Dissecting the Mainstream Media
Sunday, 7. June 2009
Part 3 – Gang Pressure
In 1996 Gary Webb, a prize-winning investigative journalist at San Jose Mercury News, found himself at the center of a major storm caused by his three-part investigative series published under the title “Dark Alliance.” The series connected the CIA to the contra-cocaine scandal and alleged that Nicaraguan drug traffickers had used the drug profits from selling crack cocaine in the U.S. to finance the CIA-supported Nicaraguan Contras. The connections documented by Webb did not claim ‘direct involvement’ by the CIA but thoroughly established that the CIA was aware of the cocaine transactions and the large shipments of cocaine into the U.S. by Contra personnel. Webb’s story was supported by hundreds of documents obtained through FOIA, transcripts, and audio interviews – all of which were published later on his website.
The attacks on and denials of Webb’s series began right away. The ‘Gang of Three’ – Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, put on a united front and viciously attempted to debunk the link between the crack epidemic in the U.S. and the Contras. A decade earlier, the same ‘Gang’ had either downplayed or dismissed the 80s contra-cocaine scandal. Despite all the facts that came out of Sen. Kerry’s half-way Contra Hearings, despite sound evidence presented in an AP article by Robert Parry and Brian Berger, the ‘Gang’ never truly followed up or provided deserved coverage of Contra Crimes.
Here is what Robert Parry had to say on this:
“Webb’s “Dark Alliance” series offered a unique opportunity for the major news outlets to finally give the contra-cocaine scandal the attention it deserved. But that would have required some painful self-criticism among Washington journalists whose careers had advanced in part because they had not offended Reagan supporters who had made an art out of punishing out-of-step reporters for pursuing controversies like the contra-cocaine scandal.”
And here is another plausible reason offered by Mr. Parry:
“There was the turf issue, too. Since Webb’s stories coincided with the emergence of the Internet as an alternate source for news and the San Jose Mercury News was at the center of Silicon Valley, the big newspapers saw a threat to their historic dominance as the nation’s gatekeepers for what information should be taken seriously.”
The ‘gang’ attacks and the pressure did not deter Webb. In fact they increased his resolve to dig deeper and pursue the story further. However, the same pressure did its magic when it came to the editors at Mercury News. After their initial support and back-patting of Webb, they bent under the pressure, made their 180 degree turn, and caved in. First, they issued their retreat in writing, which did not retract on the factualness of the report but turned it into a matter of ‘gray areas’ such as “…presented “only one interpretation of complicated, sometimes-conflicting pieces of evidence” in a “few key instances.”” Next, they refused to publish the rest of the series. Then, the paper transferred Webb from Sacramento to the paper’s outpost in Cupertino (a four-hour commute) and told him he was no longer an investigative reporter; finally succeeding in having him resign and leave the paper.
In 1996, prompted by Webb’s series, the CIA started its investigation of the agency’s involvement in cocaine sales in the U.S. The CIA released the report in 1998, and George Tenet came out publicly and denied Webb’s allegations. Interestingly, weeks prior to the release of the report, ‘mysterious leaks’ made their way, and again interestingly, into The Washington Post and The New York Times stories, alleging that ‘no direct or indirect links’ were ever found between the CIA and traffickers. Of course, once the heavily redacted report was released these publications had their field day smearing and attacking Webb’s report.
While Tenet’s statement and the report’s vaguely worded conclusion were used as weapons in Webb bashing, the ‘actual’ content of the report was completely ignored and blacked out by the MSM ‘gang.’ For example: the report described a cable from the CIA’s Directorate of Operations dated October 22, 1982, describing a meeting between Contra leaders in Costa Rica for “an exchange” (in the U.S.) of narcotics for arms, which then are shipped to Nicaragua.
Six weeks after the release of the report, the CIA IG testified before the House Intelligence Committee congress and here is an excerpt from his testimony:
“As I said earlier, we have found no evidence in the course of this lengthy investigation of any conspiracy by CIA or its employees to bring drugs into the United States. However, during the Contra era, CIA worked with a variety of people to support the Contra program. These included CIA assets, pilots who ferried supplies to the Contras, as well as Contra officials and others. Let me be frank about what we are finding. There are instances where CIA did not, in an expeditious or consistent fashion, cut off relationships with individuals supporting the Contra program who were alleged to have engaged in drug trafficking activity or take action to resolve the allegations.”
Almost anyone, even those with only vague familiarity of covert intelligence operations would recognize damning information like this, buried ‘in between the lines’ and delivered using a ‘bureaucratic CYA’ choice of words.
More significantly, the CIA Inspector General admitted that CIA officers were not required to report allegations of drug trafficking involving ‘non-employees,’ – defined as paid and non-paid CIA ‘assets’ such as pilots tasked with transporting supplies to the contras. Meaning, the so-called report published ‘by the CIA’ on ‘possible CIA illegal activities’ conveniently left out any incriminating report or information involving CIA ‘assets.’
In July of the same year DOJ IG Michael Bromwich also released a report which corroborated Webb’s report. It claimed that the Reagan-Bush administration was aware of cocaine traffickers in the Contra movement and did nothing to stop the criminal activity. Robert Parry nicely summarizes the key findings of the DOJ-IG report supporting Webb:
- • Bromwich’s report revealed example after example of leads not followed, corroborated witnesses disparaged, official law-enforcement investigations sabotaged, and even the CIA facilitating the work of drug traffickers.
• The report showed that the contras and their supporters ran several parallel drug-smuggling operations, not just the one at the center of Webb’s series.
• The report also found that the CIA shared little of its information about contra drugs with law-enforcement agencies, and on three occasions disrupted cocaine-trafficking investigations that threatened the contras.
• Though depicting a more widespread contra-drug operation than Webb had understood, the Justice report also provided some important corroboration about a Nicaraguan drug smuggler, Norwin Meneses, who was a key figure in Webb’s series. Bromwich cited U.S. government informants who supplied detailed information about Meneses’s operation and his financial assistance to the contras.
