Heads of Pentagon intel department step down

The UK story has meant another round of claims that criticism of the administration is actually tacit support for terrorists. The problem, of course, is that like the Soviet Union more resources are being spent on propaganda than in building successful institutions (in this case to defeat terrorism), and the result is a playground for the corrupt. TPM Muckraker finds a perfect example:

As the Washington Post's Walter Pincus noted today, the director and deputy director of the Pentagon's controversial domestic intelligence branch are stepping down simultaneously. In a very understated way, Pincus manages to raise an eyebrow at the fact both men decided to retire at exactly the same time, amid ongoing investigations that threaten to touch their operations.

The organization, known as "CIFA" -- for Counterintelligence Field Activity -- was first in hot water for keeping track of anti-war demonstrators and peace groups. Later, it became known that a company deeply involved in the Cunningham corruption scandal had played an important role in developing the center, and held numerous contracts to provide the center with staff, technology and support. It was created in 2003, largely through efforts by Burtt and James King, a senior executive at the scandal-linked company, MZM.