Seems to be a standard answer. "It's your fault because you did not give us enough money". Virtually every bureaucracy accused of anything says that. And there's usually an element of truth in it.

A problem with the FBI is that they usually get very close to what they want.

And, there's a systemic issue. I've spoken about the Randy Weaver incident. They shot and killed his wife, against the ROE. That Weaver is an unpleasant guy for whom it's difficult to feel sympathy isn't the issue.

THEN, the FBI covered up what they did. Hid it. Illegally.

Then, they lost a lawsuit to the tune of about $4 million. Cost the good ol' American taxpayer $4 million+.

The broke the rules, covered up, lost a suit. Net effect - two letters of reprimand.

Again, the Robert Hanssen matter. The people charged with protecting our national security refused to give lie detector tests, didn't follow up on direct warnings. The entire Russian desk was given to the Russians. People died, codes broken, millions upon millions wasted.

Again, nothing happened to anyone. No one was at fault.

It's the nature of bureaucracies to get hidebound if not overseen. And the FBI has never had effective oversight. Even in the face of gross incompetence. I'm not saying missing the WTC was, I am saying Hanssen and Weaver were.

They have too much power to leave unexamined. If they aren't already too powerful already to be overseen. And if secrets come out? What secrets do they have except from Americans?

Arf