• The Justice report also disclosed repeated examples of the CIA and U.S. embassies in Central America discouraging Drug Enforcement Administration investigations, including one into contra-cocaine shipments moving through the international airport in El Salvador.
Despite the ‘real content’ of the CIA IG Report, the corroborating findings of the DOJ-IG Report, and various congressional hearings and investigations filled with direct or indirect admissions, the MSM never eased up on its attacks and criticism of Webb’s articles.
In March 1998 Barbara Osborn wrote a well-executed piece on the ostracizing of Gary Webb titled ‘Are You Sure You Want to Ruin Your Career,’ subtitled ‘Gary Webb’s Fate a Warning to Gutsy Reporters.’ It’s a fairly short piece and I encourage you to take the time to read it. The article cites the following ‘loaded’ exchange:
“…Gary Webb didn’t know what was at risk. When he first spoke with Bob Parry–the Associated Press reporter who, along with Brian Barger, broke the Contragate and Contra/drug stories–Webb thought Parry was being “overly cautious.” “I thought he was being kind of foolish,” Webb recalled, when Parry asked him: “Are you sure you want to ruin your career?”
Unfortunately Parry proved to be the ‘realist.’
Osborn’s piece cites several enlightening quotes from Professor James Aucoin, a former journalist and a University of South Alabama communications professor who specializes in the history of investigative reporting. Here is one:
“Another aspect of the “Dark Alliance” aftermath which strikes Aucoin as significant is who attacked the story. In the days when investigative journalist Ida Tarbell took on Standard Oil in the pages of Harper’s, Standard Oil came after Tarbell. “In the case of Gary Webb’s charges against the CIA and the Contras,” he said, “the major dailies came after him. Media institutions are now part of the establishment and they have a lot invested in that establishment.””
And finally, here are a few thought provoking quotes from Gary Webb as reported by Osborne:
“The government side of the story is coming through the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Washington Post,” he said. “They use the giant corporate press rather than saying anything directly. If you work through friendly reporters on major newspapers, it comes off as the New York Times saying it and not a mouthpiece of the CIA.”
“The only way you’re going to do effective journalism is to be truly independent. It’s a difficult thing to do, but George Seldes and I.F. Stone did it. There’s no reason modern-day journalists can’t do it too. You don’t get 401-Ks and health benefits, but at least you get to tell the truth.”
Webb’s case is only one example where the corporate media unite and gang up to smear, marginalize, and silence colleagues who dare to sidestep the conventional establishment trend, who insist on carrying out real investigative journalism independently and objectively, and who actually succeed in unveiling the truth buried in between the layers of the secrecy web created by the government. Sadly, ‘the gang’ has been effective and successful. Take a look at the field; how many Webbs do you see still standing? The last time I counted, not many.
And now it is your turn. When the MSM gangs up against these reporters:
Are they acting on behalf of the ‘establishment,’ as an extension of the government, as simply a mouthpiece; or as we discussed before on the Bernstein piece, as ‘Agents’?
Is it simply a turf battle, jealousy, and ego?
Is it the Big Corporate media v small independent media or independent investigative journalists?
Does the blame lie, partially, with ‘we the people’ for allowing this?
I am looking forward to reading ‘your’ thoughts and views on this.
mmonk Says:
Seems sad the press can actually be spokespersons on behalf of government agencies instead of engaging in depth reporting but even worse is the ganging up aspect.
One Fly Says:
It is so good to see this site from you Sibel!!
OTC has strong feelings about your story and the media.
Yes some of the blame falls on us but it's the ownership of corporate media that is the real blame. They want what is seen on MSM to be exactly what it is at any given time. Yes it's propaganda but it's been brainwashing as well.
Their team is far ahead and time is running out. Big media is our biggest enemy.
We are the last defense against them and big media want control of the internets as we all know. A grab for that was made not that long ago and even with the dims in power that means nothing as they will try again soon to get that control over who sees what on the internets.
You wrote a piece just a short time ago on how politicians are coerced. I go farther than that and say key players for years have been threatened with much worse and that is the reason why there has not been one bit of accountability at all for the worst crimes committed by elected officials in the history of our country.
Metemneurosis Says:
I think it's probably all the factors you listed. Certainly some of the blame lies with us. But we all have our own lives and jobs to attend to and the whole point of having a functioning press is to provide us with the info we need to make decisions, especially with regards to government. It shouldn't be our job as a disorganized mass of disgruntled readers to police the press for not keeping us informed. Here's a link to a short video interview with Gary Webb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6dHqP9wc3k&fmt=18
Importantly, in it he remarks that some of the Washington Post reporters who attacked him were former CIA.
I think in general even individual people rarely act for just one reason. Most of the time the world is messy and complex. So it stands to reason that the factors playing into why reporters go along with the official story are probably equally many. But I think the common human need for acceptance, being a member of the club, is a big factor. The desire to protect one's job, or to protect one's standing with 'sources' inside agencies (which is itself a kind of status thing for a reporter) – all these probably play a factor. But they play such a big factor because there is, I feel certain, a highly organized campaign on the part of some in the government to covertly have a hand in the media. That's why when a reporter feels the need to tow the line that line is a government line. It is conceivable after all that history would have gone differently and hard hitting investigative reporting would have developed it's own social momentum so that reporters would feel pressured socially to do good reporting (we can all dream right?). Some, of course, still do feel that, but now it's conscience calling and not peer pressure. Real investigative journalist have almost no peers (in both senses). But I also concede that the shared interest of the corporate heads of media conglomerates and government officials also plays a role. The heads of some of the big papers do regularly attend Bilderberg meetings after all. That says something no matter what you think about Bilderberg. Also I watched the recent episode of Nova on PBS about the NSA. Someone on there remarked, I believe, that he remembers the director of the NSA before 911, spending a lot of his time worrying about Hollywoods portrayal of the NSA in movies like Enemy of the State. And then there are stories about the Armies involvement in sponsoring movies . . .
Zica Says:
Thanks for another excellent piece. US-Contra was when I first started paying attention and realizing the culture of ignorance and brutality/slavery in which I was living.
