack elusive terrorism targets overseas and defends the government collection of so-called "metadata" from Americans' phone calls – a National Security Agency program he notes was deemed legal by all three branches of government. In addition, Johnson spearheaded reforms to the military commissions system at Guantanamo Bay and helped write the 250-page report that led to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2010, as his firm's website put it. In recent years, he has urged the public to rethink how they view terrorists and the U.S. battle against terrorism, saying terrorists are no longer strictly aligned with Al Qaeda and have become "more of a mixed bag." "What worries me most is … our inability in the political dialogue to have a calm, rational debate about new authorities," Johnson said on "The Charlie Rose Show" in May. "People get very emotional about these subjects and very excited about these subjects. … My hope is that we can have a calm, rational, intelligent discussion about what's needed for the future in terms of national security." [link to abcnews.go.com] ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 12:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Meet Jeh Johnson: Drone Lawyer and Obama's Homeland Security Nominee If his name doesn't sound familiar, his pet issues will: Drones and the end of "don't ask, don't tell." President Obama plans to nominate former Defense Department lawyer Jeh (pronounced "Jay") Johnson for Homeland Security secretary on Friday, The Daily Beast's Daniel Klaidman reports. Johnson will replace acting Secretary Rand Beers, who has been filling in since Janet Napolitano left to become president of the University of California system in September. Johnson was the Defense Department's general counsel from 2009 until last December. Johnson's legacy at the Defense Department is marked by two high-profile issues: his advocacy of the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," and—as chief lawyer at the Pentagon—his legal authority over all drone strikes carried out by the Defense secretary and President Obama. Johnson cowrote a report on gays in the military in 2010, an experience that helped turn him into the leading advocate for repeal of the military's don't ask, don't tell policy. In 2010, he told The New York Times that people "underestimate the military's ability to adapt." But despite that leading, public advocacy on a major social issue, Johnson's role in the Obama administration's drone policy is much more relevant to his possible new perch at Homeland Security. And it could speak volumes about how the administration will conduct security policy through the end of Obama's term. Speaking at Fordham Law School in March, Johnson outlined much of his philosophy on drone strikes and targeted killings. He said "our government is in a lose-lose position" in regards to keeping such programs secret. "The problem is that the American public is suspicious of executive power shrouded in secrecy, " he said. "In the absence of an official picture of what our government is doing, and by what authority, many in the public fill the void by envisioning the worst." But yet he believes in the system. [link to www.nationaljournal.com] ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Nikola Tesla User ID: 48326183 United States 10/18/2013 12:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | President Obama's pick to lead the sprawling Department of Homeland Security is a major Democratic donor who used to work with the president's 2008 campaign, leading one senator to call the choice "deeply concerning." Quoting: Gypsy Priest The president plans to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson on Friday afternoon. "It would appear that the president plans to nominate a loyalist and fundraiser to this post," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said in a statement. "This is deeply concerning. This huge department must have a proven manager with strong relevant law enforcement experience, recognized independence and integrity, who can restore this department to its full capability." The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A White House official called Johnson "one the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders." He served during Obama's first term. But his background, aside from being a trusted legal adviser helping oversee those two wars, is also that of a big-money Democratic donor. Federal campaign finance records show that over the past decade, Johnson has contributed more than $100,000 to Democratic candidates and groups. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Johnson donated more than $33,000 to Obama's campaign, federal records show. Obama's campaign website listed Johnson as a member of the then-candidate's national finance committee and an adviser to Obama's foreign policy team during the 2008 election. He was also a supporter of Hillary Clinton, having contributed $2,300 to her presidential primary campaign in July 2008. [link to www.foxnews.com] Toadies they are "One person with courage is a majority." - Thomas Jefferson "You’ve heard that we are what we eat. But we also are what we think". “Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views." -William F. Buckley Jr. |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 12:23 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy resigned as top lawyer for pentagon in 2012 when excessive drone strikes were questioned. Now he is bringing him back. I don't think this is a good idea. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1274109 This guy could be dangerous. ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 12:30 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Still, he could be relied on to advance the White House's legal agenda within DOD; he'd often refer to himself as "the president's man" at the Pentagon. He adeptly shepherded some of the most legally and politically fraught policy matters at DOD. Chief among them was the repeal of the military's ban on openly gay military service, known as "don't ask, don't tell." Johnson co-chaired a working group with Army General Carter Ham to study the impact of ending the restrictive policy. After surveying the opinions of thousands of active service members, Johnson and Ham issued a report concluding that repealing the policy would pose little risk to military effectiveness. The White House was pleased with Johnson's guiding of the process. There were other occasions when Johnson's legal judgments conflicted with Obama's policy goals. Perhaps the most contentious legal disagreement with the White House came in 2011 over the decision to use force in Libya without Congressional authorization. Johnson, along with lawyers for the Justice Department, concluded that U.S. participation in a Libyan air war was covered by the War Powers Resolution and would therefore require Congressional approval. Obama, however, sided with administration lawyers who advised that the limited engagement did not amount to "hostilities" as defined by the War Powers Act. [link to www.thedailybeast.com] ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 17297794 United States 10/18/2013 12:48 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
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davvi User ID: 3677166 United States 10/18/2013 01:05 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy resigned as top lawyer for pentagon in 2012 when excessive drone strikes were questioned. Now he is bringing him back. I don't think this is a good idea. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1274109 It doesn't matter what you think, it only matters that democrats keep their major donors on board and happy... |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 01:12 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
