Comments on: Hypocrisy Alert: Homeland Security Undocumented! http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/ Firedoglake weblog Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:45:31 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: All Spin Zone » DHS Robs Homeland http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455796 All Spin Zone » DHS Robs Homeland Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:11:40 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455796 <p>[…] Okay, I know it’s sunday morning, and it’s probably not right to start off with something that will make your head explode, but that’s how mine started and I feel the need to pass it on. We’ll go straight to the quote: Translation: Not only did they [the Coast Guard] not keep the receipts or write shit down, when we asked them what they spent the money on or where the stuff they spent the money on was to be found, they told the auditors, “Duh, I don’t know”. Consequently, they don’t even know what their account balance is at Treasury. So, if there is an attack on the U.S. requiring defense of our shores and they need to buy some extra bullets or fuel for the cutters, they don’t know what, if any, money they have available. So how can they know if they need an emergency appropriation? I feel so much safer knowing that, don’t you? […]</p> […] Okay, I know it’s sunday morning, and it’s probably not right to start off with something that will make your head explode, but that’s how mine started and I feel the need to pass it on. We’ll go straight to the quote: Translation: Not only did they [the Coast Guard] not keep the receipts or write shit down, when we asked them what they spent the money on or where the stuff they spent the money on was to be found, they told the auditors, “Duh, I don’t know”. Consequently, they don’t even know what their account balance is at Treasury. So, if there is an attack on the U.S. requiring defense of our shores and they need to buy some extra bullets or fuel for the cutters, they don’t know what, if any, money they have available. So how can they know if they need an emergency appropriation? I feel so much safer knowing that, don’t you? […]

]]> By: George http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455290 George Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:15:52 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455290 <p>This is reassuring (p. 26):</p> <p>Access controls – we noted:</p> <p>• A large number of instances of missing and weak user passwords on key servers and databases which process and house DHS financial data at six DHS components.</p> <p>• A large number of instances where user account lists were not periodically reviewed for appropriateness, and inappropriate authorizations and excessive user access privileges were allowed at nine DHS components.</p> <p>• Instances where workstations, servers, or network devices were configured without necessary security patches or were not configured in the most secure manner at five DHS components.</p> <p>• Instances where physical access to sensitive computer operations were not adequate at four DHS components.</p> This is reassuring (p. 26):

Access controls – we noted:

• A large number of instances of missing and weak user passwords on key servers and databases which process and house DHS financial data at six DHS components.

• A large number of instances where user account lists were not periodically reviewed for appropriateness, and inappropriate authorizations and excessive user access privileges were allowed at nine DHS components.

• Instances where workstations, servers, or network devices were configured without necessary security patches or were not configured in the most secure manner at five DHS components.

• Instances where physical access to sensitive computer operations were not adequate at four DHS components.

]]> By: Sara http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455256 Sara Sun, 14 Jan 2007 00:49:48 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455256 <p>Benny Thompson heads the Homeland Security Committee in the House, however there is a different committee for Homeland Security Appropriations. Don’t know who currently heads it, but Martin Sabo was the former ranking member who just retired. What might be wise would be to get to Pelosi and see if leadership could make extensive hearings in this area a high priority — with perhaps a special investigative committee drawn from both the program authorizing and appropriating panels. </p> <p>I think we need to assume this fraud and mismanagement may well be intentional — an effort to “prove” that Government doesn’t work, so Government should not be involved in these areas. (The Nordquist Plan in action…gurgle gurgle gurgle plup).</p> <p>On the Senate Side the pressure needs to be put on Reid and McConnell to use leadership to select a venue for hearings. You know because according to the 9/11 Report Homeland Security Oversight is cut up into so many pieces, there are places other than Lieberman’s committee that could take jurisdiction. The key is whether the heat is going to be turned up to make certain something damn serious is done. </p> <p>It would be Senator Leahy’s responsibility to discover whether DOJ and the FBI are conducting an on-going investigation. Has DOJ decided what Division will prosecute if necessary? Have they reached the stage of selecting a Grand Jury? How many agents and investigators are working this case? Leahy might want to get that information in closed session and then just generally announce that DOJ and FBI are serious — but he needs to ask and offer an overview and indicate he plans to Birddog DOJ on the matter. Does it need a Special Counsel since so many political appointees and political donors may be involved? </p> <p>Much as I would like to show the back door to Lieberman, we need one additional Senate Seat before that is considered.</p> Benny Thompson heads the Homeland Security Committee in the House, however there is a different committee for Homeland Security Appropriations. Don’t know who currently heads it, but Martin Sabo was the former ranking member who just retired. What might be wise would be to get to Pelosi and see if leadership could make extensive hearings in this area a high priority — with perhaps a special investigative committee drawn from both the program authorizing and appropriating panels.