As to your question of what the gang represents when they make a hit, I'd have to say all of the above, since the government is overlapped with and controlled by the establishment. The individuals involved could be acting in an egotistical way or as extensions of the establishment, depending on their access to power.
As for the blame, individuals should be confronted when possible and blamed when they have access to power and are acting as extensions of the establishment, but the blame also needs to be focused at the systemic level of the establishment and the government.
Reminds me of what Anon the Neocon said about the laws concerning the media, except that I interpreted his comments as blaming individuals in the government and not the recognizing the establishment's control of the system.
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Metemneurosis: That WP reporter he mentioned: Walter Pincus. He is still with WP. In fact, if you go back to Bernstein's article, you'll see he is listed; it's a confirmed case-documented.
Based on our organization's (NSWBC) experience list, the Top 3 Worse Publications for WB to trust/go to:
Newsweek
Time Magazine
Washington Post
Zica Says:
Speaking of Anon the Neocon, I really miss his/her comments here. He/She is very diplomatic when he/she challenges the obvious criminal conspiracy, though he/she does ramble a bit, sometimes swerving around the points of discussion.
mmonk Says:
Is it a case of certain mainstream publications afraid they will be shut out of information in the future from government contacts if they don't play ball?
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Ziza: Strange, but I miss our Anon too. We must admit: he is informed (my bet: 'he') & articulate. I like having people who want to really discuss these issues, regardless of their political view/philosophy… rather than having one-liners (unless proverb/quotes;-)
Anonymous Says:
Another great post – Sibel,you should be nominated for a Pulitzer.
My take as to why the "ganging up" happens is first option 1 – establishment as extension of government, followed closely by option 4 – as Pogo said "we have met the enemy & he is us "
Markum
Zica Says:
To Annon the Neocon (if you are listening): Sorry about the male assumption in my first draft of my earlier post. I just kept reading your comments in a voice that combines Tony Blankley and Mr. Howell from Gilligan's Island. I really do want to inspire you to comment more and apologize for not being as diplomatic as I think you are.
Kathleen M. Dickson Says:
Since I never worked in MSM I can't account for how much freedom journalists have, but I am guess the problem stems from a bit of both of your proposals.
We do know for sure some of the California press would not report the Lyme Disease crimes when given the material because they said they were threatened by advertizers that the advertisers would withdraw their ads.
I am guess that means Kaiser-Permanente, which is quite central to the Lyme crimes, along with their CDC (CIA) bribees.
Additionally, MSM are surely vain-arrogant and in many cases, just plain liars. To Wit: Pam Weintraub.
(And sneaky, too!)
Kathleen M. Dickson
http://www.actionlyme.org
Zica Says:
Thanks, Blog Admin, for deleting that last anonymous post.
I would like to communicate to the pos(t)er that most intelligent people realize that posts like that are purposefully meant to dirty the water.
You have no place here for your BS. Go look up Truth Parade (if that is not you) and go have yourselves a mind muddle.
Hint: IT'S NOT WORKING!
Anonymous Says:
Dearest Sibel,–to mention Ida Tarbell, and George Seldes in the same paragraph is such a flow of truth and education that your intentions have got to be of highest integrity.
Appropos to Webb, Seldes' work "Tell The Truth And Run" is perhaps the most apt title ever. Thankyou for all you do.
Claudia Says:
WHY no mention of Gary Webb very suspicious 'suicide'???? It's an intrinsic part of the story.
Anonymous Says:
Anon the Neocon -
I am beginning to think Mrs. Edmonds, that all the secrets you posses – either amount to nothing, or you don't possess much of anything. If you continue in the vain you've chosen, you'll soon be appearing on Alex Jone's show. This is a profound disappointment for me – as I was always interesting in learning something valuable from what you had to eventually release.
I think the evidence points to CIA doing its work. The DEA is the agency tasked with the global drug war.
There is no evidence incriminating the CIA in allowing cocaine shipments using CIA planes – nor of CIA agents involved in the traffic.
You would be more sincere if you actually faulted the traffickers for their dirty deeds, via Latino distribution networks- instead of wasting your time on the easy target – the CIA. Yes, easy target, because it has no conceivable way of defending itself against malicious slurs. Whereas the mafia does – via a political discourse in which you will quickly be called a "racist" if you don't tow the PC line. The closest our agencies get to this, is when right-wingers shout down debate with the "patriotism" canard. In the case of our nation's leading investigative agencies, the "patriotism" ploy doesn't come close to the ability of ethnic lobby groups to censor debate.
Our nations newspapers are well connected with all kinds of sources in the country. Whatever information they obtained via their sources, for whatever purposes, appears to have been accurate.
Once more – the CIA never participated knowingly and willingly in so much as a single delivery of drugs from Latin America.
The Webb story is the cause celebre of the Jeremiah Wrigth's of this world – and a fine waste of time for someone of Mrs. Edmond's caliber – who is slowly destroying her credibility with stories and alliances that do not appear worthy of the information she claimed to have possessed.
Anonymous Says:
Anon the Neocon
I in no way meant to insult anyone with the above comment – it's just genuine frustration. When Mrs. Edmonds began her website, I was sincerely looking forward to learning.
Gary Webb for me, is simply a dead cause. The Isikoff incident was much more insightful.
I prefer when Mrs. Edmonds shares her experience, because it appears more relevant, more transparent, than events which we all only observed in the media.
In this post, we are asked to consider too many things at once.
If the subject is agency-media ties, then yes they exist, and will always exist. And if that's the subject of discussion, we don't need Gary Webb – because the dynamic in his case, is colored by prejudice against the CIA.
Anonymous Says:
-Ian
Anon, you are showing yourself to be a shill for the gov with such blatant lies as "There is no evidence incriminating the CIA in allowing cocaine shipments using CIA planes – nor of CIA agents involved in the traffic."
What would you consider Barry Seals if not a direct 'asset' of the CIA? his planes and drug runs were for himself? Uh huh. And what about our dear Oliver North? He has been directly placed at the scene of the crimes (cocaine manufacturing bases in central america). Stop with the disinfo campaign. The gov pardons for this crap were bad enough but to keep trying to act as if this didnt happen is shameful.
