A Suggestion for the James Woolsey Interview

I don’t know the extent to which most readers are aware of the frequent comments of Dan Conine, whom I would characterize as irreverent but incredibly bright. Here, in response to my piece on James Woolsey, he writes:

Ask him about shadow government agencies, Iran Contra connections to 9/11, and why he thinks Obama has not followed through on releasing government documents. Nothing is more renewable than ex-gov employees’ hot air.

LOL, as usual. Sorry, but I think I’ll take another tack with this interview. Yet you suggest a good point that I do intend to pursue — one that will make this such a fascinating experience for me: How does it happen that a true patriot comes to hold a position that seems to challenge the very integrity of an entire presidential administration — or maybe several? Unless I’m missing something, Mr. Woolsey is saying — or at least implying — that our leaders have acted more in their personal interests (as oilmen) than in the national interest, protecting the safety and security of the people who elected them.

In my opinion, what makes Mr. Woolsey so valuable to the cause of sustainability is his position as a frequent presidential appointee — combined with his lack of willingness to blunt his words. It’s easy for people (like me) on the outside to take potshots; it’s quite another thing for such assertions to come from within.