I think we need to assume this fraud and mismanagement may well be intentional — an effort to “prove” that Government doesn’t work, so Government should not be involved in these areas. (The Nordquist Plan in action…gurgle gurgle gurgle plup).

On the Senate Side the pressure needs to be put on Reid and McConnell to use leadership to select a venue for hearings. You know because according to the 9/11 Report Homeland Security Oversight is cut up into so many pieces, there are places other than Lieberman’s committee that could take jurisdiction. The key is whether the heat is going to be turned up to make certain something damn serious is done.

It would be Senator Leahy’s responsibility to discover whether DOJ and the FBI are conducting an on-going investigation. Has DOJ decided what Division will prosecute if necessary? Have they reached the stage of selecting a Grand Jury? How many agents and investigators are working this case? Leahy might want to get that information in closed session and then just generally announce that DOJ and FBI are serious — but he needs to ask and offer an overview and indicate he plans to Birddog DOJ on the matter. Does it need a Special Counsel since so many political appointees and political donors may be involved?

Much as I would like to show the back door to Lieberman, we need one additional Senate Seat before that is considered.

]]> By: ItsJustKarma http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455176 ItsJustKarma Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:58:20 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455176 <p>This board rocks! I have been around on the web extensively but this is the best forum so far. Congrats.<br /> Re: Lie-berman<br /> The fact that Bush mentioned Joe Lie-berman in his infamous speech about troop escalation (Ooops, I mean AUGMENTATION) says it all. To be mentioned by the loser-in-chief is the equivalent of treason towards the American people. With no hope of getting support from the MSM the only way will be intense publication through the ‘Grassroots’ movement. I know John and Jane Doe prefer watching Fox and listening to Limeball. Let’s change history.<br /> P.S. Last night I watched ‘Harold & Maud’ again, after almost 30 years. There are some comments by ‘Uncle Victor’ regarding militarism that are more true than ever before. All our misery originates from the ‘Department of Offense’.</p> This board rocks! I have been around on the web extensively but this is the best forum so far. Congrats.
Re: Lie-berman
The fact that Bush mentioned Joe Lie-berman in his infamous speech about troop escalation (Ooops, I mean AUGMENTATION) says it all. To be mentioned by the loser-in-chief is the equivalent of treason towards the American people. With no hope of getting support from the MSM the only way will be intense publication through the ‘Grassroots’ movement. I know John and Jane Doe prefer watching Fox and listening to Limeball. Let’s change history.
P.S. Last night I watched ‘Harold & Maud’ again, after almost 30 years. There are some comments by ‘Uncle Victor’ regarding militarism that are more true than ever before. All our misery originates from the ‘Department of Offense’.

]]> By: Mommybrain http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455164 Mommybrain Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:51:33 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455164 <p>This is proof positive that the rightards have no F*C*I*G idea what they are doing. They say that industry and entities will police themselves, if the stoopid people (in the form of government) would just leave them alone and let them do their jobs!@ They know what’s best, stoopid people. Stop looking over their shoulders!</p> This is proof positive that the rightards have no F*C*I*G idea what they are doing. They say that industry and entities will police themselves, if the stoopid people (in the form of government) would just leave them alone and let them do their jobs!@ They know what’s best, stoopid people. Stop looking over their shoulders!

]]> By: rumi http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455024 rumi Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:54:32 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-455024 <p>heya egregious<br /> how ya doing?</p> <p> I agree that the wheels are turning behind the scenes.</p> heya egregious
how ya doing?

I agree that the wheels are turning behind the scenes.

]]> By: egregious http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454964 egregious Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:15:45 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454964 <p><i>And why isn’t the FBI investigating all the missing money?</i></p> <p>What makes you think they’re not?</p> <p>Stuff is happening, not all is visible.</p> And why isn’t the FBI investigating all the missing money?

What makes you think they’re not?

Stuff is happening, not all is visible.