Kathleen M. Dickson Says:
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/
^^^ CIA drug smuggling, according to Mike Ruppert, a former LA Narc.
Besides, all you have to do is read Tarpley's Unofficial Biography of the Bushies to find out that most of the Boston
http://www.actionlyme.org/DURHAM_BUSH_CRIME.htm
Brahmins made their money on the illegal drug trade- including the Forbes-John-Kerry family.
Now, I-Me-My, my people are the Rockefellers who also made all their money by criminal FRAUD:
http://www.actionlyme.org/ROCKEFELLER.htm
And who helped create the CIA, who the CIA actually works for.
This is all not to mention that the Bushie CIA Spook Bank – the Riggs Bank – was run by Jonathan Bush:
http://www.actionlyme.org/LYME_CORRUPTICUT.htm
I am guessin the Spook Bank was the money-laundering bank of the druggie-CIA.
Kathleen M. Dickson
Anonymous Says:
You are my inspiration- beautiful, articulate,couragous, a talented writer, should I go on? I LOVE YOU
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Anon the Neocon: You are back! Good to have you back even though we totally, 100%, disagree, on this issue/topic. Have you read 'The Politics of Heroin' by Professor Alfred McCoy (Univ of Wisconsin)? If not, I highly recommend it; to all. Here is a link with more info: http://seasia.wisc.edu/People/Alfred%20McCoy.htm It is scholarly: Facts, Facts, and more facts. Solid Data. It covers S.E. Asia and more. Here is a good interview: http://pdr.autono.net/mccoy.htm
Next, maybe you are being diplomatic like Tenet on his IG report: the statements, reports, investigations, do NOT cover CIA assets; even NOCs. Are you?
Finally, I did not set up this blog to discuss my case. I did that for 8 years and there is a website with tons of information @ justacitizen.com. This is my place to share and discuss macro issues; at least macro to me. And, to really get others' take/feedback. Now, you say 'analyses of your case'- About 90% of world Heroin comes through and via Turkey. The State Secrets Privilege has to do with 'macro' issues, shady activities, even shadier cover ups involving our establishment's 'real' activities via Turkey…Heroin/narcotics, our buried info dealing directly with Afghan heroin via Turkey… has a lot to do with it. So does our MSM.
I will have a fairly lengthy piece on this. Hopefully will be posted next week.
Zica: on 'deleted comment':
)) Hope that was his/her last one!!
Claudia: I am going to go with 'backed up' and established facts. That angle is still 'speculation.' Suspicious, but still…
Ian: Sound reasoning. Good examples. There are tons: Vietnam, Laos, Afghanistan, KLA…
Anonymous Says:
If you want to see something very interesting on this subject google 'chip tatum' on youtube. He was directly involved in the black ops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_6dOsAZfZI
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Google Ads:
Please take a look at the ads 'randomly' chosen for this site!!!! How ironic!! Please don't get recruited;-)
Kathleen M. Dickson Says:
So what happens?
We (CIA in Turkey) buy heroin in exchange for supplying the "terrorists" weapons?
Lemme think.
Arms for heroin.
Terrorists have heroin, we have Dick Cheney Jails-And-Oil Enterprises and black people who need to be custodial democracied:
http://www.actionlyme.org/HOTEL_HALLIBURTON.htm
So, the terrorists are helping us with our too-many-black-people-and-oil-problems, or demographics, all in the same game.
I think I get it.
And then there are the Neocons who have deals for oil and pipelines with their Turkish friends.
HEYY I wanna piece of that!!
Party-And-Screw-People
K
Anonymous Says:
I firmly believe the Big Corporate Media is both a tool of the establishment and an extension of the government with the deliberate objective of maintaining public control. I am sort of an anomaly in that I have made an effort over the last 30 years to seek out and read so-called fringe literature…for the fun of it…as a hobby. But to really get a broad view of current affairs and/or history, a person definitely has to make an effort and invest a lot time…which most people don't have. The Corporate media are not in the business of informing people. They are in the business of brainwashing them and selling things.
One of the most distinguished and creditable writers on some of the topics the mainstream press won't touch is Peter Dale Scott, retired UC Berkeley professor. This is what he has to say about this topic in his Intro to his book, "The Road to 9/11":
"Beyond the reach of the law, however, is the ability of wealth to subvert true public discourse by creating an artificial realm of media discourse, in which the honest reporters of unpleasant truths are marginalized and sometimes lose their jobs. One such example is that of Gary Webb, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning journalistic career ended after he wrote about the CIA and drugs.
Peter Dale Scott is the author of his own volume on the CIA and drugs.
Zica Says:
On the ads: I guess we're getting different ones, but mine are pretty good. I think my marijuana defense lawyer needs crack cocaine treatment.
Zica Says:
Oh, there's the CIA Careers ad. Excellent – Google ads for drugs and CIA on your blog! Isn't that proof enough, Anon the Neocon
Kingfisher Says:
Claudia: Webb’s suicide is suspicious to some because it was a multiple gunshot suicide; I can see how some people could view it that way, most people don’t know much about terminal ballistics or forensic medicine. However, multiple gunshot suicides while rare are not uncommon. If you read Nick Schou’s book “Kill the Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb” it is clear how Webb was in a tragic downward spiral that would end up taking his own life. Further, Webb was marginalized, alienated and isolated as it was when he killed himself; why would nefarious forces assassinate him and stage a suicide, making him into a martyr? It would be counterproductive.
Anon the Neocon: Unfortunately I share some of your sentiment and frustration about Mrs. Edmonds (whom I admire) in that I fear she is “slowly destroying her credibility with stories and alliances that do not appear worthy of the information she claimed to have possessed”. (Though I am pretty sure that she possesses solid info) Why keep harping on the media and its failures, when she can throw the 302’s and her affidavit up on WikiLeaks and rub the media’s nose in it?
