Able Danger and Wen Ho Lee

Is there an offbeat connection?

Wen Ho Lee's name is back in print after an appeals court ruled against four journalists being compelled to testify in Lee's defamation suit. The story has also brought New Mexico's Bill Richardson's name back into the lights, since he was Secretary of Energy during the time Lee was being accused of spying.

You might ask how that relates to Able Danger? Recall that AD was involved in heavy-duty data mining shortly after Lee's escapade hit the press. Several involved in the AD story dropped the "C" word-- no, not Clinton-- China. What did AD find out about China?

Just doing a little speculatin' here. Were the charges against Wen Ho Lee more of a diversion than a mistake? Clinton had been dodging the Chinese fund raising issue for a few years at that point. Dunno, just curious.

One would think if the repubs had that kind of ammo they would come out shootin. Yet, conversely they've sat disinterested while Lt. Colonel Shaffer's security clearance was pulled. He lost his appeal, so he's now out on the street. Surely that wouldn't have anything to do with Able Danger coming up with Condi Rice's name during their many searches? Condi Rice was the first level supervisor of Steven Hadley, the same man Curt Weldon says he gave the infamous AD terror flow-chart poster to shortly after 9/11. It's a small, small world-- or perhaps the internet is just plain evil.

One thing's for sure--it's been a tough season for journalists. Looks like four more will face a decision on whether to testify or face the slammer. I'll be watching to see if the left reacts with the same indifference they showed Judith Miller.

MORE 11/5

Should have mentioned this. Lots of tasty morsels for the conspiracy hungry blogreader.

HOW'S THIS FOR TIMING? 11/5

Four Chinese spies arrested in Los Angeles.

Key compromises uncovered so far include sensitive data on Aegis battle management systems that are the core of U.S. Navy destroyers and cruisers.
China covertly obtained the Aegis technology and earlier this year deployed its first Aegis warship, code-named Magic Shield, intelligence officials have said.

The Chinese also obtained sensitive data on U.S. submarines, including classified details related to the new Virginia-class attack submarines. Officials said based on a preliminary assessment, China now will be able to track U.S. submarines, a compromise that potentially could be devastating if the United States enters a conflict with China in defending Taiwan.

The Chicoms appear to be good at strategic thinking. WE, on the other hand, appear to be good at taking bribes, illegal campaign contributions, and acquiring fat contracts for our defense and aerospace contractors while our political leaders look the other way. It's the economy, stupid! Perhaps we know why Bush wanted the Star Wars program back?

But A.C., Clinton's gone, get over it. He's gone, but his legacy lingers like dead air. 9/11 Commissioner Jamie Gorelick was instrumental in building bureacratic walls that made it harder for lower end spooks, G-men, and federal prosecutors to touch base. The result was intelligence dots flowed up the White House Stovepipe for administration insiders to connect. This kept the war cries to a minimum as events unfolded around us, yet the economy rolled on. It would appear our enemies made the most of it.