Not better late than never

It is with mixed sentiments that I watch George Tenent interviewed on major programs. On the one hand, yet another insider affirms the ideological march to a war by administration apparatchiks that duped the world about the reasons. For anyone paying attention, this is no surprise - but it should send chills in the seat of reason.

We know by now that at the very least the war was justified by cherry-picking intelligence, at worst by intentionally misleading the Congress, the people, the world. For these acts, someone should pay a political price. Our soldiers and our national honor are certainly paying a dear price, as are ordinary Iraqis.

At the same time, what do we make of this insider who went along; who knew how flawed the whole Iraq enterprise was and still trundled forward; and yet did not resign, did not raise an alarm for all to see. At the very least, he could have gone to the Senate intelligence committee and forced the issue. Even Pat Roberts - that administration delayer - may have been stirred to action.

But, no. Another public servant who stands amid the foolhardy, the schemers, the ideologues, the party hacks, and remains silent. To whom is loyalty and duty owed? Is it the president, the party, the political apparatus, the CIA - or the people "from whom all power derives".

George, you work for us, and you let us down. Thanks for telling us how we got into this mess, and who you think got us there. But, it's a bit late - don't you think?