Ian: Heh, I wouldn’t call Anon the Neocon’s claim that there is “There is no evidence incriminating the CIA in allowing cocaine shipments using CIA planes – nor of CIA agents involved in the traffic" a blatant lie, more willful blindness. I think by “CIA agents” he really means CIA Officers, an “agent” is an “asset”. If he means officers then he may be correct in saying there is no evidence wrt contra activities. If he is talking contra era assets then there is a ton of it. Barry Seal was not a CIA officer, though he was likely an agency asset.
You are on the nose about Ollie North though, but he was not CIA (he was quite loathed there), he worked in the National Security Council. That was one of the legal problems with the contra policy; covert action was illegally being run out of the NSC. CIA got the blame and stigma for the actions of zealots in the Reagan administration; in fact with several exceptions most CIA officers steered away from the Contra resupply because it was a time bomb.
On the McCoy book: there are several editions; the first edition is “The Politics of Heroin in South East Asia” which he wrote as a result of his doctoral research in the late 1960’s-70’s, and then there is a recent edition called “The Politics of Heroin” which covers cases in other regional areas. I recommend both. The global issue of government’s and their relationships with the narcotics trade warrants serious academic inquiry. McCoy is pioneer in this field, but much of the other material is lackluster.
Kingfisher Says:
"So, the terrorists are helping us with our too-many-black-people-and-oil-problems, or demographics, all in the same game.
I think I get it.
And then there are the Neocons who have deals for oil and pipelines with their Turkish friends."
If only it were that simple. Not really one for nuance?
Anonymous Says:
"Kiss The Boys Goodbye": Monika Jensen-Stevenson
very good book about George H.W. Bush, AL-CIA-DA, and his assassin, Richard Armitage, trafficking black tar heroin out of the GOLDEN TRIANGLE and keeping P.O.W.'s lost over Southeast Asia, incarcerated after the war had ended.
If you want to understand how scummy the Bush clan and AL-CIA-DA is, you need to read this book. It particularly exposes the END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS mentality of the U.S. corrupt scumbag trafficking government.
Paul Rigby Says:
The Washington Daily News, Wednesday, October 2, 1963, p.3
'SPOOKS' MAKE LIFE MISERABLE FOR AMBASSADOR LODGE
'Arrogant' CIA Disobeys Orders in Viet Nam
SAIGON, Oct.2 – The story of the Central Intelligence Agency's role in South Viet Nam is a dismal chronicle of bureaucratic arrogance, obstinate disregard of orders, and unrestrained thirst for power.
Twice the CIA flatly refused to carry out instructions from Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, according to a high United States source here.
In one of these instances the CIA frustrated a plan of action Mr. Lodge brought with him from Washington because the agency disagreed with it.
This led to a dramatic confrontation between Mr. Lodge and John Richardson, chief of the huge CIA apparatus here. Mr. Lodge failed to move Mr. Richardson, and the dispute was bucked back to Washington. Secretary of State Dean Rusk and CIA Chief John A. McCone were unable to resolve the conflict, and the matter is now reported to be awaiting settlement by President Kennedy.
Read the full despatch here:
http://www.deeppoliticsforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1576
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Paul Rigby: Welcome, and thank you for the link.
Ishmael Says:
Consider this statement, written by Victor Marchetti and published 35 years ago this week:
"There exists in our nation today a powerful and dangerous secret cult — the cult of intelligence. Its holy men are the clandestine professionals of the Central Intelligence Agency. Its patrons and protectors are the highest officials of the federal government. Its membership, extending far beyond governmental circles, reaches into the power centers of industry, commerce, finance, and labor. Its friends are many in the areas of important public influence — the academic world and the communications media. The cult of intelligence is a secret fraternity of the American political aristocracy. The purpose of the cult is to further the foreign policies of the U.S. government by covert and usually illegal means, while at the same time containing the spread of its avowed enemy, communism. Traditionally, the cult's hope has been to foster a world order in which America would reign supreme, the unchallenged international leader. Today, however, that dream stands tarnished by time and frequent failures. Thus, the cult's objectives are now less grandiose, but no less disturbing. It seeks largely to advance America's self-appointed role as the dominant arbiter of social, economic, and political change in the awakening regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. And its worldwide war against communism has to some extent been reduced to a covert struggle to maintain a self-serving stability in the Third World, using whatever clandestine methods are available."
I grew up reading Drew Pearson and Jack Anderson's "Washington Merry-Go-Round" column, listening to Scoop Nisker and Larry Bensky on KSAN and read Marchetti and Mark's book, "The CIA and The Cult Of Intelligence" when it was first published. To me, the above statement of Marchetti's perfectly describes the Corporate/Government/Media oligarchy and it's true goals that we have today.
As for Gary Webb, He has merely joined the legion of people who died under mysterious circumstances like Danny Casolaro, Gary Caradori, William Colby, Raymond Lemme, J. Clifford Baxter, Deborah Palfrey, Michael Connell and others who had damaging information to share about high-level wrongdoing by the power elite.
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Hello Ishmael: Nicely done.
Here is a PBS link for you:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/archive/gunsdrugscia.html
Victor Marchetti came to know the world of covert operations as a long time CIA officer. He is the highest ranking agency official ever to go public about what he learned.
It goes all the way back to the predecessor organization OSS and its involvement with the Italian mafia, the Cosa Nostra in Sicily and Southern Italy. Later on when they were fighting communists in France and–that they got in tight with the Corsican brotherhood. The Corsican brotherhood of course were big dope dealers. As things changed in the world the CIA got involved with the Kuomintang types in Burma who were drug runners because they were resisting the drift towards communism there. The same thing happened in Southeast Asia, later in Latin America. Some of the very people who are the best sources of information, who are capable of accomplishing things and the like happen to be the criminal element.
General Paul Gorman:
If one wants to organize an armed resistance or an armed undertaking for any purpose; the easy place to get the money, the easy places to get the guns are in the drug world.
NARRATOR
General Paul Gorman was the commander of the U.S. southern command, based in Panama, from 1982 to 1985.
Ishmael Says:
Thanks Ms. Edmonds. Just make sure YOU vary your routine and NEVER accept any boat rides on Chesapeake Bay.
These days, I've come to beliebe that the Poet always tells the larger truth. Here are my two favorite voices of conscience.
Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68zccrskOqQ
Santee Sioux poet/spoken-word artist/AIM activist John Trudell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcGCCccvYRM
I currently have many of John's interviews and performance pieces posted on my myspace page at:
http://www.myspace.com/lonersassnofvalenciacty
eric zaetsch Says:
Why was Noriega ousted?
How he got installed, one of many unfortunate plane crashes, is a story; but what LINE did he cross to be seized via invasion, and jailed here?
I never understood that. Perhaps it's because of insufficiently diligent reporting.
I picture Noreiga and the Unabomber as cell mates, guessing at the conversations they'd share.
Noriega saying Bush this, Bush that, and the Unabomber saying, "You should have sent a letter."
On dividing the spoils, it is getting down to naming ambassadors. Is it justly being ignored by the press, the careerists being key, or are there stories falling through the cracks – why this person here, that one there?
At least the press is on top of things. An actor was found dead in a hotel closet in Thailand. Fully reported. There were more questions with Bruce Ivins but less coverage.
And the Supreme Court was today releasing an opinion saying a judge is not like a Chevrolet – where if you buy the Chev you properly want to be in the driver's seat.
But four esteemed gentlemen, Roberts, Scalia, Thomas and Alito felt, it's worth reading their reasoning in disssent, that the majority decision would make litigation more ambiguous and complicated, and would lessen people's trust in the system.
The opinion is online. Oral argument is posted online too.
It is interesting to see the questioning during argument.
Metemneurosis Says:
Some people mentioned the suspiciousness of Webb's suicide. I felt the same when I first heard about it. Here, for completeness, are two sides of the story.
Crazy Alex Jones has an audio clip on his site of an interview with Ricky Ross (the main drug dealer involved with the supply line Webb reported on) in which he says Webb told him he'd seen strange people around his house in the weeks before his death. People up the telephone poll outside his house late at night and other suspicious stuff. (it's kinda loud near the beginning so turn your sound down)
http://www.prisonplanet.com/audio/141204ross.mp3
On the other hand there's this article Mike Ruppert wrote about Webb after attending his funeral that addresses the question. He concludes it was suicide and it seems unlikely he would've dismissed other possibilities if he there were any evidence given his apparent reverence for Mr. Webb. Unfortunately the evidence looks stronger that it was probably suicide. Really sad.
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/122004_goodbye_giant.shtml
Miguel Says:
Gary Webb did an interview with the Scott Horton in 2003 and 2004, in which he explained how his 'Dark Alliance' story went through layers and layers of editors and attorneys before the Mercury News agreed to publish it. When the attack came from the NY Times, LA Times and Washington Post, it was criminal for his own paper not to stand behind a story they had thoroughly vetted and approved. Of course, it was also criminal for those newspapers to act as shills for the U.S. government, much like they would do years later in the run up to the Iraq War.
Great piece Sibel, albeit a depressing one. I saw Gary Webb speak at my university shortly after the Dark Alliance series came out, and I still grieve for what was done to this man.
Anonymous Says:
Anon the Neocon –
Thank you Mrs. Edmonds, for your welcome, although I am not sure we disagree as strongly as you suggset.
I am very much looking forward to the Wikileaks edition of Edmond's insight, as mentioned by a reader above, till then.
CIA was "involved" in several instances of drug-trade indirectly. Starting with Al-Capone, and the Corsicans – which drew us into the Golden Triangle. I am not informed on the details. But following the Warren and Church committees – this is in the past.
On Turkey. You claim 90% of the Heroin passes through there. I am not aware of any official figure of this sort. The number should be nearer 30 % to 50 %. Remember, there is still a northern route.
This kind of statement reminds me of the claims that Kosovo accounts for all the European distribution of Heroin. The facts speak otherwise, and the likes of Chossudovsky don't like those facts.
I have a special interest, Mrs. Edmonds, in the Gulen case. You mentioned we supported radical Islamic networks in Eurasia. I am aware of certain cases, and I wonder what you have come accross.
A reader mentioned Bary Seal. If you want to get into Mena – it just discredits Mrs. Edmonds. I seriously suggest that many of you underestimate the dimensions of the international drug-trade, and its dynamics. The CIA does not need to be involved in order for drugs to get into our markets. Nor is the CIA capable of in any way interferring with the trade. THe CIA is our intelligence agency – and it cannot select its assets based on domestic US, or domestic foreing, criteria.
Like it or not, the legal framework within which the CIA operates – is non-standard – to put it diplomatically. I am certain that a simple review of this issue, will bring to light what I mean.
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Anon the Neocon: Gulen- I bet you know much more than I do. He is a person of great interest as far as I am concerned; also, as far as my case is concerned. Last time I counted he had close to 200 Madrasas in C. Asia, thanks to the direct backing he received from out government here. What's your count? How about his universities here in the states. My case is sealed, gagged, and almost dead, but plenty can be found in 'foreign press' re: his Madrasas and more.
Zica Says:
Re: Gulen – Here is a blog from lukery (interviwing Sibel) that has been published at Worldpress and elsewhere:
http://lukery.blogspot.com/2008/07/court-documents-shed-light-on-cia.html
Mizgîn Says:
Ha! The Gulen gang is taking over mainstream education in the US, particularly at the university level, with Armenian Genocide denial and all that. Google Hakan Yavuz for more. And it's funny that 1)the leaks about military coups, in Turkish media, was coming from Utah (remember, I said google Hakan Yavuz) and 2)the hardcore Turk CHP types in the US despise the guy and mistrust him because he's a Fethullahci. That seemed to cause a bit of dissent in the ranks of TCA but not to worry. They've got an old MIT'er in charge of that who'll whip everyone into line with official ideology.
There's more about Yavuz that's funny, from Wisconsin, but since this is a "clean" blog, I won't bring up that hilarity/hypocrisy.
In fact, it would be interesting if someone could devote the time to investigating the links between Christian jihadi fundies and the Fethullahci. I'm willing to bet, with the little I know about their links, that such an investigation would be highly illuminating.