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Resister User ID: 36421936 United States 10/18/2013 01:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Think about the implications of a top pentagon (read military) official being apointed to the civilian DHS. ... and hand picted by a Marxist whose litmus test is that his comanders would obey orders to fire on Americans. "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, & always, well informed... If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty... Let them take arms... What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. " - Thomas Jefferson in 1787 |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 01:27 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Think about the implications of a top pentagon (read military) official being apointed to the civilian DHS. Quoting: Resister ... and hand picted by a Marxist whose litmus test is that his comanders would obey orders to fire on Americans. ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 01:27 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 48554835 United States 10/18/2013 03:16 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 47320339 United States 10/18/2013 03:35 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | President Obama's pick to lead the sprawling Department of Homeland Security is a major Democratic donor who used to work with the president's 2008 campaign, leading one senator to call the choice "deeply concerning." Quoting: Gypsy Priest The president plans to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson on Friday afternoon. "It would appear that the president plans to nominate a loyalist and fundraiser to this post," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said in a statement. "This is deeply concerning. This huge department must have a proven manager with strong relevant law enforcement experience, recognized independence and integrity, who can restore this department to its full capability." The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A White House official called Johnson "one the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders." He served during Obama's first term. But his background, aside from being a trusted legal adviser helping oversee those two wars, is also that of a big-money Democratic donor. Federal campaign finance records show that over the past decade, Johnson has contributed more than $100,000 to Democratic candidates and groups. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Johnson donated more than $33,000 to Obama's campaign, federal records show. Obama's campaign website listed Johnson as a member of the then-candidate's national finance committee and an adviser to Obama's foreign policy team during the 2008 election. He was also a supporter of Hillary Clinton, having contributed $2,300 to her presidential primary campaign in July 2008. [link to www.foxnews.com] I believe the right wing US Supreme Court, said not long ago that given big bucks to a canididate is considered free speech. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 44131869 United States 10/18/2013 03:44 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 21193148 United States 10/18/2013 04:16 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ...The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... Quoting: Gypsy Priest Gee, why does Obama want this expert of war to be head of Homeland Security? Another move on the chess board. Another piece in place. ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 47226882 United States 10/18/2013 04:38 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy resigned as top lawyer for pentagon in 2012 when excessive drone strikes were questioned. Now he is bringing him back. I don't think this is a good idea. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1274109 It doesn't matter what you think, it only matters that democrats keep their major donors on board and happy... Yep. Always follow the money. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 38248216 United States 10/18/2013 05:07 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ...The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... Quoting: Gypsy Priest Gee, why does Obama want this expert of war to be head of Homeland Security? Another move on the chess board. Another piece in place. Because he clearly has American's best interest at heart. Same reason he wants IRS to enforce Obamacare - for our own good and protection. |
Resister User ID: 36421936 United States 10/18/2013 05:33 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ...The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... Quoting: Gypsy Priest Gee, why does Obama want this expert of war to be head of Homeland Security? Another move on the chess board. Another piece in place. ^this^ "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, & always, well informed... If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty... Let them take arms... What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. " - Thomas Jefferson in 1787 |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 16213727 United States 10/18/2013 05:45 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | President Obama's pick to lead the sprawling Department of Homeland Security is a major Democratic donor who used to work with the president's 2008 campaign, leading one senator to call the choice "deeply concerning." Quoting: Gypsy Priest The president plans to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson on Friday afternoon. "It would appear that the president plans to nominate a loyalist and fundraiser to this post," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said in a statement. "This is deeply concerning. This huge department must have a proven manager with strong relevant law enforcement experience, recognized independence and integrity, who can restore this department to its full capability." The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A White House official called Johnson "one the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders." He served during Obama's first term. But his background, aside from being a trusted legal adviser helping oversee those two wars, is also that of a big-money Democratic donor. Federal campaign finance records show that over the past decade, Johnson has contributed more than $100,000 to Democratic candidates and groups. During the 2008 presidential campaign, Johnson donated more than $33,000 to Obama's campaign, federal records show. Obama's campaign website listed Johnson as a member of the then-candidate's national finance committee and an adviser to Obama's foreign policy team during the 2008 election. He was also a supporter of Hillary Clinton, having contributed $2,300 to her presidential primary campaign in July 2008. [link to www.foxnews.com] They should have fucking checked Ocommies credentials! |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 45960123 United States 10/18/2013 06:10 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ...The White House touted Johnson's experience, as general counsel at the Defense Department during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... Quoting: Gypsy Priest Gee, why does Obama want this expert of war to be head of Homeland Security? Another move on the chess board. Another piece in place. Because he clearly has American's best interest at heart. Same reason he wants IRS to enforce Obamacare - for our own good and protection. Yep. Looking out for our best interest. ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 48344953 United States 10/18/2013 06:12 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 45960123 United States 10/18/2013 06:18 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy resigned as top lawyer for pentagon in 2012 when excessive drone strikes were questioned. Now he is bringing him back. I don't think this is a good idea. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1274109 Obama needs his drone experience for the War on America. ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Useless Cookie Eater User ID: 29696048 United States 10/18/2013 06:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Gypsy Priest (OP) User ID: 45960123 United States 10/18/2013 07:12 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy resigned as top lawyer for pentagon in 2012 when excessive drone strikes were questioned. Now he is bringing him back. I don't think this is a good idea. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1274109 This guy could be dangerous. :odrone: ********Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please******* |
Epic Beard Guy User ID: 26240425 United States 10/18/2013 07:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This guy thinks the drone strikes need zero oversight. It's OK because he knows they are only killing bad guys. There is no need for a special court (like the FISA court) to decide if it is Constitutional to kill people with drones. TRUST ME! Yea, he seems pretty cool to me. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. "America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe |
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