This is likely to go on my permanent record

I'm pretty sure I already have a file with the FBI and/or some other government agency. If not, then this one is likely to get me my own, personal manila folder.

In case you haven't been paying attention, the Director of National Intelligence appointed a man named Charles "Chas" Freeman chairman on the National Intelligence Committee. The only problem (in some people’s eyes) is that he has questioned unwavering support for Israel and has ::gasp:: worked with the Saudis (as if our former administration wasn't completely in bed with the Saudis).

For an introduction to this matter, you may want to start here.

I am thoroughly annoyed with the strong-arm tactics of special interest groups (e.g. neocons, AIPAC and the Jewish lobby more generally). They appear to want nothing than the perpetuation of their own self-importance, often at the expense of a peace that would sustain not only Jews and Israelis but also the international community more broadly. Granted, I don't hold much sway, but what the heck - I'm going to write. Below is my first letter to the Department of National Intelligence. For good measure, I also wrote the White House, the Director of National Security himself, Diane Feinstein and Kit Bond (co-chairs of Senate Select Committee on National Intelligence), and I'm contemplating writing Rahm Emanuel too. Let them choose to ignore me - that's what I say.

TO: Mr. Edward Maguire, Inspector General
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
RE: Support for the appointment of Chas Freeman

Dear Honorable Inspector General Maguire,

I know that you have been called on to deepen your probe into the appointment and history of Chas Freeman. This letter is a plea for a fair, balanced investigation, one that does not pander to the personal, political interests of organizations like AIPAC and other members of the Jewish lobby. These groups do not speak for all Jews or Americans, and I am concerned that their current attacks on Freeman are motivated more by an attempt to control US policy regarding Israel than to find the best candidate for the position. Their campaign seems like nothing more than attempt to undermine the Obama Administration's attempt to build new, better relations with the Middle East and bring different ideas and views to the table.

I strongly support the rights of the administration to nominate and appoint the men and women deemed most qualified. Thus, I support the appointment of Chas Freeman and will stand behind the administration and its right to appoint those who have opinions and experiences that may challenge the status quo. Such challenges should not be feared but embraced as tools to explore all sides of an issue.

Please do not capitulate to those who clamor for his removal. Freeman is but one voice that will contribute to the conversation. If Israel has nothing to fear, then it can handle the questions and probes of one man. However, if Israel and its supporters have become so entrenched in a mentality of persecution that can justify even the most unjustifiable of actions, then even mild dissent will be cast as being unfair and anti-Semitic.

It is neither unfair nor anti-Semitic to want peace in the Middle East, and to accomplish such a task, the US government must have legitimacy and respect of all parties in the region. Israel and the Jewish lobby have been dinning at the table of American favoritism since at least the end of WWII. Men and women like Freeman bring that to the table and perhaps help us all to achieve our mutual dream: sustainable peace.

I request that you do your job as openly as possible and that you remain free of political and special interest influence.

Sincerely,
Me