As for Gary Webb's story, it would make a great movie and be an opportunity to educate the public about how reality works but, given that Hollywood is another arm of official state propaganda organs, I guess we'll have to wait for an indy to bring this story to the big screen.
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Mizgin: As always, great comment. For anyone interested in Gulen, check out the tips/links provided by Mizgin; 100% on target. Gulen is a name no one seems to know, but one that everyone who cares about our foreign policy, terrorism, should know. Thank you Mizgin.
Anonymous Says:
Anon the Neocon-
I was hoping you'd know more about Gulen than myself Mrs. Edmonds. I am familiar with the activities of Islamists, and specifically some Salafists in Eastern Anatolia. Nothing more. My knowledge, is circumscribed to activities on livejournal, and other regional web2.0 platforms. This amounts to very little.
I have of course read a great deal on Gulen – but it is his American non-Muslims (or secular) support networks, that are of real interest. Can you at least indicate whether or not you in anyway possess information that relates to such networks and Gulen (and other Nursist movements)?
I found nothing interesting in Yavuz. Please fill me in.
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Anon the Neecon: 'but it is his American non-Muslims (or secular) support networks, that are of real interest.' As it should. Let's put it this way, someone should request from the FBI under FOIA: the thick files will betelling…but of course, for that, we have classification. Even though his files won;t be under 'counterintelligence'/FISA…
Imhotep Says:
For background here's a link to a story about Fetullah Gulen by Luke Ryland.http://www.opednews.com/articles/Court-Documents-Shed-Light-by-Luke-Ryland-080711-771.html
On Anon the Neocon's statement regarding Mena and the CIA. Of course the CIA is not in complete control of the world drug cartels… but it does not refute the studied opinion that the CIA has many 'assets' within the many cartels that they do business with… including providing cover for various drug (& oil) pipelines into the US markets.
Anonymous Says:
Anon the Neocon.
CIA and drugs.
CIA assets who engage in drugs business, do not give the CIA any leeway in the drug-trade, nor does their status as "asset" in any way facilitate their drug-running activity into any country whatsoever.
The CIA stands back – it doesn't facilitate, or make their work possible. It is not tasked with the drug-war. It doesn't issue a fake passport so some Turkish agent can get into the country – at least not for the task of selling drugs. Best case scenario – it will ask him to promise not to sell drugs (laughing?).
Not only does the CIA in no way control drugs, it doesn't even control the assets who do drug running. 95 percent of the market is beyond our reach, and the DEA is better positioned than the CIA, both legally and institutionally, in this regards – although even that, is hardly enough to make a dent.
Take the Mexican cartels. What influence do any American agencies have?
Virtually zero. If we happen to have an asset there – it will maybe – I say maybe in a best case scenario – help us with some unrelated operation – but that's it.
You guys overestimate, dramatically, the capability of our intelligence and police agencies.
You underestimate, dramatically, the powerful dynamic, of international crime, and crime participants in general.
Metemneurosis Says:
Mr. the Neocon,
Your comments suggest that you think we've been promoting the idea that the CIA is solely responsible for the entire world drug trade. I've read most of the comments on the blog and I can't remember anyone suggesting such a thing. We do, however, differ in our ideas about how much effect a change in the CIA's (and other agencies') policies could make against the drug trade. Forgive me if I don't trust your unsupported blanket dismissal of the issue.
Zica Says:
I agree with Metemneurosis. Although you might sense that the CIA is being unfairly targeted, I don't think the main impetus of commenting here has been to attack the CIA.
The CIA is an easy target and folks should be careful not to over-use "the CIA" as an analogy for "the criminal establishment", which is what I think is maybe a better catch-all for the criminal conspiritors.
The criminal establishment we have been discussing, including the MSM owners, uses all of the agencies to promote it's agenda of profits and ownership by any means necessary.
Also, I appreciate the sincerity of your posts, though something smells about the way you and KingFisher were attacking Ms. Edmonds credibility, and at the same time, trying to goad her into going to wikileaks.
Zica Says:
I think that legalization is the only responsible effect our government's policy could have on the illegal drug trade.
Most responsible people understand that legalization and regulation are not only humane, but cut out the middle men, I mean criminal establishment, top to bottom.
Most kids take drugs because their peers are selling them. Most drug related deaths are from gunshot wounds and should be considered drug trade related deaths.
Anyone who's against legalization and regulation, I consider ignorant or suspect.
Zica Says:
To Anon the Neocon:
I'm confused about your interest in and respect for Ms. Edmonds.
Probably because I'm ignorant. I'm just a commoner.
I try to remain open minded and I'd enjoy more info from you.
Right now, I'm guessing (from the word "our" in your last post, that you have worked for the CIA, but you know what they say about 'assume'.
I'm also perceiving that you have an interest in policing the bad guys and that those in power are not all in it together and are not all part of the criminal establishment.
I fail to see why you don't acknowledge that the termites have made the wood rotten and that there are criminal conspiracies at hand and at high levels of government.
Please help me out. I'm not being fasicous. Thanks.
Zica Says:
facetious
Zica Says:
On the other hand, I'm thinking of changing my nickname to 'fasicous' or 'fasicouscous'
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Anon the Neocon: Let's see… you say 'DEA.' Well, my DEA friends and organization members can list their many many cases where the CIA stepped in and 'made it go away.' Whether having them dropped in courts here, or, have our Embassies overseas step in and stop their investigation, or, have a few assets inform DEA targets of sting operations…They can list many: names, dates, places…
So yes, we should count those as 'involvement.'
Zica Says:
After Sibel's last comment, I guess my real question is 'What is your involvement here?"
Zica Says:
Why are you involved here, Anon the Neocon?
Zica Says:
"Not only does the CIA in no way control drugs, it doesn't even control the assets who do drug running. 95 percent of the market is beyond OUR reach…"
Sibel Edmonds Says:
Zica: he is our special guest:-) Though you must admit: he is very knowledgeable and articulate. In some cases totally on the opposite side of the isle…interestingly in some cases not far from this side. That makes it interesting. I have my doubts about his views fitting with 'Neocons,' at least in some cases…I'd say a cocktail: a little bit of Neoconism here, a bit of Realism there, and a few gray areas here and there…
On CIA & Narc: on our side, too many cases, facts, witnesses (including the DEA you mentioned) to win the argument. Do you agree Mr. Anon the Neocon?
