Political Misfortune

Harman on the Rocks

Just three weeks ago I was attending the FBI Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee (MCAC) with Congresswoman Jane Harman. Back then she was discussing the prospect- also apprehension about elections- of the Democrats taking office. For her, the interest was to be the Chair of the Intelligence Committee in the house.

Harman is one of those hard center of the right, if I could I would be a Republican Democrat. Not self righteous like Lieberman, more self assured. But, political winds change, and I for one find it fantastic to be so close to the "action".

Back when Winograd was challenging Harman with her strong anti-war sentiment, few expected that Harman would come out walking unharmed- to an extent she did change her tune due to the unexpected popularity Winograd garnered. However, it isn't enough because her true colors seem to still be muddled.

I was happy to sit with her and hear her out on what she wants to do to protect the country, but unfortunately I was a bit surprised by her lack of understanding of Islam and Muslims, and that is not good when it becomes difficult to differentiate between those who are terrorist distorting Islam and Muslims. The war on terror is not a war on Islam, so our leaders should know the difference between the two.

But also, I am not impressed with her track record. She is not a Democrat- well she is, but she can easily pass as a Republican. How can one be bi-partisan when they dont even know where they stand. To me people who can so easily meld into one party or the other, are out to promote there own interest- themselves- and not principles because they in essence dont have principles to stand up for. When I think of bi-partisan politics, I think of people who have a grounded understanding of their principles- Obama or McCain- and are willing to stand up for those principles- yet they will be understanding and willing to reach out and listen to the other side.

To listen and still agree to disagree and work on finding a middle ground is to be bi-partisan in my eyes. So it comes as no surprise that the soon to be House Majority leader Congresswoman Pelosi will be purging the Democratic party and Congresswoman Jane Harman is slated to be the first causality.

Does that make Congresswoman Harman a pocket protector for AIPAC. (by all means, even un-ethical).

The thing is, in my meeting with Congresswoman Harman, I got a strong sense that she knew the intelligence community, she knew the technology and the bureaucracy.