I have been told since I was 17 I am the most cynical person in the world but I do not have 0% confidence in news. The weather bureau told me the sun would come up at 06somethingorother so I know it did, even if behind clouds. But, yes, no question this is insane but I am taking it from the comments the Administration is not denying. Those comments shift hourly on some topics but my point is that the INSTRUMENT, regardless the agency although USAID is the one that exists for another 36 hours, is no longer going to be available to us.
You know my position on media reporting... I believe about 0% of 100% of what's being reported. All of it is spun to make political points. However, even if some of what is coming out is accurate it is troubling. It does seem unclear who / where the oversight was for the agency and that's a pretty big budget to have for discretionary spending. Like most organizations, the bulk of those employed are doing good, hard and honest work. Likewise in military units where subordinates have sworn to follow the orders of the officer appointed over them. As many of my previous commanders used to say, as long as it's not illegal, immoral or fattening, we're going to try it. To hold an entire agency accountable for the transgressions of a few seems to be overkill....unless there is factual proof that any corrupt activities were some kind of conspiracy from the top to the bottom being perpetuated by all.
I worked with many USAID folks over the years...mainly finding them in some far-flung corner of the globe in pretty harsh conditions (safety and security). Just about every one I came in contact with had a smile on their face and passion in their hearts. They truly believed in what they were doing. Also, in a purely self-serving comment, they sometimes had the best intelligence and inside information as to what was going on in a region that might impact the safety and security of other U.S. personnel assigned to operate in those areas. I never encountered any who were not willing to share what they knew to protect others. There is no doubt in my mind that the agency probably situationally operated as a cover umbrella for "other" activities. It just makes sense for any who have an intel background.
National War College did a great job of teaching me about the various instruments of power available to nation states to protect and advance their interests. Diplomacy was one of the major ones that was usually highlighted as the first effort at resolving an issue. When all of the peaceful efforts fail, we're reminded of Carl von C's famous passage: "War is a mere continuation of policy by other means." The global community is getting pushed pretty hard. Here's hoping diplomacy and negotiation win out before we're left with Carl's solution.
I have been told since I was 17 I am the most cynical person in the world but I do not have 0% confidence in news. The weather bureau told me the sun would come up at 06somethingorother so I know it did, even if behind clouds. But, yes, no question this is insane but I am taking it from the comments the Administration is not denying. Those comments shift hourly on some topics but my point is that the INSTRUMENT, regardless the agency although USAID is the one that exists for another 36 hours, is no longer going to be available to us.
You know my position on media reporting... I believe about 0% of 100% of what's being reported. All of it is spun to make political points. However, even if some of what is coming out is accurate it is troubling. It does seem unclear who / where the oversight was for the agency and that's a pretty big budget to have for discretionary spending. Like most organizations, the bulk of those employed are doing good, hard and honest work. Likewise in military units where subordinates have sworn to follow the orders of the officer appointed over them. As many of my previous commanders used to say, as long as it's not illegal, immoral or fattening, we're going to try it. To hold an entire agency accountable for the transgressions of a few seems to be overkill....unless there is factual proof that any corrupt activities were some kind of conspiracy from the top to the bottom being perpetuated by all.
I worked with many USAID folks over the years...mainly finding them in some far-flung corner of the globe in pretty harsh conditions (safety and security). Just about every one I came in contact with had a smile on their face and passion in their hearts. They truly believed in what they were doing. Also, in a purely self-serving comment, they sometimes had the best intelligence and inside information as to what was going on in a region that might impact the safety and security of other U.S. personnel assigned to operate in those areas. I never encountered any who were not willing to share what they knew to protect others. There is no doubt in my mind that the agency probably situationally operated as a cover umbrella for "other" activities. It just makes sense for any who have an intel background.
National War College did a great job of teaching me about the various instruments of power available to nation states to protect and advance their interests. Diplomacy was one of the major ones that was usually highlighted as the first effort at resolving an issue. When all of the peaceful efforts fail, we're reminded of Carl von C's famous passage: "War is a mere continuation of policy by other means." The global community is getting pushed pretty hard. Here's hoping diplomacy and negotiation win out before we're left with Carl's solution.