Metemneurosis Says:
On Mr. the Neocon being knowledgeable – he may well be, but I feel like one of his main tricks is coming on here and speaking 'with authority', i.e. AS IF he knows stuff. You can be especially effective at conveying authoritative knowledge if you give the impression that you're not letting the discussion so far shape your response so much as vice versa by ignoring inconvenient subject matter from that discussion – shifting the specifics when convenient. As for his being articulate – I'm not disagreeing totally but several of his posts have had a lot of spelling mistakes. Let's suppose he were CIA, would this mean the CIA was trying to subvert the English language now too, or was he rushed to get to a drug deal on time?
Zica Says:
I don't remember Anon the Neocon espousing any neoconishness in his comments.
The only points I recall are:
– the populace is ignorant
– too bad cause it's too easy and that’s boring for propagandists
– there are no criminal conspiracies
– the CIA is not involved in narco-trafficking, except by association
– and, I think it was the first comment he gave, 'there's nothing new here'
Anon the Neocon, why are you interested in Ms. Edmonds and, at the same time, unable to handle that she is facilitating the naming of names in the MSM? Why does she lose credibility for doing so?
Why do you use Neocon in your screen name?
I trust Ms. Edmonds because of what she has done and is doing. Just take a look at the REAL journalism to which we, her audience, are being exposed. Speaking as a commoner, it’s a breath of fresh air and a chance to share strength.
I’m asking you to explain a little more of your precious perspective.
Mizgîn Says:
@Sibel:
Your welcome. Gulen is definitely a problem that should be taken care of but I doubt that will happen any time soon. There's been some info in Turkish media lately that those happy boys on the Turkish general staff have been constructing a "coup" against Gulen which they apparently started trying to hatch in April. I guess Gulen will be able to use this to his benefit.
@Anon the Neocon:
My knowledge, is circumscribed to activities on livejournal, and other regional web2.0 platforms. This amounts to very little.
and
I found nothing interesting in Yavuz. Please fill me in.
Yeah, you're right, it does amount to very little, particularly since you're probably not able to work in Turkish language, which is where you find a LOT of interesting stuff. Too bad.
Same for Yavuz. It helps to have Armenian friends as they are able to sniff out a lot of info, even in Turkish, and then I pass the English back to them for the information they need.
But Yavuz gets defended by a former Houston-based MIT type called Guler Koknar. She's all connected–ATAA, TCA, TADF and probably a lot more. Just for laughs, I should search around and see if she's connected to Mehmet Celebi.
By the way, for general info, the mention of "Nursi" refers to Said Nursi, whose signed his name as Said-i Kurdi because he was a Kurd. He was also an "ecumenical" ahead of his time, as he was in a lot of his thought. Gulen stole Said-i Kurdi's ideas, twisted them into a Turkish-nationalist version, and promoted himself ever since.
So Gulen and the Fethullahci are thieves and con-artists all the way around. As for the "holiness" of "Hoca Efendi", according to Nurettin Veren, "Hoca Efendi" tried to kill him here in the US and would have if Gulen's aides didn't hold him back. That would have been messy, considering that "Hoca Efendi" is a CIA asset but, hey, anything can be covered up when it comes to CIA assets, right?
I'd say, "Ask Abdullah Catli" but–HA!–he's dead. Better to ask Yasar Oz, I guess. Or maybe Mehmet Eymur.
YuvbinDuped Says:
Hi Sibel,
I have been following your story since day one! I am disgusted with the entire setup. The Banksters running America via their “divide and conquer” Democratic/Republican mechanism and mainstream media control has forced me to write a book. I am very excited to see that you did not drop off the planet, and in fact have been very busy. I will now add your site to my news folder to view on a daily basis.
My book will be titled “AWARENESS” – “What the Democrats and Republicans Have Done For You” and will be a compilation of the egregious violations of our Constitutional republic by both parties of what I call the “duo-politic.”
I will attempt to help the layman understand that the Bill of Rights was a contract to us by the Founders wherein if We the People ALLOWED them to create their proposed government they would GUARANTEE the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights would be protected (as a contract with America by them). I will endeavor to help them realize that the rights listed in the Bill of Rights were not granted by government but rather were our natural born rights which were merely listed by the founders in contractual form to remind us all. Unfortunately, the government through our corrupt (Bankster run) Judiciary decided that they would help us all out by “interpreting” them for us. This of course is simply their means of undermining their simple meaning. This all lead to where we are today thanks to our Republican and Democratic puppets of the CFR/Fed.
I realize you have gone to several Senators and Congressmen for help in your plight much to your chagrin, however I believe that two men, one a Democrat (Dennis Kucinich) http://kucinich.house.gov/
and the other a Republican (Ron Paul) http://www.ronpaul.com/, http://www.campaignforliberty.com/
might be the only two men in Congress that will, if shown the facts, help you in your quest. The same media enemies that cover up your story have relentlessly downplayed and marginalized both these men as they have your most important story. I implore you to contact either one or both of these men. The puppets you talked to have long been compromised.
There is a show on, believe it or not FOX News called Freedom Watch http://freedomwatchonfox.com/ with former Federal Judge Andrew Napolitano which may pique your interest also. It is carried over the internet and discusses our Constitutional rights and seeks out means to recover them.
Sibel, I admire you for your strength, honor and integrity to continue to fight against this Bankster run Goliath we have allowed through our apathy to commandeer our republic and I thank you for everything you have struggled to expose.
Thank you
“I apprehend no danger to our country from a foreign foe … Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. — From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence, I must confess that I do apprehend some danger. I fear that they may place too implicit a confidence in their public servants, and fail properly to scrutinize their conduct; that in this way they may be made the dupes of designing men, and become the instruments of their own undoing. Make them intelligent, and they will be vigilant; give them the means of detecting the wrong, and they will apply the remedy.”- Daniel Webster