Posted on 11/23/2008 11:10:03 AM PST by St. Louis Conservative
Intelligence: Our spy agencies have taken another look into their crystal ball and see a long period of American decline. We're betting they aren't any more accurate on this prediction than they've been on others in the past.
The National Intelligence Estimate put out periodically by the nation's 17 spy agencies is intended to serve as a road map for future policy actions. Unfortunately, the one just released takes a lot of wrong turns.
It warns, for instance, of Russia once again rising in global affairs — in part because global warming will be a boon to that nation's sprawling arctic regions. This is just plain silly. Even CIA chief Michael Hayden noted just a few months ago that Russia's population is imploding — expected to decline by as many as 21 million people by 2030. This is not a country in ascent, but one in collapse. Global warming is irrelevant.
Today, Russia's economy creates little other than headaches for its neighbors. Yes, it's still an oil power. But if crude stays around $50 a barrel, Russia — whose budget is premised on $90-a-barrel-oil — will have trouble making ends meet at home, let alone shine internationally. Its grand ambitions for military expansion will have to be put aside.
(snip)
Other conclusions seem equally off base. One in particular stands out: Accepting global-warming dogma as gospel, the report warns that climate change could be accompanied by food and water shortages, leading to conflict around the world.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Members of the Intelligence Community:
* Director of National Intelligence
* Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
* Air Force Intelligence
* Army Intelligence
* Central Intelligence Agency
* Coast Guard Intelligence
* Defense Intelligence Agency
* Department of Energy
* Department of Homeland Security
* Department of State
* Department of the Treasury
* Drug Enforcement Administration
* Federal Bureau of Investigation
* Marine Corps Intelligence
* National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
* National Reconnaissance Office
* National Security Agency
* Navy Intelligence
www.intelligence.gov
Remember the Gorlick Wall!
My grandfather heard of America’s “decline” since the 1960’s. So when exactly is this “decline’ going to really “decline’?
They assume no huge war(s) in the meantime ...
I just happen to be sitting in Moscow at the moment, here on business, but I am an American “expat” living in Moldova (Little ex-soviet country between Romania and Ukraine). Anyone can read what the news media says about whats going on in this part of the world, but like so much of the MSM, its just dead wrong. I have been living in this part of the world for nearly 5 years and I constantly have to ask myself if the place the MSM is talking about is the place I live and work. About “global warming”, I don’t know if its natural or brought on by man, but I was out this morning on November 23, and I would have been perfectly comfortable without a jacket...and tonight its barely below 32 with just a sprinkling of snow. Absolutely NOT normal weather for this time of year in Moscow. The winters here are not nearly as severe as in past years...I don’t care what anyone says, I am here, I talk to my friends and associates that have been here all their life and the all recognize there has been a definite warmer trend. Regarding the collapsing population, just yesterday I saw a public service commercial on TV telling young people how much better it is to be married, that people who have a companion live 5 years longer. In addition, the Russian government is paying people $10,000 for each additional child a couple has. Being in Moscow, one would never have the impression there is any “implosion” going on with the Russian population. Russian men may have a pregnant wife...and two pregnant girlfriends,(which the wife probably knows about) so nobody should hold their breath until Russia has a population collapse. Statistics can say anything anybody wants them to say...the fact is the people who are in charge here are not stupid and they always seem to be one step ahead of anyone who is trying to outguess them. Regarding the economic problems, also not apparent here. Both here and in Moldova construction, retail, and the economy in general gives all appearances of booming. Gas is about $4 a gallon and the “outer ring” around Moscow is 6 lanes in both directions usually backed up for miles and traffic in Moscow is just worse than I have seen anywhere in the states, and I have driven in every major city in the U.S. I will make one other point..it is painfully obvious to me our so called “diplomats” after 60 years of dealing with the Russians still don’t know diddildy-squat about how to deal with the Russian mentality...if they did we would not be in the mess we are now in with Russia..and that goes for the Dumbocrats and the Republicans.
Clinton (Hillary) and Putin should be a hoot.
Especially since she doesn’t know how to deal with her husband, much less the Russians.
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