]]> By: Orbis Quintus » Blog Archive » Lieberman hates Louisana http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454962 Orbis Quintus » Blog Archive » Lieberman hates Louisana Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:13:46 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454962 <p>[…] Update: It gets better. Homeland Security had an audit, and there is all kinds of missing money. If Lieberman still refuses to investigate, can he be asked to step aside? I know, i know.. totally unrealistic, because hurting crybaby Lieberman’s feeling means him swapping over to the Republicans officially and losing control of the Senate, but more leverage can be brought against him now. He is chairing the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. If this scandal does not fall under the aegis of that committe, what does? Shame that sniveling criminal bastard. […]</p> […] Update: It gets better. Homeland Security had an audit, and there is all kinds of missing money. If Lieberman still refuses to investigate, can he be asked to step aside? I know, i know.. totally unrealistic, because hurting crybaby Lieberman’s feeling means him swapping over to the Republicans officially and losing control of the Senate, but more leverage can be brought against him now. He is chairing the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. If this scandal does not fall under the aegis of that committe, what does? Shame that sniveling criminal bastard. […]

]]> By: rumi http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454961 rumi Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:11:43 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454961 <p><a href="#comment-454953"><em>mui @<br /> 218 </em></a></p> <blockquote><p> I see what you mean. In college I took perception psychology. That’s stuff a mindblower.<br /> _____________________________<br /> <a href="#comment-454946"><em>rumi @ 216 </em></a></p> <p> I’m fascinated with subjects in the area of psychology and especially mixed with tech as in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.<br /> What freaked me out about physiological & perceptive psychology was realizing how vulnerable the human senses are. Take the eyes. The retina etc. are very mechanical. It’s the brain does the interpretation.<br /> A friend of mine said Buddhism is ahead of the curve because it already acknowledged this aspect of human frailty many years ago already.</p></blockquote> <p> Definitely. The brain fills in the gap with perception of the senses stimulation. That’s what makes the JoeLie people so dangerous. They can evoke the desired perceptions in those who aren’t as aware of the difference.</p> <p> Close your eyes and hold your hands cupped together. Can you tell that it’s a bowl of jello that is dumped in your hands if a voice says it’s a human internal organ you’re holding?</p> <p> Is the DHS money not well spent if it has prevented any attack on the homeland since it’s inception? Don’t you trust the people that you’ve seen proven to protect you from attack?</p> mui @
218

I see what you mean. In college I took perception psychology. That’s stuff a mindblower.
_____________________________
rumi @ 216

I’m fascinated with subjects in the area of psychology and especially mixed with tech as in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.
What freaked me out about physiological & perceptive psychology was realizing how vulnerable the human senses are. Take the eyes. The retina etc. are very mechanical. It’s the brain does the interpretation.
A friend of mine said Buddhism is ahead of the curve because it already acknowledged this aspect of human frailty many years ago already.

Definitely. The brain fills in the gap with perception of the senses stimulation. That’s what makes the JoeLie people so dangerous. They can evoke the desired perceptions in those who aren’t as aware of the difference.

Close your eyes and hold your hands cupped together. Can you tell that it’s a bowl of jello that is dumped in your hands if a voice says it’s a human internal organ you’re holding?

Is the DHS money not well spent if it has prevented any attack on the homeland since it’s inception? Don’t you trust the people that you’ve seen proven to protect you from attack?

]]> By: mui http://firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454953 mui Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:48:32 +0000 http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/01/13/lhps-homeland-security-draft/#comment-454953 <p><a href="#comment-454946"><em>rumi @ 216 </em></a></p> <blockquote><p><a href="#comment-454940"><em>mui @ 213</em></a></p> <blockquote><p><a href="#comment-454927"><em>rumi @ 213 </em></a><br /> I see what you mean. In college I took perception psychology. That’s stuff a mindblower.</p></blockquote> <p> I’m fascinated with subjects in the area of psychology and especially mixed with tech as in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.</p></blockquote> <p>What freaked me out about physiological & perceptive psychology was realizing how vulnerable the human senses are. Take the eyes. The retina etc. are very mechanical. It’s the brain does the interpretation.<br /> A friend of mine said Buddhism is ahead of the curve because it already acknowledged this aspect of human frailty many years ago already.</p> rumi @ 216

mui @ 213

rumi @ 213
I see what you mean. In college I took perception psychology. That’s stuff a mindblower.

I’m fascinated with subjects in the area of psychology and especially mixed with tech as in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

What freaked me out about physiological & perceptive psychology was realizing how vulnerable the human senses are. Take the eyes. The retina etc. are very mechanical. It’s the brain does the interpretation.
A friend of mine said Buddhism is ahead of the curve because it already acknowledged this aspect of human frailty many years ago already.

]]>